The Mistress of Tea Changes Lives a Cup at a Time

by Steve Reed her son, Sage was born in 2000. (Origi- nally, Muzyka wanted to pursue a career as a writer. She won a Pillsbury Writ- When she was a student at Cottey, ing Award through the Santa Barbara friends gave Zhena Muzyka ‘95 the Foundation, and herbal medicine was Wnickname “California.” Granted, that just a hobby.) Although she had no health was her home state, but the nickname insurance, Muzyka was healthy and was due more to, “my point of view on expected the best from her pregnancy. wanting to save the world and being a lit- Within a few weeks of his birth, how- tle ‘granola’ ” said Muzyka with a laugh. ever, Sage was diagnosed with a serious Today, Muzyka does live in California, birth defect that required immediate but more important, she is doing what surgery. The surgery was successful, she can to “save the world,” particularly but because of his care requirements, the world that laborers live in on tea Muzyka would need to find a job that plantations. Muzyka is the president and would allow her to have Sage with her founder of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Company at work. Her search for a such a work and her insistence on Fair Trade practices environment was fruitless. have improved the lives of hundreds of workers. With a $3,000 loan from family members (sound familiar Virginia Alice Cottey “The quality of life has so improved on fans?), Muzyka bought a tea cart with an

Fair Trade estates, and it’s something espresso machine. She would take Sage Tea Gypsy Photo courtesy of Zhena’s simple that people can do for just pennies in a baby carrier while she set up shop Zhena Muzyka ‘95, self-proclaimed “Mistress of Tea” created a multi-million dollar a cup,” said Muzyka. “It makes a world and sold blended tea drinks. business born out of necessity, and with that has improved the lives of others around of difference.” the world through her Fair Trade practices. “I used to make these really unique lattes Interestingly enough, Muzyka was able with an espresso machine on my cart,” to help others by first helping herself. she explained. “It was so much fun. I was Muzyka. “I would put my son in his She was working on a book about her really selling lattes and selling my teas in Muzyka did have the right background backpack and would hold tastings for grandmother, a Ukrainian Gypsy, when little corsage bags tied with a ribbon.” for the tea business. Call it serendipity or chefs of four-star restaurants. I was sell- fortuitous planning, but prior to her busi- ing tea in one-pound bags before getting ness venture Muzyka had studied herbal into the tins we sell today.” What is “Fair Trade” and Why Does it Matter? medicine with ethnobotanists in Peru. Soon, a Southern California buyer for the “Search and see if there is not some place where you may “I was taking a home studies course on Whole Foods stores discovered Zhena’s invest your humanity,” said Nobel prize winner Dr. Albert home remedies and medicine through the Gypsy Teas and became interested in Schweitzer. That, in a nutshell, is what Fair Trade is all Clayton College of Natural Health,” she selling them through the chain. Muzyka Sabout: investing humanity into a business. said. “When I got the opportunity to go put some tea blends into tins and did to Peru, I jumped. I found a deep passion a presentation for Whole Foods. Once “From day one I decided I would only sell Fair Trade for the wonders of the natural world.” they said they were interested, Muzyka products,” said Zhena Muzyka ‘95, founder and presi- designed some packaging and went to a dent of Zhena’s Gypsy Teas. “I found out that in many Ethnobotanists are scientists who study trade show in 2003. Today her teas are conventional tea estates there was up to 70 percent infant the relationship between indigenous cul- available through a number of organic mortality rate because of the abject poverty. I made it my tures and how they use their plants. “In and whole food chains as well as catalog company and personal mission to end poverty in the tea the rain forest, shamans use plants for all outlets and her Web site: www.gypsytea. world.” kinds of medicinal uses,” added Muzyka. com. From $4,000 in total sales her first Based on her experience in Peru, Muzyka year, Muzyka’s business is now a multi- The average tea plucker is a woman (men’s fingers are generally too big to pluck tea found herself doing organic scent profiles million dollar per year company. leaves properly). It takes 2,000 individual plucks to make one kilogram of tea, and for a hair care company. a worker’s daily quota is eight kilograms, which is 32,000 individual plucks every Although Muzyka has a background and single day of her life. Those workers make less than $1.35 per day, have an average About six months after she began selling training in herbal remedies, she does household of six to support with that income and after 10 hours in the fields, prepare blended tea drinks and small packets not have a business degree. “Not having the meals, care for the children and hand scrub their clothing in a little bucket outside of loose tea from her cart, Muzyka’s a business background has been very their back door. Their day is usually close to 18 hours. business began to take off. Soon she satisfying,” she explained. “I’ve learned was packaging and selling teas for local everything through practical knowledge. “When I purchase organic tea from a Fair Trade garden, I pay a Fair Trade premium cafes. My learning is getting my hands dirty of 1 Euro ($1.40 US) per kilogram,” said Muzyka. “Because of the Fair Trade pay- ment, the workers have guaranteed health care, maternity leave, education, housing, “I put together a menu of loose teas for Please see Fair Trade on page 10 spas and cafes and hosted tastings,” said Please see Mistress of Tea on page 7 Candidates for CCAA Executive Board

The following slate of candidates are proposed for the Cottey College Alum- nae Association Executive Board. You may vote for the slate of candidates by e-mailing [email protected] or by mailing in the ballot at the bottom of the page. Please submit your vote by April 1, 2009.

Betzy Fry ‘81 After Cottey, I graduated from the Uni- Caroline Taylor ‘76 versity of Oregon with a B.A. in journal- I graduated from Cottey in 1976 and ism / public relations. I then returned to Karma Quick ‘01 went on to the University of Missouri Cottey to work in admission, a wonderful Karma Quick is a 2001 graduate of Columbia where I earned a degree in experience. I also recruited students for Cottey College. A native of Maquoketa, business management. I married Tom Stephens College in Columbia, Mis- Iowa, she returned to her home state to Taylor of Nevada, Missouri, in 1977 souri, another women’s college. I am a finish her undergraduate education with and after college we moved to Indepen- huge advocate for women’s education a B.A. in political science from Central dence, Missouri. I worked at a savings Adele Ausink Dolan ‘71 and my reputation in P.E.O. Chapter College in 2003. Shortly thereafter, she and loan as a manager before my two Though I was born in Seattle, AL (Oregon) is for finding exceptional moved to the San Francisco Bay Area children were born. In 1986 my fam- Washington, we moved around as I was P.E.O. scholarship candidates. My for an internship with Disability Rights ily moved back to Nevada where my growing up, so I graduated from high mother, Alberta Fry, is a past state Advocates, at the law firm of Cottey husband is self-employed as an engineer. school in Cheyenne, Wyoming. From president of Oregon State Chapter. classmate Alexa Benedetti’s mother. In For the last 14 years I have worked for Cottey, I went on to complete a B.A. in For 17 years, I have raised funds for May 2008, she graduated from New the Nevada R-V School District as an French and Theatre at the University of non-profit organizations including the College of California School of Law administrative assistant. I also work as a Tulsa, and an M.A. in French Literature United Way, a historical and economic and is working with the San Francisco bookkeeper for my husband and we man- at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, development maritime project, a private Mayor’s Office on Disability and with age several rental properties that we own. Tennessee. Between my course work school, Girl Scouts, and a children’s Otis Institute, Inc. As a third-genera- at Vanderbilt and the completion of my museum. I look forward to serving the tion P.E.O. and as the current president My daughter, Brooke, and her husband, thesis, I worked for four years in the Cot- Cottey community, getting to know more of Chapter GR, San Francisco, Karma is David, reside in St Louis, Missouri, tey College Alumnae Office, was active alumnae and helping more young women thrilled to not only work with Alexa as where David is a teacher and Brooke is in the Nevada community, and married a gain some of the incredible experiences I her recording secretary but three other in the English Literature Ph.D. program Nevada 3M-er who was transferred back had as a student. Cottey alumnae who are active members through Washington University. My son, to the St. Paul plant. We settled in Hud- in the chapter as well. Chapter GR is Brandon, recently received his master’s son, Wisconsin, just outside of St. Paul, Jim McCauley and I have been mar- additionally sponsoring a current Cot- degree from MIT’s Media Lab and is and near Mark’s childhood home of ried for nearly 23 years and our children tey student. With a passion for all that currently living in Tokyo, Japan. River Falls. We have four children, ages Kelsey (13) and Sean (11) keep us dash- Cottey has done and is doing for women 27 to 15. Mark continues to work for 3M ing from one sport to the next: football, in education, and with gratitude for the I am pleased to have been nominated to and loves hunting, lumberjacking, and volleyball, basketball, lacrosse. Both opportunities that attending Cottey made serve on Cottey’s alumnae board. I have woodworking. I am a homemaker, com- kids are native French speakers and we possible for her, Karma very much looks lived in Nevada for over 20 years and munity volunteer, P.E.O., and part-time traveled through France in 2008 when forward to giving back to the College in hope my experience as a “local” will be lecturer in French at UW River Falls. Sean finished the fifth grade. We snow service and in working with her fellow an asset to the board. We are both active in the United Method- ski in Oregon each winter and water ski alumnae to network with each other and ist Church and choir. My theatrical en- in Montana each summer. to make the Cottey experience possible deavors are sporadic, but I sing regular- for young women across the world. Class Notes, from page 6 ly with two choral groups at the Phipps Center for the Arts here in Hudson. I lent English. Tania asks, ‘Why is that?’ Nominees for Cottey College Alumnae Association Executive Board: serve on the board of the Christian Diana, replies that she spent two years Adele Ausink Dolan, ‘71, Betzy Fry ‘81 Community Homes, Inc. of Hudson in the United States. Tania’s interest is Karma Quick ‘01, Caroline Taylor ‘76 and on the Administrative Council of growing and asks where in the US. Diana Hudson United Methodist Church, am responds with ‘Missouri’. Tania thinks ___ I approve the slate of officers nominated above past president of my local P.E.O. chapter, this is starting to sound a bit familiar, and recently completed a three-year term two years in Missouri, and asks, ‘where Proposed changes to the CCAA Bylaws: on the Wisconsin State Cottey College in Missouri?’ Diana, who has had a kind Amend Article VI, Section 1. by changing “three Directors” to “four Directors,” Committee. of feeling about this conversation from so that, if approved, it would read: The Executive Board of the CCAA shall con- the beginning, says ‘Cottey College!’, at sist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four Directors. which point Tania takes the glass out of Diana’s hand so as not to spill, says ‘I’m Amend Article VI by adding a new Section 2: One of the eight members of the a Cottey girl as well!’ and there is much CCAA Executive Board shalll be a Vernon County (MO) alumna. The only ex- squealing and hugging!! penses allowed for this director will be for meals while on campus.

Dr. Tania String ‘78 is lecturer in the (If this is adopted, the remaining sections in Article VI will be renumbered.) History of Art. She is married to Profes- sor Marcus Bull, who teaches Medieval ___ I approve the bylaw shown above History at the University of Bristol. They have one daughter, Sasha, who turned nine on Valentine’s Day. Name ______Class ______

Return ballot by April 1, 2009, to Office of Alumnae Relations, Cottey College, 2 • Viewpoint • Spring 2009 • www.cottey.edu 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772 The President’s Message Looking at the Class of 2012 by Judy R. Rogers, Ph.D.

Times change too swiftly for an organi- of the expected ethnic diversity of the A significant focus of the planning com- zation to permit itself to be trapped by class of 2012 cause us to reflect on the mittee’s study was the status of women’s contentment and indecision. An organi- implications for Cottey College. We are colleges. There are currently forty-seven Tzation must continually attempt to adjust anticipating a decline in the number of independent women’s colleges. There itself to the internal and the external students graduating from high school are five additional women’s colleges environment or it will not survive. Joan in a number of states. There will be a within universities. Among recent Bradshaw, Past President of P.E.O. Inter- decrease in the number of white and Af- changes are Hood College which has national Sisterhood. rican American students graduating and been co-educational since 2002; Wells an increase in the number of Asian and College, Blue Mountain College, and The Cottey College Planning Commit- Hispanic students. Cottey must prepare Immaculata University that have been tee, one of the most active committees on for the class of 2012 with both academic co-educational since 2005; Regis College our campus, translated Joan Bradshaw’s and cocurricular programs to support and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College insight about the importance of a plan- ethnically diverse students. that became co-educational in 2007; and ning process that examines the external Rosemont College that changed status environment into a semester of study Changes in technology will affect the in 2008. Newcomb College at Tulane and research. The committee members way faculty teach and students learn. University was discontinued in 2006, began by searching for answers to the The committee member reporting on the and Marymount College at Fordham question: “What will the Cottey student topic of technology demonstrated this University closed in 2007. Only thirteen of 2012 be like?” Since there will be a point by showing a short YouTube video of the forty-seven colleges admit women major revision of the College’s five- created by two mathematics professors exclusively, and most, all but eleven, of- year strategic plan in 2012, we need to at the University of Minnesota using 3-D fer graduate degrees. Credit: © 2008. Don Wilkinson/Joplin Business Journal Wilkinson/Joplin Credit: © 2008. Don understand clearly the students we will animation to illustrate Möbius transfor- recruit and enroll, their level of academic mations. This video has been viewed While other institutions are admit- Dr. Judy R. Rogers preparation, their strongest interests, their more than 1.2 million times! ting men or closing their doors, Cottey financial status, and their expectations. College remains steadfastly commit- private liberal arts colleges. If a young The committee’s findings were interest- One of the most noticeable results of new ted to women’s education. Alumnae of woman wants a liberal arts educational ing, challenging, and worthy of serious technology may be in college bookstores. women’s colleges continue to affirm the experience, then Cottey is a tremendous consideration. Our study was guided in Students will have access to products value of their educational experience at bargain. For example, Cottey’s average part by the publication, Millennials Go such as Amazon’s Kindle that have the women’s colleges. Cottey alumnae must financial aid package in 2008-2009 was To College by Neil Howe and William ability to download whole textbooks into help articulate to the young women they $14,800. The billable cost for tuition, Strauss. one small portable device. This could know what is unique about the Cottey fees, room and board for 2009-2010 is halt or decrease the escalating cost of experience to assist the College with our $20,300, so the average out-of-pocket We are all no doubt aware of the rapidly textbooks and eliminate the need for the recruiting efforts. expense will be about $5,500. This is changing demographics of our nation, twenty-pound backpacks that we see a second message that Cottey alumnae but the committee’s findings on the topic students carrying across campus. The financial needs and expectations of must share with prospective students. the students of 2012 was, without doubt, the most difficult topic to cover because As Joan Bradshaw predicted, times have Faculty/Staff Notes of the economic turmoil of the past eight indeed changed swiftly. In August 2008, months. The committee’s conclusions Cottey experienced the fourth consecu- are based on the trends of the past several tive year of enrollment growth and a Dr. Rosemary Fowler, professor emeri- Education at Evergreen State College. years: Students will need increased remarkably strong endowment. In a very ta of chemistry, has received special rec- The conference theme, “Connecting in financial aid, and families will select col- short time, the external environment ognition from the American Chemical Community,” featured a variety of ses- leges that demonstrate the value they add changed, and we must adjust by under- Society honoring her 50th anniversary sions focused on strategies for creating to students’ ability to move into desirable standing that environment and respond- with the Society and her outstanding and deepening community both in insti- careers and professions. Cottey’s tuition ing to it. service to the organization. In addition tutions of higher education themselves remains low when compared to other to receiving a 50-year ACS member pin, and in the communities in which they her name will appear in an upcoming work. This conference was hosted by issue of Chemical & Engineering News a partnership of five institutions: Delta among other names of distinguished College (Michigan), Harper College members who have also achieved a half (Chicago), IUPUI (Indianapolis), Ken- I know a student! Please send information about Cottey to: century of membership. nesaw State (Atlanta), and Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City. Name On January 17, Gary Johnson, adjunct Address assistant professor of music, was the Amy Ruetten, controller, has been clinician for the Southwest Missouri appointed to the Annual Meeting Host City, State, Zip Educators Association’s 7th Grade Committee of the Central Association Phone Honor Band. There were 95 students of College and University Business Of- from 25 schools in the honor band. ficers (CACUBO). E-mail address They rehearsed throughout the day and High School presented a concert that evening along CACUBO is a nonprofit association with the 8th Grade Honor Band and the representing chief business officers at Year of Graduation High School All-Region Band. The over 700 institutions throughout the Have you talked to this student about Cottey? Yes No concert was held in the Fine Arts Audi- North Central region of the United torium of the Webb City High School States. The association promotes sound Are you a P.E.O.? Chapter with an audience of over 600. principles and practices of educational Cottey alumna? Class year business administration through both Dr. Brenda Ross, Dr. Kathy Pivak, professional development programs and Your name and address and Dr. Mary Emily Kitterman at- concerted actions in matters affecting tended the Thirteenth Annual National the financial health of institutions of Learning Communities Conference in higher learning. Kansas City on November 13-15. Key- Your e-mail address note speakers were Dr. Vincent Tinto, The primary objective of CACUBO is Please return to: Office of Enrollment Management, Cottey College, nationally-recognized authority on to plan, provide, and encourage profes- 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772 student retention and Jean MacGregor, sional and personal development for all Spring ‘09 co-founder of the Washington Center for levels of management in the business Improving the Quality of Undergraduate and financial area of higher education. www.cottey.edu • Spring 2009 • Viewpoint • 3 Continuing a Tradition A Message From Your CCAA

Founder’s Day 2009!!!!!! Have you made your transportation plans, re- served your motel room, and contacted yourF classmates? Hopefully you have and many of your friends are planning on attending April 3-5. We are sure you will like the changes in the schedul- ing of events on Saturday. You can don your dressier clothes first thing in the morning for pictures, Presenta- tion Brunch, and the President’s Open House and then change to more casual clothes for the Homecoming Celebra- tion and evening activities.

Remember, your classmates cannot contact you or you cannot contact them if you do not go to www.cotteycommu- The College held its annual holiday celebration in December, Hanging of the Greens. nity.org to update or keep your personal information current. Remember, if Friday night events saw the traditional Chapel service followed by caroling and you changed to a new e-mail provider please update your information. If you decorating the campus buildings with student-constructed wreaths. Above, members have not logged on before, use your member ID number found on the mailing of Delta Psi Omega, the theater honor society proudly display their wreath before the label of your Viewpoint. If you have logged on before and set a password caroling. and the system does not accept it, use your member ID again and then change your password. You will be prompted for this information. Job Opportunities with Cottey College You can register for Founder’s Day at www.cotteycommunity.org. We are A college for women owned and supported by women, Cottey College seeks a dynamic looking forward to seeing a big turnout this year. Remember, some of the and experienced Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) and Dean of the Faculty classes to be honored this year are: 65 years-1944, 50 years-1959, and 25 to help advance the institution to new levels of achievement and distinction. years-1984.

Founded in 1884, Cottey is a two-year, independent liberal arts college for women of- Please join your Cottey sisters to celebrate Founder’s Day and the 125th fering outstanding undergraduate education through a combination of academic rigor anniversary year of the College that has provided us with an education, and personal interaction fully committed to excellence. An appointment date of July 1, friendships, and an inspiration to continue to achieve in our daily lives. What 2009, is anticipated. an opportunity it would be if every young woman would have the “Cottey experience” that was provided to us. They can -- if we support Cottey by giv- A model for women’s education, Cottey College is a non-sectarian, residential institu- ing, volunteering, and recruiting. Come, celebrate and continue your “Cottey tion specializing in the first two years of post-secondary education. The College is fully experience” at Founder’s Day 2009. accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Cottey currently enrolls 330 students, who represent 40 states Jan Ensminger ‘59 and 21 foreign countries. The College has developed a transfer oriented liberal arts CCAA Board curriculum, offering the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degrees through four major divisions: Fine Arts, Humanities, Science and Mathematics, and Social Sci- ence. Founder’s Day Weekend 2009 The VPAA is responsible for planning, administering and enhancing the academic program and for overseeing the following support areas: academic and career services, Friday, April 3 registrar, library, international programs, international students, and academic comput- ing. 1-8 p.m. Registration 1-5:30 p.m. Bookstore Open While applications will be accepted until a new VPAA is selected, interested parties are Campus Buildings Open encouraged to submit their materials by late-March 2009. To apply, candidates should Residence Halls Open submit a reflective letter of interest addressing the ways in whichthey meet desired 3-5 p.m. Faculty Reception with Harry Chew Art Exhibit characteristics and their background in relation to the challenges and opportunities de- 5 p.m. Virginia Alice Cottey Stockard Celebration scribed above. Applications should include a current résumé and the names and phone 6 p.m. Supper and Fiesta numbers of at least five professional references as well as the relationship of the appli- 7:30-11 p.m. Class Reunions cant to each reference. Send materials as an e-mail attachment in Word and addressed 8-10 p.m. Chellie Club Open to: [email protected] For additional information, please consult the Cottey College Web site. Saturday, April 4 Assisting in the search is: Maya Ranchod Kirkhope, Senior Consultant 9-11 a.m. Registration Academic Search, Inc. 9-10:30 a.m. Class Pictures [email protected] Bookstore Open (703) 440-1008 (o) and (703) 380-9195 (c) 11 a.m. Founder’s Day Brunch http://www.academic-search.com 1:30-2:30 p.m. President’s House Reception Cottey College is an equal opportunity employer. 2 p.m. • Optional Events • Campus Tours Cottey Viewpoint is published quarterly by the Office of Public Information. Edi- • Residence Halls Open tor/designer is Steve Reed. Inquiries and information should be directed to the Of- • Meet and Greet with Students fice of Alumnae Relations, Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772. • Chellie Club Open 4-6 p.m. Homecoming Celebration The office may be reached by phone at (417) 667-8181, ext. 2122 or by fax at 6 p.m. Supper and Sing (417) 667-8103. 7:30-11 p.m. Class Reunions Messages may also be sent by e-mail to [email protected], for the Office of Alumnae Relations, or [email protected] for the Viewpoint editor. Sunday, April 5

For address changes: contact the Office of Alumnae Relations 9 a.m.-Noon Campus Buildings Open To submit class notes: contact the Office of Alumnae Relations 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Brunch Buffet To suggest story ideas: contact the Office of Public Information 4 • Viewpoint • Spring 2009 • www.cottey.edu Women Who Make a Difference Cottey College Honored for Community Service

The Corporation for National and Com- Education Community Service Honor Launched in 2006, the Community The Honor Roll is a program of the Cor- munity Service honored Cottey College Roll for exemplary service efforts and Service Honor Roll is the highest federal poration, in collaboration with the De- Twith a place on the President’s Higher service to America’s communities. recognition a school can achieve for its partment of Education, the Department commitment to of Housing and Urban Development, service-learn- and the President’s Council on Service ing and civic and Civic Participation. The President’s engagement. Higher Education Community Service Honorees for Honor Roll is presented during the an- the award were nual conference of the American Council chosen based on Education. on a series of selection factors “I offer heartfelt congratulations to including scope those institutions named to the 2008 and innovation of President’s Higher Education Commu- service projects, nity Service Honor Roll. College and percentage of university students across the country are student participa- making a difference in the lives of others tion in service every day – as are the institutions that activities, incen- encourage their students to serve others,” tives for service, said American Council on Education and the extent to President Molly Corbett Broad. which the school offers academic Recent studies have underlined the im- service-learning portance of service-learning and volun- courses. teering to college students. In 2006, 2.8 million college students gave more than “In this time 297 million hours of volunteer service, of economic according to the Corporation’s Volun- distress, we teering in America 2007 study. Expand- need volunteers ing campus incentives for service is part more than ever. of a larger initiative to spur higher levels College students of volunteering by America’s college stu- represent an dents. The Corporation is working with Cottey students worked a variety of service projects on Saturday, January 17, as part enormous pool of a coalition of federal agencies, higher of a nationwide call to service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The photos idealism and energy to help tackle some education and student associations, and on this page are from two of the 12 student service projects: a BINGO tournament of our toughest challenges,” said Stephen nonprofit organizations to achieve this for retired people served by the local housing authority, and an indoor carnival for Goldsmith, vice chair of the Board of goal. area youth between the ages of 6-13. To see more photos of the Day of Service, visit Directors of the Corporation for National this page on the Cottey Web site: www.cottey.edu/home/studentlife/MLKdayofservice. and Community Service, which over- The Corporation for National and Com- html. sees the Honor Roll. “We salute Cottey munity Service is a federal agency that College for making community service a improves lives, strengthens communities, campus priority, and thank the millions of and fosters civic engagement through Alumnae Provide Service to Area Community college students who are helping to renew service and volunteering. The Corpora- America through service to others.” tion administers Senior Corps, Ameri- Two Cottey College alumnae with careers in graphic design have been lending their talents to a local charity. Kate Northern ‘03, of New York City, and Sarah Roulston T‘04, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, have donated their time to create publicity and publi- cations for the Lighthouse Children’s Theatre in El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

Just over a year ago, the Lighthouse Children’s Theatre was merely a vision in the mind of a retired school teacher in El Dorado Springs. Now entering its second sea- son, the organization’s programs include acting academies for children ages 3 – 17. It boasts a volunteer staff of about 20, and the overwhelming support of businesses, community members, arts councils, and even government officials. However, there is a much bigger goal that has yet to be fulfilled — building a home for the Lighthouse.

Northern got involved with the LCT last year when she was back in Nevada, Mis- souri, and looking for free-lance work. “For almost a year now, I’ve been helping de- velop a children’s theatre organization in El Dorado Springs. I’m directing develop- ment, as well as doing all of the graphic design,” said Northern. “This organization is such a wonderful one — it’s bringing arts and culture, education, and so many good things to Eldo, but one of the goals is to make this organization available to kids in all the surrounding communities, not just Eldo. We really want to make ties between communities in the region.” Overall, the Corporation honored six Corps, and Learn and Serve America, a With her passion for the program, Northern enlisted the aid of her freshman, schools with Presidential Awards. In program that supports service-learning in Roulston, who is doing graphic design work for LCT. Together they have designed all addition, 83 were named as Honor Roll schools, institutions of higher education, the publications for a gala the LCT is hosting on Saturday, April 26. A special guest With Distinction members and 546 and community-based organizations. For at the event will be Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu in the movie It’s a Wonderful schools as Honor Roll members. In total, more information, go to www.nation- Life. Other members of the Cottey community have been involved as well. Cottey’s 635 schools were recognized. A full list alservice.gov. chef, Michael Richardson, served as a consultant for the gala, and professor emeritus is available at www.nationalservice. Dr. Charles Nash will be writing a column for the local paper. gov/honorroll. For more information on the Lighthouse Children’s Theatre or the gala, visit the Web site (designed by Northern) at: www.lighthousechildrenstheatre.org. www.cottey.edu • Spring 2009 • Viewpoint • 5 Expanded class notes and additional photos are online at www.cotteycommunity.org Class Notes [Notable People] chosen spot was Tybee Island, Georgia. Moreno-Mahoney was one of the 150 Without Cottey we probably would never AmeriCorps alumni chosen to represent 1950s have met and become friends. To the this national network of civic leaders. Class of ‘64 - we will be in Nevada in There are currently 550,000 alumni of April 2009 and look forward to seeing all AmeriCorps National Service continuing of you and reconnecting for our 45th. to act as agents of change in their com- munities. Moreno-Mahoney served as a member of AmeriCorps in Austin, Texas, 1990s and Washington, DC, and is currently the Chair of the AmeriCorps Alums National Leadership World traveler Brianne Fulton ‘99 Council. Moreno- ence was held by the National Council Mahoney is for Educators in the Ceramics Art (NCE- the associate CA) and the only ceramics-centered uni- director of versity in China: The Jingdezhen Ceram- service and ics Institute (JCI) and was the first of its volunteerism kind. Brianne was one of seven students for the One- selected nationally for a scholarship from Star Founda- NCECA, and was able to contribute to tion in Austin, student panels, exhibit her artwork, and Blanche (Garrigues) Parker ‘57 has Texas. donate a piece to the permanent collec- this story to share: tion at JCI. The experience was filled Anna (Thom- with daytrips to kiln sites that were up “I’ll never forget donning hats, gloves, son) Owens to 1000 years old, small and large-scale and heels for a bus trip to Kansas City ‘96 was mar- porcelain factories, demonstrations by to attend a play or the symphony. Such ried May 26, prestigious American and Chinese artists, excitement in the mid-fifties for a small 2007, and her artist residency sites, mountain villages, town girl! On November 7, 2008, I vis- fellow class- and multiple day excursions to Shanghai ited the National World War I Museum mates Nicole and Suzhou (the Venice of the East). This in Kansas City. I joined a small group led Boisseau ‘96, trip marks Brianne’s sixth experience by a very dignified and well-informed Monique Morin ‘90 with husband Nick Shumiah McTier ‘96, and Elif Arslan abroad since graduating from Cottey, gentleman. A woman in the group told and daughter Carina. ‘96 were all able to attend. Nicole’s with stints in Egypt and various parts of me that it was Carl DiCapo, owner of daughter was one of her flower girls; she Europe including a special trip with Cot- the Italian Gardens. Memories swept Monique Morin ‘90 graduated in De- was fabulous at her job. Tim and Anna tey to London when she worked for the my mind as that was always our dinner cember 2007 with her Ph.D. in computer moved to Portland, Oregon, last summer College as an admission representative. destination on our Cottey bus trips! I told science from the University of New and their son was born on November 23, Brianne is currently a graduate student Mr. DiCapo about my recollections and Mexico (UNM). Husband Nick (mar- 2008, via natural waterbirth (which was in the ceramics department at Fort Hays he gave me a wonderful bear hug. He ried in 2003) and daughter Carina (born an amazing experience). Miles Spencer State University with an emphasis in said ‘I was a young man at that time and 2005) were in attendance along with Thomson Owens was a healthy, alert ceramic sculpture. Her Cottey friends I was always waiting at the front door other family members. Monique is now baby from the start weighing 9 lbs., 11 would be excited to know that her when we were expecting those fabulous adjunct faculty at the Los Alamos oz., and measuring 21-1/2 inches. They artwork carries a feminist theme! She’d Cottey girls.’ Mr. DiCapo is not only Past branch of UNM and can be reached via are enjoying love to hear from old buddies at blful- President and Chairman of Development e-mail at [email protected]. watching [email protected]. Committee of the WWI Museum but is him learn Chairman of the Board of KC Metropoli- about the tan Crime Commission. Having such an world and influential man recall ‘Cottey Girls’ with working for 2000s such fondness is a testimony to Cottey his delighted College!” giggles since he decided Here’s proof of Cottey’s international 1960s about two influence - Diana (Dimitrova) Kalitzin weeks ago ‘04 and Tania String ‘78 that they are hilarious. Diana (Dimitrova) Kalitzin ‘04 is studying art history at the University of Anna (Thomson) Owens ‘96 and her Bristol in England. Imagine her surprise Rosa Moreno-Mahoney ‘93 at the inau- son Miles gural parade. Jessica Stoller ‘97 wanted to update all Joining in the celebration of President- her Cottey friends. She has been living Elect Barack Obama’s historic inaugura- and teaching in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, tion, AmeriCorps alumna Rosa Moreno- for the past eight years. She finished her Mahoney ‘93 marched in the 2009 master’s in curriculum and instruction Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C. this past summer and is now the ELL Class of 1964 mini reunion—Seated: teacher at her school. She bought a house Beth (Morgan) Bowens, Dellarae “I was honored to represent this amaz- at the end of August and would love to (Black) French, Annabelle (Arnold) ing network of AmeriCorps alumni on hear from any friends at booker08@msn. Bohannon. Standing: Nancy (Tarrant) the national level – it’s a great way to com. Schauerte, our friend Coey, Elizabeth promote what we do and celebrate our when it turned out that one of her lectur- (Doyle) Carty, Ronnie (Fjetland) Nel- commitment to our communities across Brianne Fulton ‘99 had a recent ad- ers is Cottey alum, Tania String ‘78! son and Harriet (Anderson) Maser. America.” said Rosa Moreno-Mahoney. venture with 80 other American artists “The parade launched the beginning of a when she attended “Shared Journeys”: an The initial conversation went this way: A group of us have been getting together dynamic year for AmeriCorps and I was international ceramics symposium held Tania, who has been teaching at the Uni- for the past 20 years or so - having mini thrilled to participate.” in China in October of 2008. The confer- versity of Bristol since 1996, observed reunions each year in a place we would at Orientation that Diana, a new student like to visit - this is in May 2008 and the from Bulgaria, spoke unusually excel- 6 • Viewpoint • Spring 2009 • www.cottey.edu please see Class Notes, page 2 [Marriages & Births] Mistress of Tea, from page 1 1990s and figuring it out.” She did add that, “I have a colleague who has an MBA and we balance each other. Finding mentors is the fastest and easiest way to learn a trade or build a career.”

Other than the quality of her products, one of the most striking elements of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is the packaging. The tins with the unique Gypsy Tea logo are quite striking and different from other tea products on the shelf. Rebekah Anna Rita Grossman future Class of 2028 “The original logo was a variation of the current one,” said Muzyka. “An artist Liza Baseler Grossman ‘94 and friend in Hawaii did a design of a flow- The logo that resembles the founder. Michael Grossman are proud to ing woman with a tea pot. Now it looks announce the birth of their daughter, more modern, less abstract. I wanted the Rebekah Anna Rita Grossman on May logo to be more playful. A lot of people 16, 2008. She was 6 lbs., 13 oz., and 19 initiatives and offsetting her company’s who make tea are uptight,” Muzyka inches long and is now a whopping 17 carbon footprint. Her company has Abigail (Aiken) Clay ‘02 and her joked, “I wanted to make tea fun and ap- lbs. She is a happy baby; her favorite eliminated almost all air freight out of husband Alex proachable.” games right now are any form of tickles its business model unless it is a special tea that has to arrive in a couple of days. and peek-a-boo. Everyone is healthy Abigail (Aiken) Clay ‘02 and Alex Clay When it was mentioned that the woman They have also purchased green tags and and doing well. Liza can be reached at were married August 23, 2008, at Christ in the logo strongly resembled the wind power credits to offset their electric [email protected]. Church Cathedral, Lexington, Kentucky. founder, Muzyka admitted she was the bill. They no longer print catalogs, they Charlotte Dore ‘02 was one of four model. “The designers wanted it to look use recycled paper and don’t use a var- bridesmaids. Following a honeymoon to like me,” she said. “I lifted my arms, nish on the tea labels. When their tins are Mackinac Island, Michigan, the couple they snapped a photo, and they used that stamped, the scraps go to a factory that resides in Lexington. Abby can be image.” makes office furniture. reached at [email protected]. Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is more than tasty “I think it’s common sense now,” said teas in funky packaging, however. Muzyka of her environmental efforts. Muzyka insisted from the beginning “It’s not political. We’re very lucky to that her company adhere to Fair Trade have this planet.” practices. (See sidebar article on page 1.) Muzyka is also a proponent of green Ayrton, new son of Nathalie Richter ‘96 Muzyka has been recognized for her business and entrepreneurship. In 2007 Nathalie Richter ‘96 is proud to she was named one of Country Living announce the birth of her baby boy, Kerri Kramer ‘05 got married on July Magazine’s Women Entrepreneurs, she Ayrton, on October 23, 2008. He is 11, 2008, to Paul Kramer. They currently was featured in a 2007 Inc. Magazine ar- happy and healthy and so are his mommy live in North Platte, Nebraska. Paul ticle on Five Young Entrepreneurs, in an works for the Union Pacific Railroad April 2007 article in Good Housekeeping and daddy. They are currently living a Elise VanPool ‘03, Stephanie Grgurich and is on the North Platte Volunteer Magazine, and in the Winter 2008/09 few miles away from Paris, France. She ‘03, Karen Victoria (Torie Short) Fire Department and Kerri is on the issue of GreenMoney Journal. She was can be reached at [email protected] Davis, ‘03, Ellen Rytter ‘03, Elisabeth North Platte Volunteer Fire Department also one of the featured women in the Gillot ‘03 Auxiliary. Her Cottey sisters were book Ladies Who Launch: Embracing 2000s bridesmaids, Alexis VanPool ‘05, Mae Entrepreneurship and Creativity as a Karen Victoria (Torie Short) Davis, ‘03 Mackey ‘05, and Stephanie Dwyer ‘05. Lifestyle. was married one year ago, January 19, Kerri can’t wait to see everyone next 2008, to Sergeant Andrew Charles Davis. Founder’s Day. Despite her success, the most noteworthy Cottey classmates in attendance were J. things for Muzyka are her son’s health— Elise VanPool, Stephanie Grgurich, Ellen “He is nine; he is healthy; he is beauti- Rytter, Elisabeth Gillot. ful,” she said—and the positive changes she has been able to affect on tea estates. Kerri Kramer ‘05 and her husband Paul (See sidebar on Fair Trade.) “My experi- ence is it makes all of the hard work worthwhile,” Muzyka added. And what better way to relax after a day of hard work, than with a soothing cup of tea. Heather Laubsch-Jibben ‘00 daughters Hayden and Keeley

Heather Laubsch-Jibben ‘00, her husband Brian, and their oldest daughter Keeley, would like to announce the birth of their second daughter, Hayden Evelyn Jibben. Hayden was born on January 16 (only two weeks overdue) weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz., and measuring 19 1/2 inches Trey Allen Caruthers, son of Kristi long. Hayden and Keeley are both doing Caruthers ‘05 great. Brian still works in finance and Heather is still busy in her sixth season Kristi Caruthers ‘05 and her husband with her dance studio. They would love Brice announce the birth of their son, to hear from friends, contact them at Trey Allen on November 1, 2008. [email protected]. www.cottey.edu • Spring 2009 • Viewpoint • 7 Expanded class notes and additional photos are online at www.cotteycommunity.org Class Notes [Deaths]

1920s Mary Lou (Zimmerman) Holloway The College received notice of the death Diana loved family history and assisted ‘45 died April 28, 2005. After attending of Marilyn (Skeen) Muller ‘52 on April with the Girl Scouts of America. She The College received notice of the death Cottey, she graduated from KU. She was 19, 2007, from cancer. is survived by her husband, five sons, a of Inezbelle (Kelsey) Shutt ‘29. a teacher for over 20 years in special daughter, a brother and sisters, and 11 education. 1960s grandchildren. 1930s Antoinette “Toni” Paine Mitchell Kathleen E. Doyle-Bleecker ‘64, died Koski ‘45, died October 24, 2008. June 10, 2006, of complications from Faurot (Teays) Weller ‘32, died Novem- Toni was key in establishing the Dr. Mar- The College received notice of the death treatment for cancer at Community ber 28, 2008. Faurot was born in Nevada, jorie Mitchell Leadership Fund with her of Lynda (Bowen) Davis ‘60 on Septem- Medical Center. An attractive, over- Missouri. She was a teacher in Mis- siblings in honor of her aunt, president of ber 30, 2008. She attended Cottey for one achieving redheaded cheerleader, Kate souri until retiring. She and her husband Cottey from 1938 to 1949. After Cottey year and transferred to the University of graduated as one of the top 10 students managed Park Manor Retirement Home College she finished her degree at The Northern Colorado. She and her husband in her class in high school. She attended in Nashville, Tennessee, a venture they Ohio State University. Toni was also a settled in New York City in 1963 and had Cottey and then completed her B.A. in were both extremely proud of. Faurot very experienced world traveler hav- been residents ever since. Lynda retired sociology at the University of Michigan. lent her support and meticulous care to ing visited Africa, Asia, South America, in 1998 and is survived by her husband For the next eight years, she worked for the Teays Chapel and Cemetery; she Australia, and Europe many times. She and sister. the state of California. In 1988, she came was a devoted member of the Methodist was an extremely well read woman who to Montana for a fresh start; she began Church and a lifelong member of P.E.O. strongly believed in constant education. Joann “Joni” Ryan ‘60, died Decem- her third career until her semi-retirement She is survived by her sister, two neph- She read three newspapers daily, was a ber 15, 2005. Her education culminated in 2005. She was preceded in death by ews, great niece, and great nephews. Two member of the Chautauqua Literary and in her earning a Ph.D. in mathematics her mother and father, her stepmother, nieces and four nephews of the Weller Scientific Circle (the oldest book club in from Purdue University. Joni was briefly and a brother. She is survived by her Family also survived and many great- the country), listened daily to NPR, and engaged in environmental research after husband, stepchildren, a brother, and two great nieces and nephews. Preceding her watched TV commentary news all the which she devoted her life to caring for nieces and a nephew. in death were her parents, her husband, time. Her strongest source of pride came her widowed mother and her beloved one brother, sister-in-law, and her great from her immediate survivors, her son aunt. Her interests included nature, birds The College received notice of the death nephew. and her daughter and their families. Toni and flowers, local art and activities, and of Becky (Brown) Smith ‘67 in March was preceded in death by her husband, sports, especially Chicago Cubs. She was 2008, from breast cancer. Marian Joy (Brainard) Smith ‘34 died her sister, her brother, her infant son, and a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and a on November 20, 2008. After graduat- her parents. Presbyterian. Survivors include a cousin, Penney (Kelley) Fujii ‘67 died Decem- ing from Cottey, she got her degree from two second cousins, and two third cous- ber 25, 2008, following an 18-month University of Nebraska. She attended Doris (Greenstreet) Niemann ‘45 died ins. She was preceded in death by her illness. For the past 24 years she was graduate school at Columbia Univer- on December 24, 2008. She grew up in parents and her aunts. the minister at Fifth Street Presbyterian sity where she received her master’s in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and graduated from Church of Conneaut Lake. She was a library science. Marian also got certified both Cottey College and Kansas State Diana Sue (Light) Burt ‘62 died Janu- graduate of Cottey College; Hastings to teach and she worked in several differ- University. She later lived and worked as ary 1 following a long-term illness. After College in Hastings, Nebraska; and the ent schools in their library. She retired to a medical technologist in Berkeley, Cali- Cottey, she attended the University of San Francisco Theological Seminary. Arizona with her husband. She traveled fornia, where she met and married her South Dakota and Kansas State Teach- Survivors are her husband, a daughter, extensively and was a member of P.E.O. husband of 52 years. Doris was known ers College in Emporia, Kansas, where a son, her father, a sister, a brother, and to family and friends for her kindness, she received her teaching certificate. She two nieces. She was preceded in death by The College received notice of the death strength, wisdom, and generosity. She taught at the collegiate level and was her mother. of Barbara (French) Kirkbride ‘39. was a longtime member of P.E.O. and heavily involved with the LDS church. Barbara generously donated to Cottey for enjoyed traveling, swimming, and being many years. involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Doris is survived by hus- Here is my gift of $ paid by check to Cottey College. 1940s band, sons, brother, and grandchildren. Here is my first installment of $ for a total pledge of $ The College received notice of the death to be paid Monthly Quarterly Annually Sara (Huston) Spears ‘41 died March of Ruth (Easterbrook) Bertin ‘46. I prefer to pay by credit card. MasterCard Visa 15, 2003, in Phoenix, Arizona, of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her Geraldine (Sewright) Suiso ‘47, of Account number husband and is survived by two sons. Honolulu, a retired Wailupe Valley El- Exp. Date Signature ementary School teacher, died February Patricia (Taylor) Fellers ‘41 died of 3, 2008, in St. Francis-East Hospice. She Name age-related causes. She was salutatorian was born in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Address of her graduating high school class, She is survived by husband, daughters, attended Cottey, and graduated from brother, and six grandchildren. City, State, Zip Central College. She was a volunteer and Phone officer for many church and community The College received notice of the death organizations. Her greatest interests were of Dr. Margaret (Nolte) Young ‘48. She E-mail address her church affiliations in which she sang died February 2007. Class year P.E.O. Chapter in the choir and participated in many church activities within her beloved The College received notice of the death My company will match my gift. (Please enclose matching form/coupon.) church families. She was a prodigious of Carolyn (Parks) Moss ‘49. reader, enjoyed spending time with her Fund of choice: family, corresponding with many long Restricted time friends and watching basketball 1950s Alumnae Legacy Scholarship and baseball games on TV. Her survivors Unrestricted Alumnae Endowed Library include her daughters, grandchildren, Other ______Dow International Scholarship sister, niece, and grand-nephews. The College received notice of the death Stockard Chair of Religion and Ethics of Margaret (Titus) Kaiser ‘50. The College received notice of the death of Huldah (Phelps) Bacon ‘44 in Sep- Please return to: Office of Alumnae Relations, Cottey College, tember 2007. 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772

8 • Viewpoint • Spring 2009 • www.cottey.edu Spring ‘09 Expanded class notes and additional photos are online at www.cotteycommunity.org Class Notes Meet One of Cottey’s First IPS Students, 30 Alumnae Gather in Maria Lycouressi Argy ‘52 Washington D.C. Editor’s Note: This year, 2009, the P.E.O. Sisterhood’s International Peace Scholar- ship (IPS) celebrates its 60th anniversary. Cottey has been honored over the years to have several outstanding international students come to Cottey with the assistance of IPS. One of the first IPS Scholars to attend Cottey was Maria Lycouressi Argy ‘52. Her story is below.

Currently Cottey has 12 IPS Scholars enrolled, and three of those students are ranked in the top ten of their class. It’s no secret why Cottey enjoys its partnership with IPS. Some of the best and brightest students from around the world get to at- December 6, 2008, marked a Cottey D.C. hostess and 2001 Truman Scholar tend Cottey College because of IPS. College Alumnae gathering of about 30 Gabrielle Mary Sivage is always up to alumnae in Washington, D.C., spanning half-a-dozen projects and is currently Cottey College congratulates IPS on its Dback to the Class of 1961 to support supporting the efforts of fellow Truman 60th anniversary. Cottey and a new D.C. Cottey Alumnae Scholar Chris Myers Asch’s founding Scholarship to send prospective students of the Public Service Academy, which The Gift of Cottey to Cottey’s grounds. The mission of the now has pending legislation in Con- scholarship is inspired by statistics that gress’ House and Senate. Supporters are As a young girl growing up in Greece during World War II, Maria Lycouressi Argy show young women who visit Cottey hopeful that with Truman Scholars like ‘52, remembers well the German occupation of her country. From soldiers marching are highly likely to apply to and attend Janet Napolitano and Susan Rice now in the streets to mass starvation, Greece was a difficult place during her childhood. Cottey. The scholarship can pay for a nominated to serve in the next Admin- Maria’s parents believed in education and her father considered the United States “the summer workshop or a visit to tour the istration’s Cabinet, that this could be a hope of the world,” so when the family learned of the P.E.O. Sisterhood’s new Inter- campus for “C” for Yourself! Weekend. watershed period for establishing a new national Peace Scholarship, Maria’s parents encouraged her to study in the United collegiate legacy like the Public Service States. It was a gift that would change her life, for it was the gift of Cottey College. Alumnae at the event shared stories of Academy (www.uspublicserviceacad- midnight fun and buckling down for the emy.org). The trip to Cottey was no small feat; it took 17 days to travel from Maria’s home in challenges of college at a truly unique Athens to the Cottey campus in Nevada, Missouri. After growing up in a large city, institution, where many appear to still Cottey College is no stranger to aca- Nevada was somewhat of a shock. “I missed the big city and being able to get lost in dream of the fantastic baked potato soup demic leaps and bounds. The D.C. P.E.O. the people,” she said. Still, one of her first impressions of America was that every- and brunches. All seemed to agree that Cottey Committee was pleased to learn thing was so big compared to Greece, such as the trees, stones, and distances. Cottey was a place of personal growth, about Cottey’s baccalaureate program even if it took years to understand that ambitions; and upon hearing remarks Like many international students, there were some difficult adjustments to life in growth. from Cottey’s Judi Steege, alumnae small-town America for Maria. While she was happy academically, she sometimes were excited to support the College in struggled personally. She remembers the connections with other people as something Jacquie Segal, a P.E.O. chapter presi- increasing applicants. D.C. area P.E.O.s that made the transition to America easier, from visiting the home of the local woman dent and Cottey Class of 1990 alum, and alumnae are happily embarking who did student laundry to a local minister who invited students into his home. also “learned much more than what was upon a partnership to support Cot- Another highlight of her time at Cottey was going home to Iowa with her roommate, written in my books. I learned a new way tey alumnae while sending area young Sandra Armstrong Thompson ‘52. of living. I learned to open my heart to women to Cottey. Jacquie Segal put other women, a skill that has served me it best with her sentiment that, “I am During Maria’s time as a Cottey student, President Blanche Hinman Dow took the well over the years, as my girlfriends thrilled to be a part of the D.C. Cottey young international student under her wing. Maria remembers receptions at the Pres- (and my mother) are the foundation of alumnae and to help send other women ident’s house and spending time talking with Dr. Dow about where to continue her my soul. I learned to revere education off onto this great adventure. May they education after Cottey. Maria ultimately decided on Smith College (the President’s and rise above challenges and heartache all learn as much as we did…this world alma mater) and finished her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English in three years - and I still give Dr. Anne Bunton most can always use more women who’ve had at Smith. Maria is quick to attribute her academic success to the educational founda- of the credit for getting me through!” the opportunity to grow in the way that tion established at Cottey College, as well as to the personal attention by Dr. Dow, to only Cottey can afford.” whom she refers as “exceptional.” Elise Van Pool, Class of 2003, said that serving in Cottey student government Sivage, Cottey Class of 2000, would After graduating with honors from Smith, Maria went back to Greece, where she met taught her how to get things done, some- like to thank Cheryl Mathews-White and Dimitri Argy, who had recently completed his Ph.D. in Germany. The couple moved thing that put her steps ahead of many of Cathy Thurston, her fellow D.C. State to the United States, where Dimitri became an engineering professor at what is now those at her transfer college. P.E.O. Cottey Committee Chairwomen Carnegie Mellon University. The Argys eventually moved to the south shore of Mas- for their support throughout the year, as sachusetts for Dimitri to teach. He is now retired from University of Massachusetts Isabella Zakaryan, Class of 2001, had well as Cottey’s Carrie Reeves ‘96 and Dartmouth. Maria also became a professor and taught English at Bristol Community a memorable story of getting to Cottey, Judi Steege, who supported the hosting College for 25 years. The couple have two sons, Odysseus and Nicolas, both of which she thanks D.C. P.E.O. for foster- of this event in various ways, including whom are physicians in Massachusetts. ing. Several years ago “Bella” was living Judi’s Cottey update at the event. On in the U.S. as an Armenian exchange behalf of the Committee, she also thanks In appreciation of the College and the P.E.O. Sisterhood that brought his mother to student in Alabama where a local paper the D.C. State P.E.O. Board for their study in the United States, Odysseus established a Cottey scholarship in 2002 in his did a feature about her, noting her inter- support in attending the event at Oyamel mother’s honor. Each year, Dr. Argy contributes to the Maria Lycouressi Family est in staying in the U.S. for college. A in D.C. All were thrilled with the venue Scholarship, which benefits deserving students studying the sciences, health sciences, D.C.-based company that organizes and and the brunch menu. All cheered Ol’ or education. As a teacher herself whose life was changed by education, Maria under- sponsors exchange students circulated Cottey C! stands the need for scholarships and is thrilled that each year, another young woman the news article and a P.E.O. working in receives the gift of Cottey College. that company saw the article, contacted Bella, and then sent her Cottey applica- tion forms.

www.cottey.edu • Spring 2009 • Viewpoint • 9 IPS Recipient From Brazil Gives Back

Because of the P.E.O. Sisterhood’s Bezerra as she traces a serpentine pattern rich and gave me opportunities to do International Peace Scholarship (IPS), in the air with her forefinger, “but it was things I might not have otherwise.” Cottey College students got to take a Bspecial one-hour credit course in January on Brazil: Its Culture and People. That’s Fair Trade, from page 1 because Dr. Neda Bezerra from the University of Fortaleza, an IPS scholar and clean water systems. It’s required that the Fair Trade premium goes toward those in 1996, wanted to “contribute back for things. Once they have the infrastructure, then most of the workers have saving ac- what P.E.O. did for me,” as she said in a counts.” recent interview. Currently Fair Trade tea accounts for only about one percent of the tea sold in the Bezerra came to the United States in United States, but the demand is growing. Something as simple as choosing a Fair 1988 to visit an American friend. She Trade product can improve the lives of so many low wage laborers. began taking classes at Millersville University in Millersville, Pennsylvania, “The quality of life has so improved on Fair Trade estates and it’s something simple doing babysitting and anything else she people can do for just pennies a cup,” said Muzyka. “It makes a world of difference.” could find to pay the bills as she worked on her degree. Dr. Neda Bezerra Muzyka visits the tea estates she purchases from three to four times each year, so she sees first hand the impact her decisions have made on the workers who pick her In 1996, Bezerra was in graduate school vanian alma mater since 1992. She had teas. When she married Gerard Linsmeier in 2006, they held their wedding ceremony at the University of Florida and picked loved her visit and was wanting another on a tea estate in Sri up a brochure she saw in the Internation- opportunity to come back to the United Lanka. “We had 1000 al Office. It was a pamphlet on IPS. One States and share her expertise. She had people at the ceremo- of her friends had also received an IPS heard of Cottey College through P.E.O. ny,” Muzyka reported. scholarship and that is how she was in- and contacted the College to see if Cot- “The workers were so troduced to IPS and P.E.O. Bezerra had tey might be interested in having her happy I came to share her IPS scholarship renewed twice, and come and teach. The course work had my wedding with graduated with her Ph.D. from Florida. already been prepared, so it was a matter them.” of making arrangements. She returned to Brazil where she directs Looking for the black- the study abroad program for the Uni- Of course Cottey was thrilled to of- and-white Fair Trade versity of Fortaleza (UNIFOR). English- fer students this bonus course and said Certified label from speaking students can enroll at UNIFOR yes. Of all the things Bezerra hoped to TransFair USA is the and take classes in English while learn- convey to the students was the incred- only true guarantee ing Portuguese. Bezerra teaches courses ible diversity of the country. “One word of fairly traded tea. in anthropology, sociology, research that defines Brazil is diversity,” she said. TransFair audits the methods, Portuguese, and English. “A US student would be surprised to see supply chain of U.S. two Brazils: one highly developed and importers to ensure One notable difference between an industrialized, and one not. There is such that the tea came from American university and one in Brazil is a contrast between the haves and the certified growers. faculty are paid only for the hours they have nots.” Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is are actually instructing in the classroom. a Fair Trade Licensee Grading and research are done on the Bezerra appreciates and loves her home with TransFair USA, professor’s time. Most Brazilian profes- country, but also cherishes her time spent and the Fair Trade sors teach 40 hours per week to make a in the United States. In fact it is her own certification label is living wage. personal diversity which has led her to displayed on Muzy- the position she holds today at UNIFOR. ka’s Web site. For Brazilian universities have a month-long She has lived in both the United States more information on break in January, and last year, Bezerra and Brazil, speaks both English and Fair Trade certifica- traveled back to Millersville to conduct Portuguese, and has a background in tion, visit TransFair’s a short course on Brazil. It was the first languages, social sciences, and history. Web site at www. time she had returned to her Pennsyl- “It’s been a long and winding road,” says Zhena Muzyka ‘95 and husband Gerard Linsmeier at their transfairusa.org. wedding in Sri Lanka on a Fair Trade tea estate.

Help us save money! Notify us of a change in address. Looking for a lost classmate? Maybe the Office of Alumnae Relations can help you find your miss- The post office charges us 75¢ for each Viewpoint returned for an incorrect or ing person. It’s as easy as picking up the phone, sending an e-mail, fax, outdated address. If you have moved or are moving, please send us your new or letter. Simply contact the office, give us your name and address, and address. We both win; you’ll continue to receive the Viewpoint, and we’ll we’ll forward it to your friend’s most recent address. We can give out save money on postage.You may also change your address online at www. an alumna’s address to another alumna, or we can verify an address for cotteycommunity.org. you. Contact us and ask if our most recent address matches the one you have. Here’s how to contact the Office of Alumnae Relations to help Name locate your friends and classmates.

Address Mail: Cottey College, Office of Alumnae Relations, 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772 City State Zip Phone: 417-667-8181, ext. 2122 Fax: 417-667-8103 Class Year Home Phone E-mail: [email protected]

E-mail address Business Phone Remember to include the class year of your school pals when requesting Return to: Cottey College, Office of Alumnae Relations, 1000 W. Austin, information. Please notify us when you move, so we can help YOUR Nevada, MO 64772 classmates keep track of your whereabouts as well. Use the coupon to the left to let us know when you change your address.

10 • Viewpoint • Spring 2009 • www.cottey.edu Comets Find Themselves First and Twentieth

The Cottey College Comets are num- a five-game stretch where they reeled ber one...and number 20. Although it off victories against Ozark Christian Tseems like a contradiction, the basketball College, Baptist Bible College, regional Comets are indeed number one. They opponent North Central Missouri Col- achieved their first-ever number one seed lege, Florissant Valley, and Meramec. in the Region XVI postseason tourna- (A game scheduled against the Missouri ment with an 8-2 record against regional Valley College JV was cancelled due to opponents this season. They are also the an ice storm.) 20th ranked team in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association (NJ- Taking their 13-4 record on the road, CAA) Division II poll with their overall the Comets traveled to Trenton, Mis- record of 15-5. It is the first time the souri, to face North Central Missouri on Comets have been ranked in the Top 20 its home court. Cottey had handed the in their short ten-year history. Lady Pirates their only regional loss just two weeks earlier. With one regional The Comets are led on offense by their loss each, this game would prove to be two pre-season All-American candidates, pivotal in which team might have the top second-year players Brittany Smith and seed in the postseason. Jessica Roberts. Those two are closely matched statistically. Smith averaged In the first half, the home team ran out to 16.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game a commanding 35-43 lead after the first while Roberts tallied 16.4 points and 5.0 half. The Comets may have been down, rebounds per game. First-year player but not out, as they pulled off one of the Alex Noble also averaged double figures best second-half comebacks in team his- on offense with her 11.3 points per game. tory. With a 47-point output in the final 20 minutes, the Comets came roaring One of the keys to the Comets’ success back to grab their first lead with less than this season is their ability to play pres- three minutes in the game. Cottey held sure defense throughout the entire game. on down the stretch and grabbed an 82- Part of that ability to play defense is 79 win. More important, they handed the due to the excellent conditioning of the Lady Pirates a second defeat in regional athletes; the other ingredient is having a competition. deep bench to allow regular substitution to keep fresh legs on the court. In the final home game of the season, the Comets easily defeated Forest Park Cottey finished the first semester with a and then hit the road for one final Region respectable 6-3 record. Once the holidays XVI match. Cottey had beaten Penn were over, however, the Comets caught Valley back in December, but the Comets fire. Before classes began, the team made had never defeated the Lady Scouts on their annual trip to St. Louis to face three their home floor. It was not to be this regional opponents in one long week- evening either as Penn Valley pulled out end. Tipping off against Forest Park, the victory in the second half. Still, the Jessica Roberts goes hard to the basket against a pair of defenders in a game against Meramec, and Florissant Valley, the team Comets were able to secure the top seed Baptist Bible College in January. The Comets won that game 74-55. came home winners of two out of three with their 8-2 record in the region. in the championship game on Saturday, time the Viewpoint is delivered, the tour- games, bookending a pair of victories February 28. The Comets have finished nament will be over, but you can catch around a loss to Meramec. The loss to During the eight-game win streak, second in the postseason tournament for the final scores on Cottey’s Web site by Meramec would be their last loss for the Comets outscored their opponents the last three years and are hopeful that going to the Basketball Page. over a month as they won their next eight 602-451, and had an average margin of this is the year they win it all. By the consecutive games. victory of 19 points. After the road win against Flo Valley, the The Comets will play their first Region COMETS GAME PLANNER Comets found themselves in the friendly XVI tournament game on Friday, Febru- SPRING 2009 confines of Hinkhouse Gymnasium for ary 27. Should they win, they will play SOFTBALL NOTE: All dates scheduled are doubleheaders.

FEBRUARY 23 Independence Community College Independence, KS 3 p.m. 27-28 Early Bird Evangel Tourney Springfield, MO TBA MARCH 05 Allen County Community College Iola, KS 2 p.m. 06 East Central College HOME 2 p.m. 20 East Central College Union, MO 2 p.m. 21 Mineral Area College Park Hills, MO 3 p.m. 26 North Arkansas College HOME 1 p.m. APRIL 02 Fort Scott Community College Fort Scott, KS 2 p.m. 04 Mineral Area College HOME 1 p.m. 05 Coffeyville Community College HOME 1 p.m. 09 Allen County Community College HOME 3 p.m. 14 North Arkansas College Harrison, AR 1 p.m. 18 St. Louis CC-Forest Park St. Louis, MO 1 p.m. 20 Labette Community College HOME 2 p.m. Four senior basketball players were recognized before the final home game of the 21 Fort Scott Community College HOME 2 p.m. year for their contributions to the team. Pictured are Molly Frick, Shanda Moon, Jes- 23, 24, 25 Region XVI Playoffs Union, MO TBA sica Roberts, and Brittany Smith. Coach Dave Ketterman stood in for Molly Frick’s parents who were unable to attend. www.cottey.edu • Spring 2009 • Viewpoint • 11 One Vision ~ 125 Years! Cottey College turns 125 years old this year! On September 8, 1884, Virginia Alice Cottey held her first day of classes Cin what was then called Vernon Semi- nary. Started with $3,000 saved by her and her sisters, the modest one-building school opened with Miss Cottey read- ing the following statement to the first students:

“Fully realizing, we trust, the great fact that God has called woman to a high and holy destiny in that He has commissioned her to be a co-laborer with himself in the great work of enlightening and saving the world, we desire to open a school that shall have for its prime object the White Dresses and Daisies adjustment of woman to this her natural Even after 125 years, some traditions don’t change much. The photo left shows a graduating class from the 1890s in their white and God-given relation.” dresses holding the traditional daisies. The photo right shows a recent graduation procession with freshmen in white dresses and graduates in white gowns holding daisies. During 2009, Cottey will celebrate its quasquicentennial with the theme “One Vision~125 Years” to note that the vision of Virginia Alice Cottey, the goal of educating women, has not changed over the long and distinguished history of this institution.

A 125th Anniversary Committee has planned several events on campus to celebrate this special anniversary. In February, the committee hosted a fun Sunday evening event, The College of Cottey Knowledge Bowl, pitting a team of faculty and staff against a team of students to see who knew their Cottey history better. On March 28, a special exhibit of the art work of the late Harry Chew, Cottey art pro- fessor, will open with a reception from 3-5 p.m. Dodie and Pam Chew Non-Profit Org. are expected to attend this gala opening. The Library is doing a special U.S. Postage oral history project for Women’s History Month to record memories PAID Columbia, MO alumnae have of Cottey. Special events for the fall will be announced in Inquiries and information should be addressed to: Permit No. 353 a later issue of the Viewpoint. Office of Alumnae Relations Cottey College The special quasquicentennial logo shown on this page was designed 1000 W. Austin by graphic designer and Cottey alumna Sarah Roulston ‘04. Nancy Nevada, MO 64772 Delahanty Kerbs ‘79, Cottey’s coordinator of institutional research, has been running a series of Cottey history notes in both weekly newslet- ters for Address Service Requested students and employees. Below is one of the historical notes featured recently.

“Did Virginia Alice Cottey have a Valen- tine? According to The Cottey Sisters of Mis- souri, she had many male admirers as a young woman. She did not marry either of the two most serious suitors because her vision for the school would not be possible. On March 6, 1890, she married the genial Sam Stockard in the Main Hall Parlor. She consented to marriage only after telling him that her school would always come first, as it had from the beginning.”

Have a special historical note to share? Send it to the Viewpoint! We’d love to share some of the best of your Cottey memories during this special anniversary year.