Fall 2008

MAGAZINE

ExperienceExperience mattersmatters AtAt homehome andand abroad,abroad, pre-medpre-med studentsstudents learnlearn fromfrom clinicalclinical experiences–experiences– pg.pg. 88

From the Oval 2 Your Campus Romance Stories 22 Alumni News 40

Vol. 16 No. 2 Fall 2008 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 Kim Carlson Dr. Brenda Frieden, BS ’71, MS ’97 Eweleen Good, BS ’72, MS ’88 Dr. Brad Hodson, MBA ’93 Ashley Lopez, undergraduate Dr. Lynette Olson Gary Palmer, BS ’96, BBA ’03 Scott Roberts Melinda Roelfs 8 22 Johnna Schremmer, BBA ’02, MBA ’03

Features College Update The Pitt State Magazine is produced by 8 the PSU Office of Public Relations Experience is a 28 College of Arts & Sciences Ron Womble DIRECTOR powerful teacher- 30 College of Business Diane Hutchison PSU Free Clinic 32 Cassie Mathes College of Education 12 Becky May In the eye of the storm - 34 College of Technology Paulina O’Malley Future teachers help their Malcolm Turner hometown recover Sondra Wood Departments 16 A mother’s mission - Son’s autism reshapes 2 From the Oval Pitt State Magazine, the official magazine a mother’s life 36 Athletics Update of Pittsburg State University, is published 2 0 4 0 Alumni News for alumni and friends of the university. Above the fray - 43 Circulation: 53,000 Dale Dennis Class Notes 22 4 6 In Plain Sight Vol. 16 No. 2 Fall 2008 Campus Romance - 48 Editor Ron Womble Love is always in the air The Last Page Editorial Cassie Mathes, Becky May on the PSU campus design Diane Hutchison, Paulina O’Malley photography Malcolm Turner, Carla Wehmeyer From the editor, This was an interesting issue of the magazine to put together. From future doctors For extra copies or additional who are getting some valuable hands-on experience to an alumnus who has helped information:PSU Public Relations Office shape a state’s schools, it is an issue that has inspired us and made us proud of the 106 Russ Hall university’s past and confident in its future. We’ve tried to include all the latest news 1701 S. Broadway and upcoming events for a busy fall semester, but you will also want to check out the Pittsburg, Kansas 66762-7575 university’s Web site (www.pittstate.edu) to get all of the latest information about Telephone: 620-235-4122 events on campus. As always, we’re eager to hear both your kudos and criticisms, so e-mail: [email protected] keep those cards and letters (and e-mails) coming in.

Fall 2008 Cover photo courtesy of Joey Pogue PITT STATE 1 This is one artist’s conception of a fine and performing arts FROM THE OVAL building, which will be located on the northwest corner of Homer and Ford streets, just east of the president’s residence.

University offers PSU receives $10 million gift for fine emergency text and performing arts center messaging President Tom Bryant was smiling Gene Bicknell, honorary when he faced an expectant crowd national chairman of the Students, faculty and staff at PSU have a on July 1 at the Wilkinson Alumni university’s $120 million capital new safety communications tool available Center. Bryant was smiling because campaign, said the fine and to them. The university implemented an he had the honor of announcing the performing arts center is the emergency text messaging option over largest single gift in the university’s biggest remaining project in the the summer that is part of a package of history. 10-year campaign. communications tools that can be used in A gift of $10 million from an “We were successful in phase case of a campus emergency. anonymous donor has brought the one in raising more than $25 The text messaging service is optional long-awaited fine and performing million for scholarships, faculty and is available to parents as well as arts center one step closer to endowments and international to students, faculty and staff. Anyone becoming a reality. programs,” Bicknell said. “The wishing to opt in to the service can do so “A fine and performing arts Kansas Polymer Research Center from the university’s Web site. building is an important part of the was completed last year and the Howard Smith, assistant to the university’s master plan and a big student recreation center/armory has president and director of the university’s piece of the current $120 million just been completed. This fall, the crisis response team, said text messaging capital campaign,” Bryant told the university will break ground on a is just one way that information can be excited crowd. “We are extremely new student health center. Now our sent during an emergency, but it is not a grateful to this generous donor for focus is on the fine and performing panacea. this lead gift toward this project.” arts center and a new building for the “We know from observing crisis Dr. Brad Hodson, vice president College of Business. Bit by bit, this situations on other campuses, that there for university advancement said the campaign is shaping the future of the is no single perfect way to communicate university needs and values gifts of university.” important information to every all sizes, but some projects require When constructed, the fine and constituency on and off campus,” Smith one or more large donations in order performing arts building will fill a said. to become a reality. campus need that has existed since That is why, according to Smith, the “The total cost of this project old Carney Hall was razed nearly 30 university continues to work on other could exceed $30 million,” Hodson years ago. Carney Hall was named communications systems that include said. “That’s a high hurdle to clear for Thomas Carney, the second group dialing, external loud speakers and with small gifts alone. Large single governor of Kansas under whom the Web-based communications. gifts not only move a project along state’s system of higher education “Campus safety is both a top priority more quickly, they also inspire was established. The building, and an ongoing process at Pittsburg others to join in a very worthwhile constructed in 1919, included a State,” Smith said. project.” 3,000-seat auditorium that was the For more information, click on Bryant praised the donor’s vision cultural hub of the university. It was the safety button on the PSU home and generosity. the site of numerous concerts and page or go to www.pittstate.edu/pres/ “Big dreams depend on people lectures until the building was razed EmergencyPreparedness.html. with vision,” Bryant said. “This in 1980 because of concerns about

donor has chosen to invest not only the building’s structural integrity as in Pittsburg State University and a result of settling of the building’s many generations of students still to foundation. come, but also in the cultural life of To learn more, contact the Office the community.” of Development at 620-235-4768.

2 PITT STATE Fall 2008 FROM THE OVAL

Library receives mining documents An important part of the history of the tri-state mining area has a new home at Pittsburg State University’s Axe Library. The library has received a collection of letters, records and printed documents that help tell the colorful story of lead and zinc mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma, and southwest Missouri. The collection was originally housed by the Picher Mining Museum in Unusual discovery delays restoration work Picher, Okla. The Picher Museum Board transferred ownership of the Even burly workmen were no match documents to the Baxter Springs for Mother Nature this summer. Historical Society, which arranged For several days, work repairing and a long-term loan of the materials to replacing the decorative stone high on PSU. Axe Library will provide climate the exterior of Russ Hall was halted controlled-storage, create item records, to allow a mother American Kestrel to and work on digitization to provide easy care for her fledglings until they took access to the records without damaging flight. fragile materials. When workers uncovered the nest, Randy Roberts, curator of special they recognized quickly that its inhabitants were different from those they collections, said the collection is a typically encounter. They contacted Rob Riggin, wildlife manager with significant one. the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, who identified the birds as “Over the years the Picher Mining American Kestrels, also known as sparrow hawks. The Kestrel is a protected Museum assembled one of the nation’s species under federal law, so Riggins advised the workers to keep at least 50 outstanding collections of records and feet from the nest until the chicks took flight. artifacts that document the history of Riggins commended the construction company, Atkins Weatherproofing mining and, specifically, the miners of from Springfield, Mo., for calling him as soon as they spotted the nest. the Tri-State Mining district. We are “These guys were conscientious,” Riggins said. “We were impressed with excited to be joining with the Baxter their concern for the birds and flexibility in working around the situation.” Springs Historical Museum to make The American Kestrel is the smallest and most widespread North American this collection of original records falcon, according to “The Birds of North America Online.” Riggins said available to future generations.” the Kestrel is a beautiful bird that is “built for speed.” It is a predator that For more information about this and many homeowners who feel besieged by flocks of non-native starlings should other historical collections at PSU, call appreciate, he noted. “Many people put up speakers and play recordings of the University Archives at 620-235-4883 Kestrel’s call” to try to keep the starlings from nesting in their trees. or visit their Web site at http://library. For more information on the American Kestrel visit www.birds.cornell.edu/ pittstate.edu/spcoll/ AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Kestrel.html.

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 3 FROM THE OVAL

New Career Services system offers easier employer-student connection Employers looking for the perfect employee will now have an easier way to access Pitt State graduates. Gorillas4Hire is a new Web-based system that allows companies to search for potential employees and access other services provided by PSU Career Services. The new system also allows students to add their resumé to the database, search for employers, and track and manage applications. Mindy Cloninger, director of Career Services, said, “Gorillas4Hire is much easier to navigate than the previous system and it offers more options. This A new online look improvement is part of our efforts to strengthen the link between PSU graduates When prospective students go to and the organizations that hire them.” the Pitt State Web site, they not Scheduling on-campus interviews is another option through this system. only see a new look, but they will be Employers can visit the campus and conduct a series of interviews with students. able to find their way around a little The office also has the capability to teleconference an interview so employers do easier. not have to pay travel expenses for interviewees. After research, interviews, and Additional features of Gorillas4Hire allow participants to personalize a a great deal of discussion over the calendar, save job searches, and be notified of upcoming career fairs, events past year, the site underwent a and workshops. The system is free to students and employers. PSU alumni are complete overhaul. Kim Carlson, allowed access for the fee of $50 per one year of service. marketing director for the For more information on Gorillas4Hire, go to www.pittstate.edu/careers or university, led the effort and the call 620-235-4140. new Web site will officially launch in early September. “When we began researching, The electronic message board on we looked at other higher education Broadway received a dramatic sites for comparison. We started by upgrade this year. New LED panels changing the existing front page but are not only brighter, they are quickly realized we needed more,” detailed enough to allow the said Carlson. university to include photos and Dot Marketing from Miami, Fla., redesigned the look of the even video in its public messages. site and created the content management system (CMS). According to Carlson, changing the site to a CMS allows for more efficient updating, controlled access by publishers, and consistency of message. “The branding of the university is so important. A consistent look will help with these efforts,” said Carlson. The architecture of the new site is based on interviews conducted 4 PITT STATE Fall 2008 FROM THE OVAL

Women in Government Series Teacher’s life is a political science lesson From teaching sixth grade to becoming a congressional candidate, Tierney Cahill will share her experience in the 2008 Profiles of Women in Government Lecture Series at noon on Nov. 10 in McCray Recital Hall. Cahill, a mother of three from Reno, Nev., was challenged by her students after she told them that any American can run for political office. In order to inspire her The new PSU Web site will officially students, she dedicated herself to running for the District 2 launch in early September. Congressional seat. Cahill ran as a Democrat, and to her surprise, beat the Cahill with students, faculty, and staff other Democratic candidates to take on Republican that uncovered their needs and incumbent Jim Gibbons. Although she lost in the general election, she succeeded in teaching her students the value of civic duty. expectations. Her story is the subject of an upcoming film, “Class Act,” starring Halle Berry “With the new system we’ll be and written and directed by Doug Atchison. She has also been featured in the able to better showcase our wonderful nationally published book, “Teachers: The Enlightened, the Exceptional, the programs. It’s a marketing tool we Extraordinary.” needed to have,” added Carlson. Cahill’s lecture will be followed by a question-and-answer segment and a signing One of the biggest differences in of her new book, “Ms. Cahill for Congress.” the new site is that now the home The Profiles of Women in Government Lecture Series is presented by PSU and page is designed specifically to the PSU Foundation through the support of the Helen S. Boylan Foundation. target prospective students and their The Profiles of Women in Government Lecture Series is free and open to the parents. public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact “Students continue to consider a Mary Carol Pomatto at 620-235-4431. college’s Web site to be one of the most important tools when deciding where to continue their education,” said Melinda Roelfs, director of admission. “This will allow us to more aggressively drive students to our Web site and expose them to easy-to- find information. “In addition, the new focus towards parents will assist us in reaching prospective students. Parents are now considered to be one of the top influencers for students when deciding on a college or university,” said Roelfs. Dr. Mary Carol Pomatto, chairwoman of the Department of Nursing, right, Other features of the new Web site accepts a gift of $50,000 for nursing scholarships. The gift is from the include testimonials from graduates, Leon V. and Dorothy M. Skubitz Foundation. Looking on are Provost and student profiles, and faculty Vice President for Academic Affairs Steve Scott, Dean of Arts and Sciences biographies. Lynette Olson and Julie Plank a trust administrator with M&I Bank, which Check out the new Web site at administers the charitable fund. www.pittstate.edu. Fall 2008 PITT STATE 5 FROM THE OVAL Music & Theatre Events Each year, Pittsburg State University offers hundreds of concerts, shows, lectures, readings and other public events. Many of them are free. Following is a list of major events already on the calendar. Others will be added as the semester gets underway. For the latest information, visit the PSU Web site, pittstate.edu, or call the PSU

Ticket Office at 620-235-4796. Concerts & Performances For additional information: 620-235-4466. Oct. 6...... Jazz Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., Overman Student Center Oct. 17...... Opera Scenes, 7:30 p.m., McCray Hall Oct. 19...... Opera Scenes, 3 p.m., McCray Hall Work begins this fall on new Oct. 30...... Chamber Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., McCray Hall student health center Nov. 7...... PSU Choirs, 7:30 p.m., McCray Hall This fall, the university will break ground on a $4 million Nov. 13...... Wind Ensemble 7:30 p.m., student health center. The new building, which is to be Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium completed in the fall of 2009, will be at the corner of Nov. 20-22..... Southeast Kansas Symphony with the Ballet of the Nutcracker, 7:30 p.m., Lindburg and Broadway. Memorial Auditorium (tickets required) For many years, the student health center has been housed Nov. 23...... Southeast Kansas Symphony with the in a metal building just south of the football stadium. As Ballet of the Nutcracker, 2:30 p.m., enrollment has grown and the demand for health services Memorial Auditorium (tickets required) increased, planning began for a new facility. The new student health center will be approximately Theatre 11,400 square feet in area. It will be large enough to not only For ticket reservations and information, call the PSU Ticket Office, 620-235-4796. provide additional space for health services, but also for both Oct. 30-Nov 1...... “The Uninvited,” 8 p.m., health services and counseling services to be housed in the Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium same facility. Dec. 5-6...... “One-Act Plays,” 7 p.m., An unusual feature of this project is that it is funded by PSU Studio Theatre both student fees and private gifts. Traditionally, student March 5-8...... “tempOdyssey,” 8 p.m., health centers are funded only by student fees. The student Sunday matinee 2 p.m., body voted early in 2007 to assess students $12 a semester to PSU Studio Theatre pay $1.5 million of the cost. April 30-May 3.... “Look Back in Anger,” 8 p.m., President Tom Bryant has made keeping the cost of the Sunday matinee 2 p.m., PSU Studio Theatre project as low as possible for students a top priority, however. “Our goal is to not need any student fee due to private Solo & Chamber Music Series gifts,” said Dr. Bryant, citing that the new student recreation Tickets are required for all Solo & Chamber performances. center was built without instituting a student fee. Performance times are at 7:30 p.m. in McCray Recital Hall. For more information on the proposed student health Call for additional information 620-235-4460. For ticket reservations and information, call the PSU Ticket Office, center, contact the Office of Development at 620-235-4768. 620-235-4796. Sept. 23...... Niklas Eklund, trumpet Oct. 7...... Daniel Pollack, piano Nov. 11...... Ensemble Galilei Feb. 17...... James Maddalena, baritone March 27...... Capitol Quartet April 24...... David Requiro, cello

6 PITT STATE Fall 2008 FROM THE OVAL “Where in the World is Gus?”

Gus visits Stonehenge Ken Collins wore his PSU shirt on the day he visited Stonehenge because he wanted a photo in front of a landmark just about everyone would recognize.

Gus in Thailand Terry Osborne (BSN ’89) wore her Gorilla shirt on a medical mission trip to Thailand. Terry wrote that she and Gus “had a great time traveling.”

Gus in Peru Gus turned out to be a terrific goodwill ambassador for these youngsters in the high country of Peru where students in PSU’s pre-professional programs conducted a service trip. (see page 8)

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 7 EXPERIENCE IS A powerful TEACHER Pre-med students learn from free clinic, international travel

Pre-med student Emily Walters admits that at times, when the demands of school and motherhood have piled up, her dreams of becoming a doctor have seemed perhaps too ambitious. But this spring, as she helped treat a sick child on a snowy mountaintop in Peru, her goal of becoming a doctor seemed within reach.

8 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Pre-med and other pre-professional PSU students have discovered that people in poverty, whether in Pittsburg, Kansas, or in the high country of Peru share a common problem -- unmet medical needs. The students’ trip to Peru (facing page and above) gave them an international experience that fits nicely with their weekly service back home at a free clinic that they operate.

Walters, the co-director of the PSU The students’ motivation is evident just celebrated its 11th year and has a Free Clinic in Pittsburg, was one of to anyone who has visited the clinic, patient base of about 3,500. Patients 20 students who participated in the where once a week juniors and seniors are typically treated for common first PSU Pre-Med Club medical open its doors to uninsured persons problems – influenza, diabetes, high trip. For two weeks, the students without resources and in need of blood pressure, and minor injuries. traveled across the countryside of medical care. The one-room clinic “We’re working with a population Peru, assisting local doctors as they is located at Wesley well below poverty level, and I think treated the ailments of more than 800 House, an outreach patients. ministry of the “I think there is quiet word among the The Peru trip augmented an already Pittsburg United Four State area of our program, because rich clinical experience that these Methodist Church we draw far better students than a school students have through the operation that also provides this size should be able to.” of the free clinic in Pittsburg, food and living according to their adviser, Dr. Dan assistance to the area needy. part of it is learning to deal with Zurek. Zurek believes the free clinic The setup is modest: cabinets full of patients who don’t live in a way some of is the only operation of its kind in the donated supplies and medication line our students are used to,” Walters said. U.S. in which undergraduates (under one side of the room, and a partition That reaction is something she is the supervision of local volunteer divides the rest of the space into two learning to not take too personally. The doctors) gain experiences they examination areas with a small corner clinic wasn’t unfamiliar to her before normally wouldn’t have until their left for a computer and desk. Walters, – her mother was a patient there when third year of medical school. who this year shares the clinic’s she fell on hard times and lost her “I think there is quiet word among leadership responsibilities with John- insurance. the Four-State area of our program, Michael Watson, another senior pre- When students sometimes get because we draw far better students med student, said one of the greatest frustrated or judgmental, Zurek said, it than a school this size should be benefits of the experience isn’t just is often followed by one of the greatest able to,” said Zurek, who also served learning how to treat illnesses, but lessons: to develop humanity for others, as faculty adviser during the Peru how to work and communicate with no matter their hardships or lifestyle. trip. “They’re getting into medical a population to which many students “You learn what it really means to school at a far higher percentage and normally have little exposure. care for someone,” said Watson. “You’re getting residencies at prestigious “It’s a big step forward to be able to looking at people for who they are.” places. They’re a fabulous bunch. It’s a touch and talk to a real patient,” During this school year, Watson and privilege to work with these people.” Walters said of the clinic, which (see Clinic, pg. 10)

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 9 Seniors Garrett Barton, left, and John-Michael Watson look over the inevitable paperwork.

Clinic (from pg. 9) Walters hope to bring big change to the clinic. While underclassmen typically have to wait a few years to get involved, Watson and Walters see a role for them in keeping the clinic organized and in shadowing the student volunteers. They’d also like to give social work students a chance to interact with the patients, and to promote the clinic with more advertising. The biggest challenge, clinic and most of them know that.” educate patients about warding off however, has been the elephant in If the outpouring that sent them disease – widespread in villages with the room for years – finding funding to Peru is any indicator, the students unsanitary conditions. to keep the clinic going. Previous are hopeful that finding support for Zurek, who cites the trip as one funding by the Prichett Trust isn’t the clinic won’t be difficult. More of the most educational experiences permanent, leaving students to not than half of the $70,000 cost for of his career, was shocked when only learn about patient care, but the Peru mission was donated by the blood test of one child revealed about fundraising, as well. local physicians (students picked severe anemia caused by malnutrition “It concerns me,” Zurek admitted. up the remainder themselves). They and parasites. “We have to find ways to keep this also spent their free time receiving “I was surprised he was even going. Students were talking about training from the Department of standing,” he said. selling plasma to keep it funded Nursing on drawing blood, setting The experience won’t soon when I first started, so it’s been catheters, and starting IVs in order to be forgotten. A small film crew an issue for a while. It’s really an be prepared to help in any way. from the University of Kansas exceptional opportunity to offer this Getting the opportunity to accompanied the group and plans compare health care in Peru, said to submit a documentary of the Walters, “makes the Free Clinic experience to the History Channel. look like Mayo.” Students hiked As for their work at the clinic up mountains with medicine and back home, the group relies on equipment in tow, sleeping and the occasional local news story or working in areas where a toilet is fundraiser to let the community sometimes a hole in the ground. know they are there and in need of Setting up at old schoolhouses and support. under tents, they often worked into “We leave the clinic each week the early morning hours trying to encouraged in one sense,” Watson get to every patient. As one of the said. “We’re getting the people few women, Walters was pulled in the help they need and developing to assist with gynecological exams. relationships with them, the same Others performed triage, treated way we will as doctors. But to be able Cole Sims, senior, listens at a group wounds, performed dental care to do more would be good. It doesn’t meeting before the clinic opens. and tooth extractions, and helped ever seem like you can do enough.” •

10 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Fall 2008 PITT STATE 11 Tyson Barnes, left, and his twin brother, Todd, stand amid rubble that remained after a tornado struck their hometown of Picher, Okla.

In the eye of the storm Future teachers help their hometown recover

Amongst the ravaged landscape of uprooted trees, mountains of broken boards and twisted pieces of metal where homes once stood, Tyson Barnes walks down the middle of a quiet road in Picher, Okla., approaching a tangled, dark object in the muddy ditch nearby. It was once someone’s car. If you could read the mind of this PSU education major, it might make you reconsider what’s important in life. What the 6’5” firefighter saw the night of May 10 when an F-4 tornado wiped out parts of his hometown made his skin crawl. You hear about tornadoes in the movies and see the glamorized excitement, he ponders aloud, but it isn’t like experiencing the real thing.

12 PITT STATE Fall 2008 “If I can work a tornado like this,” Caught in the storm man’s mother didn’t survive. In total, said the 25-year-old, motioning Tyson was working the night the seven people died in Picher (more toward the rubble, “I’m sure I can storm approached, and he and the were killed when the storm moved handle the chaos that comes with a other firefighters immediately fanned through Southwest Missouri). About classroom of kids.” the area to watch for tornadoes. 50 percent of the houses in town were These days, Picher is a quiet place Stationed at the edge of town, no longer standing. to be. Contaminated by the lead left Tyson radioed his co-workers as “It looked like a bomb had gone over from its mining history, the soon as he saw the funnel dip from off. We were digging, looking for town has been in limbo for years the sky. As he raced back toward people,” said Tyson, who worked while the government worked to buy Picher, the tornado caught up with through the next two days without out property owners. Residents tried him, spinning the fire truck around sleep. “I was shaken. I had never seen to salvage their belongings after the and pulling him out the passenger anything like it in my life.” tornado, but rain and despair quickly window. Within seconds, it had led most to give up their search. Now Cleaning up moved on. Tyson watched as the at the top of the government’s to-do tornado made its way across town, Tyson and Todd, who came home list, buyouts have become mandatory the cloud filling with debris as it immediately from work, made sure and plans are being made for a total chewed up neighborhoods. their family was safe (the tornado evacuation. By this winter, many “I thought I would be the only one missed their house by one block) expect Picher to become a ghost left,” he said. and then circled town to hand out town. What he saw when he came back water and see what they could do to For Tyson and his twin brother, into town was astonishing. Houses help. They stopped at the home of Todd, who fit junior-level curriculum were demolished; everything eerily Sue Sigle, their first grade teacher, to and instruction courses at PSU into silent. Then he started to hear radio begin cleaning up. Only her chimney their busy work schedules, it will be traffic. People began crawling out was left standing. the end of the town their grandfather from under the rubble. Some people “Those boys have always been a helped establish (he created the had been thrown into trees. The big help to the community,” said Picher Fire Department, where Tyson ferocity of the storm had torn the Sigle, who was out of town but heard now works) and their mother grew up. clothing off some – or worse, left about the tornado on the news. “I live “I never thought this would happen them injured to the point of being by myself and I know if I have any in Picher,” said Todd, who works as unrecognizable. While 15 people troubles, I can call them and they’ll a manager for the nearby Wal-Mart who had taken shelter in a cellar come right away. I know they would store. “I hate to come home now made their way out safely, Tyson had bend over backwards for me and for because I have to drive by and see the to report to a good friend that the many others in town.” destruction.” (see Storm, pg. 14) His brother has had to be much more hands-on with the damage. His fire truck parked nearby, Tyson walks through the rubble on this rainy morning and emerges minutes later with a stuffed toy gorilla – the Picher School District’s mascot, as well as his own at PSU. Maybe it’s his goal of working with Tyson, a firefighter, children that leads Tyson to salvage comes from a family the sentimental things. Sometimes, with a tradition of you have to make lemonade. civic involvement.

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 13 Storm (from pg. 13) As close as two brothers can be, it seems natural they would come to the aid of their community together. They Todd (left) and joke that callers mistake them for one Tyson stand another on the phone, and that they’ll with their probably never stop living together, high school’s sharing the same bank account, concrete gorilla or pursuing the same interests (in – a rare mascot that the school addition to their education at PSU, has shared with they both have degrees in art). Pittsburg State “I told him I wanted to go to Pitt University. State, and he said ‘me too,’” Todd said, chuckling with his brother. “Then I told him I wanted to study education and he said ‘me too.’ We do will force many to accept the town’s and create art projects for the school. everything together.” fate. With an eye on the future, they are Including sharing in their family’s “It’s made people realize that it still adjusting to the reality that it legacy of service. A park next to really is over now,” she said. She will take place somewhere else. But the fire station is named after now plans to build a house in nearby they are hopeful their education their grandfather, and their uncle Quapaw with her sons. “I think the from PSU will open new doors also served on the department. tornado was a sign.” for them, and in turn, their future Their mother works with the The twins agree they’ll continue communities. developmentally disabled in the area. to do what they can for their town “We’ll move on from here,” Tyson Although she’s lived in Picher 58 until the end – including stopping said. “We still have each other.” • years, she says she knows the tornado in on Sigle to visit with her students

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14 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Fall 2008 PITT STATE 15 Son’s autism reshapes one mother’s life

Looking back on the past decade, and her husband noticed something Tysha Potter can see a real before and was different. Born with an immune A Mother’safter to her life. Missio n system dysfunction, Xander was Before, she was a new member of continuously fighting infections. the faculty in PSU’s Department of Potter had trouble finding a formula Psychology and Counseling. She had that didn’t agitate his gastrointestinal settled into a comfortable routine that reflux, and the baby had problems included taking care of her family sleeping and dealing with stomach while contemplating earning a Ph.D. pains. By age 2, when her son’s ability That was the before. to speak began to vanish, Potter In 2003, Potter, who has a son knew something was very wrong. studying English at the University of The couple received the devastating Kansas, gave birth to a beautiful baby medical diagnosis that Xander had boy. In what seemed like no time, she severe autism.

16 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Son’s autism reshapes one mother’s life

It was news that ended life as her fellow faculty members are friendly ear. Her walls are adorned she knew it – and sent her on a new complimentary of her energy, spirit, with photos of her family, including A Mother’s Missiojourney of education, activism, and n and work ethic. Xander, now 5. She holds up a photo motherhood. Watching her child “She’s a gifted instructor who is of him from a few years ago taken struggle in the abyss of autism and passionate in the classroom and is at the time of his diagnosis. In it, he doing everything she could to bring committed to making a difference in stares blankly at the camera. him out of it became her life’s work. the lives of individuals with Autism “I came home one day and he was This has been the after. Spectrum Disorder,” said Dr. David in his room, and my husband just Potter, who has spent 10 years Hurford, chairman of psychology said, ‘It was a bad day,’” she recalled. as an instructor in psychology and and counseling. “Her contribution is “I said his name and he wouldn’t counseling, is a strong asset to her significant to the region.” respond. He was just playing with department and students. Honored With a petite frame and quick blocks, in his own world. That was an impressive three times with smile, Potter has an open seat in the day we knew something really the Outstanding Faculty Award, her office for anyone needing a wasn’t right.” Potter took him to his pediatrician, who noted the signs: no language, no eye contact, aggressive behavior. Fearing the worst, she had already researched autism and was crossing her fingers that the doctor would make a different diagnosis. “He suggested oppositional defiant disorder, which basically means that you have a strong-willed child,” she said. “I thought, ‘Thank God, it’s not autism.’ But I was in denial.” The doctor urged her to seek additional help for Xander. After insurance denials and the notification that it would take six months to get (see Mission, pg. 18)

Xander VanBecelaere

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 17 Mission (from pg. 17) an appointment with a specialist at a Kansas City hospital, the family was referred to another developmental pediatrician. During the three-month wait to get an appointment, Potter hit the books, creating a list of questions even that doctor ultimately couldn’t answer. “He told me it sounded like I knew more about it than he did,” she said, a trace of surprise still in her voice. He did recommend applied behavioral analysis, but because the behavioral analyst board certification isn’t recognized in Kansas, the treatment was hard to find. Instead of giving into despair, she pushed forward. Potter began studying to become certified herself while continuing to find ways to help her son. She removed casein (a milk “...I am seeing my little boy’s brain opening up again and healing.”

What is Autism? protein) from his diet and for by Dr. David Hurford, Chairman, PSU Department of Psychology & Counseling weeks battled his withdrawal from Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) refers his favorite dairy products. The to a range of developmental disorders that includes Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, transformation was amazing: he began Rett’s Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. The latter two syndromes speaking, pointing, jumping, laughing are rare and include periods of development that are relatively normal before autistic and making eye contact again. She behaviors and symptoms appear. Rett’s Syndrome occurs mostly in females and then removed gluten (wheat protein) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder occurs mostly in males. from his diet. When she got a referral ASD is a neurological disorder that is characterized by impairment in communication, social interaction and also includes obsessions and repetitive to a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) behaviors. ASD can range from severe impairment (Autism), in which the individual doctor in Kansas City, she learned may be mute and not communicate at all, to individuals who have some abnormalities Xander had a host of allergies that interacting socially (Asperger’s Syndrome). In general, Asperger’s is characterized as a were complicating the autism. milder form of Autism. “We changed everything then,” Due to the recent surge in the number of children diagnosed with Autism and she said. Potter got rid of household Asperger’s Syndrome, there is a pressing need for further research to understand cleaners (opting for vinegar and the various etiologies of ASD and to determine the most effective mechanisms for baking soda instead), started buying interventions. There is also a great need to provide parents of individuals with ASD organic foods and products, and threw the type of support that families need while trying to help their children become out plastic household items that she functional within our complex social environment. believed were proving toxic to him. At

18 PITT STATE Fall 2008 the same time, she made connections potato milk. When they sit to study with others affected by autism. words, Xander flies through the This spring, she began serving as exercise. vice president for the new Kansas But while putting a puzzle chapter of the National Autism together, he cries in frustration when Association, and in June presented a one piece won’t fit. two-day workshop on autism during “He fights it,” she later says of his the Psychology and Counseling condition. “He’s a child with autism, Summer Institute at PSU. but he’s more than that. We are As busy as she is, Potter makes trying to recover him. We are trying time to continue her quest for new to heal his body so we can heal his treatments found to help children mind.” BY CHOICE HOTELS with autism – knowing GOLD AWARD that by 5 WINNER 2007 years old, most experts agree that problems caused by autism are Stay in set. Xander receives methyl B12 comfort shots as well as chelation, a topical when you substance used on lead poisoning visit patients to Tysha Potter and her son, Xander. draw toxins out of the body. Pitt State! “Often times by a certain age, Next year, Xander will go to the brain damage is done,” she said. kindergarten, and Potter feels “But I am seeing my little boy’s brain a mixture of excitement and opening up again and healing.” nervousness, as well as the realization The brain is like a filing cabinet that perhaps this struggle in her system, she explained, and people life has happened for a reason. with autism have a hard time finding Professionally and personally, she the right file in the right cabinet. knows she has found no better reason Emotions are also difficult to control. to focus her research and continuing 4009 N. Parkview Drive As she takes advantage of a rare education on autism. day off from school (Xander attends “The people I’ve come into contact Pittsburg, Kansas 66762 the Ozark Center for Autism in with because of this have shown me 888-876-8186 Joplin, Mo., which was made possible the beauty of humanity,” she said. when someone anonymously donated “Xander has brought me purpose in the $60,500-per-year tuition) she life. He is my mission. I feel now like www.comfortinn.com/hotel/ks067 feeds him a breakfast of cereal and this is what I was meant to do.” •

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 19 to maintain universal respect from the myriad of participants,” Graves said. “Dale Dennis is one of the very rare exceptions. He was universally known to be an honest broker when it came to telling the facts of education Above funding and school finance. Dale always presented the hard facts, irrespective of what would be the the popular or welcome message.” Graves said he enjoyed working with Dennis, “even when we were fray faced with some very tough policy choices. Dale’s advice was always sound, straightforward in terms of Dale Dennis’ an arena in which the state’s politics the fiscal realities we faced, but never is often played out, Dale Dennis has without the best interest of Kansas reputation for Insomehow remained above the fray. kids in his heart.” For 41 years, Dennis, the deputy For his part, Dennis is more straight talk commissioner of education in comfortable talking about Kansas the Kansas State Department of students and teachers than about his earns respect Education’s Division of Fiscal and own accomplishments. In a recent Administrative Services, has had interview, Dennis focused attention on both sides his finger on the pulse of education on gains that students have made on in Kansas. In all things relating to the statewide assessments and the of the aisle school finance and school operation, different strategies teachers are using Dennis has long been the to meet the needs of all students. go-to guy for conservative, moderate “Over the years, there has been a and liberal lawmakers, as well as for major shift in attitude toward meeting school administrators and school the needs of all students,” Dennis boards across the state. said. “Back in the mid ’50s, the high Bill Graves, Kansas governor from school graduation rate was in the 50s 1995 until 2003, knows how difficult (percent). But back in those days, you it is for someone to build the kind could go out and get a job.” of reputation Dennis has built in That’s not an option in today’s Topeka. competitive world. “The political and policy disputes “Society can’t afford not to teach all that are a natural part of the students,” Dennis said. “Every time legislative process make it very we lose a student, it ought to bring a difficult for anyone closely involved tear to everyone’s eyes.”

20 PITT STATE Fall 2008 “Society can’t afford not to teach all students. Every time we lose a student, it ought to bring a tear to everyone’s eyes.”

Dennis gives a great deal of credit Dennis knows the statistics energy prices – could be a significant for the progress made in helping that paint the picture of Kansas challenge as early as this fall. “The all students learn to the teacher education by heart and they pepper effect of that on the budget is scary,” education programs at the state his conversation: The number of Dennis said. universities and he quickly points unfilled teaching vacancies on the Despite the difficulties that may out that other states, recognizing the first of June – more than 800. The lie ahead, Dennis remains optimistic quality of the students who come number of teachers eligible to retire in and upbeat about the state of out of the state’s teacher education the next five years – 25 percent. The education in Kansas and its future. programs, eagerly recruit the new spread between the average property “We’ve got a lot of great kids Kansas teaching graduates. valuations in the richest and poorest who are doing exceedingly well,” “The universities are doing a better districts – $364,000 to $15,000. Dennis said. “We have talented and job than they ever have,” Dennis He knows the districts as well as dedicated teachers and administrators said. Specifically, Dennis said, the the numbers, pointing to them on who care deeply about students and programs are teaching students a yellowed, laminated, decades-old we have a lot of leaders who will go strategies they can use in their own wall map as if he were pointing out out of their way to make a difference classrooms with children with a neighbors on a map of his block. for people.” wide variety of individual needs. Dennis said the districts were all It is a positive assessment and a Increasingly, Dennis said, that helped significantly by the most recent hopeful prediction from one of the “People are shocked when they see the poverty state’s most trusted educators. • rates in their local schools.” Dale Dennis includes large numbers of children school finance plan, which came about from poverty. after a contentious court battle. That • Grew up in northern “People are shocked when they doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges Bourbon County see the poverty rates in their local ahead, however. • Degrees from PSU: BS in schools,” Dennis said. There will continue to be important business education; MS in Dennis’ passion about education demographic changes in the state, business education & school administration; Ed.S. in shines through his affable style Dennis said. “There is an increasing school administration and gentle manner. Although he number of minority majority • Married Laura Beth can easily wander through the communities.” Klopfenstein, BS ’63 complexities of the state’s $3 billion The state’s ability to hire and retain • Teacher, Blue Mound High education budget, Dennis always good teachers will be tested as states School, ’59-’60, ’61-’65 connects the dollars to what best with rapidly growing populations • Principal, LaCygne High serves students. reach beyond their borders to recruit School, ’65-’67 “We’ve learned that it’s hard to top teachers while at the same time • State Department of Education, teach and hard for kids to learn if the Baby Boom generation of Kansas 1967-Present they haven’t had breakfast,” Dennis teachers enters retirement. said. And the wild card – soaring

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 21 Love is always in the air at Pittsburg State Campus Romance

Editor’s Note – In the last issue, we asked our readers to share their stories of romance on campus. As we expected, PSU alumni were eager to tell us how they met that special someone. We hope you enjoy reading about the love stories we’ve selected for this issue.

If these walls could talk Willard Hall has a rich history, but for Dona Maddux Cooper (BS ’49), and Don Cooper (BS ’49), it will always be the place where their romance began. Dona wrote that she often studied in the basement of Willard Hall in the evenings. Don admired Dona’s long black hair and persuaded a mutual friend, Mary Louise Fuller, to introduce them. For Dona’s part, she was impressed by the fact that Don kissed her hand when they were introduced. Dona recalls their first date was to a movie at the Midland Theater on Jan. 9, 1948. Dona wrote that Don, in his 1931 Model A Roadster, “squired me to

Don and Dona Cooper

22 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Love is always in the air at Pittsburg State omance There’s a lot more chemistry on the campus than the stuff you’ll find in the chemistry labs. For more than a century, Cupid’s arrows have been R flying freely at Pittsburg State.

see such popular performers as Burl Ives, Ted Weems and Carmen Cavallaro.” The day Don was accepted into med school, Dona wrote, the two of them celebrated by driving around the campus honking the “ah-hoo-ga” Model A horn. Don and Dona were married on June 4, 1950. They have been able to attend all of their class reunions, Dona wrote, and enjoy sharing their PSU memories with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don and Dona live in Stillwater, Okla.

Hand picked For Holly (Hutchins) Kent (BS ’00) and her husband, Clayton (BS ’98), the story began before Holly was a PSU student. Holly recalls attending a PSU football game with her family (her brother, Brian, was quarterback for the Gorillas) at which her father actually picked her future husband out for her. Holly said her dad handed her the binoculars, (see Letters, pg. 24)

Don and Dona Cooper Campus sweethearts: romance is as reliable as the tulips that bloom each spring in the Oval. Fall 2008 PITT STATE 23 too, so she and Tom were introduced by their table, the boys took note and mutual friends. soon the brothers had challenged “We both loved the area around John to meet her to prove he wasn’t College Lake and particularly Timmons “chicken.” Chapel,” Tom wrote. “We were married John accepted the challenge and in Timmons on December 30, 1972, introduced himself to Jane, who was and have been happily married for 35 a Webb City girl and a student at the years. I remember vividly the first time University of Missouri. She was using we returned to Timmons with our oldest the summer session to pick up a few daughter, Bethany, when she was about extra credits. 4 years old and Sherri was pregnant with John wrote that a week later he our son, Wade. It just sort of struck me invited Jane to go swimming with him that Timmons was where it all began, at one of the strip pits west of town. At and standing there with my pregnant the swimming hole, Jane challenged Holly and wife and my little girl, I got a warm John to a race. Clayton Kent feeling of connection that stays with me “I added a bit of spice by betting her to this day anytime I am in Timmons a kiss on the race,” John wrote, “and Chapel.” being the debonair dude I thought I was, I coolly added, ‘That way, I can’t Letters (from pg. 23) All three of Tom and Sherri’s lose.’” pointed out a redshirt freshman on the children attended PSU, so they have That evening John and Jane went to bench, and said, “What do you think been frequent visitors to the campus Lefty’s Barn for dinner and dancing. about that guy?” and have maintained strong connections Later on the steps of the womens’ “That was so unlike him!” Holly said with their fraternity brothers and dorm, he collected on the bet they of her father. sorority sisters. Tom writes that when made earlier in the day. Her father’s instincts were dead he returns for a football game he likes Jane returned to Columbia, but on. Holly graduated from high school to spend a little quiet time by the lake the couple dated throughout their and tried out for the dance team as an or watch people pass by on the Oval. senior year and married the following incoming freshman. Another young “Being in Pittsburg, and particularly on summer. In June they celebrated their woman on the squad knew Clayton, campus, always helps take the weight of 50th anniversary. He wrote that he thought they would make a great pair, the world off my shoulders.” will always be grateful to his fraternity and quickly introduced them. Tom calls the time he spent at PSU brothers for challenging him to prove Holly and Clayton were married “some of the most memorable of my he wasn’t “chicken” around women. following a football game on Family life.” It is, he notes, a family story. Today, Dr. and Mrs. Yantis live in Day in 1996. She said Clayton and his “Being able to share Pittsburg with my Canadian Lakes, Michigan. groomsmen showered and dressed at wife and kids is something that I greatly the Weede PE Building and headed to cherish. Now, my oldest daughter is the church from there. pregnant with our first grandchild. Her “I was just hoping he didn’t get too Aunt Melanie has already bought banged up,” Holly said. her first piece of Gorilla-wear!” A story about the post-game Tom and Sherri Rambo live in wedding actually made it into USA Overland Park, Kan., where Tom is an instructional Today. John and design specialist. Jane Yantis

The way to a Love on a dare man’s heart… A challenge by his Sigma Tau Gamma Tom Rambo (Class of ’72) wrote fraternity brothers planted the that it was food that led him to his seed for romance for John future bride, Sherri Shults. Because Yantis. He will never forget that the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity first day of the 1958 summer session didn’t have food service, Rambo found when he and his buddies were having himself regularly in the dining hall. lunch in the Gorilla Den. When an Sherri lived in Mitchell and ate there, attractive young woman passed by

24 PITT STATE Fall 2008 ‘Leave the Katie and Kevin Miller driving to us’ Nelda Johnson Liebig (BS ’53) remembered an unusual course from the summer of ’52. It was a 30-day traveling classroom on a chartered Greyhound bus up the eastern coast of the U.S. “Students could choose either history, taught by Dr. Alvin Proctor; or geography, taught by Dr. Proctor’s student assistant, Carl Eugene Liebig.” Nelda chose Carl’s geography class. for chair auditions in orchestra, Back in Pittsburg, Carl invited Nelda wind ensemble and jazz band. to dinner at his parents’ home and they The Music Department played began dating. such an important role in their lives “Our dates included the drive-in and their courtship that Katie and movies north and south of town,” Nelda Kevin were married in the McCray wrote. Recital Hall on July 10, 2004. Katie and Kevin now live in Their favorite place to eat was on the northeast side of campus. “I will Chicken Annie’s and it was there over Leavenworth, Kan., where Kevin is an elementary music teacher and Katie is a cherish those days,” James wrote. dinner in a crowded upstairs room that Sadly, Jean died in 1999. She and Nelda received her engagement ring. stay-at-home mom to their 9-month-old little boy, Jack. James were married 53 years. Nelda and Carl were married in 1954. “When I start to get lonely these Their shared passion for travel led them days,” James wrote, “I quickly go to to teach in Alaska, American Samoa, memories of our time together, and they Russia and Wisconsin. Carl retired One blind date often include those happy as an elementary school principal in days in Pittsburg.” Oconto, Wis. In retirement, Nelda and that worked out We all have horror stories of blind dates Carl continue to travel through the 50 that we’d just as soon forget, but for states, Mexico, Canada, Europe and James E. Brown (BS ’48, MS ’49), a blind Australia. Another blind date date changed his life. Mr. Brown wrote Nelda wrote that she and Carl return that in the fall of ’42, his freshman year, winner to Pittsburg and the university almost Friends seem to play a big role in a friend arranged a blind date between every year. matchmaking. That was the case for him and another freshman student, Jean Kelly O’Toole Masters (BSN ’99), who Helbig. wrote that when she and her future At first, it seemed this was one of husband, Andrew Masters (BS ’99) were Making beautiful those one-and-done relationships, freshmen, a friend paired them up. music together because James couldn’t get Jean to go Andrew’s fraternity (Sigma Phi Epsilon) Katie (Burton) Miller (BMEd ’04) out with him again. Qualifying for pilot and her sorority (Alpha Gamma Delta) wrote that she was inspired to share training in the Army Air Force gave were having a date dash when they met. her romance story by the photo from James the confidence to try one more Though they hadn’t met previously, the archives in the spring issue of the time, so he wrote to her. Kelly and Andrew discovered they lived magazine. It featured two couples in “She answered!” Mr. Brown in the same dorm and grew up just 10 band uniforms leaving the stadium. wrote. “That started a three-year minutes from each other. (See the letters on pg. 43 for the rest of correspondence…Oh, how happy I was “We ended up hitting it off and dated the story.) to receive those letters while flying with all through college,” Kelly wrote. “We Katie wrote that she met her future the 27th Fighter Group in Europe.” attended many football games and husband, Kevin Miller (BMEd ’02, After the war, James returned to Greek events on campus. We went on MM ’04), in the Music Department. the campus and he and Jean began a dates all over Pittsburg: the movies, “We were both trumpet players “wonderful courtship on campus. What Jim’s Steakhouse, Harry’s Cafe, and Mall and music majors,” Katie wrote. a happy time. The war was over and we Deli, to name a few.” In fact, Katie and Kevin would often were in love.” have to compete against each other They married and moved into units (see Letters, pg. 26)

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 25 Letters (from pg. 25) enjoy travel and other activities, but the Richard joined the Army shortly after they were married. The Army took Kelly and Andrew married in 1999 movie habit they shared back in ’72 is Richard and Linda to Germany, a place and have moved seven times with still with them. she said she had always wanted to visit. Andrew’s job since then. They moved back to the U.S. a few years “We now have three kids and have later and now have a home, two kids and been married for almost nine years,” Music to her ears Margie Macheers Hampton wrote two dogs near Topeka and Lawrence. Kelly wrote. “We get back to Pittsburg that as a student from 1956-60, she about once a year and love reminiscing frequently met friends in the Gorilla about the old days! Thanks PSU for all Den before events. A handsome barber the great memories!” “One evening, my friend Linda caught this coed’s eye Reese Deneve and I were introduced In 1933, when Adah Faith Nolan (BS ’35) to several guys. One of them named was a junior living in the Sigma Alpha Just like in the movies Harold caught my eye. We arrived late Iota house on Broadway, word started Sandy (Meserko) Lowery (BS ’73) at the concert, which was a ticketed getting around about a “new, good- wrote that during the spring semester of event. I was quite surprised and looking barber working in the Campus ’72 she noticed a “ruggedly handsome” startled to have Harold seated next to Barber Shop just north of the College guy in several of her elementary me. Several months later he called me Inn.” methods classes. He noticed her, too. for a date.” Adah wrote that her fashionably Sandy remembers dancing at the Margie didn’t report on how good short hair needed frequent trims, which Tower Ballroom, inexpensive tacos at the concert was, but Harold made the gave her an excuse to visit her regular Taco Bell and Chicken Mary’s when grade. Harold finished his BME and beautician, Claire Mills, in the same they could afford it. Saturdays were Margie her BS in education in 1965. shop. It also gave her an opportunity to reserved for movies downtown for The two dated for two years before observe the new barber, Hi Vincent. movies like “The Godfather,” and being married in August that year “He was exceedingly good looking,” “Deliverance.” in Pittsburg. Both have retired from she wrote, “so I invited him to a school Sandy and Dave were married in careers in education and now live in dance.” December 1972. In the years since, Highland, Calif. They have two grown Hi and Adah were married in 1938, they have raised two children and children. following four years of dating, getting have had fulfilling teaching careers degrees, and finding jobs. (they retired a few years ago.) From Adah retired from teaching in their home in Leavenworth, Kan., Second time’s a charm Westminster, Colo; and Hi retired from Sandy wrote that she and Dave Linda (Downing) Faith (BBA ’96) the Mile Hi Chapter American Red Cross wrote that a friend’s first attempt to Safety Services. Hi died in 2003 in La Sandy and Dave set her up with the perfect guy failed. Junta, Colo. Lowery Fortunately, Linda was still willing to trust her friend when she wanted Linda to meet another guy the next fall. She picked a redhead “I told her at the time that there Codi Whaley Schale (BA ’04) wrote that wouldn’t be a third blind date from her she had never been much attracted to match making if this one didn’t turn out redheads until she met Nick Schale (BS well,” Linda wrote. ’03). She and Nick were introduced by Linda met Richard Faith in the Bobby Pantoja, an RA in Nation Hall. dining hall. Fortunately for her friend, “I didn’t pay much attention to Nick’s Linda and Richard hit it off. They were smooth talking then, nor the next time I married in 1996 after Linda graduated. saw him at a friend’s house,” Codi wrote,

Campus cars We all remember the cars we drove (or that drove us nuts) when we were on campus. Send us your stories of your favorite wheels and we’ll share them in the spring issue. Photos are great, too. E-mail us at [email protected].

26 PITT STATE Fall 2008 “but then when he came to my dorm a second time for no apparent reason, I Love at knew his interest in me was something first sight to pay attention to.” Brenda Rua Chappell Codi wrote that during the first two (BS ’72) wrote that she weeks of February, she and Nick began knew Paul Chappell talking, playing basketball, watching (BS ’74, MA ’76) was movies, and spending time together. the right guy from the Brenda and “By Valentine’s Day, we were nothing moment she saw him Paul Chappell less than a couple!” that spring semester of Codi and Nick recently celebrated 1970. Brenda wrote that every Monday, their second year of marriage and Codi Wednesday and Friday, as she walked writes that she and the redhead make out of Yates Hall, she would see Paul Brenda wrote. “‘I would give my right a good pair. “He’s the crimson to my walking in. Often he held the door for arm to have a date with him.’” gold!” her. Fortunately, one of the men Paul was “It was love at first sight for me,” sitting with was a classmate Maureen Brenda wrote. “I would always make recognized. Maureen gave Brenda the You never know sure I timed it so he would be going young man’s name and she called him unless you ask into the building as I was going out.” to get more information about Paul, John Chambers (BS ’67) took a big One afternoon, as Brenda sat in the including his phone number. chance in October 1964 when he student center with her friend Maureen “I got up the nerve to call him to ask called Wilma Graham (BS ’67) to go Murphy, Paul walked in with a group him to be my date for the Alpha Sigma to Homecoming with him. Using the of his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity Alpha spring informal,” Brenda wrote. most of the opportunity, John also brothers. “We had our first date on May 1, 1970.” asked if she would accompany him to “I leaned toward Maureen and said Paul and Brenda celebrated their 35th the Military Ball, which was two weeks quietly, ‘Look Maureen, it’s him, the wedding anniversary on August 11. later. Wilma accepted the Homecoming guy I have been telling you about,’” invitation, but wanted to reserve her decision about the Military Ball until she saw how the first date went. Clearly, the first date was a success. John wrote that between Homecoming and the ball, he and Wilma went out for a Coke and walked in the rain in Lincoln Park. After the Homecoming game in ’65, Wilma accepted an engagement • Pittsburg, KS 66762 ring from John and they were married • www.pittstate.edu in August 1966. • 302 E. Cleveland St. 620-231-1930 Today, John and Wilma live in the official Pittsburg State University Bookstore Overman Student Center Bloomington, Ill. There’s a Gus statue in their flower garden that reminds them of where their romance began. John and Wilma have a daughter and a son and five grandchildren.

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 27 (lef arts & Sciences CollegE CLOSE-UP

Dawson is interim Harmon presents at chairman for Biology UN workshop Dr. James Dawson, a 30-year faculty When a United Nations group planned member of the Department of Biology, a workshop on terrorism this spring, Dr. has been named interim chairman of the Stephen Harmon was one of the experts department. who got a call. “Dr. Dawson Harmon, a member of the faculty brings great in the History Department, shared knowledge to the his views on “Why Terrorists Kill: interim chair Factors that Push Muslim Extremists to position,” said Perpetrate Violence” at the workshop, Dr. Lynette Olson, which was held in April in Turin, Italy. dean of the College The workshop was organized by the U.N. of Arts and Sciences. Interregional Crime and Justice Research “As a senior Dawson Institute (UNICRI). faculty member, he Harmon said the event was a rich has been integral to the governance of learning and sharing experience. the department and has illustrated his “Some of the concern for strong academic advising. most valuable I am pleased he is willing to provide information came leadership for the department over the during the breaks, next three years.” meals and time Originally from northeastern Ohio, outside the formal Dawson received a bachelor of science sessions,” Harmon degree in biology from Kent State said. University in Kent, Ohio. He did his While the graduate work at the University of Akron topic of Harmon’s Harmon in Akron, Ohio, and earned his Ph.D. in presentation was algal physiology from the University of broad, many of the presenters focused on Kentucky in Lexington. specific situations in their own countries. Historic McCray Hall With a research focus on algae “I’m fortunate that my department gets needed repairs capable of generating hydrogen gas (a and the university encourage us to possible source of new energy), Dawson remain active in our fields and to take Renovations to one of PSU’s oldest has held research grants from Hercules advantage of opportunities like these,” buildings are ensuring the preservation Aerospace, Astro Zeneca, and is a Harmon said. of a campus legacy. consultant and adviser with the Culture According to the UNICRI, the McCray Hall, which houses the Collection of Algae at the University of workshop was designed to bring Department of Music, is undergoing the Texas in Austin. together experts and stakeholders to restoration and repair of its windows, He has served as adviser for the Beta exchange views and information about exterior doors, air conditioning Beta Beta fraternity for 28 years, and how radicalization and extremism leads systems, ceilings, lights, and ductwork. is a member of multiple phycological to terrorism and to develop ideas and Improvements are also being made to societies at the national and international proposals for countering the appeal of the roof and exterior brickwork through levels. He hopes to present his newest terrorism. tuckpointing and the replacement of findings at a conference in Britain next Harmon’s areas of specialization some tiles. The six-month project began January. include Africa, the Middle East, Islam in early June. Dawson and his wife Joyce (BS ’92, and Latin America. The projected $2.5 million cost for MS ’97) have twin sons, David and the work is being funded by deferred Adam. maintenance money awarded by the state. PSU Facilities Planning Director Paul Stewart said that although multiple other restorative projects are going on

28 PITT STATE Fall 2008 CollegE CLOSE-UP arts & Sciences

across campus, money has been reserved New degree emphasis gives in this capacity,” Pomatto said. “I will especially to complete the full project at options to math majors do my best to serve well the nursing and McCray. healthcare professions and the people of What do you do with an education in “One of our goals was to maintain Kansas as our state faces the challenges math if you love working with numbers, the building so that it is being restored of the coming four years.” but don’t necessarily want to teach? back to what it was,” he said. “The A new degree program is giving students building continues to maintain its an alternative to the norm. original intention, which is significant for Allan leads Communication A new emphasis in analytics was Department historical purposes.” offered under the bachelor’s degree of McCray Hall was built in 1929, integrated studies this fall. The new, After the retirement of longtime PSU designed specifically to be the first 72-hour emphasis melds courses in faculty member Dr. Peter Hamilton, a separate home of the Music Department. mathematics and computer science, familiar face will officially be heading the It was known as Music Hall until 1961, preparing graduates for careers in areas Department of Communication. when it was rededicated as McCray Hall. such as telecommunications, banking, or Dr. Cynthia It was named after Walter McCray, the any field where math and business skills Allan, who served as second chairman of the department from are combined. interim chairwoman 1914 until his retirement in 1947. Dr. Bobby Winters, assistant dean last year, began her Stewart said the renovations would for the College of Arts and Sciences, duties July 1 as the have begun weeks earlier if not for a calls the Integrated Studies degree chairwoman of the fax machine error that misidentified “very marketable,” and describes it as department and the lowest bidder. When he contacted combining courses in math, management its seven areas of Pittsburg-based Home Center to let them and marketing, communication, English discipline. know their bid had won, they quickly and computer science. Allan has been Allan with PSU since 1999, serving as an rearranged projects and mobilized a For more information on the new associate professor and as director of crew to begin work immediately, action emphasis, contact Winters at winters@ theater, a position she continues to hold. Stewart believes signifies the importance pittstate.edu. Originally from Florida, Allan earned of the building. Classes are being held a bachelor of arts degree in speech and in the building this fall while the work theater from Florida Southern College continues. Governor appoints PSU’s in Lakeland. She received a master of McCray’s “sister” buildings, Russ Pomatto to state nursing arts degree in theater from Florida State and Porter Halls, are also getting some board University, and a Ph.D. in theater and restorative work. Repairs to the exterior drama from the University of Georgia. Dr. Mary Carol Pomatto, chairwoman of of Russ Hall were completed this Allan has performed freelance the Department of Nursing at Pittsburg summer. Work on Porter Hall will begin theatrical lighting and design for 18 years, State University, has been appointed by in the summer of 2009. and has written several improvisational Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to serve plays including “The History of Laundry,” on the Kansas State Board of Nursing. “American Edit,” and “Macaroni and Student wins spot in The board, whose mission is “to Jell-O.” She has produced her work writing program assure the citizens of Kansas safe and in Pittsburg as well as at the Clemson competent practice by nurses and mental Joshua Davis, a current English Theater in Clemson, S.C., and at health technicians,” is responsible for graduate assistant in creative writing, Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., establishing and implementing minimum was accepted into the poetry writing where she worked as an artist in residence. standards for safe nursing and mental program of the 39th annual Squaw Allan is a member of the Association health practice. The board also approves Valley Community of Writers as a for Theater and Higher Education, education programs, regulates licensure, scholarship student this past summer. the American Theater and Drama and considers current and future trends This writers’ workshop is highly Society, and the Mid-America Theater in nursing/mental health technician competitive and one of the most Conference. education and practice. Last year, the prestigious in the country. Davis had KSBN regulated licensure for more than the good fortune of having his poems 50,000 health care professionals. read and critiqued by some of the most “It’s an honor to be appointed to serve highly esteemed poets in America.

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 29 BUSINESS CollegE CLOSE-UP

Accident inspires invention foam-covered metal arm that would cradle When senior business administration major his back and lock into place. Soon, the Brandan Meister was paralyzed in a car 8-Second Stand was born. accident four years ago, the odds of standing “It seems like everything we found took his 6-foot frame again didn’t look good. For a long time to help the user stand up,” he several months, he slowly recuperated from said, demonstrating the quick speed of a broken back, head lacerations, and broken his invention, which costs about $1,500 ribs. less than most models. “I realized people A student at the time at Northeastern needed a better way. It’s important to get State University in Tahlequah, Okla., up so your legs don’t atrophy. Imagine Meister moved back to Pittsburg after the sitting down for a year straight and never accident to be closer to his family and to being able to stand. It feels so good, enroll in the PSU College of Business. physically and mentally, to get on your Discovering that life is much different feet.” from the vantage point of a wheelchair, His father, president of Leisure Time, a he couldn’t help but let Pittsburg company that makes recreational his entrepreneurial brain yard equipment, introduced Meister to wander when thinking about Scott Moser (BS ’97), a product design products that could make his engineer with the company. The two have life easier. since become business partners, working to “You don’t realize how get their inventions patented and to find a hard it is to do things like manufacturer and distributer. In addition close a door behind you or to the 8-Second Stand, they’re developing stay dry when it’s raining prototypes of an umbrella-type device when you’re in a wheelchair,” designed to attach to an open car door, a said Meister, now 26. portable porch ramp for renters, a tool to “I’m always creating new make closing doors easier, as well as several inventions in my mind to other products. make things easier.” In June, the two presented the 8-Second What he found he missed Stand at “Pitch Night at the Joe,” a product most was the feeling of competition hosted by the Joseph Newman a good standing stretch. Business and Technology Center in Joplin, Paralyzed from the chest Mo. They won first place and the $1,000 down, Meister searched for prize. With the help of his PSU business frames that would help him professors, Meister has also been working stand by himself. Deterred with an area small business development by the complicated straps, center to get his inventions patent- hydraulic pumps, and hefty protected and ready for sale. price tags, he and his father “These products are making his life Top photo: Senior business major Brandon set out to build a stand of easier, so that’s a good sign,” Moser said. Meister navigates the PSU campus in his their own. “When you live it every day like Brandan wheelchair. Welding together the does, it puts you in a good position to Above: Meister demonstrates an invention frame was no big deal. But know what would be useful to other that allows him to rise easily and quickly to a when it came to fashioning people, too.” standing position. His business partner, Scott the piece that would support For more information on the 8-Second Moser (BS ’97) is on the left. his back as he stood, Meister Stand and other products being developed hit a stroke of genius. Instead by Meister and Moser, visit www.eznorms. of a strap, they created a com or contact Meister at 620-704-2882.

30 PITT STATE Fall 2008 CollegE CLOSE-UP BUSINESS

Honor society recognizes Journal of Managerial Issues editor to retire student with Award of With retirement in his near future, the editor of one of industry’s most respected Excellence management journals is stepping down. Dr. Chuck Fischer, who has served as a professor of economics at PSU for 34 years, A senior business is handing over the reins of PSU’s Journal of Managerial Issues to Dr. Bienvenido major was one of Cortes, chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Banking. just 100 students This year marks the 20th anniversary of the publication, which has been produced from across the quarterly under Fischer’s leadership. Persistently recruiting the best and brightest to U.S. recognized by lead it (many Ivy Leaguers are among the 150-member board), Fischer founded the the Phi Kappa Phi journal to serve as a bridge of communication between those who study management honor society this and those who practice it. year with its Award “It has been a huge job for me, so I’m praying for the new editor,” Fischer said with of Excellence. The Perrey a laugh. “Being an editor of a publication like this is like a dark hole for time. It can award makes it possible be very labor intensive if you want quality.” for Elizabeth Perrey, who received Over the past two decades, the Journal of Managerial Issues has drawn a bachelor’s degree in business submissions from authors worldwide. With a rejection rate of 80 percent, Fischer administration, to pursue a master’s and his team of reviewers search for articles on cutting-edge topics, guiding authors degree in international business at through a rigorous revision process and offering prompt, constructive criticism to the University of Wollongong in those who don’t make the cut. “For someone under the tenure gun,” Fischer said, Wollongong, Australia. “that means a lot.” The Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships and The journal has also been an impressive source of revenue for the college. In the Awards of Excellence are based on the past five years, it has provided $120,000 in student scholarships. applicants’ undergraduate academic “Nationally, we have worked to publish something that pushes the boundaries performance; leadership and service and provides new insights,” Fischer said. “I think the key to our success has been on the campus and in the community; providing good service to authors and readers. We’re fortunate that Dr. Cortes has the evidence of graduate potential; personal talent and interest to lead it into the future.” statement of educational perspective, purpose and objectives; and evaluation reports from three individuals. Info assurance program meets national standard Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline The information assurance and honor society. Membership is by computer security emphasis in the invitation only to the top 10 percent of information systems major has seniors and graduate students and 7.5 been certified by the Committee on percent of juniors. Faculty, professional National Security Systems (CNSS) staff and alumni who have achieved as meeting the national information scholarly distinction also qualify. assurance training standard for system administrators (4013E). The certification recognizes that the Correction information assurance and computer security emphasis covers more than 400 In our last issue, we incorrectly included topics required by the CNSS 4013E Dr. Eric Harris in our retirements standard. David Wiennergren and Dr. James Harris column. Fortunately, Dr. Harris, who Dr. James Harris, professor of was named chairman of the Department computer science/information systems, Mr. David Wiennergren, deputy assistant of Management and Marketing in received the official certification secretary of defense for information August of 2007, is not contemplating at the awards dinner held at the management and technology. In 2007, retirement any time soon. – the editor conclusion of the National Colloquium the information assurance and computer for Information Systems Security security emphasis was certified as meeting Education held at the University of the national training standard for Texas in Dallas on June 4. information systems security professionals The certification was presented by CNSS4011.

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 31 EDUCATION CollegE CLOSE-UP

Student rec center/ HHPR moves into armory to be dedicated the future Sept. 27 Dr. John Oppliger now has a smaller office than the one A formal dedication won’t take he occupied for the past four place until Sept. 27, but students years, but the chairman of began taking advantage of the new the Department of Health, student recreation center/Pittsburg Human Performance and armory as soon as the doors opened Recreation doesn’t mind. this summer. University officials When HHPR moved to the will be joined by a long list of local, new student recreation center state and national officials for the in May, Oppliger was more building’s dedication at 10 a.m. on than excited about what his Saturday, Sept. 27. department would be able to The $16 million, 97,000-sq.-ft. offer its students. building was a collaborative effort “I can’t imagine there being between the university, the City of a more modern facility in the state for Pittsburg and the State of Kansas. teaching,” said Oppliger. in the Weede and more,” said Oppliger. Located at 2001 S. Rouse, the The state-of-the-art student recreation “We consider what experience students building houses the student fitness center is not only the new home for need to enter their career fields. center; the Department of Health, HHPR, but it also houses Intramural “The labs in the new facility are more Human Performance & Recreation; Sports, the Department of Military conducive to research. We can invite the Department of Military Science, and the Pittsburg National outside groups or various high school Science; and the local Kansas Army Guard Armory. physical education classes to use the National Guard unit. It features HHPR gained a classroom and a facility or for fitness assessments,” said multipurpose basketball courts, a recreation lab with the move from the Oppliger. “Our students will also get cardio/fitness center, aerobics dance Weede Physical Education Building, hands-on experience with hospital-grade studio, fitness labs, and classrooms. as well as the latest in equipment and equipment. We hope to increase our The dedication ceremony is open technology. This new equipment includes research, not just with faculty but also to the public and will be followed heart rate monitors, a body composition with students.” by a reception and tours. Parking machine, and even global positioning Oppliger said that he believes the will be available on the east side systems. According to Oppliger, the attraction of the new building will benefit of the recreation center and at the new equipment will keep their programs their programs. Bicknell Sports Complex. In case moving forward and greatly benefit “We obviously want growth, but of rain, the ceremony will be held students and the department’s service. controlled growth. We have good inside the building. “The last two or three years we have numbers now,” said Oppliger. “But we’re For more information, contact been in tune with technology. We want closer to saying that our majors have the the PSU President’s Office at 620- to continue to improve on what we had best of everything.” 235-4101.

32 PITT STATE Fall 2008 CollegE CLOSE-UP EDUCATION

Summer Institute proves popular For the past three years, the College of Education and the Department of Psychology and Counseling have been making the university a summertime destination by offering workshops covering cutting-edge topics in mental health. The Summer Institute, featuring national experts in behavioral and mental health, has drawn educators, therapists and parents to the campus to hear presentations on everything from autism to youth violence to guidelines on giving testimony in health-related court cases. Organizer Dr. Rick Lindskog said topics are carefully chosen each year to reflect what mental and behavioral health professionals want to know now. “We select topics that are current and of high interest in our region,” said Lindskog, university professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling. “Due to the training opportunities it presents, many people look forward to it and we get a lot of calls from people wanting to know what the show is each year. It’s really been an area of strength for us.” A series of workshops on autism drew The modern student recreation center/National Guard armory is a dramatic overflow crowds. One of the summer’s addition to the east campus, top left. The modern style carries to the interior headliners was Dr. John Maag, a professor where visitors find the latest physical fitness equipment and even a walking at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and track. author of more than 90 articles and book chapters. One of his four books, “Parenting without Punishment,” won a Parent’s Choice Award. His presentation “You Can’t Gift recalls a life devoted to teaching Make Me! Approaches and Techniques for Managing Resistance,” challenged the A donation made to the College of Education proves that even if they aren’t in audience to change their approach in order the form of a check, gifts from friends and alumni can play a role in the future of to get others to be more cooperative. Eight PSU students. other professionals, including two PSU After Geraldine Thompson received her teaching certificate from PSU in faculty members, presented workshops this 1940, she taught in three one-room schoolhouses in southeast Kansas. Her summer. family honored that dedication with two gifts to the PSU College of Education. Lindskog said as long as interest remains One of the gifts is a painting of one of the one-room schoolhouses in which high, the department may consider offering Thompson taught. The other is a framed poem about that experience. workshops year-round. College of Education Dean Andy Tompkins has the poem and painting “Every year the whole department gets prominently displayed in the College of Education office. involved brainstorming about this,” he said. “This is a wonderful tribute not only to a specific teacher,” Tompkins said, “It’s not so much about attendance as it is “but also to generations of teachers who have dedicated their lives to teaching putting us in a leadership role dealing with the nation’s children. It is an inspiration to each prospective new teacher who issues in mental health services. It’s a good comes into our office.” thing for Pitt State for this to be offered to the community.”

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 33 technology CollegE CLOSE-UP

A shiny Cessna jet is the backdrop for PSU student driver Aaron Poe and the Pitt State Formula SAE car.

younger students introduced to these businesses so they can shape their college career to fit a specific business or industry,” said Grilz. The event is open to business and industry in any field of technology, including engineering, construction, automotive, graphics and imaging, and electrical. An estimated 300 students attended Company Day last year. Susan Dellesaga, instructional support consultant for the College of Technology, emphasized that the event Formula SAE car featured During the Cessna visit, the company is not necessarily designed for graduating during Cessna visit took photos of the Pitt State car and seniors to find a job, it is for all students student driver Aaron Poe posed in front studying technology. Engineering technology students at Pitt of a Cessna aircraft. The photos will be “It’s a way to get businesses into the State are only in their second year of used to market careers in science, math, College of Technology and a chance for taking part in the Formula SAE West engineering, and technology to young students to learn their industry,” said competition, but support from a big people. Dellesaga. backer is already helping to improve their “Students are getting to design, build, For more information on becoming car design – and odds of winning in the test, and race complicated pieces of involved in Company Day, contact future. equipment at a national level,” Dallman Dellesaga at 620-231-1325 or sdellase@ A handful of faculty, students and said. “Support for these projects is so pittstate.edu. administrators from the college visited important for our students.” the Cessna Aircraft facility in Wichita For more information about PSU this June to meet with employees Caterpillar donates Formula SAE racing, visit their Web and take part in the company’s soap scholarships page at www.pittstate.edu/etech/manuf/ box derby. A lead sponsor of the Pitt sae/sae_overview.html. A long time friend of the College of State Formula car, Cessna employees Technology has made a donation that viewed the race car and gave students will help ensure students are fully suggestions on how to improve the Company Day links prepared for the workforce. vehicle. students to industry Two representatives from Caterpillar “We wanted the employees to be able Connecting students to industry early visited the campus July 16 to present to see what is done at universities these in their college experience is the goal of a check for $10,000. The university days and to thank them for contributing the College of Technology’s Company will match that amount for a total of to the Pitt State vehicle,” said College of Day. This campuswide event will be held $20,000. The money will go toward Technology Dean Dr. Bruce Dallman. September 24 in the Kansas Technology scholarships for students in the four-year “Our students came home and worked on Center. The event is designed for Caterpillar Think Bigger program at the car all night long, making changes to freshman through seniors to become Pitt State. it before leaving for the competition.” acquainted with businesses and industry The Caterpillar Think Big program is The PSU Formula SAE team in their field of study. a two-year course of study that prepares competed June 25-28 in Fontana, Calif. Linda Grilz, instructor in the students to become heavy equipment They placed 45th out of nearly 70 teams. Department of Graphics & Engineering technicians for the company. PSU has The team was comprised of juniors – all Technology, said this event is ideal for the only four-year Caterpillar Think of whom plan to return and compete underclassmen. Bigger program, which expands on the again next year. “I think it’s more important to get two-year program by awarding students

34 PITT STATE Fall 2008 CollegE CLOSE-UP technology

bachelor’s degrees and preparing them members had been working to obtain Dell appointed head of for entry-level management positions the grant with the help of the College of Automotive Technology with Caterpillar. Continuing and Graduate Studies. Mark The College of “These students are coming from Jones and Randy Winzer, professors in Technology at coast to coast, and this money helps the department, along with the help of Pittsburg State us recruit and retain them,” said Tim Brian Perry, PSU grants coordinator, University has added Dell, chairman of the Department of made the case in their proposal that a new chairman to Automotive Technology. “We are glad to because Southeast Kansas has a high its ranks. have Caterpillar assist us in making their poverty level, many potential students Dr. Timothy Dell, educations affordable.” end up pursuing little or no college assistant professor Dan Kennedy (BS ’70, MS ’71), because they simply can’t afford it. The in the Department manager of continuous product grant reviewers at the National Science of Automotive Dell improvement for Caterpillar (Americas- Foundation were very receptive to Technology, has been Asia Pacific), said the contributions are the university’s goal of reaching that named department chairman. He took equally beneficial for both the company demographic, said Otter. over his new responsibilities July 1. and the university. “We have a working class kind of This is the first time the department, “We want to be good global citizens student,” he said. “Many of them are which offers some of the most highly in this part of the world,” he said. “To working at least 20, maybe 40 hours per regarded two- and four-year automotive help these young people as they grow, it’s week. There are many who can’t afford a programs in the country, has had its a win-win situation for us.” four-year education and instead choose own dedicated chairman. For the past a one- or two-year program and then several years, Dr. John Iley has served throw themselves into the workforce, as chairman of both the Department Engineering Tech maybe coming back to get more of Technology Studies as well as the gets big grant education later. This gives them a chance Department of Automotive Technology. to get it now.” Months of hard work, were rewarded Iley will still head Technology Studies. Graduates often go on to have careers this summer with a large grant A native of Pittsburg, Dell earned a in mechanical engineering, design or for scholarships in the College of bachelor of science degree in automotive process engineering, or quality control. Technology. The National Science technology and a master of science degree “We’re very excited,” Otter said. “Now Foundation announced in July that it in technology education from PSU. He we can reach out to students who hadn’t was awarding nearly $600,000 over the recently completed a Ph.D. in education identified PSU as an option.” next five years for scholarships in the from Kansas State University. Department of Engineering Technology. Dell began his career at PSU in The grant is part of the NSF Industry reps from 1999, teaching courses in fluid power, Science, Technology, Engineering around the world attend off-highway systems and automatic and and Mathematics (STEM) initiative, PSU casting course advanced hydraulic transmissions. Prior which is designed to help students who to teaching, he worked for agriculture and have a strong financial need and show Representatives from industry came back construction equipment manufacturer the potential for success in a career in to school this summer to learn the latest Case-IH in Racine, Wis., where he engineering. about investment casting in the Kansas served as a troubleshooter for dealers with A committee will be formed to recruit Technology Center. The 30 participants equipment problems. students, and will continue to work in the Investment Casting Institute’s 8th In addition to teaching, Dell has served with them throughout their four years industry certification course represented as the department’s diesel and heavy of schooling to ensure their success. The companies from coast to coast in the equipment coordinator for five years and $598,000 grant will provide four-year U.S. and also Sweden, Brazil, Australia oversees the Caterpillar Think Bigger scholarships to at least 13 students. and Mexico. program, the only program of its kind in “This isn’t a scenario where we give Participants at the course at PSU the U.S. He also serves on the John Deere them the money and then hope they earned certification as investment casting National Training Council – one of only survive,” said Jim Otter, chairman of the specialists. Russ Rosmait, professor of two instructors to do so nationwide. Department of Engineering Technology. engineering technology at Pittsburg Dell and his wife, Bertha, have a son, “We will be developing an infrastructure State, is the director of the Investment Calvin. to give them the support they need.” Casting Training Center. Otter said a handful of faculty

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 35 PSU ATHLETICS UPDATE

New video display will also benefit from the installation of the Division II preseason poll and her 2006 change stadium experience new video display. Students already tape team finished that season ranked No. PSU football games for rebroadcast on 14 nationally. During her four-year Visitors to Brandenburg Field/Carnie the university’s public access station and tenure, Sowder coached a pair of NJCAA Smith Stadium this fall will have an they are expected to play an important All-Americans and 18 All-Jayhawk entirely different experience, thanks to role in the use of instant replay on the Conference performers. Additionally, her the installation of a new video scoreboard Jungletron. 2005 team was the NJCAA Division II and display. The “Jungletron,” purchased The new video display will set Academic Team of the Year with a 3.69 with gifts from private donors, will be Pittsburg State University apart from team cumulative GPA. Her 2004 squad almost 40 feet tall and nearly 70 feet wide other similar-sized universities. The size ranked sixth nationally and her 2007 and will include a new sound system. The and quality of the Jungletron is equal team ranked seventh nationally in team board will be located on the south end of to or superior to that found at many GPA. the stadium. D-I programs, according to officials at Sowder came to PSU as a student from According to Daktronics, the Daktronics. Similar, but smaller video Neosho County Community College, manufacturer of the new video board, displays can be found at Kansas State where she played for the Panthers for the PSU installation will be the largest at University, the University of Missouri, two seasons. She graduated Magna any NCAA D-II stadium in the U.S. The and the University of Iowa. Cum Laude from Pittsburg State with a total cost of the project is approximately Plans call for the new display to bachelor’s degree in physical education $1.7 million. be in place for the first home football in 2003, and she was named the Physical The current scoreboard was installed game at 6 p.m. on Sept. 13 vs. Missouri Education Major of the Year her senior in 1988 and uses incandescent bulbs to Southern, which is also Family Day. year. She also earned a master’s degree in display the score and clock. In contrast, physical education from Pittsburg State the new display will rely on LEDs (light in 2004, completing her master’s degree emitting diodes). The new technology Sowder hired as assistant program with a perfect 4.00 GPA. makes it possible to display color volleyball coach animation, vivid graphics and both live and pre-recorded video. A complete Head Volleyball Mantooth hired as assistant integrated sound system is also included Coach Ibraheem track & field coach in the package. The system speakers will Suberu has be housed in a cabinet above the video announced Head Track & display. the hiring of Field Coach While the capabilities of the Lindsay Sowder Russ Jewett has Jungletron are an obvious boon for the as an assistant announced the football program, the new board is volleyball coach selection of Brian expected to have a much broader impact. for the Gorillas. Mantooth as an Carnie Smith Stadium is used for a Sowder joins the assistant track & Sowder number of athletic and student events Pitt State staff field coach for the throughout the year and video board after serving as head volleyball coach at Gorillas. Mantooth may be used for many of those. The PSU Neosho County Community College joins the Pitt State Mantooth Student Activities Office is already giving in Chanute, Kan., the past four seasons staff full-time after thought to hosting outdoor movies in the (2004-07). The Toronto, Kan., native serving as a part-time stadium. The Jungletron will also be an served as a student assistant (2000-02) coach for the Gorillas the past seven asset as the university and the community and then a graduate assistant (2003) years. The Caney, Kan., native first served vie for the opportunity to host events under Suberu at Pittsburg State, before as a student assistant coach in 2001, after such as the Shrine Bowl. There may even accepting the head coaching job at enjoying a two-year collegiate career at be opportunities to integrate the video Neosho County. Pitt State from 1999-2000. He was a display into the university’s emergency Sowder compiled an 85-71 record three-time All-MIAA performer in the notification system. directing the Panthers program the throwing disciplines during his collegiate The university’s award-winning past four seasons. Her 2007 squad was days, capturing MIAA titles in the television broadcasting programs will ranked as high as No.5 in the NJCAA hammer throw and the weight throw on

36 PITT STATE Fall 2008 PSU ATHLETICS UPDATE

Pitt State’s 2000 MIAA Championship 08 academic year to edge out MIAA To qualify for nomination to the squad. rival Truman State by one. Since 2000, all-district ballot, a student-athlete Mantooth came to PSU from PSU has produced 42 Academic All must have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or Coffeyville Community College, where Americans and Truman State 41. better, have attended the school at least he established the school record in On the conference level, the MIAA two terms, be at least a sophomore in the hammer and weight throw for the has produced 172 CoSIDA Academic athletic eligibility and be a starter or key Ravens. He earned a bachelor’s degree All-America winners this decade, far reserve in their respective sport. Four of in wood technology from Pittsburg State ahead of the nearest competitor, the PSU’s CoSIDA Academic All-America University in 2001. Brian is married North Central Conference (NCC), honorees have been additionally honored to the former Megan Synder, also an which has produced 126. as the CoSIDA Academic All-America® All-MIAA track & field athlete for the This year’s honorees are Nick of the Year for their respective sport: Gorillas. The couple has an infant son, Dellasega and Caleb Farabi. Christie Allen, track & field, 1993; Logan, who turns 2 in September. The PSU football program has Eric Miller, baseball, 1994; Jenny produced 13 CoSIDA Academic All- Pracht, women’s basketball, 1996; Ryan Americans, coming in second behind Meredith, football, 2006. PSU leads the nation in the University of Dayton, which had 14 As of the Spring 2008 semester, 52 Academic All-Americans honorees since 2000. percent of Pittsburg State’s more than To be eligible for CoSIDA Academic 300 student-athletes have 3.0, or higher, PSU leads the U.S. in the production All-America consideration, a student- cumulative GPAs. PSU’s student- of D-II Academic All-Americans this athlete must first earn first-team All- athletes sport a combined cumulative decade (as selected by the College Sports District honors following a vote of GPA of 2.989. Information Directors of America). PSU CoSIDA members in each district produced two honorees during the 2007- Get your 2009 Pitt State calendar! Great for your home, dorm room, or office. A perfect gift for Gorilla fans of all ages! The calendars are full-color and feature professional photos of the campus, important university dates, and other PSU information.

Limited quantity, Four easy ways to order: $ order early! • www.pittstate.edu/alumni 10 • [email protected]. • 620-235-4758 or 877-PSU-ALUM. • PSU Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations Attn: Calendars Wilkinson Alumni Center show your 401 East Ford Avenue Pittsburg, KS 66762 GORILLA Your purchase helps support alumni and constituent programming across the nation! PRIDE

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 37 PSU ATHLETICS UPDATE

2008 Athletics Schedules 2/7...... @ Northwest Missouri, Maryville, Mo., 3:30 p.m. 2/11...... vs. Missouri Southern, Pittsburg, 7:30 p.m. All schedules are tentative and subject to change. 2/18...... @ Emporia State, Emporia, Kan., 7:30 p.m. 2/21...... vs. Washburn, Pittsburg, 7:30 p.m. All schedules are listed as central time. For more 2/25...... vs. Fort Hays State, Pittsburg, 7:30 p.m. information, visit the Intercollegiate Athletics Website 2/28...... @ Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, Neb. 7:30 p.m. at www.pittstategorillas.com. 3/5-8...... MIAA Championships, Kansas City, Mo., TBA

Football Women’s Basketball 8/30...... @ Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Okla., 6 p.m. 11/ 15-16...Pitt State Classic, Pittsburg 9/6...... @ Chadron State, Chadron, Neb., 1 p.m. 11/21-22....@ Southwestern Okla. Classic, Weatherford, Okla., TBA 9/13...... vs. Missouri Southern, Pittsburg, 6 p.m. (Family Day/ 11/28-29....@ Missouri Southern Classic, Joplin, Mo., TBA Miner’s Bowl, sponsored by Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center) 12/3...... @ Missouri Western, St. Joseph, Mo., 5:30 p.m. 9/20...... @ Missouri Western, St. Joseph, Mo., 6 p.m. 12/6...... vs. Truman, Pittsburg, 3:30 p.m. 9/27...... vs. Central Mo., Pittsburg, 2 p.m. 12/13...... vs. Southwest Baptist, Pittsburg, 5:30 p.m. (State Farm Hall of Fame Game) 12/29...... @ Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo., 5:30 p.m. 10/4...... @ Northwest Missouri, Arrowhead Stadium in 12/31...... vs. Northwest Missouri, Pittsburg. 1:30 p.m. Kansas City, Mo., 5 p.m. (The Fall Classic at Arrowhead VII) 1/3...... @ Missouri Southern. Joplin, Mo., 5:30 p.m. 10/11...... vs. Truman, Pittsburg, 2 p.m. (Comfort Inn & Suites Day) 1/10...... vs. Emporia State, Pittsburg, 5:30 p.m. 10/18...... vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Pittsburg, 2 p.m. (Commerce Bank Homecoming) 1/14...... @ Washburn, Topeka, Kan., 5:30 p.m. 10/25...... @ Fort Hays State, Hays, Kan., 2 p.m. 1/17...... @ Fort Hays State, Hays, Kan., 5:30 p.m. 11/1...... vs. Washburn, Pittsburg, 2 p.m. 1/21...... vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Pittsburg, 5:30 p.m. 11/8...... @ Emporia State, Emporia, Kan., 1 p.m. 1/24...... vs. Missouri Western, Pittsburg, 5:30 p.m. 1/28...... @ Truman, Kirksville, Mo., 5:30 p.m. Men’s & Women’s Cross Country 1/31...... vs. Central Missouri, Pittsburg, 1:30 p.m. 9/6...... Alumni Race (5K), Home 2/4...... @ Southwest Baptist, Bolivar, Mo., 5:30 p.m. 9/12...... UCM Mule Run (4 mi.), Warrensburg, Mo. 2/7...... @ Northwest Missouri, Maryville, Mo., 1:30 p.m. 9/20...... Missouri Southern Stampede (8K), Joplin, Mo. 2/11...... vs. Missouri Southern, Pittsburg, 5:30 p.m. 9/27...... Minnesota Roy Griak Invitational (8K) Minneapolis, Minn. 2/18...... @ Emporia State, Emporia, Kan., 5:30 p.m. 10/11...... SIU-Edwardsville Border Wars (8K) Edwardsville, Ill. 2/21...... vs. Washburn, Pittsburg, 5:30 p.m. 10/25...... MIAA Championships (8K) Warrensburg, Mo. 2/25...... vs. Fort Hays State, Pittsburg, 5:30 p.m. 11/8...... NCAA-II South Central Regional (10K) San Antonio, Texas 2/28...... @ Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, Neb., 5:30 p.m. 11/22...... NCAA-II National Championships (10K) Slippery Rock, Pa. 3/6-8...... MIAA Championships, Kansas City, Mo. TBA

Men’s Golf Women’s Volleyball 9/17-18...... @ Truman State Classic, Kirksville Country Club, 8/29-30.....@ Missouri S & T Invitational, Rolla, Mo. Kirksville, Mo. 9/5-6...... @ Texas Woman’s Invitational, Denton, Texas 9/24-25...... @ Northeastern State Classic, Carly Field Golf Club, 9/12-13...... @ Central Missouri Classic, Warrensburg, Mo. Sapulpa, Okla. 9/19...... vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Pittsburg, 7 p.m. 10/2-3...... @ Drury Invitational, Rivercut Country Club, 9/20...... vs. Central Missouri, Pittsburg, 1 p.m. Springfield, Mo. 9/20...... vs. Saint Mary (Kan.), Pittsburg, 4 p.m. 10/8-9...... @ Fort Hays State Invitational, Hays, Kan. 9/24...... @ Missouri Western, St. Joseph, Mo., 7 p.m. 9/26...... vs. Northwest Missouri, Pittsburg, 1 p.m. 9/27...... vs. Truman, Pittsburg, 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball 10/3-4...... Pittsburg State Classic, Pittsburg 11/21-22....@ Missouri Southern Classic, Joplin, Mo. 10/8...... vs. Fort Hays State, Pittsburg , 7 p.m. 11/24...... vs. Saint Mary (Kan.), Pittsburg, 7 p.m. 10/10...... @ Emporia State, Emporia, Kan. 7 p.m. 11/28-29....Pitt State Classic, Pittsburg 10/11...... @ Washburn, Topeka, Kan., 5 p.m. 12/3...... @ Missouri Western, St. Joseph, Mo., 7:30 p.m. 10/15...... @ Missouri Southern, Joplin, Mo., 7 p.m. 12/8...... vs. Newman, Pittsburg, 7 p.m. 10/18...... @ Southwest Baptist, Bolivar, Mo., 1 p.m. 12/13...... vs. Southwest Baptist, Pittsburg, 7:30 p.m. 10/19...... Alumni (Exhibition), Pittsburg, 12 p.m. 12/29...... @ Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo., 7:30 p.m. 10/24...... @ Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, Neb., 7 p.m. 12/31...... vs. Northwest Missouri, Pittsburg, 3:30 p.m. 10/29...... vs. Missouri Western, Pittsburg, 7 p.m. 1/3...... @ Missouri Southern, Joplin, Mo. , 7:30 p.m. 10/31...... @ Northwest Missouri, Maryville, Mo., 7 p.m. 1/10...... vs. Emporia State, Pittsburg, 7:30 p.m. 11/1...... @ Truman, Kirksville, Mo., 6 p.m. 1/14...... @ Washburn, Topeka, Kan., 7:30 p.m. 11/5...... @ Fort Hays State, Hays, Kan., 7 p.m. 1/17...... @ Fort Hays State, Hays, Kan., 7:30 p.m. 11/7...... vs. Emporia State, Pittsburg, 7 p.m. 1/21...... vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Pittsburg, 7:30 p.m. 11/8...... vs. Washburn, Pittsburg, 2 p.m. 1/24...... vs. Missouri Western, Pittsburg, 7:30 p.m. 11/12...... vs. Missouri Southern, Pittsburg, 7 p.m. 1/28...... @ Truman, Kirksville, Mo., 7:30 p.m. 11/15...... vs. Southwest Baptist (Senior Day), Pittsburg, 2 p.m. 1/31...... vs. Central Missouri, Pittsburg, 3:30 p.m. 11/20-22....NCAA-II South Central Regional, TBA 2/4...... @ Southwest Baptist, Bolivar, Mo., 7:30 p.m. 12/4-6...... NCAA-II Elite Eight, TBA

38 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Fall 2008 PITT STATE 39 PSU ALUMNI NEWS

Changes in license plate be entered into a separate drawing for Family Day weekend program create new options will be filled with fun prizes. A record Applicants must renew or get a new The Office of Alumni & Constituent number of plate within 12 months of their gift. Relations and the Campus Activities alumni and Multiple plates are available based on the Center have planned a variety of friends are size of gift divisible by $30. events for Family Day 2008. The showing off Paperwork must be completed events are designed to appeal to their Gorilla through the PSU Office of Alumni & alumni, current students, and friends pride through the Gorilla License Constituent Relations before plates can and family members of all ages. Plate Program. The Office of Alumni be purchased at a Kansas Department of Family Day weekend is Sept. 12-14. & Constituent Relations announced Motor Vehicles office. Weekend activities begin with For complete details, contact the Illusionist/Magician Mike Super recently that there are now more than 1,200 of the license plates on Kansas PSU Office of Alumni and Constituent at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Memorial Relations at 620-235-4758, alumni@ Auditorium in Downtown Pittsburg. roads. The record was set following pittstate.edu, www.pittstate.edu/alum, Saturday activities will start with a spring contest designed to increase or order online at www.pittstate.edu/ the Student Health Center Fun Run awareness of the license plate program. alumni. at 8 a.m. followed by a Freshmen “We’re glad to have reached this Parents’ Session at 9 a.m. in the milestone,” said Johnna Schremmer, Overman Student Center. President director of PSU Alumni & Constituent Pittsburg State Tom Bryant will host a brunch at Relations. University 10 a.m., and campus tours will be The program has been made even Alumni Association available from 11 a.m. to noon. simpler this fall, Schremmer said, with 2008-09 Board of Two GPS scavenger hunts will take changes that allow for easier qualification Directors place, one at 11:30 a.m. and one at to purchase a plate. Now, any gift of $30 1:30 p.m. starting at the Overman or more to PSU qualifies a person for Beccy Yocham, president Student Center and there will be a Gorilla license plate. Previously, the George Lampe, 1st vice president magic shows at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. only gifts considered were those to the Robert Herron, 2nd vice president on the PSU Oval. Alumni Legacy Plate Scholarship Fund. Lisa Grosdidier, treasurer GorillaFest begins at 3 p.m. This fund still exists, but participants Bob Goltra, secretary in Gorilla Village just east of the now may choose to direct their gift to any Joe Levens, past president football stadium. There will be food area of the university. and activities for all ages and an Daniel Alcala “We’re excited about this change. This Alumni and Friends tailgate from Dennis Burke is an excellent way for people to show 4-5:30 p.m. in Gorilla Village. The G. Peter Cole off their Pitt State pride and benefit the Pitt State Gorillas will take on rival Mary Kay Caldwell university in how they choose at the same Missouri Southern State University time,” said Schremmer. Tobin Cook with a kickoff at 6 p.m. Finally, the Wayne Gilmore weekend will wrap up with a golf Winners of the recent contest were Ruthellyn Hinton tournament sponsored by the Alpha Paul Hays, Wichita; Ron Brock, Greg Hough Gamma Delta sorority on Sunday Pittsburg; Gary Rimbey, Frontenac, morning. Kan.; Anna Gudde, Pittsburg; and David Lewis To register for Family Day Darren Masten, Stilwell, Kan. Prizes Catherine Linaweaver events, call the Office of Alumni & included a flat-panel television, football Monica Murnan Constituent Relations at 620-235- season tickets in the Rua Skybox, a Gina Pinamonti 4758 or visit www.pittstate.edu/ Gorilla Bookstore shopping spree, 2008 Doug Roberts alum, or contact Campus Activities Fall Classic tickets, and a PSU goodie Kerry Sachetta basket. Those who already have a Gorilla Center at 620-235-4795 or visit Matthew Wendt www.pittstate.edu/cac/family. license plate and renew in 2008 will

40 PITT STATE Fall 2008 PSU ALUMNI NEWS

Homecoming activities “We’re excited to be able to use the led by the Pride of the Plains Marching to include special reunions trolley this year for the tours,” said Band and the PSU Spirit Squad. The and more Lacey Taylor, assistant director of Gorillas will take on the University of Alumni & Constituent Relations. “We Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks with a No other hope it will be an easy and enjoyable kickoff at 2 p.m. university activity for more participants to see how Other specialty reunions and tradition can the campus is evolving.” activities during Homecoming weekend capture what GorillaFest, the communitywide include Construction Alumni Day and it feels like to be free tailgate party, begins at 11 a.m. Legacy of Learning Honors College a Gorilla more than Homecoming. PSU in Gorilla Village on the east side of Reunion on Friday. The College High Homecoming 2008 is set for October Carnie Smith Stadium. Food vendors School Alumni Association will have a 18, preceded by a week full of campus will offer a variety of tailgate foods hospitality tent at GorillaFest and the activities for students, alumni, and for sale, there will be live music in the Kelce College of Business will also hold friends. Gazebo and kids can enjoy free games, an alumni event during the weekend. This year, the Office of Alumni face painting, and tattoos. GorillaFest For a complete list of Homecoming & Constituent Relations is hosting a will also feature an Alumni & Friends weekend activities and for registration special reunion for alumni of Student Tailgate tent, where Southeast Kansas information, call the Office of Alumni Government. Activities for the Student chicken will be served starting at 11:30 and Constituent Relations at 620-235- Government reunion begin on Thursday a.m with reservations required. 4758 or visit their Web site at www. evening and run through Saturday. GorillaFest will end with a pep rally pittstate.edu/alumni. On Friday, Homecoming activities include a reception for the winners of the Dr. Kenneth K. Bateman Outstanding Alumni Award at 5 p.m. in the Alumni A fun family event for adults and children Center and the annual Crimson and Gold Dinner at 6 p.m. in the Overman Student Center. The dinner is open to Camping on the Oval current students, alumni, and families and will recognize alumni award winners, the Homecoming Court Friday, October 24 and the Student Government reunion Enjoy an outdoor movie, s’mores, attendees. Registration is required. The dinner will be followed by a new and more while sleeping under activity, the Quest to Save Gus Gorilla, the stars with Gus! a campuswide scavenger hunt for alumni and students. Registration is also Registration Deadline: required for this activity. October 10 Homecoming day will begin with the Gorilla Grind run/walk, hosted by To register: PSU ROTC, at 7 a.m. The traditional Homecoming Parade starts at 9 a.m. and Visit “The Jungle,” will feature marching bands, floats, king www.pittstate.edu/alumni and queen cars and a variety of entries. or call the PSU Office of Alumni The parade will be followed by guided and Constituent Relations at campus trolley tours from 10:30 a.m. 620-235-4758. to noon. Tours will depart every 30 minutes from the Alumni Center. These tours have been a part of Homecoming activities in recent years, but were guided Check our Web site for more family events! walking tours.

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 41 PSU ALUMNI NEWS

New activities planned for GorillaFest Alumni Events All the fun of years past and more – that’s what can be expected at this year’s Alumni and Constituent Relations GorillaFest, the free communitywide tailgate that precedes each home football game. is providing a number of Gorilla Now in its 11th year, GorillaFest has become a strong tradition for fans of Gorilla Gatherings, family events, reunions, football. and other opportunities for you to Johnna Schremmer, director of Alumni and Constituent Relations, said, “Our goal become reacquainted with fellow is to create a tailgate party atmosphere with a fun family appeal before every home Gorillas in a location near you. football game.” September Activities take place just to the east of Carnie Smith Stadium in the Gorilla 4...... Hutchinson, Kan. Village, next to the University Lake. There is live entertainment in the gazebo and 5-14...... Kansas State Fair food vendors offer a variety of tailgate options. Free kids games and student and 9...... Detroit department booths are also part of each GorillaFest event, which begins three hours 13...... Family Day at Pitt State before kickoff. 15...... Labette County Several new activities highlight this year’s GorillaFest. On October 11, get out 18...... Kansas City the balloons and streamers for a Tailgate Decorating Contest. Alumni, family, and 25...... Kansas City friends can put their cooking skills to the test at the President’s Chili Challenge on 27...... Crawford County November 1. Also new this year is an opportunity to get your picture taken as Gus 28...... Neosho County Gorilla. Plus all the live music, food vendors, games, and prizes that you’ve enjoyed 30...... Sedgwick County in the past. For more information on GorillaFest, call the Office of Alumni & Constituent October Relations at 620-235-4758 or visit www.pittstate.edu/alumni. 3...... Paint KC Red – Tanners, Kansas City 4...... Fall Classic at Arrowhead Half Century 13...... Pacific Northwest Club reunion and California Dr. Adell Thompson, 14...... Bourbon County Overland Park, Kan., 17-18.....Student Government reminisces over a page Association Reunion/ in a Kanza yearbook Homecoming during the Half- 24...... Jasper County Century Club reunion, 24-25....Camping on the Oval top. Members of the 26...... Sedgwick County Class of ’58 shared 30...... Kansas City stories, toured the campus, caught up November with old friends and 1...... President’s Chili Challenge shared a luncheon 4...... Cherokee County under a tent 18...... Montgomery County on the Oval.

December 1-5...... Gingerbread House Contest 2...... Out of the Jungle

For more information on these and other events, contact Alumni and Constituent Relations at 620-235- 4758 or visit their Web site at www. pittstate.edu/alumni.

42 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Submit class notes information online: [email protected] CLASS NOTES

Letters in Leavenworth, Kansas, just before I major, the cross-cultural perception and began dating Nancy...the three of us all communication course, and the English- To the Editor: are from Leavenworth, and then we met as-a-second-language program. Just finished reading the Spring 2008 Marty, from Joplin, at what was then Don and Maxine live in Pella, issue from cover to cover. Believe it was Kansas State College of Pittsburg). Iowa. They were accompanied at the the best ever issue. We especially liked Marty and Vicki married while commencement honors by their children, the dining out stories. Believe we visited we still were at Pitt State; Nancy and James D. Huffman and Kimberley L. them all during our Pitt State days. Keep I married in 1979 after moving to Huffman, and by a number of local and up the good work of promoting Pitt Oklahoma. international friends including four State. While Marty remained in music, I English professors from China and a O L (’58) and Judy Cook went into journalism (I’m a former editor medical anthropologist from Ethiopia. of the Collegio), and I’m now associate We’re glad you enjoyed the dining stories. editor of the National Collegiate Athletic Class of 1984 The Pittsburg Morning Sun ran a feature Association’s Champion Magazine and Michelle Carpenter (MBA) received the story on June 22 about Minnie Chambers, the online edition of The NCAA News. Humanitarian award from the World former owner of the Plaza Café, who turned Nancy is a test engineer for Sprint, and Outreach Foundation in Kansas City. 100 this year. She retired in 2000 at the age we both work in Indianapolis, though we An active hospice worker for the last 17 of 92. – the editor maintain a home in Shawnee, Kansas. years, Michelle was honored because of As you might imagine, the photo her volunteer leadership and outreach to To the Editor: surprised us...neither Nancy or I have those in need. We’ve just stumbled across the photo seen it before, and we’re curious about In 2001, Michelle was the first person on page 44 of the Spring issue of Pitt who the photographer may have been to receive the Heart of Hospice award as State Magazine, and my wife and I are (because I worked on the Collegio, the outstanding hospice volunteer of the pretty sure of I’m wondering if it was one of our year in Missouri. She also received the the identities of photographers, or perhaps the university 2004 Anne Robb Townsend award for all four people photographer – Larry Long?) philanthropic work. In 2006, she was tri- – since the Hope this info is helpful, and thanks president of the Harvest Ball, an event two closest to for making our day! that raised $4 million over the years for the camera are Jack Copeland needy people in the Kansas City area. almost surely us. Michelle and her husband, David (BS Jack, Thanks for making OUR day. It was I’m Jack ’77), live in Parkville, Mo. fun to learn the story behind the photo. Copeland (May – the editor ’78 graduate), Class of 1990 and I played Sally Long Lundy (BA) graduated trombone in the Pride of Plains; that’s summa cum laude with a bachelor of my future wife, Nancy Ochs (December Class of 1951 science degree in nursing from Saint ’78 graduate). She believes she was the Dr. Donald M. Huffman (BS) and Luke’s College in Kansas City, Mo., only band member during that time (we Dr. Maxine F. Huffman (MS) were in May 2008. She is employed as a believe this is from 1976 but 1977 also is both awarded doctor of humane letters registered nurse in the critical care unit a possibility) who played the instrument degrees from Central College, Pella, at Olathe Medical Center. Sally lives she’s carrying – a bell lyre. Iowa, on May 14. Don has served as a in Olathe with her husband, Marc, and The couple walking in front of us professor and department chairman in their three children, ages 8, 10 and 13. is Marty Zentner (also a trombone the Biology Department and the Natural player) and his future wife, Vicki Division Chairman at the college since Mark Wegman (BS in Electronics Holtzclaw. Marty currently is band 1957. Don has been a prolific author and Engineering Technology) has a new director at Westmoreland (Kansas) secured a number of research grants. book, “American Passenger Trains and High School and Vicki is the city clerk Maxine served as a biologist from 1953- Locomotives Illustrated,” due to be in Westmoreland. We were close as 1957, a professor of English from 1958- published in October. Wegman’s book is couples – I actually was best man for 1996 and chairperson of the English published by MBI Publishing. He lives Marty when he married Vicki (and in Department from 1985-1996. Maxine in Battlefield, Mo. fact, Vicki and I dated in high school developed the college’s linguistics

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 43 CLASS NOTES Submit class notes information online: [email protected]

Class of 1992 Class of 2000 Thela Fern Malle, 84, Stillwater, Okla. Jennifer Boren (BBA) has been named Isabella “Belle” Jensen (BA) works for (BS ’35) vice president of information technology Utility Contractors Inc. in Wichita. She Ronald Mawdsley, 66, Pratt, Kan. (AA) at Ferrellgas Partners LP in Overland is working on a master’s in business law Robert ‘Bob’ McClenahan, 62, Park, Kan. at Friends University. Isabella and Derek Uniontown, Kan. (BA ’68) Hake have plans to marry in September. Doyle W. Morton, 79, Tomball, Texas Class of 1994 (BS ’55) Melinda Ewan (BS in psychology) Class of 2004 Warren Harding Morton Jr., 57, received an MS in Management from Kevin Smith (BA) is the new editor of Kansas City, Mo. (BS ’75) Indiana Wesleyan University in 2000. the Kearney Courier in Kearney, Mo. Dr. Robert R. Noble, 87, Pittsburg. In April 2008 became a licensed nursing (Dr. Noble taught in the Department home administrator for the State of of Social Sciences from 1950 until Indiana and Kansas. She currently lives Deaths 1985.) in Indianapolis and works for Golden Robert F. Baker, 75, Carthage, Mo., (BS) Randy O’Toole, 45, Living Center, a 208-bed facility for Keith ‘Corky’ E. Barnes, 69, S. Hutchinson, Kan. (BS ’86) developmental disabled adults. Olathe, Kan. (BS ’61, MS ’64) Gregory Wayne Potter, 61, Jimmie R. ‘Jim’ Bass, 76, Ottawa, Kan. Manhattan, Kan. (MS ’79) Class of 1996 (Technical School ’59) Lester C. Ramsey, 95, Kansas City, Kan. Adam Ziegler (BS) lives in Edwardsville, Richard B. ‘Dick’ Booe, 69, (BS ’35) Kan., with his wife, Kelly. Adam is a Osawatomie, Kan. (BS ’62, MS ’64, Sam C. Richardson, 104, Newton, Kan. firefighter with the Kansas City, Kan., Specialist ’85 ) (BS ’27) fire department. Lawrence L. Bowyer, 87, Pittsburg Charlotte Ann Akers Sanford, 72, (BS ’42) Coffeyville (BS) Class of 1997 Howard Leon Carpenter, 84, Carolyn Glee Solera, 71, Lancaster, Pa. Joe Douthitt (BA) Irvine, Calif. (BS ’49) (BA ’58) has joined Level Five Barry Richard Elliott, 75, Ruben Francis Samora, 79, Worldwide as its Fort Scott, Kan., (Specialist ’73) Towanda, Kan. (MS ’70) new senior director Ernest S. Evans, 81, Carthage, Mo. Frances Crook Staedtler, 90 (MS ’72) of marketing in (BS ’59) Jack A. Templin, 77, Pittsburg Overland Park, Kan. Fern Maxine Fettig, 87, Pittsburg (BSED ’52) Level Five Worldwide (Teaching Certificates) Marie Thorton Tuck, 82, Lamar, Mo. is a division of Gerald R. Gifford, 76, Arma, Kan. (MS ’56) Anthem Media Group. Level Five (BS ’53, MS ’57) Pete ‘Wilmur’ Wedeman, 74, develops strategies to grow business from Carl Frederick Gump, 92, Paola, Kan. Overland Park, Kan. (BS ’59) existing clients and create relationships (BS ’41, MS ’48) with new partners while focusing on Henry G. Hann, 104, McPherson, Kan. luxury lifestyle sports. (MS) A veteran in the sponsorship and event John H. Hensley, 79, Parsons, Kan., Ever wonder what’s agency world, Douthitt has executed (BSEd) going on with the integrated programs for a variety of Kelly Brooks Hiatt, 25, Miami, Okla. kids you were on leading brands such as Sprint Nextel, (BSN) Proctor & Gamble, Castrol, Yellow Viola Mae Hutcherson, 93, campus with? Transportation and Bayer. His experience Fort Scott, Kan. (BS ’40, MS ’53) They’re wondering the ranges from managing PR efforts and Carole Ann Jacques, 72, Pittsburg same thing about you! promotions in NASCAR, to executing (BS ’58) Share your news – experiential sampling programs at retail Glen Oliver Johnson Jr., 68, births, weddings, locations and developing activation Sarcoxie, Mo., (MS ’88) promotions, etc. – and platforms for PGA, Skiing and LIVE Richard L. ‘Sparky’ Keene, 76, we’ll put it in the next Broadway sponsorships. Bella Vista, Ark. (BS ’58) issue of the magazine. Joe is married to Christina Louise Floyd E. Leonard, 82, Miami, Okla., (Harmoan) Douthitt (BS ’92). (BS ’52, MS ’53, Specialist ’71) Submit class notes to: 44 PITT STATE Fall 2008 [email protected] Members of the Pittsburg Community relax in lawn chairs on the Oval during one of the free Community Band concerts held this summer. Dr. Craig Fuchs, chairman of the Music Department, said the concerts are a fun and relaxed way to enjoy music on a summer evening.

Youngsters got a chance to operate some real construction equipment during a workshop for kids at the Kansas Technology Center this summer. The annual workshop is designed to get young students to think about career options in the construction industry early in their lives.

Fall 2008 PITT STATE 45 In plain sight...on the PSU campus Ok. Let’s test your PSU memory. Below are 10 images from places on campus most of you should be familiar with. Some are pretty easy, but we’ve included a few that we hope will be a little more challenging. Get all 10 and you are a true Gorilla. Score 7+ and you get a pat on the back from Gus. 3-6 means you need to get back to campus more often (we can arrange a campus tour!) Less than 3 – you must be a Missouri Southern grad!

4. 1. 8.

5.

9.

2.

6.

10.

3.

7.

Answers: 1: Russ Hall columns 2: Timmons Chapel doors 3: Art on Carnie Smith Stadium 4: Copper down spout on Willard Hall 5: Floor of McCray Recital Hall 6: Leaded glass above Porter Hall entrance 7: Grubbs Hall “eyelash” window trim 8: Horace Mann Student Welcoming Center entrance 9: Whitesitt Hall architectural trim 10: Seal in front of Overman Student Center

46 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Fall 2008 PITT STATE 47 THE LAST PAGE

From the archives...

The year is 1971 and it is move-in day on campus. Do you recognize this young couple? Perhaps your interest goes instead to the line of cars in the background. We all remember the cars we were driving or riding in during our college days. If you have a car-related story to share, we’d like to hear from you. Send your memories (and photos, if you have them) to [email protected].

48 PITT STATE Fall 2008 Eric and Lora Grooms share an exciting Wichita Wingnuts baseball game with other PSU alumni. PSU Foundation Spotlight–Eric and Lora Grooms

For Eric and Lora Grooms, attending PSU in the Events like hosting the Crimson and Gold Dinner and 1980s marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment the Half-Century Club Luncheon, as well as taking part – both to one another and to the university they’ve loved in Homecoming, helping with the Phonathon, working and supported for 22 years. the PSU booth at the Kansas State Fair, and catching Eric and Lora met at PSU and married after finishing PSU ball games have been highlights to the couple. their degrees in 1986. Since then, PSU has never been far “These events have just made our connection to PSU from their hearts. They have given to the university for stronger,” said Lora, a real estate agent. 18 years and Eric is currently one of the youngest “I encourage people to go back and get involved,” Eric members of the Foundation board. Regulars at Wichita said. “Things on college campuses don’t stand still, and Gorilla Gatherings, the Groomses say few things have that’s part of the attraction. It’s always changing. We’ll brought them as much fulfillment as their service to PSU. always be open to helping out and being a part of PSU “One of the greatest honors of my life has been serving any way we can.” as president of the National Alumni Association during PSU’s centennial year,” said Eric, executive vice president Pittsburg State University and chief lending officer of Rose Hill Bank in Augusta. 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

other ways to get involved with PSU “The Jungle”…your online alumni community and directory The Visit “The Jungle” at www.pittstatealumni.com. Look on the mailing label above for your 10-digit ID number and enter “The Jungle” TODAY! BEST Did you know? Gorilla Gatherings across the nation • New as of August 20, 2008, Join other alumni and friends in your area to hear any gift of $30 or more to plate updates about the university, visit and network with PSU qualifies you for an classmates, and enjoy other exciting events with us! official gorilla plate. in the • Anyone with a Kansas tag Serving your needs through can get a gorilla plate. programming and services such as... state! • You can switch your plates Gorilla Gatherings, Reunions, Homecoming, Family at any time of the year. Events, Student Programming, Gorilla License Plates, For complete details and to get the quick and easy Legacy Student Scholarships, “The Jungle,” Alumni process started, contact the PSU Office of Alumni and Awards, Travel, and SO MUCH MORE! Constituent Relations TODAY!

PSU Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations Wilkinson Alumni Center • 401 East Ford Avenue • Pittsburg, KS 66762 620-235-4758 • 877-PSU-ALUM • www.pittstate.edu/alumni • [email protected] Visit www.pittstate.edu/alumni for more ways to get involved with PSU!