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The Magazine for Alumni and Friends • Spring 2007

Pancakes and an international competition page 2

On the Brink of Innovation page 14

WesternWesternMissouri

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Dear Friends, As we wind down Western’s second year as a university, wecontinue our legacy of providing quality education to students fromour region, our state, and beyond our borders. We are buildingconnections with area businesses, our alumni, and others within andbeyond our region in order to provide our students with learningopportunities which apply what they learn in the classroom to real

life experiences. We arebuilding a university thatwill serve the individualgood of students and thecommon good of thelarger community andregion as few otheruniversities in thenation have done.

As you will read, we, atWestern, are creating theprototype of the newAmerican regionaluniversity. The newAmerican regionaluniversity is characterized

by applied learning and applied research and service. It does notseparate itself from its community but rather serves the needs of itsstudents, its community and its region. Our students are engaged ininternships, faculty-student related research projects, study abroadprograms and other applied experiences. By the time our studentsgraduate, more than 80% of them will participate in at least onesignificant applied learning experience.

In addition to applied learning, we are engaged in applied researchand service. Western currently has partnerships with 60 organizationsfocused on workforce and economic development. Fourteen of ouracademic departments as well as our Western Institute are engagedin regional applied research. And our students, faculty, and staffprovided more than 81,000 hours of community service withinthe last year – 29,000 hours from our student body alone!

We can all celebrate Western’s emergence as a model forother regional universities in its service to students, our region,and beyond.

James J. ScanlonPresident

President’s Perspective Contents

Features

On the cover: We had lots of fun taking our

cover photo at Country Kitchen in St. Joseph. Read about

the students on page 2. Photo: Portraits by Long.

Spring 2007 • Volume 5 Number 1

EditorDiane Holtz

Design EditorKendy Jones ’95

Director of Public Relations and MarketingKristy Hill ’95

Director of Alumni ServicesColleen Kowich

Alumni Board Jason Horn ’95, President

Greg VerMulm ’89, Vice PresidentDiane Hook ’90, Secretary

Jeanne Daffron ’74, David Gall ’94, Patrick Grove’77, Robin Hammond ’93, Dan Heckman ’84,Dustin Holcumbrink ’05, Rita Houston ’84, PeggyIffert, Jim Jeffers ’73, Linda Kerner ’73, RandyKlein ’78, David Lau ’89, Kendell Misemer ’81,Jerry Myers ’71, Nancy Pilgram ’99, MelissaRewinkel ’93, Ralph Schank ’82, Robert Sigrist ’95,Angie Springs ’02, Tina Varma ’98, and MaryVaughan ’79.

Foundation BoardEmil Sechter, President

David Bahner, Vice PresidentGeorge Richmond, Secretary

Sttan Hall, TreasurerDan Nicoson, Executive Director

Cheryl Bilby, Linden Black, James Carolus,Michelle Cebulko ’93, Stephen Cotter ’78, R. ToddEhlert, Esther George ’80, Karen Graves, PeterGray, Stephen Hamilton, Cindy Hausman, JudithHausman, John Jarrett, Wallace McDonald, CarolMoya ’86, Alfred Purcell, JL Robertson, LaVellRucker ’03, Lee Sawyer, James Scanlon, MelodySmith ’87, Loah Stallard, Jon Styslinger, ThomasWatkins, John Wilson.

Board of GovernorsJanet Leachman, Chair

Dirck Clark ’85, Vice Chair

Susan Colgan ’66, William Hurley, Patt Lilly, CarolMoya ’86, Harold Callaway, student governor.

Western Magazine 4525 Downs Drive, Spratt Hall 106

St. Joseph, MO 64507(816) 271-5651

email: [email protected]

Missouri Western State University is an equal opportunity institution.

The Missouri Western Magazineis a publication of the University Advancement Office

for alumni and friends of Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph Junior College.

10

2 Students Shine at International CompetitionSix biology and math students competed with schoolssuch as MIT, Harvard, and CalTech, and came homewith four awards in an international competition. Read about their research, “The Pancake Problem.”

8 Western Welcomes the Millennial Generation Western has made changes to some of its programs tomeet the needs of this latest generation of students.

14 On the Brink of InnovationGraduate programs are being developed, a $2.5 millionbusiness and technology incubator is under construction,students are engaged and involved; read about howWestern is quickly becoming a prototype of the newAmerican regional university.

19

Departments2 Campus News

12 Calendar of Events 13 Sports18 Alumni News23 Alumnotes &

Alumni Profiles

13

Dr. James Scanlon visits with high school students at the MidCity Excellence Center

in St. Joseph, Mo.


campus news campus news

Pancakes, bacteria and DNA all came together for “the mostprestigious presentation accomplishment math and science

students have ever had at Western,” according to Dr. ToddEckdahl, professor of biology. He and Dr. Jeff Poet,

assistant professor of mathematics, led a team of sixWestern students and a high school student in an

international research competition sponsored by theMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) last fall.

The team came home with four awards, including afirst place in Best Oral Presentation.

Western was one of 32 teams that presentedtheir research at the International GeneticallyEngineered Machines (iGEM) Jamboree, an

initiative out of MIT to expand the relatively newfield of synthetic biology. Western was only one of

three institutions in the competition that are primari-ly undergraduate, and the only institution from the Midwest.

“I was intimidated going in. Teams from Princeton, Harvard,MIT and Tokyo were there,” said team member Kelly Malloy of

Brookfield, Mo. “But as the day went on and we heard otherstudent presentations, I realized we had something good.”

“It shows that a little team from Missouri can competewith the big schools, and it shows we get a good education

here,” said team member Eric Jessen, also from Brookfield. The research project, in collaboration with Davidson

College in North Carolina, involved the use of the bacteriumE. Coli and “The Pancake Problem” - how many flips does ittake to get an out-of-order stack of pancakes in order?

Within an E. Coli cell, pieces of DNA were the“pancakes,” and enzymes were the “spatula.” The

team constructed DNA “pancakes” with some ofthe pieces in an incorrect order and attempted

to flip pieces of DNA with the enzymeuntil the correct order was obtained.

The team showed that one “pancake”could be flipped and will continue

efforts to flip more.“I was really pleased. At the outset,

I didn’t expect we’d be able to ‘flip apancake,’” said Todd. “But even if

nothing had worked, it still would havebeen a success in terms of the researchexperience the students had.”

Kelly said the project, whichthey began working on in June,helped him learn how to trouble-shoot and overcome obstacles.“We had to use a lot of resourcesand test over and over again.”

At the competition, thecollaborative team of Westernand Davidson won second placein both Best Poster and BestCooperation and Collaboration,and third place in Best Conquestof Adversity.

“We were in the company of theworld’s leading experts on synthetic biolo-gy,” said team member Marian Broderick,of Wichita, Kan. “It was the most educa-tional, but fun trip I’ve ever been on.”

Other team members included AdamDouglas Brown, St. Joseph; Trevor Butner,Savannah, Mo.; Brad Ogden, MissouriValley, Iowa; and Central High School’sLane Heard.

Campus KUDOS• Dr. Todd Eckdahl, professor of

biology, and colleagues fromthe Genome Consortium forActive Teaching were awardeda $307,654 grant from theNational Science Foundationfor three summer workshops.He also received the NationalBiology Honor Society YokleyFaculty Service Award.

• Dr. Brenda Blessing receivedthe 2006 Award of Distinctionfrom The Ohio StateUniversity Physical Activitiesand Educational ServicesAlumni Society.

• Students Lyn Oshel and JohnWaller co-authored a paperwith Russ Phillips, instructorof psychology, and LarryPerlmuter of the RosalindFranklin School of Medicineand Science.

• The Small Business Instituteteam of Ben Hultquist, SehamAlmuttar, Amber Leach andAnisha Merrill developed afoster parent marketing andrecruitment plan for theSt. Joseph office of the Mo.Dept. of Social Services thatwas adopted statewide. SBIdirector is Dr. Todd Mick,associate professor ofmarketing.

• Cadets and cadre membersof the ROTC programparticipated in a four-daystaff ride to the Battle ofLittle Big Horn to learnabout leadership, tactics,terrain, communicationsand psychological factorsof the battle.

Outstanding Staff EmployeesAmy Bennett, recruiting

specialist, human resources; MaryDean, administrative coordinator,admissions; Dan Eckhoff ’91,bursar, business office; DeanaElder, financial aid defaultcoordinator; Kathy Joe ’93,accountant; Dennis Johnson ’73,public safety officer; KendyJones ’95, director, campusprinting and design services;Rhonda Rund ’89, director forthe center of community arts,Western Institute; Tara Stoll ’00,video communications producer,instructional media center; andTom Williamson, assistant to thechair, business department.

This award programrecognizes and rewards exemplaryperformance based both on theirresponsibilities and on theirspecific contributions to themission, goals and values ofthe university.

Distinguished Professors Dr. Robert Bergland, associate

professor of English, journalism;Dr. Todd Eckdahl, professor ofbiology; Dr. Monica Nandan,associate professor of social workand gerontology coordinator; andDr. Mike Smith, professor ofeducation.

To be considered for thisaward, Western looks specificallyat teaching, scholarship andservice.

Outstanding Administrators Mark Mabe ’78, information

technology services director;Dr. K. Eugene Eulinger Jr.,registrar; and Mark Linder,director of athletics.

This award recognizes andrewards exemplary performancebased both on completing annualgoals and on specific contributionsto the mission, goals and values ofthe university.

Outstanding employees recognizedSeventeen employees have been recognized recently for their

extraordinary work at Western in 2006.

Law enforcementcadet receivesSilver Star

“I was reallypleased. At theoutset, I didn’texpect we’d beable to ‘flip apancake.’”

Dr. Todd Eckdahl, professor of biology

Students shine at international competitionThey earn 1st place for presentation

Members of the iGEM team work on “The Pancake Problem.”

2 Western Magazine

Jeremy Stagner, a graduateof the Law Enforcement

Academy, received the thirdhighest award in the militaryat the seventh annual LawEnforcement Awards Banquet lastfall. He received the Silver Starfor Gallantry in Action, and theNavy and Marine CorpsAchievement Medal (withCombat Distinguishing Service).Stagner served in OperationIraqi Freedom.

13th annual Night at the Ritz

“Rush to Western Gold”

Friday April 27 St. Joseph Country Club

$35 per personCall 816-271-4582 to sponsor a table or

to make a reservation. All proceeds support nontraditional student scholarships.

Spring 2007 Western Magazine 3


campus news

Just east of Thompson E. PotterHall, a black metal monolith

reaches up to the sky. Its crossbarsat the top are arranged atinteresting angles, and a smallerpiece rests at its side. That is“Beyond2010,” a newcontemporarysculpture thatnow graces thecampus, thanksto the work ofJim Estes,professor of art.

“I hope thestructure is avisually pleasing work for ourcampus,” said Jim. “I don’t havea hidden message in it, but if itmakes people curious, that’sgood. Hopefully people will enjoyits beauty.”

Jim, who has taught at Westernfor 35 years and has created worksfor over 130 shows all over thecountry, said he had never createdan outdoor sculpture before. Whenhe received the Distinguished

Professor Award in 2004 and wasgiven $1,000 for professionaldevelopment, his proposal was todesign and build the sculpture.

He had to learn all aboutMIG welding and figure out the

logistics of purchasingmaterials for a largesculpture, making surethe 600-poundstructure wouldbalance on a concretebase. There was noroom to stand it upuntil the work of artwas completed.

Jim said helearned a lot about sculpting largepieces, and he hopes to createmore. He is already working onthe design for a much largersecond piece for the campus.

He said he chose acontemporary design becausehe believes Western is lookingahead, changing and growing.“I wanted the spirit of a forward-looking institution to bereflected in that.”

New sculpture graces Western’s campus

Western’s new University Plaza, agift from the John B. and JuliaComello Charitable Trust inrecognition of the James B. Kelleyfamily, is almost complete. ThePlaza, located near the Nelle BlumUnion, features a bronze Griffon ona 10’ black granite base, a waterfeature, flags and a large, decorativeblock retaining wall.

Aformer professor’s generosityis good news for upperclass-

men at Western. The MWSU Foundation was

recently informed that it willreceive more than $900,000 fromthe estate of Marian and KennethMitchell. The gift is to be used toestablish an endowed scholarshipfor at least “B” average studentsentering their senior year atWestern.

Marian, who passed awayApril 10, 2006, was a professoremerita of business who taughtstatistics and accounting atWestern from 1968-1979.Kenneth worked for the FarmersHome Administration. Hedied in 1996.

Jennifer VanVickle,Marian’s niece, said she was notsurprised that the estate willbenefit the university. “Marianwas the first person in her familyto get a college education; shereally valued education. She wasalso very generous.”

Jennifer said establishing thescholarship for upperclassmenwas in keeping with who Marian

was. “She would want someoneto show their mettle and earnthe scholarship.”

Marian was Sharon Kosek’s’77, supervising teacher whenSharon studied businesseducation at Western, and theyremained friends untilMarian’s death.

“She was an outstandingeducator,” said Sharon. “Shehelped prepare students sowell for the classroom.

“She thoroughlyenjoyed teaching there,”Sharon said of Marian’syears at Western. “I think

the highlight of herlife was teachingand interactingwith students.She left a greatimpact on manystudents.”

Lucretia Hawley,who taught withMarian in the businessdepartment for manyyears, said she miss-es her good friend.

She said Marianloved teaching andwas always helping

and encouraging students.Lucretia noted that Marian

was very interested in Westernlong after she retired.

Jerry Pickman ’85, directorof development, agreed. “Marian

University plazaalmost complete

“I wanted the spiritof a forward-looking

institution to bereflected in (the

sculpture).”Jim Estes, professor of art

“Beyond 2010,” Western’snewest sculpture,

was created by Jim Estes,

professor of art.

$900,000 gift from former business professor

Kenneth & Marian Mitchell

was very supportive of Western,”he said. “She told me shecherished her time spent here as afaculty member, and she enjoyedserving as a mentor to youngerteachers.”

In 1998, Marian, who was anative of Mound City, Mo., alsoestablished a charitable remaindertrust to fund Western scholarships.

“We truly appreciate Marian’sgenerosity to Western. Many,many students will benefit fromher gift for years to come,”said Jerry.

Spring 2007 Western Magazine 5Spring 2007

To contribute to the Marian Mitchell Memoria l Schola rship fund

contact the MWSU Foundation at 816-271-5647, or go online to www.missouriwestern.edu/foundation.

“ I thin k the high light of her life was teachin g and in teractin g withs tuden ts. She left a grea t impact on man y s tuden ts.”

- Sharon Kosek, former student of Marian Mitchelll


A pilot program for at-risk youth,a partnership with a Los

Angeles filmmaker, a documentaryand invaluable experience for astudent were all part of a projectundertaken byWestern’scommunicationstudies/theatredepartment last summer.

Brandon Hylton, atheatre/video major whograduated in December, workedwith Deny Staggs, assistantprofessor of theatre, to produce a15-minute video that promotes apilot program for at-risk girls.

“It was a great summer,” saidBrandon, from Smithville, Mo. “Itwas a good chance for me to learna lot about video production.”

The pilot program is thebrainchild of Tara Veneruso, a LosAngeles filmmaker. She plans to

coordinate a month-long programnext summer in both Kansas Cityand St. Joseph, where 15 middleschool girls from each city willhave the opportunity for hands-on

learning about filmmaking fromindustry professionals. Tara plansto expand the program nationwideif it is successful in this area.

Western will also work withher this summer to produce adocumentary about the program.

Deny said the students gaineda lot from the experience. “Theylearned how rewardingcollaboration can be, and theygained an understanding that if you

have the passion and desire to dosomething, you can do it.”

They also learned how muchtime it takes to put together aquality production, he said.

Brandon, who was co-producer, said a real bonus tothe project was when he had theopportunity to work with Taraand a film crew when they werein St. Joseph last June. The mainpurpose of her visit was to workon details for the pilot program,but while here, Tara directed atelevision commercial for Westernand conducted a workshop forthe students.

Student co-produces promotional video

Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief ofForbes Magazine and CEO of

Forbes, Inc., was interesting,informative and entertainingwhen he spoke at the annualConvocation on Critical Issuesin October.

Mr. Forbes’ presentation,“The Role of Government in aGlobal Economy,” drew anaudience of more than 2,200, andhe often had the audiencelaughing, nodding their heads inagreement, and even learningabout economics along the way.

Forbes, only the secondConvocation speaker out of 13 todraw almost 500 at theConvocation dinner held theevening before (Colin Powell wasthe first), received standingovations before and after his talkat both the dinner and theConvocation.

It was also a record-breakingyear for sponsorships. The event

secured 34 sponsors totalling$31,500. The Foundation alsoreceived a special gift from Wesand Patsy Remington to helpunderwrite the speaker fees.

“I thought it was really good,”SGA President Natalie Bailey saidof Forbes’ talk at the Convocation.“He knew how to tailor it forpeople who don’t know a lot abouteconomics, and it was funny.”

Forbes also met with severalbusiness and journalism studentsin a short question-and-answersession Oct. 2.

Annual Fund 2007: Believe. Belong. Become.

The 2007 Annual Fund kicked off last month with the theme, “Believe.Belong. Become.” “We want to remind alumni to believe in the education they received,

to feel a sense of belonging in the Western family, and to encourage themto become ardent supporters of the university,” said Jerry Pickman,director of development.

Gifts to the Annual Fund provide scholarships, enhance academicprograms, fund research projects and sponsor activities and events. Giftscan be designated for a particular purpose or given unrestricted.

Alumni have the opportunity to donate online, in response to amailing, or through the phonathon.

“We’d love to see our alumni take the lead in supporting Western,”said Jerry. “Exceptional alumni support is something all great universitieshave in common.”

For more information, contact Jerry at 816-271-5648 or [email protected].

Western and the communitylost a great friend last

fall when Richard “Dick”Rochambeau Jr. died suddenlyNov. 21.

Dick, who attended the JuniorCollege, was the treasurer of theFoundation Board of Directors.He had served on the boardsince 1998.

He was very active in hischurch and the community,serving as a member of theAmerican Legion and Veterans ofForeign Wars, a 60-year memberof the Masonic Bodies, nobles ofthe Moila Temple and on theboard of the Pony ExpressMuseum. He was also a trustee ofthe Leah Spratt Charitable Trust.

He is survived by his wife,Joyce ’47, three children, RichardIII ’78, Rene Rochambeau-McCrary ’04, and RhondaRochambeau and their spouses;and four grandchildren.

Richard A. Rochambeau Jr.

Dick Rochambeau:In Memoriam

Steve Forbes drawslarge crowds atConvocation events

campus newscampus news

The pilot program is the brainchild of Tara Veneruso, a Los Angeles filmmaker. She plans to coordinate a month-long program next summer in both Kansas Cityand St. Joseph, where 15 middle school girls from each city will have the opportunity for hands-on learning about filmmaking from industry professionals.

Faculty serve as mentors to resident assistants


Don’t miss the

2nd annual Foundation Appreciation

Dinner!Tuesday, April 10

6:30 p.m. Fulkerson Center

To make a reservation, call 816-271-5646

Students who live on campus may be surprised to see familiar faces inthe residence halls - their professors. Last fall, Western inaugurated a

faculty mentoring program. Twelve faculty members are currently pairedwith resident assistants, helping them with program planning and joiningin activities with students.

“This is an opportunity to enhance a student’s educational experiencebeyond the classroom,” said Michael Speros, director of housing.

Deborah Becker, instructor of computer science, who is paired withRA Jennifer Shaffer, from Blue Springs, Mo., said she signed on as afaculty mentor because she wanted to meet more students and get moreinvolved on campus. She and Jennifer meet or email to plan activities.

“I like having someone help plan the programs, and I like that morefaculty members are involved,” said Jennifer.

6 Western Magazine Spring 2007





Donna Gehrke-White, Pulitzer-prize winning features writer

for The Miami Herald, spoke atan Eggs and Issues last fall aboutwhat she learned when sheinterviewed 50Muslim women forher book, “TheFace Behind theVeil: TheExtraordinaryLives of MuslimWomen inAmerica.” Theaudience of almost200 was the largestin the history ofthe speaker series.

Donna’s pres-entation was filledwith stories of thelives of womenescaping frompolitical turmoil intheir homelands,adapting to life inthe United States and becomingquite successful.

“Islam stresses education,”she reiterated throughout herpresentation. “They have madeamazing progress.”

Donna noted that thepopulation of Muslims is rapidlygrowing in the United States,and Muslim women in Americaare not like the Middle EasternMuslim women portrayed inthe media.

“These women arefascinating. We (the UnitedStates) are never going to bethe same.”

Writer drawslargest Eggs &Issues crowd ever When Tyson Schank ’04, was

a student VIP giving toursto high school students six yearsago, his advisors always toldhim, “Choosing a college is astudent decision.”

But today, Tyson is thecommunication and webcoordinator for the admissionsoffice, and he said parents aremuch more involved in thecollege selection process thanever before.

“Now we address the entirefamily. There are still students

who make their own decisions,but they are the exceptiontoday,” he said.

Rodema Gnuschke ’74, saidwhen she was a student, herparents’ first time on campus wasprobably for her commencement.But Rodema, who works in theWestern library, said that herfreshman daughter, Tammy, stopsby for short visits nearly everyday, and they often eat lunchtogether.

Welcome to the world of theMillennial Generation - children

born between 1982and 2005 - wheretheir parents - oftencalled helicopters(they hover) orbulldozers (theyremove obstacles intheir children’s way) -are very involved innot only the decisionof their children’s col-lege choice, but intheir everyday livesas college students.Today, about 14 mil-lion Millennials areattending college.

“The families do alot together; they arevery close,” said Dr.Paul Shang, Western’sdean of student devel-opment. “They have adesire to remain close,so the parental rela-tionships continuethrough college.”

Rodema and Don’73, said for their own children -Aaron ’06; Tara, who is in

medical school and will earn herdegree here when she completesher first year of medical school;and Tammy - they helped gatherinformation on scholarships andhelped fill out applications.Rodema also attended theregistration with Tammy.

“I think it’s nice thatparents take more interest intheir children’s education,”said Rodema.

With Millennials in mind,Western has been working tocreate opportunities for moreinteraction between theuniversity and parents.

In 2005, the universityinitiated a two-day registration/orientation for incomingstudents that included anovernight stay in the residencehalls for both students andtheir parents.

“We’ve developed theprocess so parents can be a partof it,” said Paul. “Parents canexperience residential life andcafeteria food and also get a lotmore information.”

Both admissions and studentdevelopment also communicatemore with parents of prospec-tive students than they have inthe past, and student develop-ment is working to revitalize theParents Council.

Paul plans to set up dayswhere parents can visit campus,learn about Western’s programsand meet administrators.

Tyson developed a newpresentation for parents duringregistration/orientation days lastsummer while students were

meeting with advisors to choosetheir classes.

He explained federalprivacy laws, which parents findfrustrating because they areprevented from accessingstudent records. Tyson alsogently encouraged parents to lettheir college-aged children makesome of their own decisions.

But after his presentation,one mother admitted to him thatwhile he was talking, she was ona cell phone with her daughter,helping her choose her courses.

While the Gnuschkes fit theMillennial mold in many ways,they agreed that there should belimits on parental involvement.

“I like that fact that parentscome to the registration andhelp sign up, but after awhile, Ithink they need to back away,”said Tammy. The Gnuschkes - Rodema ’74, Don ’73 and

Tammy, Western freshman.

Western welcomes the Millennial Generation

Cont’d from previous page

Drive with pride!A $25 donation to

Western allows you topurchase a special

Missouri Western StateUniversity license plate.Call the Alumni Services

Office for details - 816-271-5646.

Donna’spresentationwas filled with stories of the lives ofwomen escapingfrom politicalturmoil in theirhomelands,adapting to life in the UnitedStates andbecoming quitesuccessful.

Students Torrence Jones, Kristin Parker and Seth Logston help at a Habitat forHumanity home as part of Western's Big Event, a semi-annual service day for students and employees.

“You do need to givethem their independence,”agreed Rodema.

But for now, she hopesTammy’s frequent visits andtheir lunches together don’tstop anytime soon.



Spring 2007 Western Magazine 1110 Western Magazine Spring 2007

Western’s Kansas CityNorthland site relocated

recently, and it has generated a lotof interest. In August, the site wasmoved to the Tuileries Plaza atI-29 and NW 64th St, next to theBonefish Grill.

Dr. Chris Shove, dean of theWestern Institute, noted that therewas a significant jump in thenumber of visits to the Northlandwebsite since the move. “It’shaving a huge impact,” he said.

The Northland site offers abachelor of science degree inelementary education and a legalassistant certificate, along with artcourses and business seminars.

The specialized legal assistantcertificate program focuses on thetechnical and legal specialtycourses for a career as a legalassistant (paralegal), andWestern’s is the only publicMissouri university legal assistantprogram with ABA approval.

The education program isdesigned for students who haveearned their associate’s degree andwant to earn a bachelor’s degree.The elementary educationprogram is approved by theMissouri Department ofElementary and SecondaryEducation and the NationalAssociation of Colleges forTeacher Education.

For more information, contactthe Western Institute at 816-271-4100, toll free at 866-U-WIN-GOLD, or visit the website atwww.wi.missouriwestern.edu.

The 2006 Phonathon callers. Thanks for your support of the Phonathon!

Phonathon 2006 wrap up

Last November, when alumnianswered their phones during

the election season, many werepleasantly surprised that it wastheir alma mater calling for the2006 Phonathon.

Western’s 24-day Phonathonwrapped up the week after theelection, and Tara Johnson,development officer and Phonathoncoordinator, called it a success.She said almost 300 alumni who

had not donated the previousyear made a pledge, the 22callers enjoyed visiting withalumni, and $25,000 was raised.

“We are very appreciativeof those who contributed tothe Phonathon,” said Tara.“The Phonathon is an importanttool for the university, as itprovides direct contact forthose alumni who are unableto visit campus.”

Join Western’s donor honor societies -

The Clock Tower Societyor

Western League for ExcellenceCheck out www.missouriwestern.edu/foundation

or call 816-271-5647 for more information.

THANK YOU!

KC Northlandsite moves

S tefanie Clifford knew nothing about Muslims.Tonya Russell said she had a lot of ideas about

Muslims, but it was all negative. Zack Craft grew up ina small town in rural Missouri around no Muslims, andhe wanted to learn if all the stereotypes he had heardattributed to them were true.

So the three students signed on to research theIslam religion in adjunct instructor Terry Carlson’santhropology class, but their learning extended wellbeyond the classroom and the library. They, along withTerry, spent a day in Kansas City, Mo., last fallimmersed in the Islamic culture.

“It was more than a field trip,” said Terry.“We were trying to discover certain anthropologicalconcepts that we study.” One other group from theanthropology class spent a day with the Amish inJamesport, Mo., and another spent a day with theKickapoo Tribe in Horton, Kan.

Armed with notebooks and cameras, thestudents visited the Jerusalem Bakery for a lunchof Mediterranean fare, and checked out the groceryitems at Olive Café. They also visited the IslamicCenter of Greater Kansas City, which includes amosque and school; observed a prayer service andvisited classrooms.

Amateur anthropologistsuncover surprises

All three students agreed that the best part wasvisiting the school. They met with seventh-gradersand a high school literature class. The three Westernstudents enjoyed it so much they were planning areturn trip.

Yes, the Muslim students told them, they playsports and they go to the mall to hang out withfriends. No, they don’t mind wearing head covering,said the girls.

“I loved the kids speaking their mind,” saidTonya. “This is different from everything I’ve heard.”

“They’re just regular kids; that’s what surprisedme,” said Stefanie. “I had the perception that theywere uptight, but they were relaxed. They’re differentthan what I thought of them before.”

But the Muslim students had questions, too. Zackendured some good-natured ribbing about his ear-rings, since Muslim men are forbidden to wear them.

And at the end of the school day, the high schoolgirls swarmed Stefanie and Tonya, pressing them forinformation about dating and their experiences.

“I loved the firsthand experience,” said Zack. “Iwas surprised at how open and honest they were.”

“Everything I thought I knew about Muslimswas wrong,” said Tonya.

Western students Stefanie Clifford, Tonya Russell and Zack Craftvisit with students at the Islamic Center of Greater Kansas City.

Tonya Russell and Stefanie Clifford don head covering before entering the mosque.


Griffon Sports campus news

Patsy Smith namedassociate director of athletics

Patsy Smith ’95, formerly thedepartment’s assistant athletic

director, has been named associatedirector of athletics. She has beenassistant athletic director since2002.

Patsy began her athleticadministration career as thebusiness manager in 1998. She hasbeen senior woman administratorand assistant to the athletic directorfor finance. Patsy was alsoassistant coach and head coach forthe women’s tennis program.

Calendar of EventsMarch 11-18 Spring break; no classes.

March 27 Eggs and Issues, 7 a.m., Fulkerson Center. "Graying America: Golden Opportunities in Silver Industries," Drs. Shiva and Monica Nandan. Call 816-271-5646.

April 10 Foundation Appreciation Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Fulkerson Center.

April 10-15 “Crimes of the Heart,” 8 p.m. April 10-14, 2 p.m. April 15; Thompson E. Potter Hall Black Box Theater. Directed by student Christiana Hansen.

April 15 Junior College Reunion Brunch, Fulkerson Center.

April 24 Eggs and Issues, 7 a.m., Fulkerson Center. “How to Conduct Business in India,” Dr. Ramesh Kumar. Call 816-271-5646.

April 27 “Rush to Western Gold,” 13th annual Night at the Ritz. St. Joseph Country Club. Call 816-271-4582.

April 28 Alumni event in Columbia, Mo., 1-4 p.m., TKBrothers Grill and Games.

May 8-16 Ireland international cultural experience, call 816-271-4100 for details.

May 9-24 Intersession classes.

May 12 Spring Commencement ceremonies, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., M.O. Looney Complex arena.

Reception for graduates and families, TBD.

May 17 Alumni event in St. Joseph, Mo., TBD.

May 19-28 London international cultural experience, call 816-271-4100 for details.

May 20-21 Johnson Controls/Missouri Western Celebrity Golf Classic, St. Joseph Country Club. Call 816-271-5926 for more information.

June 4 Summer classes begin.

June 9 Alumni event in St. Louis, TBD.

June 13-21 Russia international cultural experience. Call 816-271-4100 for details.

July 4 Independence Day; campus closed.

Aug. 22-25 Griffon Edge orientation program for new students.

Aug. 27 Fall semester begins.

Sept. 3 Labor Day; campus closed.

For sports schedules go to www.gogriffons.com or call 816-271-4481.For alumni events, go to www.griffonalumni.org or call 816-271-5665.

to the season opener due to aninjury and posted 6.5 sacks.

For his career, Leon recorded148 tackles: 21.5 tackles behindthe line of scrimmage and 10.5sacks in 40 games.

He is a member of theAthletic Director’s Honor Roll,the MIAA Commissioner’sAcademic Honor Roll, and co-president of the Student-AthleteAdvisory Committee.

Football player named Academic All-America

Griffon Football - a season to remember

The football team had its best season under head coach JerryPartridge ’86, in 2006. The Griffons finished the season at 9-3

overall, tying the school record for wins in a season. The team alsoqualified for the NCAA Division II national championship playoffsfor the first time in school history. (They lost to Midwestern StateUniversity in the opening round.)

Western went undefeated at home 5-0 on the new field turf atSpratt Memorial Stadium, and was ranked as high as No.11 in theAmerican Football Coaches Association Top-25 poll. The Griffonshad three Wilson/MIAA Player-of-the-Week honorees: JeremiahWhite, Jamie Hanson, and Dustin Strickler (named twice).

The Griffons were also well represented on the All-MIAAFootball Team, coming away with six first-team selections:Jamie Hanson, J.R. Graham, John Matthew Fisher, Michael Cobbins,Roger Allen, and Jarrett Brooks. As a team the Griffons wererewarded with 17 total selections.

Two new coaches

Western had two new coaches heading into the 2006-2007 academicyear. The women’s soccer team was led by former University of

Central Missouri assistant coach Jeff Hansen and the women’s tennis teamis being led by RonSelkirk, who has been apart of the St. JosephTennis and Swim Clubsince 1980.

Griffon outside hitter Hallie Delagardelle preparesto serve in a volleyball match last fall.

Leon Douglas, physical educationmajor, was named to the

“ESPN the Magazine” First-TeamAcademic All-America in theCollege Division as selected bythe College Sports InformationDirectors of America.

Leon is a four-year letter-winner for the football team andrecorded 47 tackles for theGriffons this season. He moved tothe defensive line just weeks prior

In memory of Coach Hicklin

Become a Gold Coat member! Gold Coat Fund Drive

during the month of MayCall 816-271-4481

for more information.

Spring 200712 Western Magazine Spring 2007

Robin “Rob” Lee Hicklin,head football coach from

1974 to 1985, died Sept. 1,2006 in Joplin, Mo.

Rob was Western’swinningest football coach atthe time of his death, and hewas named to Western’s AthleticHall of Fame in 2002.

Rob was Western’s secondfootball coach. He led theGriffons to three bowl gamewins and national prominence.His overall record was 65-55-5.

He is survived by his wife,Maryln; son, Robin; daughters,Tracie Skaggs ’83, Shelly Perez’84, and LeeAnn Haliburton;one brother, six grandchildrenand many nieces and nephews.

Rob was a football coachand teacher in Lexington, Mo.,Kansas City, Mo., and Belton,Mo., high schools. He wasdefensive coordinator atWilliam Penn University inOskaloosa, Iowa, before comingto Western in 1974. AfterWestern, he was head coach atSouthern Arkansas University inMagnolia, elementary principalin Caruthersville, Mo. andmiddle school principal inCharleston, Mo.

A Rob Hicklin WesternFootball Memorial Scholarshiphas been created. For moreinformation, call 816-271-5647.

As we went to press, the women’s basketballteam’s record was 24-1!


The first graduate program begins this fall, a $2.5 million science and technology incubator is under construction, and students areengaged and involved; Western is a developing prototype of the new American regional university.

On the brink ofinnovation

than if you wait to apply the theory learned after you graduate.Some 80 percent of last year’s graduates had at least onesignificant applied learning experience prior to graduation.

Applied research is in fact an applied learning experience. It isresearch clearly connected to problem solving needs in theregion. The research projects that students and faculty engagein with the community helps the student to learn. We haveabout 14 academic departments involved in applied research.In many of those instances, it is both students and facultyinvolved in these activities. It is all part of Western’s traditionof combining theory with practice for the good of individualstudents and the good of the larger community and region.

How does being a new American regional university benefit the students at Western?

Students’ learning is connected to the real world in itsapplication. Through internships, for example, students havedirect experience in business and industry that prepares themfor their first jobs and careers after graduation. Often enoughthese internships turn into offers for positions of employmentat graduation.

Students have the opportunities to be involved in appliedresearch which again helps them understand how the theory ofthe classroom relates to solving real world problems, whetherthey are business problems, industrial problems, governmentproblems, or social problems. We help them to understandthat they have an obligation to more than themselves throughservice activities, learning activities and through the modelingof productive behavior that employees provide at workand in their communities.

continued on next page

f e a t u r ef e a t u r e

Western will offer its first graduateprogram this fall. The master of appliedscience degree with three options has

been approved by the Missouri Department of HigherEducation and the Higher Learning Commission of theNorth Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Dr. Jeanne Daffron ’75, assistant vice president foracademic and student affairs, has been named interimgraduate dean, and the graduate office is located inFrank Popplewell Hall, 214.

The master of applied science degree will offerthree options - chemistry, human factors and usabilitytesting, and information technology management (ITM).

The chemistry option is designed for chemistsseeking career advancement, recent science graduates,persons re-entering the workforce looking to refineprofessional and technical skills, and science teachersseeking career advancement. This degree could beespecially beneficial for product managers, productdevelopers and others in the life sciences.

The focus of the ITM option is to prepareindividuals to be managers of an IT department in anorganization. This option provides students with anextensive background in network security, networkadministration and integration of heterogeneousinformation technology resources.

The human factors option stresses researchmethodology, systems analysis/design,environmental effects on behavior and themeasurement of human behavior and performancein actual environments. This program targets thosewith undergraduate degrees in computer science,business, engineering or psychology.

First graduate program begins in fall 2007

Senior Megan Davis, second from left, assists studentsfrom Gallatin High School who are interested in health-

related careers. Western’s first graduate program, amaster of applied science degree, begins this fall.

Dr. Joseph Bragin, provost and vice president ofacademic and student affairs, said Western’s master’sprograms are unique throughout the state. They areknown as Professional Master’s Degrees, and theiremphasis is on applied learning.

In traditional master’s programs, he explained, thefocus is on advanced disciplinary knowledge. Western’sprograms will provide that in addition to “cross-train-ing” in business fundamentals, project management andcommunications. Individual programs of study mayinclude an internship component as well.

He said the degree will provide a wide variety ofcareer options not typically provided by traditionalgraduate programs.

“We feel that this fulfills our unique statewidemission of applied learning,” Dr. Bragin said, referringto the directive of the State Legislature for Western toemphasize applied learning as part of its identity whenit was designated a university in 2005. He noted that allgraduate programs at Western will have an appliedlearning component.

For more information, call the graduate office at816-271-4364 or visit the web site at www.missouri-western.edu/graduate.

Freshman Jarod Powell helps his little friend Gabe with an art projectat St. Patrick Elementary School in St. Joseph, Mo. Community service is an important component of Western’s mission.

Western Magazine 1514 Western Magazine

Western:a new American

regional university

What is a new American regional university?The new American regional university reclaims the notionof bringing together private good and public good. It isnot inner-directed but outer-directed. This approach alsofocuses on the application of the university’s resources forthe good of the student and the good of the people that itserves in the community, region, state and nation.

What distinguishes Western as a prototype of thenew American regional university?

Our long-standing commitment and tradition of servingmore than just the good of the student but also the publicgood distinguishes Western as a prototype of the newAmerican regional university.

When we were developing Western’s strategic plan fiveyears ago, it became evident that serving beyond thecampus was already an element in our culture. Applyingthe resources of the university to the larger communityand region is something that characterizes us and thatshould be made a signature for Western. Not very manyregional universities in this country have fully embracedthis concept. At Western we expect our students to beconnected to the community and the region from themoment they enter Western - whether through communityservice or through application of what they are learning inthe classroom to real world situations in internships orresearch applied to regional needs.

Explain what you mean when you say appliedlearning and applied research?

Applied learning is the kind of learning that takes thetheory of the classroom and connects it to the worldbeyond the classroom in practical ways that serve thedevelopment of the student as a learner, but alsoultimately as a worker, as a professional, as someonewho is building a career. All of that helps the studentlearn in a way that is much more meaningful and powerful

Dr. James Scanlon, Western’s president,has been referring to Western recently as a new American regional university.We asked him to explain this concept,

and what it means to students, the community and the region.


f e a t u r ef e a t u r e


The incubator will provide custom-outfittedspace, as well as access to technical and businessadvice and operating support services for entrepreneursin the early stages of commercial development.Dr. Chris Shove, dean and executive director of theWestern Institute, noted that it will help high-technologyfirms that pay high wages to locate here. “It’s a veryexciting new component for the economic developmentof St. Joseph.”

The facility is planned to be a two-story, 25,000square foot building. Initially only the first floor, 12,500feet, will be completed. It will contain a conferenceroom, a wet laboratory, operation offices, and tenantspaces. The second floor will remain in reserve for morefirms and research.

The incubator, which will be operated by the WesternInstitute, is designed to accommodate up to 15 firms of afew persons each. Its flexible plan will accommodate afew large firms requiring larger spaces.

The planning for this project began in July 2004, andmuch of the analysis and planning for the incubator wasdone by Western students from biology and business.

Western has received two grants previously from theEDA regarding the incubator project. In 2005, Westernreceived a $20,000 grant to fund a feasibility study forthe incubator, and a $75,000 grant in June 2006 toconduct architecture and engineering analysis for it.Ellison-Auxier, teamed with HOK of St. Louis, are thearchitects for the project.

The architects’ rendition of the science and technology incubator. Western received a $2.5 million grant to build the incubator on campus.Construction will begin this spring.

Western’s commitment:engaging students

How does this benefit the region?This approach takes the resources that are here at Western and bydesign connects those resources to the variety of needs in ourregion. Much of the good we do takes place beyond our campusin the region, enlarging the influence for good of the university.

How did university designation enable us to better meet this vision?

University designation for Western is an affirmation of our quality.The legislation that gave us university designation gave us astatewide mission in applied learning. Our sense of mission wasalready focused on the applied, and so it affirmed and gavecredibility well beyond the campus to the value of our missionin applied learning.

What can we expect to see from Western in the next few years?

We will see graduates ever better prepared to build their worklives and careers, and to serve the greater good in theircommunities. We can also expect expanded connections withindustry, business and government through additional internships,increasing faculty-student research, and expanding services to theregion. I think there will be more partnerships that bring togetherthe resources we have and the resources in the region. We willhave a heightened profile in our region, state and nation.

How can alumni and friends of the university help achieve this vision?

Alumni and friends can connect themselves to what we are andwhat we are becoming in many ways. Alumni, for example, couldhelp us find excellent internship opportunities for our students.They can look to us for the applied research or service connectionthat will help them in their workplace as well as their communities.They can help by spreading the word about the commitment thatwe have to excellent education and service through appliedlearning and applied research.

To do that, we encourage them to learn more about us, by readingour magazines and publications, by being part of alumni activities,by keeping connected to Western and to one another. Theirfinancial support, of course, has significant value, but of evengreater value is their continuing involvement with Western.

Engage (en-gaj´) v. 1. Toinvolve oneself or

become occupied; to participate. 2. To draw into.3. To attract and hold the attention of.

That’s what Western students are invited to do- become engaged in activities and organizationson campus. And that has become easier in the pastyear with the development of the Center forStudent Engagement and its new space on thesecond floor of the Nelle Blum Union.

Stan Sweeney, director of student engage-ment, said that when he was hired in late 2004, hischarge was to develop a student activities centerand pull all student organizations together. Thename was chosen after much forethought;“engage,” students said, reflects a deeper involve-ment and commitment, and a fuller experience.

The center, which is open to any recognizedcampus organization, provides resources, such as acopier and fax, a button maker, and art supplies;and meeting and lounge areas. Two students havealso been hired part-time to assist student organi-zations with graphic design and web page design.“We want them (student organizations) to feel likethey have a place on campus.”

Stan explained that studies have shownthat students who are involved in their campusstatistically graduate at a higher rate than thosewho are not involved. And, those studentsinvolved have a higher satisfaction rate.

Since he began as director, Stan also instituteda registration process and training sessions eachfall for all student organizations and theiradvisors.

Currently there are approximately 70 recog-nized student organizations, ranging from Greek,to academic, to ethnic, to hobbies, to servicegroups.

“When students get involved in studentorganizations, it helps them grow and develop asindividuals. It gets them out of their comfortzone,” said Stan. “There’s a lot of learning thatoccurs outside the classroom.”

“Building this incubator will

spur economic development

in the region. As a developing

prototype of the new

American regional university,

Western is an active partner

in the economic growth

of the region.”

Dr. James Scanlon, Western’s president

Facility to stimulate economic growth in region

The dream ofa science andtechnology

incubator on Western’scampus is quicklybecoming a reality.This past November,Western receivednotification from Sen.Kit Bond’s office thatthe U.S. Economic Development Administration(EDA) awarded Western a $2.5 million grant toconstruct an innovation incubator on the west sideof campus, west of Interstate 29. Construction isanticipated to begin this spring and be completedby late 2007.

“Building this incubator will spur economicdevelopment in the region. As a developing prototypeof the new American regional university, Western isan active partner in the economic growth of theregion,” said Dr. James Scanlon, Western’s president.

University receives $2.5 million grant forincubator

Students Vern Wheeler, David Williams and Amy Prawitzenjoy the lounge area in the new Student EngagementCenter on campus.

Spring 2007


From the Alumni Association President

Approximately 250 alumni, family and friends turned out for "Alumni Family Nightat the Drive In" at the Horseshoe Lake Drive In east of St. Joseph, Mo. in September.

Colleen A. KowichDirector of Alumni Services

Colleen Kowich joinedWestern as the director of

alumni services last fall. Colleen, originally from

Mount Clemens, Mich., a suburbof Detroit, earned a bachelor’sdegree in English literature fromAdrian College, Michigan, anda master’s degree in collegestudent personnel services fromVirginia Tech.

She served as alumnivolunteer coordinator at AdrianCollege from 1997-1999 andmost recently as director ofalumni relations at Saint LeoUniversity, Fla.

“I’m looking forward toworking with the AlumniAssociation Board of Directorsto create new opportunities foralumni involvement,” saidColleen. “Western is at anexciting time in its history!I hope that our alumni willjoin us as our Associationcontinues to grow.”

Colleen is a member of theSt. Joseph Area Chamber ofCommerce, the Kiwanis Club ofSt. Joseph, and serves on theGreater Kansas City Chi OmegaAlumnae Board of Directors.

Why are you involved? That’s aquestion I’ve been asked many times.I’m involved because Western is a greatinstitution, and I wouldn’t be where Iam today without the education Ireceived. I’m also involved because it’sfun! I’ve met people of all ages andfrom all walks of life who share withme one common bond: We all attendedcollege at the same place. While thename has changed over the years, ourspirit remains the same.

Why do you stay involved? First, for our students. What we do as agroup and what we achieve as individu-als helps our students. We show themthat their dreams are not too big. Manyof our alumni were once students whodreamed big and succeeded, and ourcurrent students need to see this.Second, for the university. The morealumni are actively involved, the greaterrecognition and prestige Western willgain, and our legacy will grow.

How can I get involved? TheAlumni Association is working toexpand alumni opportunities. There aremany things you can do right now toshow your pride and become involved:

• Attend an event• Join a regional event committee • Become a member of the

alumni online community• Become a member of the

Western League for Excellence

Meet the newDirector of AlumniServices!

• Wear Western logo clothing• Organize or attend a reunion activity • Serve as a Griffon career volunteer • Work with students on a

service project • Order Griffon address labels• Purchase a Western license

plate (Missouri residents only)• Attend an athletic event

Want to learn more? Contact ColleenKowich in the Alumni Services Office at816-271-5650 or e-mail [email protected]. You can also e-mail meat [email protected].

Jason M. Horn ’95 President, Alumni Association

We wantyour photos!

We are nowaccepting baby

and wedding photos for Alumnotes!Please follow these guidelines:• We welcome digital photos, but

they must be a minimum of atleast 2 megapixels or 300 dpi,and saved as a jpg. For bestresults, use the largest settingon your digital camera.Email to the address below.

• Prints must be good qualityand on matte paper; please noteif you want them returned.Mail to: Diane Holtz, MWSU,4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph,MO 64507.

• Due to space limitations, wecannot guarantee that yourphoto will be published.

Questions? Call 816-271-5651 or [email protected].

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Jason M. Horn ’95President, Alumni Association

University DiplomaOrder a University diploma online at www.missouriwestern.edu/alumni, or requestan order form from the Alumni Services Office, 816-271-5646. Cost is $20 - diploma only, $30 - diploma + padded folder; $3.85 s&h.

ALUMNI BENEFITS NOTEBeginning July 1, 2007, the Alumni

Association will launch a new benefitprogram. These new benefits will replaceall existing alumni programs, including

the alumni perks program. Watch formore details in June.

Dave Lau ’89, and brothersScott ’78, Bruce, Mike ’84,and Brian Graham tailgate

before a Griffon home game.They said they try to tailgateat least one game each year.

Their brother, Andy ’81, isalso an alumnus.

Spring 200718 Western Magazine Spring 2007

Alumni grill lotsof burgers andhot dogs at thetailgate partyprior to theWestern footballgame againstWashburnUniversity inTopeka last fall.The AlumniAssociation andathletics hostedtailgaters atMaryville andTopeka.

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Four outstanding alumni anda well respected professor

were honored at the AlumniAssociation Awards BanquetHomecoming weekend. Just likelast year, the award recipientsfought rainy, cold weather forthe parade, tailgate lunch andgame on Saturday.

Dr. Clarence GarderClass of 1940

After graduating from theSt. Joseph Junior College,Clarence earned a bachelor’sdegree from Baker University,three graduate degrees fromColumbia University in NewYork, and a doctorate from theUniversity of Kansas.

Clarence was a member of theRobert Shaw Collegiate Chorale.He also directed the InternationalHouse Choir in New York Cityand the Armed Forces Choir inShanghai after World War II.

Clarence was a professor ofmusic and director of choralactivities at the University ofCentral Oklahoma in Edmond.He served as chair of the musicdepartment for 10 years.

Clarence said he was happy tovisit St. Joseph and have a chanceto visit with friends from hisjunior college days.

Julia SchneiderClass of 1967

Julia is a familiar face onWestern’s campus. She has workedat the Western library since 1971,serving as director since 1991.

After Junior College, she earneda bachelor of arts degree in Englishand library science from NorthwestMissouri State University and amaster’s in library science fromUniversity of Missouri - Columbia.She is a very active volunteer in thecommunity and the state.

“I remember most of myinstructors well. My best experiencewas taking the breadth of classesoffered ... all taught by knowledge-able, caring individuals.”

Dr. Dennis AtkinsClass of 1977

Dennis, who earned amaster’s and a doctorate in businessadministration from CaliforniaPacific University, has had asuccessful career with AmericanFamily Insurance since he graduatedfrom Western with a BSBA inmarketing.

In 2005, on Western’s campus,Dennis logged his 50,000th milewhile running a marathon aroundDowns Drive. In four marathons, hehas raised almost $60,000 for theMidland Empire Resources forIndependent Living.

“Western faculty and studentsimpacted my life in such a way thatI knew I could succeed no matterwhat obstacles I might have to over-come, and they helped me gain thenecessary confidence to proceedwith my professional career.”

Dr. John MullicanClass of 1987

John has been an associateprofessor of biology at WashburnUniversity in Topeka, Kan.since 1999.

After he earned a bachelor ofscience in biology from Western,John earned his doctorate degreewith an emphasis in molecularbiology from the University ofNebraska Medical Center, andserved as a post-doctoral researchfellow there as well.

As a faculty member, he haspublished frequently, and hashelped secure a number of grantsfor Washburn, including a grantfor a DNA Sequencer.

“As a biology professor, Icontinue to try to emulate thegreat faculty members who soexemplify what is best aboutMissouri Western: a well trained,excellent and caring faculty.”

Dr. Richard CrumleyProfessor Emeritus of Biology

Richard joined Western’sstaff in 1967, retired in 2000,but returned to teach for twosemesters last year. He served asbiology department chair for nineyears and was instrumental inestablishing many of theprograms of study.

He earned his bachelor’sdegree in biology from PittsburgState University, his master’sfrom Emporia State University,and doctorate from the Universityof Northern Colorado.

Many former students andfellow faculty members wroterecommendation letters forRichard’s nomination, describinghim as a mentor, an outstandingteacher, a role model, a friend, agreat thinker, a good man, a leader,patient, fair, consistent, dedicatedand encouraging, enthusiastic,revered and feared, excellent,and one in a million.

“I’ve been privileged to havea vocation that I loved. I lookedforward to going to work everyday those 34 years,” said Richard.

Nominations of alumnior faculty members may besubmitted year round online atwww.missouriwestern.edu, followthe links to “Alumni Recognition;”or you may obtain an applicationfrom the Alumni Services Office,Spratt 108. A letter stating whyyou believe the person deservesthe award must accompany theapplication. The criteria is alsoonline or available in the AlumniServices Office. The deadline isMay 1 each year.

2006 Distinguished Service Award recipients: Dr. Richard Crumley,Julia Schneider, Dr. Dennis Atkins, Dr. John Mullican, and seated,Dr. Clarence Garder.

2006 Distinguished Service Awards Four alumni and one faculty member honored

Past Distinguished Service Award recipients. Also, seated in the front row isTammy Gnuschke, one of the Alumni Family Scholarship recipients.


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The Alumni Associationawarded $22,000 to 23

students for 2006-2007: 15Alumni Association scholarshipsand eight Alumni Familyscholarships.

The Family scholarship,now in its sixth year, is given toincoming freshmen whose parentis a Western alumnus/alumna.They must have a 3.0 GPA outof high school, demonstratefinancial need and be involved inat least four extra-curricularactivities throughout their highschool career. This year’srecipients are:• Kelsey Breckenridge, daughter

of John Breckenridge ’76. • Tammy Gnuschke, daughter of

Rodema ’74, and Don ’73,Gnuschke.

• Katherine Hangartner,daughter of ConnieHangartner ’73.

• Mallory Hutchcraft, daughterof Preston Hutchcraft ’88.

• Jesse Jennings, daughter ofRobert Jennings ’83.

• Lacey Modlin, daughter ofJoelle (McClure) Modlin ’89.

• Keri Seitz, daughter ofJeanette Seitz ’93.

• Zachary Slater, son of JillChristine Vollin ’83.

The Alumni Associationscholarships are based on merit,requiring a minimum 3.5 GPA, or acombination of merit and need,requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA.Preference is given to students whohave completed at least onesemester.

Recipients include:• Stacy Blankenship, junior,

physical therapy assistant.• Amber Buzzard, sophomore,

nursing.• Alicia Falter, senior, social work. • Ashleigh Hampton, sophomore,

elementary education. • Dustin Limback, sophomore,

English. • Megan McManus, junior,

elementary education.

• Kristina Nelson, senior, medicaltechnology.

• Miranda Patti, sophomore,biology.

• Laura Rutten, sophomore,physical education.

• Jennifer Smith, junior, nursing.• Kathryn Strasser, junior, English,

secondary education. • Sarah Watkins, sophomore,

physical education. • Wesley-Aaron Whitney,

sophomore, criminal justice.• Carrie Woods, junior, business.• Wendy Worley, sophomore,

biology. Students may apply for the

scholarships by March 1 eachyear through the financial aidweb page.

Dr. Todd Eckdahl, professor of biology and department chair, Rob Baker ’01, andLaura Wells ’01, visit at the tailgate lunch before the Homecoming game. Thebiology department held a reunion weekend to coincide with Homecoming, andalumni who graduated 20 years ago to the present returned for a social on Friday,the parade, the tailgate lunch and game. The department hopes to make it anannual event.

AAtttteennttiioonn,,SSnnoowwbbiirrddss!!If you winter away from home,let us know your winter address!

We want to include you in allregional event mailings!

Congratulations, Alumni Association scholarship recipients!


AAtttteennttiioonn,,SSnnoowwbbiirrddss!!


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T he business

department’s

new advisory

center

Steven Blakely, president, Inter-Greek Council

“ My favorite spot on campus is the businessdepartment office. I sit in there and speak with PeggyLeland (academic administrative assistant) before andafter my classes and tell her how the week is going.She fills me in on how she’s doing, too.”T he Griffon News Office

Lauren Epps, Griffon News editor

“ In the office we have a refrigerator that is stocked full of goodies and food for those latenights of newspaper design. We also have a futon for anyone who has had a long day and needs acomfy, quiet place to sleep. My staff and I come in on Sundays to do the bulk of the design of thenewspaper and we usually bring food and make alittle party out of it with music and laughter. I also use the office as a nice, quiet place to study for my other classes. ”

Spratt

Memorial Stadium

Alicia Falter, president, Griffon Habitat

“ Hearing the crowd cheer, smelling the aroma of the concession stand food, and watching the Griffon football team makes SprattStadium my favorite place on campus. I love going there because I see Missouri Western students, faculty and staff, along with the community and alumni, come together to watch the Griffons. Going to the football games allows me to show my school spirit and makes me proud to be a student here.”(Alicia is such a devoted fan she even showed up for the rainy, cold Homecoming game!)

T he trail by the Baker

Family Fitness Center

Ella Howser, Griffon Yearbook editor

“Ever since I was a freshman, I have been walking/running on that trail. It was always a place I could goto sort through everything thatwas going on in my life at the time.Sometimes I would bring friends tovisit the trail, but most of the time itwas a place where I could get away and justfocus on myself, relax and think important decisionsthrough. Not only was this a safe haven, it was also a way for me to find time to exercise. I don’t like to be cooped up in a building for hours just exercising; I would rather be outside in the fresh air.”

We recently asked some student

leaders to tell us about their

favorite space on campus,and we received a variety

of answers !




Documents

*MAGAZINE SPRING 07.qxd 4/3/07 10:41 AM Page 1 … · Smith ’87, Loah Stallard, Jon Styslinger, Thomas Watkins, John Wilson. Board of Governors ... Dr. Mike Smith, professor of