The Connection You Will Learn About Another Turning Point in the Donna Baber University’S Advancement Programs

Home , Carson Daly, Cottey College, KDHX, Michael Shonrock

Provost Weitzel to Preside at Cottey … Page 10 First Basketball Team ConnectionA Publication of Lindenwood University for the Alumni Recognized … Page 24 Spring 2015

Michael Shonrock Announced as 22nd President … Page 3

Business School Named after Robert W. Plaster … Page 4

82431 Magazine.indd 1 5/4/15 12:48 PM President’s Message CONNECTION® EDITOR Scott Queen (’99, ’07) Turning Points and Transitions ASSISTANT EDITOR Elizabeth Wikoff (’00, ’01) Lindenwood’s Office of Institutional Advancement has COPY EDITORS/ made remarkable strides recently. Not only has the number of CONTRIBUTING WRITERS donors increased appreciably across the past few years, but so has the percent of our alumni who make annual gifts to the Christopher Duggan (’00, ’12) University. Thank you! We so appreciate your support of the Rachel Johnson (’04, ’10) various new scholarships and programs we have developed Daniel Newton (’09) for our students. Julie Beard (’14) Several campus buildings have been named in the context of large donations from our Mike Morgan (’06, ’10) friends and supporters. For some time, the Institutional Advancement office and I have Russell Korando also been pursuing significant gifts that reflect and support the great scope and quality of OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL Lindenwood’s academic programs and schools. The John W. Hammond Institute for Free ADVANCEMENT Enterprise was the first such naming initiative, and the Institute already is attracting the attention of universities, corporations, and business leaders in the Midwest region, while Susan Mangels providing unique higher-learning opportunities for our students. That development was a Vice President for Institutional Advancement turning point for the University. In this issue of the Connection you will learn about another turning point in the Donna Baber University’s advancement programs. I am pleased to announce that, for the first time in its Director of Planned Giving long history, Lindenwood has named one of its academic schools. Our business division is now the Robert W. Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship, which is headquartered Jane Baum (’82) Athletics Development Director in the beloved Harmon Hall. We are very grateful for the friendship and generosity of The Robert W. Plaster Foundation, and we look forward to working with the Foundation in Kate O’Neal (’07, ’08) future programming. We are extremely pleased about this initiative. Director of Advancement Services

This Connection also introduces Lindenwood’s next President, Dr. Michael Shonrock, Mary Reuter (’92, ’06) who will start his presidency here on June 1 after having served as President of Emporia Assistant Vice President and State University. I have known Dr. Shonrock for about three years through our joint Executive Director of Community service on the CEO Council of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Our Relations-Belleville Board of Directors made a splendid choice when it picked Michael from a considerable slate of well-qualified candidates. He is an experienced higher education professional with Kassandra Schnell Special Projects Coordinator both teaching and administrative credentials. He loves students and, I believe, already understands and genuinely appreciates Lindenwood’s special history and campus culture. Vicki Schrader He is smart and personable and will advance our University to even greater achievements. Grants Manager I could not be happier for Lindenwood, and I trust you will support his work here in all possible ways. Jessica Gatewood In the 21st century, Lindenwood has become one of the larger private universities in Director of Corporate Relations the United States, with professors, programs, and facilities that command attention and Julie Sydow (’12) respect nationally and internationally. Through all eras and transitions, it remains your Alumni Relations and Special Events Lindenwood: It is still about the students – past, present, and future. I am very proud of Coordinator-Belleville our University and hope you are too. Elizabeth Wikoff (’00, ’01) With best personal wishes, Director of Alumni Relations Connection® is published by the offices of Public Relations and Institutional Advancement at Lindenwood University. Connection is mailed free of charge to Lindenwood alumni. Story ideas are welcome and should be forwarded to: James D. Evans, PhD President Director of Alumni Relations Lindenwood University 209 South Kingshighway St. Charles, MO 63301 or via email at [email protected].

Change of address notifications should be sent to the Office of Alumni Relations at the address above. The Alumni Office telephone number is (636) 949-4975. On The Cover Dr. Michael Shonrock will take over as President of Lindenwood University on June 1 following the retirement of Dr. James D. Evans. 2

82431 Magazine.indd 2 5/4/15 12:48 PM Dr. Michael Shonrock, who will assume the presidency of Lindenwood University on June 1, with his wife, Karen, during a recent trip to the campus in St. Charles

Shonrock Selected 22nd Lindenwood President New President Had Been Charmed by Campus By SCOTT QUEEN “We felt a calling to go to Emporia, and June 1, but he is even more enthusiastic now feel called to serve Lindenwood,” about walking the 500-acre main campus, It was a typical Lindenwood University Shonrock said. “We feel like it is a good the Belleville campus, the Daniel Boone Homecoming on October 19, 2013. There fit because the focus is on learning and Home, and regional locations and meeting was a slight breeze. The sun was out. teaching.” students, faculty, staff, alumni, community The temperature was in the mid-50s. The Board Chairman Jim J. Shoemake leaders, and board members. He said campus was buzzing with activity, and made the announcement to the campus he and his wife are excited to make the alumni were enjoying a visit to their alma community immediately following Lindenwood campus their home. mater. Shonrock’s hiring. He said the board and its “The board members with whom Michael Shonrock was in the crowd at search committee, along with the executive Karen and I met have a passion for and a Hunter Stadium that day, too. The president search firm Witt/Kieffer, invested countless dedication to the University,” Shonrock of Emporia State University was there hours in a national search. Shoemake said said. “Lindenwood is an institution with to watch his football team play against the board was impressed by Shonrock’s solid academics, a rich history, and a bright Lindenwood. He was moved by the beauty diverse set of leadership abilities. future.” and spirit of the campus. He even called his “Dr. Shonrock’s credentials match up For three and a half years, Shonrock wife, Karen, to tell her about Lindenwood. very well with Lindenwood’s needs,” served as president and professor at “I was in awe of the campus,” Shonrock Shoemake said. “He is a friendly, engaging, Emporia State. Prior to that, he spent said. “I called Karen and told her ‘You’ve students-first leader who will be able to over 20 years at Texas Tech University in got to see this place.’ I was taken by the handle everything from fundraising to Lubbock, Texas, where we was senior vice energy, the large band, the spirit squads, finance. He is a data-informed futurist and president and an associate professor. He and the stadium.” is committed to connecting with our alumni also held positions as vice president, dean, Shonrock had no idea that in 18 months, and other University constituencies.” and assistant professor. he would return to St. Charles for another Lindenwood’s new president has a track He has a PhD from the University of visit. Only this time, his wife was with him. record of success at Emporia State—capital Kansas, an EdS from Pittsburg State It was April 9 when the Lindenwood Board campaigns, campus master plans, and University, and an MS and a BS from of Directors selected him as president to strategic planning. He is also well known Western Illinois University. replace the retiring Jim Evans. for connecting with students day-in and Shonrock said he was looking forward Shonrock, 57, starts his new position on day-out. Within hours of the news of his to his first days on the job and was June 1. hiring, Shonrock was busy on social media particularly interested in connecting with He said he admired the fact that interacting with Lindenwood students, the campus, community, and alumni and is Lindenwood was a mission-driven alumni, and employees who had welcomed already planning to form a 2027 Committee institution that focused on character and and congratulated him. to begin planning for Lindenwood’s 200th values, which he said sometimes goes He is looking forward to launching his anniversary. missing at colleges and universities. new @LindenwoodPres twitter account on

82431 Magazine.indd 3 5/4/15 12:48 PM The Robert W. Plaster Foundation Naming School of Business

Robert W. Plaster passed away in 2008, but his legacy continues to expand across “We are so proud to have Missouri and now will touch the lives Dad’s name on Lindenwood’s of thousands of Lindenwood University students. School of Business & Lindenwood received a significant Entrepreneurship and seven-figure gift from the Robert W. Plaster Foundation to name the School of associated with its Hammond Business & Entrepreneurship and to serve Institute for Free Enterprise.” as a lead gift in the construction of a $21 million Library and Academic Resources Center, approved last May by the Board of -Dolly Plaster Clement Directors. Executive Director Dr. Dolly Clement, Plaster’s daughter Robert W. Plaster Foundation and the executive director of the Robert W. Plaster Foundation, said the partnership use in the 2016-2017 academic year. with Lindenwood was a good connection The new building will contain the new because of her father’s “strong free university library, 15 classrooms, a Center enterprise focus.” for Teaching Excellence, as well as a “Dad set up the foundation to promote host of student services, such as Career free enterprise and to help students realize Development, First-Year Student Programs, their dreams,” said Clement. “He wanted and Lindenwood’s International Students to have a broad impact, which is why he and Scholars program. Dr. Dolly Plaster Clement wanted to be involved with capital projects “We are thrilled about this cornerstone as opposed to individual scholarships.” gift that will facilitate great service to our Clement said the School of Business and students,” said Elizabeth McDonald, Dean its Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise of Library Services. “This gift will help were a natural fit. Lindenwood provide more state-of-the- “We are so proud to have Dad’s name art learning space and easily accessible A portrait of Robert W. Plaster, on Lindenwood’s School of Business & resources for student study and work.” who passed away in 2008 Entrepreneurship and associated with the Hammond Institute,” she said. President James D. Evans expressed gratitude for the generous gift, as did Roger Ellis, Dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship. “We are delighted and honored to have our business school named after a great entrepreneur and business leader,” said Ellis. Clement said her father grew up in poverty and wanted a college education because he knew it would give him a better start toward improving his life. “Once Dad had some success in business, he wanted to help students like him, who wanted an education but could not afford it,” said Clement. “He knew that by helping universities with their capital needs, he could not only help provide wonderful facilities for students but also help those universities keep tuition lower for the students.” Lindenwood expects to begin construction on the 100,000-square-foot Library and Academic Resources Center (LARC) complex in the spring of 2015 and have it up and running for student 4

82431 Magazine.indd 4 5/4/15 12:48 PM Lindenwood Forms Partnership with City of Ferguson Multi-part Initiative Announced in February By CHRIS DUGGAN On Feb. 18, Lindenwood University and the City of Ferguson, Mo., jointly announced a new partnership aimed at helping the city recover from months of unrest following the August death of 18-year-old Michael Brown, which occurred during an altercation with a city police officer. The incident and the November decision of a grand jury not to charge the officer touched off protests and riots and brought national news attention on the city. In the immediate aftermath of the November riots, in which several businesses in the city were looted and burned, the University’s Liberty and Ethics Center launched a social media campaign Officials from Lindenwood and the City of Ferguson, as well as North County public school called #fergusonfavorites, designed to bring administrators and representatives from Pinnacle Entertainment, posing with a check signifying people back to Ferguson businesses and to Pinnacle’s $25,000 donation toward one of the Lindenwood-Ferguson initiatives. temper the perception of the city that had been created by the news coverage of the city personnel, Johnny Little, of eLittle communications students to highlight and unrest. Communications, Douchant, and Howard promote the city’s businesses. “We knew that the press had created an Wall, Director of the Hammond Institute, • A series of documentaries by impression that was scaring away business, along with numerous other Lindenwood Lindenwood’s film and television not just from Ferguson, but from St. Louis personnel, arrived at seven additional students, contributing to the historical as well, and Lindenwood always strives to initiatives to go with the #fergusonfavorites record of the city’s recovery. be a good neighbor,” said Rachel Douchant, campaign. • A program to encourage greater interest Director of the Liberty and Ethics Center, These include among North County residents and which is housed in the Robert W. Plaster • An internship program for Lindenwood students in law enforcement careers and School of Business & Entrepreneurship students to provide needed personnel at to increase the diversity of the region’s as part of the Hammond Institute for Free City Hall. law enforcement agencies. Enterprise. • A volunteer program in which • An entrepreneurship program for Shortly after, eLittle Communications, Lindenwood students organize and Ferguson residents. The nationally which had been retained to represent volunteer for a number of community recognized program is designed to help the city, contacted Douchant to see if a service events. participants build the skills to develop more expansive partnership was possible. • The production of public service an entrepreneurial mindset. The Pinnacle Through numerous conversations between announcements by Lindenwood Entertainment Foundation donated $25,000 to provide 100 full scholarships Ferguson Mayor John Knowles III speaks at a Feb. 18 press conference announcing the Ferguson- to the program, which will be offered at Lindenwood partnership. Also pictured are Lindenwood President James Evans and student David the University’s North County Regional Alexander, both of whom also spoke. Center. • A new scholarship program for students living in North County school districts for up to 25 qualifying students–$5,000 per student, per year, renewable up to five years, for a total Lindenwood financial commitment of $625,000.

Douchant said the University is also working with St. Louis Community College in Florissant Valley on a partnership to create workable college plans for community members. “At Lindenwood, this philosophy of helping others is a part of our heritage,” Lindenwood President James Evans said at the press conference. “It is embedded in our mission. Time and time again, throughout our history, we have asked, ‘How can we help?’ Today, we’re proud to stand with the City of Ferguson, Mo.” 5

82431 Magazine.indd 5 5/4/15 12:48 PM Professor Emeritus Castro Named St. Louis’ First Poet Laureate By CHRIS DUGGAN

82431 Magazine.indd 6 5/4/15 12:48 PM The Library of Congress has appointed a from different poetry communities to share U.S. Poet Laureate on an annual basis since their work. 1937 with figures like Robert Frost and “There is a lot of poetry going on, but it’s Gwendolyn Brooks holding the post. The kind of fragmented,” Castro said. “We’re state of Missouri got into the act in 2008 trying to bring together a disparate and with its own poet laureate program and is diverse group.” currently on its third, William Trowbridge. As poet laureate, another of Castro’s jobs St. Louis, partly to celebrate its 250 is to “inspire current and future generations birthday, named its first poet laureate at the of literary artists in the St. Louis region and end of December—Lindenwood University nationwide.” Professor Emeritus Michael Castro. Anyone who knows Castro also knows Castro was nominated by more than he’s been doing that for many decades. A one person, and after the application native of New York City, Castro moved process that followed, he was unanimously to St. Louis in 1967 to attend graduate selected by a task force appointed to pick school at Washington University. He taught the honoree. He learned of the vote in from 1972 to 1979 at UM-St. Louis before November during a month-long trip to coming to Lindenwood in 1980 to teach India. All that remained was for the St. in the still somewhat new Lindenwood Louis Board of Aldermen to ratify the task College for Individualized Education. At force’s selection, which occurred on Friday, that time, there was no Communications Dec. 15. Still in India, Castro borrowed Program, but he started one with one a friend’s phone so he could follow the student. He later started the LCIE Cross aldermanic meeting broadcast live while at Cultural Program in 1991 and the MFA a wedding. in Writing Program in 2000. His poetry “Unfortunately, the phone’s battery ran students often credit him with helping them out before they voted,” Castro said. develop a love for reading and writing He found out a short time later that the Michael Castro’s newest book of poetry, How poetry. board, too, voted unanimously to accept Things Stack Up, takes its title from a poem he “When I teach, I look at myself as his appointment. His first task was to write wrote about one of his experiences in India. a coach,” Castro said. “I try to work a poem related to the 250th birthday of the with each student to develop his or her city, which he presented at his inauguration individual style. I stress certain emphases: ceremony on Jan. 31 at St. Louis’ Regional The great river, North America’s pulse, the power of image created by words; the Arts Commission. throbs in us, in our bustling businesses, idea, also, of being attentive to sound and “It was great,” he said. “The crowd was our blood, our spirit, flows into our music rhythm; not using extraneous language; overflowing, and the response was very that animates the world. strengthening an awareness of the basic positive.” elements of poetry. I’ve had students who Castro’s appointment was covered by the It addresses the city’s and the region’s don’t fit into easy categories. I try to work majority of the St. Louis news media, and scars, too: racial and income inequality, with them where they are—help them the poem, “RE: BIRTHDAY ST. LOUIS civil unrest, tension, and violence, and it develop.” TWO FIFTY,” was published in its entirety offers a roadmap forward, an appeal to In addition to his work in the classroom, on the website for St. Louis Public Radio work together to heal the wounds. Castro has been a central figure in the and in the St. Louis American newspaper. St. Louis poetry scene since the 1970s, Portions of it were also published in the Time for St. Lou Is, truly, to become founding River Styx Magazine and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and St. Louis St. Lou Us. All of us–one polity– River Styx at Duff’s Poetry Series. He Magazine. with mutual R-E-S-P-E-C-T, also hosted the Ars Poetica radio show on The poem ranged through the city’s early a unity community, KWMU from 1975 to 1978 and developed history and pre-history, referencing the less of me & more of we and hosted the Poetry Beat program on ancient Native-American civilizations that to harness the energy of our DIVERCity; KDHX Radio from 1989 to 2003. He lived here, and it refers to the St. Louis of has published 10 volumes of poetry and today. During Castro’s two-year term as St. has published poetry in more than 100 Louis poet laureate, his overarching newspapers, magazines, and anthologies. St. Louis, Mound City, River City, job is to support the art of poetry in the “Few communities are lucky enough to city of baseball, blues, & beer, region and the arts in general and also to have someone like Michael to become their an iconic American city established here. contribute to the healing process in the first poet laureate,” said Aaron Williams, wake of racially polarizing incidents in chairman of the task force that selected It pays homage to the Mississippi River, Ferguson and St. Louis. He is required to Castro, in a Post-Dispatch article. “He around which so much of the city’s history make six appearances a year. As of mid- really is a game-winning grand slam of a and identity is built. March, he had already done more than six, nominee and human being to lead this post and he’s organized a Unity Community for the first time for our community.” We live by the heartbeat. Reading Series, which brings together poets

82431 Magazine.indd 7 5/4/15 12:48 PM Novero Levy’s books, Be Your Pet’s Best Friend (2013) and A New Spring for April (2014)

Barbara Novero Levy (’75) poses with her dogs

One of Author’s Books has a Lindenwood Twist

By RACHEL JOHNSON old files and story ideas and came up with Levy. “In the book, April comes from the concept for my first book.” Lindenberry Kennels, the kennel maiden’s “Until one has loved an animal, a part The end result was Be Your Pet’s Best first name is Linden, and April knows of one’s soul remains unawakened,” wrote Friend: Choose Wisely, Care Deeply, its spring because the Linden trees are in French poet, journalist, and novelist and Plan Carefully. Published by AKA bloom. The moral of the story is to teach Anatole France. Lindenwood University publishing and released in 2013, the book kids that older dogs are special, too, and alumna Barbara Novero Levy (’75) is filled with enlightening information need loving homes as much as puppies do.” wholeheartedly agrees with that sentiment, about the cost of owning a pet, a first aid Both of Levy’s books are available having loved and owned 15 pets in the past section, an important chapter on toxins, and through online retailers BarnesandNoble. 46 years. more. With editorial help from veterinary com and Amazon.com. Copies are also “I come by my love of animals honestly,” professionals and animal bonding experts available at the University of Missouri- said Levy, who lives in Columbia, Mo. associated with the College of Veterinary Columbia bookstore, as well as Treats “I inherited it from my mother and my Medicine at the University of Missouri- Unleashed and McAdams’ Ltd. in paternal grandmother. Growing up, we Columbia, the book has become widely Columbia, Mo. Three-hundred limited had three dogs, a cat, a rabbit, two ducks, regarded as a valuable educational manual edition, hand-numbered, personally signed a chicken, and even a small piglet that we for new and experienced pet owners alike. hardback copies of A New Spring for April kept in our basement for two days before a “After I finished the first book, I felt are also available by contacting Levy farmer adopted it.” so good having crossed that goal off my directly at [email protected]. After a long and satisfying career in the bucket list,” Levy said. “I thought, ‘now A portion of the proceeds from her book healthcare industry, Levy, a member of the I’ve got to get my children’s book done!’ sales benefits a variety of animal rescue Sibley Heritage Society, retired in 2004. So, I pulled out all my story ideas again agencies. Levy is already looking forward Her role has evolved into primary caregiver and got to work.” to working on her next project, which will for her spouse, which requires that she Levy drew inspiration from her first be about, what else, dogs. be home more often. Writing has become Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, “They always say you have to write an outlet for her creativity, which has led April, whom she acquired in St. Charles, about something you’re passionate about,” to her authorship and publication of two Mo., near Lindenwood University. The she said. “I don’t expect to ever make a popular books dedicated to the subject of proximity of the adoption location to the ton of money doing this, but it’s my passion rewarding pet ownership. school inspired Levy to weave some of her to share my thoughts and experiences as a “Even though I’d earned my degree in fondness for the campus into her children’s lifelong pet lover.” business and my career had taken me in a book, A New Spring For April, which was different direction, I’d always loved writing published by Compass Flower Press in and I had written little articles here and 2014. there,” said Levy. “Since I needed to be “The story is about a mother dog named home a lot, my friends encouraged me to April who lives in a kennel for years before find more outside interests. I dug out all my being adopted to her forever home,” said 8

82431 Magazine.indd 8 5/4/15 12:48 PM Alumni’s Web Business Taking Hold on College Campuses Across the Country By SCOTT QUEEN “We’re creating something that has value to them,” she said. “It starts with the Alyssa Rispoli and Julian Barnes and poor college kids buying and selling those their business partners may be freshly expensive textbooks, but it is far more.” minted college graduates, but their Rispoli is no stranger to company is on a trajectory that could place entrepreneurship. She published a book, them among Lindenwood University’s top The Young Entrepreneur, in 2013 while still entrepreneurs. in college and has been involved in other Rispoli and Barnes graduated in 2014 entrepreneurial endeavors. This one, she along with Gilad Brunfman and Nishan says, is very promising. Shrestha. The story of their company, “I tried to hire her,” said Rick Duree, CollegeCrap.org, is receiving attention nationally. The website is essentially an online peer-to-peer marketplace for college students. “We created something that students want,” said Barnes. “And the market is responding.” The website is a clearinghouse – arranged by campus – of items and services. CollegeCrap.org is also a place where students can look for jobs or even find apartments and/or roommates. One publication described CollegeCrap.org as “what would happen if Facebook and Craigslist had a baby.” The first verified “for sale” post was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. And Rispoli remembers her first sale—a calculator. “I was so excited about it that I told the buyer to keep the $20 and just make sure to spread the word about us,” Rispoli said. The word is indeed spreading. Collegecrap. org was featured in USA Today and the Huffington Post, and was highlighted on two television broadcasts. Of course, St. Louis is a hotspot for Creators of CollegeCrap.org on the Lindenwood campus Collegecrap.org. Lindenwood leads the way, but UMSL, SLU, and Mizzou have taken a liking to the site. It is gaining momentum across the country as well, “We’re creating something that them to Randy Schilling and the Old Post at Penn State, LSU, Illinois, and some Office incubator project in St. Charles. colleges in California. has value to them. It starts with Rispoli, Barnes, and their partners in And as to the name, “CollegeCrap,” CollegeCrap.org will have incubator space Barnes politely states that, while it may be the poor college kids buying and there late this spring. considered offensive by some, it is perfect “We really appreciate the efforts of to attract the site’s target market. selling those expensive textbooks. Rick Duree and Randy Schilling,” Rispoli The young Lindenwood entrepreneurs But it is far more.” said. “Randy probably owns half of Main have slowly built up consumer interest for Street. We’ve been to different accelerators, their site, and now they are beginning to – Alyssa Rispoli and this was the right fit for us. It’s like a monetize it. Revenue generation efforts Google-type of office—a great environment began in earnest in February, with the focus with a bunch of entrepreneurs sharing ideas being on coupons from local business and and helping each other out.” housing ads. They are being cautious about Duree said he was proud of the young general display advertising. Lindenwood alums. “We don’t want to overwhelm people alumnus and owner of Book-X-Change and namesake of the Duree Center for “They’re using their Lindenwood and turn them off with huge ads,” Barnes education to make their mark and stay said. “Content needs to lead the way. We Entrepreneurship. “I wanted her on my team. She and her partners show a lot of outside of the norm,” he said. “And they’ve are taking our lead from Mark Zuckerberg been getting a lot of attention.” and Facebook in the movie The Social energy and promise.” Network…You’ve got to have some The four grads have every aspect of credibility.” their business covered—from sales and Rispoli says CollegeCrap.org is all about marketing to IT and graphic design. And developing a resource for college kids. they give credit to Duree for connecting

82431 Magazine.indd 9 5/4/15 12:48 PM Weitzel to Become President at Cottey College By SCOTT QUEEN Dean of Humanities. Weitzel said some of her favorite Provost Jann Weitzel is stepping down Lindenwood memories involve students. this month and has accepted a position as Among her favorites is the joy she received president of Cottey College in Nevada, Mo. teaching Composition I. Weitzel, who came to Lindenwood as a “Those were the new students to professor of education in 1994, has come Lindenwood, and they would tell me all into contact with thousands of Lindenwood their stories,” Weitzel said. “They were so students over the years. She has served open.” as a professor of education and Dean of Weitzel was instrumental in developing Humanities, and is completing a nine-year Lindenwood’s Academic Honesty stint as Provost. She credits her contact programs. In addition, she was on the with Lindenwood’s alumni as one of the ground floor of Lindenwood’s online key elements in preparing her for a college programs and was very influential in the presidency. development of the new nursing program “When I speak to alums here at and the day college in Belleville. Lindenwood, I hear their memories of their “I think one of Lindenwood’s strengths close friends, the history, and their respect is the lack of bureaucracy when it comes for tradition here,” she said. “It’s not unlike to reacting to the market and getting the culture at Cottey College. In fact, it has something started,” she said. “When we see helped me relate to Cottey.” a need, we can act quickly.” Dr. Jann Weitzel Weitzel said she has learned over the Weitzel credits her role model, President James D. Evans, for “training me to years that she actually missed out on those accreditation.” become a college president. He has been type of experiences since she comes from a Evans said that Weitzel is “superbly very open to helping me know not only large college – the University of Iowa. qualified” to be a college president. what is being done but why it is being “The closeness and memories are Cottey is much smaller than Lindenwood, done.” wonderful gifts we all have from Weitzel said, but that gives her a chance Evans is proud of Weitzel’s Lindenwood,” she said. “And it is to be even more hands-on. She said she is accomplishments at Lindenwood. something I look forward to at Cottey.” well-prepared for what is ahead because of “Dr. Weitzel has had many exceptional Since working to place Lindenwood’s her experiences at Lindenwood. accomplishments that will be remembered student teacher candidates back in the “I’m not leaving Lindenwood because of as history shapers at Lindenwood…,” mid 1990s, Weitzel has come a long anything I dislike,” Weitzel said. “I’ve been Evans said. “(She) has spearheaded every way at Lindenwood. She spent her early supported for 20 years. This is simply an major Higher Learning Commission matter Lindenwood years in Roemer Hall in a tiny opportunity to use what I have learned in a at this University for more than eight years, office with professors John Dougherty and new setting. It’s a new adventure.” Victoria Jones. She eventually moved over and she led the charge in our recent, very to Butler Hall when she assumed the role as successful 10-year reaffirmation of regional

Taiwanese Art Reception

Faculty, staff, and friends came together on March 23 in celebration of a generous gift of art donated by Dr. Cheng and Beverly Tsai. The Tsais donated nine beautiful Taiwanese water color paintings that have been installed at the Nursing and Allied Health Center in Dardenne Prairie. The paintings were created by Lindenwood alumnus Chen-nan Chu, a 2001 graduate of Lindenwood. Chu lives in Taiwan, where he is known nationally for his work.

Beverly Tsai (left) and Dr. Cheng Tsai pose with Dr. Peggy Ellis with two of the donated pieces from artist Chen-nan Chu.

82431 Magazine.indd 10 5/4/15 12:48 PM Dr. Chad Welsh (left), of Lindenwood’s Biology Department, with students Palolo Molina and Nikki Goeddeke and some of the new equipment

Sigma-Aldrich Donates Equipment and Supplies for Biological Studies

Lindenwood University received a about the meaningful and long-term impact inventory.” momentous gift-in-kind donation from Sigma-Aldrich’s donation will have in Jeffrey Whitford, global citizenship Sigma-Aldrich Corporation in the amount enhancing both students and educators in manager at Sigma-Aldrich, said the of $576,054. The gift is made up of the labs.” donation is in keeping with the company’s equipment and consumable supplies and Dr. Chad Welsh, Assistant Professor in mission to enable science to improve the will be used by the School of Sciences the Department of Biological Sciences, quality of life. primarily for the departments of Biological said the donation will benefit the School of “Donating excess inventory to Sciences and Chemistry. Sigma-Aldrich, Sciences in a number of ways. organizations growing their science a leading life science and high technology “Sigma-Aldrich’s generous donation departments supports that mission,” company, has partnered with institutions will allow for greater diversity of labs and Whitford said. “It also helps the around the world to donate excess enrich students in many areas of study, community and, in this case, the students inventory totaling more than $8 million. from cell signaling to nuclear magnetic of Lindenwood University. We were “In appreciation of the generous gift resonance spectroscopy,” said Welsh. impressed with the passion Dr. Welsh Lindenwood University will rename the “These resources will help boost the rate expressed and we appreciate that the School biology research lab in Young Hall after of learning at Lindenwood University, of Sciences’ success will benefit the greater Sigma-Aldrich,” said Jessica Gatewood, and as we create programs to partner with community we serve.” Director of Corporate Relations for local consortiums and high schools, the Lindenwood University. “We are thrilled community will also benefit from the

82431 Magazine.indd 11 5/4/15 12:48 PM LU Reaches out to Florida Alumni By ELIZABETH WIKOFF One alumna has been back to campus “A sincere ‘thank you’ for a wonderful since the Florida trip, and many of the luncheon, discussion, slide show, parting In January, the Lindenwood Alumni Florida alumni said they hope to return for gifts, conversation, and overall positive Relations Office took to the road to Homecoming this year. Others said they thoughts today,” wrote Debra (Spicknall) visit alumni in sunny Florida. There are will continue to network with the alumni Wright (’78). “I certainly appreciated the approximately 600 Lindenwood alumni they met at the events, and the Alumni invite and was looking forward to today. living in Florida, with the greatest Relations Office will continue to bridge the You did not disappoint me; that’s for sure! concentration in the greater Sarasota/Fort gap between the Lindenwood campus and I am proud be a Lindenwood alumna… Myers/Tampa area. the Florida alumni. In the not-too-distant Your hard work and efforts are paying “After researching the number alumni future, the Alumni Office will make a more dividends.” in the state of Florida, our initial out-of- segmented trip to these areas to continue town visit turned into many individual the momentum that was started down in visits and events,” said Jane Baum, Athletic Florida. Development Director. “We ended up hosting six alumni networking events in central and southern Florida and visiting alumni on an individual basis if they were unable to attend an event. The primary purpose of this trip was to re-connect with our alumni living in Florida.” Miami alumni attendees networked at the Sky Bar atop The week started off in Ocala, where a the Grand Beach Hotel Surfside luncheon was held at the Hilton Ocala. That in downtown Miami. (L to R) evening, a networking event was held at the Sondra (Swindel) Galperin (’61), Castle Hotel in Orlando. On Wednesday, Barbara Wexner Levy (’47), the Alumni Relations staff traveled to Carla (Campbell) Coleman (’73), Miami and hosted an event at the Grand and Douce Mudahemuka (’10) Beach Hotel Surfside. At this event, alumni reminisce about their time at from as early as 1947 and as recent as 2010 Lindenwood. Even though all showed up to network, reminisce, and make are from different decades, new friends. they remember their time at Lindenwood fondly. “I enjoyed meeting you and the other alums at the Lindenwood reception,” wrote Sondra (Swindel) Galperin (’61) of the Miami event. “It was a lovely event on a beautiful evening, and it was such a surprise to receive all the gifts!” Thursday and Friday were spent in the Sarasota area with an evening networking event at Classico Café & Bar and lunch the next day at the Polo Grill. All who attended the events were proud Lindenwood alumni who still follow Lindenwood happenings Sarasota Lunch – (L to R) Jane online. Many alumni had a strong interest (Wilson) Friday (’59), Frances in learning more about the campus and (Huber) (’66) and Stanley were all interested in the changes that Cooper, Donna Baber, and Debra have taken place since their graduation. (Spicknall) Wright (’78) enjoyed A slideshow of photos, old and new, was an intimate lunch at the Polo Grill shown at some events, and interest in the in Sarasota. new library was very high among attendees. For the Saturday event at the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda, Billiards Coach Mark Wilson flew down to highlight the Lindenwood billiards team. The event was primarily attended by non-alumni yacht members who were interested in supporting the billiards team. Wilson talked about Lindenwood history, academics, campus life, and the billiards team. Following the presentation, Wilson performed trick shots on the club’s pool table. The club Sarasota – Pamela (Stephenson) hopes to start an endowed scholarship for a Johnson (’71) and Donna Baber, deserving Lindenwood student. Director of Planned Giving, talk about Lindenwood during the Sarasota event at Classico Café & Bar. 12

82431 Magazine.indd 12 5/4/15 12:48 PM One Alumna’s Path – In Extraordinary Shoes By ELIZABETH WIKOFF Barbara Wexner Levy was born into a fashion shoe family in Memphis, Tenn. Her family owned high-end shoe stores in Memphis and Houston, Texas, and she developed an affinity for shoes and everything fashion growing up and turned her passion into her profession.

Elizabeth Wikoff (left) with Barbara Wexner Levy during a recent alumni event in Florida

Barbara Wexner Levy during her Lindenwood years article she has ever written. navigating travel spots in the cities, the best She started her own fashion report places to shop, and the best places to eat. in 1974, Barbara’s Report, and had an Wexner Levy had the fashion world by the Wexner Levy attended Lindenwood international base of subscribers who paid tail and was dedicated to letting everyone College from 1943 to 1945, and as many $200 a year for her findings, opinions, know through her writing. women did during that time, she transferred Throughout Wexner Levy’s lifetime to a university for her final two years of of accomplishments, she has maintained college. While attending Lindenwood, I absolutely loved a passion for life. She currently lives in Wexner Levy was involved in choir, the Florida and attended a recent Lindenwood League of Women Voters, the Press Club, attending Lindenwood. alumni event in Miami, where her Beta Pi Theta, the Athletic Association, I have the fondest memories enthusiasm and bubbly personality were Beta Chi, the Linden Bark yearbook staff, on display. She also maintains an active and Tau Sigma. Her underlying passion was of campus and all of the girls lifestyle, riding her bike every day and journalism, and she made the most of her I attended with. regularly going out for shopping and love of words during her career. dining. A Lindenwood pennant adorns “I absolutely loved attending her door, and she has several scrapbooks Lindenwood,” said Wexner Levy. “I have -Barbara Wexner Levy from the mid-1940s with her Lindenwood the fondest memories of campus and all of memorabilia and photos. She remains the girls I attended with.” passionate in all areas of her life. Wexner Levy spent her career writing for and reports on the newest and next “I’ve had the opportunity to visit many the fashion industry. She was a stringer and fashion trends in shoes, handbags, hosiery, exciting places due to my work, and I’ve later a fashion editor for the Boot and Shoe accessories, and fashion items. She scouted been able to bring the exciting world of Recorder, the Shoe and Leather Journal, shoe stores from New York to Milan to find fashion to thousands of people over the Shoe News and Envoy, Shoes and Views, footwear for manufacturers and retailers years,” said Wexner Levy. “Lindenwood and Modern Retailer. She was also the such as Saks Fifth Avenue. She also helped me round out my passion for writing fashion editor for Window Shopping the published urban guides for Miami, New through journalism studies and pair it with World. Her specialty was articles on shoes, York, and European cities she visited twice an industry I am passionate about.” and she has the shoe that goes with every a year. The guides offered hints and tips on 13

82431 Magazine.indd 13 5/4/15 12:48 PM Hannegan Scholarship Builds on Family Legacy By RACHEL JOHNSON Tom Hannegan (’92, ’98), publisher and founder of Streetscape Magazine, has created an endowed scholarship to support students in Lindenwood University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts. The $25,000 gift is made possible through a portion of the proceeds from Streetscape Magazine’s Beyond the Best Top 50 in Business Awards annual gala. The funds will provide need-based financial assistance for up to four Lindenwood students each year. Hannegan and his family have enjoyed a long and gratifying relationship with the University for many years. Tom’s mother, Mary Louise Hannegan, earned her master’s degree in education from the school in 1979. Tom’s father, John C. Hannegan, served on the Lindenwood Board of Directors from 1977 to 1988 and was named the 1987 Sibley Medallion of Honor recipient for his service and commitment to Lindenwood. In 2014, Tom Hannegan became a member of the University’s Butler Society. “I have always been supportive of Lindenwood, and I feel very connected to it,” Hannegan said. “I made lifelong friends Tom Hannegan (’92, ’98) is publisher and founder of Streetscape Magazine, based in St. Charles, Mo. there, and I feel it’s important to give back. I think alumni should always try to be a who’ve become employees here before The community-based lifestyle part of their alma mater.” advancing in their careers. As an alumnus, magazine is published bi-monthly and has After earning an undergraduate degree in it’s fun to mentor them, watch them grow, a distribution of 30,000 throughout St. business administration from Lindenwood and see them move forward.” in 1992 and a master’s degree in human Charles County and the surrounding St. Hannegan has his own plans for growth resource management from the school in Louis Metropolitan Area. It’s available for moving forward. He will continue to own 1998, Hannegan worked in the corporate free in local newsstands and online at www. and operate Streetscape, but he’s also sector for a time before deciding to start streetscapmag.com. running as a Republican candidate for “People have personal stories to tell his own business. He launched Streetscape Missouri State Representative, District and they want to leave their legacies,” Magazine in 2006. 65, for 2016. He hopes to take his passion Hannegan said. “Streetscape gives people for highlighting the good things about St. permission to talk about themselves and to Charles County with him to the Missouri Streetscape, which comes out six times a year, celebrate their accomplishments. Through is the only magazine of its kind covering St. House of Representatives. their stories, readers connect with all the Charles County. “Just like the people we feature in the great people and positive things happening magazine, I also want to leave something in our community.” positive behind as my legacy,” he said. Hannegan also helps connect the “I think we all want that, and I love to community with good news about see people succeed and grow. I hope the Lindenwood through the magazine. Streetscape scholarship helps as many Streetscape highlights each high-profile Lindenwood students as possible begin to entertainer who performs at the University’s create their own legacies.” J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts and Applications for the Streetscape Endowed regularly includes feature articles about Scholarship will be available through the school’s achievements and initiatives. the Lindenwood University Office of He also involves individual students and Admissions at the beginning of the fall faculty members from Lindenwood’s 2015 semester. Recipients will be chosen Fashion Design Department in some of the and scholarships will be awarded prior to magazine’s operations and events. the start of 2016 spring semester. “We show Lindenwood student collections in the Streetscape Magazine Fashion Week events we host, and students help us with projects for the Fashion Scene portion of the magazine,” Hannegan said. “We’ve had several Lindenwood interns 14

82431 Magazine.indd 14 5/4/15 12:48 PM December 2014 Commencement

President James D. Evans, PhD Keynote speaker Bill McClellan Graduate Chad Poole

Brett Barger, Associate Vice President for Operations and Finance, waits with the EdD candidates.

More than 740 graduates participated in the December Commencement exercises, which were held at the St. Charles County Family Arena.

82431 Magazine.indd 15 5/4/15 12:49 PM Dr. James Hutson (second from right) with some of the Kappa Pi fraternity members: (from left) Natalie Johnson, Hollyanne Leach, Graciano Cruz, Arianna Azzopardi, Katie Nadler, and Elena Bankovskaya Kappa Pi Art Fraternity Rises Again By RUSSELL KORANDO panel was performance art. St. Louis. That year, Lindenwood Kappa Pi “I don’t have a preferred medium, but member Rene Kiskadden won first place Kappa Pi operated as a national honorary I like to work with ink,” Cruz said. “My for Introduction to Art at an unnamed art fraternity at Lindenwood College from performance art is a mixture of theatre, competition. 1928 to 1951. Recently, Kappa Pi was sculpture, and poetry.” Reactivating the chapter and selecting reactivated on campus and 10 Lindenwood Dr. James Hutson, Associate Professor of new members was fast-tracked when the University students were selected to be part Art and Design and program manager for national Kappa Pi chapter notified Hutson of that revival. art history, pre-art conservation, and pre-art that Lindenwood wouldn’t have to start a Dozens of students seeking Bachelor therapy, said performance art has not been brand new chapter but would be able to of Fine Arts degrees at Lindenwood each seen on Lindenwood’s campus since the reactivate the old one. submitted an extensive portfolio in his or 1960s. “What will make the art clubs successful her art discipline, as well as a research The original Lindenwood Kappa Pi depends on this modern technology, paper, to be considered for the art fraternity. fraternity chapter, Hutson said, was because we need it to design websites, Lindenwood faculty then voted on those discovered in January. posters for our events, and i-Pad apps, and who also met the academic criteria: a 3.5 “A member who is active on two different the way we keep in touch with the students grade point average in the major classes. Greek societies asked if anyone had ever is obviously through social media,” Hutson The 10 new Kappa Pi members selected heard of Kappa Pi,” Hutson said. “No one said. by the faculty panel are Chapter President had, so we had our faculty research it.” Hutson said Lindenwood’s Art Graciano Cruz, Arianna Azzopardi, Elena According to the Oct. 9, 1928, issue of Department prides itself on celebrating and Bankovskaya, Natalie Johnson, Hollyanne Linden Bark, the student newspaper, the teaching the traditional studio disciplines of Leach, Katie Nadler, Saki Ogushi, Tori Lindenwood chapter of Kappa Pi elected painting, sculpture, and architecture. Those Leigh Oxford, Jourdan Stacer, and Chantal its first officers. In subsequent years, long-held disciplines have been joined by Rae Stilwell. Lindenwood students were honored, conceptual art and performance art, a sign Cruz, a senior who graduates in May, sometimes nationally, for their artwork. In of the times, even as Lindenwood rejoins said the fraternity will help promote art on spring of 1936, the Sketch Book of Kappa an art fraternity that had been defunct campus, and he hopes it entices students to Pi stated “the highlight” of the year was on the campus for nearly 65 years. participate. Cruz’s submission to the faculty the annual dinner at the Jefferson Hotel in

82431 Magazine.indd 16 5/4/15 12:49 PM Performances at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts Play it Again, Sam June 12, 13, and 27 at 8 p.m. June 14 and 28 at 2 p.m. Love From a Stranger June 19, 20, and 26 at 8 p.m. June 21 and 27 at 2 p.m.

Private performances and group rates are available. For more information, visit the company’s website, actincstl.com or email actsummer- [email protected].

ACT INC, Lindenwood’s new resident summer repertory company, in an earlier production of Lend Me a Tenor ACT INC Named Lindenwood’s Resident Summer Repertory Company Lindenwood University has named the at Lindenwood as our resident sum- campus. 36-year-old ACT INC its resident summer mer rep company,” said Emily Jones, Eleanor Mullin, secretary/treasurer for repertory company. In June, the company Director of the Theatre Department at ACT INC, said she and the company will perform two plays in the Emerson Lindenwood. “Our students will have the are excited about the collaboration with Black Box Theater, located in the J. added benefit of working with experienced Lindenwood. Scheidegger Center for the Arts. area professionals, and the St. Charles com- “The Board of ACT INC thinks we are The company, which was formed in 1979 munity will enjoy delightful summer per- the luckiest theatrical company in the area by a group of actors who wanted the oppor- formances throughout the month of June.” to have found a new home at Lindenwood tunity to perform in the summer, produces The group has performed the works of and to have been named the University’s lesser-known works of well-known play- George Bernard Shaw, J.M. Barrie, Oscar resident summer repertory theater,” Mullin wrights or plays that are not frequently pro- Wilde, and Somerset Maugham, among oth- said. “The Scheidegger Center is an incred- duced. Throughout its lifetime, the compa- ers. The ACT INC 2015 season will include ible facility. Lindenwood’s drama depart- ny has performed at a number of locations the comedy Play it Again, Sam, by Woody ment is very dynamic, and the students who in the St. Louis metro area before coming Allen, and the suspenseful Love from a work with us have exceeded expectations. to the current agreement with Lindenwood. Stranger, by Agatha Christie. Both will We look forward to entertaining a growing It will be the first professional non-equity be performed in the Emerson Black Box number of Lindenwood students, alums, company to perform in St. Charles. Theater at Lindenwood’s J. Scheidegger and St. Charles residents for many years to “We are thrilled to have ACT INC Center for the Arts on the St. Charles, Mo., come.”

2015-16 Scheidegger Season to be Announced in Mid-June

The 2014-15 professional season at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts was a memorable collection of luminaries and legends, including Jay Leno, Willie Nelson, Bernadette Peters, the Beach Boys, and Amy Grant, not to mention the Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Stay tuned to luboxoffice.com or follow the center on Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/LindenwoodCenter) for the announcement of the 2015-16 season lineup in mid-June. Tickets will go on sale in mid-July at luboxoffice.com or 636-949- 4433.

82431 Magazine.indd 17 5/4/15 12:49 PM New Beginnings – Lindenwood University Homecoming and Reunion Save the Date for Lindenwood St. Charles Homecoming and Reunion! October 16-18, 2015 New faces. New places. New changes. New beginnings. Homecoming and Reunion 2015 is just around the corner. Make your plans now to attend! Reconnect with your classmates and beloved professors, see what’s new on campus, and feel the Lion pride. This year, the class of 1965 will be celebrating its 50-year class reunion. We look forward to welcoming back our special alumnae at this year’s reunion. “The campus has gone through many changes in the last 50 years, just as we have, but the old Lindenwood College we knew still remains,” said Jeannie Mattern McDowell (’64) during last year’s reunion. “We used to joke about being wheeled back to campus for our 50th reunion. Well, here we are, still standing and exhibiting Mrs. Sibley’s spirit and drive. I think she would be very proud of her Lindenwood ladies.” Sunday, October 18, 2015 The Saturday parade is a popular element of the A number of classes have set up special Homecoming on campus and in the neighboring Baseball Alumni Reunion Game and events in the past as well. The class of community. Recognition 1963 walked in the Homecoming parade, Softball Alumni Reunion Game and complete with banner and matching Recognition sweatshirts! Other classes have organized dinners at local hotels and restaurants to T-shirt, lunch, and football ticket have extra time to reconnect and reminisce. packages will be available again this year If you would like to help organize a class Welcome Home Lynx! for only $15. get-together or department reunion, contact There will be something for all ages. the Alumni Relations Office at (636) 949- Save the Date for Visit www.lindenwood.edu/homecoming 4975 or [email protected]. Lindenwood Belleville Here are just a few of the exciting events for the latest events, travel information, and you can look forward to: contact numbers. Do you or your company want to have Homecoming and Reunion! Friday, October 16, 2015 a float in the Homecoming parade? Get October 24, 2015 Alumni and Guest Registration and together your classmates for an alumni float Reception or show off your business or organization to Homecoming and Reunion is quickly Get Your Alumni Photo ID parade goers. Or, if you have a convertible approaching, so make your plans now to Historic Campus Bus Tours you would be willing to drive, Contact attend. Come back and experience the fun Special Tour for the Class of 1965 Nikki Cornwell at ncornwell@lindenwood. and excitement of campus life. Dorm Tours edu or (636) 949-4717 to get involved. Archeological Dig Want to volunteer? We need alumni Saturday, October 25, 2015 parade judges and parade drivers. Contact History of Lindenwood Lecture Visit the Alumni Tent for Games and Elizabeth Wikoff at (636) 949-4975 or Blood Drive Giveaways [email protected]. Alumni Fashion Showcase Alumni Football Recognition Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner Football Tailgate and Game *Donate Your Shoes. Bring new or old Class of 1965 50-Year Reunion Dinner Alumni Section in the Bleachers shoes with you and drop them off for a Ayres Dorm Ribbon Cutting Barbecue Lunch at the Stadium good cause. Look for the Shoeman Water Evening Alumni Networking Event Saturday, October 17, 2015 Project donation drop boxes in Hunter Stadium, Hyland Arena, and at the 5K Race to be King 5K Run and Walk* T-shirt, lunch, and football ticket pack- registration table at Roemer Hall. The Breakfast with the President ages will be available again this year for Shoeman Water Project collects donated Alumni Association Meeting only $15. new and used shoes and exports them Faculty Emerita Reunion There will be something for everyone. to places like Kenya, Haiti, and South Parade Alumni will be invited to various student America, providing affordable shoes and Kids Den activities during the week as well. Connect jobs for those communities. The funds Linden Scroll Reunion Gathering with Belleville Alumni on Facebook for are used for well drilling rigs, water Barbecue Luncheon and Tailgate updates at Lindenwood University- purification systems, and training programs Football Game - Lions vs. Northwest Belleville Alumni. Missouri State to bring clean, fresh water to those who Music at the Barbecue thirst. 18

82431 Magazine.indd 18 5/4/15 12:49 PM Belleville President Name Your Seat in the Announces Resignation Historic Lindenwood Belleville Auditorium The first campus president in This year, the Belleville campus has Lindenwood Belleville history is stepping launched a new fundraising campaign for down December 31 after serving just over student scholarships that gives donors six years in the position. the chance to sponsor seats in the historic Dr. Jerry Bladdick announced his Lindenwood Auditorium. resignation in January. He was hired in Dr. James Evans and wife Lois with Dr. Jerry Plaques mounted prominently on any 2009 to shepherd the Belleville campus Bladdick of the 940 seats may be purchased by prior to the launch of the very successful individuals wishing to leave their legacy day college in Belleville. a rising wave of success? or honor the memory of a loved one in the Bladdick, 53, was no stranger to “I just knew in my heart it was time for a Belleville theater. Each seat that is named Lindenwood when President James D. change,” Bladdick said. “I am not retiring, remains so in perpetuity. Evans hired him in 2009. He received his I’m slowing down. This is a high-octane “This campaign is an excellent way master’s from Lindenwood in 1993 and job, and I am ready for something different. for friends of the University who have an worked at the St. Charles campus in various Something slower. I think I am leaving interest in the arts to make a difference at admissions-related roles for 14 years. He things in pretty good shape.” the Belleville campus and to leave their left Lindenwood in 1995, just as the St. Bladdick beams with pride at the work names for future generations to see,” said Charles campus was building on a decade- that has surrounded the ascension of the Mary Reuter, Assistant Vice President long period of double-digit growth. Belleville campus. He doesn’t take personal and Executive Director of Community “I missed the grand renaissance in St. credit; he credits a team of committed, Relations. “This building also holds special Charles,” said Bladdick. “So when Dr. dedicated employees, his mentor (Evans), memories for generations of Belleville Evans shared his vision for Belleville and and the Lindenwood Board of Directors. Township and Belleville West High School wanted me to be a part of it, I told him I “Mary and George Sibley would be proud graduates, and we hope that many of wasn’t about to miss another renaissance. of the pioneers who started the Belleville them return to campus to attend theatre It was very easy to see the potential in day college and the growth of this campus,” productions and name a seat.” Belleville.” Bladdick said. “The Belleville faculty Individuals can choose to name a seat Not only did Bladdick not miss the and staff are the individuals who saw in the front row center, orchestra center, ascension of Belleville, he was one of the the potential to transfer the Lindenwood orchestra side, or balcony. architects of its growth. University values and educational “People thought we were crazy for opportunities to a community that has starting a day college,” Bladdick said. shown such appreciation of those efforts “Consider what was going on in the and affection for our students.” economy at the time.” Another thing Bladdick is proud of is But Bladdick drew on his Lindenwood the Belleville community and the way alumni pride, his experiences in St. Charles, Lindenwood was welcomed and embraced. and his teambuilding attitude and matched “If there was ever a match made in that up with an obvious need for higher heaven, it is the City of Belleville and Designed and constructed in 1924 by education in Belleville and southwestern Lindenwood University,” Bladdick renowned St. Louis architect William B. Illinois. The path to success was clearly said. “The community support has been Ittner, Lindenwood Auditorium is made marked. extraordinary. The community leaders have up of a performance theater, ticket booth, “We’ve grown to over 1,200 day been incredible.” lobby, and classrooms. In 2005, the students,” Bladdick said. “We earned And Bladdick says Lindenwood has building received a $2 million renovation to campus status from the Higher Learning delivered on its promises to Belleville. restore it to its original pristine condition. Commission. We grew from five “We helped change the landscape of The facility is a prime example of early undergraduate and seven graduate degrees the west end of Belleville literally and 20th century architecture and has been to 42. There were 13 employees, and now figuratively,” he said. “They placed a lot the location of musical and theatrical we have over 100. And we successfully of faith in Lindenwood, and we were able performances for over 90 years. moved our athletics program into the to show the community our stewardship, In 2005, donors Fred and Barbara Kern NAIA.” buying nuisance properties and converting officially named the facility Lindenwood Integral to Belleville’s success, Bladdick some blighted areas to a safe, vibrant part Auditorium, and in 2008, it received said, was the fact that the campus was of the community.” the Landmark Award from the St. Clair tethered to St. Charles, receiving the advice In letters to Evans and the Lindenwood County Historical Society. The building and resources of several key individuals Belleville community, Bladdick said has hosted performances by outside groups, who helped duplicate the model. he hoped he would be remembered for such as Scott Air Force Base Bands, The Bladdick and his team have added his collaborative efforts and that he Brass Rail Players, Belleville Festival of nuances like a campus mascot, campus accomplished nothing by himself. Stories, and the Kennedy Center for Young colors, and a yearbook and student “I owe so very much to the Lindenwood Audiences, as well as plays and musicals newspaper to document the campus history community that created many special by Lindenwood students. and make the Lindenwood Belleville opportunities for me,” he said. “The faculty, For pricing details and more information campus unique. But he is quick to point out staff, and students, as well as the wonderful on how you can name a seat, visit that “we have one Board of Directors and residents of Belleville, are individuals in belleville.lindenwood.edu or contact Mary one mission. We’re forever linked.” my life I will come to miss very much.” Reuter at [email protected]. So, why step down in what appears to be 19

82431 Magazine.indd 19 5/4/15 12:49 PM Dr. Jerry Bladdick (left), President of Lindenwood University-Belleville, with Chris Dussold, Belleville Faculty Council Chair, presents Marsha Parker with the Faculty of the Year awards from the students and her peers. Marsha Parker Honored as Top Faculty Member Veteran of St. Charles Campus Makes Impression in Belleville By STEPHANIE DULANEY suggested to the administration that the Policies Committee. She currently teaches, award be formally named the Marsha directs theatrical productions on campus, Marsha Parker, Professor and Director Hollander Parker Faculty of the Year and provides props and costumes for all of Theatre at Lindenwood University- Award in years hence and has taken steps productions. Belleville, was recognized as the campus’ to start raising funds to do so. Thanks to an In addition to her teaching duties, Parker inaugural Faculty Member of the Year at anonymous donor, an endowment fund for has always been an enthusiastic supporter the LU-Belleville Sibley Day Employee the naming rights has been set up. Bladdick of her students. She has served as faculty Appreciation Dinner on Feb. 18. noted that the administration will approach advisor for Linden Scroll, Lion Line, With two awards at stake, one selected the Board of Directors to approve the Lionettes, Cheerleaders, Lindenwood by the student body and one selected by the naming opportunity in the near future. Student Government, Alpha Sigma Phi, and Faculty Council, Parker was selected by “Marsha is one of the longest serving Lindenwood Ambassadors. Her handiwork both groups. faculty at Lindenwood, and she has the is also behind major pieces of Lindenwood “Lindenwood has been a part of my life respect and admiration of the faculty body,” history. One of her most significant for as long as I am old,” said Parker. “My said Chris Dussold, Belleville Faculty projects was her authorship of the lyrics mother, grandmother, and other family Council Chair. “Her selection as Faculty for Lindenwood University’s alma mater, members have worked for the University of the Year is indicative of her drive to and she also served as the mace bearer for over the years. The Faculty of the Year educate students while also working to the Belleville campus’ first commencement awards made a profound impact on me— enhance and improve the faculty experience ceremony in 2013. as profound an impact as Lindenwood has at Lindenwood Belleville.” Parker has been honored as an made on my life. I am honored and so glad A Lindenwood alumna as well as Outstanding Educator by Emerson Electric to be a part of the LU-Belleville community faculty member, Parker was a student in and was named the Belleville campus’ and am sure Mary Easton Sibley would Lindenwood’s last all-female freshman Employee of the Month for September have been thrilled to see how her dreams class and later attended LCIE classes as 2014. have been realized on the Illinois campus.” a graduate student. She began working at Parker notes that coming to Lindenwood LU-Belleville President Jerry Bladdick Lindenwood University in St. Charles in Belleville four years ago was one of praised Parker as deserving of the honor. 1986 and served as Director of Evening and the best things that has happened to her “Marsha is truly deserving of these Graduate Admissions, Director of Alumni professionally. awards, and the fact that both the faculty Relations, Dean of Fine and Performing “I am fortunate to work with great and student population chose her to be Arts, and Dean of Communications. She faculty, staff, and students,” she said. “I Faculty of the Year speaks volumes about joined the Belleville campus in 2011 hope I live up to the expectations such her reputation and the way she has touched as Professor and Director of Theatre. awards represent. And the possibility everyone on this campus,” said Bladdick. Parker has also served as the Chair of of having an award named for me is The LU-Belleville Faculty Council has Lindenwood Belleville’s Faculty Council something I honestly never ever expected. and is a member of the Educational As my students say, ‘OMG’.” 20

82431 Magazine.indd 20 5/4/15 12:49 PM Lindenwood Belleville Alumnus Starts Soccer Company in Bolivia By STEPHANIE DULANEY soccer camp, in which over 250 prospective student Alvaro Echeverria, a native of student-athletes participated. Soccer Santa Cruz. “They showed me how I could When LU-Belleville alumnus Daniele recruiters from a variety of universities study and do what I love, which is playing Stabile (’11) walked into his senior in the U.S. were present to recruit the soccer.” marketing class four years ago, little did he best players. The four-day camp featured Stabile was a student in Lindenwood know the impact it would have on his life practice games, seminars, and a trip to Belleville’s first day classes in 2009 and for years to come. a professional game. Players and their was a member of the campus’ first soccer “My professor gave us the assignment parents were also educated on the process team. Dan Hogan has been the campus’ to create a company,” said Stabile. “As an of applying to and attending a university in men’s soccer coach since the program’s international student, I thought about what the United States. inception. we need in my home country of Bolivia. “We meet individually with each player “I could not be happier when former One year later, I actually started the and talk to them about how to manage players take advantage of their college company that I had given my presentation earning a degree in America and playing education in a field in which they are on for class.” soccer at the same time,” said Stabile. passionate,” said Hogan. “Daniele is an As a scholar-athlete and player on “Right now, we have 20 student-athletes example for the students he is helping of Lindenwood Belleville’s first soccer in the U.S., and we are working with more what a college degree from the United team, Stabile blended his love of the sport than 40 students to gain scholarships this States can do for them.” with his academic pursuits in business year.” For Stabile, Lindenwood Belleville not administration. Created in 2012, his Lindenwood Belleville currently hosts only provided him with the opportunity corporation, Sports Events Agency (SEA), eight student athletes from Bolivia, several to excel in academics and sports; it also organizes, hosts, and promotes soccer of whom came to campus with the help of gave him the inspiration to help others tournaments in Bolivia, and Stabile notes it the program Student Athletics. pursue their dreams and fill a need in his is the only one of its kind in Santa Cruz. “Student Athletics saw me play and gave community. “Our goal is to be the number-one sport me advice to help me prepare for college management company in Bolivia,” said at Lindenwood Belleville,” said current Stabile. “Currently, Bolivia is in last place in international soccer rankings, and we are trying to change the image of the sport here.” The company also hosts a program called Student Athletics, which helps high school- age soccer players earn scholarships to attend universities in the United States. This year, the organization held its first annual

Daniele Stabile (top row, third from the right) was a member of the first men’s soccer team at LU-Belleville in 2009.

Stabile’s company, SEA, hosted a soccer camp in Bolivia this spring that was attended by 250 prospective student-athletes.

82431 Magazine.indd 21 5/4/15 12:49 PM Some of Zack Smithey’s art in his recent Easter Art Hunt took on a definite Easter feel. Smithey’s Easter Art Hunt Raises Money for St. Louis-Area Charities By RACHEL JOHNSON the pieces would have stretched more than A winner poses with Smithey and the piece she a half-mile. Ranging in price from $100 to found in the art hunt. When Easter arrives each spring, colorful $2,500 each, the total retail value of the art in the University City Loop, at which eggs, candy, and anything related to the came to more than $500,000. Smithey spent more than four hours signing “I thought I’d just post clues on Easter bunny is consumed en masse. What’s autographs and mingling with supporters. Facebook about where I was leaving not typically associated with the holiday He raffled off the last two pieces of art, paintings and see what happened,” said is beautifully crafted original artwork, but raising more than $2,000, which will be Smithey. “Within the first couple days, I Lindenwood University alumnus Zack donated to the Growing American Youth received more than 2,000 friend requests Smithey (’06, ’09) has changed that with Organization and to assist a local cancer and maxed out my 5,000 friends limit on the 2015 Easter Art Hunt. patient with medical expenses. Smithey spent most of his days and Facebook. When I realized how big it was At the end of the successful Easter Art nights the first three months of the year getting, I realized it was my chance to do Hunt, Smithey shared a message on his creating 1,000 paintings. Over the course something good, to support local charities personal Facebook page thanking all those of eight days in April, the well-respected and businesses.” who participated for helping him make a Smithey hid 100 pieces of art each day St. Louis artist hid those pieces of art at difference in the community. different locations around the region for for seven days, often going into local “Together we supported local businesses, residents to find and keep. businesses and leaving clues on social discovered new places to hang out, spent “The idea for the Easter Art Hunt came to media requiring individuals to purchase an a day in Ferguson to see what a great me as a reaction to the unrest in Ferguson, item from the establishment in exchange community it is, donated to charities, Mo.,” Smithey said. “The outside world for a painting. He conducted interviews and met new people, and shared a common was associating St. Louis with two things: gave drop-off clues with local television experience,” he wrote. “We were a part of being the murder capital of the U.S. and stations that resulted in Stray Rescue of something bigger than ourselves.” the home of the Ferguson riots. I wanted to St. Louis and Five Acres Animal Shelter Smithey also said he hopes the positivity bring positive vibes and attention back to quickly netting thousands of dollars in generated by the event continues to ripple St. Louis.” donations. A full day of the art hunt took through the St. Louis community and After looking at a photo of a bunny place in Ferguson, Mo., and the initiative throughout America. sculpture he’d painted a few years earlier, also raised thousands of dollars and a truck “Martin Luther King said, ‘The time is Smithey was inspired to create the Easter full of donated goods for a youth homeless always right to do what is right,’” Smithey Art Hunt to generate the positivity he was shelter in St. Louis. said. “I hope everyone chooses to do what On the eighth and final day, Smithey seeking. Out of his own pocket, he covered is right every minute of every day. People worked with business owners in the the $10,000 in material costs required to are defined by their actions, so I encourage Delmar Loop to hide and distribute 300 make the artwork. By the time he was them to get out there and do something pieces of art. The hunt culminated with a finished creating, he had painted 864,000 worth being defined by.” square inches. If placed in a straight line, closing reception at Cicero’s, a restaurant

Smithey with one of the art hunt winners Smithey with some of his larger pieces

82431 Magazine.indd 22 5/4/15 12:49 PM It was a sold out house February 7 in the J. Scheidegger Center as the Butler and Sibley Heritage societies celebrated An Evening with Bernadette Peters. Above, President Jim Evans (left) poses with his wife, Lois (far right), and Dr. Rao Ayyagari and his wife, Subhadra Ayyagari. Rao Ayyagari is a professor of biology and is among the five most senior faculty members at Lindenwood. He has the honor of carrying the mace at commencement. The Ayyagaris recently established an endowed scholarship in research of cell biology/genetics.

Butler Society and Sibley Heritage Society Reception

The esteemed members of the Butler Society and Sibley Heritage Society joined together for a beautiful evening at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on Feb. 7. The evening included a dessert reception followed by a complimentary performance of An Evening with Bernadette Peters in the Lindenwood Theater. Peters was accompanied by a symphony of 30 and entertained the audience by performing mostly songs from Rogers and Hammerstein, Disney productions, and composer Stephen Sondheim.

82431 Magazine.indd 23 5/4/15 12:49 PM its share of challenges. Historically an all- female institution, Lindenwood had only recently began enrolling male students. The integration of men was something the all- female base did not initially embrace. It was a transformative era not only for the school, but also for the United States. National issues such as civil rights, women’s rights, environmental conservation, and the anti-war movement were common threads felt at the local level. Basketball was merely one of many activities they were involved in as students. Living in such dynamic times inspired all three men to openly express their beliefs through various forms of activism. With support from several teammates and peers, Roberts led a sit-in at the school library in support of the Anti-Apartheid Movement protesting racial segregation in South Africa. “We were trying to say to the trustees not to invest in any type of business in South (from left) Jim Moffitt, Mike Roberts, and Joseph Guthrie Africa,” Roberts said. “Our peaceful sit- in certainly got the attention of the board. They hadn’t seen that type of activism before.” Basketball Brought Us Together Roberts, Guthrie, and Moffitt all said How Three Lindenwood Students Helped Pave the Way they see parallels between the transcendent times of their youth and the present-day for Athletics as We Know it Today issues brought into the national spotlight by way of the recent events in Ferguson, By GREG NEUNUEBEL The team eventually widened its scope Mo. It’s their hope that college students of of competition against other area colleges today, as well as their fellow alumni, take Lindenwood University recently and fielded its first official varsity squad in full advantage of the opportunities afforded welcomed a trio of distinguished alumni 1970, finishing its inaugural season 5-11. to them through education to implement to the Hyland Arena to be recognized and They played on a rickety gym floor and had and attain positive change in the world. honored as founding members of the men’s a psychology professor for a head coach The trio have all gone on to lead robust basketball program. who, despite knowing little about the game lives and careers. Hailing from St. Louis, During the Jan. 31 doubleheader of basketball, was a great motivator focused Roberts went on to become a successful against Missouri Western State University, on developing character. entrepreneur, public official, author Lindenwood recognized all alumni present Their new venture did not come without and real estate developer. He was the from the men’s and women’s basketball programs. But the Lions were especially (from left) George Hendrixson, Coach Lanny Hradek, Paul Boschert, and Daniel Odom pleased to welcome back Mike Roberts, Dr. Joseph Guthrie, and Jim Moffitt, who in 1968 as Lindenwood College students worked together to help formulate the first basketball team on campus. After a special halftime honor, the trio sat down together and thumbed through yearbooks and newspaper clippings from their college years. They rehashed stories, recounted memories, and offered new perspectives of their tenure at Lindenwood as athletes, scholars, and activists. “It brought back memories I hadn’t thought of in 40 years,” said Moffitt. “It reminded me how important that education was to me.” The basketball team began as a group of young men with mutual interests simply looking to occupy their free time. It started as an informal, intramural-type activity and in the coming years progressed and garnered heightened interest around campus. 24

82431 Magazine.indd 24 5/4/15 12:49 PM keynote speaker of a 2011 Lindenwood criminal justice courses at St. Charles The alumni trio expressed gratitude and commencement ceremony. Community College. appreciation to Lindenwood for inviting Guthrie, who grew up in St. Charles, “These guys have gone on to do great them to take part in the alumni recognition enjoyed a 42-year career in education, things and from a basketball perspective basketball game. The Lions won that day, serving in various roles at all levels from really started what we have today,” said Dr. 66-57 – a fitting sendoff for three founding preschool to graduate school. He worked as Jann Weitzel, who helped prepare for the members who came full circle with the very an elementary school principal and retired alumni recognition game and has served as basketball program they helped create. as a school psychologist. Lindenwood’s Provost since 2006. “Their “In a small way I feel like I played a Moffitt, originally from Poplar Bluff, stories tell us what a truly special place part in this,” Guthrie said. “We were just Mo., was a veteran detective for the St. Lindenwood was during that time. There a bunch of guys who wanted to get off Charles County Sherriff’s Department. He are alumni out there with equally great campus and play some ball. shifted into a career managing an insurance stories. It’s my hope they’ll share them with “Basketball brought us together.” agency and since 2005 has been teaching us.”

Right — Jim Moffitt, Joseph Guthrie, and Mike Roberts look through old pictures and a Lindenwood yearbook.

Below — Lindenwood basketball alumni from four different decades visited. They are (from left) Coach Lanny Hradek, Cassie Bluemner (’14), Kay Schmidt (’69), Abby Schultenhenrich (’11), Sharon Bickel (’89), Kelly Albers (’11), Mike Burris (’83), Daniel Odom (’77), Jim Moffitt (’71), Alex Tilley (‘13), Mike Roberts (’71), Tyler Harris (’14), Joseph Guthrie (’73), Morgan Harrington (’12), George Hendrixson (’76), Paul Boschert (’81), and Sarah (Schnieders) Gibson (’13).

82431 Magazine.indd 25 5/4/15 12:49 PM Lindy Award Winner Earl Austin Jr.

Provost Jann Weitzel, left, with Lindy Award Alumnus of the Year Earl Austin Jr., (’86) sports editor of the St. Louis American and a longtime college basketball broadcaster, and Dean of Communications Mike Wall. Austin is a former basketball star at Lindenwood and an inaugural member of the Lindenwood Sports Hall of Fame, and he operates a high profile prep basketball recruiting website, earlaustinjr.com. Lindenwood Day at Busch Stadium

Enjoy Lindenwood Day at Busch Stadium with your family, friends, and fellow Lindenwood alumni! Sunday, August 2, 2015 1:15 p.m. Cardinals vs. Rockies

Proceeds from each ticket sold will go directly to Lindenwood student scholarships. Left Field Pavilion tickets are only $20, and each ticket includes a FREE hot dog and soda coupon. For Tickets: (636) 949-4903 [email protected]

82431 Magazine.indd 26 5/4/15 12:50 PM LINDENWOOD SPORTS

Make It a Dozen! Shotgun Team Earns another National Title The Lindenwood shotgun sports team wrapped up another national title on March 29 at the 47th Annual ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championships, held at the National Shoot Complex in San Antonio, Texas. In doing so, the Lions made it a dozen straight, winning their 12th consecutive team title at the event. Lindenwood hit 2,252 targets out of 2,350 Lindenwood’s shotgun sports team extended its own record with a 12th consecutive national for a margin of 45 over second place Bethel championship in San Antonio, Texas, in March. University. Tarleton State University finished third. Despite only winning one individual Men’s Water Polo Wins First Title medal during the week of competition, the In 2013, the men’s water polo team came remaining, but Lindenwood held. After Lions captured five out of six major team up one game short of winning a national escaping the semifinals, the championship events. title, settling for second place after losing game was less dramatic. The Lions jumped to UCLA in the finals. On November 16, on the Aztecs early and built a 13-6 lead Synchro Wins Title 2014, a 13-8 victory over number one– and closed out the game from there. ranked San Diego State clinched the 2014 Two Lindenwood players were named The Lindenwood synchronized Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) to the 2014 CWPA Men’s National Club swimming team won its first High Point Men’s National Club Championship in Championship All-Tournament Team. title in program history at the U.S. Senior Kearnes, Utah. It was the first time the Alvaro Castro earned first team honors, National Championships April 4 in Moraga, Lions hoisted the trophy since winning while Alberto Duran was named to the Calif. The Lady Lions earned four gold three straight Division III crowns from second team. medals, four silver, and two bronze at the 2006 to 2008, and the title game victory It was a weekend of firsts for the event, finishing with 80 points overall to completed a perfect season at 24-0. Lions. They became the first team from easily outdistance the perennial power Lindenwood started the championship the Missouri Valley Division to claim the Santa Clara Aquamaids with 52. Mary tournament with a convincing 22-5 win title since the inaugural event in 1993 Killman won her third straight crown in over Iowa State, then followed it with a and the first squad outside of California both solo and duet, and junior Daniela 12-4 defeat of Ohio State to advance to the and Michigan to hoist the trophy since Garmendia won the Individual High Point semifinals against California. In that game, Dartmouth did it in 1997. Prior to the title. it looked like the Lions would cruise to the national championship, Lindenwood Just a few days earlier, Lindenwood finals after building an 11-6 advantage, but finished on top of the Missouri Valley captured four gold medals and one bronze the Golden Bears stormed back with four Division standings and then won the in five events entered and took second unanswered goals, and they had a chance conference tournament title. overall at the 2015 U.S. Collegiate to tie the game with less than 40 seconds Championships March 28 in Columbus, Ohio. Lion Line Makes History At the 2015 UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships, the Lion Line Dance team won the Open Jazz division for the first time. The event concluded January 18 at Walt Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla. It was the sixth championship for Lion Line, with five previous trophies all coming in the Open Hip Hop division. Weightlifting Wins First Team Title Olympic weightlifting won the coed division National University Championships title September 28, 2014, in Albuquerque, N.M. The men’s water polo team won the CWPA Men’s National Club Championship in November. 27

82431 Magazine.indd 27 5/4/15 12:50 PM LINDENWOOD SPORTS

9.950 and 9.900, respectively. Gymnastics Team Has a Besides winning the team conference Historic Season title and three of the five individual events, Lindenwood also dominated the MIC The Lindenwood women’s gymnastics yearly awards. Ingui was the Gymnast of team did not let the fact that it was just the Year, while Kierstin Sokolowski was a third-year program stop it from setting the co-Newcomer of the Year. Head Coach lofty goals in 2015 and then reaching Jen Kesler was named the Coach of the those marks. The Lady Lions had a record- Year, and Jennifer Grabowski was honored breaking season in 2015, including winning as the Assistant Coach of the Year. the Midwest Independent Conference Ingui and Sokolowski both earned bids to (MIC) Championship and having three the NCAA Regional Championships, hosted gymnasts advance to the NCAA National by No. 1 Oklahoma, to compete in the all- Collegiate Regional Championships. around competition. Heise also advanced to Lindenwood was the No. 1 team during regionals in the bars event. The trio are the the regular season in the MIC, a conference first Lindenwood gymnasts to compete in consisting mostly of NCAA Division I an NCAA postseason event. programs. The Lady Lions backed that The Lindenwood team also won the USA ranking up at the conference meet when Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National they shattered the previous school record Championship. The Lady Lions defeated with a team score of 195.800. That score the six-time national champion, Bridgeport, was just enough for the program’s first by less than a point for the first national conference title as it defeated the host title in program history. school, Texas Woman’s, by 0.050 points. “It has been a historic year for our The Lady Lions were led by Valeri Ingui Valeri Ingui program, and I am beyond proud of the who won the MIC’s all-around title. Ingui hard work and dedication that each person recorded at least a 9.800 in every event and Courtney Heise won the vault and the bars has put into the team,” said Kesler. finished with a school record of 39.400. MIC events with school-record scores of

Wrestling, Swimming and Diving Make Strong Showing in NCAA Postseason The Lindenwood wrestling and swimming and diving programs had their share of success in 2014-15. The Lions wrestling and swimming and diving teams each won conference titles. Those programs, plus the women’s swimming and diving squad, had top-15 NCAA Division II finishes. The Lions wrestling team won the MIAA Dual Meet Championship with a perfect 5-0 record. Lindenwood clinched the title with a dominating 33-6 win over No. 6 Nebraska-Kearney, with Kyle Webb and Jon McArdle leading the way with pins. Webb, Terrel Wilbourn, Derrick Weller, and McArdle advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championships. The four wrestlers scored 30 points and helped Lindenwood finish 13th in the nation. Wilbourn became the first Lion to advance to an NCAA finals, but he lost in a tight 5-2 Jason Owen, swimming coach Chad Smith, wrestling coach decision in the 149-pound finals. The men’s swimming and diving team captured the RMAC Championship with a dominating conference meet that saw the place finish, tying for the best national made Lindenwood history by winning the Lions win by 180 points over the second- showing for a Lion team since the move to first NCAA individual national title for place team. Jakub Jonczyk was named the the NCAA. Twelve swimmers and divers the school. She opened the 2015 national RMAC Swimmer of the Meet, and Jason earned All-American accolades, including championships by capturing the 1,000- Owen was tabbed the conference Coach of Krzysztof Jankiewicz, who won a national meter freestyle title. McGillivray won a the Year. championship in the 100-meter backstroke. second title later in the meet by having the At nationals, the men’s squad had a third- Women’s swimmer Alecia McGillivray fastest time in the 1,650-meter freestyle. 28

82431 Magazine.indd 28 5/4/15 12:50 PM LINDENWOOD SPORTS

Harris Returns to Exciting 2015 Football Squad

Lindenwood football player Connor Harris was one of the most feared defend- ers in the MIAA last season. After record- ing 152 tackles, the fourth most in NCAA Division II, Harris was showered with postseason honors, including All-American awards. Harris is back in 2015 to lead the Lions. Harris, an inside linebacker, will anchor a Lindenwood defense that returns the majority of its starters. Aside from Harris, the Lions also return linebackers Clint Koons and Steven Pace, both top-four tacklers for the Lions last year. Also back for the defense are all-conference performers Chaz Fulton, a defensive tackle, and Roderick Ryles, a defensive back. On offense, Lindenwood also returns nearly every starter, including all-confer- Connor Harris will return this season to lead the Lions’ football attack. ence wide receivers Jaron Alexander and Greg Coble and running back Lavorrie Standard. Scroggins was a backup quarter- University. Johnson. The Lions also return quarterback back for the University of Arizona last year. Lindenwood’s schedule will again be Graham Lindman, who started the final He played in four games, including the Pac- a round-robin with every MIAA school. seven games of the season in 2015. 12 Championship game, in which he threw Some of the top home games will be the In addition to the returning players, the a 69-yard touchdown pass. Standard was a season opener on Sept. 3 against Washburn, team has also brought in several newcomers two-time St. Louis Post-Dispatch Offensive Family Day on Sept. 19 versus Fort Hays that can contribute right away. Two of the Player of the Year in high school and has State, and Homecoming on Oct. 17 against biggest names are Jesse Scroggins and Rob spent the last four years at Iowa State Nebraska-Kearney.

just a few seasons at the NCAA level, ings for the first time at the NCAA Division Lacrosse Teams Making Lindenwood is the premier university in the II level. Noise Nationwide Midwest for the sport of lacrosse. Head Coach Jimmy Lange has put The Lindenwood men’s team is having a together an all-around team that ranks in Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in breakthrough season in 2015. After hover- the top-five in the nation in both scor- the United States, a trend that Lindenwood ing around the .500 mark for its first three ing offense and scoring defense. Leading University was in front of at the start of this seasons, the Lions entered their final month the team is long-stick midfielder Graeme century. The school started club teams in of the season this year with just one loss on Hossack, a senior defender who is projected 2003 and elevated its men’s and women’s the year. The Lions made history on March to be selected in the first round of this programs to the NCAA level in 2012. After 23 when they appeared in the national rank- year’s Major League Lacrosse (MLL) draft. The Lindenwood women’s team, mean- Senior Melissa Menchella was a leader on the field and in the classroom for the women’s lacrosse while, has continued to build its reputation team. after reaching last year’s NCAA tournament semifinals. Head Coach Jack Cribbin led the Lady Lions to their fourth straight conference title in 2015, and the program has a 28-0 record in conference matches at the NCAA level. Lindenwood entered the final month of the season ranked No. 3 in the nation and was expected to be one of the top teams contending for the national crown in May. Melissa Menchella is the leader of the 2015 women’s lacrosse team. The senior All-American will end her career as the school’s all-time leader in points and goals. Lindenwood’s influence in the sport of lacrosse is also beginning to show in the coaching ranks. 29

82431 Magazine.indd 29 5/4/15 12:50 PM LINDENWOOD BELLEVILLE SPORTS

Lynx Ice Hockey Has a Historically Great Season

The Lindenwood Belleville men’s hockey team had arguably one of the greatest seasons any Lynx team has seen. Finishing the season with a 29-2-1 record, the Lynx did not lose until their 20th game of the year, which they lost in overtime. Suffering only two regulation losses all season, the Lynx dominated their opposition, winning by an average of over five goals per game. Head Coach Lindsay Middlebrook and Assistant Coach Ben Kenyon saw unpar- alleled success in their first season with the Lynx program, which started with the recruiting process long before the first puck was dropped. Signing players from seven different states and three different countries, the Lynx were a diverse group that had no problem gelling once the season began. In goal, Germaine Jackson and Kyle Miller split time, each playing 17 games. The LU-Belleville men’s hockey team had a historic season with a record of 29-2-1. Jackson compiled a record of 15-1 with a 1.05 goals-against average, and Miller went 13-1 with a 1.69 goals-against average. he led the team in both categories. for success in the coming years and will see Brad Edwards, a freshman from Napanee, The most amazing thing about this team a jump to ACHA Division I next season, Ontario, led the team in points with 83 on is that it was made up of 22 players—21 where they will be eligible to compete in the season. Tallying 35 goals and 48 assists, freshmen and 1 senior. The Lynx are built the post-season for the first time.

Charlie Kennedy, the Lady Lynx won back- Lynx, in just three-plus season, reached LU-Belleville Softball to-back USCAA National Championships the 100-win milestone with an 8-0 home is Consistent in its and are now enjoying early success in victory against St. Mary of the Woods their first season in the American Midwest earlier this season. Excellence Conference. Along with reaching 100 wins as part Winning at least 24 games in each of of the Lindenwood Belleville program, The Lady Lynx softball team has been their first three seasons, the Lady Lynx Kennedy also reached a personal milestone one of the most consistent programs at have eclipsed the 30-win mark twice, this season, winning his 400th career game Lindenwood Belleville since its inception winning a program best 35 games in the as a head coach. Kennedy had previous in 2012. Under the guidance of Head Coach 2014 season. With this success, the Lady success at the University of Missouri- St. Louis and Maryville University. At Head Softball Coach Charlie Kennedy talks with his battery. Maryville, Kennedy led his team to two NCAA Tournament appearances, where he notched his 300th career victory the same day he won his first NCAA tournament game in 2008. With the Lady Lynx since 2012, Kennedy and the team have enjoyed great accomplishments, winning consecutive USCAA National Championships in 2013 and 2014, going 7-0 over the two postseason appearances. Now in the American Midwest Conference, the Lady Lynx are a threat to vie for a conference championship in their first year. Behind middle infielders Kaylin Stewart and Makayla Powers and pitchers Michelle Pilster and Taylor Winn, the Lady Lynx have the experience and leadership to make a run as they enter their first season in the AMC. 30

82431 Magazine.indd 30 5/4/15 12:50 PM John M. Stephens Receives 2015 Alumni Merit Award John M. Stephens (’75) is the recipient of the 2015 Alumni Merit Award for Professional Accomplishment, which was bestowed at the Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies on May 16, 2015. The Alumni Association’s Merit Award Committee, chaired by Cortney Hupper Lenk (‘99), presented the nomination to the Alumni Board at its February meeting, where it was unanimously endorsed. Stephens’ interest and background resides in communications. He was drawn to Lindenwood as a student because of KCLC. Before attending Lindenwood he did a lot of research on the college and discovered Robert Hyland was associated with the school. John Stephens in the studio of Our Musical Roots radio “Mr. Hyland is legendary,” Stephens said. “There was a strong conduit between Lindenwood, KCLC, and KMOX, and for is rooted in hands-on experience, something video production company, and Media this reason I wanted to attend Lindenwood that he says is hard to match at any other Watch, a nationally recognized media with hopes to grab the attention of Mr. institution. tracking and analysis firm. Hyland.” “So many Lindenwood communications He was featured in the fall 2014 edition During college, Stephens was working at graduates from my era have become of Connection because of his development the St. Charles Daily Banner News and did entrepreneurs in media-related businesses,” of the Internet radio station Our Musical a piece on the St. Louis football Cardinals Stephens said. “At Lindenwood, we Roots. The station has listeners in 30 that caught the attention of the St. Louis operated and managed the radio station. countries and is Stephens’ “long-term Post-Dispatch, where he worked before There are direct parallels with what we play,” he says. Pulse Productions, with its moving on to CBS TV spot sales. Later, learned as students and how we developed staff of 20, is his job. His goal with “The when offered that job at KMOX about in our careers.” Roots” is to build a substantial media which he had initially dreamed, he instead He sent his daughter, Emily, property, like the FM radio pioneers did went to New York to work for a large to Lindenwood, where she is a in the 1960s, something his daughter may advertising agency. communications major slated to graduate want to be involved with down the road. Stephens made his way back to St. in 2016, and Stephens continues to hire She works at the station, where she helps Louis in the ‘80s to work with the St. Lindenwood graduates. out with technical operations, and the Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Currently, Stephens owns Pulse afternoon drive host is Charles McDonald, Association, which asked him to produce a Productions, an Emmy Award-winning a Lindenwood alumnus. marketing campaign for St. Louis. The “I’m Sold on St. Louis” campaign was the result. He later served as executive editor of St. Lindenwood’s Annual Third Annual Lindenwood Louis Commerce magazine. Alumni and Friends Picnic - Family Day! In 1991, Stephens started Media Pulse, a media tracking and analysis service. Movie Night! Saturday, September 19, 2015 Twice, the company was honored by the Family Day is an opportunity for St. Louis Business Journal as one of the Join us as we watch Back to the Future family members to visit their students and fastest growing privately held businesses in on a 33-foot screen in the center of campus! enjoy a variety of activities on campus. St. Louis. After expanding into a number of Families will be able to meet the President markets around the country, the company Friday, June 5, 2015 and Lindenwood faculty and staff, was honored by Inc. Magazine as one of 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. attend athletic events, attend fine arts the fastest growing high tech companies in Heritage Campus near the Pavilion performances, spend time with students on the USA. He sold it in 2001 to a publicly Barbecue: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and off campus, take a campus tour, and held company in Sweden. Balloon Artist: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. enjoy dining services on campus. Stephens went on to start a new group of Movie: 8:30 p.m. (runtime 116 minutes) Alumni whose children currently attend companies, including a video production Lindenwood are encouraged to take part in company and a closed caption service, and • Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to sit the Legacy Lineup on Saturday, September even went back into the media tracking and under the trees for the movie 19, at which alumni and their student analysis business. • Lindenwood logo seat cushion to all who children will be recognized on the field “I guess that makes me a serial RSVP during the football game. To participate as entrepreneur,” Stephens said. “I enjoy the • Event is free for all Lindenwood alumni an alumni parent, contact Elizabeth Wikoff, challenges of building a business.” and their families Director of Alumni Relations, at alumni@ Stephens says that his experience at For more information or to RSVP, contact lindenwood.edu or (636) 949-4975. KCLC paved the way for his career path. Alumni Relations at (636) 949-4420 or For more information about Family Day, He is a firm believer in the Lindenwood [email protected]. contact Caryn McFerren at (636) 627-4587 communications educational model, which or [email protected]. 31

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Tree Lighting, and NBC and Telemundo was selected for his contributions in ‘40s Upfronts. He has won numerous Emmys improving all segments of the healthcare Keltah (Long) Bellanger (’47) lives in for coverage of the 1997 and 2003 Olympic supply chain, as well as for his integrity, Louisville, Ky., with her husband of 67 Games, The Rosie O’Donnell Show (2001), leadership, mentoring, teaching, writing, years, William Bellanger. She says that the and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade speaking, and his major accomplishments secret to a long and happy marriage is to (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2003). and innovative contributions in the “maintain a good sense of humor.” Joseph Guthrie (’73) was a member field. Krumrey is a member of several of the first men’s basketball team at professional organizations, including the ‘50s Lindenwood University. After playing at American College Healthcare Executives, Ruth (Beckmann) Murray (’59) had Lindenwood, Guthrie began his coaching the American Society of Hospital Material the opportunity to tour Lindenwood’s and teaching career. He completed his Management, the National Association new School of Nursing and Allied Health master’s degree in counseling psychology for Supply Chain Management, and the Sciences, located in Dardenne Prairie, from the West Texas State University and Missouri Hospital Association. Krumrey Mo. Following her visit, she remarked, is now a school psychologist in Fountain earned his MBA from Lindenwood “Today’s students will continue to be Hills, Ariz. Guthrie has six children and University. He and his wife, Joan, reside in as blessed as I was by the School of eleven grandchildren and resides in Gilbert, Brentwood, Mo., and frequently volunteer Nursing—the beautiful environment that Ariz. for many local civic organizations. fosters excitement to learn, the state-of- Daniel Odom (’77) is a retired high Michael Burris (’83) was the captain the art resources for learning, the faculty school teacher after 28 years on the job. He of his basketball team and a leader in the who are experts, and the total atmosphere continues to coach basketball at Hazelwood nation for rebounding and scoring. Burris that embodies the best of everything. The West High School. averaged 30 points a game and tried out for School of Nursing…will continue to be a Judy (Galyas) Stenta (’78) has been the Washington Bullets and Detroit Pistons. model for the professions of nursing and a senior account manager in commercial He has three children, one of which is a healthcare.” real estate for the past 20 years. She 2014 LU graduate; another is a freshman ‘60s recently completed her MCR designation at Lindenwood. Burris and his wife, Myra Sondra (Swindel) Galperin (’61) (Master’s in Corporate Real Estate) from (’06), have been married 32 years. Burris has been a volunteer swim instructor for Core Net Global professional Real Estate works for Paul Cerame Lincoln Mercury 38 summers and has taught over 1,200 Organization. She resides in Lutz, Fla., and and lives with his family in Florissant, Mo. children to swim. She resides in Coral enjoys regular horseback rides. Bernita Kirk (’87) lives in Lady Lake, Gables, Fla. Debra (Spicknall) Wright (’78) lives in Fla. She appreciates the social activities Riverview, Fla., and attended the alumni in her area and enjoys attending art fairs. ‘70s luncheon recently held in Sarasota. She Kirk worked at MEMC and Monsanto Patricia Clapp (’70) is retired, but still states, “I am proud to see that the in Missouri. She graduated from the working as an interim supervisor through University continues to grow in many areas LCIE program and recalls how great a residential treatment program at a men’s and is a vibrant growing center of higher the professors were in the program; she prison. She enjoys playing tennis, making learning!” commends Lindenwood on the program pottery, and spending time with her golden Sherry (Neal) Meinberg (’79) worked that allowed her to attend class and retriever. as an educator for 50 years and wrote maintain a full-time job. 11 nonfiction books. She was recently Sharon (Lawson) Bickel (’89), mother Pam (Stephenson) Johnson (’71) works th as the marketing and communications honored with her 100 award. Her latest of six, has homeschooled all of her officer for the city of Venice, Fla. book, The Cockroach Invasion, is causing children. Her eldest son is a marine in James Moffitt (’71) is a professor, international interest. As a result, she has Japan, while her eldest daughter is a junior teaching criminal justice at St. Charles become an ambassador for “unhuggable” at Lindenwood University, working towards Community College. He works at the St. and “unloved” creatures. a BFA in acting. Charles Sheriff’s Department and Missouri Division of Youth Services and is the owner ‘80s ‘90s of the James Moffitt Insurance Agency. Norman A. Juliann (Hunter) Holle (’90) has moved Frank Accarrino (’72) is retired as Krumrey (’82) to Orlando, Fla., with her husband and vice president of news and entertainment was inducted into children so her son can pursue his baseball operations for NBC Television Operations the Bellwether career. and Production Services in New York. League National Linda (Henry) Geluso (’91) lives in the Before retirement, he was responsible Hall of Fame at Villages in Ocala, Fla. Geluso was an LCIE for New York and Burbank Production the Bellwether graduate and worked in the Lindenwood Operations supporting the Today Show, League’s Annual English Department at one time. She makes NBC Nightly News, Dateline, Saturday Honoree Induction it back to Missouri occasionally, as she still Night Live, Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Dinner. The has family living in Wentzville. Show, Carson Daly, Days of Our Lives, Bellwether David Beaty (’94) is the new head coach Access Hollywood, Ellen, MSNBC, and League identifies for the Kansas Jayhawks football team. various NBC News specials. Accarrino and honors Beaty had two stints as an assistant coach also supervised event productions for the veterans of the healthcare supply in Lawrence, Kan., coaching the Jayhawks’ Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Fourth chain industry throughout the United wide receivers from 2008 to 2009 before of July Fireworks, the Rockefeller Center States. Krumrey, one of 10 chosen returning for a stint as the co-offensive from a nationwide slate of candidates, coordinator and receivers coach in 2011.

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Tyler Duenow (’96) graduated from the 2000. He now works part-time as a sports Relations Association as one of the top Lindenwood University Theatre Program play-by-play announcer and color analyst “35 Under 35” school public relations and has been nominated for the 2015 St. for Prepcasts.com. professionals in the country. She will be Louis Critics Circle Awards. Duenow Sally Hawks (’99) received an honored at the NSPRA national conference currently works for Cine Services, Inc. and Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. in July 2015. Henry and her family reside resides in St. Louis, Mo. Recipients were selected by their in St. Peters, Mo. Brenda Suit (’96) is the new CFO at schools’ administrations to celebrate their Tamara Baue Funeral Home in St. Charles, Mo. achievements and dedication to the teaching (Hedrick) Keller Theodore Gregory (’97) graduated profession. (‘02) was recently from the Lindenwood University Theatre Kim Knerr (’99) cheered and worked named a partner Program and has been nominated for the as a coach for Lindenwood University at Armstrong 2015 St. Louis Critics Circle Awards. while attending Lindenwood from 1996 to Teasdale LLP. Gregory is a former faculty and staff 1999. After graduation, she worked in the As a member member for Lindenwood University and Admissions Office and continued to coach of the financial currently works for the City Theatre of St. cheerleading until 2002. and real estate Louis, Mo. Timothy Shannon (’99) is the director services practice Sandra (Wrobleski) Newell (’97) works of marketing at TerraLex in Miami, Fla. group, she serves as a buyer for Industrial Distribution Group Shannon and his wife, Anamary, live in lenders and in St. Louis, Mo. Weston, Fla., with their daughter, Olivia. borrowers in a Vince Powell (’97) is the owner of a variety of different industries in connection real estate investing company, Powell ‘00s with commercial loan transactions and Properties. He taught high school math Jolene Bell (’00) is a literacy coach in construction-based acquisitions. She also for nine years and was and elementary the Wentzville School District. She and her counsels lenders and investors on a variety and middle school assistant principal of husband live in St. Peters, Mo. of tax credit transactions. Licensed to instruction for four years. Amy Davidson (’00) has just published practice law in Missouri and Illinois, she Shelley (Moffitt) Bomerschien (’98) her second young adult novel, Elite. Both received a JD degree from Saint Louis is an illustrator and currently works at of her novels are available on Amazon. University School of Law, an MBA from Boeing. com. Her first novel, Satellite, was selected Lindenwood University, and a BS from the Mark Coffelt (’98) worked for a as a quarterfinalist in the 2012 Amazon University of Oklahoma. year with the St. Louis Swarm of the Breakthrough Novel Award contest. She Mason Fischer (’03) works as director International Basketball League. He is in lives in Troy, Mo. of field operations for Digital Reception his fourth year with the Charlotte Hornets, Michelle Rosner (’00), a vice president Services. Fischer resides in Valrico, Fla., working as a strength and conditioning of lending and marketing, was named to with his wife, Lindsey, and their three coach. He is responsible for the health, the Missouri Credit Union Association children. strength, and overall conditioning of the (MCUA) Board. She will represent the Christine Ries (’03) received an players, and he assists with other team- east region for three years. Rosner also Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. related medical issues. serves as an officer for the St. Louis Recipients were selected by their Joi Niedner Chapter of Credit Unions and has been a schools’ administrations to celebrate their (’98) has been board member for the Children’s Miracle achievements and dedication to the teaching named to the Network of Greater St. Louis since 2013. profession. Compass Health She was also recently named to the board Joseph Watson (’03) is the Underwriter Network Board of of the Missouri Credit Union Charitable at The Hartford. He lives in Casselberry, Directors. She has Foundation. Fla., with his wife, Sharon, and two sons. been a business Joe McKinney (’01, ’02) and wife Tim Goede (’04) is the president of development Michelle (Ray) McKinney (’10) security, telecommunication, and IT officer at St. announced the birth of their second child, recruitment for Goede Premier Recruitment Louis Economic Jameson Joseph, on December 23, 2014. (GPR). Development Joe McKinney is a former Lindenwood Jermaine Hendrickson (’04) works for Partnership since football player and is a member of the the Boeing Company as a chief of staff in March 2012. Her University’s Athletics Hall of Fame. St. Louis, Mo. primary responsibilities include connecting Jamie Pitt (’01) graduated from the Cody Hirschi (’04) is the principal of and assisting with the growth and Lindenwood University Theatre Program Fire Prairie Upper Elementary and will expansion of privately held companies and and has been nominated for a 2015 St. be moving to Pettis County R-V School supplying support and aid, generating real Louis Critics Circle Award. District as a superintendent starting July 1, estate development projects in St. Louis Leah (Zimmermann) Casey (’02) and 2015. County/City. Albert Casey were married this spring. Angela (Ince) Keys (’04) received Greg Uptain (’98) worked as a news Leah Casey is an organization manager for an Emerson Excellence in Teaching reporter and editor for the Suburban Garcia Properties, while her husband is a Award. Recipients were selected by their Journals of North County as well as a property manager for Central Realty. schools’ administrations to celebrate their weekend reporter at KTRS-550 AM. In Jennifer (Gasper) Henry (BA ’02, achievements and dedication to the teaching 2000, he worked for the Suburban Journals MA ’03), communications manager for profession. of West County as a sports reporter and the Francis Howell School District, has Matthew Klingler (’04) was featured in was promoted to sports editor in December been named by the National School Public a national McDonald’s commercial seen 33

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during the 2015 Super Bowl. Klingler Children’s Medical Center. Silinzy is part nonprofit youth development agency graduated from the Lindenwood University of the 2015 RBC Young Professional that promotes inner city youth to become Theatre Program and lives in Imperial, Mo. Cohort—one of 100 young professionals in community leaders. Towahana Perdue (’04) is a retired the St. Louis Region chosen for this honor. Darron Bardot (’12) will marry Jessica postal supervisor for USPS. She and her Allen Michael Dowdy (’09) graduated Boyd (’12) in July 2015 in Union, Mo. husband reside in Pontoon Beach, Ill. from the Lindenwood University Theatre Bardot is a graduate assistant football coach David Todd (’04) was recently appointed Program and has been nominated for at Southwest Baptist University, and Boyd captain of the St. Charles County Sheriff’s a 2015 St. Louis Critics Circle Award. works as a first-grade teacher at Carthage. Department Bureau of Special Enforcement Dowdy lives in St. Louis, Mo. Kelsey Biggs (’12) and Alex Bazzel as the first chief of the new St. Charles (’13) will be married in June 2015 in County Police Department. ‘10’s St. Louis, Mo. Biggs played four years Cortney Brinkmann (’06) will marry Benjamin Cardwell (’10) married Sara of collegiate volleyball at Lindenwood Corey Swinney in June 2015 in St. Charles, Trebing on May 2, 2015, in Edwardsville, and works as a technical recruiter at Mo. Ill. He works for Geico as a senior product iBridge Solutions. After playing on the Chris Eikenberg (’07) works as a PGA modeling analyst. men’s basketball team at the University professional at Desert Horizons Country Jenna Cowan (’10) will marry Ryan of Missouri—Kansas City for one year, Club in Indian Wells, Calif. Morgan on May 30, 2015, in St. Louis, Mo. Bazzel transferred to Lindenwood. He is a Brandon Joyce (’07) teaches French at She works for Boeing; her fiancé works for development coach for Pure Sweat of St. Florida Virtual School in Orlando, Fla. the Powers Group in Chesterfield, Mo. Louis, Mo. Timothy Trokey (’07) works for Fox Jessica (Buchanan) Green (’10) is an Brittany Frankenfeld (’12) was hired Sports Midwest as a production assistant, admissions counselor at Missouri Valley as head coach for the Ottawa University writing and editing segments for pre- and College. Women’s Lacrosse Program, which she will post-game shows for the Cardinals, Rams, Kristin Hall (’10) is the program director help launch. Previously, Frankenfeld was and Blues. of clinical excellence for Ascension Health. the defensive coordinator and goalie coach Jerome Vogel (’07) graduated from the John Link (’10), superintendent at for the Wentzville (Mo.) Wild Women’s Lindenwood University Theatre Program, the Fair Grove School District since Lacrosse Team. At Lindenwood, she was and has been nominated for a 2015 St. 2006, resigned to take a position as a two-year letterman for the Lions and Louis Critics Circle Award. Vogel works at superintendent in Jackson, Mo. He will was part of the LU’s 2012 conference the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. remain with the Fair Grove district through championship team. As a goalie, she tied Emil Williams, Jr. (’07) interned after June 30. the record for single-game saves (12) and graduation as a broadcaster for the South Douce Mudahemuka (’10) is an IT tied fifth in single-game ground balls (6). Georgia Peanuts. He attends graduate project manager and business analyst at Bridget Kohler (’12) will marry school and serves as an assistant coach for Lennar in Miami, Fla. Brian Eidson in July 2015. They live in the Lindenwood bowling team. Elizabeth “Libby” (Rogier) Steward Hazelwood, Mo. Hope Woodson (’07) was named the (’10) married Justin Steward on September Loretta Risley, EdD (’12), serves as new St. Charles County health director after 27, 2014. The couple lives in Belleville, Ill. program coordinator for the University of working as an interim department director Whitney (Ladwig) Schuette (’10) is Central Oklahoma’s Reach Higher degree for the past two years. a purchasing agent for Elite Tool. While completion program, which was named the Jeremy Boesch (’08) received an at Lindenwood, Schuette played for the recipient of the 2014 Malcolm Knowles Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. women’s lacrosse team with coaches Jack Award for Outstanding Adult Education Recipients were selected by their Cribbin and Brian Smith. Schuette is Program by the American Association for schools’ administrations to celebrate their married and live in Florissant, Mo. Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE). achievements and dedication to the teaching Sarah Talimonchuk (’10) will marry Macy Bross (’13) has been hired as the profession. Raymond Robertson on October 17, 2015, head coach for the Clark County softball Katherine (Chadbourne) Quirin (’08) in St. Charles, Mo. program. Bross is assistant softball coach at married Steven Quirin on May 16, 2015. Danielle Bonney (’11) will marry Quincy High School and previously served Katherine Quirin works in implementation Devon Sawyer in June 2015 in St. Charles, as the assistant coach at Palmyra High for Precision Practice Management in Mo. Bonney teaches special education, School. While at Lindenwood, Bross made Belleville, Ill.; her husband works for and Sawyer is a structural engineering 81 starts and played in 111 games during Butler Supply Co., in O’Fallon, Ill. specialist. They live in Florissant, Mo. her four-year career. Richard Metz Robert Guerra (’11) is the head Sarah (Schnieders) Gibson (’13) (’08) has been basketball coach, head golf coach, and teaches and coaches at Liberty Christian named to the AEP teacher at Valley View ISD in Pharr, Academy in Wright City, Mo. Compass Health Texas. As a student at Lindenwood, Guerra Jessica Karll (’13), a third-grade Network Board participated on the JV men’s basketball teacher at Discovery Ridge Elementary of Directors. team, intramural basketball, and intramural School in O’Fallon, Mo., was the winner Metz resides in flag football. Guerra and his wife, Joanna, of the Milken Educator Award, given Winfield, Mo. live in Pharr, Texas. each year to outstanding K-12 teachers, Shanika Jennifer Wallace (’11) was hired as principals, and specialists who further Silinzy (’08) principal at Central Park in the Monett excellence in education. Karll is co-chair is a corporate School District and will begin her duties on of the CHARACTERplus Caring School supervisor at July 1, 2015. Community committee and chairs the Cardinal Glennon Jeffrey Wilson (’11) works for a Missouri Assessment Program committee 34

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for the school. Ozark Regional Library. Porter performs Sport, Recreation, and Exercise Science at Jenna (Lummis) McDonald (’13) reenactments and manages his small farm Lindenwood University. married Robby McDonald on April 11, for native and introduced herbs to use in Derek Stanley, Wide Receivers’ Football 2015. She is a recreation supervisor for his presentations. Porter is retired after Coach at Lindenwood’s St. Charles campus, the Hannibal, Mo., Parks and Recreation 33 years with the US Army Corps of will marry Andrea Lowe on June 6, 2015. Department. Her husband is a building Engineers and works in the School of supervisor at Longhorn Confinement Systems in Pittsfield. Lauren Schneider (’13) is the resource In Memoriam manager at ZeroChaos. She lives in the Please be aware that the names listed in the In Memoriam section are of alumni that Chesterfield, Mo., area with her son. may have passed within recent months or within the past couple of years. Elizabeth Zerkel (’13) will marry Jeremy Hellwig this summer in Valley Wynema Lee (Burns) Caswell (’39) Jacqueline (Boomis) Block (’52) Park, Mo. She works for Ginger Bay Salon Norman, Okla. Naples, Fla. and Spa; her fiancé works for Ungerboeck Imogene (Stroh) Stumpf (’39) Eleanor Trefz Evans (’52) Software. Atlanta Beach, Fla. Pueblo, Colo. David Amelotti (’14) has been promoted JoAnne Hastings Gray (’43) Mary Frances Reed (’56) to weekend anchor and producer at KHQA Denver, Colo. Burlington, Iowa in Quincy, Ill. While at Lindenwood, Bernice (Clark) Lawson (’43) Grete R. Meiter (’58) Amelotti reported and anchored for LUTV Naples, Fla. Danville, Calif. and was the play-by-play broadcaster for Joy (Salomon) Silver (’43) Jane Davis Schaftlein (’58) LU Lions men’s basketball in the 2013-14 Sioux City, Iowa Louisville, Ky. season for LUTV and KCLC—89.1 He Peggy (Kimbrough) Welch (’43) Mary (Lewis) Cardella (’60) joined the KHQA team in September of Wichita Falls, Texas Omaha, Neb. 2014 as a production assistant. Martha Anne England Wischmeier Olga (Urrutia) Bruno (’65) Jacob Krato (’14) graduated from Boyer (’44) San Antonio, Texas Lindenwood with a degree in political Crystal City, Mo. Carolyn (Chapman) Lee (’74) philosophy and is a Street Team writer for Mary (Willena) Kurfman (’45) Mulberry, Ark. What’s Up St. Chuck? Elsberry, Mo. Deborah (Stevenson) Graham (’76) John Lymore (’14), a graduate of Mary (Lewis) Patterson (’45) Collierville, Tenn. Lindenwood University’s NPA MA Texarkana, Ark. Doug Cannon (’90) program, has been certified as a reciprocal Margueritte (Hollan) Perkins (’47) O’Fallon, Mo. alcohol and drug counselor. Yorba Linda, Calif. John Hamill (’93) Brett McMillan (’14) works as a Genelle P. Branneky (’48) St. Peters, Mo. television sports anchor and reporter at Chesterfield, Mo. Mary Ann Theresa Kniess (’97) NTV in Kearney, Neb., an ABC affiliate Darlean (Carney) Garrett (’49) Saverton, Mo. serving Nebraska’s tri-cities. Carmi, Ill. Roy Yarbrough (’98) Jessica Robbins (’15) was a four-year Betty (Rogerson) Smitherman (’49) St. Charles, Mo. competitive cheerleader and a member of Houston, Texas Emilie Alison Morris (’01) the 2011 NICA national champion small Janeice (Bryan) Murphy (’50) Crestwood, Mo. coed squad. She was also a Gold Club Scottsdale, Ariz. Richard Harris member and was awarded a Black & Gold (Friend to the University) Award. Faculty/Staff Football Field Engagement Lanny Hradek, men’s basketball coach from 1974-1979, attended the alumni Lindenwood alumni Danielle Poe basketball game and recalls it as, “a great (’12 and ’13) and Billy Clark (’12 and time coaching at Lindenwood with some great people.” ’14) announced their engagement at Timothy Jones, former Missouri state the location they first met, Lindenwood representative in District 110 and speaker Belleville’s signature maroon and gray of the House of Representatives, has been named the senior policy fellow for the John striped football field. Graduates from W. Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise both the St. Charles and Belleville at Lindenwood University. Jones will help campuses, Poe and Clark met through arrange policy forums, bring in speakers, the LU-Belleville Athletics Department and serve as moderator at events such as the recent appearance of Grover Norquist while working toward their MBA and and Ralph Nader for a Liberty and Ethics master’s in education, respectively. They Center forum in March. were married on December 27, 2014, in Adjunct Instructor Kenneth R. Porter Belleville. lectures on the herbs of the Ozarks at the 35

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Renewal and New Beginnings Spring is Lois and wish them the very best in their [email protected]. traditionally retirement. The survey conducted by the Alumni a time of Spring heralds new beginnings for our Association last year indicated LU alumni renewal and graduates who are completing their degrees were interested in regional events, and new beginnings. and starting a new chapter in their lives. we are expanding efforts in this direction. Never is that We congratulate them and wish them Please let Elizabeth know if alumni in more true than continued success as they begin careers your area would be interested in helping spring 2015 at or continue their educational pursuits. to sponsor a visit. We would love to Lindenwood Congratulations also to John Stephens, who come and see you; bring the latest news of University. We was selected as the 2015 Alumni Merit Lindenwood, and share memories of our were excited Award recipient for career achievement. alma mater. to hear the John, a successful entrepreneur in the Do not forget–contact the Alumni Office announcement communications industry, has had a with your latest news. Judy Forstmann Brown (’67) that Dr. Michael continued relationship with Lindenwood Shonrock has over the decades since his days as a student Judy Forstmann Brown (’67) been selected in the Mass Communications Department. President, Alumni Association by the Board of Directors as the 22nd Friday night, June 5, alumni are invited President of the University. We welcome to gather on the St. Charles campus for Dr. and Mrs. Shonrock to the Lindenwood Alumni Picnic Movie Night. Bring your community and look forward to working blankets and lawn chairs and come spend closely with them to enhance outreach to an evening under the stars near the Pavilion the alumni community. on Heritage Campus to watch Back to the May 2015 graduation will be bittersweet Future on a 33-foot screen! Barbecue will Get Connected as President James D. Evans presides over be served at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Follow the thousands his final Baccalaureate and Commencement movie at 8:30 p.m. ceremonies. We celebrate and remember Also, mark your calendars for Reunion of Lindenwood alumni the 41-plus years Dr. Evans served the Weekend October 16–18 (see story on Lindenwood community. From his earliest page 18). The 2015 reunion theme New on these social media days in 1974 as an assistant professor of Beginnings, will serve to introduce Dr. and channels! psychology to his assuming the presidency Mrs. Shonrock to the LU community and in 2007, he inspired students and was a the class of 1965 will celebrate its 5-year faithful steward of our beloved institution. reunion. Other class years are encouraged On Facebook: Lindenwood University- We celebrate his accomplishments in to gather to celebrate as well. Along with Belleville Alumni academics, the advancement in sports to the now traditional football game, we are NCAA Division II, and the construction planning numerous activities for a fun- Lindenwood University of major facilities on the St. Charles and filled enjoyable weekend. It’s a great time Alumni Association Belleville campuses. We will remember his for alumni to share stories, remember, and dedication to the Lindenwood community reconnect with classmates, dorm mates, and On LindkedIn: and are grateful for his leadership. former professors. Plan now to attend. Official Lindenwood University We also bid a fond farewell to his Information on the alumni picnic or Alumni Association wife, our fellow alumna, Lois Evans. reunion weekend may be found on the Lois welcomed dignitaries, alumni, staff, Lindenwood University website or by On Twitter: and students to Lindenwood House with contacting Elizabeth Wikoff, Alumni @LindenwoodAlum warmth and charm. We shall miss Jim and Director, at (636) 949-4975 or

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