-Mosaics Collegee of Arts and Science September 2009 Vol. 1, No. 2 Candy CoburnCandy 1 -Mosaics Collegee of Arts and Science

From the Editor e-Mosaics is published quarterly for the College of Arts and Science at the University of . Autumn is my favorite season, and as I I asked for story ideas before, and I actually write this, the weather in Columbia is cool got a couple. Thank you! One of those stories, It is distributed via e-mail, and it can also be accessed on the and drizzly — a nice preview of what’s to on communication graduate Cydney Boler, is Arts and Science Web site at come in the next couple months. in this issue on Page 13. coas.missouri.edu/publications.html Before we really dive into autumn, we I still would like to hear what you like and Editor/designer: Melody Galen, have the annual ritual of welcoming new what you don’t like about the magazine; as I 313 Lowry Hall, University of Missouri, freshmen to campus and welcoming back said last time, this is a work in progress, and Columbia, MO 65211, 573-884-0120 returning students. You can really tell the dif- you can help us become a quality publica- E-mail: [email protected] ference around town: there’s more traffic and tion that will be eagerly awaited every quar- Contributing writer: Laura Lindsey fewer empty parking spaces, you’re lucky to ter. You can reach me at GalenM@missouri. College Web site: coas.missouri.edu find two packages of ramen noodles at the edu or 573-884-0120. Cover photo of Candy Coburn courtesy of grocery store, and the relatively quiet places Thanks to Glenda Rice for pointing out Eric Adkins on campus are now teeming with students the oddly beautiful puddle of leaves on Photo on Page 2 taken by Melody Galen who have returned to (or begun) the special Lowry Mall shown on Page 2 so that I could in-between phase of life many of us remem- get a photo of it. ber as college. May your autumn be filled with just the I hope this issue of e-Mosaics inspires a little right mixture of accomplishment, relaxation, reminiscing for each of you. Putting this issue and fun. together went a bit more smoothly this time ­—Melody Galen around than it did the last, but that’s usual for BA ’90 English, BS Ed. ’90 such things. Either way, we’re pleased to be able to present this issue to our readers.

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science Contents 30 25 22 18 13 8 4 3 Pictorial from Fall Welcome, 2009 Sept. Fine Building: Arts Then andNow FrancesMary Hodson:Creative HandsandMind UndergradJoshua Arner: Dad Cydney A Boler: Tiger inJayhawk Country Sievert: Don OutsidetheBoxThinking Candy Music’s Coburn: Country Tiger From theDean College of Arts and Science and Arts of College e - M osaics 3

Welcome to the really incredible new faculty members. Nor- the like). The renovation process will be com- latest issue of e- mally, we would hire somewhere in the vicin- plete within two years. We’ll have more news Mosaics. So many ity of 35 new arts-and-science faculty, but this on these projects in a future issue of e-Mosaics. things have been past year, because of the bleak financial pic- Until a few years ago, Switzler was home happening around ture, the number was only 14. For this coming to the anthropology department. In fact, my the College of Arts year we’re looking at perhaps 20 or 22. We’d first office, way back in the early ’80s, was in and Science lately love to be able to bring in more, but I don’t the basement of Switzler. One day, one of my that I don’t know think we’re out of the financial woods quite Ph.D. students let out a loud yelp from the where to begin. yet. But still, I tried to ensure that all depart- back room of our “suite,” and I went back to First, let me say ments who requested new positions received see what had happened. She was holding up that like similar at least one. Of course, all our departments a three-inch-wide piece of plaster that had units across the are undersized relative to those at peer insti- fallen out of the ceiling and cracked her on country, the college has experienced some fi- tutions, but this has historically been the case. the head. This was not a unique occurrence. nancial hardships over the past year, but we’re In terms of new space, there’s some excit- Neither was buying a dehumidifier, just to still here — still doing path-breaking research ing news to report: two of the College of Arts keep the pages of your books from curling up and still turning out some of the most talent- and Science’s buildings are receiving major and rotting from mildew. Of course, we had to ed students in the country. This past year the renovations. That may not seem like such a empty the water from it every morning, in- college admitted a record-breaking number big deal, but around campus, renovated space cluding Saturday and Sunday. But those days of students, and we did it again this year. This is something over which to rejoice. Tate Hall, are over, and I couldn’t be more pleased! mirrors the record number of students on the home of the Department of English, and I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine. campus as whole — slightly over 30,000. And Switzler Hall, home to both the Department As always, please know we’d love to hear from you thought the student body was large when of Communication and Special Degree Pro- you — about anything. you were here! grams (General Studies, International Studies, —Dean Michael J. O’Brien We can’t handle that size student body and Interdisciplinary Studies), are being emp- without more teachers and more space. We tied of faculty, staff, and students as I write were fortunate this past year to recruit some (not to mention books, office furniture, and

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 4 ’s Tiger Candy Coburn, a “Big Dream in a Little Town” By Laura Lindsey

fact, this up-and-coming “Hall of Fame,” Coburn pays tribute to her country star calls herself a strong female role models: “melting pot for music.” I’ve been inspired thru the years by some “I put everything in strong and fiery women my music,” says Coburn, They’ve led the way from the day they kicked “and it just comes out me.” their way out of the kitchen Growing up in south- So I’m workin’ my way, down that trail they east Missouri, this 1998 blazed… MU graduate in musical To the good-hearted woman Hall of Fame! theater says she remem- bers singing along to her Discovering Her Passion grandmother, Loma Jean’s, Coburn realized when she was performing in gospel and country re- middle and high school that she had a talent cords. Coburn recalls her for singing. While attending the University of grandmother had a great Missouri on a music scholarship, she enrolled voice, and she encouraged in an opera workshop, but she soon found Candy to sing in church that her heart wasn’t in it. beginning at the age of “I have so much respect for what opera singers do,” says Coburn, “but it just wasn’t Michael Wiseman, Into Wiseman, the Light Productions Michael three. Coburn credits both of her grandmothers me.” for shaping her into the She knew she didn’t want to teach music andy Coburn, BA ’98, is similar person she is today. — she wanted to perform — so she dropped to the famous Donny and Marie “One of them taught me to sing, and the out of college and played in a few bands. song, “A Little Bit Country, A Lit- other taught me to be a fierce woman,” says She later returned to MU to study musical tle Bit Rock and Roll,” except she Coburn. The songs she writes for her records theater. Coburn remembers working with isC also a little bit gospel and a little bit pop. In reflect her life and upbringing. In her song, Jim Miller, professor in the Department of

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Country Music’s Tiger mentum on your own so you start receiving songs from Theatre, and his wife Marsha, who works great songwriters to perform,” in the department as an alumni liaison and says Coburn. In the begin- also regularly performs in the department’s ning, she performed acoustic productions. The Millers recall Coburn’s per- one night a week in a small formance in the musical Nunsense where she bar in Springfield, Mo. played the role of Sister Hubert. “It took a while for me to “She brought down the house with her fi- get to the point that people nal song, “Holier Than Thou,” says Jim Miller. liked my music,” says Coburn. “It was a gospel number, and she brought her “I went through a lot of mu- amazingly powerful voice and country gospel sicians, but after a while of roots to a stunning performance.” playing live, I saw that I could “The crowd jumped up and roared,” says do it.” Marsha Miller. “I knew I was in the presence Today, she writes half of awesome talent. She had a rock/jazz kind the songs on her records but Cast members from Nunsense (1998): Becky Brown, Gwen Langland, Direc- of voice that was really huge.” admits that performing live tor Jim Miller, Candy Coburn, and Marsha Miller. Coburn had no aspirations for an acting is what she really enjoys. The other.” In her song “Rockin’ a Mile a Minute,” career. She admits her acting was terrible. “I writing and business parts Coburn talks to her fans: would just concentrate on getting to the next have to be done, she realizes, but Coburn says I might be on a stage; you might be in the song,” she says. “I was challenged with any dia- seeing the fans’ faces reacting to her music in crowd logue.” the live show is what means the most to her. But we’re all here for one good reason After graduation, Coburn worked tradi- Her live shows have been described as loud, Somethin’ in us sparks a fire in the dark tional jobs in sales, but she always knew what full of energy, and encompassing a Southern- When those bright lights heat up a fever she really wanted to do. She performed with rock flair. Coburn feels that her shows should When the band starts to play, different bands, singing cover music, but she be a completely different experience for her We all go a little bit crazy couldn’t find a band that shared her passion fans than when they are listening to her CD, and work ethic. Eight years ago, someone told so she makes sure they are entertaining — she “She looks magnificent now holding her her that she needed to learn to play an instru- wants her show to be worth the money. green signature guitar in front of the big ment, write her own songs, and perform in “I always say that my fans and I are the crowds and blasting away,” says Marsha Miller. front of an audience. No one had told her that same,” says Coburn. “We all love music. …I’m The green guitar has become Coburn’s she needed to learn how to write songs before, the performer and they are the audience, but trademark. Green has always been her favor- but now she sees why. “You have to get mo- neither one of us would be there without the ite color, so for Mother’s Day one year her

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Country Music’s Her third record, com- ing out this fall, is the one Tiger she is really excited about. It was produced by Joe husband bought a green Scaife, a major producer guitar that she had been in Nashville, who also eyeing for a while. There has produced records for have been several green and guitars through the years. . The most recent one is “This is the type of from Anheuser-Busch®, record I wanted,” says Co- which endorsed Coburn burn. “It is on a different this summer on the 2009 level than the previous Budweiser® concert series two. It took a long time to tour, where Coburn is the get here.” only female artist. Tough Women Becoming a Star One of the songs on the Coburn boasts 150 shows upcoming album “Pink a year, performs to large Warrior,” is the theme arenas, and has shared the song for the Susan G. Ko- stage with country greats men Global Race for the such as George McCorkle, Michael Wiseman Cure from 2009 through Charlie Daniels, and Mont- Candy Coburn in concert. 2011. The Susan G. Komen gomery Gentry. Yet, it was an accomplishment, but Coburn admits Foundation has always wasn’t always this good, Coburn remembers. she learned a lot during that experience. been important to Coburn because she has “I could write a book called Country Music “I really had to feel my way; there are not lost several family members to cancer. In par- for Dummies,” says Coburn. “I learned a lot a lot of females who do what I do, so I didn’t ticular, one of Coburn’s grandmothers, Marie about how not to do things.” have anyone to look up to,” says Coburn. Tucker, battled the disease and taught Coburn She recorded her first CD herself in a Her second CD, Rev It Up, was produced to be a fighter. basement in St. Louis. Enjoy the Ride was cut in Nashville and has been described by critics “She was an amazing woman,” says Coburn. quickly, and Coburn handled the distribution. as a high-energy, Southern-rock album that “She had a double mastectomy, was 80 years Convincing Wal-Mart to sell it at their stores will get you on your feet. old and still cutting her own grass, delivering

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the Susan G. Komen Global Race for she wants to be known as — an entertainer. the Cure in June. Coburn recalls seeing a Coburn brings it all back to her fans, which is roped-off area in front of the stage where typical of this singer. women were dancing like crazy, having a “I’m so appreciative I get to do this for a great time. At first, she didn’t realize who living,” says Coburn, “and I feel a real connec- they were, and then halfway through tion to my fans. I just want them to be enter- her song, Coburn saw their T-shirts, and tained.” she realized they were representing their Wherever her career takes her, she won’t respective countries. This is the first year forget where she came from. She admits she the race was global. is a die-hard fan of the MU football team and “It was a moving experience for me,” had been known to start the M-I-Z-Z-O-U says Coburn. “Those women couldn’t un- chant in enemy territories such as Oklahoma derstand the words to my song, yet they and . were moved by my music. I was really Coburn was recently featured in a Lake of thrown back by that.” the Ozarks magazine, L•O Profile, where she Coburn’s proceeds from the sales of talked about her education, career, and family. “Pink Warrior” will benefit the Susan “She included a picture of the cast of Nun- G. Komen Foundation. The song can be sense and mentioned Jim (Miller) as the direc- downloaded on iTunes. tor,” says Marsha Miller. “That’s Candy’s way. “Breast cancer survivors are the stron- She never forgets where she came from and gest people I know,” says Coburn. “I tell who helped her along the way. I expect she them to keep fighting, never give up, and will be a huge star.” Michael Wiseman be a warrior!” Based on the wonderful reviews of her Country Music’s Tiger music, the crowds’ reactions to her live shows, The Future Is Bright her determination, work ethic, and attention food to people 20 years younger than she, and What’s next for this musician who refuses to to family values, it appears the best is yet to still singing in the church choir — although be put in a box? Some goals are simple: she come for this MU Tiger! she couldn’t carry a tune.” wants to continue to play live music and to Coburn co-wrote “Pink Warrior” with build her career. Other dreams are quite big. three friends, and it has become an anthem She wants to compete with the big country for all women battling breast cancer. She had stars like Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, and Click here to view the promo for “Pink Warrior.” the chance to play her song to 50,000 people Brad Paisley. Her ultimate dream is to win (this link will take you out of e-Mosaics) at the Mall in Washington, D.C., to kick off entertainer of the year because that is what

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science Outside Thinking the Box Sievert Teaches Students to Broaden Their Thinking By Laura Lindsey

The year was 1973. Items in the news in- cluded Roe v. Wade, Watergate, rising gas and food prices, and an energy crisis. It’s also the year that Donald Sievert, professor in the Department of Philosophy, began his teach- ing career at MU. Although it may seem that not much has changed in news headlines in 2009 — the hot topics are still rising gas and food prices and an energy crisis — much has changed about MU. Several new buildings have replaced aging ones, student enroll- ment has risen from 23,000 to more than 30,000, and athletics’ Big 8 conference has become the Big 12 conference. For the last 36 years, Sievert has also been a consistent figure on campus, fostering classroom dis- cussions that force his students to develop new ways of thinking. Tyler Flaker, an accounting student, took Sievert’s honors philosophy class as a fresh- man and says that the class was a turning point for him. “Dr. Sievert’s class took me e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 9 from thinking like a high school student to was the woman he would be going out with Let’s Get Philosophical thinking like an adult.” later. Philosophy is defined as the academic study Sievert first taught at Washington Uni- of knowledge, thought, or meaning of life. Discovering His Passions versity in St. Louis before settling into life Sievert says people don’t have to possess an Growing up in New York City, Sievert’s fam- at MU in 1973. Moving to Columbia was an interest in the subject of philosophy to study ily predicted he would become a professor easy adjustment for him and his wife — they it, but rather, they should enjoy thinking and because he was absent minded and ditzy, were able to maintain their friendships in St. have an interest in life and the ideas of intel- but Sievert thought his passion was physics. Louis as well as cultivate new ones in Co- lect and mind. After a year and a half of studying physics at lumbia. To adjust to the slower pace of life in One of Sievert’s professors once said, “Phi- Harpur College, now Binghamton Univer- Mid-Missouri, Sievert took up photography losophy is the art of making distinctions.” The sity, he realized physics was not for him. His as a hobby. importance of distinctions is subject neutral. roommate suggested he take an introduc- He admits he is enjoying his job more Since philosophy sensitizes people to dis- tion to philosophy course, and after a few as he ages, and he especially enjoys teach- tinctions, the study of it enhances a variety lectures, Sievert was hooked. ing the Honors Introduction to Philosophy of subjects because students learn design “My family always had intellectual con- course because those students “sustain and and planning, research and investigation, versations, so I felt at home with philosophy,” augment enthusiasm.” says Sievert. “Coming to campus Sievert pursued his love of philosophy at every day and talking to the University of Iowa, where he received his bright, young minds is a doctorate. The Midwest was unexplored ter- thrill, and it has increased ritory for this big-city man, but he says he re- over time for me,” says ceived a first-rate education in Iowa. He says Sievert. “It is a wonderful that some of the teaching he experienced part of life. When students there is the best he ever experienced. are turned on by some- Sievert found a love besides philosophy thing enough to pursue in Iowa. He met his future wife, MaryEl- it on their own — that is len Cullinan, at the University of Iowa on a what it is all about.” blind date. Mutual friends set them up, but before the date, Sievert ran into a friend and a woman at the library. Sievert said he Don Sievert and his wife, remembered the woman checking him out. MaryEllen, in 1968 on The “I told myself, ‘I’m going to pursue her,’” he Admiral in St. Louis. remembers. Only later did he realize that she

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 10 management, and distribu- older philosophers; they tion. Studying philosophy want to talk about con- trains students to become temporary thoughts and disciplined and imagina- learn about the philoso- tive and to finely tune their phers who have a variety analytical skills. Possible of thoughts. Sievert admits career paths for philosophy he thought the history of students include business, philosophy was timeless public administration, com- but has learned that is not munication, law, and public so for his students. relations. Sievert teaches subjects Students who are suc- today he never thought cessful in philosophy are he would. This fall, in his masters of the art of and favorite class, Philosophy have the skill of debate, and Intellectual Revolution, Sievert says. Some of his Sievert will discuss Abra- students were debaters in MaryEllen, Laura, and Don Sievert at Laura’s 1995 doctoral graduation from MU. ham Lincoln and Lyndon B. high school, and that shows Johnson. Garry Wills, author in their openness and ability of Lincoln at Gettysburg: The to argue different perspectives. However, you Changes in Philosophy Words That Remade America, says that Lincoln During his tenure at MU, Sievert has seen the don’t have to be a debater to possess the performs an intellectual and emotional revo- discipline of philosophy change. The em- skills to study philosophy. Students can also lution in the Gettysburg Address. A century phasis has gone from the history of philoso- be good listeners who articulate well, who after Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, President phy to teaching students how to become know there is a difference between asser- Johnson gave the Civil Rights Act speech, ful- “professional philosophers.” Today, there are tions and support for assertions, and who filling Lincoln’s promise to African-Americans conferences for graduate students to prepare are able to give reasons to back them up. that someday they would obtain the right to them for reading and critiquing papers of Some students major in philosophy because vote. Sievert calls this speech glorious — one their future peers. Also, the faculty are more they are debaters, and others do so because of the greatest speeches of all time. self-conscious of their performance as teach- they are empathetic people. The latter is “Only a Southerner could give that ers. The philosophy of teaching is taken more what attracted Sievert to it; he was not a speech,” says Sievert. “Johnson knew all the seriously, in his opinion. The students’ interest debater, but rather his parents taught him to registration games people would play, and has changed as well. Today, students don’t be skilled with interacting through dialogue, he wanted to put an end to it.” care about the history of philosophy or the which made this subject familiar to him. Lincoln’s first priority was freedom from

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 11 slavery; his second was voting rights. Johnson proached him, explaining that his demand “From my experience in your classroom, thought that voting rights for all were essen- for rationality and practicality in discussions I learned how to have deeper and more tial to a participating democracy. Every presi- involving religion was his strength but also fundamental questions in everyday events dent, Sievert says, has been charged with his limitation. They told him there are other and events from our past,” said Hobbs. “I am interpreting fundamental words and ideas of approaches to religion that he is unable to greatly indebted to you for teaching me how democracy, which is why he looks forward to provide. debating with his students on the impact of “That was a teaching moment for these two presidents’ speeches and terms. me,” says Sievert. “They approached me in a sensitive, but firm, way and left me The Students — Past and thinking, ‘Yes, that is what I am.’ They put the issues on the table, and I appreciated Present and valued that.” After all these years, Sievert has seen a lot of While Sievert cannot change what he students come and go. He still remembers thinks is a rational approach to a subject, specifics about his classes and students. he can focus on other ways of approach- While sitting in Memorial Union, he points ing it. “I have always included William out people walking by, remembering their James’ essay ‘The Will to Believe,’ and it names, majors, and what types of students emphasizes how little he thinks rational they were. He seems to have a story for each and empirical approaches can and should one. Not surprisingly, his students share fond carry the day. Instead, he thinks our memories of Sievert as well. volitions are decisive, hence the title of Rick Puig, 2009 Truman Scholar, named the essay. In it, he says ethics is the most Sievert as one of his mentors, although important thing. I could not agree more.” Puig’s major is political science. “Dr. Sievert “I’ve never known anyone to tell a sto- is unlike any professor I have encountered ry or hold a conversation quite like Don,” Don Sievert and grandchildren, Tate and Tanner, ca. 1999. at the university,” says Puig. “I could use this says Puig. “His generosity of spirit seems opportunity to extol his remarkable ability as to encourage the same fundamental a professor, but I really do feel like that would desire to share in those he encounters.” to apply the theory I read in books to my be missing the point. His contribution to our Hobbs wrote a note to Sievert about how own life. I thank you for your profound suc- community transcends what occurs inside his relationship with the professor has forever cess with me.” the four walls of a classroom.” changed him. He said he wanted Sievert to Sievert keeps in contact with past stu- Sievert recalls an instance when Puig and understand that, in the end, Sievert’s work did dents and talks of their accomplishments like philosophy major Eric Hobbs, BA ’09, ap- matter and made a significant impact on him. a proud parent. Douglas Huff, PhD ’74, is a

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 12 philosophy professor at Gustavus Adolphus “There are many more women studying him and his wife because she is athletic College and is also a successful playwright philosophy today than when I first came and played sports in college. She attended in Manhattan. Sievert has seen three of his to MU,” says Sievert. “While it is still largely a Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. He didn’t plays. Roger Gibson, MA ’73, PhD ’77, has male-dominated field, there are also more think his daughter would come back to been the chair of the philosophy depart- women professors here today when before it Columbia after college, but she received her ment at Washington University, and the MU was uncommon to see them.” doctor of medicine at MU, completed her department recently hosted a symposium to residency here, and today is married with honor his work. He is an expert in the philos- Philosophy and Politics two sons, ages 14 and 11. She is a doctor at ophy of Willard Van Orman Quine and is the Sievert feels some college professors hesitate Boone Hospital, and, not only did she move object of much pride from Sievert. to talk about their personal views and opin- back to Columbia, she only lives seven blocks The best students, he says, are the ones ions to avoid criticism from legislators and from her parents. who make him think of things he hasn’t parents that they are trying to force their be- Three days after summer school, Sievert thought of before. Once a student, Tyler liefs on students. Sievert says legislators don’t had turned in his grades and was looking Faust, BS ’09, asked him, “What must Freud give students enough credit. “Legislators forward to his grandsons’ baseball games. have been thinking to think he was studying think students are empty headed, so they But he doesn’t like to have too much down the science of mankind?” Another striking have to treat them like babies,” says Sievert. “I time; he was already itching for the fall se- question came from Alan Osborne, BA, ’77, think of them as independent thinkers who mester to begin. “Did he see any connection between the can assess what a professor is saying, and After almost four decades in the teach- DNA molecule and the Industrial Revolution?” then they can form their own opinions.” ing profession, it is obvious — Sievert has Another student, Meaghan Everett Cary, not lost his passion for his career. Puig sums BA ’04, he remembers as a real force; she Family up Sievert’s contribution, “More than any wrote her honor thesis on polyandry (hav- Sievert’s wife, MaryEllen, is a professor emeri- class I’ve taken or seminar I’ve attended, the ing more than one husband), a topic most ta in library science with a specialty in infor- stories and advice of Dr. Sievert will stick with people would not think about, but she mation retrieval in the health sciences. Since me. He is a mentor, a confidant and, most would ask hard, straight, and direct questions retirement, she has worked as a research importantly, a friend, and I know that I will — a characteristic that aids in her profession consultant for the MU libraries, and she never forget him.” today as public defender in Boston. “I think teaches Missouri nurses about good health- about your classes all the time, often wish- information Web sites. ing I had fully appreciated how great it is to “My wife and I have always had serious be an undergraduate student in philosophy,” intellectual discussions — we still do,” says says Cary. “You are the ones who taught me Sievert. “That is part of the attraction.” how to use my brain, how to reason, and I Sievert and his wife have one daughter, appreciate it every day.” Laura, who Sievert says is different from

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 13 A in Jayhawk Country Mrs. Kansas United States 2009 is not afraid to show her stripes, even in the face of a well-known old rivalry By Melody Galen

ydney Boler, BA ’00, may be one a couple steps, and stopped. lone Tiger working in the land of She remembers that the group Jayhawks, but she’s happy there, and of people behind him all piled there’s no mistaking her pride in her up when he stopped so sud- Calma mater. She works as corporate counsel denly. He walked back and for the University of Kansas Medical Center looked in her office again.Do “ Research Institute. She maintains a sense of you work for the University of humor about her lone Tiger status and keeps a Kansas?” he asked. fair amount of Mizzou memorabilia in her of- “I hope I still do,” she an- fice. Boler jokes that she uses the tigers, stuffed swered. She says he smiled and and otherwise, in her office as her voodoo just walked off. charms to thwart KU’s efforts to beat MU at basketball or football. Finding That Good Fit Boler’s best friend, Tracy Thiel, also works Boler originally came to the with her. “People like to play practical jokes on University of Missouri planning her,” says Thiel, “She has a stuffed Mizzou sign to be a broadcast journalist, but — people flip it over, steal her tiger.” after repeated disagreements It happens that former KU Chancellor over her appearance, she chose Robert Hemmenway sat on the board of di- communication instead. She rectors for the institute. He was touring the was advised that no one would offices, glanced in her office, said hello, walked take her seriously in the indus-

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try if she didn’t cut her long hair. “I didn’t knowledge of the 1996 Telecommunications think my looks were going to be what Act, which she’d studied as an undergraduate. would carry me between there and the After receiving her law degree, the Federal rest of my life,” she says. Trade Commission (FTC) hired her as an as- Turns out that communication was a sociate. The FTC were acquainted with the wonderful fit. Boler remembers profes- quality of graduates produced by the Depart- sors Michael Stephens, Pam Benoit, and ment of Communication, and Boler was told Michael Porter as influences during her that if she had the same sort of work ethic as time at MU. “It’s hard to articulate how other Mizzou graduates, she would do well much the well-rounded education I got there. there really helped to prepare me for After working at the FTC for 18 months, what I do now,” she says. she was hired by a major law firm in New York The study of communication is an City. But in February 2005, her world tilted excellent springboard into law. Her a little too much for her to bear alone. Her grandmother often told her that she had grandparents, who had raised her since she a beer budget but a champagne lifestyle, was a sophomore in high school, passed away so Boler thought perhaps a law degree within two months of each other. In a move would help finance that lifestyle. When that was very unlike her, she quit her job and she visited New York University, she moved back to Kansas City. No job. No idea thought she might spend too much time what she would do — antitrust wasn’t exactly shopping, so she moved off to the Uni- a happening field there. Boler planned to work versity of Iowa instead, where she spe- as a contract temp until she came up with cialized in antitrust law. In an unusual a plan. After a short time, KU offered a job move, nationally recognized antitrust through the agency where she worked, but she legal scholar Herbert Hovenkamp ac- turned them down. A month later, they asked cepted her as a research assistant in her for her again. “I didn’t want to work for KU — first year in law school. She was the only I was a Tiger,” she says now. The third time KU MU graduate in Iowa law at that time, asked for her, the agency essentially pulled her but Hovenkamp was impressed with her off the job she was working and sent her over, whether she wanted to go or not. Boler in the evening gown competition at When she got there, she realized the job the Mrs. United States pageant in Las Vegas was a lot more than had been advertised. She in July. worked for a month or so before they offered e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 15

her Otterville, Mo., senior class boasted only went back a second time, but then decided she 18 people. Her mother advised her to try an wouldn’t have the money or time to devote Internet dating site. Smart mom. Boler is to pageant competition while she was in law proof that it is certainly possible to find love school. in unconventional places. Her first date with Then, about a year ago, she’d just given Brad Boler started out with humor. birth to her son, and she and her husband “She showed up to pick me up,” Brad says. were watching an episode of Toddlers and Ti- “I actually tried to shake her hand. She denied aras. A mom in the show had competed in a me,” he laughs. pageant for married women — Boler didn’t “I know I make a lot of guys nervous, but even know there was such a thing. She knew I’d never had a guy actually be so nervous that that competition would be a great motiva- the only thing he could think to do was shake tion to lose the 65 pounds she’d gained during my hand. I knew from that point it would be a pregnancy. And, as a court appointed special good date,” Boler said. advocate (CASA), she thought going back Boler and her husband, Brad, before racing school They dated a little more than a year, and into pageant competition would allow her to at the Kansas Speedway. then married. The couple has a seven- her the position she currently holds as cor- year-old son, Kaleb, from Brad’s first porate counsel and contracts office division marriage, and a one-year-old son, director. “I found out that I was the young- Dalton. Boler says he’ll be the next est corporate counsel of any major academic Joey Logano of NASCAR fame — but research institute in the country. I had just more on that later. turned 28,” she explains with a bit of under- standable pride. Don’t Tell Cydney She Can’t “I think I will always work in academia,” As an undergraduate at MU, Boler she says, “and I enjoy being at a medical center. met then–Miss Missouri USA, Mela- Knowing that I’m right there and could be a part nie Breedlove. She found Breedlove of finding a cure for cancer means a lot to me.” to be articulate and intelligent, and she had a career that she was develop- No Place Like Home ing. “Melanie encouraged me to try Boler says that in Kansas City, everyone asks, doing a pageant,” Boler says. Despite “What high school did you go to?” She’d been feeling like a fish out of water when away long enough that all her contacts from she first competed for the title of Miss Boler, her husband, Brad, and their son, Dalton, at Jiggle Jam that time were gone. Hardly a surprise since Missouri USA in her junior year, she at Crown Center 2009.

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 16 promote a platform focusing on volunteer- onto the track and drove by themselves. It ism for children caught in our legal system. was an exhilarating experience, and Boler Boler whipped herself into shape and highly recommends it for anyone with competed in the Mrs. Kansas United an adventurous spirit. Dalton must have States pageant in May. Her victory there adventure in his blood because Boler has led her to compete in the national pageant him pegged for the next Joey Logano, an in late July in Las Vegas. 18-year-old stock car driver. “I was the only husband there with While at the racing school, the crew a tux who could be ready to go the next found out that she is Mrs. Kansas, and night, and Cydney volunteered me to they printed some pictures of her and escort all 54 women onto the stage,” says began asking for her autograph. “I’d never Brad. She didn’t make it into the finals, had anyone ask me for my autograph but Brad still escorted the 12 finalists onto before!” she laughs. Certainly there are the stage the next night. Although it was pictures of Boler hanging in several bays a bit disappointing not to have made it around the racetrack by now. into the top 12, Boler still has her duties as Mrs. Kansas to fulfill. Over the next year Making a Difference she will make appearances several times a When Boler was a sophomore at MU, she month at fairs, parades, and philanthropic With her exercise and diet regimen, Boler lost 65 pounds of saw the need for some way to give stu- events across Kansas as well as nationally. pregnancy-induced weight before her competition for Mrs. dents in the dormitories a more complete “A boy I dated at MU told me that he Kansas United States in May. support system. She felt that the students knew I’d never win Miss Missouri USA in fraternities and sororities had built-in because I wasn’t pretty enough,” Boler says. strength,” says Brad. “She really knows what she support from their brothers and sisters “I’ll never forget him telling me that. Being wants, and when she wants it, she goes for it.” in the Greek system. She helped found a told I can’t do something makes my success student-mentor program to even the play- even more satisfying.” The Couple Who Drives Together ing field with the counterparts who had the Her motto is, The impossible is what no- One interest the Bolers share is NASCAR ready-made support structures. That pro- body can do until somebody does. “I feel I’ve racing. Their son Dalton’s middle name is gram has flourished and grown in the years exemplified that,” she says. “I graduated from Hendrick after Hendrick Motor Sports. since. a small high school and was the first person in Jeff Gordon is their favorite driver, and this She did the same sort of thing at Univer- my family to do all this. I try never to let some- past spring, they completed the Jeff Gordon sity of Iowa. Boler formed FYI, First Years in one’s opinion define what I can do in my life.” School of Racing at Kansas Speedway. They Iowa, to partner first-year law students with “What I admire most about her is her suited up and took NASCAR sprint cars out third years.

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When asked her favorite thing about Boler, Thiel responded immediately, “Her passion. Passion for everything that she puts her mind to. She will always follow through and see that something gets done.” Given that praise, it’s easy to imagine why Boler was cho- sen to participate in CASA. As a sworn member of CASA, she is com- mitted to easing the transition through the court system for abused and neglected chil- dren. “For many kiddos, I’m the one constant person in their life, the one thing they can count on.” As a CASA, Boler is assigned a child or children and follows that case from beginning to end. “The goal is to place the children back at home, but when that can’t be done, then I work with the social service system and the court to make sure we find them the best pos- sible placement to give them the best chance in life.” For Boler, being a CASA is one of the most rewarding and impacting volunteer opportu- nities anyone can undertake, and if you ever ask her, she’ll surely tell you how you, too, can be the change and the chance in a child’s life.

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 18 Support from the National Guard and GI Bill help this Undergrad Dad By Melody Galen

Senior Joshua Arner is a busy man these days. Applying to medical schools all over the state of Missouri, maintaining grades, formulating a research experiment, and meeting National Guard commitments would keep just about anyone running full tilt. To add to his responsibili- ties, Arner has a wife and two young children who would like their pieces of his pie.

Jump Right In one person here, and that’s how we met. We Arner joined the Army straight out of high kind of just never separated after that,” Caitlin school and barely had time to begin his explains. college career at Missouri State University before he was deployed to Iraq in 2003. Most Military Man of his friends in Springfield were getting Arner spent most of his time overseas in ready to graduate by the time he returned, Baghdad, with a bit more time bouncing so he decided to come to the University of around the country until he came home Missouri for a fresh start. When he began again. When he was on active duty he was classes at MU in Spring 2005 he knew only an engineer for the Army, but since he’s be- one person here. Serendipity may apply: that come a reservist, he was able to change his one friend introduced him to his wife, Caitlin. billet to medic, and he works in Jefferson City “He went to war and came back with at the Ike Skelton Training Center Medical those same boys — but he really wanted to Detatchment. One weekend a month Arner PJ Allen-Thomas PJ Josh Arner and son Gabriel, 4 months. focus on school. To do that, he left. He knew travels to the Missouri state capitol. While

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me straight on the different kinds Undergrad Dad of schools out there,” he says. The three are also contributing letters of fulfilling his commitment, he has benefited recommendation to Arner’s effort from the guidance and advice of three doc- to gain acceptance at a medical tors there. “Dr. Fawks, Dr. Toombs, and Dr. school. Huber have all been really helpful — setting Solidified When asked if his time in Iraq had led him to where he is now, his re- sponse was immediate. “Absolutely. I don’t think anyone goes over and comes back the same kind of per- son as they were.” He continues, “I was there in 2003 in the big initial push dur- ing the invasion. A lot of really sad stuff. …I always kind of knew that I wanted to be a doctor, but it didn’t Caitlin and Josh Arner at a summer concert. really solidify in my mind until I got over there and saw some of the things I did. They had no medical care over Four Balls in the Air there at all. Despite Josh’s mad schedule now, Caitlin “I knew when I got back that I needed says he’s a wonderful husband. “All I ever to do something — I knew I was going to wanted to do is be an ER nurse,” Caitlin says, have to do something in my life that would “and he’s very supportive.” His support of her lead to the service of other people. I thought dreams while he’s working to achieve his about being a writer and telling those sto- own is just one reason Caitlin admires him. ries, getting that out there. But then I started “He’s always planning these wonderful things doing work study at the VA, and when I got he wants to do, and he comes through. He’s Josh Arner teaches daughter Emlyn, who was back in that clinical setting, it made me real- amazing that way.” 10 months at the time, some of the finer points ize that that’s where I want to be, that’s my Their schedules require a keen sense of about automotive maintenance. home. time management, but the couple is pulling

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Arner describes himself as “driven.” One that Aner is up to the task he’s set for him- Undergrad Dad might also add dedicated. The day Baby self. Gabe was born, Arner had two important “He’s got a versatility in his ability to think it off so far. Caitlin’s mom provides childcare tests to take. Fortunately he has an under- and wrap his mind around different things,” for those few hours between Josh’s leaving for standing (read forgiving) wife — he didn’t she says. “All my workers are volunteers — work in the phlebotomy lab at the Veteran’s make it to the hospital until about 30 min- they’re here just for the experience. They Administration Hospital and Caitlin’s com- utes before the delivery. come here because they want to be here, ing in from her night shift in the emergency because they want to learn. I think that’s a room. Josh says his boss there is “phenomenal” Not Just a Spectator great quality — that thirst for knowledge.” to work for, and he appreciates the flexibility Arner also works in Professor Mark Kirk’s As a volunteer in Kirk’s lab, Arner is ex- afforded by the early hours of the phleboto- biology lab under the direction of gradu- pected to design his own experiment and my lab; he’s there by 6 a.m. “It’s one of the best ate student Katie Spears. He’ll graduate initiate it this fall because Kirk feels that jobs you can have in college, if you don’t mind next May with a bachelor’s degree in biol- everyone in the lab needs to be involved, not getting up in the morning,” Arner says. ogy. Spears has Gabriel, Caitlin, Emlyn, and Josh Arner on a rare occasion — relaxing at home. “It’s been tough with the kids, but before I strong feelings had kids, I thought I had good time manage- on the future of ment,” he says. “I realized that when you think the medical and you’ve got all this extra time, you put things research scienc- off because you think you can do it later. es and Arner’s Now that I have two kids, I realize that there place in them. is no later time. My grades have actually im- “The only hope proved a little since we had kids.” that the medical The couple’s daughter, Emlyn, will be profession has is three years old in October. Their son, Gabriel, if we get highly was born in April. Whereas Emlyn was a quiet qualified, excep- baby who rarely fussed unless she was quite tional students hungry, their second-born seems intent on with a proper putting in his bid for attention whenever mind set to join possible. the ranks of “We’re still trying to figure him out,” Arner our physicians,” says. “He’s such a different baby than she was. declares Spears. If he’s not fed, changed, and being held, he’s She believes, making noise.” without a doubt, PJ Allen-Thomas PJ

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is a person who obviously has a lot more Undergrad Dad life experience than the typical 21-year-old What’s Up? just loll about on the sidelines. undergrad. He’s tested other career paths, “I had a professor tell me that the hard- and he’s more mature and focused,” says like to be able to run a Class Notes est thing about research is the ‘re’ part,” says Maruniak. “He’ll be helpful for his med school We’d feature, if not regularly then at least Arner. “And that’s where we’re at now.” Spears’ classmates. He’s been to Iraq, for crying out occasionally. But first, we’ll need information research looks at the ac- loud, so I think he can put from you. tions of immune system things in perspective for Please send birth, wedding, death, and other cells on the neural It made me realize that others when they’re announcements to me at GalenM@missouri. stem cells that are that’s“ where I want to be, overwhelmed with work edu. I’ll edit them for content and style, and transplanted into the that’s my home. or a failure of some sort. then we’ll publish them in the pages of e-Mosa- brains of lab mice to ” He has a wealth of world ics in the future. simulate the interactions experience that they You may also write to me with address that occur when the stem won’t have.” changes or if you know of someone else who cells available for therapy don’t quite match Another professor who knows a bit about would enjoy receiving e-Mosaics. the patient genetically. It’s the same prob- Arner is Speer Morgan, editor of The Missouri In the meantime, visit the college’s Web site lem that can be seen with organ transplants, Review. Morgan, as it turns out, is Arner’s to learn about upcoming events and see news only Spears and Arner are using cell lines for father in law. of A&S. their study. They hope that understanding “I appreciate not just Josh, but his mother, —Melody Galen how the immune system reacts to engrafting Glenda, and his father, Ed, as well as his brain stem cells will help perfect therapies brothers, who are all there for each other that keep transplanted stem cells alive for when it matters,” says Morgan. “Frankly, I’m the life of the recipient. embarrassed by how much I care for both Josh and his family. A father-in-law shouldn’t Support Systems be so positive! I think Josh is going to make a Arner has named Professor Joel Maruniak a wonderful physician.” nice guy and a super mentor. “He knows so It’s a two-way street for Arner. He sup- much about the process of applying to med ports those around him, and they support school. He’s guided me a lot.” him right back. Ultimately, isn’t he the sort of Maruniak has supreme confidence in Arn- man we’d all like to have in our corners? er’s ability to succeed in his chosen career. “What you get with someone like Josh

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One cool, but dorky, single mom shows she’s got it Creative Hands and Mind By Melody Galen

Mary Frances Hodson, BA ’85, has been work- jobs. After graduating ing in the Department of Theatre’s costume and then working in shop for years now, before she graduated with the costume shop for her degree in biological sciences, even. Around about eight years, Hod- Mthe time that she earned that first degree, she son attended a costume realized that environmental biology simply technology conference wasn’t going to be her calling. She knew that in New York, which was she wouldn’t be a terribly hot commodity paid for by the first ever without an advanced degree to go along with round of staff develop- her undergraduate degree, but she felt com- ment awards. The cos- pelled to try to find internships in the field. tume shop supervisor at As a student, she did work-study in the the University of Illinois costume shop and found that the creative out- Urbana– Champaign let really spoke to her. One summer, the shop told Hodson that she supervisor was away doing graduate work, would be a great fit in and Hodson ran the shop in the supervisor’s their graduate program. absence. “It was really an eye opener. I had a lot of great help — I really was not mature Seeds of Passion enough to do it — but it did teach me a lot “That kind of put the about supervising.” seed of thought in my Trial by fire, essentially, and Hodson was head,” says Hodson. “With creative endeavors, Lauren Almeyer, textile and apparel management and the- up to that challenge, and more. She main- it has to be a passion.” She signed up for the ater student, and Hodson discuss the possibilities for new tained a 4.0 grade point average that semes- master’s of fine arts program at the Krannert fabric brought in by Professor Clyde Ruffin, chair of theater, ter with classes, work-study, and two other Center at Illinois, and spent three years there, for one of his productions.

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Creative Hands and Mind for our students: they’re getting to work with someone who has professional experience and getting to learn from that.” the costume director. “We have such a great design faculty here. They’ve Science Meets Art all been in the trenches, so they know Hodson has been asked if she thinks her biol- what kind of work we’re putting on ogy degree was a waste of time. “Absolutely the stage, even though this is a small not. I know the difference between arterial shop,” Hodson says. blood versus venous blood. I know what a “I dye, I make crafts, I supervise bruise looks like; I know what happens when the stitchers, I oversee the budget in you have an injury. I can use that for the stage. the summer,” says Hodson, but her And that’s also true of fabric. Even though it’s favorite thing to do is to create, or a solid thing, it’s very fluid,” Hodson says. draft, patterns. Imagine needing pe- Fabrics and fibers — that boils down to riod costumes for a cast of 12 people. chemistry. “Those protein fibers of silk react You can’t just run out to the fabric so differently than the cellulose fibers of cot- store and pick up a Butterick pattern ton. You can’t bleach silk or it would just dis- for bustled dresses or cut-away waist- integrate because bleach breaks down protein fibers,” Hodson says. “If you have a little sci- Hodson drafts patterns for garments then has to coats that will match the designers ence in your background, you’re less likely to spend time adjusting them to ensure a proper fit. vision for that production. Hodson is a whiz at taking the designers’ beautiful renderings of learn it the hard way.” their visions of a production’s costumes and Besides managing the daily operations immersing herself in the craft. “An MFA then producing three-dimensional works of of the shop, Hodson also teaches the entry- is what they call a terminal degree, which art from those drawings. level Basic Costume Construction Lab. Her sounds so ominous, but you don’t have to go Packard has worked with Hodson off students often take the class because they’ve any farther to be considered complete. It’s and on since 1991. “She and I are not just col- heard that it’s fun and laid back. “What is so considered more of a professional degree in leagues, we’re friends,” says Packard, “and our fun is to see them come into the classroom and that you’re more likely to do the practical end children are friends.” learn that they have this creative outlet they of theater. You’re actually working on produc- Packard appreciates that Hodson contin- can develop and that they’re very good at.” tions rather than academia, theory work.” ues to educate herself whenever the oppor- In her position as MU’s costume shop tunity arises. “She wants to learn new things. That Creative Gene supervisor, Hodson works closely with Kerri She has the same degree I have. I think that’s Hodson enjoys the long-lasting relationships Packard, an adjunct associate professor and one of the best things about Mary Frances with students that have come from her job

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Creative Hands and Mind Shimmer of Appreciation Hodson was recently nomi- over the years. Grinning, she says, “In some nated for an outstanding cases we bring them over to the dark side, and staff member award. As- they end up getting jobs in theater.” For her, sociate Professor Heather the sticking point in theater is being creative. Carver, the director of “Nothing is out of reach. Everything has pos- graduate studies, nomi- sibilities — I think of theater as the ultimate nated her. “When it comes in recycling situations,” she says. She confesses to outstanding, I just im- that they never throw anything away, and mediately thought of Mary that’s why her little world of costume creation Frances because she is one is always crowded. of those people who is al- Her older daughter, Grace, 12, would like ways, always doing work to be an actress. “But I think she might be a that is above and beyond,” controller like her mother,” admits Hodson. Carver says of Hodson. “In “I think she’ll make a great director one day if her work she celebrates she decides to stick with theater.” theater.” Daughter number two, Evelyn, 8, has an Because Carver is not a designer, Hodson doesn’t work with her on a Mary Frances Hodson fitting a costume for The amazing amount of creativity, according to Pedlar. Hodson. She comes by it honestly, appar- daily basis. She was thrilled with her nomina- ently. The girls come to work with Mom often tion. “It was really an honor to be looked at enough that they understand the processes of by someone who isn’t a designer I work with D a dress rehearsal. “They embrace it, and they regularly. It makes the job all worthwhile.” orky–Cool talk to the college students really well. Hope- fully this allows them to express themselves,” s says Hodson. tume “Grace has told me that I’m a cool mom,” os she smiles. “I’m amazed at that. But I’m also T C a dork. I’m cool, so that I’m not entirely em- h ea barrassing, but I’m not so cool I overshadow ter them. I still have to be the mom.” c Design Fabri

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 25 Fine Arts Building: Then and Now By Laura Lindsey From the first stroke to the final performance and all the notes in between — a historical journey with the three disciplines in the Fine Arts Building

support capital improvement with a $75-mil- lion state bond, the first building to be con- structed was the Fine Arts Building — it cost $1.8 million and was completed in 1960. The need for the expansion occurred when enrollment increased after World War II. It Front hallway of the Fine Arts Building. Photo courtesy of University Archives: was during this time that the east and west C:1/141/18. campuses were separated by a residential area of separately owned houses. The university bought the land, tore down the houses, and oday, the Fine Arts Building is over- in facilities. When the building opened, the began the expansion. crowded and does not meet the needs of three departments came together for the first Several different architecture firms were Tthe three departments housed there, but time. The plan for the three-in-one arrange- hired to design the new MU buildings, but when it opened in 1960, it was said to “pro- ment was the idea of President Elmer Ellis they all shared the modernist design prefer- vide modern and efficient housing as well as a — an idea he had when he was the College of ence. There were 38 other campus buildings lift in morale for each of the newly relocated Arts and Science dean. constructed at that time. All showcase similar departments.” Prior to that time, the depart- In 1955, President Ellis presented a 20-year buff brick and consistent height, shape, and ments of art, theatre, and music were either expansion plan for the campus. When the window/door placement. The modernist de- inadequately housed or completely lacking state legislature passed legislation in 1956 to signer felt that a building should be simple,

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The Springfield, Mo., firm, Hellmuth- suming a jug of bootleg beer, they proposed Fine Arts Building Obata-Kassabaum, was chosen to construct to create a student theater on campus. The the Fine Arts Building — the firm’s creden- Missouri Workshop Theatre was established, practical, and efficient. The characteristics of tials included Lambert Airport in St. Louis. but only as an extracurricular student activity. this style were glass as the most distinctive The Fine Arts Building design consists of two It wasn’t until three years later that Rhyn- material, square or rectangular buildings, and main units that are two stories high with a sburger joined the faculty and became the windows running in broken horizontal rows connecting art gallery in between. Surround- producing director for the workshop. Produc- forming a grid. The benefits were consistent ing the two auditoriums — Whitmore Recital tions were performed in the Hall Theatre on designs regardless of location, site, or climate. Hall and Rhynsburger Theatre — are two Ninth Street, in an abandoned cafeteria in The style made no reference to local history floors of classrooms, offices, studios, and other Lathrop Hall, and occasionally in Jesse Hall. or national vernacular, which is why it was facilities. The School of Music has 40 practice During the next 35 years, The Missouri Work- called the International Style. Critics claimed rooms and 22 teaching studios. shop Theatre presented more than 250 pro- it was ugly and stark — opinions that con- H. Donovan Rhynsburger spent over 40 ductions. Rhynsburger originated a summer tributed to the counter-movement of post- years developing the dramatic activities at the season called The Rooftop Theatre Under modernism. university. While standing in the new theater the Stars that presented productions on the of the Fine Arts Building in roof of the education building. Because the 1960, Rhynsburger recalled department was essentially a one-man show, his first stage at MU, “There Rhynsburger served the roles of teacher, di- were inadequate dressing rector, producer, lighting technician, costume rooms and storage. When we designer, and sometimes, actor. were operating at old Jesse, we From 1925 to 1940, the dramatic produc- had to put up and take down tions and theater courses offered by MU were the lights and cables — even part of the Department of English. In fact, remove the stage curtain. The when the School of Fine Arts was first estab- sweat, grunt, and groan labor lished, it included only music and art. In 1940, it took just to get the produc- the University of Missouri Board of Curators tion on stage. It makes me established an independent Department of tired to think of it.” Speech and Dramatic Art with Rhynsburger as chair. His dream of having an academic Department of Theatre program in theater, housed in a fully equipped In 1922, a group of students facility, was realized with the completion of The new Fine Arts Building saw its first class in 1960. Photo cour- who were aspiring thespians the Fine Arts Building and University Theatre tesy of the Savitar. met at a local bar. After con- (the theater was renamed Rhynsburger The-

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theater was granted independent depart- Fine Arts Building mental status and became part of the School of Fine Arts. atre in 1983.) This development created the Rhynsburger founded the original One- need for additional faculty, more class options, Act Playwriting Contest, which acknowl- and the establishment of undergraduate and edged the emerging talent of Wil- graduate degree programs. Theater and com- liams, who was pursuing an MU journalism munications were combined until 1986, when degree at the time. Williams later became an award-winning playwright. Rhynsburger also mentored George C. Scott, a stage and film actor.

School of Music The year was 1921 and the 10th division of the university was inaugurated — the School of Fine Arts, which included the departments of music and art. Lathrop Hall, a former dormitory, was renovated for the music school, and the old dining hall was con- verted into a small auditorium. The second floor was renovated into classroom space and instructors’ studios. The third floor con- tained practice rooms and a large orchestra rehearsal room. Pianos were bought, and the faculty and administration felt that the Painting class in Jesse Hall in the late ’50s. Photo equipment is complete in every respect for courtesy of the art department. the accomplishment of highly artistic work in this new field of endeavor. building, and the rooms were poorly arranged. However, it wasn’t long before it was evi- Despite the building’s shortcomings, the de- dent Lathrop Hall was insufficient for music partment thrived. It was able to maintain a classroom purposes. The rooms were not high ranking nationally and enrolled approxi- A creative solution in Lathrop Hall to limited sound proof, so an instrumentalist or a vocal- mately 1000 students each semester. Because classroom space. Photo courtesy of the Savitar. ist at practice could be heard throughout the of increasing enrollment and limited space,

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died of pneumonia in 1879, Conrad Diehl con- when John Sites Ankeney Jr. was hired. During Fine Arts Building tinued the tradition of painter as teacher and Ankeney’s tenure, the department increased its filled the open professor position. Although curriculum and faculty. creative ideas for classroom learning were im- the department was growing — 292 students In the 1930s, the art department was scat- plemented. For example, an organ was placed in 1880 — when Diehl’s tenure ended that year, tered throughout campus — applied arts were beneath one of the staircases, and one-on-one the art department ceased operation until 1901 taught in Lathrop Hall, and the fine arts were instruction would take place in the public housed in Jesse Hall. In addition, other area. classes were taught in a temporary build- When the new Fine Arts Building was ing on East Campus, in two old rooming completed, students and faculty finally houses, and in an abandoned grocery had private space for individual instruc- store. However, like the music depart- tion and a recital hall for concerts. Moving ment, the art department flourished and 33 pianos to the second floor of the build- enrolled more than 1000 students each ing became a challenge because the new semester, filling the inadequate facilities. building did not have a freight elevator. The faculty strongly felt that it would be The job was accomplished with the help of a great advantage if all the art divisions rope, pulleys, and a couple of strong men. could be housed in one building, and if The pianos, wrapped in blankets, were an exhibition gallery was available, the hoisted up through a spot made available effectiveness of the department would through a removed piece of banister. increase. The main purpose of the art depart- The Art Department ment was not to train artists but to give In 1877, the Curators established the School university students an understanding of of Arts and appointed George Caleb art and to prepare the teachers of art for Bingham, a well-known artist, as its first elementary and high schools. Students in professor. The school began with just four journalism, economics, and elementary students and was housed in the English and education were required to take art, and Art School Building on the northwest cor- with the construction of the Fine Arts ner of campus. Bingham’s studio also served Building, they would have reasonable as his classroom, and he wanted the room facilities for the first time in university to be “somewhat tastefully fitted up and history. Unfortunately, once the new building was ready for occupancy, it was furnished in harmony with the purpose Art class in Jesse Hall in 1958. Photo courtesy of the art de- already inadequate for the needs of the for which it is intended.” When Bingham partment.

e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science 29 department. It lacked space for graduate and reception space for both departments. studios and flexibility to accommodate con- Additional studio space will be added for art tinuously expanding faculty, curriculum, and department functions, and an interior con- This Year in A&S enrollment. nection from the new lobby to the south end The new building separated the programs of the building will provide a functional and November 5, 2009 — Lloyd B. Thomas Lecture — art history stayed in Jesse Hall, and studio aesthetic enclosure connecting the art and Series: Diandra Leslie-Pelecky, author of The art classes were added and revised and offered theater departments. The renovations will Physics of NASCAR in the new building. The increased space, bring the building into the 21st century and however, did make possible the addition of meet the demands of the growing depart- December 12, 2009 — Commencement sculpture, printmaking, drawing, architecture, ments. February 15–19, 2010 — A&S Week graphic design, and photography. We think Rhynsburger and Bingham would be impressed. February 13, 2010 — An Evening with The Future Looks Bright Branford Marsalis Today, the Fine Arts Building is in need of a total upgrade. The 50-year-old building long February 18, 2010 — “We Always Swing” Jazz ago ceased to adequately support the mis- Series: Elaine Elias/Latin Side Band sions of these three disciplines. As a result of increased enrollment, growing departments, February 19, 2010 — A&S Banquet and innovative technology, the three depart- March 4, 2010 — William Francis English ments are bursting at the seams in their cur- Scholar-in-Residence Emily Wilson rent locations. Plans are in progress for the School of Music to move to a new performing March 6, 2010 — A Taste of Arts and Science arts center diagonally across the street from its current home. The faculty, staff, and stu- May 15, 2010 — Commencement dents will be housed in the new building that will feature a 1,000-seat concert hall and a 350-seat recital hall. The Fine Arts Building will remain home -Mosaics to the Departments of Art and Theatre but Collegee of Arts and Science will receive extensive upgrades of its own. The Visit the A&S Web site for more details on any plans state that the existing art gallery will be of these events. replaced by an enlarged, multi-story display gallery that will also serve as a shared lobby

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ARTS & SCIENCE

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e-Mosaics College of Arts and Science