Viewpoint magazine

Connections Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.*

*Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci VOL. 6, NO. 2 A Publication of Cottey College FALL/WINTER 2019 CREATORS OF INCREDIBLE FUTURES cottey.edu VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019

Letters to the Editor

Dear Steve, Hello Steve enjoyed it! And I found out that the two Stockard Just a note to let you know what an excellent job I attended Cottey from Fall of 1970 to Spring of boys also attended Cottey! you do on the Viewpoint Magazine. Although I 1972. That was during the political discussions, served on the Cottey Board only from ’91 to ’95, controversy, and then passage of Title IX. I Perhaps you might consider that Cottey has I always try to keep track of the College. Any didn’t follow it much but was aware that some been, at least momentarily, a co-ed campus, publication my wife Dee (she was a MO State Ivy League Schools and military academies had worth writing about for the Viewpoint? P.E.O. officer from ’80 to ’87) and I receive from to start accepting women into their programs. I enjoy every issue of the Viewpoint. Thank you Cottey is always first rate. You must be in charge As I remember, two young men from Nevada for doing what you do! of all publications. challenged Cottey’s standing as an all-women Sincerely, school and enrolled in some classes. I remember If you are in touch with Dr. Washburn give her at least one guy attending at least one class for Myrna Ray Klupenger my best regards. I saw her at International in St. at least one semester. Class of ‘72 Louis a few years ago. I was on another college Florence, Oregon board prior to Cottey and the two presidents at I’ve always thought that this was a minor but that college could not compare to Helen. interesting part of Cottey’s history that shouldn’t Readers, be forgotten. Do you have any insight or personal In the last Viewpoint I saw that Neal Swarnes experience regarding men enrolled at Cottey? retired. By now you must be one of the veterans Fast forward 46 years. In anticipation of visiting Share your stories with me at of the College – and to me you are young! the Cottey campus for the first time since I [email protected]. graduated, I pulled out of storage The Life of Steve Here’s hoping you and Cottey are doing well. I Virginia Alice Cottey Stockard, which I had very much enjoyed my service there. purchased while a student at Cottey but had Yours truly, never read. I expected it to be boring. I might John W. Acuff have thought it boring when I was 20, but I really

A Message from the EDITOR Social Media and a Change to the Class Notes Section Over the last three months, I’ve had the changed the way we communicate with we receive news of career highlights, we responsibility of doing the College’s social each other. It’s certainly changed the way will make space for those. We will continue media postings on Facebook, Instagram, alumnae communicate their news. I mention to print the death notices of Cottey alumnae and LinkedIn. Someone once compared this specifically because the Viewpoint no as you may not learn of those elsewhere. managing social media to owning a horse; longer receives the same alumnae news it has to be fed every day. That is the truth, from you that we used to print in the Class I always enjoyed the happy news in your friends! Notes section of this magazine. life as you chose to share it with us. I still celebrate all of those milestones with you Although I do have my own personal In planning each issue, I traditionally saved as your friend. We’ll just be sharing those Facebook account, I don’t post to it nearly four pages for alumnae news, marriages, moments in social media, or until the next as often, unless there is some funny cat births, and deaths. With the last two issues, communication revolution comes along to video that I feel needs to be shared among we didn’t receive anything for the marriages change that. my circle of friends. For Cottey, however, and births. we try to have something new at least once As always you are encouraged to write me every day, and sometimes we may have Because alumnae seem to be sharing at [email protected]. two postings in the same day. those life events on social media, we have reluctantly decided to abandon the births Sincerely, Social media has, for better or worse, and marriages section of the Viewpoint. If Steve Reed, editor VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 1

message from the PRESIDENT Viewpoint magazine

A Publication of Cottey College: Creators of Incredible Futures

Invisible Threads Are PUBLISHER Cottey College

EDITORIAL Editor: Steve Reed The Strongest Ties* Phone: 417-667-8181, ext. 2140 Fax: 417-667-8103 Email: [email protected] To our treasured alumnae, I submit this question: create friendships, connections, and bonds that will DESIGNER what are your memories of Cottey and the ties you last me a lifetime.” Steve Reed created with classmates, faculty, or staff? What Students often share that it is that connection that PHOTOGRAPHY stories come to mind when you think back to your helps them create their own world view. A student All photos copyright of Cottey days on campus, whether 50+ years ago or simply College unless otherwise noted. from Texas recognizes that she has “met a lot of last spring. Do you recall walking across campus different women of different beliefs and races and ENVIRONMENTAL in the first snow of the season? Can you picture Viewpoint Magazine is printed ethnicities who have changed my view on the using soy-based vegetable inks, yourself gathered with friends to watch a favorite world.” which have replaced petroleum- movie (or for those of you of a “certain age,” based inks. gathered around a TV to enjoy All My Children)? For many students, such as a student from COPYRIGHT Does your mind take you back to an athletic event, Kentucky, “making new friends and connections All material appearing in Viewpoint Magazine is copyright a concert, or a play you attended in support of your with others” is what they enjoy most about Cottey. unless otherwise stated. suitemates? Viewpoint Magazine takes all Connections with professors and with the world care to ensure information is Do you recall spending an evening at BIL Lodge beyond Cottey are also important ties students correct at time of printing. playing board games, meeting for a study session know they are creating. “Cottey is helping me ADVISORY GROUP prior to a big exam, or taking a much-needed to make connections in the political community Members of the Viewpoint Advisory Group include Steve Monday afternoon nap in the library? Do you and bring together my education in biology and Reed, Dr. Joann Bangs, Christi remember where you sat in a specific class leadership in this endeavor,” was a comment Fulton Ellis ‘96, Margaret Haverstic, Nancy Kerbs ‘79, and during a life-changing conversation or rushing to made by a student from Missouri, while a student Dr. Kathy Pivak. Raney Dining Room on baked potato soup day? from Kansas expressed that “Cottey offers me When Cottey pops into your mind, do you recall the ability to gain an education without being the words of a favorite Cottey song or picture drowned out in a lecture hall of students in a single yourself participating in treasured traditions, such class. I appreciate the way I can connect with as Signing of the Cottey Book, Hanging of the my professors and be confident they know who Greens, or the Daisy Chain? I am and how to help me if I come to them with questions.” Thus, what are the invisible threads that tie you to Cottey and to each other? Cottey students connect with the past as they move into their futures. A first-year student from Over the past weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to California shared that “my life is already being read letters written by students to thank donors changed as I learn the history of this college, for gifts that make their educations possible. I find how one woman made the education of women a myself in awe of the connections current students priority; today I am a beneficiary of her greatness.” already recognize they are creating with the College and with others on campus. And a student from Tennessee summed it all up when she recalled her initial trip to Cottey: Students often speak of the personal connections “When I first visited campus, I fell in love with the they make with each other, with students from their community that Cottey provides to its students. home state as well as with students from across The connectivity among everyone provided an the globe. A student from Colorado said in her environment that I knew I wanted to be a part of.” letter that Cottey “gives me the opportunity to learn more about the world around me and to connect Although these ties may not be tangible, they are with many different people from all over the country absolutely the strongest forms of connection. and all over the world” while a student from Florida recognizes that “my life will change through the Jann R. Weitzel all-women’s education I am receiving. I know I will

* Friedrich Nietzsche 2 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 Still One of the Best! Cottey Again a Top-Ranked Institution by U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report announced in September that Cottey College is nationally ranked #2 among its 2020 Best Regional Colleges placing it once again in the top ten of Best Colleges regional Midwest colleges. In total, 70 colleges were ranked #2 from 12 states comprising the Midwest region. The rankings Midwest Region are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges. Cottey was again ranked in three additional categories in the Midwest region from U.S. News & World Report. Cottey is ranked #2 among Best Value Schools and #2 in Lowest Best Value College Student Debt Load at Graduation, up from #3 last year, #2 and is ranked #4 in Schools with Largest Proportion of International Students. Lowest Student Debt Colleges ranked in the Best Regional College category focus almost entirely on the undergraduate experience and offer a #2 broad range of programs in the liberal arts in fields such as Load at Graduation business, education, the sciences and humanities. Regional colleges include both public and private institutions.

Colleges ranked in the Best Value College category take Largest Proportion of into account a college’s academic quality based on its U.S. News Best Colleges ranking and the 2018-19 net cost of #4 International Students attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. The Lowest Student Debt Load at Graduation ranking indicates that 62% of Cottey baccalaureate graduates had no debt at graduation while the median amount of debt for Finally, Cottey’s proportion of international students (12%) the remaining graduates was $12,000. According to Student earned the college a #4 ranking as College with the Largest Loan Hero, this is over $17,000 less than the average debt of Proportion of International Students. $29,800. Cottey is one of five schools in Missouri to be ranked as a Best Regional College and the only women’s college included in the Midwest rankings.

CONTENTS

Message from the President 1 Ceramics Fuels Ruhl 10 A Place to Connect 20

Cottey Ranked #2 2 Connecting to Recruit 12 Donor Profile: Brooks 21

New Board of Trustees Members 3 Suite Proximity 15 In Memoriam: Dr. Nancy Haynes 22

Vacation College Memories 4 Incredible Connections 16 Faculty/Staff Notes 24

Trading Spaces 5 Cottey Clubs 17 New Faculty inside back cover

Make the Connection 7 Alumnae Board 18

Good Advice 8 Founder’s Day 19 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 3

Welcome New Members of the Cottey College Board of Trustees

John L. Ewing, Jr., Ph.D., Lake Patricia L. Brolin-Ribi is second Junaluska, North Carolina, was vice president of International appointed to the Cottey College Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Board of Trustees in 2019. Born in western Montana, Patti was raised in Anaconda, where Dr. Ewing has recently retired she became a member of as the executive director of P.E.O. Chapter T in 1977. She Lake Junaluska Conference later transferred to Chapter AF, and Retreat Center, the largest Hamilton, Montana, and then United Methodist conference and in 1988 to Chapter AM, Hailey, retreat center in the world. Idaho. Patti shared P.E.O. with her mother, Carra Brolin, who During his seven years as CEO, was a past president of Montana he led the center through a State Chapter. process of restoring it to be one of the premiere denominational Patti was vice-chairman of the conference centers in the world. 1993 Idaho State Convention In his retirement, Dr. Ewing and served on and chaired both is serving as a senior consultant with Gonser Gerber LLP, a consulting the Idaho Cottey College Committee and the Idaho Cottey College Award firm headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, focusing on advancement and Committee. She was elected to the Idaho state board in 2000 and was strategic planning consulting. honored to serve in all seven offices. She was president of Idaho State Chapter in 2006-2007. A lifelong United Methodist, Dr. Ewing has served as the chief executive officer of four United Methodist institutions or organizations. He served In 2007, Patti was elected to a six-year term as a member of the board of as president of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, trustees for the P.E.O. Foundation. She served as its chairman from 2011- from 1994 to 2000 and is credited with establishing the strong foundation 2013. In 2013, Patti was elected to the International Chapter Executive on which his successors have built. From 2000 to 2005, Jack served as Board. She has greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with P.E.O.s president of Mount Union College, now the University of Mount Union. throughout the U.S. and Canada. Highlights have included serving as the During his years at Mount Union, he built on the strong foundation first chairman of the Leadership Development Initiative Ad Hoc Committee established by his predecessor including securing the funding for and and presiding at the organization for the Convocation of Alaska State building several new buildings including one of the most innovative science Chapter. buildings in the country at the time. A graduate of the University of Montana, Patti earned a Bachelor of Arts Prior to his service at Lake Junaluska, he served as the executive director degree in interpersonal communications and a Juris Doctor degree in law. of The Foundation for Evangelism, a United Methodist organization She practiced law for 30 years, concentrating on real property, family law, committed to developing leadership for the future of the United Methodist and pro bono work with the elderly, before retiring in 2015. Church. The Foundation for Evangelism is located at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Active in numerous community groups, Patti volunteers with the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and the Boulder Mountain Tour. She is a Trustee Jack served on the faculties of his alma mater, Asbury College, now Asbury Emeritus of the University of Montana Foundation. Over the years, she has University, and South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. also volunteered with the Community Library and Expedition Inspiration (supporting breast cancer research and education). Jack earned his B.A. degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. He earned an M.S. degree from the University of Kentucky and his Ph.D. from Patti and her husband, Nils Ribi, live in Sun Valley, Idaho. Nils is president the University of Minnesota in Exercise Physiology. of a private investment firm. He is also an avid photographer, a recovering elected official, and a great advocate for P.E.O. Patti and Nils enjoy time at their cabin in the mountains, travel, and outdoor activities in all seasons of the year. Highlights have included climbing to the summit of Mount Rainier and attaining advanced certification in scuba diving. 4 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 Vacation College Memories

By Dr. Mike Emery “Classic” does not mean every feature film was a 2009 Course: The Comedies of Cary Grant Professor of English (emeritus) classic, but rather describes an era in which films I show a film in each class I have never seen so had a certain look, feel and style. At the start of the experience challenges me as well as partic- this class, a participant asked, “Did Ginger Rog- ipants. In this class I included People Will Talk ers make any films without Astaire?” I replied, (1951) because Leonard Maltin called it a “come- “She made ten films with Astaire, and 74 feature dy-drama.” The film follows a maverick physician films total.” Rogers won a best actress Oscar for who goes against the medical establishment one of the films we watched, Kitty Foyle (1940). with a new surgical technique; rivals accuse After it was over, a participant said she had seen him of being a fraud. The film was considered a it in its first run. veiled criticism of Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-Communist tactics. In any case, the film was 2003 Course: The Films of Ronald Colman not a comedy; it had not a single amusing line Ronald Colman was universally admired in of dialogue. We found it absorbing, though, and his time. He won an Oscar for A Double Life followed it up with an uproarious farce (again (1947), in which he played a Shakespearean with Ginger Rogers) called Monkey Business. actor famous for Othello, who confuses the part (in which Othello murders his wife) with his real 2016 Course: The Films of Katharine identity. By the early 50s, Colman had stopped Hepburn As a veteran of 18 courses in Cottey College’s making films and finished his career on the I like to balance lesser-known films with famous Vacation College, I have many fond memories of stage. Film devotees know him, but his fame has ones. For this course I picked one most Hepburn them. Let’s get right to it. dwindled. A BIL in class emailed his son that he fans have never seen: A Woman Rebels (1936), was in a class at Cottey about Ronald Colman’s a Victorian-era drama following a woman who 1995 Course: Reading Contemporary Nature films. His son replied, “Ronald WHO???” fights for women’s rights against the will of her Poetry father. Hepburn gives a striking performance On May 17, 1995, a microburst hit Nevada, 2007 Course: The Comedies of Barbara (when doesn’t she?), but I was unsure of how Missouri, knocking out electricity in the area, Stanwyck the class would take it. As a film instructor, you including at Cottey. The freak storm struck Barbara Stanwyck is not known for her come- never know how a class will react. Film taste is suddenly and vanished. Although buildings in the dies—she made just a few—but I tracked them personal and derives from myriad factors that town square were damaged, no one was seri- down for this class. Some, like The Lady Eve differ from viewer to viewer. It turned out to be ously injured. The day after that we improvised, and Ball of Fire, are classics. Yet many recall the hit of the class. One participant said, “I could raising classroom blinds and reading by natural Stanwyck as a heavy in films like Sorry, Wrong watch this movie over and over.” I agree—it is light. We spent more time talking about poetry Number, and do not care for her. I wish I could terrific, a great production from RKO Pictures, than reading it, as I recall. The next day the pow- get them to watch Stella Dallas, one of the my favorite film studio. er was back, and classes resumed as normal. best women’s pictures ever made. In this class, Nothing like this weather event has happened Stanwyck showed off her sparkling wit and bril- My course for Vacation College in May 2020 since then in this area. liant line readings with great supporting players. is titled “Great Romantic Comedies.” Please On the last day, participants admitted that they consider attending next year’s Vacation College, 2001 Course: Rogers Without Astaire didn’t like Stanwyck prior to the class but took it where this and many other exciting classes will When I did my first film course for Vacation anyway. They said they gained new appreciation be available to you. College, I chose the actress I most like from for her work. Hollywood’s “classic period” (1930 to 1949).

When alumnae hear about Cottey students’ International Experience they often say, “I wish I could travel with Cottey!” We have listened. You are invited to the inaugural Vacation College Abroad trip to the British Isles to be held June16-25, 2020.

Cottey is working with a well-respected travel company, the American Council for International Studies (ACIS), to arrange all of the details. Cottey participants will travel in style on their own bus and with their own tour manager. All hotels will be 3- or 4-star accommodations. You may fly out of Kansas City with the Cottey contingent or work with ACIS to fly out of your own local airport.

The cost per traveler is $5,745. More information on the trip is available on the trip site http://bit.ly/2KooAJC.

The regular version of Vacation College will still be offered on campus in May. VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 5 Trading (and Gaming) Spaces

Cottey College received a generous donation from a P.E.O. group to add a stock trading lab to the campus academic spaces. Cottey will become the first women’s college to have a stock trading lab on its campus. The stock trading room will be ready for use in fall 2020.

“Cottey will create a stock trading lab in the lower level of Hinkhouse Center that will be utilized as a learning tool for business-management majors as well as a workshop space for students of any majors,” said Dr. Jann Weitzel, President of the College. “This lab will replicate a stock exchange trading room and will be utilized to provide students with exposure to investment theory Additionally, the individual computer stations in the stock trading lab will and practice. It will feature state-of-the-art terminals and a LED ticker tape allow Cottey to offer esports as a seventh athletic offering, also beginning display. Through this program, students will learn the skills used by profes- in the fall. sionals in the money management business.” “Esports teaches the skills of teamwork, communication, working under Business has the third highest number of students among Cottey’s bacca- pressure, self-confidence, and decision-making, among others. We are laureate degree programs. The trading room and the specialized software excited to offer this new athletic option to current and future students,” will aid Cottey in creating a new curriculum around finance. Students added Dr. Weitzel. interested in finance could further explore and gain hands-on experience through Enactus (Cottey’s Entrepreneurial Club) by managing a portfolio Esports, also known as electronic sports, is a form of competition using vid- (real or virtual). eo games. Teams compete online in tournaments and matches. According to the Next College Student Athlete website (ncsasports.org), 175 colleges “I have taught Personal Finance, BUS 103, for the past 15 years at Cottey and universities are members of the National Association of Collegiate and have always had students follow two individual stocks for a semester Esports (NACE) and offer officially recognized varsity esports programs. as well as follow the total stock market index; this is just one small part Cottey, a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics of the total personal finance curriculum,” said Dr. Gary Lunkenheimer, (NAIA), will offer scholarships to esports student athletes as is the case professor of business and economics. “I hope this space will excite with other student athletes. students about investing in stocks and learning the risks of frequent trading of stocks.” According to the Entertainment Software Association, 45 percent of gamers are female. Super Data Research reports that women accounted for $44 billion in game sales in 2016, a figure that was projected to reach $118 billion by 2019. However, a much smaller percentage of college esports scholarships are going to females.

Unlike adding a sport such as soccer or lacrosse, the number of students who participate in esports does not have a ceiling in terms of the potential on enrollment growth.

Like the financial industry, esports has typically been male dominated. However, virtual reality, as well as YouTube and Twitch gaming videos, have created a whole new dynamic and audience. These changes in the gaming space have been met with an influx of female gamers, a market that is expected to see considerable growth in the coming years.

Both the stock market trading lab and the esports program reflect Cottey’s commitment to preparing young women for success in any competitive environment. 6 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 Cross Country Competes at National Meet

The Cottey College Comets’ cross country season, as a team, came to an end at the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) Conference championship at Haskell Indian Nations University. The Comets finished off an historic year by placing second overall in the meet. This was the Comets’ first time appearing at the conference championship as Cottey was ineligible in its first year transitioning from NJCAA to NAIA in 2018.

The Comets were ranked second going into the meet and they held their ground led by Ella Page (freshman, Bryon, Minnesota) who finished seventh. Three Comets were named All-Conference athletes: Ella Page, seventh; Deanndria Shields, eighth; and Martina Ramirez, tenth.

“All year we worked on pack running. We know the only way we were going to be successful is if we ran as a pack and pushed each individual in practice and at meets,” said head coach Tony Skiles. “The individuals closed the gaps between each other forming a close-knit pack with each race they ran this year. The future is bright with every member returning next fall and we will be able to build on the strong foundation we created this year.”

The Comets were represented at the NAIA National Championship with three athletes: Ella Page, Deanndria Shields, and Martina Ramirez. The National Championship were held on November 22, at Fort Vancouver Congratulations to the three Comets (above) who competed at the NAIA National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington. Cross-Country National Meet on November 22.The sky is the limit going forward for (left to right) Ella Page, Deanndria Shields, Martina Ramirez, and the entire program! Deanndria finished the day with the best Comets’ time (21:33), Ella was close behind (21:58) and Martina closed out the amazing season for the Comets (22:39).

Former Cottey Professor Becomes a President

Congratulations to Dr. Debbie Cottrell (left), former Cottey College history professor, who was inaugurated as the 16th president of Texas Lutheran University (TLU) in Seguin, Texas, on October 26, 2019.

Prior to assuming the presidency of TLU, she served as vice president for academic affairs at TLU for seven years. Before she became a member of the TLU community, Dr. Cottrell served as provost of William Peace University in North Carolina, where she led academic affairs, enrollment, and student life. She has also served as associate dean of the faculty and director of graduate programs at Smith College in Massachusetts. Dr. Cottrell began her career in higher education at Cottey College, where she taught history and government and served as assistant dean of the faculty.

Dr. Helen Washburn, president emerita of Cottey College, represented Cottey at the inauguration. In the photo above, Dr. Cottrell is pictured with Dr. Washburn and Cottey alumna Leslie Doan, Class of 1998.

Congratulations, Dr. Cottrell! VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 7

It’s Time to Make the Connection by Steve Reed Editor “Surround yourself with the right people - A couple of months ago I read The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman. The focus of the book people who love you, believe in you, and are is on how to find the job you love. (No worries, willing to walk into your dreams with you.” dear readers; I’m in the job I love at a place I love.) Intrigued after hearing Ken Coleman on a podcast, I read the book because proximity ~Photographer and author Jeremy Cowart is something I preached to my sons when they were young and it’s something we don’t consider I’m Possible enough as a major influence on our lives, careers, and other things about which we are we connect with the College through Founder’s have intentionally gone about withdrawing or passionate. Day, Vacation College, or the pages of the disconnecting from their tribe(s). This is why, he Viewpoint. We find our people, and our people says, so many of us are so lonely and feel so When I say I preached proximity to my sons, I support us in becoming the person we want to hopeless. never used that word specifically. Like me, I’m become or perhaps are meant to become. sure many of you used words similar to these, Of all the things I admire about Cottey College, though, “Choose your friends carefully. You’ll be See the article about how Sydney Santana ’15 at the top is the strong network of people who like the people you decide to hang out with.” In was recruited to Cottey College. Sydney was love and support this institution and each other. other words, we believe to whom and to what in proximity to a teacher, Cottey alumna Julie More than ever, I encourage you to make we put ourselves in proximity has a strong Lohr-Shelton ‘00; Julie, back for Founder’s, those connections. You never know how you influence on our life as it shapes--consciously was attending a social gathering at a Nevada may impact a student’s decision to attend this or unconsciously--our choices. We all want our friend’s house, which put her in proximity to a College, whether it is through recruitment or children and grandchildren to live in a “good” Cottey employee, Tracy Hass Cordova ‘04 who through donations that help fund the facilities school district. Why? Because we believe having told Julie about the summer workshops. Julie and resources that influence students’ decisions. our children in proximity to good facilities, good convinced Sydney to attend the workshops, You matter. Your people are waiting. It’s time to teachers, and other motivated students will have which put Sydney in proximity to the campus and connect. a positive effect on their learning. the wonderful people here who convinced her that Cottey was the right choice for her. Those My Cottey Connection Coleman said something similar when it came connections/that proximity recruited a student. to finding our dream job. If we’re serious about Bailee Fleming, Class of 2013: Dr. Dyke Kiel working for that ideal position, we put ourselves Students at Cottey connect with a favorite faculty was the biggest blessing to me! When I took my in proximity to people who can teach us what we member who makes a subject matter come alive entrance exam for music, literally all I could do need to learn as well as opportunities to practice for them, and it influences their career choices. was put my name on it. I couldn’t read music at what we’re trying to learn. Coleman notes that Such was the story for Sarah Raffurty ‘11 and all because I’d always done it by ear. Dr. Kiel in this digital age, we don’t literally have to pack Dr. Angela Firkus. One class changed the life was absolutely the most patient man I’ve ever up and move to Hollywood, for example, to of alumna Andi Dallmeyer Ruhl ‘95. Donors met. He spent hours giving me the extra help I learn how to be an actor. Many things we want connect with someone at the College who lets needed to succeed. At the end of my freshman to learn can be done online. We can download them know what a powerful influence they year, conveniently right before finals, I had software to learn a new language; watch videos can have on a young woman’s life, and those become very ill and had to have surgery. Again on how to build a computer; or take a distance donors make a difference in the education of our I was extremely lucky in having professors who learning course online from a college. We can students. Alumnae gather together in alumnae went above and beyond to help me get through join a Facebook group and talk to others who are clubs and support and encourage each other as finals after surgery in order to get credit for learning the same skill(s) we’re working on. We they support their Alma Mater. those classes. Dr. Kiel spent most of his summer have to be there, but “there” can be wherever helping me complete everything. If it weren’t we are. A few days ago I listened to a TED Talk by for him, I would not be teaching music today Johann Hari, author of Lost Connections: Why and wouldn’t have pursued finishing a degree A word with similar connotation to proximity You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope. in music education. I will be forever thankful to as I’m using it is “connection.” We make a (Confession time: I am TED talk junkie.) In his him for putting in time he didn’t have to and not connection with a class or a teacher; we make talk, Hari says that human beings since the getting frustrated with me even after I got the a connection with a classmate, friend, or other dawn of time have been great at creating tribes, wrong answer on something over and over. Cottey alumna who can help us with our goals; but this is the first generation of humans that 8 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 Connecting with Good Advice

by Steve Reed Editor

Everyone could use some good advice now and again. If we’re really fortunate, we make a connection with someone who gives us GREAT advice; the kind of advice that changes our lives and sets us on our path. For Sarah Raffurty, Class of 2011, that great advice came from Dr. Angela Firkus, professor of history.

Like many students, Raffurty entered college with a plethora of career ideas.

“When I went to Cottey, I had just recently abandoned my goal of being a CSI [Crime Scene Investigator],” said Raffurty.” I thought it was like the show. I really just wanted to be an actor on CSI. So I switched from the sciences to a history degree. I loved the stories of everyday people impacting global stories. I had a few different ideas. I was a dancer, actor, singer but I wasn’t good enough to make a career out of any of them. I thought about doing historical research for theatre companies and Dr. Rusalyn Andrews let me do that during my tenure in the Cottey theatre program. I didn’t have set plans until after that first internship.”

By her sophomore year, Raffurty knew she wanted to be a history major, but she still had no idea what to do with a degree in history other than becoming a lawyer or a teacher. “For me, I wasn’t a good fit to be a lawyer or teacher,” she said. “I wasn’t sure what I could do with my degree.” In February of her final semester, she asked Dr. Dr. Angela Firkus and Sarah Raffurty Firkus for some career advice. ever; I was definitely given interesting advice. Then I was doing database management and donation management. I was “She said that being a lawyer and a teacher were not the only creating a website. I loved being given the opportunity to test options. She talked to me about research opportunities with everything out. Those were the first steps of my career, all due to universities or newspapers. Then she started talking about one meeting.” public service. Still, nothing was really clicking,” said Raffurty. “The next thing she talked about was museums. I could be a Having a good idea of what she wanted to do, Raffurty needed curator or an exhibit designer and with my love of the arts that to finish her education. She chose Purdue as the location to hit me! I started to get really interested. The next thing she did complete her baccalaureate degree. Why Purdue? was give me a very simple gift that had a big impact. She gave me a simple calendar for the WASP Museum in Sweetwater, “Because of Dr. Firkus,” said Raffurty. “I enjoyed how she taught. Texas. The Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) were pilots that Not only was I learning facts but I was learning how to write and ferried planes and assisted with combat training during WWII. how to approach an argument with facts. It helped me with my The next thing she suggested was to see if that museum had communication skills. I figured I should go to the place where internship opportunities. My favorite class with Dr. Firkus was she learned to teach. I was accepted to Purdue University and her History of Women class. It was life-changing. Not only was went there because I also received the P.E.O. Elf Loan. There I learning about incredible women who paved the way for me would have been no way I could have gone to that school but I was learning to become one of them. Dr. Firkus was an without P.E.O. and Dr. Firkus.” amazing example for me. So after reaching out to the director of the WASP Museum I was granted their first internship ever To become a museum curator requires an advanced degree. and drove down to Sweetwater. The biggest thing I learned from Raffurty began to do Internet searches on museum studies that internship was that every day in a museum is completely programs, and ended up selecting Syracuse University because different. I got to design a new exhibit within my first week, and of their hands-on approach. then I was planning a reunion for 20 of the living WASPs to come back to Avenger Field. Those were the feistiest women “We were required to log a certain amount of internship hours VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 9

and I was partnered with local museums to gain experience,” planning member programs, fundraisers, sending a lot of eblasts she explained. “It was led by my other mentor, Dr. Emily Stokes- and mailings. I am excited to shape museums of the future, Rees, whom I invited to become a P.E.O. in my Syracuse helping shape and complete the stories. History has a reputation chapter.” of sometimes being ‘whitewashed.’ I love that the IAAM is telling a story that gets overlooked. It is not just about the slave trade In the short time between completing her master’s degree and but the African American experience and how that shaped today, Raffurty has had a wide variety of museum experience. America. The museum will be a site for research and genealogy She had an internship at the Bellamy Mansion Museum in so as people are researching themselves they will have a way Wilmington, North Carolina. She worked at the Smithsonian to close the gaps in their genealogy. I also love that because of National Postal Museum the location we will be able to honor where she created a digital My favorite class with Dr. Firkus was her those who were enslaved. The site exhibit. She was an exhibit History of Women class. It was life-changing. of the museum is Gadsden’s Wharf designer in Kirksville, Not only was I learning about incredible and it is believed that nearly half Missouri, at the Museum of women who paved the way for me but I was of the enslaved population came Osteopathic Medicine. This through this port, which makes short list barely touches on learning to become one of them. it the largest slave port on U.S. her museum experience. soil. The IAAM will be a beautiful memorial that says those enslaved will never be forgotten. It is She had made the switch from the visual and design side of an exciting project to be a part of.” museum work to the development and fundraising side when she was working at Powell Gardens in the Kansas City area. It is clear from visiting with Raffurty that she is enthusiastic about She was there about 18 months when the International African her career and her current position. Some great advice from a American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, called her out trusted faculty member set Raffurty on her career path and she of the blue and asked her to be their membership manager. could not be happier. What if she had never had that meeting with Dr. Firkus? Where does she think she would be today? “The biggest thing I was excited about was that it was new,” Raffurty said. “I was going to get to be on the founding staff. “I have no idea what I would be doing. I know I definitely would I could look out of my office and see it being built. I moved in not have been as fulfilled in my career path as I am now. I September and we had groundbreaking in October 2019. It has have met incredible women along this journey and I can spot been a whirlwind during those three months.” incredible women. I am on the journey to becoming one because of P.E.O., Cottey and Dr. Firkus.” What do her job duties entail?

“I am raising the profile of the museum and promoting the Charter Membership program” she explained. “This includes

Below: Groundbreaking for the International African American Museum. Sarah Raffurty is third from right. 10 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 Ceramics Fires Ruhl’s Passion for Business

by Steve Reed Editor Imagine if one college course completely changed your life. When the Viewpoint sent out a request for alumnae to share a Cottey connection that impacted their life, Andi Dallmeyer Ruhl ’95 responded with, “Cottey changed everything. I completely changed directions because of one class: ceramics.”

Nothing against all the wonderful artists out there, but ceramics is not the anticipated answer to a course that changed the trajectory of one’s life. When she enrolled at Cottey in 1993, Ruhl probably wouldn’t have expected that answer either.

Ruhl came to Cottey the same way many students do, through a persistent grandmother who was a P.E.O.

“Both of my grandmothers were P.E.O.s,” said Ruhl. “One was very pushy. She sent me recruitment materials for Cottey and I threw them in the trash. There was no way I was going to go there. I thought it was going to be like a finishing school.”

As it turns out, before the trash could be emptied, grandma was coming for a visit.

“I pulled the materials out of the trash and read them cover to cover and everything in it made sense. Darn it! I told mom, ‘I kinda want to go visit, but don’t tell grandma.’ I visited and fell in love with it.” Andi Dallmeyer Ruhl ‘95 It took me most of the From the first touch of the clay, however, Ruhl found her passion.

semester before I could get “I remember Cam [Cameron Crawford, ceramics professor] saying we had to wedge our clay. I thought, ‘I have to do this anything on the potter’s every time before making anything?’ It took me most of the wheel, but when I did it felt semester before I could get anything on the potter’s wheel, but when I did it felt like putting on my favorite pair of jeans. like putting on my favorite “Class would be over and people would come and go and I pair of jeans. would look up at the clock and it would be 11 o’clock at night and I had missed dinner. I was in this zone, and I just loved it,” she said. Ruhl was taking classes, making friends, and enjoying the suite life. Her career plans weren’t firm, but she was thinking that she Now that she had found her passion, Ruhl had to figure out what might go into communications or teaching, that is, until the final to do with it. She told her parents she was going to take the year semester of her second year. Ruhl needed a fine arts credit, but off and decide if she could do something with clay. she wasn’t sure what to take. “In high school, I took an aptitude test that said I should be a “We had to have a fines arts credit, and ceramics qualified,” Ruhl forest ranger or an art therapist,” Ruhl remembered. So she said. “Susan Barnard, my suitemate, was going to take it, so I enrolled at Seton Hill and earned a degree in art therapy with an took it too.” emphasis in ceramics and a minor in communications. Why did she choose a degree in art therapy over an art degree with an Ruhl had no intention of becoming an artist. “I had done some emphasis in ceramics? art shows as a child, but I wasn’t encouraged to continue with it. We thought artists were hippy dippy weirdos,” Ruhl joked. “My “It was the perfect option for clay. I investigated the field and family loved museums and symphony, but the arts were never visited colleges that offered art therapy programs and ultimately something that was considered a viable option for anyone, even chose Seton Hill.” though I had been to the theatre and the opera.” VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 11 Ceramics Fires Ruhl’s Passion for Business

After graduation, Ruhl worked as an art therapist in a geriatric facility. She did art therapy with patients who were seriously ill and with some who had dementia. Although working with the patients was gratifying, Ruhl did not enjoy the “red tape” that the position demanded. After a brief stint with an association management company, Ruhl and husband Chaz had their first child and she chose to stay at home with Molly.

After some time off, Ruhl went back to work at the hospital first part time, then full time.

“I would put in my hours, and then would go to the studio after work,” Ruhl noted. “I needed my own art. The hospital was not my dream job. I decided I needed something different.” Everyone deserves a place to be, a space to create. Some of Ruhl’s students on the wheel at Thrown Elements Pottery.

She resigned right before Thanksgiving, spent the holidays with strategically. Because of my therapy background, I had patients her family, and then began writing her business plan. with sensory issues who couldn’t get past the idea of getting clay under their nails.” “I had a friend, Randi, who wanted to expand her business and wanted to do a paint-your-own pottery area. I swore I would Wait a minute. Didn’t Ruhl say she would never own a paint- never do a paint-your-own pottery business,” Ruhl joked. “Randi your-own pottery business? didn’t care what went in the space as long as it paid for itself.” “Well, yes,” she laughed. “However, I couldn’t be judgmental Ruhl spent time researching pottery and businesses. On trips of someone who only wanted to paint a mug. I believe I can to Maryland to visit her grandmother, Ruhl would stop into offer the opportunity to reach those folks and then gradually studios and start asking questions. Before she could open her introduce them to other projects. Everyone deserves a place to first shop, however, Randi sold her business and Ruhl had to be, a space to create. In my career, I worked with a number of rethink her business plan. Jumping in with both feet, she pitched disabled people and enjoyed it. I realized they needed a place to her business plan to a bank and got a yes. Thus began Thrown create as well.” Elements Pottery studio. “If you had told me when I was a Cottey student that I would end When asked about the business, Ruhl described it. “We up owning a pottery studio, I would have laughed at you,” she consider ourselves a teaching art studio. We have a paint your said. She has since bought out three other studios and today has own pottery in front, and the back half is clay. We did that 15 employees, six interns and another 10 or so college students who fill in shifts during the summer and other breaks.

It wasn’t only the ceramics class at Cottey that changed the trajectory of Ruhl’s life. It was at Cottey she met her husband as well. Husband Chaz was in the band Blind Man’s Bluff that played at Cottey. After a performance, she and a friend met the band for dinner at the truck stop. The rest is Cottey history. Today, Chaz and Andi have three children: Molly, 18, Greyson, 10, and Keegan, 6.

When asked if she had advice for current students, Ruhl said, “You have to trust yourself. What makes you happy? Where do your passions lie? You can find your place. It may not be the path you think.”

It might not be the path you think it will be. It might be something better! 12 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 Recruitment: Connecting With the Right People

by Steve Reed, Editor Interviews conducted by Tracy Hass Cordova ‘04

Serendipity (loosely defined) is the art of being in the right place at the right time. For Julie Lohr- Shelton, Class of 2000, being at Founder’s Day in 2010 was the right place and visiting with Tracy Hass Cordova, Class of 2004, on Saturday night was the right time. Right time for what, you may ask? Why for recruiting a student, of course. Through this connection, neither had met the other previously, they were able to recruit Sydney Santana, Class of 2015, to Cottey College.

Lohr-Selton, a seventh-grade science teacher, had not really recruited for the College. Santana was part of her first teaching class.

“Since I work at the middle-school level, there are not [Cottey] programs for their age group,” said Lohr-Shelton. “I spoke with Sydney about Cottey because of her interest in science and the fact she had told me she had Sydney Santana ‘15 (left) and Julie Lohr-Shelton ‘00 received a mailer from Cottey. I Photo credit: Sam Shelton remember Sydney telling me she was fully informed of this wonderful program for rising junior and had received material from Cottey and she asked me about the senior girls. school. I mentioned that I would be heading back for my 10-year reunion in the coming weeks and shared a bit of my experience.” “Some of my fondest memories at Cottey involved the Summer Workshops and Vacation College,” said Cordova. “These events Founder’s Day came, and Lohr-Shelton traveled back to ‘Dear were especially exciting because you were able to witness Old Cottey C’ to reminisce with classmates and have fun attendees’ initial discovery of just how special Cottey really immersing herself in all the traditions of the weekend. After is. And for the high schoolers, you see them come in shy and the Saturday Supper and Sing, she found herself sitting next anxious—Will I fit in?—and upon leaving they are crying and to Cordova at a social event. As they visited, Lohr-Shelton hugging and exchanging contact information.” mentioned Santana and how she might be a prospect for admission. Taryn Sparnkles, Class of 1993, who was an “After speaking with Tracy and Taryn about Syd during admission representative at the time, joined in the conversation. Founder’s, they mentioned the Summer Workshops and sent me a packet of information,” added Lohr-Shelton. “I brought the Cordova, who at the time was the coordinator of alumae, asked packet back to Syd and she and her mother made it happen.” if Lohr-Shelton had ever heard of the Summer Workshops. She had not, so Cordova and Sprankles made sure that Lohr-Shelton Proximity is power. If you can get proximity with people that are the best in the world, things can happen because all of the people they know, the insights they have and the life experience they have. Tony Robbins VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 13 Recruitment: Connecting With the Right People

“I vividly remember Julie asking how I would feel about attending with me. I went through the rest of high school knowing that summer camp at Cottey. She had just come back from Founder’s Cottey was my place and it was the best feeling.” and she was really excited,” said Santana. “I really didn’t know what to think. I didn’t get the idea at first and really didn’t know Having Sydney attend Cottey changed Lohr-Shelton’s why she was so excited about it for me. I talked to my mom perspective of the College, even though she had her own and she said she’d make it work if I really wanted to go. There treasured memories of being a student. was just something about the unknown of college that made it exciting.” “Having Syd at Cottey sharing her experiences made me feel more connected to the College and recalled many wonderful Santana came to the Summer Workshops that June and fell in eperiences,” said Lohr-Shelton. “It was wonderful to hear about love with Cottey. It was obvious to everyone. how much was the same and yet how much had changed.”

“When Sydney first arrived on campus she was initially quiet and Wouldn’t you like to share the same joy by recruiting a student? reserved, but by the end of the week there was not a person It’s easy. Follow these three steps: in the camp who didn’t know Sydney,” said Cordova. “In just a 1. Tell people (students, parents, coaches, teachers) about week, her confidence soared. I was so excited to see her on Cottey College. campus two years later as a student.” 2. Share information about the Summer Workshops with students and influencers. “Going to the Summer Workshops really sealed the deal for me,” 3. Send a student to the Summer Workshops. Can your confirmed Santana. “I was only a sophomore in high school and alumnae club or P.E.O. Chapter help? there was just something about the college that got me hooked. I loved the idea of it being small and also really loved how The Summer Workshops are one of the most effective tools the comfortable I felt with all of the other students who were there College has to recruit students.

“The Summer Workshops are one of the easiest ways to introduce young women to Cottey,” added Cordova. “It gives them the chance to potentially meet future students with whom they may one day attend Cottey and it is much easier to convince a parent to send their daughter to campus for a week than for four years.”

The most important thing, however, is to tell people about Cottey. If Lohr-Shelton had never mentioned Cottey to Santana, she may never have enrolled.

“The truth is, I never would have given Cottey a chance if I didn’t know Julie,” admitted Santana. “When I think about my journey to where I am, I often wonder how different it would have been without Julie. She was so pivotal in supporting me to go to college and I’m so thankful Cottey was what she shared with me.” “The Summer Workshops are one of the easiest ways to introduce young women to Cottey.” 14 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019

2018 at the Alamo Left to right: Alex Britton, Alyssa Borg, Emily Hoover, Janell Webb Doster, Elizabeth Hoover, Sarah Stones VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 15

Suite Proximity Forges INCREDIBLE Lifelong Connections

By Janell Webb Doster ’10 clue who I really was (though I didn’t know it at the time). Each Cottey College Alumnae Association one of my suitemates has helped me discover something new Head Class Agent and helped shape me into a person I actually enjoy being. I am no longer afraid no one will like me; I take them or leave them The INCREDIBLE connections we, as students, gained at Cottey are because the most important people/women in my life are always powerful and many were life changing. The sisters I gained in Louisiana with me. Suite, for example, are the sisters I never knew I needed. Starting a new career, several across-town moves, and even through a divorce, my sisters Every day, every chat, and every trip is an adventure. We create were always there for me in ways I did not know possible. I would not be memories that root themselves in our hearts; a song will play the woman I am today without them and I would not want to imagine life on the radio and I fight not to sing out loud at work because it without them. I owe my gratitude to Cottey, and of course the late Helen reminds me of when we sang together in the car. I will see an Lodge, for putting these women in my life. The bond that was forged in our activity in Pinterest and I think of the time we did tipsy painting suite, now transcends great distances. and made candles. I find myself thinking about my suitemates in the silliest places trying to remember that I need to text them Ten years after graduation, my suitemates, turned sisters, and I are even something funny or that we need to plan a Google chat just so more connected. We have multiple forms of contact every day. From “be I can see their faces. I am not the best at replying on any social jealous of my morning coffee” snaps to “here’s a link to a great news story” forum but they all accept that and I keep trying (and failing). in our group text message to sending memes and other hilarity through our Each of us is different in amazing ways and we respect and two Facebook message groups, we are always sharing our lives together appreciate each other for those differences. We have changed even though we are nowhere near each other. each other by challenging each other in our thoughts and actions and in our unconditional support and acceptance of each other. Before writing about regular gatherings by suitemates as Cottey alumnae, To me, we grew from strangers into sisters. What we have (what I asked my sisters two questions: What do our gatherings mean to you we created) is one of the truest and strongest forms of love. and how have they impacted you? Here are their responses, in their own words. Emily Hoover ’11: Having an older, somewhat overbearing sister prepared me for my life at Cottey where I was granted a Elizabeth Hoover ‘09: I heard once that we are the average whole suite full of sisters with all the love, laughter, tears, drama, of our five closest friends. Well, my five closest friends are from and adventures that come with them. Our adventures now only Cottey and I couldn’t ask for a better group to be the average of. come around yearly, but, no matter the distance, we always can Our year together at school was short, but life changing. Our come back together, like a witch’s coven—warts and all. I will many years of friendship since school have been everything always be grateful for my Cottey sisters and Cottey College. to me. I love our adventures together and knowing that I have friends for life. Being friends with people from all over opens Alex Britton ‘09: Cottey has countless lessons to teach young and expands my world view. These ladies have been my rock women who are trying to figure out who they are, but the most through the years, and even if we’re hanging out in my backyard, lasting one for me has been friendship, though friendship is an I know we’ll have a grand adventure together. I’m confident that inadequate word for what I found at Cottey. These women are in another fifty years’ time we’ll still be adventuring together and I my soulmates. The saying goes, “Good friends are like stars; you can’t wait to see what’s coming next. don’t always see them, but you always know they’re there.” The truth is, we don’t always have to be in the same town to share in Sarah Stones ‘09: I wish I could write something poetic and each other’s lives. We live thousands of miles apart but manage lyrical to describe the way that my Cottey friendships have to support and love one another every single day through multiple impacted me, but life isn’t always poetic or lyrical. It’s having social media platforms and good old texting. Nonetheless, three-hour Skype calls five times a week in the months after every year we make it a priority to get together to celebrate our your dad passes away; it’s sharing selfies and coffee pictures; friendship in person, and it means the world to me. Our 10 years it’s sending links to a potential partner’s dating profile (sorry!) to together have been full of adventure. Whether we are vegging have the ones who know you best help you process (and then on the couch or getting lost on a mountain, sunning poolside or probably help you craft a witty message); it’s having the women exploring the Alamo, cooing at manatees or navigating an escape who helped raise you, broaden your mind, teach you, and who room, I’m having the time of my life because I know through have walked through some of life’s highest mountains and everything these women are my stars. Bright, brilliant, beautiful, lowest valleys always be there for you, regardless of the physical and most of all there for each other always. distance between you. Cottey taught me resiliency, but my Cottey friendships showed me that resiliency doesn’t have to be walked Connecting with these women after our time at Cottey together has been alone—whether that walk is leading us to a new job, though a INCREDIBLE. Earlier this year they spent a week with me in Kansas major surgery, or just through the Monday-est Monday ever. City, Missouri, after Founder’s Day Weekend. Next year, we’re headed to Minneapolis, Minnesota. We may not be geographically close but we are Alyssa Borg ‘10: I walked into Cottey so very scared and always connected and always closest in our hearts. anxious. I was afraid no one would like me because I had no 16 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019

Making INCREDIBLE Connections to Grow

By Aimee Starlin Meyer ’02 • Visit a local high school. Cottey College Alumnae Association Secretary o Where else do you find young women making deci- sions about college? Ask your local high school coun- The theme of the year at Cottey is “connect.” We hope to connect all selor’s office if you may visit and meet with students. alumnae to their alma mater and inspire all in the Cottey community to be o Cottey has everything you need to learn what to do and engaged. We are building a student center where guests and students can say and will even send you materials to bring. Just go connect in a central location. We want to network and make connections to cottey.edu/promote-cottey. with people who are able to make all of these dreams possible. My goal • Work with your class agent to motivate your classmates to make for this article is to connect you with a startling reality that is paramount to referrals. Cottey’s future: o Encourage your classmates to participate in Cottey “We are too small; we must grow.” College Alumnae Association’s (CCAA) referral chal- lenge (more about that later) or consider starting your These are the wise words of our president, Dr. Jann Weitzel. If you haven’t own class challenge. met Jann, you need to put Nevada, Missouri, in your travel plans for next o Encourage your class agent to include information and year. She’s real, she’s smart and she’s ambitious. tips about referring students to Cottey in your class letters. In her tenure, Cottey has risen to the #2 Best Value College (U.S. News o Promote student referrals on your class social media & World Report); #2 Best Regional College in the Midwest (U.S. News & pages. World Report); and #18 Best College in the Nation (College Consensus) o Call/email your classmates and talk to them about what among earning many other accolades. (Check out Cottey’s website to read they can do. more about their latest distinctions.) o Get together with classmates and schedule a high school visit. Last year, Cottey became a member of the National Association of • Contact alumnae friends who have contact with high school Intercollegiate Athletics. Now, there is a track for student athletes to attend students. Do you know any teachers, principals, coaches, or Cottey and play their sport for four years. guidance counselors?

So many great things are happening at Cottey. A young woman can come • Join a Cottey College Alumnae Club. Not sure what that is? Visit here and earn a well-respected degree, experience the world, and finish cottey.edu/alumnae/cottey-clubs/ or read the article on the follow- with little, to no, debt. Very few colleges can make those promises. Now, ing page. Your Cottey College Alumnae Club can work together we all (in the Cottey community) just need to get the word out. Cottey to accomplish all of the aforementioned tips! needs more students. If a student shows interest in Cottey, encourage her to come for a visit. It’s no secret that Cottey has worked very hard on admissions; it’s a She can attend for an organized student event like “C” For Yourself! or competitive world. But, we all know the advantage Cottey women have the Summer Workshops, or she can schedule an individual visit. The over others coming out of their four-year school. Alumnae know better than admission team will create a schedule tailored to her interests. If you can anyone because alumnae are those women. Alumnae, think about your get her on campus, it’s likely that Cottey will be able to keep her. peers after graduation and what you brought to the table at your graduate Referring students to Cottey is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It school or in your working life. The difference was very clear to me. I was far supports our beloved college and serves future generations of women more prepared than many of my counterparts with skills I learned at Cottey. making an impact on our world. And….there’s some incentive.The CCAA It is that kind of real-world application students need to be made aware of has launched the Second Annual Alumnae Referral Challenge from when they are making their college decisions. They need to hear from an October 1 to March 27 (Virginia Alice Cottey’s birthday) in which you can alumna. Alumnae, Cottey needs us. enter to win a $100 gift certificate to the Cottey Bookstore by referring students to Cottey. Visit cottey.edu/referralchallenge for details. The more A prospective student referred by an alumna is far more likely to enroll. names you submit, the more chances you have to win! And getting a prospective student on campus increases significantly the likelihood that she will become a student. Here’s what all alumnae can do Congratulations to Evon LaGrou, the 2018-19 referral challenge winner! to help: Thank you for all you do for Cottey. Let’s fill the halls with fresh young • Talk about Cottey to every young woman you come in contact minds and future leaders. with and to others who know young women.

• When you talk to her, focus on the education and the value you gained from your experience rather than specific courses or tra- ditions. Remember, the Cottey experience continues to evolve to meet the needs of current students. Show her the virtual tour on the website! VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 17

Cottey College Alumnae Clubs: INCREDIBLE Cottey Connections in YOUR Proximity

By Mary Beaty Edelen ’65 homemade goodies, get together for a watch party for one of Cottey’s Cottey College Alumnae Association livestreams, assemble their own Founder’s Day activities at the same time Alumnae Clubs Chair as Cottey’s Founder’s Day Weekend or watch Cottey College Alumnae Office’s Facebook live video of the Chapel Service or Awards Luncheon. The Cottey College Alumnae Association Executive Board is in the Cottey College Alumnae Club members may work with Cottey’s Enrollment process of re-branding and re-launching its Cottey College Alumnae Club Management team and host informational gatherings for prospective initiative—establishing official alumnae groups in various cities and regions students and their parents and support getting them to visit campus. The around the country and across the globe. Cottey College Alumnae Clubs clubs will create opportunities for professional networking and mentoring as offer alumnae an INCREDIBLE and meaningful way to stay connected with Cottey alumnae and create activities to help alumnae bring awareness of their dear old Cottey C where they live. their beloved alma mater to their city or geographical region.

From socials, community and Cottey service projects, and cultural outings, Cottey College Alumnae Clubs provide many opportunities for alumnae to READY TO START A CLUB IN YOUR AREA? reconnect with Cottey and meet local alumnae. Cottey College Alumnae Send an email to [email protected], cc’ing Mary Beaty Edelen ‘65, Club members will wear Cottey gear, talk all things Cottey, and sing songs Cottey College Alumnae Clubs Chair, at [email protected]. Identify (of course)…as they volunteer for service projects, host send-off parties your preferred geographical location and a co-lead, if you have one in in August for incoming Cottey students, support current students with mind. If you don’t have a designated co-lead, Cottey can help find one.

ALREADY A COTTEY COLLEGE ALUMNAE CLUB MEMBER? Share a summary and pictures of a recent event on the Cottey College Alumnae Facebook page.

WANT TO CONNECT TO AN EXISTING COTTEY COLLEGE ALUMNAE CLUB? Send an email to [email protected] mentioning your preferred geographical location.

My Cottey Connection

Hannah DeSimio, Class of 2009: Dr. Bourbon sat me down during one of my oral finals for Spanish and told me I was the future of this world and it was the first time I ever had a teacher see my potential. Pretty much from then on I was intent on saving the world. Now I practice in mental health and am able to speak with families in Spanish. They tell me how grateful they are to have someone who can speak the language especially in such divisive times.

Chelsea Jones Panek, Class of 2009: Christi Fulton Ellis, Class of 1996, told me about the Disney College Program! I had no idea it existed, but because of her telling me about it I have worked here almost seven years! I’m so grateful for that. 18 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 CCAA Executive Board— Making Way for INCREDIBLE Execution Through Connections By Rebecca Zeltinger ’94 is on its way to achieving a number of key goals, but we can’t do it Cottey College Alumnae Association alone. President The CCAA Executive Board’s number one goal is to encourage After sending the Cottey College Alumnae Association (CCAA) student referrals by alumnae. Find out the many ways by which vice president and Cottey’s director of alumnae relations to a you may help achieve that goal by reading Aimee Starlin Meyer’s national alumni board conference, the CCAA Board spent last year article on page 16. strategically aligning itself with the college and transitioning into an even more active and effective board. This year (beginning with the The goal currently second in priority is raising $50,000 for the start of the fiscal year July 1) the CCAA Board is making way for CCAA Chellie Club named space, which will be at the very heart of INCREDIBLE execution. campus in the lower level of the new Susan Bulkeley Butler Center for Campus Life within the Chapel, providing a space for Cottey The CCAA Board began the year by reaffirming its core values: connections. This goal has two parts; to raise the $50,000 needed to secure the naming opportunity for the Chellie Club and to receive • Promoting purposeful collaboration with alumnae, Cottey donations from all active classes. Many of you know that we’ve College, and community gone down the Chellie Club memory lane online and participated • Fostering loyalty, engagement, and connection among alumnae in a virtual Decade Duck Race to achieve support from alumnae through fiscal means and student referrals classes spanning 75 years: from the Great Class of 1944 to the • Championing inclusivity of our diverse alumnae Great Class of 2019, yet we remain short of full participation (refer • Celebrating “Cotteyhood,” the special world inhabited by Cottey to the giving chart below to see if yours is one of the few classes alumnae remaining to support this initiative). However, on November 1, the College received the final gifts to reach the $50,000 goal, with gifts The CCAA Board is taking a thoughtful approach in achieving the continuing to be accepted. As of December 15, over 200 alumnae CCAA mission to: have committed funds toward the Chellie Club totaling $60,867!

develop and sustain a bond between Cottey College and its alumnae by creating a loyal alumnae base; to facilitate and promote activities and events that will encourage the interests of Cottey College, its students, and its alumnae; to cultivate a sense of community among alumnae; and to support the Mission and Goals of Cottey College.

For example, instead of holding its first on-campus meeting in late fall, the CCAA Board held its fall meeting during the August Orientation Weekend, thereby providing the proximity for key connections with incoming students (aka future alumnae), their Even though our Chellie Club naming initiative is complete, the parents, and Nevada community members, not to mention Cottey entire CONNECT initiative is not. Transforming the lower level staff and faculty. The CCAA Board donned its new casual team of the Chapel into a campus center creates an incredible space gear and were living proof of the extensive, supportive network that for students, faculty, staff and visitors to connect. Renovating the is Cottey alumnae to the parents. Board members even informed entire Chapel to include air conditioning, a fresh coat of paint and a number of freshmen of their eligibility for the Cottey College technology enhancements will bring energy and new life to the Alumnae Legacy Scholarship while passing out water during move- building in the heart of our campus that it so richly deserves. We in day. Although the CCAA Board is only halfway through its year, it want to light up the entire board, 100% participation from every

CCAA Chellie Club Decade Duck Race Medalists GOLD DUCK AWARD – The Rock Star 1960s SILVER DUCK AWARD – The Partyin’ 1980s BRONZE DUCK AWARD – The Lyrical and Roller Skatin’ 1970s VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 19 CCAA Executive Board— Making Way for INCREDIBLE Execution Through Connections class! Help YOUR DECADE cross that finish line or LIGHT UP ANOTHER’S CLASS by making a gift in that class’s honor.

YOU can become an INCREDIBLE leader in philanthropy with one easy action: make a financial gift in an amount significant to you to the CONNECT initiative. Every new contributor moves us closer in completing the overall goal of $3.2 million and increases our alumnae giving rate, thereby improving our rankings in the various “BEST OF” lists.

From the lyrics from one of our favorite Cottey songs, “and we’ll leave our name on Cottey history,” NOW is your time to do it! There are still several naming opportunities available within this initiative. Honor your Cottey besties with a brick or paver, or maybe your suite on a chapel pew, or even talk to your class agent about a class space like a section of the amphitheater; there are many possibilities. To learn more about naming opportunities and make YOUR contribution today, visit cottey. Members of the Cottey College Alumnae Board edu/connect. Front row: Aimee Starlin Meyer ‘02; Karel Lyster Lowery ‘75; Ann Marie Foote ‘88; Christi Fulton Ellis ‘96, Director of Advancement and Alumnae Make tangible your connection to Cottey by referring a student Relations. and supporting the CONNECT initiative to renovate the Chapel Back row: Christine Renner ‘77, Rebecca Zeltinger ‘94, Janell Webb and create a student center in the center of it all. Thank you. Doster ‘10, Mary Beaty Edelen ‘65. Connect With Your Friends at Founder’s 2020

As always, all alumnae are invited back for reunions, but this year specifically celebrates the reunions of the following classes: 1950, 1950, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2019.

Online registration will open January 7 and close March 3, 2020.

Registration will be taken by phone or mail through March 24. For questions, or to register by phone, contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at 417-667-8181 ext. 2122. SAVE THE DATE: To do what I want to do, I have to be APRIL 3-5, 2020 around the people who are doing it FOR CLASSES ENDING IN “0” OR “5” and the places it is happening. MARCH 2-28, 2021 FOR CLASSES ENDING IN “1” OR “6” ~Ken Coleman 20 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019

A PLACE TO CONNECT

By Christi Ellis ‘96 student life. There’s a lounge, designed to offer its visitors to come together and connect with Director of Advancement and Alumnae Relations a comfortable gathering space for all members one another. Henceforth, moving forward and of the Cottey community to meet, grab a cup of through a generous gift, the student center will At Cottey College we understand that a vibrant coffee, study and visit. It will host lockers, perfect be known as the Susan Bulkeley Butler Center college education involves more than a class- for our growing commuter population to store for Campus Life. room experience. A college also needs a place their belongings for safekeeping while in class, for the campus community to congregate, meet as well a multi-purpose room and two meeting Renovating the lower level of the Chapel will and collaborate; a place to build relationships, rooms, for student meetings, quiet study, and allow the Cottey to maximize existing space and pay homage to the past, and generate excite- more. Moving from their existing locations to create a much needed amenity for the campus ment for the future; a place to connect. be more accessible, the bookstore/spirit shop community. While this plan is also very cost and Chellie Club/snack shop will each call the effective, it can only be accomplished through Since its humble beginnings in the late 1800s, Student Center home. the generosity of those who believe in our Cottey has continued the legacy of being a col- mission. The cost to renovate the Chapel and lege where women are the center of attention. It As the lower level is renovated to host the new create the Student Center is $3.2 million - $2.9 is a college where women come together with a Student Center, the upstairs will receive an million for renovation costs and $300,000 as an mission of shared unity and common goals, gain update as well, including fresh paint, technol- endowment to maintain the facility. Through the efforts of the Office of Institutional Advancement support and connection, and leave with a bond ogy enhancements and AIR CONDITIONING, bringing new life and energy for events such as at Cottey College and team of alumnae, BIL and that remains intact long after graduation. Cottey chapel services, weddings, recitals, and lectures. P.E.O. volunteers; funds committed to this is committed to creating a vibrant, interactive, A side parlor will now hold a small chapel for initiative have now surpassed $2 million! and engaging campus community, one that has interfaith worship and meditation to support a centralized gathering space that serves as the Cottey’s growing diverse campus population. We invite you to join us in our efforts to create a heartbeat of the campus, catering to students, Two landscaped outdoor patios will flank the vibrant, interactive, engaging campus commu- faculty, staff, alumnae and visitors alike. The Chapel. The West Terrace will be a multitiered nity. Help create incredible futures, and foster Chapel, already at the center of the campus, of- patio with tables and chairs and a ramp for connections at the center of it all. Be a part of the fers the ideal location for a new Student Center. wheelchair access. The East Terrace will also Cottey legacy. have tables and chairs for casual dining and Just imagine… a space in the middle of campus visiting, as well as an amphitheater that can seat For more information on the CONNECT initiative, to congregate and relax; a space where stu- up to 200 for concerts, lectures, weddings and naming opportunities, and how to give a gift dents, faculty, staff, alumnae and visitors alike more. online, visit cottey.edu/connect. If you would can hold meetings, study, and dine; a space like to host a CONNECT event in your area or where relationships are built, meetings take Cottey began seeking support for this initiative have further questions, please contact the Office place, and collaboration inspires. Now imagine in February 2019; as presentations were made, of Institutional Advancement, 417-667-8181, ext. a new Student Center that can provide all that conversations had, and small events held, it 2120, or email at [email protected]. and more, with amenities and conveniences was quickly realized that this center would be for to foster a vibrant environment and energetic more than just students to gather. This will be a space for the entire campus community and all VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 21 Donor Profile: Brooks Connect With Cottey Karen Brooks was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, so she often tells people that she was destined to be a P.E.O. since birth! Thirty-three years ago she was initiated into her mother’s chapter, Chapter K, Mississippi, when her mother was serving as chapter president. Since then, Karen has held nearly every local chapter office, served on numerous state committees, and served as President of Texas State Chapter in 2016.

Karen’s first real awareness of Cottey College came when she attended Cottey Seminar in the summer of 2012 as a new member of the Texas executive board. Shortly thereafter, Al and Karen made a financial commitment that would help make the dream for a new fine arts building a reality. It was during this campaign that Karen introduced Al to the values of Cottey and they have since shared the observation that Cottey is an outward and visible presence for the P.E.O. Sisterhood. It is a place for P.E.O. to realize it’s philanthropy through education, promote women’s values, and build a future for potential new Sisters. Karen and Al Brooks especially liked the fact that 100% of the donation goes to the direct project The fine arts building is not where their contributions to Cottey ended, costs. This Center will give students, faculty, staff and visitors a place to however. Through Karen’s executive board service, she was very involved gather with a sense of community, tie the campus together, and allow more in establishing the Texas Cottey College Travel Fund so that potential opportunities for valuable interaction. ” Texas students could make the trip to campus and see everything Cottey has to offer. Recently, when they were invited to participate in the initiative Their contributions to Cottey College are inspired by the knowledge that to create a new student center on Cottey’s campus, they readily agreed Cottey gives young women the opportunity to attend a supportive, student saying there was no question that this was a worthwhile endeavor that centered college, oftentimes through scholarships and grants, with small aligns with Karen’s commitment to P.E.O. and Cottey and Al’s commitment class sizes, lower costs, excellent educators, and a sense of inclusion to supporting his P.E.O., Karen. and community not to be found in most schools. Cottey is highly rated

financially, educationally, and now in four-year sports affiliations. Students In discussing their gift, they said, “We evaluated our ability to give, matriculate with a well-rounded, well-grounded education. reviewed our philanthropic choices, and concluded that contributing to this project provided the best and most long-lasting benefit at this time. We Class Notes

Heather Richey ‘03 graduated with an M.A. in watch a launch of astronauts/cosmonauts to the In- Elementary Education back in 2015. This fall was ternational Space Station. “Our eldest, Adam, is still the start of her fourth year working as a Head Start in Steamboat Springs. Our youngest, Scott, blessed teacher. She is currently taking course work with the us with the most adorable granddaughter ever, but goal of eventually getting a secondary endorsement they live in Massachusetts, which is too far away in Early Childhood Education. from Colorado.”

Billie Engler Hendry ‘71 “I returned to part-time Erica Rounsefell ‘97, a Foreign Service Officer for work as a nurse for the county in January.” Gregg the U. S. Agency for International Development, will and Billie enjoy traveling, including a trip to Hawaii serve a one-year tour as the Director of Education at with Ed and Shelly Fuller Harrison ‘72, and most the U. S. Embassy in Juba, South Sudan. recently to Russia and Baikonur, Kazakhstan, to 22 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 In Memoriam, Dr. Nancy Haynes

Cottey is saddened to report the death of Dr. Nancy Haynes, professor emerita of drama and speech. She passed away on Monday, October 28, in Norman, Oklahoma.

Dr. Haynes came from a long line of clergy and teachers, the most interesting of whom was her maternal grandfather who was the chaplain for Ringling Brothers Circus from 1892- 1896. Thus, she came by instincts in the theatre naturally. She was 15 when she designed her first set of costumes as the head designer for a play her mother directed. Since then, she had been involved in over 200 productions.

Dr. Haynes described her philosophy of education as “Firm, but funny.” At Cottey she directed and produced plays and taught classes in public speaking, dramatic literature, and history of the theatre. Periodically, she produced a fashion show of vintage clothing for Cottey students.

“Cottey had a nucleus of vintage clothing when I arrived,” she explained, “and they were fragile pieces that I did not want to use in a production. I solicited other items, and we received so many that I began producing shows of vintage clothing.” Each of those shows highlighted a certain period. “We gave immaculate attention to every detail,” she said.

Dr. Haynes performed in many productions of classical drama and modern plays, citing those of John Webster, Christopher Fry, and William Inge as her favorites, though she admitted to a nagging fondness for the works of Neil Simon. Dr. Nancy Haynes One of the highlights of her career was a sabbatical leave Dr. Haynes earned her B.A. in English and history from Central to England for work with the distinguished English dramatist State College in Edmond, Oklahoma, and then studied directing Christopher Fry in a study of his plays and film scripts, especially and acting at the University of Arkansas where she received her that for Ben-Hur. “It is unquestionably the finest thing that ever M.A. She earned her doctorate in theatre history and dramatic happened to me,” said Dr. Haynes. “I studied the imagery of Fry’s literature at the University of Colorado. plays with him at his home in West Sussex.” Services were held on November 1 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Norman, Oklahoma.

THE COLLEGE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FOLLOWING ALUMNAE DEATHS

Bonnie Rowe McNeil 1944 Sally Scales Cearnal 1959 Louella Linn Peterson 1944 Helga Keller Helling 1960 Donna Eubank Herwig 1945 Mary Person Harris 1961 Barbara Creswell Marine 1947 Mine Enginun 1963 Jeanne Strench Rosenquist 1947 Barbara Tyrrell Baker 1963 Beverly Gunstone Gunstone 1949 Jerri Campbell Korenberg 1964 Susan Moyer Breed 1950 Ann Suhre Pratt 1964 Mary LouAllen Etherington 1950 Emily LaLonde Matthews 1965 LeOna Marshman Schoenwetter 1953 Ann Judy Kilgore 1966 Janice Sargent Waide 1953 Dorothy McIntosh McIntosh 1967 Phyllis Chard Blanke 1955 Mary Munyon Munyon 1969 Lois Diffenbaugh Runyon 1955 Rochelle Matthews Ablon 1982 Maribel Meisel Meisel 1955 Valerie Overstreet Browning 1986 Mariana “Fig” Newton 1958 Patricia Wilson Geyling 1986 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 23 Memories of Dr. Haynes from Alumnae and Friends

After news of Dr. Haynes’ passing was noted My sincerest condolences to Dr. Haynes’ family. brave when it came to class participation in all on the Cottey Facebook page, there was an She was a beautiful soul. of my classes. My deepest condolences to her outpouring of memories from alumnae and family. Her legacy will continue in the lives she colleagues. The Viewpoint is sharing some of I believe this is my suitemate Clare Barton touched. those memories here. (O’Brien) in this picture (page left) with Dr. Haynes. Clare was a drama student and had a Ann Marie Foote Her obituary described her Kim Ingram Allen This is so sad. Her influence blouse like this. Plus I’d recognize that beautiful as “firm, but funny” and I think that’s a perfect was so profound on me. After studying theater jet black Snow White head of hair anywhere! description for her. I had her as a professor, with her, she hired me to run the Cottey costume Thank you for posting such a beautiful pic. It and when I went to work for Cottey she said, shop. After graduation, I moved to NYC to study brought back many beautiful memories. “Call me Nancy, we are colleagues now.” I could film and television. I then became a professor— never bring myself to do it. She will forever be all a testament to her reach. RIP Dr. Haynes! Kay Anderson We were just talking about Dr. Haynes. Nancy Haynes this past week!! I shall always Tammy Dickinson-Ferrell Such sad news. She remember her beautiful spirit, kind heart and Liz Jost I’m so sad to hear this. I loved Dr. made me into an orator! Deepest sympathies to genuine love for those with whom she spent Haynes. We exchanged Christmas cards for her family. time. Rest well, beautiful spirit. several years after I left Cottey.

Amanda Bock Whitaker So sad. I loved her Amy Smith McGregor Dr. Haynes was instru- Mia Denman Dr. Haynes probably had a bigger classes and learned so much from her. She is mental in shaping my future, I wish I’d taken time impact on me than any other professor in my by far one of my favorite professors. I still think to tell her, plus she taught us how to (correctly) college career. She was a formidable presence, of her often. I directed middle school plays for pronounce “mirror.” Rest In Peace Dr. Haynes. but she was also approachable. I am certain that years due to her. I would not have the level of self-confidence I Kristen Brumfield Dr. Haynes is probably my have achieved were it not for her influence. Marie Eldeny Hale-Sprinkle I can’t express favorite and most influential professor ever. She how much Dr. Haynes made an impact in my was tough and demanding but in a way that Susan Scheibner Loved and respected this life while I was a student at Cottey. I became pushed me to want to live up to her expecta- lady so very much. Appreciative of all that she eloquent in my speech through her courses and tions. She’s come to mind occasionally since the taught me. Such poise and charisma. Always in I was pushed outside of my comfort zone when my time at Cottey, 91-93, and I always smile. my heart. she picked me to play a role in the tragedy “The Sad to hear of her passing. House of Bernalda Alba” performed at Cottey Lisa Kindel I still remember her lessons. I have in 1991. I always felt I was more of a comedic Anne Bunton When Nancy would read Frost in carried them with me for 30 years now. Excellent children’s theater type, but Dr. Haynes saw more a New England accent, it was perfection. RIP teacher, formidable woman, and outstanding role in me and made me see it too. model. Lori Boudreau Dr. Haynes brought out the best Something I will never forget is when she took in her students. She will never know the con- Nancy Ed What a powerful human. She de- me aside after class one day and said, “Miss fidence that she helped to build in me. I hated manded perfection and yet you knew she was Hale, remember that a good performer is able being the center of attention, but she chose me rooting for you. to act in such a way that they are able to teach that day to read the part of Laura in The Glass a valuable lesson to others through acting that Menagerie in class. She told me later that she others are so entertained not realizing they are had never heard the part of Laura played so well being taught such a lesson.” I’ve often followed in all her years. From then on, I held my head a that advice throughout my career. littler higher and started to become a little more

Retired Dining Services Worker, Norma Bruhn Passes

Norma Lee Bruhn, 85, Nevada, Missouri, passed away to Clinton, Missouri, where she worked alongside Kenny on Monday, October 21, 2019, at Medicalodges of Ne- operating the Clinton Country Club. When Kenny took vada. over as Manager of Frank E. Peter golf course in Ne- vada in 1982, Norma began working at Cottey College Norma was born June 16, 1934, in Madison, Kansas, to in food service, retiring after 23 years. She also worked Lyle G. and Etta L. (Reed) Armitage. She was united in at Count On Us Catering for several years. Norma was marriage to Kenneth E. Bruhn on December 21, 1954, a member of the First Christian Church in Nevada. She in Miami, Oklahoma, and he preceded her in death in enjoyed spending time playing golf, crocheting, and March 2017. reading.

Following her marriage, she and Kenny operated sever- Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 26, al restaurants in Eureka, Kansas. In 1972 they moved at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. 24 VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2019 FACULTY/STAFF NOTES

Dr. Carmen Bourbon attended The Mountain Florida, in June. She read 1480 responses in the culture and traditions of the indigenous people Interstate Foreign Language Conference held span of a week! She is looking forward to return- to New Zealand, the Maori. Approximately 75 at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, October ing to Tampa next year for another AP reading. MSSU students, faculty and guests attended the 10-12, 2019. She presented a paper titled “The presentation. evolution of liberalism in Mario Vargas Llosa’s Dr. Nancy Kohn’s ecology class visited Prairie novel La llamada de la tribu.” State Park. At the park the class explored Denise Hedges and Prof. Polon attended and the area and talked with park naturalist Dana presented a poster titled, “Embedded Global Professor Jo Byrnes completed the Anato- Hoisington. In May, Dr. Kohn attended the Weav- Learning” at the AAC&U conference Global my and Alignment course with YogaFit trainer ing the Future of Animal Behavior Early Career Citizenship for Campus, Community, and Shannon Johnson in West Des Moines, Iowa, Symposium in Scottsdale, Arizona. This sympo- Careers, October 17-19, in San Antonio, Texas. September 14-15. She also attended the Arts sium included 30 early career women in Animal Conference sessions included information on Education Collaborative Meeting, hosted by the Behavior and 12 senior women in the field. As a assessing short term study abroad, high impact Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, in June in part of this symposium Dr. Kohn agreed to join a practices, fostering global citizens in curricular Jefferson City, Missouri. Shared were curriculum peer mentoring group. In July, Dr. Kohn attended and co-curricular activities, and much more. revisions under the new Missouri Arts Learn- the joint meeting of the 56th Annual Conference ing Expectations, information about the Arts of the Animal Behavior Society and the 36th The Osage History and Culture excursion class Education Data Projects and Federal Funding International Ethological Conference, University taught by Dr. Sarah Quick and Denise Car- for schools, and an interactive workshop on of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Kohn rick Hedges traveled to St. Paul, Kansas, and Studio Habits of Mind. Also in June, Prof. Byrnes also attended the Pre-Conference Workshop Pawhuska, Oklahoma, on November 2, to learn attended the Missouri Dance Organization State called “Animal Behavior Lab Activities: Engaging about the Osage Nation in our region. Class Conference in Columbia, Missouri, at Stephens Students in the Science of Animal behavior.” One members were joined by Dr. Angela Firkus, Dr. College. She took a variety of sessions including of the highlights of the meeting occurred during Sandra Chaney, and First-year Writing Seminar Akashi Dance, Acrobatics, Cumbia, Pilates, the Business Meeting for the Animal Behavior students. The class was inspired by the fall 2019 video capture, and the ELDOA Method. Society. Dr. Kohn won the raffle for one compli- common reader, Killers of the Flower Moon: the mentary conference registration to attend next Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. Dr. Sandra Chaney attended the German year’s Animal Behavior Society Meeting, which Studies Association annual meeting in Portland, will be held at the University of Tennessee- Dr. Oindrila Roy’s peer-reviewed article, “Reli- Oregon, October 3-6, where she presented the Knoxville, July 30 – August 3, 2020. gious Sources of Defence-Spending Attitudes in results of summer research in Germany that the United States and the Case of Evangelical were supported by Corley and Cunningham Kowoon Lee, adjunct assistant professor of Distinctiveness,” was published in the journal Faculty Development Funds and P.E.O. funds. music, held a faculty lecture recital on of Politics, Religion, & Ideology in August 2019. Dr. Chaney attended panels on the Holocaust November 10. The topic was on “21st Dr. Roy along with her colleagues Lisa Hager, and methods of teaching it; chaplains in the Century Music for Solo Piano by Living East Landon Hancock and Michael Ensley published German Military of World War II; the Nazi Asian Women Composers.” Kowoon Lee is a study on the Iran Nuclear Agreement in July occupation of Norway, with emphasis on violence an adjunct assistant professor of music while 2019. against women; and model cities in communist pursuing her DMA in Piano Performance (with a East Germany and their difficult transition to Graduate Teaching Assistantship) at the Univer- Rev. Erica Siguake drove students to the free-market societies. sity of Missouri-Kansas City. Haskell Indian Art Market on September 7. This was a great experience for students to discover Professor Morgan Frew had two paintings Dr. Tammy Ogren co-presented “Bringing new cultural values and to interact with Native featured in an exhibition at Jones Gallery, in the Relevant Projects to Management Information Americans from different nations. This cultur- Crossroads Art District in Kansas City. Systems’ Student Learning Experience” at al competence opportunity opened eyes for the annual conference of Management and students to grow deeper in their understanding of Dr. Carol Gallagher was invited to serve as the Organizational Behavior Teaching Society in cultural differences. Co-Program Chair for the 2020 International June at Ramapo College of New Jersey. In the Leadership Association (ILA) Women and Lead- presentation, she and a colleague from Keene Ms. Cindy Spencer has been hired as the ership Conference, in June 2020 at the College State College shared two student projects with director of housing, replacing Helen Lodge who of Saint Rose. The Conference will celebrate two different approaches that blend changes in passed away Women’s Leadership and 100 years of women’s Information Systems with practical skill develop- last April. voting ability. Additionally, Dr. Gallagher earned ment while assessing common student learning Ms. Spencer, the “Teach Leadership” certification from the on MIS topics. The Cottey MIS class project a Nevada Kansas Leadership Center and was designated involved defining the business need, assessing native, has as a “Certified Municipal Official” through the alternative IS solutions, and making a recom- been involved Municipal Governance Institute, a part of the mendation through a formal business proposal in housing Missouri Municipal League. Dr. Gallagher has for technology to their “client”: the Chellie Club. and residence also been invited to develop a monograph on life with higher Organizational Leadership with an international Professor Karen Polon presented Aotearoa: education publisher. The Land of the Long White Cloud at Missouri for 30 years. Southern State University on September 26 She earned Dr. Amanda Gilchrist was an AP Psychology as a part of MSSU’s Oceania Semester. Prof. a Master of Free-Response Question Reader in Tampa, Polon presented information on the history, Science in New Faculty for 2019-2020

Cottey is pleased to announce the addition of the following new faculty members to the 2019-2020 academic year.

Dr. Manjira Ghosh Kumar - Assistant Dr. Angela Glosser - Assistant Dr. Jonathan Green - Visiting Professor of Biology Professor of Criminology Assistant Professor of English Dr. Ghosh Dr. Glosser In addition to Kumar holds holds a Bach- teaching En- a Bachelor of elor of Arts glish courses, Science from from Buena Dr. Green will the University Vista Univer- oversee the of Calcutta in sity-Ottumwa, Writing Cen- India, a Mas- a Master ter. He holds ter of Science of Criminal a Bachelor of from Kalyani Justice from Arts, a Mas- University in Boston Uni- ter of Arts, India, and versity, and and a Ph.D. a Ph.D. in a Ph.D. from in rhetoric molecular Iowa State and composi- biology from The Catholic University University. Her most recent teaching tion from the University of Arkansas. His of America in Washington, D.C. She position was assistant professor of most recent position included teaching comes to Cottey from Marshall Univer- criminal justice at Indiana University Introductory and Intermediate Composi- sity in West Virginia where she taught Kokomo. tion at Texas Christian University. courses in biology and chemistry.

Jason Librande - Visiting Assistant Dr. Sarah Polo - Assistant Professor Dr. John Ross - Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology of English Professor of Music Mr. Librande Dr. Polo Dr. Ross holds a holds a holds a Bachelor of Bachelor Bachelor of Arts from the of Science Music and University of from Missou- Master of Washington ri Western Music from and a Master State Univer- West Virginia of Science sity, a Master University in microbiol- of Arts from and a Doctor ogy and cell the Universi- of Music from science from ty of Missou- Florida State the Universi- ri-Kansas University. ty of Florida. City, and a His most re- Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition from cent teaching position was at Ball State the University of Kansas. University in Muncie, Indiana.

Faculty/Staff Notes continued from p. 24 Congratulations to Nancy E. Gwinn, former member of the Education-Counseling from Pittsburg State Cottey College Board of Trustees, who retired as the director University and a Bachelor of Science degree of the Smithsonian Libraries after 22 years. Her retirement was from Missouri Southern State University. Ms. effective at the end of 2019. Spencer joined the Cottey team on October 7. Under Gwinn’s leadership the Smithsonian Libraries have On November 2, Dr. Tricia Stubblefield’s • helped launch Biodiversity Heritage Library, an open-access Ecofeminism: Women, Animals, and So- database of literature collected by a global consortium that has cial Justice class had an amazing visit to collectively digitized over 245k volumes (57 million pages) of Willeyville Farm – a Kansas City Pig Rescue biodiversity literature! Network foster home in Cleveland, Missouri. They helped set up for a vegan crock-pot •raised nearly $20,000,000 to support new programs and cook-off and silent auction, met a bunch of operations! incredible pigs whose stories (and cuddles!) they won’t soon forget, and learned all about • developed fellowship and intern programs to bring researchers pigs and pig rescue work from two truly inspir- and budding librarians to work with staff and collections. ing women who run KCPRN. Gwinn served on the Cottey College Board from 2006-2013. NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEVADA, MO PERMIT NO. 132 Inquiries and information should be addressed to: Office of Public Information Cottey College 1000 W. Austin Nevada, MO 64772

In the Spirit of the Season

Every year in December, area schools select children in grades kindergarten through second grade whose families may need help with Christmas gifts. Volunteers with the Salvation Army help these children shop for members of their household. Each child is matched with a volunteer who helps the child pick out a gift (average of $15 per person) for each household member. Then the child goes to the break room where they get to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and have a snack while the volunteer picks out a gift for the child. The Salvation Army pays for all of the gifts and additional volunteers help wrap the gifts. Then the parent picks up the child and all the gifts.

At 6 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, these members of the Cottey Comets softball team went to Walmart to serve as volunteer shoppers for those area children. Amy Tweten of the local Salvation Army said there were approximately 80 children in attendance and the participation by the Comets was greatly appreciated.

“We want to say a huge thank you to them for all their help!” Tweten said. “The Cottey students who came made a big difference in being able to match all of the children with a volunteer quickly and send them shopping.”

Thanks, Comets!