The magazineMissouri of Missouri Western State University Western Spring 2017

Campus events for the community, p.16 Most spirited classrooms rock President’s Perspective The Public Relations and Marketing Office held a Most Spirited Classroom contest last fall for elementary school classrooms, and the winning classes received a pizza party with Max. Winners included the following teachers and their classes: Tish Gerling ’16, Hosea fourth-grade; Rachel McIntosh ’09, St. Francis Xavier third-grade; Melissa Schubert ’05, Lake Contrary first-grade; Jamie Stuck ’03, Amazonia fourth-grade; and three North Dear Friends, When this issue went Platte second-grade classes taught by Jamie Barnard ’03, Erica Newsome ’04 As you may to press in April, the and Tracy Verduzco. know, state General Assembly had allocations for all not yet voted on a final public colleges version of the FY18 and universities budget, so that amount in the state have may change. been faced with In the meantime, funding withholds however, it was for fiscal year 2017. important that we I wanted to take plan for a reduced this opportunity to appropriation from the keep our alumni and state for the coming friends informed year. To review and about what that identify cost savings means for Missouri Western. measures, we have created a budget First and foremost, I want to advisory council that will continue to note that Missouri Western’s top review all of our options. priorities remain our students and our Please note that the University’s employees. As we carefully review our cash position is such that we do not options, we will do so with that goal in anticipate having any issues covering mind. our expenses. Our reserves, when The state allocation withholds for combined with our cost-saving the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017 measures, will help us weather were effective immediately. As this was this withhold and any cuts to our a midyear cut we had not anticipated, appropriation in the coming fiscal year. we had to find ways to quickly cover As you can imagine, monetary the anticipated budget reduction. This gifts to Missouri Western have included an immediate reduction in become more important than ever. We operating and travel budgets across truly appreciate your support of this the board by 3 percent. The University University and its students. also suspended its summer theatre program, Western Playhouse, and its Sincerely, debate program. In addition to the current fiscal year cuts, the state’s proposed FY18 Robert A. Vartabedian budget by Gov. Greitens includes President cutting $2.09 million (9 percent) from Missouri Western State University Missouri Western’s state appropriation. In this issue Campus News

The Missouri Western Magazine is a ­publication of the University ON THE COVER Missouri Western’s events and speakers enhance the quality of life in the community. Events clockwise from top left: Holi Festival, Griffon volleyball, Nikki Giovanni, Tom Ridge, Advancement Office for alumni and friends of Missouri Western Manufacturing State University and its predecessor institutions. Haskell Dancers, Madrigal Feaste, Cokie Roberts, and “The 25th Annual Putnam County associate degree Spelling Bee.” Center, the International Fair. Cover design by Raghavendra Kotakonda. SPRING 2017 VOLUME 15 options approved SECTIONS FEATURES NUMBER 2 Missouri Western will begin EDITOR 3 Campus News offering two options in the Associate 8 Yes, You Can – Diane Holtz of Applied Science degree in DESIGN EDITOR Manufacturing Engineering Technology 12 Sports the BGS Degree Kendy Scudder ’94 Thanks to the Bachelor of General this fall. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING 22 Alumni News Studies degree, many students are now Jomel Nichols The University worked collaboratively with workforce development groups in alumni. Read about three who DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS 24 Alumnotes and Alumni Profiles Colleen Kowich the region, including the Chamber of are pleased with the program and PHOTOGRAPHERS Commerce Manufacturing Council and proud of their accomplishments. Rachael Bergeron Workforce Development Committee Aubry Carpenter ’14 John Ellis and the Engineering Technology 16 Town and Gown: Community Gillian Evans program’s Industrial Advisory Board. Kartheek Gaddameedi Feedback from these groups identified Enjoys Campus Events Raghavendra Kotakonda Super Science Saturday A look back at the past year proves Alicia Otto a workforce demand for mid-level technicians in the region’s growing Almost 1,700 attended the annual and always popular Super Science Saturday, held in Agenstein and that Missouri Western serves as a advanced manufacturing economy, Remington halls. Several faculty from academic departments participated with a variety of activities, including good community partner by providing BOARD OF GOVERNORS Dr. Ben Caldwell, Dr. Natalie Mikita and Dr. Gary Clapp, who put on chemistry shows throughout the day. Greg Mason ’89, Chair and two options emerged: Precision a host of activities and events for David Liechti, Vice Chair Machining and Instrumentation and the public. Automation. Al Purcell, Deborah Smith ’79, Joseph Kellogg, Student Governor. The Precision Machining option ALUMNI BOARD centers on hands-on learning in Alumna Entrepreneur Mary Vaughan ’79, President Natalie Redmond ’00, First Vice President machine tool and computer numeric Alumna entrepreneur Stephanie Tripp ’12, owner of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, prepares to cut the ribbon for her Jim Jeffers ’73, Second Vice President controlled labs and will prepare store in the East Hills Mall in St. Joseph, Missouri. The store opened in November 2016, and the ribbon Angie Springs ’02, Immediate Past President workforce-ready two-year graduates. cutting was held in January. Left of Tripp is Dr. Mike Lane, dean of the Craig School of Business. Tripp is Marilyn Beck ’77, Joe Byer ’11, Shelby Coxon ’99, Linda Crabtree The Instrumentation and Automation also pictured with Kelley Tripp, who works in the pretzel bakery, and Annette Weeks ’87, director of the Craig ’60, Jodi Deering ’01, Diane Hook ’90, Bob Hughs ’06, Lai-Monté Hunter ’99, Claudia James ’89, Linda Kerner ’73, Kendell Misemer option focuses on hands-on learning School of Business’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Behind Stephanie and Kelley are David Bradley and Steve ’82, Phyllis Myers ’56, Molly Pierce ’77, James Sanders ’84, Ralph in electricity, electronics and computer Craig. The two were special guests at the ribbon cutting because of the role they played in helping Stephanie Schank ’82, David Slater ’83, Jennifer Stanek ’99, Larry Stobbs applications in industries and will earn the opportunity for the franchise and helping fund it. More than 200 free pretzels were given away at the 16 ’74, Joseph Vigliaturo ’75. Lilia White ’12, Tona Williams ’00, Mary Workman ’76 and Reyhan Wilkinson, student representative. meet the business and industrial trend ribbon cutting.

FOUNDATION BOARD of the ever-growing electronics and Seth Wright, Chair automation applications in production. Dennis Rosonke, Vice Chair Bill Grimwood, Treasurer Missouri Western also worked Diane Hook ’90, Secretary with Hillyard Vocational-Technical School in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Ashley Albers, Mike Basch, Kit Bradley Bowlin, Jared Brooner, Eric Bruder ’93, Susan Campbell ’01, Ali Carolus, Wayne Chatham ’90, design an articulation plan that will Jason Grayson ’98, Ed Haffey ’62, Jason Horn ’95, Steve Johnston, award course credit and accelerate Rodger Karn ’98, Jennifer Kneib-Dixon ’89, Chris Looney, Michael Pankau ’84, Susan Pettigrew ’83, Jerry Pickman ’85, executive completion for Hillyard graduates who director; Brent Porlier ’82; Al Purcell; Tom Richmond; David enter the Missouri Western A.A.S. Shinneman; Tom Tewell; Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western president; Greg VerMulm ’89; John Wilson, Julie Woods ’96 and MET program. The University currently Zack Workman ’74. offers an A.A.S. in Manufacturing 29 MISSOURI WESTERN MAGAZINE Engineering Technology and a B.S. 4525 Downs Drive, Spratt Hall 108 in Manufacturing Engineering St. Joseph, MO 64507 (816) 271-5651 Technology. [email protected] missouriwestern.edu/magazine

Missouri Western State University is an equal opportunity institution. THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY Spring 2017 3

12 Campus News Campus News

Marissa Klingseis: Champion weightlifter Fall Commencement iced The surge in popularity of CrossFit, Klingseis began lifting under Weightlifting. She broke an American An ice storm last December left cancelled for the weekend of Dec. a high-intensity fitness program, the tutelage of John Carr, who had lifting record as a youth and hopes to travelers stranded on Interstate 29 17 and 18. One of those cancelled has brought a renewal of interest in begun the weightlifting program at break one as an adult. for up to 10 hours, caused numerous activities was Missouri Western’s weightlifting, and it is becoming more InterServ’s Wesley Center, St. Joseph, In 2017, Klingseis plans to compete accidents and led to several activities fall Commencement, which was and more popular for both women in 1978. After elementary school, she in three meets – one in Chicago, one in rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 20. and men. But for Marissa Klingseis, a began lifting at the Wesley Center and Miami, and one in Anaheim, California. No one could remember a time senior biology student, weightlifting today is guided by Dennis Snethen ’82, “I love the feel of competing. I’m that a commencement had to be has been part of her life since she was director of Youth Services at InterServ. always nervous. But the second I postponed due to weather (the in third grade. “It’s my second home,” she says grab the bar and warm up, I feel like December ceremony was added in Not only is she a committed with a smile. everything will be alright, and all my 1998), so the fall 2016 ceremony weightlifter, usually working out twice Since Klingseis began competing, work will pay off.” may hold that distinction. a day, but she has competed all over she has traveled all over the world, She says she’d love to become a Two ceremonies were held the the world with USA Weightlifting. including Poland, Russia, Slovakia, weightlifting coach someday, too, and following Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the of 276 who had planned to walk on Klingseis has set her sights on Chile, Peru and Colombia. All her isn’t really sure how long she’ll continue Fulkerson Center. Approximately Dec. 17. Graduates were also given qualifying for the 2020 Summer travel expenses are paid for by USA with competitive lifting. “I’ll see what 90 students walked in the 11 a.m. the opportunity to walk at the spring Olympics in Tokyo. happens in 2020.” ceremony and 115 at 7 p.m., out ceremony this month. If you know her, you know that her goal is not farfetched, but quite MARISSA KLINGSEIS’S ACHIEVEMENTS attainable. For the 2016 Summer Oversight Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she Youth American Record Holder Included with the Winter 2017 The street in front of the stadium is qualified as an alternate in her category magazine was a special publication, named Charlie Burri Drive in honor of – three were selected, and Klingseis 2013 Junior World Bronze Medalist “What’s in a Name?” In that issue, Charlie Burri ’55, Missouri Western’s placed fifth. Additionally, last fall, she 3-time Junior Pan American Champion we inadvertently left out our named first athletic director. Along with placed second in the International campus streets and three named inaugurating a football team in 1969, he University Sports Federation World 2016 Senior National Champion programs. started many other Missouri Western University Championships. The event Streets on campus – Our main drive sports and the Gold Coat Club, and was held in Mexico, and first- and 4-time American Open Champion around campus, Downs Drive, is named was one of the founders of the college’s R. Dan Boulware Charlie Burri ’55 third-place winners were from Mexico, 11-time AAU Junior Olympics Champion for State Sen. John Downs ’35; and first athletic conference. and fourth-, fifth- and sixth-places the street between Mitchell Ave. and Programs – The Barbara Sprong were from Great Britain, Japan and 2016 World University’s Silver Medalist Downs Drive at the main entrance is Leadership Challenge began in 1992 Poland. Ronald Reed Jr. Way, named for State and was named for Barbara Sprong, The St. Joseph, Missouri native, 2016 Pan American Bronze Medalist Rep. Ronald Reed, Jr. Both Rep. Reed who served as president of the Board who will graduate this month and is and Sen. Downs played significant roles of Regents and was an avid community planning to attend medical school, says in the acquisition of the current campus volunteer. she continues lifting because she loves property and the University’s becoming The R. Dan Boulware Convocation challenging herself every day. “You’re a four-year college. on Critical Issues began in 1993 always trying to improve, because you The street between Downs Drive and was named in honor of R. Dan Sen. John Downs ’35 Dr. James McCarthy can never be perfect.” and the campus’s north entrance Boulware, who had served as president Her competitive weightlifting on Faraon Street is named James of the Board of Regents. Boulware events are the snatch and the clean- McCarthy Drive in honor of Dr. James also served as the chair of Missouri and-jerk, and in Mexico, for both McCarthy, Missouri Western’s executive Western’s capital campaign in 1989 and events, she lifted a total of 249 kilos vice president from 1983 to 2001. is co-chair for the Centennial Capital (547.8 pounds!). The snatch was 107 Dr. McCarthy also served as interim Campaign that began in 2015. kilos (235.4 lbs.) and the clean-and- president when Dr. Janet Murphy The Helene Droher Business jerk was 142 kilos (312.4 lbs.). The McCarthy retired in June 2000 until Development Program was established clean-and-jerk and the snatch are both Dr. James Scanlon began his duties in in memory of Droher by her daughter, Olympic lifts, and have been described February 2001. Carole Tuttle ’52, in 2003. The program as difficult movements. is in the Craig School of Business. We apologize for the oversight. Rep. Ronald Reed Jr. Barbara Sprong

THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 4 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 5

Campus News Campus News

Campus Kudos Associate dean hired for School of Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Robyn Gleason was degrees in nursing and Nursing. Dr. Gleason is a 2016 Fellow • Five alumni of the Craig School of - Rookie of the Year: Ross Theesen St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce named associate dean of public health from the in the Leadership in Academic Nursing Business’s Applied Entrepreneurship ’15; Coronado, New Mexico; and the St. Joseph School District, the School of Nursing and University of Florida. She Program of the American Association program received five out of 11 awarded to the new owner that taught the first course in 2015-16 Health Professions and also received a graduate of Colleges of Nursing. awards at the 2016 Rocky Mountain shows the most dedication to Five at Hillyard Technical Center in St. began her duties this past certificate in health The School includes master’s Chocolate Factory convention Commandments and the RMCF Joseph. January. Prior to coming to informatics from Duke degree programs in nursing, and last fall: brand; actively communicates • Natasha Oakes, associate director Missouri Western, she was University. Prior to joining undergraduate programs for nursing, with franchise support and - Seeley Award: Cassandra Cyril of Athletics for compliance/senior the dean of graduate nursing Keiser University in 2015, health information management, follows the instruction received ’07, Laughlin, Nevada; the Seeley woman administrator, was named at Keiser University in Fort she taught at the University physical therapist assistant and the new during training. Since the Award is awarded to the store chair of the NCAA Legislative Lauderdale, Florida. of Florida College of population health management degree, entrepreneurship program began Dr. Robyn Gleason that demonstrates consistent Committee for Division II athletics, Dr. Gleason earned her Nursing and Bethune- established by a gift from Mosaic in the Craig School of Business, execution of RMCF in-store which includes approximately 300 doctorate in nursing and master’s Cookman University’s School of Life Care. cooking procedures. While six other store owners have earned colleges and universities throughout the cooking techniques can be Rookie of the Year honors. the United States. She also had Campus plans informative and entertaining, the - Fudge for Troops 2016: Allie an article published in the NCAA Drum Major for Justice Award primary emphasis should be in Canaday ’11, Lehi, Utah; 756 Division II 2016 annual yearbook. recipients named for total eclipse showmanship and product quality. pounds of fudge donated to • Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri - Online Brand Champion Award: troops. Western president, will begin a A Missouri Western employee, Multicultural Education on campus. On Monday, Instagram: Lynn Eddinger, • Mark B. Hamilton taught writing term as chair of the MIAA/NCAA a Missouri Western student and a She is very active in making a positive Aug. 21, 2017, Tustin, California; awarded to the and literature at Missouri Western Presidents Council in June 2017. community member were honored with difference in the lives of students of a total solar Drum Major for Justice Awards at the color, her nomination read. Williams is eclipse will begin store that regularly posts not only and retired in 2008 to pursue writing • Griffon Yearbook students received 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet in a leader in the campus NAACP student at 1:06:27 p.m. RMCF products but promotions, projects from his journey along the a third place Best of Show Award at January: Joanne Katz, Alexis Williams group and serves on the University’s and will last for and engages with people on their Lewis and Clark route. Hamilton the 2016 Associate Collegiate Press and Jeremy Eaton. Diversity & Inclusion Task Force. approximately page in a timely manner, utilizes undertook a three-year, 7,600-mile convention in Washington, D.C. Katz, professor of legal studies, has Community member Jeremy Eaton two minutes and promotional materials from trek, traveling on Lewis and Clark’s Also, students received the following dedicated her professional and personal has volunteered for several community 38 seconds in St. RMCF, Inc. as well as professional approximate timetable, and just as awards at the 2016 College Media life to building bridges and being an organizations and works with Joseph, Missouri, images from Graphicsmaker, and they did, he traveled by paddle and Association convention in Atlanta: the RMCF images library. pack mule. A magazine article about advocate for peace, especially through disadvantaged children in Mumbai, and Missouri Western personnel are - Abhash Shrestha, first place for her work with restorative justice. Katz India. Eaton founded the nonprofit planning events for astronomy buffs the - Outstanding Outside Sales his journey is in the fall 2004 edition Best TV Promo/PSA also helped develop a minor in peace organization Griffey School for the day before. Award: LaTricia Adkins ’11, of the Missouri Western Magazine. and conflict studies at Missouri Western. Arts to serve as an advocate for the arts On Sunday, Aug. 20, Missouri Fresno, California; awarded to Hamilton recently published “100 - Mochila Review, third place Best Williams works in the Center for and help bring families together. Western will host eclipse experts on the store that best demonstrates a Miles of Heat,” a selection of poems, Podcast campus: Michael Bakich, senior editor consistent, strategic effort in the the first major publication from - Kiarash Abhari and Violetta of Astronomy Magazine; Bryan Busby, building of product sales through those efforts. The chapbook can be Valeeva, first place News Package Animal Therapy on Campus chief meteorologist at KMBC-TV in fundraising, corporate orders, purchased at finishinglinepress.com. - Jeni Swope, second place Short Dr. Melinda Kovacs, assistant professor of political science, brought Bailey, her therapy dog, to campus as a Kansas City; Mike Reynolds, professor special events and weddings. • The MT1 pilot program in 2015- Documentary stress reliever during finals week last semester. of astronomy at Florida State College They represent the brand outside 16 that was taught by Dr. Gary at Jacksonville; and Derrick Pitts, chief of their store with logo wear, Clapp, coordinator of Workforce - Brent Rosenauer, Jessica Kopp astronomer at the Franklin Institute in RMCF brochures, business cards Development and Grants and Jake Dart, first place Onsite Philadelphia. Check out missouriwestern. and samples. This store utilizes Procurement in the Western Conference Promo. edu/eclipse2017 for times and locations. marketing and networking to Institute, received the first Think Additionally, students Jasmine The Walter Cronkite Memorial in drive authorized outside sales, Ahead Award from the Heartland Taylor and Bryant Scott, along Spratt Hall will also be open extended and actively promotes its offering Foundation’s Think Ahead Forum with Yearbook Advisor Dr. James hours on Sunday, and will feature through various media in-store in November 2016. The program is Carviou, presented a workshop that space displays and a space suit photo and online. a course where students can earn a focused on best practices in cover opportunity. And, the Bushman Manufacturing Technician Level 1 design along with ways to digitally Planetarium will show eclipse-themed certificate. Dr. Clapp, in collaboration innovate college yearbooks. shows. All Sunday events are free and with several area businesses, the open to the public. The eclipse will also be live streamed 6 www.missouriwestern.edu on the website mentioned above. you can – the BGS degree Bridget Blevins ’16 With her education on hold, Blevins stayed in the television business for 17 Blevins, director of communications years, advancing to news director and r. Gordon for the St. Joseph School District, anchor before she left KQTV last year. Mapley knows that had earned an associate degree from When she returned to Missouri sometimes, life gets Highland Community College in Western in 2015 to earn the BGS Din the way of a college Highland, Kansas right after she degree, she needed just 16 credit hours degree. As executive graduated from high school, and she to graduate and had already earned the director of the Western transferred to Missouri Western with hours she needed for a communication Grant helps Institute, he knew there the hours they need to graduate. Dr. the intent of earning a communication minor. Blevins took the classes she were hundreds of people in Mapley said the minors can even be degree. When she started working needed online to earn a psychology students earn St. Joseph who had a lot of credit customized if students earned hours for KQTV full-time as a student, she minor, and was ready to graduate within hours without completing a degree, and from a different university. continued taking classes, but realized a year of returning. degree he wanted to figure out a way to help Eric Kramer, academic advisor in her hectic work schedule made it too “Part of me was embarrassed that it them finish their college education, earn the Western Institute, said last year, difficult. took me so long to get a degree,” she A parallel program to Missouri a bachelor’s degree and possibly advance graduates in the BGS program needed “Being in media is demanding, and said. “I was able to find success and work Western’s Bachelor of General Studies their careers. an average of 34 hours to complete a there was no such thing as normal work my way up in my career, but getting is the Buchanan County Degree degree, and it took them an average of hours,” she said. “It became too difficult that degree was about finishing what I Attainment Initiative, which began The Bachelor of three semesters and one summer to do to get to class on time, or even to get to started. I was really proud.” in 2012 when Missouri Western was it. However, he said he has worked with class.” Blevins also noted that she would not After graduating from Benton High awarded a $1 million grant from General Studies some whose credits already fit into the have been able to apply for her current School in St. Joseph, Miller worked full- the state and named one of nine BGS degree, and they only needed to position without the degree. time and went to college parttime, but Innovation Campuses in Missouri. With those goals in mind, a new apply for graduation. marriage and a family eventually led to In order to receive funding from degree program was created for students Kramer said the degree can be for Brandy Miller ’14 her stepping away from her coursework. the grant, Missouri Western partners with 75 credit hours or more – the students who have been taking courses When she looked into the BGS, she with area businesses whose employees Bachelor of General Studies – and for several years, but changed majors a Miller also can attest to the value of realized she only needed five classes to can receive up to $7,500 to assist them Missouri Western began offering it in lot so they have credit hours in a variety having a bachelor’s degree. One month graduate, so she took four online and one in completing their degree. Along the fall of 2013. To date, 133 students of programs. Or, it could be students after she graduated with her BGS, she in the classroom. Miller earned minors with University courses, the students’ have graduated with the degree. who earned a lot of hours in one field was hired at Herzog Contracting Corp. in communication and business. employers must provide on-site Dr. Mapley explained that the BGS and decided that it wasn’t the career field in St. Joseph, Missouri, as a corporate “I always wanted to get a degree, and training and mentoring. degree, which he calls a “completion for them. recruiter, which was a step up from her I couldn’t believe that that was all the Additionally, for each partnering degree,” requires the same amount of “Many started out as traditional previous job. hours I needed to get it,” she said. “It was business, at least 51 percent of the hours as any other bachelor’s degree students, and then life happened,” said “That was a great graduation gift,” a great opportunity.” scholarship recipients must be low from the University and it has the same Dr. Melody Smith, interim assistant she said. She participated in the fall 2014 or moderate income, using the requirements for general studies courses dean of the Western Institute who also commencement ceremony so that her federal government criteria. Sixteen and upper level courses. The difference, works with the degree program. two daughters could see her graduate. companies have partnered with he said, is that instead of choosing one That was the case for Bridget Blevins “It took me a long time, but it made Missouri Western. major, the student chooses two minors ’16 and Brandy Miller ’14, who earned me proud.” The initiative was established by the (concentrations). the degree, and Will Carter, who continued on next page state to foster economic growth and In most cases, many of the hours will graduate this month. workforce development by assisting they have already earned count toward Missouri residents in completing at least one of the minors, which reduces their college degrees, Dr. Mapley said. Since it began, 27 participants have graduated, and 25 students were in the program in fall 2016.

THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 8 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 9

Campus News continued from pg. 9 you can – the BGS degree

Online option Student joins leaders in DC “That opened the door for me,” “It was an honor and a privilege to One of the criteria for attendees Carter said. He could take all but two Many of the students working on represent Missouri Western.” That, Paul included holding leadership roles, and courses online, which offered just the the BGS degree are primarily or entirely Granberry said, was his reaction to being Granberry certainly has that distinction. flexibility he needed. He will graduate taking online courses, and online course selected to attend the National Prayer At Missouri Western, although he is this month with minors in business and offerings have continued to grow. Most Breakfast and Student Weekend in only a sophomore, he is involved in entrepreneurship. of those returning to college to earn the Washington, DC in February 2017. the Student Government Association “These programs are fantastic,” he BGS degree are working full-time, Dr. Granberry, an accounting major (SGA) and the Gentlemen of Color says. “Missouri Western is a great school Mapley said, and earning all the credits from St. Louis, was only one of about student organization, and he serves as to go to and get an education. They try they need in a physical classroom just 100 students from across the globe who vice president of the Black Student to help you and give you a chance to isn’t possible. attended the student weekend. The Union, as an orientation leader and as a achieve at the highest level.” Since Missouri Western began prayer breakfast was held on Thursday, resident assistant in Scanlon Hall. Carter plans to use his degree to the initiative to grow its online Feb. 2, and the weekend event was from “I definitely want to help shape and help him advance in his current position programming, the number of titles in the Friday to Sunday. mold the Missouri Western and St. at Tilton, Thomas and Morgan, Inc., inventory has grown from 30 in 2008 “I left home at 5 a.m. on Wednesday Joseph communities,” he said. an insurance agency in St. Joseph, but to 302 in 2016. There were 257 active and got back at 9 p.m. Monday, and I Granberry is also exploring he is also happy that his daughter will online titles in fall 2016. was busy every day from 6 a.m. until 10 internship opportunities with a House someday realize the importance of Blevins, Miller and Carter all agree p.m.,” Granberry said. “It was amazing, or Senate member in Washington this sticking to your dreams to achieve your that they probably would not have been and I was blessed to be a part of it.” coming summer and plans to run for goals. Will Carter able to complete their degrees without He said the weekend involved SGA president as a senior at Missouri Paul Granberry and Sen. Claire McCaskill in Washington, DC. “It’s a pretty amazing degree,” the online options. student leaders connecting with each Western. He hopes to run for political Carter said. “Graduating was one of my In 2014, student athlete Will Carter For more information about the other, discussing world problems office someday and is earning a minor in Missouri Western students to pursue a biggest goals.” was busy balancing his college career and BGS degree, go to missouriwestern.edu/ and seeking solutions. They were in political science. nomination. playing on the Griffon baseball team. completion or call the Western Institute discussion groups of five students each, Granberry says he also wants to “It was great to connect with leaders Then life happened. At around the same at (816) 271-4100. and the other four students in his group spread the word about his experience around the world and learn how to better time, he was diagnosed with cancer and “We really are transforming lives were from universities across the country. at the National Prayer Breakfast and myself, as well as my community.” his fiancé found out she was pregnant. through the power of education,” Dr. Granberry said it was a great experience Student Weekend and encourage other Carter continued to take classes for one Mapley said. and he learned a lot about leadership. more semester, even though he had two His most memorable moment, he Chess Club cancer surgeries that semester. says, was getting to see a VIP screening (He is appreciative of his professors of “The Shack,” which wasn’t in theaters Officers from the Missouri Western Chess Club visited Julie Bravo’s fifth-grade classroom at Oak Grove MWSU Online Enrollment Elementary School in St. Joseph, Missouri this spring. Teaching the students how to play chess were Cecilia who were willing to work with him to until March. He also met the author of Tackett, president; Ben Hart, vice president; and Jaylen Words, secretary/treasurer. complete his classes.) Then he went to 3500 the book by the same name, Wm. Paul work fulltime and put his degree on 3000 Young, who spoke to the group and gave hold. His daughter was born them one of his other books, “Lies We 2500 in March 2015. Believe About God.” In the spring 2000 “I definitely have to see the movie of 2016, Kramer, 1500 again,” Granberry said shortly after he who was Carter’s 1000 returned from Washington. advisor when he was 500 The students also toured the Capitol an athlete, called him and saw Congress in session. 0 about the BGS program. Granberry had attended the Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Governor’s Student Leadership Forum 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 in Jefferson City, Missouri in January 2016 and was subsequently invited to the National Leadership Forum in Atlanta in October 2016 for about 200 students. A man he met at the Atlanta forum then nominated him for the February event in Washington. THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 10 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 11

Griffon Sports Griffon Sports

Women’s basketball Football coaching staff complete The women’s basketball team went 21-8 overall and 13-6 in MIAA play, Head football coach Matt Chet Pobolish, offensive Missouri Western from Stephen F. giving the program back-to-back 20-win Williamson ’96, who was hired at coordinator, returns to the MIAA after Austin University, where he was the seasons for the first time in 12 years. The Missouri Western in December 2016, a successful playing career at Emporia special teams coordinator and safeties Griffons claimed three victories over compiled his coaching staff for the 2017 State 1996-99. He comes to Missouri coach since 2014. ranked opponents, including knocking off season, and it includes three alumni. Western after spending six seasons in Ryan Watts, wide receivers, was then-No. 11 Emporia State at home on Scorpio Horn ’05, defensive line, various positions on the Southeastern most recently an offensive assistant at Feb. 11. The team won nine of its final 11 former Griffon defensive and offensive Louisiana University football staff, Abilene Christian. Prior to that, he regular-season games to claim the fourth lineman, spent the past three seasons as including offensive coordinator for two was a graduate assistant and assistant seed in the MIAA Championships. head coach at William Chrisman High seasons. director of football operations at Its season ended in the MIAA School in Independence, Missouri. Justin Richter, defensive backs, Stephen F. Austin University. postseason tournament quarterfinals Horn was defensive coordinator for was most recently a defensive Williamson also announced the with a loss to eventual runner-up three seasons at Park Hill South High graduate assistant at the University of addition of Kedrick Harrison as a Central Oklahoma, but was not short School before moving to Chrisman. California-Berkley. He also coached at graduate assistant and made some on memorable moments. Senior guard Colin McQuillan ’12, running backs, West Texas A&M, University of New changes to existing graduate assistants’ Chelsea Dewey was named first-team transitions from graduate assistant Mexico, Angelo State and New Mexico duties. All-MIAA, and senior forward Sefulu to full-time assistant on the Griffon Military Institute. The staff hit the ground running, Faavae was named to the MIAA All- coaching staff. He served as a defensive Patrick St. Louis ’08, run game announcing the signing of 41 student defensive team. graduate assistant for two years at coordinator/offensive line, returns to athletes for the 2017 season on Feb. 1. Head coach for the women is Rob Missouri Western after high school his alma mater after spending six of That is the largest signing class in more Edmisson. coaching stops at Wyandotte High the last seven seasons at Morehead than five years, and includes signees Men’s basketball School and Riverside High School. State University. The former Griffon from eight different states. McQuillan was also a student assistant offensive lineman was offensive The 48th season of Missouri The men’s basketball season record at Missouri Western while earning his coordinator at Morehead State for Western football will kick off Thursday, may not have matched the efforts of the bachelor’s degree. the past two seasons after serving as Aug. 31 at Nebraska-Kearney. The 2017 team. Throughout the 7-21 season, the offensive line coach since 2013. schedule will feature six home games Griffons made a habit of grinding games Be a part of Like Williamson, Mike Walton, and five on the road, all against MIAA out, and their hard-nosed style of play defensive coordinator, comes to competition. kept nearly every game low-scoring and Griffon Athletics close. Eight of the team’s 21 losses were by single digits, including four of its Membership in the official athletics New sports teams shaping up last five. booster club of Missouri Western The season featured victories over top Athletics, the Gold Coat Club, is Missouri Western will see six new for the teams. The teams will feature MIAA competition and a memorable open now. teams in the 2017-18 academic year a mixture of new students to the win at Division I Southern Illinois- Founded in 1969, the club raises with the addition of men’s and women’s University and some current students. Edwardsville on Dec. 10. It was the funds to support the endeavors of the cross country, men’s and women’s indoor Additionally, some team members program’s first win over a Division I athletic programs at Missouri Western. track and field, and men’s and women’s are current students who have not program in 36 years and highlighted the Membership helps provide coaches outdoor track and field. previously participated in athletics at team’s signature style as they limited SIU- Spring Sports Charity Golf Classic and student athletes with the necessary Head coach Marc Bierbaum hired Missouri Western. Edwardsville to just 44 points in the win. assistant coach Cody Ingold and the Competition begins this fall with Mark your calendars for Saturday, resources to remain competitive at the The men are coached by Brett two signed close to 60 student athletes the men’s and women’s cross country As this issue went to press, the June 3 and Monday, June 5 for the highest level of NCAA Division II Weiberg. softball team, coached by Jen Trotter, 15th annual MWSU/YWCA Charity athletics. teams. At the MIAA tournament in March, had a record of 26-8, and the baseball Golf Classic. The social and auction Gold Coat Club members enjoy Head Coach Tom Smith and his 2003 Check out gogriffons.com for game times, team, coached by Buzz Verduzco, was will begin at 6 p.m. June 3 at the season ticket packages, reserved parking, men’s basketball team were honored at 15-15. In women’s golf, sophomore St. Jo Frontier Casino with golf on merchandise discounts and invitations ticket sales, merchandise and more. as the champions of the first MIAA Shi Qing Ong claimed her fourth June 5 at the St. Joseph Country Club. to exclusive Missouri Western Athletics tournament at Municipal Auditorium 15 first-place finish of the team’s eight See gogriffons.com for more details or events. years ago. The women’s team advanced to To learn more or to sign up, visit events. call Brett Esely at (816) 271-5904. the title game that year, as well. gogriffons.com or call Brett Esely at (816) 271-5904.

THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 12 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 13

Centennial Capital Campaign: Transforming Lives Renovation planning Arts Society chair change Bill Wright recently stepped down used to leverage the state funds for The Philadelphia native said his begins for Potter Hall as chair of the Missouri Western Arts capital improvements in Potter Hall. mother made sure he was exposed to At its meeting Dec. 8, 2016, Missouri In the ensuing months since they were Society advisory council, and Drew “Everything we do is for the a lot of arts and culture when he was Western’s Board of Governors approved hired, Patterhn Ives met with several Brown became the new students,” he said. “They growing up, including a lot of new the selection of the firm Patterhn Ives employees, especially those who work in chair. need up-to-date equipment theatrical works, and his love of the LLC, of St. Louis, to provide planning Potter Hall, and began design work on Wright had served to prepare them for their arts continued throughout his life. “My and design services for renovations the proposed renovations. as chair and advisor for professional lives. We want parents had a love of arts, and they to Potter Hall. Patterhn Ives was This past spring, Eric Hoffman, the Arts Society since Missouri Western’s arts passed it on to me.” partner with Patterhn Ives, brought 12 it was founded in 2011, programs to be on the same Brown, who moved to St. Joseph graduate students from Washington and was one of the level with other schools.” with his wife, Charlene, in 1994, said University’s Sam Fox School of Design society’s co-founders. “Bill has always been one of his goals as chair is to make and Visual Arts in St. Louis to work Wright said the there for the Arts Society, both Arts Society members and the with Missouri Western students. original purpose of and always willing to step up community more aware of what the society was to and help,” said Rachel Graves Missouri Westerns arts has to offer. (Hoffman is also a professor of practice Drew Brown for the School.) The Missouri Western Eric Hoffman of Patterhn Ives speaks in Potter Hall support and promote ’03, development officer who “I want our members to become students answered the Washington the University’s arts coordinates the work of the strong advocates for Missouri Western University students’ questions and Kim Weddle ’00, director of programs, and the society. “It’s been wonderful and especially, the arts,” he said. “The discussed Potter Hall needs. Student Development, attended the meeting with society has never working with him on the arts are a very important part of our groups from both universities toured Hoffman and the building committee. strayed from that council.” culture.” the building and discussed architectural “It’s exciting to talk about all the mission. Using Brown became chair in Brown graduated from North specifications and design. possibilities for Potter Hall,” she said. membership dues, the February 2017. The owner Carolina Central University with a Hoffman also met with the Potter “Patterhn Ives will help us determine society provided the of Brown Investments double major in biology and German, selected from 15 firms that responded Hall building committee to discuss costs for the various projects so we can funding of equipment said becoming chair of the and after working a short stint as a to Missouri Western’s request for possible designs for additions to meet raise funds to meet those needs.” such as a new kiln, council seemed like a logical pharmaceutical researcher, served as an qualifications, and four were invited the needs of the fine arts building’s The Missouri General Assembly cameras and teaching step because he also serves officer in the U.S. Army for the next equipment for the arts (as member and chair) on 26 years. His military career took him to campus to make presentations to a constituents. He noted that there are appropriated $150,000 for architectural Bill Wright selection committee. several options for adding on to the services for the Potter project with the programs. several arts-related boards all over the world, and Brown said he “We had a number of qualified current building. stipulation that Missouri Western match It was also his idea in the community, including always made sure to experience the firms express interest in the project, but “We start with a wish list of spaces,” the funding, and that funding came that the 2015-16 society membership the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art culture and explore the arts wherever Patterhn Ives set itself apart with a long Hoffman said. “Then we narrow it down from the Missouri Western Foundation’s dues be given to the Centennial Capital and the St. Joseph Performing Arts he lived. record of successfully completing fine art and get specific.” Centennial Capital Campaign. Campaign. Those funds, $32,000, were Association. He also serves as a docent After retiring from the military, and higher education building projects,” at the art museum. he managed restaurants for PepsiCo said Dr. Cale Fessler, vice president for and Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, and Griffons in Arizona also worked for Goodcents’ corporate Financial Planning and Administration. New Pool Clock Donated headquarters as a restaurant turnaround Possible renovations for Potter Missouri Western alumni and friends gathered at the Tonto Verde Country Club in Rio Verde, Arizona in Hall, home of the School of Fine Arts, February. Joyce Coleman, Charles Bruffy ’81, Ronda Meierhoffer and Mike Crouser ’72 were four of the Dr. Elizabeth Latosi-Sawin donated funds to purchase a clock for the newly renovated Thomas Eagleton Indoor specialist. include the addition of a studio theater attendees. Bruffy, who is a multiple Grammy Award winner, was also a guest speaker at the event. Pool in the M.O. Looney Complex. Dr. Latosi-Sawin’s father, John A. Latosi, was a swim coach, and the clock In light of recent state allocation performance space, a screening room, a was donated in his memory. cuts to universities, Brown said the dedicated computer lab and a costume Arts Society is a tremendous asset and shop. Other renovations are planned for is needed now more than ever to help classrooms in the existing building. enhance the arts programs at Missouri Western. “I am looking forward to working There’s still time to order with Drew,” Graves said. “We have appreciated his insight as a council a Victory Plaza brick! member, and I am certain he will do a Contact Kim Weddle, great job as chair.” director of Development, at (816) 271-5648 or weddle@

missouriwestern.edu. 14 www.missouriwestern.edu 15 Town and gown: Community enjoys campus events

Most people would say that a benefit Additionally, the newly renovated students from 38 countries set up “People in the community tell us of living in a college town is the number Spratt Memorial Stadium with a large displays and served cuisine from their they look forward to our events,” she and variety of events offered for the video scoreboard debuted this past fall home countries. said. “When local people come see the community, and in that regard, Missouri and greatly enhanced the fan experience The fair is a great opportunity for students and ask questions, that means a Western does not disappoint. A look for football and soccer games, McGuffin the community to learn about several lot to the students.” back at the past year of events that said. countries, but it is also a great time were open to the community reveals For the first time, the Department for the international students to meet Student and everything from theatre productions, of Art hosted an entrepreneur speaker and visit with community members, interesting speakers and entertainers, series, Name Your Path: Prep Art said Fumi Cheever, assistant director community great sporting events, and opportunities Career. The series featured a different of International Student Services. involvement to learn about international cultures. entrepreneur each month throughout International students tend to stay Last month, Missouri Western and the spring semester. Several other on campus and not get out in the The Center for Student Involvement, the community enjoyed a nationally academic departments also hosted community too much, she said, so this led by Isaiah Collier, assistant dean renowned poet when Nikki Giovanni guest speakers on a wide variety topics gives them a chance to connect with of Student Development, oversees visited campus. Giovanni was a throughout the year. community members. “They learn from the Greek social organizations, the guest judge for the 2017 Mochila Besides theatre productions and each other.” Western Activities Council and the Review, Missouri Western’s national athletics, the majority of community Cheever said when planning events, Nontraditional and Commuter Student undergraduate journal, and Dr. Marianne events are planned by three offices on their office tries to find a balance Center. Kunkel, assistant professor of English, invited her to campus: the Center for Multicultural between fun and educational, and continued on next page speak to students and read her poetry. High school Education, the Center for Student almost all their events are open to the students in the area also received special invitations Involvement and International Student community. to attend. Services. Giovanni, a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, is an American poet, writer, International events “I wasn’t doing it for commentator and activist. The International Fair, hosted by myself anymore,” he Sports, theatre and art International Student Services last said. “I was doing it fall, drew almost 600 attendees, which Theatre productions this year included “The included a large number of families from for everyone who was 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the community. At the fair, international “Blur,” “Macbeth” and “The Wedding Singer.” rooting for me. Everyone The community is also always invited to who was hiding in the participate in the theatre program’s 48-Hour Film Festival, which is held in the fall. closet but couldn’t Kurt McGuffin, athletic director, calls the Department of Athletics the University’s “front be comfortable with porch,” and he said he loves to see the community themselves. I was doing support the sports teams and attend athletic events. it for those people, Sport enthusiasts in the community can cheer on the Griffons almost year-round: football, soccer so I had a burden on and volleyball in the fall, men’s and women’s my shoulders, but I basketball in the winter, softball and baseball in the spring, and men’s and women’s golf in the fall was ready to meet the and spring. Starting this fall, Missouri Western is adding men’s and women’s track and field, and challenge.” men’s and women’s cross country to its sports - Michael Sam lineup. Campus and community members enjoy Missouri Western activities and events such as “Macbeth” (top), Step Afrika (middle), football games (bottom), international events (bottom THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 16 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 17 left, next page), and guest speakers (bottom right, next page). Town and gown: Community enjoys campus events Town and gown: Community enjoys campus events events

continued from pg. 17 Inclusive events Although the Center for Student “We write because Latoya Fitzpatrick, director of the Involvement focuses on events for Center for Multicultural Education, said students to help them stay actively we believe the they are always happy to see community engaged on campus, Collier noted that human spirit members attend their events. Planning almost all are open to the community. a wide variety of events that represent “It’s a great opportunity to build cannot be tamed several cultures, Fitzpatrick says their bonds and strengthen ties in the focus is on education. community,” he said. “The community and should not be At the start of the school year gains a lot when they interact with trained.” in 2016, the center hosted Finding students.” the Faith, where churches from the He said he also likes to see - Nikki Giovanni community set up displays in the community members have a chance to student union so students could explore check out the campus and see what has churches in the community. That was changed since they last visited. the second year the center had hosted One successful event that is open the event, and Fitzpatrick said it was to the community last fall is Standing a big success, regarding both student in Your Truth lecture series. Speakers attendance and the number of churches included Michael Sam, the first openly that participated. gay NFL player; and Brian Banks, who The center plans events around was falsely accused of rape and spent five Collier’s office also hosts Western students and community members. designated months, such as Hispanic years in prison. Warmup, where community businesses In April, American Authors and Heritage Month (September-October), A big weekend for the center is and organizations are invited to set up a X Ambassadors performed, and past LGBT History Month (October), Family Weekend, when students’ families table on campus during the first week of performers have included Maddie & Native American Heritage Month are invited to visit. Last fall, the weekend school. In fall 2016, almost 60 businesses Tae, Ludacris and Brycevine, Sara (November), Black History Month included a carnival, planetarium shows and organizations participated in the Evans, Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, and (February) and Women’s History Month and a football game. Comedian Jeff event. Blake Shelton. (March). Scheen performed on Friday evening The annual spring concert at the “They all represent groups on campus, of that weekend. He was one of several Civic Arena is another event for both and we want them to feel included,” she novelty acts that the center hosted last said. “We want them to know that the year. This spring, the center also hosted campus cares about their cultures.” Griffopolooza Comedy Show. The events, she said, also help students interact with people from the community. “Any way we can make those connections happen is beneficial.”

“You should be clear on your goals. What does it mean to you to be an artist?” - Eric Swangstu, artist entrepreneur

Events held on campus in the past year include an International Fair (top, and middle left, next page), Midday Melodies (bottom left), guest speakers (bottom right, and top next page), Convocation speaker Cokie Roberts (middle right, next page), a Hispanic Heritage banquet 18 www.missouriwestern.edu (bottom left, next page), and a research poster presentation (bottom right, next page).

Campus News Campus News

Student creates a GriffsGiveBack center

When Brent Rosenauer graduates this month, he is leaving behind a legacy of community service that he hopes will continue long after his college days. Last fall, he created GriffsGiveBack, an office on campus that serves as a central point for volunteering in the community and well, giving back. Shana Meyer, vice president of Student Affairs, liked his idea so much she gave him office space. The Student Government Association liked his idea so much, the senators decided to fund him. Nixon/Cronkite exhibit So in January 2017, Rosenauer, a native of St. Joseph and the Savannah A temporary exhibit featuring the connections between area, opened his office. If an organization President Richard Nixon and Walter Cronkite went up in the in the community needs volunteers, they Brent Rosenauer in his newly created GriffsGiveBack office in the Blum Union. Walter Cronkite Memorial in late February, and will be replaced call him and he finds the volunteers. If later this month. students, employees or alumni want to “There are a lot of motivated people “Missouri Western has more Cronkite covered Nixon’s presidential runs and his landmark volunteer, they call him and he finds an who want to see this office succeed,” he opportunities than any other university Object Spotlight: NASA Display trip to China, and he was determined to cover the Watergate organization for them. said. has to offer. I’ve had a lot of big ideas, scandal that began in 1972. The display includes CBS Evening In the short time he’s been open, Rosenauer said he came to Missouri and there has never been a professor or A NASA Display is part of the Walter Cronkite News reports, photographs and objects relating to Cronkite’s Rosenauer got eight Planet Aid bins on Western with the idea of getting his administrator that told me no.” Memorial because of Cronkite’s great interest in reporting reporting, along with loans from Cronkite’s children and the St. campus for clothing donations, and he general studies credits in and then And what is going to happen when on the space flights and moon landings. Because St. Joseph Joseph Music Foundation. Additionally, the Emmy that Cronkite held a campus cleanup day in February transferring, but once he became he graduates this month? Rosenauer says is in the path of totality for the solar eclipse Aug. 21, received for his reporting of the Watergate scandal is also on (50 people showed up to help). He’s also involved on campus, he realized he he isn’t worried about the office because the Memorial will extend its hours to 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on display. held meetings with Noyes Home and didn’t want to leave. The convergent a lot of students have expressed interest Sunday, Aug. 20. There will also be a special display with a NASA space suit and a photo op. United Way staff to help address their media major spent three years working in taking the position on after he leaves. volunteer needs and is working on a on the Griffon News, the student Since he started this initiative, he is recycling initiative for campus. newspaper. leaning toward a career in nonprofits. About the Walter “I want to change the world in a positive way,” he says. “That’s what I Cronkite Memorial want to do with my life.” The Walter Cronkite Memorial opened on Missouri Western’s campus in November 2013 and features more than GriffsGiveBack 6,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, including several interactive kiosks and a replica of Cronkite’s newsroom from the late Student Gillian Evans, and Janessa, Nick 1960s and early 1970s. Visitors to the newsroom are able and Nehemiah Edwards, and John Gregory to sit behind a replica of Cronkite’s famous news desk and help at the campus cleanup day as part of have their picture taken. the GriffsGiveBack initiative. Nick Edwards Additionally, three multimedia performances, “Cronkite,” and Gregory are Missouri Western “Harry and Walter: Missouri’s Native Sons,” and “King and employees. Cronkite” have been produced as part of the Memorial. Recordings of the performances may be available to groups, The Department of History and Geography hosted a professional development and live performances are periodically scheduled. workshop on campus for social studies teachers in the St. Joseph School The Memorial is open seven days a week, closing only on District in February. The afternoon ended with a tour of the Walter Cronkite Easter, Christmas and New Year’s Day. It is located in the Memorial. Amanda Morrow, Memorial coordinator, gave the tour. Spratt Hall atrium and is free and open to the public.

THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 2020 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 21

Alumni News Alumni News

From the Alumni Association President Coming Events Pat Dillon: Faithful, proud and true Dear Fellow Alumni, or more years), Craig May 6 Spring Commencement, Among the many nonprofit recently ended on the board, he agreed This has been a great School of Business, the 11 a.m., Craig Field in Spratt Memorial year to be your alumni Black Alumni Network, Stadium. organizations in St. Joseph, it would to stay on the development committee. president. The Alumni and the Griffon Band probably be difficult to find anyone “Missouri Western is such an asset to Association has gathered Alumni. We are always June 3 Alumni Day at the K, Royals who doesn’t know Pat Dillon. But more the community. It is one of those entities at many events and open to more, so if you vs. Indians, game time 1:15 p.m., than that, it would be difficult to find that make a huge impact,” he says. “And celebrations, and I am have an idea, please Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, a nonprofit board in St. Joseph that he support for those entities is crucial.” unable to describe the share it with us. Missouri. hasn’t served on. Dillon says he volunteers for two enormous pride I feel for I strongly Dillon, vice president for advocacy main reasons. First, he wants to give Missouri Western and what encourage you to get June 17 Alumni Day at the Mustangs, and government relations for Mosaic back to the community that has been it offers. We celebrated involved. Whether it’s Phil Welch Stadium, St. Joseph, Life Care in St. Joseph, said his supportive of him and that he depends a great Homecoming, a volunteering, attending Missouri. position at the hospital, which he has on; and second, because it’s the right wonderful group of mid- events, or joining the held for three years, is tailor-made thing to do. He said he chooses to year graduates and kicked Mary (Sprake) Vaughan ’79 Western League for Aug. 20 Total Solar Eclipse for him because he interacts with the volunteer for organizations that are off our Alumni Admissions Excellence with your events, see pg. 7 community daily. “difference makers,” and one of his Recruitment Team in St. Joseph and annual gift, you will be more aware of “If I wrote my ideal job description, passions is early childhood education. Aug. 26 Griffon Day of Service. Alumni Kansas City. what’s going on and appreciate what this would be it,” he says. “I really enjoy Pat Dillon presents a Missouri Western Foundation True to his giving personality, Dillon, across the country are encouraged philanthropy award to a student organization. In the coming year, we will focus the University means to the community, it.” who is owner of the Dillon Company to volunteer for service in their on events and activities that cultivate region, state and beyond. Basically, he says his duties include again, is quick to step back out of the alumni, emphasize diversity and Our alumni are our greatest assets. communities. That day, the freshmen meeting with community entities such of Commerce, United Way, Sertoma, public eye and give credit to others. inclusion, assist with enrollment and No university is strong without having participating in Missouri Western’s as the school district, the city council YMCA and Habitat for Humanity, “We have such a great volunteer base retention, and help the University in passionate and committed alumni. So orientation program, Griffon Edge, will and area organizations and businesses in this community. There are so many finding ways to counter the cuts in state make a plan today to get involved, show Dillon has served on Missouri Western’s be volunteering on campus and across to see what Mosiac Life Care can do for Foundation Board of Directors for others who do so much more than I do.” assistance. your spirit and be a part of this outstanding the community. Join them in your There will be a concerted effort University and Alumni Association. You them. nine years, or three terms. In that role, “Missouri Western and the community! to increase alumni attendance at can be a part of the excitement! Dillon, a native of St. Joseph, owned he chaired its development committee community truly appreciate Pat’s and operated the Dillon Company for and worked on two of the University’s commitment to making a difference in Homecoming, the Alumni Awards Again, it has been a pleasure to serve Sept. 12 R. Dan Boulware Convocation several years before he went to work capital campaigns. He also helped start St. Joseph,” said Jerry Pickman ’85, vice Banquet, the R. Dan Boulware you as your alumni president. Kudos to the on Critical Issues featuring Martin Convocation on Critical Issues, Alumni Board and Colleen Kowich, your for Mosaic nine years ago in retail a giving society, the Western League president for University Advancement Luther King III. Commencement, and athletic events. alumni director, for an outstanding year. development. for Excellence. He also served on the and executive director of the Foundation. We will also introduce the Great Thank You! Oct. 28 Homecoming 2017: The Along with serving on the boards Foundation’s directorship, executive and “He has certainly been faithful, proud Griffon Awards as a way to recognize Legend of Griffon Hollow (sometimes as chair) of the Chamber bylaws committees. Although his term and true to this University.” more alumni who are doing exceptional work in their places of employment Alumni Association creates Great Griffon Awards and/or their communities, as well as Mary Vaughan ’79 three new Alumni Association Student The Alumni Association Board of Mary Vaughan ’79, association their career achievements, volunteerism, Leadership Awards to recognize the Directors recently announced two new president, noted that the Alumni or humanitarianism. They do not have Future Griffs at the Chocolate Factory outstanding contributions our students categories of alumni recognition to be Association will continue to present to be working in their degree field. make to campus life. Please make sure Evan Blakley Hitchcock poses with Truffles, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory bear, at Future Griffs at the presented at the awards banquet on its current awards – the Distinguished The nomination must include why the you check out the new criteria and the Chocolate Factory in February in St. Joseph. He is the son of James Hitchcock and Julie Blakley Hitchcock ‘92. Oct. 27 as part of Homecoming. Alumni Award, the GOLD (Graduate nominee should be considered a Great various nomination processes on the The Great Griffon Awards will of the Last Decade) award, the Herb ’35 Griffon and list any known career alumni web page. (See the article on the recognize alumni from each College and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding achievements and/or community service. next page.) and School who exhibit outstanding Service to the University and the Nominations have closed for 2017, but We will also focus on developing contributions to the workforce, society Distinguished Faculty Award. nominations for 2018 will be accepted more alumni networks to bring people or the University. The Alumni Student Nominees for the Great Griffon until March 1, 2018. To nominate together that share a common purpose Leadership Awards will recognize three Awards must have graduated at least someone for a Great Griffon Award, or education area. We currently have graduating students with the Clifford one year between graduation and email Colleen Kowich at ckowich@ several networks that are very active and meet many needs: Mama Griffs (for Hughes ’55 Award, the International nomination or completed at least 24 missouriwestern.edu or send information alumni with children), Forever Griffons Student of the Year Award and the credit hours at Missouri Western, and to Kowich at 4525 Downs Drive, Spratt (for our alumni who have graduated 40 Graduating Student of the Year Award. bring pride to Missouri Western through 106, St. Joseph, MO 64507.

THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 22 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 23

Alumni News Alumni News

Ralph Alvarez ’71: Woodworker extraordinaire Aviator author: Don Bachali ’57 On any given Thursday evening, was building the muzzle-loaders, and you always know where you can find he has a blacksmith shop alongside his Don Bachali ’57 had been a part that number increases to around 5,000 if began training Ralph Alvarez ’71. For the past 38 years, woodworking shop. of the Airborne Law Enforcement you count all past members, as well. during his senior Alvarez has offered free lessons in his All comers are welcome to the Association since its earliest beginnings, The national organization started year. home workshop to anyone interested Thursday night lessons, he says. For the but whenever he asked newer members with a seminar in St. Louis for just Bachali was a in learning woodworking and wood first project, you can use his wood and if they knew how the association got seven or eight pilots, the author said. pilot for the Army, carving. tools. For subsequent projects, you have started, no one could answer him. By the next year, 30 attended a seminar, even completing a For the second academic year, the to provide your own wood, but you can “I felt like the history should be and the membership just kept growing tour in Vietnam, St. Joseph native and alumnus has always use his tools. And if you have written down, and I kept waiting for from there. Bachali noted that several until 1966. He been sharing his love and his immense your own tools, you can sharpen them in someone to do it,” he said. Missourians were instrumental in worked then as knowledge of the craft with Missouri the blacksmith shop. The native of St. Joseph and current getting ALEA started. an architect for a Western students by teaching a Tools There’s no set number of lessons for Vero Beach, Florida resident finally The book includes chapters on short time before and Techniques course on campus. his Thursday-evening sessions; Alvarez decided that if he wanted the history the first and second seminars and returning to the Alvarez is pleased that he is teaching says one man has been coming every of ALEA recorded, he would have to conventions, a history of female pilots, skies with Hughes a lifelong skill to the students. “It’s like week since 1979. Others come for just a do it himself. Last year, after a 2 ½-year and a history of early law enforcement Helicopters. He riding a bike; once you learn it, you know few weeks or a few months. And there effort, he self-published a 190-page aviation programs. One chapter is titled, retired from McDonnell Douglas in how to do it. I hope I inspire them to do are new students all the time, ranging “The History of the Airborne Law “Equipment: Then & Now.” 1994. it on their own.” in age from middle school to over 90. Above, Ralph Alvarez ‘71 in his woodworking class Enforcement Association.” After graduating with an associate Bachali said he has received a good He began creating things out of wood Lessons usually last two hours, and at Missouri Western. Below, left, student Indigo According to its website, ALEA is degree from the St. Joseph Junior response from the book. All proceeds when he was in grade school, and as a his shop can handle up to 15 budding Gaydusek with her pineapple storage box that she a nonprofit educational organization College, Bachali was accepted in the from its sales are being used to establish made in Ralph Alvarez’s class. high schooler, Alvarez got interested in woodworkers. founded to support and encourage architecture program at the University a scholarship fund for dependents building muzzle-loading rifles. The adjunct professor can’t decide if the use of aircraft in public safety. The of Kansas, where he also enrolled in the of law enforcement and military There was no woodworking class at he likes woodworking, wood carving or the St. Joseph Woodworkers Guild, that organization provides networking ROTC program. personnel. his high school, and Missouri Western iron working best, and sometimes, he group donates high-quality wood for systems, educational seminars and At the end of his junior year, he was “It’s been a joy to write it and a great wasn’t offering one when he was a says, he works with all three in the same Missouri Western students to use. The product expositions, and there are more accepted into the infantry branch and journey.” student either. So he taught himself both day. When you’ve been an artisan with students make decorative boxes that the than 3,000 members today. Bachali says the Army flight training program and woodworking and carving. Alvarez also his skill for more than 50 years, it’s also Guild in turn donates to the St. Joseph learned how to work with iron when he hard to pick a favorite project. But he AFL-CIO for its Christmas Adopt- Alumna creates sculpture for Oklahoma State University did mention carousel horses, a cigar- a-Family program. Some of the items Marrita Black ’75 created a large and Immortal,” was selected from more and alumni keeping a watchful eye while store Indian and a carved lectern for a students made have been used in Guild bronze sculpture of a mare and her than 75 artists’ entries and is estimated the freshmen go and find their place at local church. auctions as fundraisers, and Alvarez colt for a new welcome plaza on the at a cost of $325,000. OSU.” Alvarez spent his career teaching high noted that the Missouri Western student campus of Oklahoma State University The sculpture is 1.25 times life Black’s works are displayed around school and adult education classes. He projects brought in almost $1,000 last in Stillwater. Black’s sculpture, “Proud size and is cast in bronze, along with the world, including Italy and Brazil. graduated from Missouri Western with year. a bronze saddle sitting atop One of her sculptures is in St. Joseph, a physical education degree, and began By the end of the semester, Missouri a nearby fence. Steve Dobbs, Missouri – a bronze bust of Doris teaching that at the Dekalb, Missouri Western students will have made a landscape services manager for Hines at Mosaic Life Care. In 2002, she high school. decorative box for the Guild, a cutting facilities and management at created “Legacy of Color,” a sculpture of At the time, he says, he had never board, and a final project of their choice. OSU, explained the symbolism two mares, a foal and a stallion for the heard of industrial arts classes, but once “It’s only limited by their of the sculpture that is in the American Paint Horse Association in he did, he began teaching that to high imagination, and these students come up center of the plaza. Fort Worth, Texas that is 1.25 times life school students. He has retired from with some pretty remarkable things,” he “The mare is really size. teaching high school full-time, but will said of their final projects. intended to represent alumni A native of Wathena, Kansas, Black still sub for an industrial arts class when For now, Alvarez plans to continue and staff and faculty, while graduated from Missouri Western he is called. teaching his craft both on Thursday the foal is meant to represent with a degree in animal science and And what’s the first thing he teaches evenings and at Missouri Western. the eager freshmen ready to has trained horses for several years. run out and change the world. She began sculpting in 1992. More his students? Safety. “Never forget that “I really enjoy teaching young people They’re leaving home, so the information about her work can be these tools will bite you.” how to do this. I’ll quit when it feels like mare can also represent parents found at horsesculpture.com. Thanks to Alvarez’s connections with work.”

THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 24 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 25

Alums find calling in foreign lands Missouri Western alumni are not only making an impact locally and nationally, but also in foreign countries. Ally Browning ’08 and Gary ’97 and Rachel Chaney have found their calling in serving others – Browning in Honduras and and within a few months, they An eye-opening life the Chaneys in Africa. offered her a position. She began working full-time for them in May 2016, and today changer: Gary ’97 Eyes wide open: is the foundation’s director of engagement. and Rachel Chaney Ally Browning ’08 “I thought to myself, ‘this is where I need to be,’ so I left the corporate world,” she said. “It In August 2015, Gary ’97 and Rachel Chaney quit their was hard, because I had awesome benefits, a great team and nursing jobs in the Kansas City area, rented out their home, As a sophomore at Missouri Western in 2006, a spring great pay. But it was also easy because I knew I was going to a sold their cars and most of their belongings, and moved with break trip to help clean up the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina job that I was passionate about.” their two children to Zambia to oversee the building of a in New Orleans was the first time Ally Browning ’08 had ever Humanity and Hope is an international nonprofit that hospital there. participated in a mission trip. That eye-opening experience led works with local residents in Honduran communities to The journey to that major life change began 10 years ago in her to begin volunteering at her church, and taking mission implement sustainable Haiti, when Gary participated in a medical mission trip. trips over both her junior- and senior-year spring breaks. “I can’t imagine projects. The organization “While I was there, I felt like this Her ongoing commitment of serving those who need it operates out of Indiana, is what I should be doing,” he said. most led her to a major step along that path – she gave up a being 13 years old and but Browning works from “I felt the call. It changed me.” job at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. in St. Joseph and her home in St. Joseph. Rachel returned with him the began working for the nonprofit Humanity and Hope United having no hope of Since she started, she has next year, and the couple knew they wanted to go on more Foundation. traveled to Honduras four mission trips. They both continued to work full time, and Browning, whose degree is in speech communication, going to school. They times. Gary earned a nurse practitioner degree from Research says she was drawn to nonprofits when she was a senior at “It’s so hard to come College of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri. Missouri Western. She took a public relations course that are so grateful for the back home because I In 2010, Gary returned to Haiti after a 7.0 magnitude pairs student groups with nonprofit community organizations, am constantly thinking earthquake heavily damaged the country. But also in 2010, the and she worked with the local Wesley Center to develop an opportunity to go to about them,” she said. “I couple traveled to Zambia for a medical mission. after-school program for appreciate that I live in a “We saw a real need and said, ‘let’s do something more,’” at-risk girls. When Browning school and to learn.” community that offers so Rachel said of the Zambia trip. graduated, she was hired to - Ally Browning ’08 many opportunities.” Gary said the third-world country has high rates of HIV run the program. Ally Browning ’08 with a friend on one of her several trips to Honduras for her employer, Humanity and Hope United Foundation. Browning noted and AIDS, unsanitary conditions, and no preventative care. that their organization does not try to “Americanize” the “It’s like going into the past 50 or 100 years,” he said of its people they work with in Honduras. Instead, they help the medical facilities. The hospitals are also unaffordable for most “That class made me realize that nonprofits fit my people come up with their own solutions. For example, the of the residents. personality,” she says. “It made me realize I wanted to help organization helped build chicken coops so women can raise “They bury children daily,” Rachel said, noting that one in others.” chickens to feed their families and to sell the extra to grocery seven children die before the age of five. The fall after she graduated from Missouri Western, stores. Humanity and Hope has also helped start plantain and In 2013, they returned to Zambia for a medical mission Browning, a native of St. Joseph, took her first overseas pineapple production. Some of the money that families earn trip and treated about 200 patients each day. mission trip – to El Salvador – with a group called Living helps pay for an education for their children. Those trips led them to start planning to build a medical Water International. Her church had raised $5,000 to dig a “That really opened my eyes,” Browning said. “I can’t clinic there, and they began raising money for it. The Chaneys well in a village there. imagine being 13 years old and having no hope of going to established a nongovernment organization (NGO) and a “I saw 70-year-old men crying because they never thought school. They are so grateful for the opportunity to go to school board of directors in Zambia so they would be accountable. they would have that much access to water,” she said. “After and to learn.” Their funds go through a nonprofit organization, All God’s that, I wanted to make sure that I kept going on mission She is also excited that she is learning a lot about nonprofit Children (allgodschildrenkc.com). trips.” organizations, because Browning can’t imagine returning to a continued on next page She returned to El Salvador with Living Water career in a for-profit company. International two more times, and also traveled to Haiti with “I never want to live my life with my eyes closed. I want to the Global Orphan Project. In 2015, she traveled to Honduras do what I can to help people who need it.” with Humanity and Hope, and when she returned, she conducted a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY Spring 2017 27 Browning also began helping the group with social media, Alumni News

An eye-opening life changer: Gary ’97 and Rachel Chaney Magazine survey results continued from pg. 27 Thank you to all who participated in our Missouri Western Magazine survey last Samaritan’s Purse, a humanitarian aid organization, had helped Gary travel to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, so he year – a little over 400 were filled out. We appreciate your feedback and are working decided to reach out to that organization for assistance. to make each issue better than the last. We have also tried to add more content online “We requested a list of supplies that filled about five pages at missouriwestern.edu/magazine. double spaced, and Samaritan’s Purse sent us a list of what they would ship to Zambia for us. It was 12 pages single The majority of people who said they read the magazine read almost all the spaced,” he said. sections, but news about campus departments and alumni were the most read. However, a look at the supplies, worth about $28,000, Here are some other results: revealed that it was supplies for more than a clinic. So the Chaneys changed their plans and began to build a hospital: the Murundu Mission Hospital of Hope. 241 read every issue, The family returned to the and read most issues “The hospital and United States in December 2016 for a couple of months 92 land will be like a to spread the word about their work and raise money read all or most of it, refuge where they to continue the project. They 293 hope to have the first phase read none of it can find hope.” operational by January 2018. 9 The hospital will have - Gary Chaney ’97 20 to 25 beds to start, a registration area, an emergency room, labor, delivery and postpartum rooms; prefer the magazine in print The Chaney family poses with friends in front of the hospital they are building in 349 an outpatient clinic, intensive care unit rooms, a lab, x-ray Zambia. They hope to have it operational in 2018. facilities, and a pharmacy. They also plan to add a surgery prefer the magazine online center in the future. All care will be free or for a minimal cost. 34 “It’s bringing a lot of hope to the people,” Rachel said. “The hospital and land will be like a refuge,” Gary said, prefer both in print & online “They are excited.” “where they can find hope.” 73 And when it’s completed, the Chaneys plan to turn The family also holds Bible study groups and tries to help How much total time hospital operations over to the local residents and return wherever they can. In the future, they would love to build a do you spend reading it? to the United States. Their goal is to have the community center, staff housing, a clinic and a home for girls. hospital have half of its operational funds paid “I know why we ended up here,” Gary says. “They need a lot How likely are you to for by sustainable projects and the balance by of help.” 36 60 minutes or more donations. It is being built on 12 acres, so the The couple and their two children live in a small city read additional Chaneys plan to and drive to many of the area villages. The family does have 30 to 59 minutes help the locals electricity, usually off for two to eight hours every day, and 146 content online? grow farm running water, only cold. Rachel homeschools the children. crops on “Until a person gets out of their comfort zone and goes to 173 10 to 29 minutes the extra another country, you really can’t open your eyes to see how they land to live, and how fortunate we are,” Gary said. “It’s guaranteed to 1 to 9 minutes sustain change your life. When you come back, you will say, ‘What 43 operations. can I do?’”

THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 28 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 29

Alumnotes Alumnotes

1970s Dr. Duane Bruce ’99 is the editor of the 2010s Journal for College Orientation and Transition, Penguins up close and personal: Lauran West ’16 Missouri Rep. Pat Conway ’73 was named which is a publication for the National Elena Castanada ’10 was promoted to one of 50 Missourians You Should Know by Orientation Directors Association. actuarial consultant at Aetna. If anyone asked Lauran West ’16 as the most rewarding experiences of Ingram’s Magazine, Kansas City’s Business a child what her favorite animal was, my life,” West said of the penguins.

Magazine. Rep. Conway served as Buchanan 2000s Kristin Parker ’10 and Alexander Sics she never hesitated, and her answer “I enjoyed observing the animals up were married Nov. 12, 2016. The couple resides County clerk for 28 years and was elected to the was always “penguins.” So imagine her close and personal while studying their in Grand Rapids, Michigan. state Legislature in 2010. Mindy Kinnaman ’01 is the director of student excitement when she was hired for a behaviors.” life at Front Range Community College in two-month internship at the Henry Her most valuable lesson of the was inducted into the Nicole (Pickman) George Hayward ’75 Westminster, Colorado. Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, internship, she says, was learning how Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in January 2017. Pummel ’10 and her Nebraska to care for and feed the a zoo operates. “There is a lot that goes He was an official for the National Football Dr. Jasmine Briedwell ’03 received the PTA husband, Spencer, announce tuxedoed birds. into maintaining a zoo, and keeping the League for 25 years. Over those years, he Outstanding Principal Award at the St. Joseph the birth of a son, Maverick West, a biology major with a animals safe, healthy, and comfortable is officiated 425 games, including the 2007 Super School District’s PTA Founders Day in February. Edward, born Aug. 28, 2016. zoology concentration, landed that its number-one priority.” Bowl, four conference championships and four She is the principal at Lake Contrary Elementary Melissa (Bledsoe) Boyd ’11 graduated with dream internship this past fall and West, from Wathena, Kansas, didn’t wild card games. School in St. Joseph. a Master of Science in Family Studies-Youth loved every minute of it. Along with the come to Missouri Western knowing Walter Wilson ’76 joined Affordable Gas + Elijah Haahr ’05 was elected to serve as Development from Kansas State University in penguins, she took care of the puffins, she wanted to work in a zoo, but when Electric as a member of its energy consultant Speaker Pro Tem by the Missouri House of December 2016. she seemed to be continually drawn to team. He is a former NFL and CFL player, signing Representatives Republicans. Haahr is a member biology classes, she made up her mind. West said a study away trip to Belize, Molly Smith ’11 participated in Miami contracts with the Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona of the state Legislature, representing the 134th “It was refreshing to be able to get which included a lot of snorkeling and University’s Earth Expeditions global field course Cardinals and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He district, which includes Springfield. The Speaker out of the classroom and outside for studying ocean organisms, was the in Namibia in the summer of 2016 as part of her also serves as a volunteer committee member Pro Tem is second in command in the Missouri field work, and I knew animals were highlight of her college career. master’s degree program from the university’s with the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame. House. always a passion of mine.” She said she also appreciated the Global Field Program. passion of her professors for their 1980s Jon-Paul Bellamy ’05 and his wife, Sarah, “Being able to work subjects. “They encouraged students announce the birth of a daughter, Amelia Lee, Check out this future to get excited about what they were Scott Wilhoit ’84 was named senior vice born Sept. 1, 2016. Griffon’s attire! directly with them has learning, and they cared about students’ president, global market access and patient successes.” Michael O’Neal ’06 was named the Missouri Mitch ’13 and Bailee services for Strongbridge Biopharma, a global West is currently an animal Department of Corrections Board of Probation (Testorff) ’13 Giger been one of the most commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company. caretaker/performer at SeaWorld San and Parole’s regional employee of the month announce the birth of a rewarding experiences Antonio in Texas. Paul Rhoads ’89 was named defensive in July 2016. In addition to a normal probation daughter, Jessa June, Eventually, she says, she would like coordinator for the University of Arkansas caseload in Grundy County, O’Neal also born Dec. 10, 2016. to travel to other countries to observe supervises sex offenders, dangerous felons and of my life.” in Fayetteville. He had been serving as the - Lauran West ’16 animals in their natural habitats and Razorback’s defensive backfield coach. domestic violence cases in Grundy, Harrison and Beau Clinton ’14 joined Clayton Paper & murres, and toucans, helping with diet conduct studies about the impact of Mercer counties. Distribution as the marketing director and an preparation, administering medications, environmental changes on them. account manager. cleaning exhibits, and feeding them. But she’ll always have Omaha. 1990s Nicolas ’06 and Amanda (Gonzalez) She also got to help build rookeries And the penguins. ’07 Thyfault announce the birth of a son, Tammy Siegrist ’91, Jacob Scott ’14 is chief of staff for Missouri (nurseries) for the birds. Henry Robert Xavier, born Sept. 9, 2016. The CPA, CGMA, was named a State Sen. Bill Eigel, 23rd District. Scott had Not only do zookeepers take care couple also has daughter Catherine, 6, and son partner at MarksNelson, an been serving as a legislative aide to State of the animals’ physical needs, West Alexander, 2. accounting and consulting Sen. Robert Schaaf since 2014. said, it’s important to stimulate firm in Kansas City, all their senses so they don’t get Ashley (Vernon) ’07 Stephen Culver ’15 and Chassie Hartman bored in the exhibits. That means Missouri. Siegrist joined and Drew ’09 Hanna were married Sept. 24, 2016. MarksNelson in 2003. She is also co-vice announce the birth of a activities with laser pointers, president of finance for the American Business daughter, Madison Claire, LaQuinta Jefferson ’16 signed a professional music, bubbles, mirrors, Women’s Association. born Dec. 14, 2016. contract to play basketball for Gernika Bizkaia, a bouncy balls, and painting professional women’s basketball team in Spain. (penguin Picassos, At Missouri Western, she was the 2015-16 perhaps?). MIAA Player of the Year and scored over 1,000 “Being able to points in her college career. work directly with them has been one of

THE MAGAZINE OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 30 www.missouriwestern.edu Spring 2017 31

Alumnotes

In Memory Looking back – student publications We remember those who have passed away. If you want to include someone in this listing, please call (816) 271-5651, mail the information to Diane Since renowned poet Nikki Kocher left after one year and work. Dr. Marianne Kunkel is now the Holtz, Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507, or email [email protected]. Giovanni served as a guest judge for was replaced by Anna Leahy. Leahy advisor for Canvas and the editor of the Marion K. Agnew, Atchison, Kansas, Darlyne Garbe, St. Joseph, Missouri, Nov. 27, Barbara S. Meredith ’92, St. Joseph, Missouri, the Mochila Review and visited last decided to keep Icarus as a national Mochila Review. Dec. 18, 2016. Agnew worked as director of 2016. Garbe worked in the Missouri Western Nov. 22, 2016. month to read her poetry on campus, publication, but change its name. A Yearbooks began early on in Missouri we thought it would be fun to look back contest was held, and student Sue Western’s history, also. For the first Educational Diagnostics for Missouri Western library from 1980-1996. Earl Milton, Carterville, Illinois, Feb. 25, 2017. at the history of student publications, Ferguson submitted five years of the St. from 1998-2010. Curtis A. Grimm ’73, St. Joseph, Missouri, Milton was vice president of financial planning and which have been a part of Missouri the winning entry, Joseph Junior College, Lawrence Isaac Banks, St. Joseph, Nov. 25, 2016. administration at Missouri Western 1989-2002. Missouri, July 16, 2016. Banks was a security Western’s curriculum from its earliest Mochila Review. the students shared Stephen J. Hall ’75, St. Joseph, Missouri, Candice N. Minear ’09, Kansas City, Missouri, days. That year, Leahy yearbook space with officer for Missouri Western 1970-1987. Cpl. Feb. 3, 2017. Jan. 1, 2017. Robert Bidding, a current Missouri Western The first publication, Penny did allow a few Central High School’s police officer, said he had worked with Banks Velva J. (Hampton) Hinderks, Stewartsville, Clarence Elmer Olson, Jr. ’52, St. Joseph, Whistles, was published at the Missouri Western Wakitan. The 1916 in the 1980s, and he was very well respected Missouri, Feb. 9, 2017. Hinderks worked as a Missouri, Feb. 4, 2017. St. Joseph Junior College from 1920s students’ works to yearbook contained by students and employees. Banks, Cpl. secretary for 20 years for Missouri Western’s Jimmy Lee Paden ’75, Dearborn, Missouri, until the mid-1950s. That was followed be published in the one photo of the junior Bidding said, was able to quickly defuse tense Department of Social Sciences, retiring in 1990. Sept. 20, 2016. by Front Cover, which was published Mochila Review, college’s first class, situations because he was so respected. just one year, 1970. although it still and subsequent years Loretta Hughes ’05, St. Joseph, Missouri, Marc E. Sill ’01, Clarksdale, Missouri, Dec. 2, After that was Icarus, first published accepted submissions contained around a Goldie Mae (Krumme) Casper, Maysville, Nov. 1, 2016. 2016. Missouri, Feb. 5, 2017. She worked at during the 1971-72 academic year. It nationally. Leahy dozen or so junior Jean A. (Dittemore) Joyce ’91, Denton, Nina (France) Stevens ’42, Kansas City, Missouri Western for 23 years. Kansas, Feb. 12, 2017. continued as an outlet for Missouri stayed two years. college pages. Missouri, Oct. 6, 2016. Western student work through the In 2002, Dr. Bill The first Griffon Jacqueline Coulter-Byrd ’87, St. Joseph, Paul J. Kerner, Savannah, Missouri, Dec. Kristin L. Stockstill-Chitty ’02, Kansas City, 1999 edition. Church became yearbook that was Missouri, Nov. 18, 2016. 19, 2016. Kerner was an employee in Missouri Missouri, Jan. 28, 2017. When Icarus editor John Gilgun editor of the Mochila separate from Central Clyde Lemuel Daniels, Jr.’79, Gladstone, Western’s physical plant when he passed away. John W. Sutton ’81, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, retired in 1999, Ruth Ellen Kocher was Review. Church, High School’s book Missouri, Feb. 27, 2017. Charlaine (Farrow) Key ’62/’70, Dec. 10, 2016. hired as his replacement. She changed who was a 1989 was published in 1921 Jerome F. Downs ’41, San Francisco, Oct. St. Joseph, Missouri, March 8, 2017. Icarus into a national publication, where graduate of Missouri Western, said his for the 1920-21 school year. It was Darryl C. Walters ’78, St. Joseph, Missouri, 23, 2016. Downs received the Distinguished it no longer published student work but first published piece as a student was in dedicated to Lt. Walter Louis Pinger Chad Klein ’08, Gower, Missouri, Dec. 1, 2016. Sept. 6, 2016. Alumni Award from Missouri Western in 1994. accepted submissions from all over the the Icarus, so he wanted to re-establish and Cecil Meyers, who “sacrificed their Roger J. Kromko ’72, St. Joseph, Missouri, Roger Keith White ’85, Montgomery Village, Audrey E. Dugan ’77, Kansas City, country. In spring 2000, the first Icarus a campus publication for student work. lives in the recent war.” Feb. 8, 2017. Maryland, Feb. 17, 2017. Missouri, Dec. 15, 2016. as a national publication was printed, Church continued the Mochila Review The first issue of the college Richard A. Lewin ’53, St. Joseph, Missouri, James D. Worley ’76, Ottawa, Kansas, March and there was no longer any publication as a publishing venue for writers across newspaper, called the Spectator, was Lois E. Fox, Chillicothe, Missouri, Nov. Dec. 5, 2016. 3, 2017. on campus for the country and guided published in 1924. Six years later, the 28, 2016. Fox served as the Special Needs Allan H. Lowenberg ’69, St. Joseph, student work to the creation of Canvas paper changed its name to Griffon Coordinator from 1999-2004 at Missouri Sharon K. Ziph ’86, St. Joseph, Missouri, Missouri, Nov. 17, 2016. Western. Dec. 7, 2016. be published. in the spring of 2004 for News, which was the winning entry Harold T. Maxwell ’57, Clive, Iowa, Aug. 28, Missouri Western in a naming contest for 2016. students.

32 www.missouriwestern.edu Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Fulton, MO 65251 Missouri Western State University Permit No. 38 4525 Downs Drive St. Joseph, Missouri 64507

GriffsGiveBack campus cleanup day Fifty students, employees (including Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president) and alumni gathered on campus in February for a campus cleanup day, which was a kickoff event for the new campus initiative, GriffsGiveBack (see article on p. 21). Student Brent Rosenauer, who started the initiative, said this was the first event he had ever planned, and he was pleased with the turnout. An unseasonably warm day made it possible for the volunteers to take their cleanup efforts outside. “We have to do more and more and any volunteer work we can do, to better the world. You have to start local, and this is a good start,” employee John Gregory said. “GriffsGiveBack is fantastic.”