Northwest Missouri State University Alumni Magazine, spring 2012

alumni magazine

Northwest Spring 2012

The magazine for Northwest Missouri State University alumni and friends

Paw-to-Paw Launched

Donor Honor Roll

Hitting the high notes Kara Shay Weston Thomson ’92

Bostwick Memorials

Departments Realigned

People just like you It’s because of the volunteer support of countless alumni and friends – spirited people like Ben and Nicki Campbell – that Northwest continues to thrive.

“At Northwest, the word ‘family’ gets used quite a bit, and it’s an accurate description of how we feel about Northwest. When we think back about our times with friends, whether those experiences were shared in the dorms, in class, during happy hour at The Palms or cheering on the Bearcats, we look back with the fondness of family. Northwest was the place where our own family began. Had someone told me on that sweltering day in August when I moved in to Hudson Hall that later in the year I would meet my future wife, I wouldn’t have believed them! This connection doesn’t end with the friends we made along the way; it also extends to several members of the Northwest faculty as well. We were fortunate to spend time with incredible mentors who helped shape our lives and develop us into the people we are today, and we are forever grateful to them. Now, living miles away in Phoenix, it’s that connection of the family that still ties us to Northwest. Northwest is, and always will be, family.”

Arizona Chapter President Ben Campbell ’08 with his wife, Nicki Meinke Campbell ’05 If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at Northwest, contact the Office of University Advancement at alumni@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248.

alumni magazine

Northwest Spring 2012

Volume 45 Issue 2

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The magazine for Northwest Missouri State University alumni and friends

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Teaching excellence Dr. Carol Spradling, associate professor of computer science and information systems, is Northwest’s recipient of the 2012 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. Students regard her highly for her patience, care and the extra instruction she provides outside of the classroom.

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Hitting the high notes The career of Kara Shay Weston Thomson ’92 has progressed from singing in church basements to performing with the New York City Opera. Throughout this journey, she remains ever-grateful for the support of her family and friends that has allowed her to live her dream and to become, as The New York Times describes her, “a compelling American soprano.”

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Man with a mission Not only does Chaplain, Lt. Col. Rives Duncan ’93 (master’s) instill the importance of living a life of integrity, service and excellence to cadets in the U.S. Air Force, but he also strives to achieve these values in his own life.

In every issue

Editor Mitzi Craft Lutz ’91, ’09 mitzi@nwmissouri.edu

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Dear Friends

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View Point

Designer Melinda Kelsey mkelsey@nwmissouri.edu

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Northwest News

10 Advancing Northwest 16 Cover Story 36 Alumni Connections 42 Bearcat Sports 45 Class Notes

Photographer Darren Whitley whitley@nwmissouri.edu

Editorial Assistants Claudia Beacom ’05 Teresa Carter ’91 Phillip Dowden Teresa Gustafson ’97, ’05 Mark Hornickel ’01 Polly Parsons Howard ’00, ’09 Mike Johnson ’85 Brittany Keithley ’11 Amanda Kinzel Laurie Drummond Long ’92 Mallory Murray Scott Nielson ’01 Lori McLemore Steiner ’85 Steve Sutton ’71 Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09 Photography Assistant Taylor Allan

The Northwest Alumni Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of University Relations, the Office of University Advancement, Northwest Missouri State University and the Northwest Foundation Inc., 800 University Dr., Maryville, MO 64468-6001.

The mission of the Northwest Alumni Magazine is to foster connections between alumni, friends and Northwest Missouri State University. The University strives to inform readers of the accomplishments of Northwest’s alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students and to positively position the University in the hearts of its many constituents to increase public and private support.

Northwest Missouri State University is an equal-opportunity, coeducational university and does not discriminate based on race, sex, disability, age, national origin or religion.

Printed in the USA.

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

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Dear Friends

Music alumni enthusiasm runs deep

Since 1976 when he joined the Northwest music faculty, Dr. Ernest Woodruff has been a positive influence in the lives of thousands of students and enjoys the camaraderie with alumni and their enthusiasm for their alma mater.

I had the privilege of attending the Fall Classic at Arrowhead Stadium last October with the Bearcat Marching Band. During the game, I had the opportunity to visit with Clark Montgomery, who is active in the Northwest Band Alumni Chapter. Clark and his wife, Candy, were in the marching band when I first came to Northwest in 1976.

Their warm and friendly smiles that made me feel welcome and accepted then have not diminished over the years. I truly appreciate the many wonderful relationships I have as a result of my association with others from Northwest, and I know all of you do as well.

The Montgomery’s son Dane, who participated in all of our music ensembles, stopped by and asked if I was looking forward to retirement. I explained that it is both exciting and sobering to consider such a drastic change in life. In fact I now look on many experiences with a sense of finality and nostalgia. I told Dane, who is the enthusiastic new president of our Northwest Band Alumni Chapter, that I had brought my camera with me so that I could have a way to remember the day since it would likely be my last opportunity to attend a Fall Classic.

There are many alumni who are equally enthusiastic. For example, Mark Reinig shared a fundraising idea with me last January that he

Northwest Foundation Inc. ’11-’12 Board of Directors

Arnold Johnson ’77, Houston, Texas

Deb Tripp ’92, ’96, Carrollton, Texas

President Dan Runde ’81, Platte City

Jennifer Nicholson ’71, Kansas City

Ex-Officio Directors

Betty Bush ’60, Maryville Rick Carter, Maryville

Vice President Holly Murphy-Barstow ’81, Omaha, Neb.

Terry Day ’65, Kansas City

Immediate Past President Mike Faust ’74, Omaha, Neb.

Toni Espey ’83, Parkland, Fla.

Mark Doll ’80, West Des Moines, Iowa Jason Garst ’93, Watson

Board Members Virgil Albertini, Fairway, Kan.

Troy Greenfield ’90, Kansas City

Mary Asbell ’69, Lubbock, Texas

Amy Harlin ’95, Smithville

John Baker, Maryville

Bill Hedge ’74, ’77, ’89, St. Joseph

Jeff Borchardt ’82, Olathe, Kan.

Ray Hischke ’66, The Woodlands, Texas

Kenny Petersen ’66, Omaha, Neb. Bill Price ’60, Cincinnati, Ohio Juan Rangel ’91, Kansas City Jim Redd ’66, Leawood, Kan. Paul Schieber ’81, Overland Park, Kan. Owen Straub ’86, Kansas City Kay Thomas ’71, Kansas City Gary Thompson ’76, Avon, Conn.

Dick Thomson, Maryville

Bill Brown ’63, Platte City

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

has since shared with the Northwest Foundation. The basic premise of his idea is that many small donations can have a very large impact on the education of future students. He has proposed that we ask alumni to commit to a small monthly gift. Multiplying a small gift by hundreds of donors can become a significant amount. Alumni support of this type will be increasingly important in the years to come as the cost of higher education rises.

It is my hope that all of our alumni are not only proud of their own achievements as students, but that they are also proud of the accomplishments of our current students and faculty. Certainly that pride extends to the achievements of our alumni, such as Kara Shay Weston Thomson ’92 who is featured on the cover of this issue. We all hope you will be willing to share your pride by continuing your support in any way that you can. If you are close enough to attend an event on campus, the students would be very encouraged by your presence. If you can help financially, your gift will be deeply appreciated.

It has indeed been a privilege to have served as a Northwest faculty member. My life is much richer for having known and worked with many superb students, faculty, administrators and, of course, alumni.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ernest Woodruff Professor of Music

Dean L. Hubbard, President Emeritus, Kansas City John Jasinski, University President Mike Johnson ’85, Executive Director B.D. Owens ’59, President Emeritus, West Des Moines, Iowa University Advancement Mike Johnson ’85, Vice President mikej@nwmissouri.edu

Teresa Gustafson ’97, ’05, Director of Strategic Donor Development and Development Officer/College of Arts and Sciences/KXCV/KRNW teresa@nwmissouri.edu

Polly Parsons Howard ’00, ’09, Development Officer/Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth College of Business and Professional Studies/IIC pollyh@nwmissouri.edu

Carma Green Kinman ’85, Executive Assistant ckinman@nwmissouri.edu

Laurie Drummond Long ’92, Development Officer/College of Education and Human Services/ Scholarships laurie@nwmissouri.edu

Scott Nielson ’01, Associate Athletic Director/ External Affairs scottn@nwmissouri.edu

Peggy Purdy, Accounting Specialist ppurdy@nwmissouri.edu

Lori McLemore Steiner ’85, Finance Officer steiner@nwmissouri.edu

Steve Sutton ’71, Director of Alumni Relations ssutton@nwmissouri.edu

Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09, Alumni Relations Specialist brenda@nwmissouri.edu

Viewpoint

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Look familiar?

Northwest student photographer Taylor Allan captured the following images from a unique perspective throughout campus. Test your knowledge of these familiar – or not so familiar – Northwest sites.

Answers can be found on Page 15.

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What’s on your mind?

Send a letter to the editor today. Address correspondence to Mitzi Lutz, editor, Northwest Alumni Magazine, 214 Administration Building, Maryville, MO 64468, visit www.nwmissouri. edu/alumni/magazine/editor.htm or send an email to mitzi@nwmissouri.edu.

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Do you remember these events?

1962 A Bearkitten women’s basketball team, the first since 1926, is started by Dorothy Walker.

Al Kyle, a former paratrooper, jumps 1,000 feet from a campus-circling airplane to call attention to Ivan Lyddon’s campaign for Student Senate president. His landing is greeted by a brass band welcome and applauded by many gathering students.

1972 “Open” hours are implemented in the women’s dorms as men are allowed to visit from 8 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, although women under 21 must first receive permission from their parents.

1982 The University’s wood-toenergy plant opens.

Northwest students raise more than $6,000 during a Muscular Dystrophy Dance Marathon in Lamkin Gymnasium. ▼

1992 Northwest’s athletics conference changes its name from the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Association to the MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

2002 Past and present members of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority unite to celebrate the chapter’s 75th anniversary.

The first “Clash of the Champions,” pitting Northwest vs. Pittsburg State, takes place at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, bringing in 26,695 fans and setting an NCAA Division II single-game attendance record.

Missouri Gov. Warren Hearnes signs a bill designating the school as Northwest Missouri State University.

Northwest enrollment reaches 2,000 students.

To accommodate overflowing crowds, Northwest’s spring commencement is divided into two ceremonies.

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

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Northwest News

Best wishes to retiring faculty The following faculty members will soon be retiring. Now is your opportunity to contact them and wish them well.

Dr. Mark Jelavich

Dr. Bruce Litte

Dr. Dennis Padgitt

Professor of Accounting/ Economics/Finance Started at Northwest: 1981 Retirement: July 3 660.562.1763 mjelav@nwmissouri.edu

Associate Professor of English Started at Northwest: 1981 Retirement: Aug. 6 660.562.1266 brucers@nwmissouri.edu

Professor of Agriculture Started at Northwest: 1967 Retirement: Aug. 1 660.562.1159 dpadgit@nwmissouri.edu

Paul Jones

Dr. Phil Lucido

Assistant Professor of English Started at Northwest: 1966 Retirement: June 1 660.562.1269 pjones@nwmissouri.edu

Professor of Biological Sciences Started at Northwest: 1971 Retirement: Aug. 1 660.562.1196 lucido@nwmissouri.edu

Dr. Ernest Woodruff Professor of Music Started at Northwest: 1976 Retirement: Aug. 1 660.562.1317 ewoodru@ nwmissouri.edu

National Science Foundation awards grant to provide computer science scholarships Northwest students who have an interest in computing and are in need of financial assistance may benefit from a grant awarded to the University’s Department of Computer Science and Information Systems.

The National Science Foundation recently awarded the department with an S-STEM grant totaling $517,075 over five years. The grant will help Northwest provide 25 scholarships to talented, yet financially disadvantaged, students pursuing baccalaureate degrees in computer science or interactive digital media-computer science.

Through a project titled “Using Socially Relevant Computing to Attract and Retain Computer Science Majors,” the department seeks to increase enrollment in the STEM areas – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – while providing students with extensive mentoring by faculty, peers and industry professionals. Research and internship

Northwest Alumni Magazine

opportunities, field trips and tutoring also will be offered through the grant. In addition, computer science faculty will work with area K-12 teachers to integrate computing into the elementary and secondary curriculum with the intention of introducing computing to a diverse pool of potential scholars.

Dr. Merry McDonald, professor of computer science and information systems who co-authored the grant project, said several factors played into the department’s desire for the grant. While enrollment in computer science programs is down nationwide, faculty are trying to make a case that developments in technology have greatly enhanced opportunities for computer science majors. The department also is actively seeking students who are not only interested in computer science but come from under-represented groups such as women, minorities and low-income families.

“Scholarships are a big factor in pro-

Spring 2012

viding students with a means to attend college, especially with the economy the way it is now,” McDonald said. “But you’ve got to have people that want to study the major. We want to make it clear to students that there’s more to computing than just sitting in a cubicle writing code.”

Additionally, the program will measure the effects of culturally specific mentoring. Each scholarship recipient will be paired with another student who shares cultural similarities as well as with an industry professional to discuss employment and other opportunities.

The National Science Foundation will award $60,995 to Northwest during the first year and $456,080 in the second year to fund the program through 2015.

Students awarded the scholarships will benefit for the four years of their undergraduate studies, provided they remain enrolled in a computer science-related major. n

Northwest News

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Northwest announces realignment, program, personnel changes Northwest, in response to the continuing shifts across higher education, announced in February a plan to realign its academic programs in addition to several program and personnel changes.

“It is clear we will look different come July 1,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “The University is in the midst of defining times, and during such, challenging, yet sound, decisions must be made. As Bearcats, we will keep our mission, vision and values at the forefront and accentuate our ability to focus on student success.”

As a result, 20 individuals – 2.8 percent of Northwest’s workforce – are being laid off. Effective July 1, Northwest will transition from 19 to 11 academic departments (outlined to the right) as part of the realignment plan, which will assist with the University’s continuing emphasis on interdisciplinary offerings and reduce administrative overhead. The plan also will move several faculty members currently serving as department chairs to full-time teaching positions and reduce the number of adjuncts.

Northwest will realign four of the five Department of Family and Consumer Sciences’ academic programs – child and family studies, merchandising, early childhood, and nutrition and dietetics – with other departments. The one program being eliminated from the department (and the only degree program being eliminated campuswide) is the bachelor of science in education degree in family and consumer sciences, which impacts 17 students. The elimination of the faculty positions in this program will not occur until June 2013 to ensure students experience a smooth transition to the new academic model.

Northwest also will eliminate the dance program offered through the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Dance is not a degree program and courses are offered only as electives.

Additionally, Northwest will make changes to other programs and services

that include elimination of the summer program at the Horace Mann Laboratory School and closure of the Robert P. Foster Aquatic Center. The University also will implement business plans for Horace Mann Laboratory School and the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing to move those programs to financially sustainable models. A business plan will be implemented to move KXCV-KRNW, Northwest’s award-winning National Public Radio station, to a financially viable model as well.

Jasinski noted Northwest recently has made significant cuts to its operating budgets and saved millions through a variety of cost-saving measures. Among them, the University has implemented hiring pauses across all non-instructional positions to save about $1 million, changed employee sick leave and vacation policies to save about $1.4 million,

renegotiated supplier contracts to save about $500,000, refinanced bonds to save about $400,000 and held salary increases for the last three years.

“We’ve held the line on tuition, allowing for accessibility, affordability and continued Northwest quality – while strengthening our financial position,” Jasinski said. “While this plan equates to nearly $2 million in reductions, there is still much to be done.”

Jasinski said the University will continue to address organizational issues and environmental conditions from a holistic perspective and will continue emphasizing the extreme value Northwest provides to students and society.

Visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ budgetfaqs for answers to frequently asked questions regarding the University’s process for realignment and reduction in force. n

College and Department Realignment (effective July 1, 2012) College of Arts and Sciences • The Department of Fine and Performing Arts will include art, music and theatre.

• The Department of Life and Natural Sciences will include biology, chemistry, physics and geology.

• The Department of English and Modern Languages will include English and languages.

• The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences will include history, humanities, philosophy, political science and geography.

• The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems will include math, computer science and information systems.

College of Education and Human Services • The Department of Professional Education will include curriculum and instruction, early childhood, outreach and educational leadership.

• The Department of Health and Human Services will include health, physical education, recreation and nutrition/dietetics.

• The Department of Behavioral Studies will include psychology, sociology, counseling and child/family studies.

Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth College of Business and Professional Studies • The Department of Business will include accounting/economics/finance, marketing/ management and merchandising.

• The Department of Agricultural Sciences will include agriculture.

• The Department of Communication and Mass Media will include mass communication and communication.

Note: During the realignment process, the names of each academic department may slightly change.

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

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Northwest News

Graduates’ families, friends worldwide view live stream of winter commencement For the first time, graduates along with their families and friends were invited to take to social media to participate in Northwest’s winter commencement ceremony, and the public could watch the ceremony live via a free online video stream.

While the live video stream was viewed by more than 800 visitors, graduates and their families shared their graduation memories on Twitter by using the hashtag #nw11. They also submitted photos of the ceremony to the Northwest Flickr feed by taking pictures with their mobile phones and sending them to nw11@nwmissouri.edu.

A total of 436 candidates received degrees in the winter class, and the top three majors were elementary education, business management and accounting. The top graduate degree was applied computer science. The graduates included 290 Missouri residents and 146 from other states as well as Brazil, India and the Peoples Republic of China.

Jeff Borchardt ’82, president and chief exec-

utive officer of the Kansas City Board of Trade, delivered the commencement address. Noting about one-third of the Board of Trade employees are Northwest alumni, Borchardt said Northwest graduates are known for having solid backgrounds, good work ethics and grounded career expectations.

Northwest’s spring commencement ceremonies also will be offered live via an online video stream.

President Dr. John Jasinski integrates social media into the winter To view the winter commencement ceremony by taking a photo of the graduating class commencement cerand posting it on Twitter. emony’s video stream, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/live/. To view photos on Northwest’s Flickr page, visit www.flickr.com/photos/nwmostate. n

Kansas City Center provides stimulus to K-12 educators

Where learners and resources meet Several noticeable changes have occurred inside Northwest’s B.D. Owens Library, and the University community gathered to celebrate them during a grand reopening event. Owens ’59 (left), Northwest’s eighth president, and retired public relations director Bob Henry (right) visited during the ceremony.

The recent changes have made the facility a more learner-centered environment, said Dr. Leslie Galbreath ’85, ’02, director of academic and library services, and students are responding positively to the changes – so much so that door counts increased by nearly 21,000 during the 2010-2011 academic year. To view an audio slideshow with highlights of the reopening ceremony, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/LibrarySoundSlide. n

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

Northwest’s Kansas City Center gave a boost to seven educators in the Kansas City metropolitan area by awarding them with teaching grants of up to $500 each.

“The current state of education has created some challenges,” said Northwest Kansas City Center Director Dr. Terry Barmann. “The goals of Northwest include promoting K-12 student achievement. When we can collaborate and work together, accomplishments can be realized in tough economic times.”

The recipients and their schools are Jillian Comstock and Lindsay Gorden, Orrick Elementary School; Ulrike Hayes, Kearney Middle School; Kristine Hoffman, West Platte R-II Junior/Senior High School; Lori Mann, Northland Career Center in Platte City; Sarah Barmann Smith, Fort Osage High School; and Susannah Smith ’10 (master’s), Kearney Elementary School.

The Kansas City Center offers 20 graduate degree and certificate programs. For more information, contact the Kansas City Center at 816.736.6600 or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/kc. n

Northwest News

Spradling receives award for teaching excellence

By the Numbers

Dr. Carol Spradling, associate professor of computer science and information systems, is Northwest’s recipient of the 2012 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, presented annually to an outstanding faculty member from each of Missouri’s four-year higher education institutions.

“I’ve learned so much from the faculty here, so it’s an award not only for me but a recognition for other people I’ve worked with,” said Spradling, who joined the Northwest faculty in Dr. Carol Spradling, recipient of the 2012 Governor’s Award for 1988.

Excellence in Education, teaches a variety of computer science In addition to helping courses. Spradling serves as one of the advisers for Knacktive develop a number of new and co-hosted Northwest’s first Women in Computing Conference during the fall trimester. courses, Spradling serves as one of six faculty advisalong with a special course in professional ers working with Knacktive, Northwest’s development. During a colleague’s spring student-led, interdisciplinary, strategic 2011 sabbatical, Spradling also taught communications agency. Spradling also Northwest’s graduate-level human-comteaches courses in Java programming, puter interaction course. n script programming and database systems

Dollars saved after completing the renovation for the new Student Media Converged Newsroom by using a crew of workers from the University’s Department of Environmental Services

Grispino honored A bench near Colden Pond was recently dedicated to professor emeritus Dr. Frank Grispino (left), who retired in 2010 after serving the University for 45 years. Grispino was joined by his family – also proud Bearcats – including (from left) Ashlyn Alexander; Frank Grispino Jr.; Susan Grispino ’02; Dr. Kristi Grispino Alexander ’93, ’96, ’99; Tim Alexander; Vicki Grispino ’77, ’89; Gage Grispino; and Gunnar Grispino. n

Spring 2012

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14,000

7,225

Fall 2011 total student headcount – an enrollment record for the fourth consecutive year

2,570

Pounds of recyclable material collected by Sigma Phi Epsilon (with assistance from Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority), the largest amount collected by a fraternity during the first “Greeks Go Green” recycling competition (Collectively, the participating fraternities diverted more than 8,100 pounds from the landfill during the four-week competition.)

1,053

Number of Northwest students from an underrepresented domestic group or another country – the most diverse student body in the institution’s history

85

Percent of Northwest students who receive some form of financial aid (The average financial aid package awarded to a Northwest student is more than $8,500.)

42

Number of graduate programs Northwest offers

3.04

Grade point average of Northwest’s student-athletes during the 2010-2011 academic year

Northwest Alumni Magazine

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Advancing Northwest

Legacy of a loyal Bearcat

The family of the late Chuck Place ’72, a former Northwest Foundation Board President, Phi Sig, philanthropist and Bearcat football fanatic, has created a scholarship in his memory.

Keeping alive the spirit of a loyal and enthusiastic Bearcat and celebrating his values is the premise behind the scholarship created in memory of Chuck Place ’72.

Place passed away in 2009 after a battle with cancer. He was an astute businessman and in retirement dedicated his life to philanthropy, including serving as the president of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors.

Place, the 2003 recipient of the Northwest Alumni Association Turret Award, was president of Place’s Discount Stores until his retirement in 2000. Previously, he was a CPA with

McGladrey and Pullen.

“It was one of the great joys of Dad’s life to be associated with the amazing group of people that are the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Northwest,” said his son Ted Place ’99.

To preserve his legacy and to continue to give back to their alma mater, Place’s family established the Charles M. Place Memorial Scholarship through the Northwest Foundation. Place was an accounting major at Northwest, so his family thought it was fitting to establish the scholarship for Northwest students majoring in accounting, economics or finance. Preference will be given to students from Place’s hometown of Albany. Applicants must also demonstrate leadership in campus organizations as well as financial need.

“We believe that investing

in the University is a responsibility of each member of the Northwest family, and helping students financially is a great way to pass what Northwest has given us on to the next generation,” Ted Place said.

“Chuck’s family has created another opportunity to help ease the financial burden of a Northwest student while encouraging them to get involved in their campus community, just like he did,” said Polly Parsons Howard ’00, ’09, a development officer for the Northwest Foundation. “The Place family hopes that gifts like theirs will continue to inspire other alumni to give back in the same way.”

To contribute to, or learn more about, the Charles M. Place Memorial Scholarship, contact Polly Howard at pollyh@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248. n

Gray estate gift to benefit Northwest music majors Living in the Nodaway County area, Forrest and Lucile Gray always considered Northwest a significant part of their community. Additionally, it was the couple’s desire to enable deserving students the opportunity to pursue higher education.

As a result, Northwest recently received a gift of more than $117,000 from the Gray estate for an endowed scholarship.

The Forrest Gray and Lucile Gray Scholarship will be awarded to a fulltime Northwest student who has declared a major in music, with a preference to instrumentalists.

Throughout Lucile Gray’s life, music was close to her heart. She played the trumpet in her high school band and orchestra as well as at solo performances at the Hopkins Christian Church.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

“As the Grays watched the University grow, so did their interest in the performing arts that the University offered,” said Teresa Gustafson ’97, ’05, director of strategic donor development. “They appreciated what the University brought to Maryville in the field of education as well as what it contributed to the community. We are honored that they chose to remember Northwest and its students in their estate.”

Northwest music majors will benefit from an endowed scholarship established from the estate of Lucile and Forrest Gray.

For more information about the Forrest Gray and Lucile Gray Scholarship, contact Teresa Gustafson at teresa@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248. n

Spring 2012

Advancing Northwest

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Scholarship named for longtime vice president, father of ‘Electronic Campus’ Northwest, the Northwest Foundation and Dr. Jon Rickman recently announced the formation of the Jon Rickman Electronic Campus Scholarship. The scholarship is named for the University’s former vice president of information systems, who retired in December after serving the institution for 35 years.

Beginning this fall, the Jon Rickman Electronic Campus Scholarship will be available to Northwest students of all majors, with academic achievement and financial need serving as the leading criteria.

“I am extremely pleased this scholarship will continue one of the initial guiding principles of the Electronic Campus, that is, ‘students come first,’” Rickman said. “Through this scholarship, hopefully more students can experience a quality education enhanced by excellent technology at Northwest.”

Rickman began teaching and became director of computing services at Northwest in 1976. That same year, he programmed a new Altair micro computer, the first commercial personal computer in the world, used by Northwest’s De-

partment of Computer Science.

In 1987, Rickman created the first campuswide academic comprehensive computing network and residence hall network in the nation. The network garnered national attention for Northwest through coverage by The Washington Post, USA Today and the Associated Press, and since, Rickman has been known as the father of the University’s “Electronic Campus.”

During the 1990s, Rickman continued to ensure Northwest remained on the cutting edge of the fast-evolving computer technology. In 1991, he helped create MOREnet, the Missouri Research and Educational Network, a data and digital instructional TV network that has saved Missouri schools and tax payers millions of dollars during the last 20 years.

Rickman was promoted to vice president of information systems in 1996, and in 2004, Northwest implemented a low cost model to provide residence hall students with laptops. Furthermore, in 2008, Northwest implemented its program to

provide laptops to its more than 7,000 students, making the University the first in the nation to provide both a laptop and textbooks to its students as part of their tuition and fees.

“Jon Rickman is a scholar and leader who has epitomized brilliance for more than four decades in higher education,” said Mike Johnson ’85, vice president of university advancement. “This scholarship will award his truest love for students in his name forever, and it clearly links to Northwest’s mission of student success.”

To support the Jon Rickman Electronic Campus Scholarship, submit a taxdeductible gift to the Northwest Foundation at 800 University Dr., Maryville, MO 64468 or visit www.nwmissouri. edu/GiveOnline. For more information, contact Northwest’s Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248. n

Foundation Board of Directors Members of the 2011-2012 Northwest Foundation Board of Directors include (front row, from left) Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski, Bill Price ’60, Jennifer Dawson Nicholson ’71, Kay Thomas ’71, Lynn Ruhl, Don Beeson ’59, Terry Day ’65, Mary Asbell ’69, Dr. Virgil Albertini, (second row) Tony Cowen Espey ’83, Dr. Betty Johnson Bush ’60, Foundation Vice President Holly Murphy-Barstow ’81, Arnold Johnson ’77, Deb Tripp ’92, ’96, Jason Garst ’93, Executive Director Mike Johnson ’85, (third row) Paul Schieber ’81, Gary Thompson ’76, Phil Patterson ’74, Dr. Bill Hedge ’74, ’77, ’89, Dr. John Baker, Troy Greenfield ’90, Dick Thomson, (back row) Mark Doll ’80, Foundation President Dan Runde ’81, Bill Brown ’63, Jeff Borchardt ’82, Dr. Jim Redd ’66, Jim Blackford ’72, Rick Carter and Owen Straub ’86. (Not pictured: Mike Faust ’74, Amy Harlin ’95, Ray Hischke ’66, Kenny Peterson ’66 and Juan Rangel ’91). n

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Lasting Legacies

The Smith homestead in northwest Missouri Homer Smith

Florine Ware Smith ’31

“Community, education and the land were important to my parents. My husband, George, and I felt what better way to honor them and the Ware and Smith families than to establish a scholarship in our community. Our thanks goes to the Northwest Foundation for making this possible.”

Sharelle Smith Leick In 2007, Sharelle Smith Leick (attd. ’61-’64) and her husband, George, moved from Seattle, Wash., to her family farm in northwest Missouri and built a home for their retirement on Smith Acres, where Sharelle’s paternal grandfather had settled over 100 years earlier.

“My parents knew hard times and good times, but they always found joy in their lives,” said Sharelle Leick. “My mother, (Florine Ware Smith, a 1931 College High/Horace Mann graduate) was known for her smile and her laugh, while my dad, Homer, had a dry sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye.”

In her parents’ memory, Sharelle and George Leick have endowed the Homer O. and Florine (Ware) Smith Scholarship.

While making their estate plans, the Leicks included a provision in their trust for the Northwest Foundation that will build up the existing scholarship endowment after their lifetimes.

“My parents’ interests were many, so we will not limit their scholarship to one discipline,” Sharelle said. “We wish to honor them and their families whose roots are in the land of Nodaway and Andrew counties and recognize family

members who remain on the farm as well as those whose lives have taken them into careers in education, engineering, business or medicine.”

The scholarship, with preference to graduates of Nodaway County and Andrew County high schools who choose to attend Northwest, will be awarded based on academic achievement and financial need.

“To the future students who receive this scholarship, we wish the very best and hope that they may enjoy their educational experience and the reward it offers throughout their lives,” Sharelle said.

Sharelle Leick was a CPA in Seattle for 20 years before retiring in 2005 and holds a bachelor’s in business education and master’s degrees in business administration and tax. George Leick spent his 35-year career as a research scientist in wood technology at the Weyerhaeuser Company in the Seattle area working with lumber mills throughout the country to improve their manufacturing processes; he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry.

One of the easiest planned gifts to create and implement is the bequest in your will or living trust. It allows you to give any percentage of your estate as a charitable gift when a current gift of real estate or cash might not otherwise be feasible.

Consider these advantages: n It’s simple to set up. n You’re able to maintain control of your assets. n It provides a gift to Northwest in an amount you feel is appropriate, and you can still provide for your loved ones.

n It provides an estate tax deduction. n It provides for a cause you deem worthy at Northwest. n It includes membership in the Northwest Foundation’s

James H. Lemon Heritage Society.

n You leave a lasting legacy at Northwest.

Contact the Office of University Advancement at advance@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248 to find out about the many advantages of providing an estate provision.

Advancing Northwest

13

State’s focus aligns with Northwest ag department Business, technology and marketing may not top the list when one thinks of farming or agriculture but, according to Dr. Jon Hagler, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, these three areas of focus are key as the industry moves forward statewide and globally.

Hagler visited campus last fall to learn more about the University’s agriculture department’s efforts. The department is in the midst of several new initiatives that include moving toward a studentmanaged farm and developing an agricultural education hub and a regional resource center for applied agriculture.

Hagler witnessed first-hand some of these initiatives as he toured the Valk Agriculture Professions Center as well as the site of the proposed resource center on the R.T. Wright University Lab Farm.

With changes in curriculum and resources, Hagler confirmed that North-

west’s ag department is right on track with its focus. Evidence can be noted in the increased student enrollment within the department.

“We have 475 undergraduate students in our department and an increase of more than 19 percent in our undergraduate and graduate enrollment this year,” said Rod Barr, Northwest agriculture education instructor.

To accommodate the growing demand, Northwest’s ag department has nearly $8 million in funding priorities to help cover the costs of the resource center on the farm and improvements to the University Farm.

To learn how you or your business can help with funding priorities for Northwest’s Department of Agriculture, contact Polly Howard, development officer, at pollyh@nwmissouri. edu or 660.562.1248. n

During his visit to campus last fall, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler (right) visits with Northwest agriculture instructor Rod Barr (left) and learned of new initiatives and growth in Northwest’s agriculture department.

Paw-to-Paw provides a ‘social’ way to impact Northwest With more than 28,000 fans on Northwest’s Facebook page and a growing number of projects on campus that deserve support, the Paw-to-Paw microfunding website was developed. The website, which was launched in February, targets Northwest alumni and friends through social media who would like to

give back to the University.

“The concept for Paw-to-Paw evolved from Northwest’s amazing success with social media,” said Mallory Murray, chief design and marketing officer. “It was clear that Bearcats have a deep desire to be connected to the University, as evidenced by the fact that we have the largest Facebook following in the MIAA and one of the largest followings in Division II compared to our peer schools.”

Murray said the goal of Paw-to-Paw is to provide avid Bearcat supporters an opportunity to give back to the University in relatively small increments (starting at $25) using social media and to engage and educate them about a variety of financial needs across campus.

Funding projects from departments throughout campus Based on Northwest’s excellent response on social media from alumni and friends, a micro-funding website was created. are submitted for inclusion The Paw-to-Paw website allows visitors to make donations to on the Paw-to-Paw site yearspecific projects throughout campus in $25 increments.

round, with a stipulation that the price tag can be no more than $2,500. Alumni and friends can click on a picture of a project, learn about the funding needs and donate in $25 increments to the cause.

A sampling of projects currently seeking support include opportunities to fund a field trip for petrology students to the Arbuckle and Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma; the establishment of a student string quartet; and a tall conductor’s podium to improve the safety for ensemble conductors.

“Micro-funding is not a means of replacing traditional philanthropy,” said Mike Johnson ’85, vice president of university advancement. “It’s a way to engage donors and illustrate to them that their giving – at any level – can have a direct impact on students.”

Visit the Paw-to-Paw website at www. pawtopaw.org, and for more information, contact advance@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248. n

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

14

Advancing Northwest

Upgraded foods laboratory enhances dietetics instruction Thanks to assistance from a $10,000 gift from Agnes Kowitz Boulger ’41, Northwest students studying dietetics, foods and nutrition now have a modern laboratory where they can hone their skills and prepare for careers in food service.

These students were accustomed to dated kitchens on the third floor of the Administration Building with orange Formica-covered countertops and tables, vinyl seats and other furnishings from a different era of cooking instruction.

Previously, the classroom, which was last updated during the 1960s, was configured with five small kitchens designed to teach cooking skills to future home-

makers.

Beginning in the fall, however, students were greeted by an upgraded The newly renovated foods laboratory brings students into a new era facility that featured lab stations outfitted with new with upgraded appliances and food preparation areas. The update allows students to learn in an environment representative of the field. ranges and appliances, stainless steel tables and age room and circulation system. Counstools. New utensils occupied the drawers tertops, flooring and ceiling tiles were and, to put a stamp on the new look, the replaced, while the sinks were repurwalls were painted a deep red. posed. A teaching station with upgraded The new lab is designed so students projection technology also was added to can experiment with the science of food the room. and learn food preparation techniques in Like other recent renovation projects courses such as food science, food service completed by the University, the conmanagement and quantity foods. struction work was done in-house at a The renovations included a new storcost-savings. n

Parents create scholarship in memory of daughter

A drunken driver may have tragically ended Abby Cockrill’s life, but her legacy lives thanks to a scholarship created by her parents to benefit Northwest students majoring in elementary education.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

A memorial scholarship has been established for a Northwest student killed by a drunken driver in August 2010. Abby Cockrill, 22, was majoring in early childhood elementary education and student teaching in Platte City in addition to serving as a youth minister. She was on track to graduate with honors from Northwest when her life tragically ended.

Her parents, Pat and Diana Cockrill of Platte City, have recently created the Abby Leigh Cockrill Memorial Scholarship through the Northwest Foundation in her memory. The scholarship recipients must be juniors or seniors at Northwest majoring in elementary education, with priority given to students involved in Greek life.

“Abby’s spirit and enthusiasm were joyous inspirations to everyone who knew her,” said Dr. Barbara Crossland, associate professor of curriculum and instruction. “It’s wonderful that this scholarship will honor her memory.”

Cockrill was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority where she had served as parliamentarian, was in charge of the organization’s overall Homecoming for two years and served as a Gamma Chi for two years, helping mentor and guide ladies going through recruitment.

Spring 2012

Cockrill participated in the annual BRUSH (Beautifying Residences Using Student Help) projects on campus and in the community, raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, assisted with residential life programming and facilitated residential spirituality nights.

In addition, she was on the President’s Honor Roll, was a member of Tower Choir her freshman year and was a member of the Cardinal Key National Honor Society. She volunteered and supported Special Olympics, participated in Kids Corner, where she read books to children and those in hospitals, and read to children at Northwest’s Horace Mann Laboratory School.

“Abby was a true leader who had the ability to inspire others to be better people and to give back to their community,” said Diana Cockrill.

“She had a passion for working with children and youth and the enthusiasm to be a wonderful teacher. Abby truly loved to live and lived to love.”

For more information about the Abby Leigh Cockrill Memorial Scholarship or other giving opportunities through the Northwest Foundation, contact Teresa Gustafson at 660.562.1248 or teresa@nwmissouri.edu. n

And the survey says ...

The Northwest Alumni Magazine asked alumni via Facebook and Twitter to answer several questions about their college years. Here are the top answers to these questions. Don’t forget to follow Northwest on social media to participate in additional surveys just for fellow Bearcats.

As a student, where was the best place to go for date night?

1. A local restaurant 2. Movie theatre 3. An event on campus As a student, what was your favorite way to relieve stress during finals week?

1. Going out with friends 2. Enjoying the great outdoors 3. Watching a movie

Where was the best 1. Library 2. Residence hall 3. Student Union

place on campus to

study?

What’s your favorite part about the Northwest Homecoming parade?

1. Reuniting with fellow Bearcats 2. The impressive floats 3. The Bearcat Marching Band as well as area

What was your most challenging class?

1. Economics 2. Communication Law 3. Chemistry What was your favorite part of your freshman year?

1. Meeting new people 2. Getting involved in a student organization 3. Being independent

What prompted you to attend Northwest?

What MIAA school is Northwest’s biggest athletic rival?

1. Reasonable cost of tuition 2. Location 3. Northwest’s reputation

1. Missouri Western 2. Pittsburg State 3. Central Missouri

What’s the best part about the Northwest vs. Pitt State football game played each fall at Arrowhead Stadium?

1. Tailgating prior to the big game 2. The venue – it’s at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City!

3. Excellent exposure for Northwest

high school bands

Look familiar? (answers from page 5) 1. A beautiful patina complements the Bell of ’48. 2. Metallic and natural wood themes are popular hues amongst the newest buildings on campus, like this awning over the Studio Theatre’s DST Systems entrance at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.

3. The view from the bottom of a turret on the Administration Building illustrates the impressive stature of the building. 4. Seat 14 is located in Bearcat Stadium.

16

Kara Shay Weston Thomson ’92 enjoys life.

She’s passionate about her profession and quick to give credit to others for her success.

She’s got a warm smile and an infectious laugh.

She also calls it like it is.

“I’m not saving lives. I didn’t come up with some great vaccine.

I’m not traveling to other countries to aid children.

I dress up in costumes and play with wigs.”

She’s an anything-but-stereotypical opera singer (she hasn’t even worn a horned helmet), and the impact of her music – both on herself and others – is what drives her to continue …

Hitting the High Notes

By Mitzi Lutz

Photography by Darren Whitley

“I may play with wigs, but in the end, music allows people to release themselves to let them get taken away. I help transport the audience to another time and place where they can leave their troubles of everyday life outside of the opera house. It can be an amazing experience. And when the curtain goes up, the orchestra begins and I take a breath, I know that every part of me was made to sing.”

No, not the ‘Phantom’

Thomson realizes a significant portion of the American public has not been introduced to the world of opera. As a small-town preacher’s daughter from the Midwest, she can certainly relate; the first opera she attended was one in which she was performing. But now, the soprano who at one time envisioned herself as “the next fantastic show choir teacher” has proven herself as a versatile and essential artist on the operatic and concert stages.

She recently received rave reKara Shay Thomson, with her exquisite soprano operatic voice, rehearses the opening act of Opera New Jersey’s production of “Tosca,” in which she has the title role.

Design by Melinda Kelsey

views for her one-woman show with the New York City Opera (see sidebar on page 17) and has performed in elite venues such as New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

Thomson also has held title roles and performed with opera companies nationwide, including Chicago Opera Theatre, Opera New Jersey, Sarasota Opera, Kentucky Opera, Cincinnati May Festival and Glimmerglass Opera.

“I’m at the point in my career that I’m usually the title role or I’m the lead female. I’m pretty much not the maid or the ‘third girl from the left,’” said Thomson, who works through a New York management company. “Having sung with New York City Opera has increased my cachet.”

Thomson admits her career is anything but an 8-to-5 job and last year spent seven months away from her Loveland, Ohio, home due to her rehearsal and performance schedule. This year’s schedule is even more grueling.

“I miss entire seasons,” she said.

“For instance, I left the house and our Christmas decorations were still up, and when I come back home it’ll be Easter.”

However, technology such as FaceTime on her iPhone and Skype makes being away from her 7-year-old daughter, Emma, and husband, Brad, a bit more bearable.

“When I tell people what I do for a living, they usually ask if I do ‘Phantom of the Opera,’” she said. “That’s the closest connection for people who don’t know opera. I have to tell them that’s actually a musical, and I love that art form as well, but what I do is without microphones.”

Whether it’s an intimate venue or a 3,000seat house, she said opera performers don’t use microphones, relying solely on the acoustics of the hall and their powerful voices.

“Opera singers usually have really big heads because there’s a lot of space to resonate,” she said with a chuckle. “I can pick the opera singers out on a subway. They always have a scarf (to protect themselves from germs) and they have big faces! Terrible for film, but great for stage!”

She is quite serious, however, about the importance of protecting her voice. She’s diligent about defending herself from germs, not only for her benefit but also for the benefit of her colleagues.

Shaking hands is a risk, and airplanes are “the worst.” Fortunately, Thomson has never missed a performance due to illness.

“I look like I have SARS when I’m on an airplane,” Thomson said. “I wear a mask and a scarf. I’ll tell you what, people don’t talk to you! I also drink a lot of water and use a neti pot (for nasal irrigation) every day and a humidifier. I get a little freaky when I get close to a job. I don’t go to the roller skating rink with my daughter, and Chuck E. Cheese is like a Petri dish.”

Sermon and a song

Thomson’s path to success began at an early age – so early that she sang her first solo in church at the age of 3.

“My family is very musical,” said Thomson, whose father was a Disciples of Christ minister and mother was the minister of education and youth. “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t performing. I don’t have stage fright. I have the opposite. I get this energy from it. When my brother and I got a little older we all did this traveling gig. My dad would preach and my brother would play the drums and we’d all

Following an evening rehearsal of “Tosca,” Kara Shay Thomson is fitted for one of the many elaborate gowns worn by her character. In addition to wearing ornate costumes, Thomson always performs (other than in rehearsal) in a wig and, like all opera singers, never uses a microphone.

sing. This taught me ear training and to sing harmony.”

She also took her own “show” on the road, in hopes of becoming the next Sandi Patty, the popular contemporary Christian singer.

“I used to have several Sandi Patty cassettes, and I would go to churches on Sundays and do ‘Sermon and a Song.’ I’d take my boom box and lay all of my cassette tapes out in the order they should be. I’d read a scripture and then put in a tape and sing. I was so excited when they came out with CDs. If I’d had an iPod back then I can’t image how nice it would have been! I could have sung for hours!”

Thomson continued to excel in music at Warrensburg High School, which is when she caught the attention of then-Northwest music professor Dr. Rick Weymuth, who successfully recruited her to attend Northwest. At Northwest, she was involved in Celebration and Tower Choir and has special memories of her time in Maryville. As a side note, Thomson will be the featured soprano in Weymuth’s Farewell Concert, scheduled for this April in Lincoln Center.

“Kara Shay is definitely in the top 1 percent of sopranos I’ve ever worked with,” Weymuth said. “She is utterly phenomenal. She is a fountain of positivism and has an amazing ability to brighten everyone’s day. She’s one of those students I just knew would make it. Kara Shay’s never been afraid of hard work, and

Spring 2012

Reviews for Thomson’s portrayal as The Woman in “Erwartung” with the New York City Opera “From the first phrases sung by Kara Shay Thomson, a compelling American soprano with a plush, vibrant, powerful voice, you do not know whether to pity or fear her ... She was marvelous.”

The New York Times “For ‘Erwartung,’ a kind of fever dream of a woman stumbling over the body of her dead lover in a forest, the rich-voiced soprano Kara Shay Thomson ably navigates the expressionistic outbursts and crooning irregularities of the vocal line ...”

The Wall Street Journal

Northwest Alumni Magazine

18 when she was a student, if I asked for 100 percent, she’d always give 150 percent.”

However, when it came time for Thomson, a music education major, to student teach during the final semester of her senior year, it became apparent that teaching high school music was not in the cards.

“I just didn’t care for teaching, although someday, maybe in 20 years, I would like to teach in a conservatory. I think at the time I was just too close in age to the kids in high school,” she said. “I was in a tough situation and was in shock that what I thought was in store for my future was not going to happen.”

A fortunate fracture

Following graduation, Thomson remained in Kansas City, where she had student taught, and continued her part-time job as a bartender at Applebee’s. Unfortunately – or fortunately – the self-proclaimed “klutz” fell at work and broke her arm. By this time, her parents lived in Virginia and it was impossible for her to continue bartending with a fractured ego and her arm in a sling.

“Someone from my dad’s church called me and said there was a job for a youth minister and choir director opening up, and my name had come in front of the board,” she said. “I ended up leaving Kansas City and going to Lynchburg, Va., and became the minister of music for two years, and I loved it.”

Thomson said her favorite part of the job was starting and directing an elderly choir who billed themselves as the Dayspring Singers.

“I got a commercial driver’s license, and I drove the church bus, and we all wore red skirts, white blouses and scarves and went to nursing homes and sang. I think the average age was 75!

It was like my own little Northwest Celebration show choir!”

While in Virginia, Thomson began taking voice lessons from an instructor who taught at a nearby women’s college and had also performed with the New York City Opera. She inquired if Thomson had ever considered singing opera.

“I didn’t really even know what opera was,” Thomson admitted. “However, I was interested and soon I was entered into a competition for young artists – which I did horribly at.”

Thomson didn’t give up and continued to enhance her skills in this new endeavor. Shortly after she and her husband were married, they moved to Boston so she could attend graduate school at the New England Conservatory of Music.

“I knew I really needed to learn my languages and to get opera performance experience,” she said. “The school’s opera program ran itself as an opera company, (Top, left) Kara Shay Thomson, who admits to being a “social butterfly,” enjoys the community outreach aspect of her career and introducing the world of opera to new audiences. (Left) Thomson said her favorite role is the lead of “Tosca,” Puccini’s explosive drama about a tempestuous opera star, the man she loves and the sinister police chief who will stop at nothing to have her.

(Photo by Richard Termine)

19 and it was a tremendous opportunity.”

From her time in graduate school and the years following, Thomson was introduced to the business from the ground up, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“If I ever get to The Met, it will never be said that I didn’t climb my way up. I’ve cut my teeth in the church basement operas where you really get to hone your craft,” she said. “One night I’d perform as the Countess and the next night I was plugging the lights in or serving as stage manager. I’ve sewn capes and sung a lot of chorus.”

Demystifying ‘Oooooohhhh’

Thomson understands the less-than-flattering perception often associated with opera and takes action to enhance the public’s understanding of her profession.

“I think it’s important to start in the schools,” she said.

“You’ve got to get to the kids before they get that perception.

And then for those who already have that perception, you’ve got to break it by making opera accessible. The more unattainable it is, the less people want to engage in I got a commercial it.”

Throughout driver’s license, and I drove her career, Thomthe church bus, and we son routinely performs outreach all wore red skirts, white with a range of blouses and scarves and audiences, from went to nursing homes and elementary school children to socisang. I think the average ety’s top philanage was 75! It was like thropists.

“Kids are my own little Northwest great,” she said. “I Celebration show choir! walk in to their class and ask them to sing like an opera singer and they sing really high, ‘Oooooohhhh.’ Then I sing for them and they realize I actually sing songs. I demystify it. I take in wigs, and I teach them how to bow and curtsey. I just wish everyone could come to rehearsals so they can see we’re real people in everyday clothes, getting a cup of coffee and working. It’s still a job we do; we just do it really publicly.”

Thomson has even had to educate her own family and friends on the enjoyment of opera.

“For my grandparents, if I could have sung at the Grand

“

Ole Opry, that would have been it! But my whole family has jumped right into it. My daughter even says she wants to be an opera singer when she grows up,” Thomson said. “The best way that I can introduce my friends and family to opera is to take them to one of my shows. If you know somebody in the show, it’s a whole different experience.”

The history of her art form also has special meaning to Thomson.

“The fact that I can sing Mozart from the exact score that someone did when it was originally written in the 1800s is amazing. I’m carrying on a tradition. It’s like being part of something that’s bigger than you, and I can carry it on to the next generation.”

Her undeniable appreciation for opera is only surpassed by her appreciation for her family and friends, for these are the individuals who have allowed her to pursue her dreams.

“The sacrifices I make are nothing compared to the sacrifices everyone else makes,” she said with tears in her eyes. “If you really think about what everyone has done for me to live my dream, in a really big way, it’s an amazing gift that my family and friends have given me, to let me go and be this crazy character.

It’s all about the sacrifices … what everyone else is giving up, and it’s a really big deal.” n To view excerpts and additional photos from Kara Shay Thomson’s interview with the Northwest Alumni Magazine, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/magazine.

For more information about Kara Shay Thomson, visit www.karashaythomson.com.

”

(Top, left) During a rehearsal break, Kara Shay Thomson shares a light moment with Maestro Valery Ryvkin, the conductor of Opera New Jersey’s production of “Tosca.” (Above) Thomson has performed in many of the country’s most elite venues, including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Her February performance with Opera New Jersey was in the historic McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, N.J.

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

20

Student Success

Jones credits Northwest for well-rounded education As Elise Jones ’11 graduated from Northwest with her degree in interactive digital media with a computer science emphasis in December, she looked back on her college experience as one that was eye-opening, rewarding and a reminder that one’s goals can be achieved by hard work.

Jones came to Northwest from Omaha, Neb., with the intention of pursuing a degree in vocal music performance but soon realized her passion for computers and technology.

“Music was always easy for me, and I loved it, but I also enjoyed the challenge of solving logical and mathematical problems,” Jones said. “Since Northwest is an excellent fit for both majors, it worked out

well for me.”

Jones immediately got involved in activities she enjoyed, making new friends and expanding her knowledge along the way. At Northwest, she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, the Spirit and Truth Gospel Choir, the DigEM student organization for multi-media and advertising majors, Awaken Student Ministries and the Residence Hall Association, among other organizations. Jones also was a member of Northwest’s Homecoming royalty the last two years.

“I was very involved in high school and honestly didn’t know how to transition (to college),” Jones said.

“I learned quickly that my resources could be my best

friend throughout my time at Northwest, and I wanted to make sure I got my hands into everything that interested me. It was a great way to meet people, and it gave me more motivation to keep my grades up.”

Last spring, she was one of 24 students seElise Jones ’11, who participated in Northwest’s Spirit lected to be part and Truth Gospel Choir, took full advantage of the of the pilot class many organizations available to students. Those experiences led to a fulfilling undergraduate experience as for Northwest’s she now transitions to a rewarding career. student-led straadvertising and marketing. tegic commuToday, Jones lives in Kansas nications agency, Knacktive.

City and is a technical supThe intense training helped port analyst at Cerner. n Jones develop her interests in

Pettegrew hopes to share passion for chemistry with future students

Colin Pettegrew, of St. Joseph, recently earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and plans to pursue his master’s and doctorate degrees to become a professor.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Colin Pettegrew ’11 enrolled at Northwest as a freshman because his parents – Mark ’74, ’75 and Becky Puett ’75, ’88 Pettegrew – were alumni. Four years later, as he graduated with a bachelor’s in chemistry in December, the education he received at Northwest has motivated him to further his academic career.

Pettegrew, of St. Joseph, now plans to pursue his master’s and doctorate degrees to become a professor.

“All the chemistry teachers at Northwest really care about their students, and it definitely shows,” he said. “I know I will take that example with me wherever I go.”

Pettegrew took part in several research projects during his time at Northwest. He worked with Dr. Rafiq Is-

Spring 2012

lam, professor of chemistry and physics, on research of nanoparticles and their properties. He also traveled to Southern Illinois University and the University of Kansas during two separate summers to study computational chemistry, which uses computers to solve chemistry problems as part of a nationally funded research program.

“I wanted to get some research experience because it sets you up for graduate school and it tells you whether graduate school is a good fit for you,” he said. “I enjoyed both of my research programs so I knew graduate school was the right option for me.”

At Northwest, Pettegrew also worked as a chemistry tutor and a peer adviser to incoming freshmen. He urged students to take advantage of professors’ office hours, foster relationships with professors and develop a passion for the material they’re studying. n

The Bridge, 2010-2011

21

The Bridge Contributors to Northwest during the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year

Foundation reaches milestone year, continued support is vital The headline news for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 was that the Northwest Foundation turned 40 years old and surpassed the $30 million mark in total assets. I’m also happy to report the Northwest Foundation has had solid investment performance for the past two years, experiencing a 19.7 percent return last fiscal year and recovering nearly 100 percent of the declines from fall 2008.

As exciting as this is, the real story is that in the worst economic conditions our country has experienced in 70 years, private giving to the Northwest Foundation has been strong thanks to our loyal Bearcat donors. Your continued support is vital as we prepare to embark on the University’s next capital campaign.

As donors, I trust you understand your importance to the University, and you have risen to continue with that same significant support. Gifts to the Northwest Foundation have surpassed levels of the same quarter for the previous year, and you have been the driving force behind this success.

The work that was accomplished as of late has given us a strong foundation for the future. However, we never want the “how we invest” to overshadow the “why we invest.” Those reasons are, and will always be, to support Northwest and to focus on student success – every student, every day – as you direct us through your generous gifts.

It’s easy to forget that just 40 years ago private support to a

public university was nearly non-existent. Today, donor gifts represent a more sustainable future of excellence for all of Bearcat Nation.

Since 1990, private giving to the University has increased tenfold. You can see the results as you walk across the campus! Just consider the enhanced scholarship support for Bearcats, the enlivened academic offerings and the handson experiences made available thanks to your support.

What happens after you make your gift is what the Northwest Foundation is all about. We build, invest and grow your fund so that it will work hard for your intended purpose four years, 40 years, even four generations from now. We take this trust seriously and address it with integrity.

Thank you for the trust you place in us. We value your partnership as Northwest continues to tackle new frontiers. It could not happen without you.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Jasinski President

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

22

The Bridge, 2010-2011

Annual Report

The Northwest Foundation Inc. and the Office of University Advancement Established in 1971, the Northwest Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation responsible for encouraging, receiving, investing, stewarding and disbursing private support on behalf of Northwest donors, for the benefit of the University, its students, faculty, staff and alumni. The 30-member Northwest Foundation Board of Directors is led by President Dan Runde

’81, Vice President Holly Murphy-Barstow ’81 and Immediate Past President Mike Faust ’74.

The Northwest Foundation is staffed by members of the development and alumni relations units of Northwest’s Office of University Advancement. n

Development

MILLIONS

MILLIONS

The continued success of the cultivation of private support to Total Private Support to the University benefit Northwest is due to the tremendous support of thou$7 sands of alumni and friends as well as the Northwest Leadership $6 Team, deans, faculty and staff. Private support averaged more than $3 million over the last three years, while planned gift ex$5 pectancies are holding at just more than $26 million.

Number of Donors $4 10,000 The fundraising efforts of the Northwest Foundation and the $3 8,000 University Advancement develop$2 ment staff translate into significant 6,000 University support in a variety of $1 4,000 areas.

Scholarship support has re$0 2,000 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 mained a central mission of Northwest’s development efforts. The 0 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 annual Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarship is part of this support, and more Total Planned Giving Expectancies Donor Visits than 176 scholarships were awarded $30 2,000 in FY11. The Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarships, as well as the Foundation’s $25 1,500 other scholarships, brought the total number of awards for FY11 to 780, $20 1,000 providing $512,240 in support to students. $15 500 Alumni and friends also support Bearcat athletics, and the success $10 0 of Northwest’s athletics programs FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 benefit from donors’ generosity. $5 The Northwest Fund continues to garner unrestricted dollars for the University – funds that are $0 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 crucial to support needs in areas not covered by other fundraising efforts. In FY11, the Northwest Fund generated $217,000 in unrestricted support. that 65 percent of total expenses of a charitable organization When alumni and friends favor the Northwest Foundation be spent on charitable programs. The Northwest Foundation with a gift, they can be confident that their gift is spent wisely. exceeds that standard by spending an average of 81 percent of The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance prescribes every dollar on University programs. n

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

The Bridge, 2010-2011

23

Annual Report Amount of Scholarship Support $700 THOUSANDS

$600

800

$500

600

$400 $300

400

$200

200

$100 $0

Foundation Scholarship Awards 1,000

FY07

FY08

FY09

Direct Support

FY10

FY11

0

FY07

Comparison of Program Activities PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EXPENSES

FY08

FY09

FY11

Where Your Support Goes

100% 80%

5%

60%

4%3%

17%

n Scholarship Support

36%

n Program Support n Capital Project Support

40%

n Publication Support

35%

20% 0%

FY10

Indirect Support

n Other n Legislative Support

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

FY11

Fundraising Expenses Management and General Expenses University Programs

Contact Us The following professionals at the Northwest Foundation look forward to assisting you with a gift that meets your wishes and allows Northwest to continue its tradition of excellence.

Teresa Gustafson ’97, ’05 teresa@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1248

Polly Parsons Howard ’00, ’09 pollyh@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1248

Mike Johnson ’85 mikej@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1248

Laurie Drummond Long ’92 laurie@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1248

Spring 2012

Scott Nielson ’01 scottn@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1669

Northwest Alumni Magazine

24

The Bridge, 2010-2011

Annual Report Alumni Relations

The Office of University Advancement’s alumni relations staff and the Northwest Alumni Association continued to offer opportunities for alumni and friends to connect and support Northwest in FY11. Many chapter activities as well as regional activities hosted by the Northwest Alumni Association allowed alumni and friends to stay connected to their alma mater.

With chartering the Gridiron Alumni and Friends Chapter in FY11, the Northwest Alumni Association now has 19 chapters. Additional chapters include Arizona, Central Iowa, Southern Iowa, Eastern Iowa, Colorado, Dallas, Kansas City, Maryville, Nebraska/Western Iowa, St. Joseph, Mid-Missouri, Southern California, Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield and the Twin Cities in addition to a band chapter and an international chapter in Japan.

The Tourin’ Bearcats travel program sponsored by the Northwest Alumni Association continues to offer trips that have been well attended. Forty-two alumni and friends enjoyed a cruise on the Rhine River in 2011, and trips to Ireland and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are planned for 2012.

The Northwest Night at the Power and Light pep rally in Kansas City and the pregame tailgate prior to the Fall Classic at Arrowhead were sponsored by the Northwest Alumni Association. The Northwest Alumni Association also hosted a successful Golden Years reunion during Homecoming and honored seven individuals at the Alumni Awards Banquet in the fall.

Furthermore, the Northwest Alumni Association maintains its

partnership with offices throughout campus, including admissions, career services, athletics and student affairs.

The Northwest Alumni Association, under the leadership of President Amy Willits Harlin ’95, continues to rely on passionate Bearcat alumni and friends for their contributions of time and talents to Northwest. n

Total Attendance at Events 15,000

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

FY11

Number of Alumni Events 250

Get involved

200

Find out how you can get involved in the Northwest Alumni Association by contacting:

150

100

50

0

FY07

FY08

Northwest Alumni Magazine

FY09

FY10

Spring 2012

FY11

Steve Sutton ’71 Director of Alumni Relations ssutton@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1248

Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09 Alumni Relations Specialist brenda@nwmissouri.edu 660.562.1248

The Bridge, 2010-2011

25

Scholarship Recipients Adopt-A-Bearcat Scholarship

Emily Arnold Megan Baade Alaina Balano Anna Baynham Andrew Becker Breck Benshoof Thad Berry William Boswell Allison Brazeal Bailey Bryan Makenzie Bulechek Morgan Burge Taylor Burgess Leah Burkhiser Claire Busby Victoria Campbell Lindsay Campin Whitley Carpenter Orlando Carrizales Sarah Cherry Antoine Chillers Ben Clark Ronda Clark Nicholas Coatney Nicholas Comer Colton Corrin Wesley Cotten Shelby Cox Robert Crist Ryan Crowley Jordan Dale Joshua Danner Micah Davis Brittany Dorscher Jennifer Durbin Marcia Eiberger Benjamin Eisenhutt Stephen Esser Michael Evans Alexandra Fellom Samantha Fender Sarah Filiaggi Joshua Fischer Craig Flemmings Jackson Foreman Kelsey Freeborg Sarah Fritz Marissa Gerber Kimberly Green Christopher Grippando John Hamilton Joshua Hatheway Lacey Heinrichs Racheal Helms Breanna Herron Sarah Hixson Laurel Holmquist Kelli Hubbard Kimberly Huwaldt Daniel Hyde Kelsie James Shanna James Angela Jerger Jamie Jerger Diana Johnson Trevor Johnson Lindsey Karr Jessica Kaufman Jon Kaufman William Keech

Michaela Keller Madilynn Kettle Brian Kloewer Kelli Kootsikas Kiefer Kratz MaKenzie Kroenke Kassandra Kroger Lauren Lajoie Dalton Larson Kory Lauridsen Jennifer Leabo Cameron Leeds Christian Leroy Kyndra Light April Logemann Denver Lohnes Kyrie Lynch Brandon Mahon Rebecca Mallett Kaylie McGhghy Paige McGinley Ashley McGinnis Justin McKenzie Michael McVinua Dakota Mendenhall Malcom Mercer Benjamin Miles Jackson Miller Lacey Miller Colby Morris Taylor Neill Megan Nielson Devon O’Kane Maggie Parrish Kayla Pentico Catherine Petersen Megan Peterson Abbey Pitchford Elizabeth Pleskac Dillon Poole Cameron Radley Matthew Reed Jacob Reeve Morgan Ruby Jason Ryan Denim Schechinger Dallas Schurman Michael Scott Jenifer Shields Kelsey Simmons Kayla Simms Thomas Slayden Kelsey Sly Kourtney Sly Allan Smith Blaine Smith Christina Smith Jackie Smith Kylee Smith Clinton Snead Ethan Spurling Josh Standerford Jessica Stungis Lauren Suchan Marshall Suchsland Emma Sunderman Alexis Sykes Ivana Taylor Alexis Tedder Alex Tharp Logan Thomas

Brooklyn Thompson Steven Ray Trent Lanay Turner Ashely Vestal Adam Voss Brian Wagner Byron Walker Kassy Wallace Anthony Ware Rachael Ware Jalesa Watson Michael Watts Sara Wessling Tessa White Hope Wicks Krista Wiese Randi Williams Jeffrey Willingham Christopher Winans Erin Winn Laura Zimmerman A-C Lightning Scholarship

Cody Spoon AAUW Viola May Corwin Scholarship

Elizabeth Chipps Traci Scheloski Mary Eulalah Adwell Scholarship

Jennifer McGinness Alpha Chi Scholarship

Kristin Rembolt Alpha Tau Alpha Scholarship

Keli Kruger Dr. Mark J. Anderson Elementary Education Scholarship

Shari May Brenda Wilson Andrews Memorial Scholarship

Erica Carr Anonymous Family and Consumer Sciences Scholarship

Linda Lajcak Anonymous PCMC Scholarship

Jennie Willis ARAMARK Facility Services Scholarship

Britany Bahr Trina Day Jessica McGuire Art Education Scholarship

Caroline Cerra Earl H. Baker Memorial Scholarship

Alexander Mullock Sherry Wray Eddice B. Barber Scholarship

Zach McNulty Kent Barber Memorial Scholarship

Ashley Thayer

Lee E. Barber Scholarship

Zach McNulty Vernon J. Barrett Memorial Scholarship

Alysa Kramer Rachel Sneed Art and Bettie Beckner Celebration Scholarship

Chacey Steen Luther and Kathryn Belcher Scholarship

Calvin Patterson Dr. Gary Bennerotte Memorial Scholarship

Tiffany Burnes Katherine Lydon Bohlken Award

Michael Turpin Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth Bethany Business Scholarship

Jared Rose Booth College of Business & Professional Studies Freshman Scholarship

Leslie Beasley Douglas Wettlaufer Dr. Jerry Brekke Scholarship in Political Science

Brandon Alexander Erica Rockley Ann Allen Brekke Scholarship

Angelica Maxwell Claudene Brewer Memorial Scholarship

CiJay Smith Everett W. Brown Scholarship

Taylor Hartong

Justin Eiken Martise Hicks Quindara Kinney Kory Lauridsen Russell Loutzenhiser Jessica McEwen Kirsti Miller Amanda Monroe Keith Oliver Paige Paxton Nicholas Pearson Kileigh Reed Kolin Schmidt Dylan Sendgraff Bailey Smith Taylor Vogelsmeier Matthew Wallace Lucas Waltz Paige Wharton Tiffany Williams Kelli Zech Computer Science Academic Achievement Scholarship

Pratik Patel C.E.Cook Drama Scholarship

Kayla Koester Cook Finance Scholarship

Shan Jiang Cook/Imes Distinguished Scholarship

Mallory Brown James R. Cook Memorial Scholarship

James Douty Julie Gray Preston Nelson Daniel Thompson Bert and Eula Cooper Memorial Scholarship

Alice Corley Scholarship

Joseph Barbosa Cathran Cushman Radio Scholarship

Matthew Tritten Pat Danner Scholarship

Lisa Hise Dennis Dau Scholarship

Montanna Benson W.M.C. Dawson Scholarship

Cassie Noble Mallory Smith Curtis Twellmann Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Omicron Scholarship

Cassie Gilland Neta Derry Memorial Scholarship

Katelyn Ewing Elwyn K. DeVore Business Scholarship

Mollie Shelley Ron C. DeYoung Scholarship

Keely McCarty Courtney Vanden Hoek Jaclyn Dierking Memorial Scholarship

Tyler Way Herbert R. Dieterich Scholarship

Christine Rahorst Michael Wernimont Joe Dirksen Memorial Scholarship

Lydia Wagner

Megan Frueh

John Byrd Memorial Scholarship

Calvin Patterson Donald K. Carlile Memorial Scholarship

New Foundation Scholarship Funds

Abby Wilson Cerner Scholarship

Cody Duncan Chemistry Alumni Scholarship

Colin Pettegrew CHS Foundation University Scholarship

Amy Coleman Andrew Coleman Brandi Stagner Citizens Bank & Trust Scholarship

Mallory Brown Clearmont Community Club Scholarship

Eric Jones Dr. Norman and Ada Mae Clough Scholarship

Erika Baker Jamil Boone Trevor Conner

Mildred Galloway Fitz Simmons Memorial Scholarship Goppert Foundation American Dream Grant Dr. Marvin D. Combs Memorial Scholarship Dr. Robert & Mrs. Winifred Dunshee Rotary Scholarship Jean Jennings Bartik Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Scholarship Abby Leigh Cockrill Memorial Scholarship Byron Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Mary Margaret Lewis Scholarship Dunlap Scholar Award Jake Cavanaugh Memorial Scholarship Geist Memorial Scholarship Charles M. Place Memorial Scholarship Shawn Wake Technical Theatre Scholarship

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

26

The Bridge, 2010-2011

Scholarship Recipients Donaldson-Pfost Scholarship

Amanda Bentley Clinton Brady Christopher Conover Connor Dignan Cassie Gilland Morgan Luke Ashley Reynolds Aaron Summers Hildegarde Dreps Scholarship

Katlin Level Mattie Dykes Creative Writing Scholarship

Nicole Casady Opal Calvert Eckert Family Scholarship

Lyle Burgher

T. H. Eckert Journalism Scholarship

Courtney Edwards Margaret Ann Edwards SAI Scholarship

Kendra Grupe Amy P. Elifrits Scholarship

Jana Schaaf Energizer Diversity Scholarship

India Howard Extreme Resume Makeover Scholarship

Quentin Templeton Family of the Year Scholarship

Leah Wilmes Vic and Frances Farrell Scholarship Fund

Kimberly Harding

Michael L. Faust Scholarship

Emily Chowdhury Samantha Crawford Brandon Mahon Tyler Martin Erin Mommsen Courtney Woods Frank Felton Rotary Scholarship

Sara Frueh

Heather Hewitt Leslie Hollingsworth Dakota Marti Chelsie Mortensen Maggie Murphy Robert Nelson Kaytlinn Presnell Jenna Snorgrass Doug and Lisa Foster Scholarship

Heather McKeever

Ashlee Peckham Abby Schreck Krista Townsend

Marshall E. and Beatrix Winn Ford Memorial Scholarship

Robert and Doris Foster Scholarship

Bill Fields Memorial Scholarship

Nicolas Anderson Tyler Hammer Ryan Hass Miranda Henggeler

Michaela Rowland Erica Zoucha Robert and Virginia Foster Scholarship

Thomas Calia

Hollie Mohi Christopher Pinnell Robert Fraser Scholarship

Andrew Pankau Casey Siela William Snyder Lorna From Scholarship

Megan Lux Fred Fuhr Memorial Scholarship

Anthony Donahoo Kale Watson Charles I. Frye Geology Scholarship

Molly Ramsey Martha Polsley Gamble Scholarship

Diane Jurchen

William T. Garrett Scholarship

Cassondra Swoboda Dwight and Eunice Gates Memorial Scholarship

Cody Ford Lisa Hise Dr. Paul L. Gates Scholarship

Mary Jantz George Gayler Scholarship

Lauren Keller Janet S. Gayler Scholarship

Alison Clark Vance & Zeline Geiger Scholarship

Robin Jago Gwynetha Girling Memorial Scholarship

Mackenzie Neil

Endowments memorialize parents’ love of music, Bearcat athletics Two endowments, totaling $35,000, have been established by a Northwest alumna to benefit a Northwest music festival as well as Bearcat athletics.

Mary Asbell ’69 established the Edna Mary Asbell Music Endowment and the Eldon H. “Bud” Asbell Athletic Endowment in memory of her parents. She is a member of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors and lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, Allan Mackenzie.

The Edna Mary Asbell Music Endowment was established to support students participating in the University’s annual Four State Honor Music Festival.

Mary Asbell’s mother, Edna Mary Monk Asbell ’36, passed away in 2009 at the age of 95. After graduating from Northwest, Edna Mary Asbell taught English and music in Fillmore, Plattsburg and Oregon, Mo., and following her teaching career, she supported music in other ways. For instance, she was an accompanist, played at her church for 50 years as a self-taught organist and contributed to Northwest’s music projects throughout her adult life, both financially and by attendance.

“In addition to her love of music, my mother also supported family, community and social happenings in Maryville,” Mary Asbell said. “Because her life touched many, and music was her passion, this endowment is specifically for high school students participating in the Four State Music Festival at Northwest.”

The Eldon H. “Bud” Asbell Athletic Endowment was established to provide funds for Northwest’s athletics program, with

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

the Bearcat Booster Club serving as the custodian of the fund.

Bud Asbell, a former manager of Jackson Insurance Company and a former owner of a small independent insurance agency in Maryville, died in 1981 at the age of 68. He was a charter member and avid supporter of the Bearcat Booster Club and attended nearly all of Northwest’s home football and basketball games.

“My father usually cheered for the football team from a front row box seat and he did so at the basketball games between selling concessions for the Kiwanis Club,” Mary Asbell said.

Mary Asbell, who established the two endowments, was the senior associate director for extramural and outreach services at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center from 1991 until her retirement in 2002. She also was a clinical librarian and faculty associate at Moody Medical Library at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, and at the School of Medicine at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas.

For more information about Edna Mary Asbell Music Endowment and the Eldon H. “Bud” Asbell Athletic Endowment or to make a tax-deductible gift to benefit the University, contact Northwest’s Office Mary Asbell ’69 of Lubbock, Texas, estabof University Advancelished two endowments in memory of her ment at 660.562.1248. n parents, Bud Asbell (left) and Edna Mary Monk Asbell ’36 (above).

The Bridge, 2010-2011

27

Scholarship Recipients Margaret and Wayne Hennegin Scholarship

Chelsea Ebrus Cassie Gilland Kimberly Harding Elizabeth Runde George Hinshaw Scholarship

Abby Wilson H. F. “Hoot” Holland Memorial Scholarship

Erica Rockley Joyce Fink Hook Scholarship

Jamie Hafeli Anthony Reed Marvin Hoskey Agricultural Education Scholarship

Blake Anderson

Scholarship recipient: Tyler Tommey Tyler Tommey is a junior chemistry major from Gower and a third-generation Bearcat (his mother and grandfather graduated from Northwest). Following graduation, he plans to attend graduate school, focusing on material science and polymer chemistry. Tommey received two scholarships in FY12 through the Northwest Foundation: the Chemistry Alumni Scholarship and the C F Gray Scholarship.

“I have two older siblings, so the scholarships I’ve received take a substantial burden off of my family,” Tommey said. “I’m a tutor in the chemistry department, so that also helps cover some of my costs for rent and food. I really do appreciate that alumni are willing to donate to scholarships to help out people like me.” n Nancy Goff Memorial Scholarship

Nicholas Mattson Dale Gorsuch English Scholarship

Nicole Casady Dr. Mary Rose Gram Scholarship

Tiffany Maske C F Gray Scholarship

Colin Pettegrew Mattie Jo (Payne) Groom Scholarship

Chelsea Wallace Growmark Scholarship

Chester Greub Miranda VanPelt Trinity Weatherman Frank W. Grube Scholarship

Christine Rahorst Sureena Weir Marvin Gutzmer Scholarship

Samantha Wylie Haines Family Scholarship

Alexina Bosire

Wilma Hall Maryville 20 th Century Club Scholarship

Emily Felton Wilma Hall Maryville BPW Scholarship

Emily Felton Hancock-Woods Scholarship

Kimberly Harding Katrina Kemery Sean Smetana Eric Ulrich John Harr Scholarship

Timothy Bruns Thomas Webb Harvey Memorial Scholarship

Alvin Edwards IV Kirk Skoglund Charles Hawkins Accounting Scholarship

Jonathan Carroll Karen Hawkins Memorial Accounting Scholarship

Katie Nier Clarence Henderson Scholarship

Kaysie Curran

Floyd B. Houghton Memorial Scholarship

Stephen Eschenbach Floyd B. Houghton Livestock Evaluation Scholarship

Toni Scheloski Ronald A. Houston Scholarship

Cody Bix Emily Frueh Megan Frueh Claire Hayes Gage Hayes Aleta and Dean Hubbard Scholarship

Heather Abshire Sara Coleman Anthony Dow Kimberly Jensen Miranda Jones Skyler Kariker Brittany Terwey Amanda Thayer James Hurst Memorial Scholarship

Jacob Beard Welton Ideker Regents Scholarship

Stefania Strohman James and Betty Jackson Scholarship

Nathan Clark Kyle Lindenmeyer Kerri Meredith Emily Robinson Mary Jackson Modern Language Scholarship

Christine Rahorst Mike Jewett Scholarship

Crystal Hensen Johnson-Bush Scholarship

Alisha Clem Brice & Carolyn Johnson Family Scholarship

Nathan Clark Emily Robinson

Lillian Irene Gossard Johnson Scholarship

Crystal Hensen Edward Jones Scholarship

Qian Zhang

Emily Whorton Kamron Winchester Myrl and Katherine Long Memorial Physical Science Scholarship

Ryan Schieber

J.W. Jones Scholarship

Garrett Hargiss Laura Thomas

Forrest G. and Joan B. Lowe Scholarship

Connor Kellerstrass

Martin Kanne Chemistry Scholarship

Bonnie Magill Scholarship

Kelsey Cox

Colin Pettegrew Kansas City Alumni Chapter Scholarship

JoAnn Marion Memorial Scholarship

Jessica Freund

Abbey Porter Kappa Omicron Nu Scholarship

Paul Marfice Scholarship

Hannah Kahre

Allison Boehm Dixie McGary Megan Simpson

Mary E. Markt Scholarship

Kayla Ellis

Bobby and Shirley Kelley Excellence in Education Scholarship

Brittany Shaw Kensinger/Imes Scholarship

Mallory Brown

Maryville Host Lions Club Scholarship

Andrew Chor Amanda Redden Maryville Hy-Vee Scholarship

Cody Bix Michael Jensen

Robert B. Killingsworth Memorial Scholarship

Maryville Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship

Josee Simonson Dr. Kent King Memorial Scholarship

Deanna Snedeger Fred Lamer Excellence in Broadcasting Scholarship

Cherece Milton Uel Lamkin, E.W. Glenn, and Grace Sheperd Memorial Scholarship

Sydney Craddock Mackenzie Gerdes Kelsey Waibel Kiley Watson Rebecca Wilson Phyllis Combs Leet Scholarship

Rachelle Beattie Marvin E. and Kathryn B. Lehnen Scholarship

Joel Williams Lemar- Rischer Memorial Scholarship

Ashley Blanchard John Sublett Logan Scholarship

Ivy Baker Michelle Bjorland Lydia Farmer Troy Matthews Cody Melton David Morgan Kristen Myers Jaimee O’Brien Jason Orme Sean Paddock Kristi Rasmussen Jessica Salsbury Matthew Schieber Jamie Webster

Chad Proctor Meaghan Titus

McAdams-Vaughan Tuba Award

Joshua Lock Raymond L. and Ruth L. McClurg Scholarship

Alyssa Henggeler Raymond McClurg Memorial Scholarship

Cynthia Aucker Erica Favor Jessica Freund Becca Hossle Joshua Smith Dustin McCurdy Memorial Scholarship

Matthew Tritten Staci McEnaney Memorial Scholarship

Whitney Kinman Dr. Arthur McGehee Memorial Scholarship

Kristin Stewart Howard A. McIntosh Scholarship

Trent Jameson McIntosh Hall Scholarship

Amy Hull Kimberly Lynn Miller Memorial Scholarship

Camie Steinhoff

The American Dream Grant American Dream Grant recipients meet all Northwest admissions criteria and come from the neediest families based on their application for federal aid. After all federal, state and institutional scholarships and grants have been applied, Northwest fills the gap between the cost of tuition, room and board, primary textbooks and the use of a computer for qualifying students so that the maximum annual payment the student will need to make during their first year at Northwest will be no more than $3,500. Secondyear students who meet normal academic progress requirements are guaranteed that the American Dream Grant combined with their federal, state and institutional scholarships and grants will cover 100 percent of their standard tuition and fees.

The following alumni and friends committed their support to the American Dream Grant during FY11 by way of an outright gift or a planned or deferred gift.

With their help, dreams really can come true.

Anonymous Matthew W. Beckendorf Orrie T. & Sara (Sellars) Covert Janet S. Dinkel Neil B. & Jacquelyn R. Elliott P.E. & Lucile (Jeffrey) Fox Greg Carrel Insurance Tad & Susan D. (Pope) Henggeler Samuel A. & Elizabeth C. Henson Michael C. & Kenna S. (Miller) Johnson

Spring 2012

Leo & Laurie F. (Drummond) Long, III Charles M. & Linda D. Pruitt Bob & Linda Reynolds Truman Heartland Community Foundation US Bank John M. & Rose E. Viau Ron & Peggy (Newberg) Wellington Bill & Jeanette A. Whited

Northwest Alumni Magazine

28

The Bridge, 2010-2011

Scholarship Recipients Leon F. Miller Grant for Graduate Studies

Hannah Kasner Emily Whorton R. R. Miller Scholarship

Brooke Graves Ruth Miller Scholarship

Elizabeth Williams Chloe E. Millikan Memorial Scholarship

Kelsey Amensen Amanda Davis Ryland Milner Memorial Scholarship

Cassy Clark Sarah Gaughan Reese Hammond Blair Sample Stephanie Shields Senthil Kumar Srinivasan Matthew Stice Missouri Farm Bureau Scholarship

Emily Anderson Kacie Wright Edward P. Morgan Scholarship

Paige Spangenberg Morris Rodecker Haley Scholarship

Michelle Nolan Earle I. Moss Jazz Scholarship

Michael Fuller

Earle I. Moss Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Scholarship

Kara Rieger

Richard M. “Dick” New Scholarship

Rachel Willis

Martha Moss Scholarship

Amanda Sherry MOST Scholarship

Wade Bryson Chelsea Ebrus Mackenzie Janner Hailey Kenkel Megan Kipper Lindsey Lambert Scott Maltsberger Haley Monaco Stetson Smith Josh Standerford Todd Swetnam Jeffrey Termini Joshua Walker Rebecca Welker Irene Mueller Biology Scholarship

Vitoria Paolillo Harrison Mutz Memorial Scholarship

Brooke Koehler Native American Scholarship

Shalan Neal Helen Zwiebel NEBS Four-Year Scholastic Award

Nodaway County Recreation Scholarship

Stephen Embrey Paige Sogard Northwest DigEM Scholarship

Tyler Ramaekers Northwest Foundation Scholarship

Rachel McGowan Emily Walters Northwest Foundation Memorial Scholarship

Dakota Sullivan Northwest Support Staff Scholarship

Chelsea Ebrus Allison Kemper Megan Sherry Josh Standerford Nothstine Family Scholarship

Cassidy Bredensteiner Marie Oftelie Scholarship

Angelica Maxwell Erica Williams Kevin O’Reilly News Scholarship

Micheal Clements

Rachelle Beattie Samantha Reever

B.D. and Sue Wright Owens Scholarship

Brennen Bierschenk Lauren Buholt Ian Chandler Bridget Clark Dylon Hagey Sara Hanes Joshua Hatheway Kristina Heideman Holly Hurd Zackery Lewis Maleah Marlow Kelsey Russell Owens Family Scholarship

Ashley Pegg Lillian Palmer Memorial Scholarship

Hayley Grimes Frederick P. Parcher Scholarship

Devin Doty Courtney Gard Jessica Grossman Jennifer Lynch Amber Repp Jesse Simmons Chelsea Thompson Penny Parman Memorial Scholarship

Miranda Henggeler Russell Parman Agricultural Scholarship

Mark Jay Peavy Memorial Scholarship

Andrew Schmitz Jim D. Plowman Scholarship

Taryn Hill Public Relations Scholarship

Abby Wilson Benjamin and Mercedes Ramirez Scholarship

Tiffany Nelson Burton L. Richey Memorial Scholarship

Zachary Jason Krista Thompson Gladys Rickard Scholarship

Pamela Campbell Stacey Garnett Kristin McGary Amanda Weaver Ezekiel Winans Kathryn S. Riddle Scholarship

Andrea Worden Rischer Educational Enrichment Grant

Camie Steinhoff Ward Rounds Instrumental Music Scholarship

Katherine Famuliner Ada M. Royston Memorial Scholarship

Katherine Famuliner

William Gorrell

Dr. & Mrs. Donald Sandford Scholarship

Rachel Cramer C.M. and M. Saville Scholarship

Shawnta Addison Faith Barton Samantha Barton Laura Beattie Andrea Bintliff Kiana Byers James Calhoun III Colby Case Aaron Childs Hannah Corwin Margaret Corwin Hilary Dohrman Anthony DuPree Kyla Emig Jason Ewigman Craig Flemmings Courtney Heitman Alyssa Henggeler Martise Hicks Kaylie Howell Tianna Jacobs Kyla Johnson Justin Jones Diane Jurchen Brooke Koehler Keli Kruger Ashley Layman Kaitlyn Loughead Chaasia Marshall David Michaelree

Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarships To assist in meeting a critical need for current scholarship dollars, the University created this unique annual giving program.

Recipients meeting Northwest’s current policies for admission and financial assistance receive a one-time, $500 Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarship to help offset educational expenses. Northwest matches a donor’s gift (minimum $250) dollar-for-dollar and awards scholarships in his or her honor or that of a loved one. For example, Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarship (46) Abby Cockrill Memorial Scholarship (4) Angela Reed Accounting Scholarship (4) Ann Young Gustafson Scholarship (3) Archer Family Scholarship Arnold and Mary Le Johnson Scholarship (10) Art & Karen Jablonski Scholarship (4) Benjamin Westman, DDS Scholarship Bill & Jo Karen Brown Scholarship (4) Brad Whitsell Scholarship Chuck Place Memorial Adopt-aBearcat Scholarship (2) Colonel Samuel E. Porter (Class of January 1961) Scholarship

Northwest Alumni Magazine

College of Education Scholarship (2) Collins Farm Scholarship Colonel Benny L. Johnson Scholarship (2) Consumer Science Scholarship Don & Mary L. Matthews Scholarship (4) Don & Stacy Carrick Scholarship (2) Dorothy L. Norton Scholarship (2) Dorothy Quarnstrom Scholarship Edward T. Day Scholarship (4) Gary & Pat Beggs Scholarship (4) George & Maxine Graham Scholarship Holdsworth Scholarship (2) Huber Family Scholarship Jacob and Keri Kendrick Scholarship (2) Jeff & Kelli Linch Scholarship

Spring 2012

if a $500 donation is made, Northwest matches it and awards two individual $500 scholarships. These scholarships are crucial in providing the additional funding needed for students who might otherwise not have been able to afford attending Northwest.

There were several groups of donors who collectively were able to offer one or more scholarships. Donors to the Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarship are designated in the Annual Giving section.

Jim & Suzie Wakeman Scholarship (2) Joan M. & Marion B. Freeman Scholarship (20) Jon & Teresa Gustafson Scholarship Living the Dream Scholarship Luke Boone Scholarship (2) Mark & Dr. Wendy Cherry Scholarship Marvin B. & Lucile E. Silliman Scholarship (3) Mary Asbell & Allan Mackenzie Scholarship (4) McKemy Center Scholarship Mel & Carol Tjeerdsma Scholarship Mike & Molly Lydon Scholarship Norine Norris Brewer Scholarship Paige Gard Memorial Scholarship Pamela Willand Graham Scholarship

Patricia Best Scholarship (2) Paul & Mari Schieber Scholarship Phillip & Deena Poynter Scholarship (2) Richard Ott Scholarship Ron Valline Scholarship (2) Smith Family Scholarships (4) Susan Hallock Memorial Scholarship (7) The Dru Burns University Police Scholarship The Millers Scholarship Theatre Scholarship United Producers, Inc. Scholarship University Wellness Services Scholarship Wayne Winstead Scholarship William Price Family Scholarship (2) Young Achievers Scholarship

The Bridge, 2010-2011

29

Scholarship Recipients Rebeka Mosby Lauren Moulder Robert Nelson Ashley Pegg Kayley Reedy Velma Richey Kinsey Ruehter Joseph Scott Amber Stevens Stanley Taylor, Jr. Heather Townsend Michael Turpin Ally Varner Amanda Waddell Amanda Werner Mahala Saville History Scholarship

Matthew Larson Margaret Martens Saville Student Support Services Scholarship

Garrett Hargiss Lydia Wagner Joel Williams Richard L. Sawyers Scholarship

Luisa Fernandez Sallie Lake Joseph Ueligger Rachel Willis Pete Schartel Scholarship

Jeremy Werner Frederick, Edwardena, and Stephen Schneider Memorial Scholarship

Hayley Adams Shawnta Addison Mark Anderson Jordan Andrews Erika Baker Eric Barnes Kara Behrendt Courtney Bigler Kyle Blackford Daniel Boden Jennie Bolyard Shelby Bostock Ethan Boyes Megan Brandt Jonathan Brown Alexander Burrell Landon Campbell Lynne Cuda Nathan Durie Brandi Force Reginald Freese Jeremy Guier Zachary Haffecke Joseph Heasley Matthew Herzberg Mandy Hiscocks Rebecca Irwin Joshua Jefford Brian Johnson Samantha Juel Christopher Keating Patrick Kendrick Nicole Kreikemeier Alison Lapke

Brooke Mathia Candice McIntyre Petrea Nelson Tyler Nielsen Rachel Nisi Keri Peterson Sandra Popovic Amanda Schulte-Smith Katlin Stark Brandon Stehl Beth Stratbucker Kasha Tafoya Taylor Teeter Dustin Thompson Benjamin Throm Andrew Urquidi Vernon Weddle Jeremy Wickman Katie Wright Kaitlyn Zogleman B.D. and Janet Scott Biology Scholarship

Elizabeth Chipps Carroll Scott Agricultural Memorial Scholarship

Kylie Mattke Alfred E. Sergel III Band Alumni Scholarship

Emily Cloughly Robert and ZoAnn Severson Jazz Ensemble Scholarship

Veeder Ransom Beverly J & Edward J Shelton Scholarship

Whitney Kinman Larue B. Sherman Scholarship

Jordan Drew Dr. Frances Shipley Scholarship

Sarah Rice Garland Shipps Memorial Scholarship

Dan Temeyer Luther C. Skelton Scholarship

Sara Frueh David T. Slater Excellence in English Award

Amy Elizabeth Naas John L. Smay Scholarship

Michael Holtzscher Dr. Jim Smeltzer Scholarship

Andrew Schmitz Mary Marie Smith Scholarship

Josh Grandquist Patrick Hallett Alisha Lemons Ryan Schieber Ying Zhang Eldon E. Steiger Scholarship

Sarah Wilson August Stelter Scholarship

Daniel Smith

Chip Strong Memorial Scholarship

Elijah Allen Felipe Gennari Arunas Simanavicius J. Gordon Strong Scholarship

Breanna Patten Vivian and Frank Strong Scholarship

Whitney Kinman Study Abroad Scholarship

Amanda Engelhart Katie Heinerikson Sterling Surrey Memorial Scholarship

Amanda Sherry Leslie No’el Swaney Memorial Scholarship

Shelby Eagan Taco John’s Scholarship

Kinsey Ruehter Tamra Ruehter C. and C. Taylor Memorial Counseling Scholarship

Mackenzie Becker Jennifer Biggar Brenda Smith Megan Thomas C. and C. Taylor Scholarship – Guidance & Counseling

Erin Dennis C. and C. Taylor Scholarship – Pi Omega Pi

Timothy Avants Stephanie Burge Bryce Clifton Crystal Combs Jessica James Stephanie Ridens Alyssa Strein Beth Wennihan Tiffany Whipple Danielle Zastrow Teacher Education Scholarship

Brittany Maasdam Matthew Sanchez Theatre Gold Star Scholarship

Rachel Dyer Katie Lee Maurine A. Thomas Scholarship

Taylor Banks Nicole Fisher Timothy Harned Lexi Heck Ashley Miller Brandon Nolan Kenneth T. and Icel Thompson Scholarship

Jami Williams TKE Delta Nu Actives Scholarship

Gunnerson Sumy

Peter J. Greve Memorial TKE Alumni Scholarship

Edward Oster Jerome Trout Scholarship

Kristin Berry Chelsea Bulen Nicholas Caldrone Janay Campin Michael Duntz Angelina Faiva Matthew Hertz Charlie Krueger Ronald Mason, Jr. Henry and Mary Turner Scholarship

Tracy Gilbertson

Scholarship recipient: Kacie Wright

Gary Lynn Tyler Scholarship

Paige Moreland F.K. Ulman Scholarship

Erika Baker Stephen Esser Tonnella Hardy Bryant Kurtz Melinda Schneider Kelci Wellman Nathaniel Wood Upward Bound Scholarship

Edwin Whitney Donald N. Valk Scholarship

Cassie Barnes Emily Herzberg Amber Matheney E. C. Walker Scholarship

Nathaniel Wood John H. Walker Scholarship

Emily Felton Pauline F. Walker Memorial Scholarship

Alana Heisler Kristin Rembolt

Kacie Wright is a junior at Northwest majoring in agribusiness. She was raised on a turkey and cattle farm in Tuscumbia and is the youngest of four siblings. As a student, Wright is an ambassador for the Department of Agriculture and serves as the Collegiate Farm Bureau president. She has completed an internship with the Farm Service Agency as well as with the Missouri Director of Agriculture. Following graduation, Wright plans to pursue a career in ag finance or ag sales and marketing. Wright received the GROWMARK Scholarship through the Northwest Foundation.

“I’m funding all of my education, so I work as much as I can in the summer on the farm, and fortunately both of my internships were paid positions,” Wright said. “Expenses really pile up, and receiving a scholarship, such as the GROWMARK Scholarship, is definitely a huge relief. I’m trying to reduce the amount of loans I’m taking out, and I can’t speak highly enough about the value of a scholarship and the people and organizations that provide these scholarships.” n

Dr. Wanda Walker Scholarship

Cassie Gilland Matthew White Memorial Scholarship

Wall Family Scholarship

Joseph Scott

James Fisher

Mildred Eckert Wallace English Scholarship

Rachel Rittman

Gilbert Whitney Madralier Memorial Scholarship

Mikaela Zielke

Nancy Western Scholarship

Alison Hartong Shelby Miller

Calvin Widger Memorial Scholarship

Cody Ford

J. Douglas Whitaker Scholarship

Christopher Edwards Harvey and Joyce White Scholarship

Patrick Brady Trevor Conner Holly England Alexandra Foster Taylor Hartong Candace Holmes Christopher Johnson Rachel Riley Jamie Stansberry Zachary Wiley

Jim Williams Memorial Scholarship

Krystal Young Brian and Jennie (Otto) Williamson Scholarship

Andrew Rembecki Joy Wilmarth Scholarship

Christine Rahorst Wirth Family Scholarship

Michelle Brooker M. F. (Fouts) Woollums Education Scholarship

Cassie Gilland

Spring 2012

M. F. (Fouts) Woollums Music Scholarship

Andrea Goering R.T. Wright Memorial Scholarship

Sarah Bryant Travis Carmichael John Noker Eudora Wymore Memorial Scholarship

Cassie Gilland Andrew Haring John Yancey – Edward Jones Scholarship

Matthew Tritten Arthur “Doc” Yates & Maxine Gooden Yates Scholarship

Kelly Parks Shawna Severson Zech Memorial Scholarship

Christina Worsfold Monica G. Zirfas Scholarship

Janah Holmes

Northwest Alumni Magazine

30

The Bridge, 2010-2011

Heritage Society

James H. Lemon Heritage Society The following donors have created a planned or deferred gift for the University or Foundation. There is no minimum level of gift required.

James H. Lemon, a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, introduced House Bill No. 311, also known at the time as the “Nodaway County Dawn J. Abarr Helen (Johnson) Ackerman Virgil & Dolores Albertini Anonymous Mary M. Asbell & Allan S. Mackenzie Richard L. Baker* James & Linda (Flachsland) Balducci Lois (Utterback) Beal Harold W. Beattie* & Emily K. Beattie* Donald D. & Ann Beeson James L. & Beverly J. Blackford Robert G. & Sue Bolin, Jr. Melvin D. & Valorie G. (Wheeler) Booth Clarence Bush* Bonnie Carlile Tom A. Carmichael* Bill & Margaret (Berry) Christensen Ada Mae Clough* William H. & Jean Corken Kinsell L. Coulson* & Vivien Coulson* Lorraine (Driver) Crews Don Cummins* Dennis C. Dau Frances R. Daugherty* R.G. Deardorff* & Maxine Deardorff* Charles R. Derstler* & Pearl L. Derstler

Ron C. & Nancy DeYoung Edward D. & Marla Douglas Opal (Calvert) Eckert* Michael L. Faust H.J. Fischer, Jr.* & Marion (Tollaksen) Fischer* Robert P. Foster* & Virginia M. Foster Alexander Franklin Fouts* Everett C. Fouts* & Reba (Hunter) Fouts* Martha Fouts* Robert E. Fraser* Jean E. Fuller Robert E. & Martha (Polsley) Gamble Zeline (Defenbaugh) Geiger David W. & Carole A. (Patterson) Gieseke Dean Gingrich* Elsie Goff* Bill & Dorothy W. Gram Lucile Gray* Charles B. Green* & Venita Jean Green* George R. Green & Barbara Klein-Green Bob Gregory* & Helen A. Gregory Loren T. Gunderman Beatrice E. (Lemon) Hansen* Lydia L. (Stickerod) Haynes* Betty Lou Hazelton Peter & Karen (Crawford) Hendrickson

Normal Bill.” Fighting against strong opposition in the House, Lemon is credited with establishing the Fifth District Normal School, as Northwest was originally known. His efforts culminated 30 years of struggle to bring higher education to the region.

Theodore C. Hinckley* & Caryl C. Hinckley Ronald A. Houston Dean L. & Aleta Hubbard Russell Insley* Donald E. Johnson* Harold R. Johnson Gideon R. & Martha Jones J.E. Kirschner* Richard H. & Phyllis J. (Combs) Leet Marvin E. Lehnen & Kathryn B. (Krause) Lehnen* Eleanor (Nicholas) Letts* Evelyn A. Lindsey Forrest G. & Joan B. Lowe Vane B. Lucas, Jr.* Marvin Marion Mary E. Markt Ruth L. (Mitchell) McClurg Patricia A. McDermott* Gary & Merry McDonald Wayne H. McQuerry* & Ruth (Collins) McQuerry John P. Mees* & Joan Mees Cheryl J. (Lamar) Melvin Carol J. Miller Genevieve A. (Webb) Miller* Barry E. Monaghan Faye (Sutton) Morrow* Earle I. Moss, Jr.* & Martha Moss Marvin Mothersead* Judd C. Nicholas* Carl G. Nurski

Mona M. (Pennington) Nurski* Alice M. Oliver* Elnora (Hennegin) O’Neill* Marcena H. Onstott* Louise Parsons* Philip J. Patterson Blanche (Anderson) Pedley* Margaret (Gantt) Perry* Milton E. Ploghoft & Zella (Mitchell) Ploghoft* Jon R. & Jolene (Schneider) Pool Allene (Hunt) Porter* Paul R. & Amabel H. Poynter Max R. Quimby* & Armond M. Quimby* Helen G. (Leese) Raines* Roberta (Walker) Richey Coral Rigney & Mary M. Rigney Richard L. Sawyers* Donald D. & Mary Schenkel Helen (Chapman) Schilling Frederick Schneider* & Edwardena (Harrison) Schneider* Mary R. Seat* Claude Shaffer* & Helen Shaffer Warren S. & Rita P. Shuck David L. Snider Darrell R. & Cheryl Spain Gerald R. & Barbara (Nixon) Sprong Rollie & Carroll E. Stadlman Robert Lee Stanton

Carl D. & Mary E. (Luehrman) Stempel Robert Strait* & Arlyne Strait* Robert J. Stucker Christopher Stump, Jr. Beulah Wilkinson Summers W. Lester Swaney & Leola Swaney* M. Celeste (Holtom) Taylor* Maurine A. Thomas* Frank J. & Donna J. (Ward) Thompson Jerome J. Trout* Roberta F. Utterback* Patricia VanDyke Charles W. Veatch & Pam (Grau) Veatch* Morris C. Walton* & Betty C. Walton Paul G. & Paula Ward William C. & Myra (Wedlock) Warshauer Nancy L. Western* Maurice D. Wheeler* & Sharlis (Marple) Wheeler Laura B. Widmer Montgomery L. Wilson* & Irma L. (Hull) Wilson J. Clun Wilson Janet M. Wilson* Howard L. Wollen* Martha Faye (Fouts) Woollums* Opal Yates Melvin G. Young

Lifetime Giving

The Birches Society The following donors have contributed $250,000 or more in lifetime gifts.

The first building erected on campus was Academic Hall, now known as the Administration Building. Its commanding location is situated on the highest point ARAMARK Campus Dining ARAMARK Facility Services Melvin D. & Valorie G. (Wheeler) Booth Ada Mae Clough* Marilyn L. Colwell* Rolland Deardorff* & Maxine Deardorff* Charles R. Derstler* & Pearl L. Derstler H.J. Fischer, Jr.* & Marion (Tollaksen) Fischer* Gateway

of land between Omaha, Neb., and St. Louis on the old Wabash Railroad line, 1,163 feet above sea level. Five cut-leaf birches stood at the site like sentinels, prompting faculty and students to describe the Normal School as being located “behind the birches.”

Vance E. Geiger* & Zeline (Defenbaugh) Geiger* Dean Gingrich* Charles B. Green* & Venita Jean Green* Beatrice E. (Lemon) Hansen* Ronald A. Houston Kawasaki Motors Maryville Richard H. & Phyllis J. (Combs) Leet Nodaway Valley Bank Elnora (Hennegin) O’Neill*

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Inc. James D. & Elaine (Frazee) Plowman Allene (Hunt) Porter* Max R. Quimby* & Armond M. Quimby* Frederick Schneider* & Edwardena (Harrison) Schneider* Robert Lee Stanton & Cassalou Stanton* M. Celeste (Holtom) Taylor* Harvey C. & Joyce M. (Smith) White

Spring 2012

The Bell Tower Society

The following donors have contributed between $100,000 and $249,999 in lifetime gifts.

In 1965, Dr. Robert P. Foster announced plans to build a bell tower as a memorial to deceased alumni, former faculty members Bank Midwest Barnes & Noble Harold W. Beattie* & Emily K. Beattie* BP Foundation Inc. Citizens Bank & Trust Commerce Bank of St. Joseph Willard F. Dunning* & Laura Belle B. (McGrew) Dunning* E & R Sanitation

and those from the University’s family who died representing our country. After years of raising money, ground was finally broken in fall 1970 and the sounds of chiming bells greeted students returning for the fall 1971 semester.

A.H. Bud & Suzanne (Lewis) Edwards Energizer Michael L. Faust Robert E. & Martha (Polsley) Gamble Goppert Foundation Dean L. & Aleta A. Hubbard John Sublett Logan Foundation James R. & Patricia J. (New) Joy

Kinsell & Vera Coulson Trust Genevieve A. (Webb) Miller* Blanche (Anderson) Pedley* Earl Shelton* R. Joe & Nancy Smith Mary M. Smith* Jerome J. Trout* Martha Faye (Fouts) Woollums*

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31

Lifetime Giving

The Long Walk Society The following donors have contributed between $25,000 and $99,999 in lifetime gifts.

The original architect’s plans for the campus, which were modeled after Cambridge University, included a large quadrangle, marked on the most northern point by the American Association of University Women American Football Coaches Association John C. & Jo E. (Bateman) Andrews Mary M. Asbell & Allan S. Mackenzie Mark A. Avitt Jim J. Ballinger* & Gaye Ballinger Vernon J. Barrett* & Helen (McMahon) Barrett* Lois (Utterback) Beal Donald D. & Ann Beeson Ned Bishop & Marjorie L. Bishop* Robert G. & Sue Bolin, Jr. Bolin Auto and Truck Parts Leonard M. Brooke* & Mauna Brooke Robert E. & Betty (Johnson) Bush Cargill Rick A. & Tammy Carter John T. Cook & Georgann B. Cook* William H. & Jean Corken Ray & Barbara L. (Zehr) Courter Nell Cowden Kelly W. & Kathy L. (Heath) Crawford Paul E. Daniel* & Cloretta L. (Sager) Daniel* Danner For Congress Frances R. Daugherty* Deluxe

Elwyn K. & Emma (Brown) DeVore Ron C. & Nancy DeYoung Janet S. Dinkel The Dow Chemical Company Foundation DST Systems Inc. E. L. Crawford Construction Inc. Opal (Calvert) Eckert* Samuel Edmunds* Ehlert Bull Test Program Ellison-Auxier Architects Inc. George W. & Juanita English Enterprise Realty LLC Fidelity Investments Richard R. Flanagan P.E. Fox & Lucile (Jeffrey) Fox* Robert E. Fraser* Robert E. Fraser Foundation Marion B. & Joan (Miller) Freeman Dwight Gates* Calvin N. & Marilyn Goeders Bill & Dorothy W. Gram George R. Green & Barbara Klein-Green Wilma Hall* James D. & Marian Hammond Harden, Cummins, Moss & Miller LLC Von Hayes Lydia L. (Stickerod) Haynes* Ralph & Joyce F. Hook Hy-Vee Ideker Inc. Illinois Tool Works Foundation Information Builders Inc.

Administration Building, with all future campus buildings built facing the quadrangle. While the original plans were never realized, the first sidewalk built from the entrance at Fourth Street/College Avenue ran straight up to the front door of the Administration Building and became known as the Long Walk.

Arthur A. & Karen Jablonski James M. & Betty Jackson, Sr. Arnold J. & Mary Le Johnson Christopher R. & Mercedes (Ramirez) Johnson Mabel V. (Wells) Jordan* Craig L. & Kerry Kelley Kentucky Fried Chicken of Maryville Douglas K. & Linda S. (Keller) Kinder Kiwanis Club KNIM Radio Ed Koppelman Charles Lawhead* & Florence O. (Abarr) Lawhead Marvin E. Lehnen & Kathryn B. (Krause) Lehnen* Liberty Mutual Group Inc. Bill & Jessica J. (O’Rourke) Loch Loch Sand and Construction Company Gweldon L. Long William L. & Jodie L. (Hamilton) Mackintosh Mary E. Markt Ruth L. (Mitchell) McClurg* Alice L. McCullough John L. & Teresa G. (Kelly) McCune Howard McIntosh Wayne H. McQuerry* & Ruth (Collins) McQuerry Richard A. & Bernadine Mendenhall

Middle Fork Water Company Inc. Midland Surveying Inc. Gerald A. Mitchell* & Wilma E. (Myers) Mitchell* Barry E. Monaghan Gaylord D. & Mercedes (Triplet) Morrison Irene Mueller* New England Business Service Northwest Ford/Lincoln/ Mercury Inc. Northwest Missouri Cellular NUCOR-LMP Steel & Wire Company Mona M. (Pennington) Nurski* Alice M. Oliver* Kevin M. & Donna O’Reilly Jack L. & Gilda J. Otte B.D. & Sue (Wright) Owens PaineWebber Frederick P. Parcher* Russell W. Parman* & Betty (McCowen) Parman Kenneth C. & Mary Petersen Pioneer Mobile Homes Inc. Charles M. Place* & Linda L. (Nichols) Place Milton E. Ploghoft & Zella (Mitchell) Ploghoft* William C. & Mary Beth Price William Price Family Foundation Principal Financial Group Foundation Dorothy J. (Myers) Rice* Gladys M. Rickard* Theodore G. Robinson & Ann Robinson*

Chauncey Saville* Richard L. Sawyers* Robert D. & ZoAnn (Holt) Severson Beverly J. (Holt) Shelton Frank C. Skipton David L. Snider Olive G. Somerville* Sprint Foundation St. Francis Hospital Robert & Ruth A. Stelter Frank H. Strong* & Vivian Strong The Student Body Taco John’s of Maryville Inc. Maurine A. Thomas* Gary J. & Kathy L. Thompson Dick & Kay S. Thomson Melvin L. & Carol Tjeerdsma Susan F. Tobin Bruce E. & Polly Twaddle United Electric Cooperative US Bank Roberta F. Utterback* Pauline F. Walker* Richard E. Westbrook Ben L. & Kathleen J. Westman Mike & Jean L. Wilcox Garvin R. Williams* & Imogene (Henderson) Williams* John C. Williams Harold Wilmarth & Carol J. (Couts) Wilmarth* Montgomery L. Wilson* & Irma L. (Hull) Wilson Joseph B. Zelenz* & Marlyn Zelenz

Pacesetters

Associate Members The Northwest Foundation is thankful for the lifetime support of all alumni and friends. Although lifetime giving levels now begin at $25,000, these A. E. Easter Family Foundation Aquila Eddice B. Barber Freida M. (Bennett) Belford* Charles R. Bell* & Lela Bell* Boatmen’s First National Bank A.C. Breckenridge* Caskel Leasing Company James D. Cox Don O. & Nancy Daniel John H. Dieterich* & Mary G. (Garrett) Dieterich Edward Jones Exxon Education Foundation

* Deceased

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies Victor M. Farrell* & Frances Farrell* Warren & Barbara Gose Georgia Gromer* Sharen Gutreuter Betty Lou Hazelton Theodore C. Hinckley* & Caryl C. Hinckley J. E. Dunn Construction Company Amy R. Jacob Donald E. Johnson*

individuals assumed a vital role in the former Tower Society with their lifetime gifts between $10,000 and $24,999.

K. C. Petersen Construction Co. Chang You Kan Martin & Ramona A. (Rope) Kanne Kansas City Chiefs Lloyd & Eileen (Isom) Kelly J.E. Kirschner* LuBeth W. Kuemmerle Eleanor (Nicholas) Letts* Joan L. (Johnson) Marfice Marian Home Loan Co. Maryville Host Lions Club Gary & Merry McDonald John P. Mees* & Joan Mees

Motorola Foundation Nissan Motors Nodaway County Recreation For Handicapped North Aggregate Products Northern Trust Company Marie Chandler Oftelie* James C. & Joanne (French) Redd Rotary Club of Maryville Mahala Saville* August Sherman* Shughart Thomson & Kilroy St. Joseph Light and Power

Spring 2012

David Stanley Edra M. (Planck) Stoskopf Robert Strait* & Arlyne Strait* Strong & Strong Robert & Juddy Elaine B. Tebow Kenneth T. Thompson* & Icel (Donelson) Thompson* Toshiba Corporation Charles W. Veatch & Pam (Grau) Veatch* Morris C. Walton* & Betty C. Walton Wesley Foundation of Maryville Williams Recycling

Northwest Alumni Magazine

32

The Bridge, 2010-2011

Annual Giving

The Northwest Circle The following donors contributed at least $10,000 during the fiscal year.

The Fifth District Normal School opened in 1905, offering two-year programs to educate teachers for the region. The name was changed to Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in 1919 as the curriculum began to focus on four-year programs. As its prominence as a regional institution began to grow ARAMARK Facility Services Mary M. Asbell & Allan S. Mackenzie j Bank Midwest Cargill Citizens Bank & Trust Patrick J. & Diana Cockrill William L. Combs j Rolland Deardorff* & Maxine Deardorff* Charles R. Dertsler* & Pearl L. Dertsler Janet S. Dinkel 12 Willard F. Dunning* & Laura Belle B. (McGrew) Dunning* E & R Sanitation

The Cornerstone Circle

and the fields of study continued to expand, the name was again changed to Northwest Missouri State College in 1949. Finally, as the breadth of the programs continued to increase, especially graduate studies, the name Northwest Missouri State University was approved in 1972. No matter the formal name, the institution has always been known by its alumni and friends as Northwest.

Empower Media Marketing Energizer Michael L. Faust Robert H. & Janice A. Fitz Simmons P.E. Fox & Lucile (Jeffrey) Fox* 12 Marion B. & Joan (Miller) Freeman Dean Gingrich* Goppert Foundation Charles B. Green* & Venita Jean Green* Ronald A. Houston John Sublett Logan Foundation Kawasaki - Maryville

Richard H. & Phyllis J. (Combs) Leet Bill & Jessica J. (O’Rourke) Loch Richard A. & Bernadine Mendenhall Middle Fork Water Company Inc. Nodaway Valley Bank Northwest Missouri Cellular Alice M. Oliver* Milton E. Ploghoft William C. & Mary Beth Price j R. Joe & Nancy Smith Awalt G. Steffen* & Helen E. Steffen* Dick & Kay S. Thomson

The following donors contributed between $5,000 and $9,999 during the fiscal year.

The cornerstone of Academic Hall, now the Administration Building, was laid Oct. 12, 1907, amid great celebration, including a parade. Into Bolin Auto and Truck Parts Melvin D. & Valorie G. (Wheeler) Booth Rick A. & Tammy Carter ConAgra Kelly W. & Kathy L. (Heath) Crawford Karen L. Daniel Frances R. Daugherty* Deluxe DST Systems Inc. E. L. Crawford Construction Inc.

the cornerstone, a copper box was placed that included many items from the era such as coins, pictures and a copy of the law that created the Fifth District Normal School. After many heartaches and delays, the building was finally completed in 1910.

Eaton Corporation Calvin N. & Marilyn Goeders Illinois Tool Works Foundation Arnold J. & Mary Le Johnson j James R. & Patricia J. (New) Joy Loch Sand and Construction Company George F. Nathan Page County Landfill Linda L. (Nichols) Place j

Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation j Helen (Chapman) Schilling Vivian Strong Gary J. & Kathy L. Thompson Tri-State Ford Lincoln Mercury Richard E. Westbrook Western Missouri Correctional Center Ben L. & Kathleen J. Westman j

The President’s Circle The following donors contributed between $1,000 and $4,999 during the fiscal year.

Ten presidents have served this institution from the days of the Mary E. (Johnson) Adwell Virgil & Dolores Albertini Anderson & Sundell PC Anonymous j 12 Antonia C. Espey Insurance Agency Inc. ARAMARK Campus Dining Mark A. Avitt James D. Bailey John W. Baker, Jr. Bank of America Bruce W. & Holly A. (Murphy) Barstow Bruce S. & Coretha C. Barlow Jane H. Bartik Gary L. & Patricia Jo Beggs j Robert E. McGuire & Melissa Berlin-McGuire Ned Bishop Robert L. & Mary R. Bohlken Robert G. & Sue Bolin, Jr. Jeffrey C. & Jill Borchardt Joseph B. & Sandra Bosse Bram Funeral Home of Maryville Inc. Billy V. & Courtney Brooks William A. & Jo Karen Brown j Shoba (Mansukhani) Brown Robert E. & Betty (Johnson) Bush Donald D. & Stacy R. (Lee) Carrick j

Alan W. & Lynnette G. (Andersen) Carver Moon Soo Choi CHS Foundation City of Bethany John P. Cline Cline Wood Agency Inc. The Coca-Cola Company Community Foundation of New Jersey Ray & Barbara L. (Zehr) Courter Orrie T. & Sara (Sellars) Covert j 12 Nell Cowden Dennis C. Dau Kenneth Davison* & Joyce Davison Edward T. Day j Terry R. & Sandra Day Elwyn K. & Emma (Brown) DeVore Ramona A. Dickinson Mark J. & Julia C. (Scott) Doll Brant & Marcia Downey Jerold L. Drake Dale E. & Kathryn J. Duncan Douglas N. Dunham Rebecca Feuerbacher Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund First Hand Foundation Richard R. Flanagan Terry L. & Kari L. French

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

Fifth District Normal School to present day Northwest Missouri State University. Through their guidance and leadership, Northwest has grown into one of the most respected universities in the country.

Jeffrey D. & Karen E. (Gould) From Kevin E. & Kathy G. Fullerton Richard M. & Karen U. Fulton Matt J. & Sherry Gaarder Robert E. & Martha (Polsley) Gamble Aadhar Garg Kevin O. & Christi (Rollins) Garrett George R. & Barbara H. Gayler Melvin L. Gibson Warren & Barbara Gose Bill & Dorothy W. Gram Troy R. & Heather (Malmberg) Greenfield Lee E. Greve Frank & Vicki S. (Greer) Grispino, Sr. Joan C. Groom Glenn Webb Education Fund/ The Growmark Foundation Hayley E. Hanson Harden, Cummins, Moss & Miller LLC Mark H. & Vicki A. (Horton) Hargens Patrick B. & Teri Harr Robert M. & Carolyn A. Henry Harlan & Sybil (Sims) Higginbotham E. Ray & Linda Hischke

Holtman Masonry Dean L. & Aleta A. Hubbard IBM International Foundation Ronald W. & Martha Ideker Arthur A. & Karen Jablonski j Jackson Insurance Agency John & Denise (Kirby) Jasinski j John Deere Foundation Brent E. & Tamara Johnson John E. & Lynn Jones Lynn A. Bram Sandra A. (Hayzlett) Jones Craig L. & Kerry Kelley Lloyd & Eileen (Isom) Kelly Kelly Foundation Inc. Mark J. Kenney Kentucky Fried Chicken of Maryville Paul E. & Joyce (Barnes) Kerber Nathan E. & Amy J. (Kish) Klaas George R. Green & Barbara Klein-Green Michael A. Knepper KNIM Radio Korean Parents Association Kirk G. Larson Jeff A. & LeeAnn (Reents) Leonard Mary M. (Grantham) Lewis Lockton Companies LLC

Gweldon L. Long William L. & Jodie L. (Hamilton) Mackintosh Marvin Marion Marsh, Espey & Riggs PC Ed & Patsy Martin Donald W. & Mary (Walkup) Matthews j John L. & Teresa G. (Kelly) McCune Miles T. McDonald McDonald’s of Maryville Ruth (Collins) McQuerry Leon F. Miller*, Mary Belle Miller & Carol J. Miller Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation Barry E. Monaghan Helen L. (Fisher) Mutz NEC Insurance Inc. Richard M. & Barbara A. New j NOCOMO Industries Nodaway County Recreation & Education for Individuals with Disabilities Northern Trust Company j NUCOR-LMP Steel & Wire Company Jack L. & Gilda J. Otte Pella Rolscreen Foundation Brian & Barb Peterson Maurice M. Peve

The Bridge, 2010-2011

33

Annual Giving Theodore P. & Katherine E. (Carrel) Place Porter Trash Service Jon T. & Donna L. Rickman Theodore G. Robinson Darwin W. Rold Deon & Jodee Roush Daniel J. Runde Paul W. & Mari Schieber, Jr. j Ross W. & Elizabeth (Sullivan) Scott Jon-Paul & Ashley A. Shores Sharla Sievers j Sky Ranch LLC

John R. & Charm F. (Brown) Smith, Jr. Steven B. & Michelle Smith j David L. Snider j St. Francis Hospital Robert Lee & Doris Ann Stanton State Farm Companies Foundation David V. & Glenda F. Stock Owen L. Straub The Student Body Doug Summa Barbara (Turner) Tansey

George L. & Bonnie Taubel TD Apparel LLC John R. & Kristine (Ketelsen) Teale Texas A&M UniversityKingsville The Board of Trade of Kansas City Missouri Inc. James H. & Sherry L. (Gillespie) Thompson, Jr. Thompson Law Office LLC Willard C. & Paulette S. Tice Melvin L. & Carol Tjeerdsma j Christopher P. & Lisa A. (Moss) Tobin

Susan F. Tobin Deborah R. Tripp Roger D. Tullberg US Bank j Sandra S. (Grove) Valline j Kenneth VanCleave Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program Harold G. & Marylee (Steele) VanSickle, Jr. Janet Waldeier Wells Fargo Foundation Sharlis (Marple) Wheeler Helen Widger

William Price Family Foundation j Leon & Elizabeth Williams Gerald W. & Robin L. (Lewis) Wilmes Al Wilson Irma L. (Hull) Wilson Montgomery L. Wilson* & Irma L. (Hull) Wilson H.W. & Nancy L. (Jordheim) Woolsey Mihoko Yamazoe Elli Zeamer Stanley R. Zeamer Michael J. Zech

The Normal School Club The following donors contributed between $500 and $999 during the fiscal year.

Efforts to bring a normal school – a training school for teachers in the public schools – to northwest Missouri began in 1874. After many years of Mel Adema Robert E. Allen David E. Anderson David A. Asbach Betty J. (Underwood) Baker Matthew C. & Jill J. (Wood) Baker William R. & Dorothy (Sandbulte) Baldwin Marjory Barratt Timothy J. Bartik Mike Baumgartner Barry T. & Claudia E. (Bosisio) Beacom Susan Bennerotte David G. Best Patricia K. (McKinnon) Best j James A. & Ethel Blankenship Robert J. & Mary Boerigter Raymond E. & Paula J. (Modrell) Brady Larry C. & Dorothy Brandt Jerald & Ann M. Brekke Anthony J. & Venus L. Brown Larry L. & Joen A. (Gross) Brown Stephen L. Burrier Randy R. Buxton Lillian M. Carter Cerner Corporation Greg & Cindy Chapman Clinton L. Allen Monuments Inc. Howard G. & Mimi (Stratford) Collins Conception Abbey Roger & Janice (Erickson) Corley Leland H. Corley Kenneth W. & Cindy Crozier Neal R. & Evonne Dawson Beth DeBuysere Delta Kappa Gamma Ted S. & Sharon Derks Robert E. & Nina M. Dewhirst Scott M. & Laura J. (Rutherford) Dowden E.K.S. Inc. Edward D. Jones-Kurz/Yancey Ted Espey

* Deceased

Mahlon L. & Johanne (Windle) Fairchild James Max Farrar Lynn Felton Richard D. & Patrice Fiest J.W. Flentje Beverly (Haines) Frazier Donna D. Fuhr Thomas J. Funk Marilyn Garcia Kyle W. & Deborah A. (Huston) Garrett Gene A. & Ruth M. Garrett Ryan T. & Sue A. (Redelberger) George Michael Graham j Doug & Ann (Young) Gustafson j Mark & Debra Gutzmer Larry & Paula J. (Mires) Haataja Jim & Jennifer L. (Ticknor) Haggart Hallmark Corporate Foundation Hollis O. Hamilton Andy & Mindy Hampton Benjamin R. Harness Donna Hawley Mark E. & Lisa Hereford j Mike & Debra (Dawson) Herring Matthew G. & Belinda Hess Kori & Allison (Strong) Hoffmann Lila R. Holdsworth j Channing & Louise B. Horner Michael J. & Sue Hughes j Hy-Vee Susan Jenkins Victor Jenkins Benny L. & Cheryl A. Johnson j Darin K. & Pamela C. (Dunlap) Johnson Glen E. Johnson James Johnston Kevin E. & Susan Kemmerer Jacob P. & Keri L. (Stangl) Kendrick j Ryan C. & Kimberly B. (Sifers) Kenney Kevin Neal Insurance Agency Inc.

j Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarship Donor

struggle in the state legislature, local residents were finally successful in 1905 as House Bill 311 and Senate Bill 114 were passed and signed into law by Gov. Joseph W. Folk. For 14 years, the institution was known as the Fifth District Normal School and graduated hundreds of teachers who served the region.

Douglas K. & Linda S. (Keller) Kinder Paul R. Kuehneman j Coby D. & Jennie S. (Cline) Lamb Thomas C. Lancaster Scott P. Land Mark E. & Melissa A. (McEnroe) Leggett Jeff L. & Kelli A. (Welter) Linch j Basil M. & Ina C. (Barnes) Lister j Forrest G. & Joan B. Lowe Larry J. & Patricia (Faubion) Maiorano Joan L. (Johnson) Marfice Danny L. & Mindy Marsh David C. Martin Michael G. & Janet McClanahan Donald McCrary Gary R. & Merry McDonald Timothy J. McGinnis Kerry E. & Marsha Meyers Midland Surveying Inc. Midwest Computer and Business Services Inc. Midwest Walnut Company of Iowa Jonathan A. & Paula R. (Northup) Miller Stephen D. & Karen R. Miller Emma Lee Morgan Donald S. & Lynn Morris MTE Office Center Wendel M. & Bobbi Myers National Investors Inc. Sherry L. Nelson Daren O. & Buffy L. (Brooks) Niemeyer j Northeast Nodaway R-V Russell & Rita (Sharp) Northup William G. Norton j Donald E. & Sue Nothstine W.R. & Carole O’Riley Jeff D. & Marilyn J. (Corlett) Otte Rod & Kathy Otte John B. Owens

12 American Dream Grant Donor

The Palms Richard D. & Judith (Clark) Partlow Philip J. & Margaret Patterson Jennifer D. (Schulte) Lang James M. & Cindy L. Pickerel Gregory K. & Robin Pierpoint Don R. & Joyce A. (Wake) Piveral Phillip M. & Deena E. (Roush) Poynter j Principal Life Insurance Company R & S Construction LLC Jeff & Cheryl Raffety Ron Rainey Peggy Rasmussen Adriene B. Rathbun Rodney & Angela K. (Roberts) Reed j John C. & Della A. Rhoades Stephen M. Rhodes & Lisa K. Renze-Rhodes Helen (Witmer) Richards j Beth Richards Gus Rischer Patricia Rischer Michael P. Rogers Max & Lynn C. Ruhl Larry G. & Karla Rusco Coralea C. Samson Ed & Peggy (Luke) Schieber Lee T. & Nina C. Schneider Alfred E. Sergel, III Robert D. & ZoAnn (Holt) Severson Sheldon Enterprises Inc. Frances Shipley David T. & Sue A. (Strauss) Slater Connie (Neville) Smith Delbert Smith Jeffrey S. Smith Howard B. & Kris (Greenfield) Smith Smith Contracting Company Dean & Betty (Oliver) Sparks Sprint Foundation j Gerald R. & Barbara (Nixon) Sprong

Spring 2012

St. Francis Hospital & Health Services Michael J. & Lori A. (McLemore) Steiner Stoskopf Farms Inc. j Joseph M. Stough Sutherlands Stephen A. & Bonnie S. (White) Sutton Doug Sutton Taco John’s of Maryville Inc. James L. Taylor Brad Teale Greg A. & Jill S. (Kroenke) Teale Harlan H. & Dawn R. (Scarbrough) Thomas, Jr. Paul S. & Melissa L. (Whigham) Thompson Thompson’s Lawn & Landscaping Inc. Mark & Rachel Tobin Larry S. True Donald Turner Bruce E. & Polly Twaddle John S. & Patty (Merrick) Van Cleave Kevin & Kathy Van de Ven Roger A. & Jayne M. (Beattie) Vest James H. & Suzie Wakeman j Walker Body Shop Inc. WalMart Foundation Gary L. & Jennifer M. (Thompson) Ward Scott & Kathy E. Weidner Gregory S. & Hollis Weishar James H. Whitaker Kenneth A. & Christa A. White Steven L. & Julie M. (Connor) White Diane R. Widger Laura B. Widmer Charles J. & Janet R. Wieland Bonnie Winstead j Wise Motels Inc. Brent A. & Terri L. (Harwood) Woodburn Tucker D. Woolsey John R. & Susan Yancey

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The Bridge, 2010-2011

Annual Giving The Lake View Club

The following donors contributed between $250 and $499 during the fiscal year.

The lake on campus was created during the tenure of President Uel W. Lamkin. Known as Lamkin Lake, College Pond and Colden Pond, Accent Printing Ackman Inc. Advantage Financial Consulting j Alpine Broadcasting Corporation American Family Insurance Dennis M. Anderson Stephen L. & Gayle (Bradfield) Anderson j Bill J. Archer j Astro Packaging James & Patricia A. (Bissell) Bagby Ronald H. & Jacqueline B. Baldwin j Kent M. & Ann M. (Rickman) Barthol Frank D. & Kathleen M. (Carmody) Baudino Baumli Auto Sales James E. & Amber A. Beerends Joel D. & Christine C. Benson Michael Berner Thomas J. & Donna J. Billesbach j Stuart J. Bintner John E. & Jill A. (Wolken) Blackford Meagan Alyssa Blunt Scott L. Bostwick* & Susan M. Bostwick Emily Marie Bowman Jeff D. & Gina G. (Peterson) Bradley Charles & Norine (Norris) Brewer j Damian L. (Valline) Bridges Bridget Brown Richard Bryant Alan J. & Vicki Bubalo Mark A. & Anita (Graham) Buelow j M. Richard & Suzanne (Sprague) Bufton j Mark & Marla Burnsides

Carol A. Buttell Keith Cannon Wallace & Dianna L. Carpenter Carson’s Sports Grille George R. Cataldo Mark L. Cherry j Holly R. Cherveny Robert Christopher City of Maryville Mark A. Clements Garnett & Charlene Coffey Robert E. & Janis J. Colville Steve Combs William H. & Jean Corken Linda K. (Snell) Daniels Kurt & Sandra K. Davis Greg De Jong Michael H. Deming Richard & Nancy Demott Eric V. Denton V. Tom & Kathleen (Tobin) Dolph Bryan S. Dorrel Joe & Nancy (New) Drake Robert E. & Winifred Dunshee Rose Marie Duty Jerry B. & Carolyn (Nicolle) Dyke Carla Edwards & Terry Hall Chester L. & Peggy A. (Bush) Edwards Neil B. & Jacquelyn R. Elliott 12 Thomas L. & Myrna O. Ellison j Empire District Gas Company George W. & Juanita English Ericsson Inc. Randy B. & Jill Euken Kim A. Evans Kim & Myra L. (Turner) Evans Jeff A. & Nancy K. (Greever) Farlow Edward L. & Joan F. (Swanson) Farquhar Bob D. & Victoria C. Farris j Felton Grain & Livestock Richard & Diane Ferguson

Omissions The Northwest Foundation Inc. acknowledges all donors via letter. Because of space constraints in the Northwest Alumni Magazine, the Foundation does not list supporters donating less than $249.

Northwest continually strives to ensure data integrity. Therefore, should you believe there is an omission or additional discrepancy in the Honor Roll of Donors, please direct your concerns to Lori Steiner in the Office of University Advancement at steiner@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

the area has always been a popular place for students to gather and relax.

Included in the surrounding geography are the well-known Kissing Bridge, the Peace Pavilion and Joyce and Harvey White International Plaza, making the south entrance to campus a visual masterpiece.

Marvin L. & Frances Fine Alice K. Foose Forest C. Alldredge Revocable Trust Dale & Vicki (Hascall) Fulk Gary G. & Julia (Thompson) Funkhouser Margaret Funston j Tony K. Gannan Lynette Garber Larry D. Gearhart j Denis I. & Mary F. Gibbs Dave W. & Carole A. (Patterson) Gieseke Francis & Lou Goff Richard Goforth Roland K. & Reva J. (Kerns) Gordon Allyn S. & Judy Graham Wanda (Wyatt) Gray Greg Carrel Insurance 12 Stephen Gruba Jon C. & Teresa S. (Darrah) Gustafson j Rex & Amy Gwinn Michael L. Hackney Jason S. & Tiffani Haer William S. & Jennifer Hallock, Jr. j James D. & Marian Hammond Randy A. & Jana L. (White) Hanson Harbit Communications Inc. Rodney D. Harris Alicia N. Harrison Gary L. Hazelrigg James E. & Twyla (Boone) Hazen Paul W. & Susan M. Heim Janice L. Heinz j Danny L. Hendricks Peter & Karen (Crawford) Hendrickson j Lynn Hennigan Timothy D. Henrickson j Fred G. Henry John W. Henry Alice C. Hersh j J.E. & Debra B. Hess Thomas F. Hirschmann David A. & Danette Holmes Randy & Susan A. (Crooks) Holtman Hormel Foods Corporation j Tracy J. Hoza j Christopher T. & Lori K. (Thompson) Huber j Janis C. (Smith) Ivie j Ronald D. & Janis (West) Jackson Wendell & Joan D. (Lynch) Jackson Monte D. & Trudy J. Jacobsen

Paul J. & Rita Jennings Richard L. & Judy (VanAllsdall) Jennings Mike & Jennifer (Coates) Jewett JK Pizza LLC Harold L. & Shirley F. Job Carolyn V. Johnson Michael C. & Kenna S. (Miller) Johnson 12 Phillip M. & Cindy S. (Platt) Kenkel Brian D. & Sarah E. (Carr) Kever KIDS Return LLC Joe Kleine Julie A. Knowlton Nancy H. (Baker) Koch j Robert L. & Diane (Morley) Lade Fred C. & Jacqueline P. Lamer Richard Landes Larsen Family Foundation Latino Arts Inc. George & Sharelle Leick Homer & Mildred LeMar, Sr. Lennox International Inc. David B. & Brenda K. (Weddle) Lewis Arnold & Lois J. Lindaman Robert H. & Patty Loft Leland M. & Frederica (Dodge) Long Mark Longacre James L. & Sylvia C. Lowrance James F. & Annette N. Ludeman Stephen E. & Kathleen J. Ludwig Michael M. & Molly Lydon j Edward L. & Ann L. (Martens) Martin Ed & Patsy Martin Mary Mart Corporation James H. & Tracy L. (Dickman) Mathisen j T. Kurt Matthewson Dwight T. Maxwell & Sandra R. Maxwell Nicole R. McGinness Anna Jean McKee Frank L. & Gail F. (Wiederholt) McKinzie David L. & Janet E. (Clayton) McLaughlin Patrick & Lana (Linville) McLaughlin Scott D. Meier j Dottie J. Messick Phillip E. & Melody A. Messner Gaylord D. & Patricia Meyers j Midwest Medical Resources Clarence M. & Gloria (Sherman) Miller Josey Miller

Leon F. Miller* & Mary Belle Miller Sean & Michelle L. (Budt) Miller j Kenneth W. & Esther F. Minter James & Velma F. (Swartz) Mitchell Del & Shari M. (Goetz) Morley Allen W. Motley Mr. Goodcents Subs and Pasta Mallory Murray Christopher J. & Amy L. (Pettit) Nally Nationwide Insurance Foundation Richard P. Naylor Kevin R. & Patricia A. (Leslie) Neal Michael & Glynis Neil David L. & Ann (Eilers) Newman Northwestern Mutual Foundation Stephen L. Oden j Clarence M. & Arleen Okihiro Ralph L. & Nancy M. O’Riley Osborn Auction LLC Wilbur T. Osborne Stu J. & Stephanie Osterthun j Philip V. & Cathy Ott j Avis Parman j Benjamin W. Passer Dianne E. Passmore Jeffrey Penn Kenneth C. & Mary Petersen Travis C. Pierson Platte County R-III School District j Dorothy A. Porter j Kermitt L. & Susan (Jacobsen) Posten E.B. & Joycelyn Prawl The Prudential Foundation j James R. Quarnstrom j Tom & Joan Quinlin Rapid Refill Inc. Paul & Sharleen Reedy Sherri (Heath) Reeves James Reinders Robert L. & Sarah L. Rice Douglas C. & Pamela A. (Finnell) Rinas Stanley S. Roberts Rockhallers LLC Mark Rosewell Mick M. & Beatrice K. (Runyan) Ross Kurt R. & Theresa Rowan Roger W. & Mary S. Rowlett j Wade A. & Karen R. (Brown) Ruckle j Joseph F. & Rose Ryan Randall D. & Joanne E. (Fastenau) Sandage

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Annual Giving Robert N. & Katherine (Hann) Sawyer John D. & Shelly Sayre j Mark D. Schauer Raymond L. & Liz Schieber Lynn Schlake Dean M. & Joan M. Schneider Forrest P. & Carol A. Schnobrich Schreck Motors LLC Kent S. Schreiner Charles A. & Patricia (Bowers) Schultz j Ronald P. Searcy Sears Authorized Retail Dealer Rod & Sharon E. (Barnes) Shain John E. Shaw, Jr. Richard L. & Joanne L. Shipley Becky A. Shoemaker-Geist Jocelyn (Ambroske) Skidmore Darrell W. & Cheryl L. (Hayden) Smith

Jeffrey L. & Gina Smith Gregg Smith Kendal & Jennifer L. (Hewitt) Smith Jonathon P. Smith j Zachary P. Smith j Stan D. & Debbie Snyder Jerome & RoAnne (Godsey) Solheim j Dennis K. & Faith Spark Patricia Sparks Kim W. & Carol L. Spradling Robert D. & Karen Starckovich Tim Stiff Steve K. & Bette S. (Hudnall) Stokes Kent C. & Anna J. (Bradshaw) Summa Robert C. Sunkel Grant M. & Jennifer R. (Gries) Sutton

Roxanna R. Swaney Gary & Willa Swanson Hannah Kathryn Swihart Brent A. Symonds Matt Symonds Steve D. & Lynette M. (Thater) Tappmeyer Nancy R. Tapps James & Connie S. (Anderla) Teaney Albert H. & Lois Terhune, III Stephen L. & Patricia L. (Wray) Thompson Doug Thomson Laura (Schreck) Thomson Rebecca Thomson Kendra L. Thorgaard Jerry & Mary E. (Sundem) Throener Richard T. & Deborah A. (Johnson) Toomey j

Truman Heartland Community Foundation 12 Jim & Mary V. (Killgore) Tyrrell United Producers Inc. j Vinnie & Keddy (Springer) Vaccaro Patricia VanDyke Thomas M. & Lisa Vansaghi Herbert K. VanVactor, Jr. Terri (Gard) Vogel j Roger L. Von Holzen Julie A. Waite j Scott A. Walk Steven P. & Melissa J. (Koepnick) Wallach Randall W. Ward j Watkins True Value Hardware David Weichinger Doug Whitaker Bradley J. Whitsell j

Travis L. & Marlie (Saxton) Williams Harold Wilmarth Tom F. Wilson John S. & Virginia (Barks) Winston Jodel Wolf Ronald N. & Janet B. Wray Gregory D. Wright Donna F. (Theis) Young Dwayne C. & Felicia K. (Knowles) Young j Jason & Alyssa A. (Schnack) Zabloudil Jeffrey Zaputil Michael E. Zeorlin Thomas R. & Jolaine A. (Kaminski) Zweifel

The 1905 Society The goals Northwest sets for itself continue to be ambitious, inspiring and visionary. The establishment of the Fifth District Normal School in 1905 was the culmination of a 30-year struggle to bring higher education to the region.

As in the early years, the needs of Northwest remain infinite today. The essence of Northwest’s identity and success is rooted in a tradition of people Virgil & Dolores Albertini ARAMARK Campus Dining ARAMARK Facility Services - Maryville, Mo. Mark A. Avitt Bruce W. & Holly A. (Murphy) Barstow Jeffrey C. & Jill Borchardt Donald D. & Stacy R. (Lee) Carrick Alan W. & Lynnette G. (Andersen) Carver

Orrie T. & Sara (Sellars) Covert Dennis C. Dau Charles R. Derstler* & Pearl L. Derstler Douglas N. Dunham Andy & Toni (Cowen) Espey Terry L. & Kari L. French Kevin O. & Christi (Rollins) Garrett Jason L. & Michelle A. (Bennington) Garst Warren & Barbara Gose

stepping forward at crucial times.

The following donors provided a minimum of $1,000 in unrestricted monetary support during the fiscal year that is vital to achieve the possibilities that pave the way for a brighter future for Northwest and its students.

Troy R. & Heather (Malmberg) Greenfield Hayley E. Hanson Harden, Cummins, Moss & Miller LLC Mark H. & Vicki A. (Horton) Hargens Harlan & Sybil (Sims) Higginbotham E. Ray & Linda Hischke Ronald A. Houston Dean L. & Aleta A. Hubbard

John & Denise (Kirby) Jasinski Sandra A. (Hayzlett) Jones Lloyd & Eileen (Isom) Kelly Mark J. Kenney Jeff A. & LeeAnn (Reents) Leonard John L. & Teresa G. (Kelly) McCune Ruth (Collins) McQuerry Helen L. (Fisher) Mutz Linda L. (Nichols) Place Theodore P. & Katherine E. (Carrel) Place

William C. & Mary Beth Price Steven B. & Michelle Smith David L. Snider Robert Lee & Doris Ann Stanton David V. & Glenda F. Stock Owen L. Straub Barbara (Turner) Tansey George L. & Bonnie Taubel Gary J. & Kathy L. Thompson Susan F. Tobin Sharlis (Marple) Wheeler Stanley R. Zeamer

Matching Gift Companies The following companies provided matching gifts to Northwest during the fiscal year. Most large corporations encourage volunteerism and charitable giving and are willing to match, dollar for dollar or even greater, the amount that their Andrews McMeel Universal Foundation AT&T Foundation Bank of America Boeing Company Bridgestone/Firestone Caterpillar Foundation ConAgra Foundation Conoco Phillips Company

* Deceased

Covidien Employee Matching Gift Program Eaton Corporation Energizer Ericsson Inc. Exxon Mobil Foundation Fifth Third Foundation First Data Foundation Hallmark Corporate Foundation

j Adopt-a-Bearcat Scholarship Donor

employees donate to higher education. Along with matching monetary donations, some match volunteer hours with a cash amount. To find out if you or your spouse’s employer will match your gift, talk with your human resources office.

Hormel Foods Corporation IBM International Foundation Illinois Tool Works Foundation ING Inc. Lennox International Inc. Lincoln Financial Group Foundation Inc. Midland National Human Resources Monsanto Fund

12 American Dream Grant Donor

Mutual of Omaha Companies Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Northern Trust Company Northwestern Mutual Foundation Pella Rolscreen Foundation Pfizer Inc. Principal Financial Group Foundation

Spring 2012

Prudential Foundation Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Sprint Foundation State Farm Companies Foundation Union Pacific Corporation Wells Fargo Foundation Williams Companies Foundation

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Alumni Connections 2011-2012 Northwest Alumni Association Board of Directors The Northwest Alumni Association Board of Directors held its fall meeting during Family Weekend in September. While on campus, the board members attended the Alumni Awards Banquet, visited the Bearcat Zone and cheered on the Bearcats at the football game. The 20112012 Northwest Alumni Association Board of Directors are (front row, from left) Chrissy Beck Jolley ’02, Jackie Lionberger Damiani ’71, ’76, Joan Lynch Jackson ’65, Paula Rector Davis ’91, (second row) Jim Goecken ’92, Allen Kearns ’62, Karen Logullo Bader ’86, ’95, Mike Zech ’86, Kory Schramm ’95, Bill Brooks ’91, Dave Teeter ’86, (third row) Steve Sutton ’71, Amy Willits Harlin ’95, Dennis Bunch ’69, ’76, Neil Neumeyer ’98, Dan Runde ’81, John Van Cleave ’73, ’89, Sue Johnson Hockensmith ’72 and Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09. (Not pictured: Cindy Tjeerdsma Akehurst ’01 and Mark Pickerel ’76) n

Northwest Alumni Association Chapters and Chapter Officers For more information about a chapter or to get involved, contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu.

Arizona Chapter

Chicago Chapter

Eastern Iowa Chapter

Maryville Chapter

Chartered Sept. 22, 2001

Springfield Chapter

Chartered May 6, 2010

President Ben Campbell ’08 Vice President Jennifer Sullivan ’99 Secretary Sandy Schiager ’92

President Todd Keiser ’95 Vice President Matt Borgard ’80, ’82 Secretary Karen Raniere ’97

President Dave Hockett ‘98

President Jana White Hanson ‘02 Vice President Rod Barr ’87, ’09 Secretary John Van Cleave ’73, ’89

President Mark DeVore ’71, ’75 Vice President Karen Bader ‘86 Secretary Karen Bader ‘86

Band Alumni Chapter

Chartered Jan. 12, 2004

Mid-Missouri Chapter

Chartered May 20, 2002

Chartered March 23, 2001

Chartered Sept. 8, 2001

President Dane Montgomery ’09 Central Iowa Chapter Chartered Aug. 1, 2002

President Laura Peterson ’07 Vice President Libby Hutzler Miller ’91 Secretary Jonathan Pahl ’07

Chartered Jan. 12, 2008

Colorado Chapter President Grant Venable ’05 Vice President Jill Muegge ’05 Dallas Chapter

Chartered June 23, 2006

President Katie Tripp ’05 Vice President Hollis Hamilton ’78 Secretary Scott Harvey ’07

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Gridiron Chapter

Chartered May 13, 2011

President Ryan George ’00 Vice President Steve Coppinger ’98 Secretary Brian Sutton ’98 Japan Chapter

Chartered July 21, 2005

President Yuki Osawa ’97 Vice President Mamiko Noda ’03 Secretary Aya Takahashi ’00 Kansas City Chapter Chartered Jan. 25, 2001

President Reed Jorgensen ’02 Vice President Lesley Dean Hankins ’01 Secretary Damian Bridges ’84

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Chartered April 12, 2007

President Mark Partise ’02 Vice President Sheryl Meiergerd Partise ’02 Nebraska/Western Iowa Chapter Chartered June 5, 2003

President Randy Cody ’99 Southern California Chapter

Chartered Feb. 29, 2004

President: vacant Southern Iowa Chapter Chartered April 1, 2006

President Joan Lynch Jackson ’65 Vice President Darin Goins Secretary Tiffany Gale ’05

Chartered April 9, 2009

St. Joseph Chapter

President Anitra Germer Clark ’05, ’07 Vice President Ann Eilers Newman ’76 Secretary Vicky Horton Hargens ’71 St. Louis Chapter

Chartered May 15, 2008

President Mark Cromley ’94 Vice President Sue Hockensmith ’72 Secretary Barbara Bosch Alexander ’82, ’86 Twin Cities Chapter

Chartered Sept. 16, 2010

President Bill Rouse ’77 Vice President Amanda Barker ’02, ’04 Secretary John Stacey ’03

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Tourin’ Bearcats enjoy a getaway to Virginia Northwest alumni and friends took a trip last fall to Virginia’s Historic Triangle, offered by the Tourin’ Bearcats, the Northwest Alumni Association’s travel program.

The group of nine travelers began their trip with a guided tour of the Berkley Plantation, Virginia’s most historic plantation. They also enjoyed guided tours of the Governor’s Palace, the capitol building and plenty of unique shops in Colonial Williamsburg, the Yorktown Victory Center and the Jamestown Settlement, all with costumed interpreters.

The next Tourin’ Bearcats trip is slated for October where travelers will take in the Albuquerque International Balloon

Pam Johnson Harrington ’81, Kayla Cummings Sierks ’85 and Carol Stephens ’04 enjoy Bearcat camaraderie in colonial Williamsburg, Va.

Fiesta. For more information, see the ad on the back page of this magazine or call the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248.

To view a photo album from the Virginia trip, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/photoalbum. n

During their Tourin’ Bearcats getaway to Virginia, Northwest alumni gathered at the Jamestown Settlement and included (front row, from left) Kayla Cummings Sierks ’85, Pam Johnson Harrington ’81, Earlene Christie ’68, Harvey Christie ’68, (back row) Carol Stephens ’04, Joan Whiteaker Fore ’64, Don Fore ’64, Polly Parsons Howard ’00, ’09 and Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09.

Alumni invited to ‘Mentor-a-Bearcat’ Northwest alumni interested in making a difference in a student’s academic and professional life will soon have the opportunity, thanks to a program to be piloted by the Northwest Alumni Association.

The Mentor-a-Bearcat program aims to connect alumni with students, and Northwest is gauging the interest of alumni who would consider being a career mentor to current students.

“Through our interaction with alumni, we frequently receive requests from our graduates as to how they can better connect with current students,” said Steve Sutton ’71, director of alumni relations. “We believe the Mentor-a-

Bearcat program is a great way to bridge that connection.”

While the program is still in the planning stages, mentorship could take a variety of forms depending upon student and faculty needs. Mentors may be asked if they would like to form a oneon-one relationship or give guidance to a class, student organization or faculty member.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information about the Mentor-a-Bearcat program, contact Northwest’s Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu. n

JOIN TODAY! Membership in the Northwest Alumni Association is an easy way to stay connected to your alma mater. By joining today, your generosity helps keep Northwest strong by supporting scholarships, alumni programming and so much more.

To join, or for more information about membership, visit www.nwmissouri. edu/alumni/membership.htm or call 660.562.1248.

Spring 2012

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Alumni Connections

Alumni Chapter News

1. Members of the Dallas Chapter who volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank included David Dutcher, Angela Dutcher, Chapter President Katie Tripp’05, Social Chair Deb Tripp ’92, ’96 and Dilshan Ratnayake.

2. Several members of the St. Louis Chapter gathered at Montelle Winery last fall, including (front row, from left) Barbara Bosch Alexander ’82, ’86, Heather Herweck-Luckner ’97, Andy Luckner, (back row, from left) Anne Alexander Gross ’90, Jane Alexander ’87, Sue Johnson Hockensmith ’72 and Dana Hockensmith.

3. Jane Alexander ’87, Barbara Bosch Alexander ’82, ’86 and Anne Alexander Gross ’90 of the St. Louis Chapter are decked out in their Bearcat gear.

CENTRAL IOWA The Central Iowa Chapter meets on the first Thursday of every month for the First Thursday Social. The location has recently changed to Murphy’s Bar and Grill at 2675 100th St. in Urbandale, Iowa. In November, the chapter began its Bearcat Blitz series to raise money for the chapter scholarship. This is an event that will occur bimonthly at a local restaurant.

November’s Bearcat Blitz host was Gusto Pizza in Des Moines, Iowa, and when a patron presented the chapter’s flyer or mentioned the Bearcat Blitz, a portion of their bill was donated to the chapter. The chapter is seeking input regarding future events. Please email ideas or comments to iowabearcats@gmail.com, and visit the chapter’s blog at centraliowabearcats.blogspot.com for event announcements and other chapter information. n MARYVILLE The Maryville Chapter sponsored a pizza party for alumni and friends at the Alumni House in January prior to the Bearcat women’s and men’s basketball games. The chapter also hosted its annual Super Bowl Party in February at Bearcat Lanes, and in April, the chapter will organize a wine and cheese social at the Alumni House. For more information, visit the Maryville Alumni Chapter’s page on Facebook or contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu. n

DALLAS For the fourth year, members of the Dallas Chapter volunteered their time at the North Texas Food Bank. Three hours of work side-by-side with another volunteer group last July allowed the chapter members to box enough food for 6,070 meals that will be distributed to those less fortunate. The chapter members also attended the races at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. n GRIDIRON The Gridiron Chapter’s first event, “The Red Hat Classic,” is set for April 14 at the Maryville Country Club (which coincides with the spring football game). The two-man, three-club golf tournament is open to any former Bearcat football player. Coach Adam Dorrel will kick off the tournament by giving golfers a scouting report for that evening’s game, followed by the nine-hole tournament, tailgating and attending the spring game.

Contact Steve Coppinger ’98 at coppy51@gmail. com to register. Other events for 2012 include a Bearcat football player reunion during the first home football game, hosting a suite for all former football players at the Fall Classic at Arrowhead and a Homecoming tailgate. Contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu for more information or visit the chapter’s Facebook page. n

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Alumni Connections

ST. LOUIS It was a beautiful September day at Montelle Winery in Augusta when members of the St. Louis Chapter enjoyed wine, music, laughter and an announcement by Heather HerweckLuckner ’97 and her husband of the arrival of a future Bearcat. The group discussed upcoming gatherings and ideas for reaching out to Northwest alumni in the St. Louis area. St. Louis Northwest alumni T-shirts are available by contacting Sue Johnson Hockensmith ’72 at sahockensmith@aol.com. For more information about the chapter, visit “NW Alumni St. Louis” on Facebook. n ARIZONA The Arizona Chapter hosted a social and watch party in December to cheer on the Bearcats in the semifinal game of the NCAA Division II football playoffs. The chapter also hosted its annual Kansas City Royals spring

39

training baseball game in March in Surprise, Ariz.

For more information on the chapter’s events, contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu. n BAND More than 70 band alumni performed with the Bearcat Marching Band for the Northwest football game against Sioux Falls in September.

David Holland ’58 of Mound City directed the Bearcat Marching Band and Alumni Band for a rendition of the Northwest Alma Mater during pregame. For halftime, former Northwest Director of Bands Al Sergel directed the combined bands for a performance of the crowd favorite, “Hey! Baby.” In October, about 25 band alumni participated in the Northwest Homecoming Parade and performed the Northwest Fight Song and a special song written specifically for them titled “Old Hickory.” An Alumni Concert Band also performed at the March wind symphony concert. For more information about other upcoming events, visit the Band Alumni’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ northwestbandalumni. n

1. Karen Logullo Bader ’86, ’95 of the Springfield Chapter pals around with Bobby Bearcat at the Bearcat Zone on Family Day. 2. Bobby Bearcat (holding “Izzy” the dog) is joined by the Springfield Chapter’s Garrett Bader, Karen Logullo Bader ’86, ’95 and Logan Bader during the Fall Classic at Arrowhead tailgate.

3. Former members of the Bearcat Marching Band participated in Band Alumni Day last September.

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Alumni Connections

Alumni Chapter News 1. Two Southern Iowa alumni, Cindy Williams Allen ’77 (left) and Sheryl Wurster Preston ’78 (second from right), were inducted into the M-Club Hall of Fame as members of the 1975 softball team. Iowa Chapter members attending the banquet were (from left) Allen, Cheryl Hobbs Taylor ’88, Joan Lynch Jackson ’65, Steve Taylor, Preston and Dennis Bunch ’69, ’76.

(continued)

MID-MISSOURI Members of the Mid-Missouri Chapter cheered the Bearcat football team on to victory against Lincoln University in Jefferson City in September. Chapter members also enjoyed a social in November at Prison Brews in Jefferson

City as well as a social and canned food drive the following month to support the Central Missouri Food Bank. For more information and event listings, visit the Mid-Missouri Bearcats on Facebook or contact President Mark Partise ’02 at mjpartise@yahoo.com. n SOUTHERN IOWA Members of the Southern Iowa Chapter participated in several local parades last summer and fall, including the Northwest Homecoming Parade. In August, the chapter sponsored a poker tournament to raise money for the chapter scholarship. The chapter also hosted a family bowling night and had displays at the local high school basketball games. The chapter plans to help with the Special Olympics again this year, host a wine and cheese event and organize its annual anniversary dinner. For more information or to get involved, contact Joan Lynch Jackson ’65 at joanjackson@iowatelecom.net. n

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Mark your calendar!

Friday, Sept. 28 2012 Alumni Awards Banquet The Northwest Alumni Association honors outstanding individuals who personify the University’s tradition of excellence through their service and achievements.

More information will be included in the fall issue of the Northwest Alumni Magazine.

The 2011 Alumni Award recipients included (from left) Allison Kreifels ’06, ’11, Young Alumni Award; Kevin Fullerton ’88, Distinguished Alumni Award; Dr. John Baker, Distinguished Faculty Award; Dorothy Walker, Distinguished Faculty Emeritus Award; Jim Blackford ’72, Turret Service Award; Doug Sutton, Honorary Alumni Award; and Dr. Conrad Woolsey ’02, Young Alumni Award.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

Alumni Connections

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Save the Date Golden Years Society Reunion honoring the

Class of 1962 Nov. 2-3 Homecoming weekend Information regarding hotels and registration will be mailed closer to the date. If you have any questions, contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu.

The 1961 graduates attending the Golden Years Society Reunion in October included (from left) Peggy Humphreys Hadden, Evelyn Robison Anderson, Judy Slusher Woodring, LeRoy Hammond, Kay Akers McDowell, Deloris Polsley Warnecke, Mary Adams Anderson, Stephanie Johnson Frantz, Barbara Burgess Lavery, Benny Johnson, Elender Barrett Jahde, Ken Jahde, Jack Freese, Betty Williams Nelson, Lloyd Nelson, Frances Shipley Groff, Don Combs, Doug Drake, Carolyn Patience Burchfield, Dick Popp, Marlene Cary Adams and Clyde Brown.

1961 graduates celebrate 50th class reunion Members of the class of 1961 and their spouses returned to campus Homecoming weekend for their 50-year class reunion.

The Golden Years Society Reunion, sponsored by the Northwest Alumni Association, included a welcome reception, bus tour of campus,

luncheon and evening social.

Members attended the annual flag raising ceremony at the Joyce and Harvey White International Flag Plaza, Variety Show and M-Club Hall of Fame Banquet. The honored guests also attended the Homecoming Welcome at the Alumni House, received

VIP seating for the Homecoming Parade, attended a post-parade social at the Gaunt House, visited the Bearcat Zone and cheered on the Bearcats at the football game. To view pictures from the reunion, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/photoalbum. n

Alpha Sigma Alpha alumni reunite in Kansas City, assist Joplin community Last July, alumni from Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Phi Phi Chapter representing 12 states gathered at Stroud’s Restaurant in Kansas City. The 68 women reconnected, viewed a presentation about achievements at Northwest and enjoyed an update by the collegiate chapter president, Kate Bridges. The

sorority’s alumni also donated $3,070 and 153 pounds of art and school supplies to assist the community of Joplin, which was devastated by a tornado last May. In addition, several of the sisters traveled to Joplin in August to help teachers prepare their classrooms for the upcoming school year. n

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Northwest Alumni Magazine

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Bearcat Sports

Soccer players assist with tornado cleanup effort in Joplin When the Northwest soccer team reflects on its trip to southern Missouri last October and a tough two-game set to end the regular season, players will likely remember what they did on their off-day more than their time on the field.

Between games against Missouri Southern and Southwest Baptist University, the Bearcat soccer players spent a day in Joplin, a city that was still picking up the pieces from the May 22 tornado that destroyed more than 7,500 homes and businesses and killed 160 people.

Northwest’s Director of Volunteer Programs Amy Nally and Coach Tracy Hoza arranged the project through the AmeriCorps national community service program and provided guidance, but Hoza insisted it was her student-athletes who pushed the idea.

“Since the beginning of the season, Coach has been talking about how we need to get more involved with the community,” said Jacque Dedovesh, a senior defender from Lee’s Summit. “The opportunity was shouting at us when we knew we were going to Joplin and all they’ve been through.”

The team endured a tough 2-1 overtime loss to Missouri Southern, but the players from both schools were on the same team the next day as they took to the streets of Joplin, removing trash and debris that still littered the area.

“I knew that it was bad, but being there and seeing how big of an area the tornado hit was amazing,” Hannah Silvey, a senior midfielder from Springville, Vt., said. “I wasn’t expecting to see such widespread damage. (The damaged Joplin High School) The Bearcat soccer team traveled to southern Missouri last October for two was the most shockgames and spent their off-day assisting with tornado relief efforts in Joplin.

In addition to seeing the devastation firsthand and hearing horrifying stories ing thing I’ve seen.”

In an unexpected from many Joplin residents, the team interacted with the TV crew from “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” twist during their Northwest bus driver, Kevin McMahon, trip, the Bearcat when they ran into complications with team made a good impression on a certheir flight plans Saturday morning. tain television crew that also was spendMcMahon transported the television ing some time in Joplin. crew to the airport.

During the team’s tour of the area, “They were appreciative of us for they spotted the “Extreme Makeover: doing what we were doing,” Hoza said.

Home Edition” camera crew filming a “They wanted to come over and meet us, demolished house. and they thought highly of the girls.”

“We’re like, ‘Whoah, it’s Ty!’ and evFor the players, the experience aleryone was screaming at the top of their lowed them to gain new perspectives on lungs like little teenagers,” Silvey said, life. referring to Ty Pennington, the show’s “It’s about not taking for granted the host. bed you sleep in, the people around you, The television crew allowed the team the food you get to eat or the experiences to watch their production, and the crew you have,” Dedovesh said. n members later called on the team and its

Cheerleaders reclaim national championship For the second time in three years, the Northwest cheerleaders were named national champions. Head Coach Jason Sack and his squad traveled to Orlando, Fla., in January and won the 2012 Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championship. Northwest competed against other NCAA Division II schools to take home the title over defending national champion West Georgia. n

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

MIAA Champions The Northwest men’s basketball team finished in a three-way tie for the MIAA Regular Season Championship (left). The team, led by head coach Ben McCollum ’03, ’05, also advanced to the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2008. The Bearcats, ranked No. 5 in the region, lost to No. 4 Washburn in the first round of the NCAA South Central Regional in Wichita Falls, Texas, finishing their season 22-6.

Visit www.NorthwestBearcats. com for the latest news about the Bearcats’ stellar season. n

Bearcat Sports

43

Fall sports wrap-up Soccer The Northwest soccer team finished off one of the best seasons in program history, coming one game shy of winning a school record 11 games. The Bearcats finished 10-7-2 and advanced to the semifinals of the MIAA postseason tournament. A number of Bearcats were honored by the league as Tammie Eiberger’s school record 10 goals in a season earned her first-team honors.

Volleyball The Bearcats, who finished the season 14-17, were not able to duplicate the magic of their first NCAA tournament run last year under second-year head coach Jessica Rinehart.

However, the team had some stellar individual performances, including senior

Laira Akin who crossed the 3,000 assist mark in her career, moving her to third all-time in Northwest history and earning all-MIAA second team honors.

Football First-year head coach Adam Dorrel and the Bearcats finished 11-3 on the year, including two road playoff wins.

Northwest fell in the national quarterfinals to eventual national champion-Pittsburg State. The Bearcats got solid performances from All-American linebacker Chad Kilgore and offensive linemen Cody Johnson and Rod Williams who helped the Northwest offense lead the nation in scoring, averaging more than 50 points per game. In addition, redshirt freshman Bryce Enyard earned MIAA Freshman

of the Year accolades.

Cross country Northwest cross country teams finished one of their most successful seasons in recent history. On the women’s side, the Bearcats were paced

by Angela Adams, who took home the MIAA individual crown in October and helped pace Northwest to a thirdplace finish in the South Central Region. T.R. Pursell was not only the Bearcats’ top runner on the men’s side, but he was the team’s highest finisher in nearly every race.

Pursell raced to a top-10 finish at the MIAA Championships and teamed with Ryan Darling at the South Central Region Championships to bring home all-Region honors and a fifth-place men’s finish. n

2011 M-Club Hall of Fame inductees

Individuals named to the 2011 M-Club Hall of Fame included All-American wide receiver Jamaica Rector ’04, basketball’s all-time leader in steals and made free throws Scott Fleming ’03, three-time All-American distance runner Jim Ryan ’84 and basketball’s all-time leader in assists and the program’s most accurate free-throw shooter Kelvin Parker ’07. n

The 1997 women’s tennis team inductees included (from left) Coach Mark Rosewell, Julie Ervin Blane ’00, Sandy Spielbusch Tucker, Yasmine Osborn ’99, Sherri Casady Morales ’98, Ericca Marshall Greubel ’97, Maria Groumoutis Leonard ’98, Kimberly Buchan ’99, and the team was joined by former Athletics Director Dr. Jim Redd ’66. n

Angela Adams, a senior biology and psychology major, won the 6K MIAA cross country championship race with a personal best of 21:00.68, nearly 6 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.

Members of the 1975 women’s softball team inducted into the Hall of Fame included (front row, from left) Cindy Williams Allen ’77, Kathy Callahan Blackney ’78, Susan Sugg Sharp ’76, Arelene Weldon, Sheryl Wurster Preston ’78, (back row) Russ Hutchinson ’76, Mary McCord ’78, Vicki Milner Hansen, B.J. Pratt Hodge ’77, Linda Kuhl ’76 and Coach Sherri Reeves ’57. n

Visit www.NorthwestBearcats.com for the latest Bearcat athletics news and events Longtime team doctor Pat Harr retires

n

Coach T bobbleheads available

n

Women’s basketball coach Gene Steinmeyer retires

n

WrestlingSpring club success 2012 continues Northwest Alumni Magazine

▼

n

44

Bearcat Sports

Tributes memorialize Coach Bostwick

Just prior to the Family Weekend football game, when Northwest clobbered Fort Hays, 70-17, the circle drive west of Bearcat Stadium was unveiled as Scott Bostwick Drive.

2012 BEARCAT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Aug. 30, 7 p.m. vs. East Central (Okla.)

Sept. 8, 1:30 p.m. at Central Missouri (Warrensburg) Sept. 15, 1 p.m. vs. Fort Hays Sept. 22, TBA at Nebraska-Kearney Sept. 29, 1 p.m. vs. Northeastern State (Family Weekend) Oct. 6, TBA at Central Oklahoma (Edmond, Okla.)

Oct. 13, TBA vs. Pittsburg State (Kansas City, Fall Classic at Arrowhead) Oct. 20, TBA at Missouri Southern (Joplin) Oct. 27, TBA at Washburn (Topeka, Kan.) Nov. 3, 2 p.m. vs. Emporia State (Homecoming) Nov. 10, 1 p.m. vs. Missouri Western Home games bolded For the latest schedule and ticket information, visit www. northwestbearcats.com.

When Scott Bostwick died June 5 of a heart attack, just a few months before taking the field as Northwest’s 18th head football coach, the Northwest community was devastated. Bostwick’s family and friends alongside players, coaches and alumni held each other close in the days and weeks following his death, and thousands attended his Celebration of Life ceremony at Bearcat Stadium.

A lasting tribute was also in store for the man who positively impacted so many lives. Northwest’s Family Weekend in late September, a time to celebrate the Bearcat family, proved to be the ideal time to honor Bostwick. At the center of the tribute was the first-ever “blackout” promotion by the Northwest Department of Athletics. The promotion, where fans

were encouraged to wear black, was in conjunction with the unveiling of black uniforms worn by the football team that were specially designed by Coach Bostwick shortly before his death.

The weekend also included several other tributes to Bostwick, including red paw decals on each Bearcat helmet (Bostwick was known for wearing a red hat on the sidelines so his defensive players could easily see him); the initials “SB” in a red circle on the field; the naming of Scott Bostwick Drive, the circle drive west of Bearcat Stadium; a tribute banner that hangs off the west side of the press box; an autumn blaze red maple planted near the northeast corner of the stadium; and a video tribute and presentation to the Bostwick family at halftime. n

Northwest honors legendary football coach Northwest honored its retired Bearcat football coach and his wife in September during Mel and Carol Tjeerdsma Day in conjunction with the Bearcats’ 2011 home opener.

The two-day celebration began with a Friday evening reception, dinner and tribute in Bearcat Arena. During the dinner, the formation of the Coach T Student-Athlete Success Program was announced.

The program aims to provide academic and life enrichment opportunities for Northwest studentathletes.

Saturday morning before that evening’s football game, more than 100 former Bearcat football players reunited for a social at

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

the Gaunt House. The festivities continued at the Bearcat Zone as Coach Tjeerdsma signed autographs and “Coach T” bobbleheads were sold. The Tjeerdsmas also participated in the pregame coin toss and were honored at halftime.

Bearcat fans are invited to join the Tjeerdsmas in mak-

ing a difference in the lives of student-athletes by supporting the Coach T Student-Athlete Success Program. For additional information, to contribute to the program or to purchase a Coach T bobblehead, contact Scott Nielson at 660.562.1669 or scottn@ nwmissouri.edu. n

Congratulations to former Bearcat football All-American

Dave Tollefson Tollefson, a defensive end with the NFL’s New York Giants, received his second Super Bowl ring in February as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 21-17, in Super Bowl LXVI. (Left: Tollefson visited with Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski in the Bearcat Zone following Coach Scott Bostwick’s Celebration of Life.) n

Class Notes

45

McDonald returns to broadcasting with sports talk show From the deafening roar of the crowd after a touchdown to the eerie silence of a final buzzer attempt, every step, shot and score echoed through one man to leave no fan out of the game-day experience. For 17 years, Mac McDonald ’75 served as the play-by-play announcer for the University of Virginia basketball,

With his days as the play-by-play announcer for the University of Virginia behind him, Mac McDonald ’75 has returned to the airwaves as the host of a sports talk radio show.

1960

1 Don and Mary Adams (’61) Anderson celebrated their 50th anniversary last summer. They encourage classmates to contact them at 2524 Wilderness Ridge Circle, Lincoln, NE 68512.

1961

◆ Jack Anderson is retired and lives in Jefferson, Iowa. He taught physics, chemistry, biology and physical education for 15 years, was an elementary principal for four years and superintendent of schools for 18 years. He also was inducted into the Iowa Baseball Hall of Fame and

football, baseball and lacrosse teams. As the “Voice of the Cavaliers” and director of broadcasting for the Virginia Sports Radio Network, he aimed to transport fans from all over the nation to a virtual front-row seat.

As much as he enjoyed his time with the Cavaliers, McDonald chose to pursue other career goals and temporarily stepped away from the microphone in 2008.

“It’s always hard to make a career change, but I had some other goals,” said McDonald, a five-time state sportscaster of the year who also was a former playby-play announcer for Wake Forest University. “I wanted to write a book, and I wanted to see if I could build my own company. I had talked about these things for a long time but had never taken a step to do them.”

In addition to writing a biography on Gene Corrigan, a former University of Virginia and Notre Dame athletics director as well as former ACC commissioner, McDonald founded the consulting agency Mac McDonald Media LLC, working with businesses to develop

the Iowa High School Officials Hall of Fame.

1967

Melanie Eisiminger Rawlins is professor emeritus and former chair of the Western Illinois University Department of Counselor Education and recently received the Robert J. Nejedlo Distinguished Leadership Award from the Illinois Counseling Association. During her career, she has held many positions within the ICA, including president in 2002.

She is a licensed psychologist and a licensed clinical professional counselor and has provided counseling services in Illinois for 28 years. Prior to her service

◆ Northwest Alumni Association Member

at WIU, she was a professor in the Eastern Illinois University Department of Educational Psychology and Guidance from 1978 to 1997.

1968

Lavera Malone Johnson is senior director of human resources at ElderWood Senior Care in New York.

She most recently served as vice president of human resources at NanoDynamics.

1972

Reginald Turnbull is an elder attorney with Turnbull & Stark PC in Jefferson City.

# Photo submitted (see pg. 47)

advertising campaigns, sales strategies and marketing plans.

However, after a year-long hiatus from the microphone, McDonald returned to radio to talk about much more than the University of Virginia. With his own sports talk show, “Inbounds with Mac McDonald,” on WKAV Sports Radio in Charlottesville, Va., McDonald now has his own venue to voice his opinion and discuss college athletics throughout the entire state. He also serves as director of sports operations for Monticello Media.

Being behind the microphone again has prompted McDonald to reflect on his early days in the profession, including time spent learning from director of broadcasting Rollie Stadlman ’70 at KDLX and KXCV, the campus stations.

“I go back to my roots all the time,” McDonald said. “Northwest was important in my development because it was a four-year laboratory. Just like a football player who goes to school and hones his skills for the NFL, Northwest offered the ability to attend a wonderful university and grow as a broadcaster with some of the greatest people in the business.” n

1974

Epworth, Iowa. He lives in Peosta, Iowa.

◆ Bob and Bertha Smith (’76) Caldwell live in Savannah and have two sons. Bob recently retired as the executive director of the Andrew County, Missouri, USDA Farm Service Agency. He had been with the agency for nearly 30 years. He has also been a Methodist minister for the last 15 years.

1975

Tom Danner was named the 2011 Iowa 3A Wrestling Coach of the Year.

He is a teacher and coach at the Western Dubuque Community Schools in

Spring 2012

1979

Jim Gillespie is director of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Division of Soil Conservation. He had served as field services bureau chief for the Iowa Agriculture Department since 1989. He and his wife, Terri, live in Earlham, Iowa, and have four grown children.

1981

Mark Mejia is building operator for the city of Gladstone.

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46

Class Notes

1983

Ronald Schieber is a mortgage banker and was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in November. He lives in Kansas City, and he and his wife, Stephanie, have five daughters.

1985

2 Gary Plummer is president/CEO of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. He has been in chamber work since 1979, serving as CEO of chambers in Springfield., Ill., Jefferson City, Cheyenne, Wyo., Waterloo, Iowa, and Modesto, Calif.

1990

Shelli Stuart Mann teaches math at Spoon River College in Canton, Ill. She previously taught at Southeast Community College and Lincoln Northeast High School in Nebraska and most recently at Macomb (Ill.) High School.

Sara Zabel Mabon Sunderland graduated from the University of California Law School in Berkeley and is a patent litigator for McDermott Will & Emery in Menlo Park, Calif.

Eric Thomeczek is a universal operator for the U.S. Department of Treasury in Kansas City. He was married in May.

1991

Jacqueline Banner and Brian Lehman were married Jan. 1, 2011, and live in Milton, Del. Jacqueline works in registration in the emergency room at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del., and Brian is a store manager at Earth Origins Market in Easton, Md. Bob Moser is a resource conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Emmet and Dickinson counties in Iowa. He previously was a wetlands biologist for the USDA in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, a soil conservationist in Clarinda, Iowa, and a district conservationist and Re-

source Conservation and Development coordinator in Humboldt, Iowa. He and his wife, Tammy, have three children.

Connie Tate (master’s ’97) relocated to Colorado Springs three years ago and can be contacted at rockymtnhighgal@yahoo. com.

1992

Lisa Gruenloh is founder and president of Purpose Journey Inc. and lives in Naples, Fla. Chris Johnson is a major security forces officer in the U.S. Air Force and returned from Kandahar,

Afghanistan, with the 820th Security Forces Group in December where he was in charge of force protection for the base. He and his wife, Nicky, have three children and live in Las Vegas.

Jay Tiefenthaler is an adjunct professor of geography at the Des Moines Area Community College urban campus in Des Moines, Iowa.

1993

Thomas Chiles (master’s ’96) has been named superintendent of the Lena-Winslow School District in Lena, Ill. He begins his duties July 1. He has been the principal of

Have you seen these 1962 graduates lately?

The following alumni who graduated from Northwest in 1962 are considered “lost” because the University does not have a current physical mailing address for them. Their 50-year class reunion is in November, and they won’t want to miss out on the fun of reuniting with fellow Bearcats.

If you recognize individuals on the list, please provide Northwest with their contact information (i.e. address, phone number, email address, married name) or ask them to email alumni@nwmissouri.edu or call 660.562.1248.

Jennie Andrews Eddie Barnett Dennis Bean Carolyn Bears Diane White Bensusan Mary Borkowski Virginia Buckley Richard Clark Wayne Collins Harlan Condon Dale Cooper

Lloyd Criss Charles Crouse Hazel Crow William Davis James Dick Don Eiler Troy Evans Frances Farmer Wilda Felter Barbara Cox Ferbert Lanny Fertig Marie Feurt Patricia Harris Flamm Charles George

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Betheen Gould Marjorie Groom Dolphus Halcomb Janet Hanson Joyce Harr Patricia Harris Dorothy Hauser Karen Holmes Shirley Hunter Robert Jacobs Timothy Johnson Larry Karsten

Spring 2012

Loretta Miller Kelley Larry Kulisek Kenneth Lyles A. L. Mason Twylia Mason William Meyers Jeane Humphrey Miller Mary Miller Doris Mock John Morgan Brenda Carrington Mozingo Lola Munshaw

Henry Nardone Henry Nowak Reuben Paulsen Mark Peters David Phillips Robert Preston Ken Richardson Jerry Ridenour Ralph Russell Evelyn Ryan Charles Sanders James Schooley

Richard Sewell Emma Shakespeare Anne Sifers Ralph Skinner Eleanor Houk Smiley Kenneth Smith Josiah Stansbury Beulah Stewart Violet Stewart Edith Moats Taylor Bill Trimble Joseph Vogel Avis Smith Wagers Barbara Walden

Dean Walker Henrietta Hunt Wayland James Wells Virginia Hansen Wells Dixie Wheeler John Williams Robert Willis Vivian Winemiller Albert Worley Mary Wright

Class Notes

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7

4

5

1

8

Galesburg (Ill.) High School since 2006. Previously, he worked as an associate principal for Muscatine Community Schools in Iowa and has taught math and science.

Steven Shelton heads Shelton Legal Services in Fenton, Mich.

Tracey Steele is a thirdyear law student at the University of CaliforniaIrvine.

1994

Linda Boehm Burtis (master’s ’11) earned an MBA from Northwest last summer and was promoted to vice president of operations at Cornerstone Marketing in Kansas City. She lives in Kansas City with her two daughters, Maddie, 13, and Cassie, 7.

Randall Jackson heads the Jackson Law Firm in Des Moines, Iowa.

Robin Bybee Rowland and her husband, David, announce the birth of Richard “Rick” on June 24. Robin is the executive director of development at Avila University.

1. Don ’60 and Mary Adams ’61 Anderson

6

3

1995

Trent Skaggs is executive vice president for planning and development at HMC/ CAH Consolidated Insurance in Kansas City.

1996

Cali Clutter Kliewer and her husband, Chris, announce the births of Mackey Laughlin and Drue Travis Michael on Aug. 9.

Cali is a sixth-/seventhgrade gifted teacher in the Liberty Public Schools.

Chris teaches high school art in the West Platte Public Schools. They live in Kansas City.

1998

Gretchen Sponaugle McQueen and her husband, Jared, announce the birth of Aiden Phillip on April 28, 2011. He joins Spencer, Trever and Brandon. Gretchen is a child and family specialistspecial instructor at United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Missouri, and Jared is

a paramedic with the Nodaway County Ambulance District and a grounds worker at the Benedictine Convent. They live in Conception Junction.

Scott and Christy Allen (’99) Rutherford announce the birth of Chase Allen on May 14, 2011.

Scott is a manager at Sprint, and Christy is a department chair in the Lee’s Summit School District.

2. Gary Plummer ’85 3. Curt and Keri Kemmerer ’03, ’07 Haverland 4. Aaron ’05 and Lisa Horn Bailey 5. Jason ’06 and Kristin Stizman ’07 Green 6. Stephen Terry ’06 7. Joshua ’11 and Sara Kendall ’10 Lock 8. Eric Mills ’05 and Nisha Bharti ’09

Hawkeye Wilson is president of Lakey & Wilson Investments LLC in Phoenix.

1997

Matt Chesnut is executive director of the Space Coast Economic Development Commission in Titusville, Fla. Tim Westfall is an antiterrorism force protection specialist with the U.S. Air Force in Honolulu.

◆ Northwest Alumni Association Member

Viola Hoffman ’75, a contractor for General Dynamics in Kabul, Afghanistan, proudly displays a Northwest banner at the Green Village, a compound established for contractors. She also hung a banner in the Qalaa House in Afghanistan with other college banners from throughout the United States, and Hoffman noted Northwest’s banner is the only Division II school represented.

As a loyal Bearcat football fan and season ticket holder (despite living in Afghanistan), Hoffman returned to Maryville last October for Northwest’s Homecoming game – the only game she was able to attend all season. n

# Photo submitted (see pg. 47)

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

48

Class Notes

1999

Justin and Cara Comstock (’01) Langer announce the birth of Tony on April 22, 2011. He joins Lauren, 4. Justin is a project manager at Wilson & Co., and Cara teaches first grade in the Park Hill School District.

Amy Thornburg Panek is coordinator of youth ministry at St. Margaret’s Church in Kansas City.

2000

Kevin King is news director at KSFY in Sioux Falls, S.D. ◆ Robert Rice is the Nodaway County prosecuting attorney.

2001

◆ Eric and Jill Barlow (’05, ’06) Gockel announce the birth of Kody Clarence on Nov. 6. Eric is a senior CAD technician at Midland Surveying, and Jill is an eChannel manager at Nodaway Valley Bank.

Chris Harper is an associate chief security officer at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. ◆ Sam Henson is senior ERISA counsel with Lockton Financial Advisors in Kansas City.

Todd Mackin and Lauren Moore were married June 11 in Kansas City. Todd is director of corporate sales for the Missouri Mavericks, and Lauren is a designer at The Greensman. They live in Kansas City.

2002

Melissa Barry Mullock is an academic support advisor at A.T. Still University and lives in Kirksville. ◆ Zach Smith teaches at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kan.

2003

Tiffany Barmann is a senior associate at Arnold Bloch Leber in Melbourne, Australia.

Brian Carroll is director of development at the Salvation Army in Wichita, Kan. Previously, he was the director of service extension for the Salvation Army Kansas and Western Division.

ouse?

Just boug ht a h

Acc epted a new jo

b?

Give birth to a fu ture Bearcat?

ate or country?

Moved to a new city, st

Your friends and I want to hear all about it!

Send your latest news to the Northwest Alumni Association at alumni@nwmissouri.edu, call 660.562.1248, use the enclosed envelope or complete the online class notes form at www.nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/magazine/ classnotes. htm.

You also may submit a photograph.

Please include a self-addressed envelope for the photo to be returned, or email it, in high resolution, to alumni@nwmissouri.edu. with childrenSpring or pets will not be accepted.)

Northwest(Photographs Alumni Magazine 2012

Laura Meek Coppess and her husband, Ryan, announce the birth of Connor James on July 19. Laura is a teacher in the North Kansas City School District, and Ryan is a loan officer at Country Club Bank. They live in Kansas City.

Joe Cox is director of marketing at SocialVolt, a social media management provider based in Kansas City. Previously, he was an interactive strategist at Muller Bressler Brown, a marketing manager at Coca-Cola and brand manager at Red Bull. He also is the president of the Social Media Club of Kansas City.

Jeni Jeppesen and Brandon Lewis were married Oct. 1 in Liberty. Jeni is a guidance counselor at Ridgeview Elementary in Liberty, and Brandon is a fifth-grade teacher at Lewis and Clark Elementary.

3 Keri Kemmerer (master’s ’07) and Curt Haverland were married July 30 in Kansas City.

Keri teaches first grade in the Liberty Public School District, and Curt works at the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. They live in Kansas City.

◆ Stephanie Spencer Richter and her husband, Andrew, announce the birth of Lucy Jane on Oct. 1.

Stephanie is a marketing coordinator at Williams Venker & Sanders, and Andrew is a hydraulic engineer with the Army Corp of Engineers. They live in St. Louis.

Matthew Rose is an assistant prosecutor in Kansas City.

Ryann Summerford works with the Grassroots Advocacy for Kansas as part of the American Cancer Society.

Jacque Serflaten Thompson and her husband, Andrew, announce the birth of Harmony Rose on Nov. 2, 2010. Jacque

is a therapist/supervisor of interns and PLMHPs at Capstone Behavioral Health, P.C. They live in Omaha, Neb.

2004

Candi Chadwick is an attorney at Fidelity National Title Insurance Company in Omaha, Neb. Ryan Lidolph is assistant vice president of commercial lending at Landmark Bank in Columbia.

Daniel and Natalie Alden McKim announce the birth of Atticus and Silas on Aug. 23. They join Titus, 4, and Mace, 3. Daniel is currently the 2011 International Highland Games Federation world champion.

Janson Thomas completed a master’s of public administration at the University of Missouri and is the owner of Janson Thomas LLC. Jared Weber is affiliated with the Kaw Law Office in Orange City, Iowa.

Eric Willis is an attorney with the Federal Home Loan Office in Dallas.

Jennifer VanDeVyvere Yaple is communications director for the Missouri State Senate.

Allie Zaroor is teaching in South Korea.

2005

4 Aaron Bailey and Lisa Horn were married March 19, 2011. Aaron graduated in May with a juris doctorate from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kan. He is an associate attorney at Sloan, Eisenbarth, Glassman, McEntire & Jarboe, LLC, in Topeka. They live in Lawrence, Kan. 8 Eric Mills and Nisha Bharti (’09) are engaged to be married. Eric is a

Class Notes

49

Lendt’s composition makes Homecoming debut As a music education major at Northwest, it is only fitting that Gavin Lendt ’99, ’02 has continued his association with the University through the Northwest Band Alumni Chapter. The group, which is part of the Northwest Alumni Association, reunites throughout the year whether it be for Band Alumni Day, where they march on the field with the Bearcat Marching Band, or Homecoming, where they perform on a float in the annual parade.

Last fall’s Homecoming had even

more meaning to Lendt and his alumni peers. Lendt was asked to compose a piece for the parade – a piece that would be performed throughout the parade route along with the Northwest Fight Song.

He titled his composition “Old Hickory,” a reference to Northwest’s football rivalry and traveling trophy with Truman State that dates back to 1931.

“I would describe this piece as a quirky march,” Lendt said. “It’s supposed to be comical and not very serious. This is how many of us in the alumni band like to take ourselves during the Northwest Homecoming Parade each year – not too seriously!”

Lendt, a full-time composer who lives in Olathe, Kan., said he wrote the piece “so there would be minimal rehearsal, and whoever showed up for the parade could easily play it.”

Joining Lendt, and fellow Bearcat alumni on the Homecoming parade float, was his wife, Stacy Baier Lendt ’00, past president of the band alumni group. The couple met while attending Northwest, and both played mellophone in the Bearcat Marching Band.

Gavin Lendt ’99, ’02 leads the Northwest Band Alumni Chapter in playing “Old Hickory,” the musical piece he com“I think of the Band Alumni posed for the annual Homecoming parade.

Chapter as more of a family

senior system engineer at Cerner, and Nisha is a clinical dietitian at Heartland Regional Hospital. They live in Kansas City.

Sammy Panettiere is the legislative liaison for Kansas City Core Coalition Consulting.

2006

Jodi Boeck and Jared Muhlbauer were married Aug. 26 in Denison, Iowa.

Jodi is employed at Fam-

ily and Specialty Medical Center in Carroll, Iowa, and Jared is co-owner of Muhlbauer Enterprises and is also employed at Denison Livestock Auction.

Demian and Tawni Gebhards (’05, ’10) Ellis were married July 17, 2010, and have twin sons, Logan and Reid. Demian is a marketing director for Sequel Youth and Family Services. Tawni is a middle school math teacher and elementary counselor in the Rock Port R-II School

◆ Northwest Alumni Association Member

District. They live in Rock Port.

Suzie Schuckman is pursuing a master’s of public administration at the University of MissouriKansas City.

5 Jason Green and

Kristin Sitzman (’07) were married July 9 in Kansas City. Jason is a teacher and coach in the Raytown Public Schools, and Kristin is a campus recruiter at Cerner Corporation. They live in Raytown.

# Photo submitted (see pg. 47)

than an organization,” he said. “Most students attend Northwest for only four or five years, while being an alum is lifelong. These lifelong connections have given me the opportunity to write works for many people.”

Lendt has been composing concert band, solo and small ensemble pieces for the past 15 years. He has received several commissions and awards throughout the United States for his music including a grant from the Iowa Arts Council. Lendt has performed horn with the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, Topeka Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Hills Orchestra and Olathe Orchestra and served as principal horn for the Lawrence City Band. In addition, he is principal horn of the Platte City Community Band, Northwinds Symphonic Band and Olathe Civic Band and performs with the Lendt Brass Trio. Northwest Associate Professor of Music Dr. William Richardson and the Northwest Wind Symphony performed his “Concertino for Trumpet” at a concert this spring.

“If it wasn’t for the faculty, especially Al Sergel, along with the students at Northwest believing in my music, I probably would not be as successful as I am,” Lendt said. “They continue to champion my music, and I owe a lot to them.”

For more information about Gavin Lendt’s music, visit www.LendtMusic.com. n

Upcoming events For up-to-date campus events, visit www.nwmissouri.edu and click on the calendar icon.

April 2012

28

Saturday

For more information on alumni events, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ alumni or call 660.562.1248.

For complete sports schedules and the latest information on Bearcat athletics, visit www.northwestbearcats.com.

Call the Student Services Center at 660.562.1212 for ticket information.

Spring 2012

Northwest Alumni Magazine

50

Class Notes

Sybil Wyatt is a lecturer in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

6 Stephen Terry was honored with the Missouri Outstanding Professional Award by the Missouri College Personnel Association. The award is given yearly to an experienced college or university professional who significantly contributes to student success in higher education, either through

specific accomplishments or through long-term meritorious service. Stephen is director of Park University’s Department of Military and Veteran Student Services and Park Warrior Center.

Brian and Jill Culley (’07) Youtsey announce the birth of Jacob Brian on June 13. Brian is a tinsmith at Gloggner’s, and Jill is a financial consultant at State Street. They live in Cameron.

2007

Sara Chamberlain is an associate attorney in the law offices of Kadie Campbell & Johnson in Kirksville.

Kayla Earhart received a doctorate in physical therapy in August from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Ariz. She is a staff physical therapist in a pediatric outpatient rehab setting in Gilbert, Ariz.

Katey Lipiec is a licensed doctor of chiropractic at Advanced Chiropractic in Maryville. She completed graduate study at the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, last June.

Taylor Railsback is a third-year law student at Loyola Law School in Chicago and serves as a law clerk in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.

Abby Stephens is a teaching assistant at Purdue University where she is pursuing a doctorate in American studies.

Parke Stevens is pursuing a law degree at the University of MissouriKansas City.

Anthony Stiens is director of research and planning for the Community Action Partnership in St. Joseph.

Air Force chaplain commits to helping cadets Ministry is often pinpointed to the space behind an altar, within a church on a Sunday morning. However, the United States Air Force doesn’t believe in such limitations nor does Chaplain, Lt. Col. Rives Duncan ’93 (master’s) who conducts most of his ministry outside of a chapel.

Duncan graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1982, and during his five years of duty he felt a call to the ministry. Immediately after his service ended he went to the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City and then served as a missionary in Nigeria.

“After I received my doctorate and taught, I tried to see if I could become a Reservist and get my Air Force fix once a month,” Duncan said. “The Air Force noticed I was ordained and suggested I become a chaplain.”

In the next six years, Duncan’s chaplain ministry took him to seven bases in five countries, including his first assignment at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii where he was deployed to Italy. He spent three months in Saudi Arabia and later went to England before

Northwest Alumni Magazine

he came off of active duty and returned home to Colorado Springs, Colo.

“My whole chaplain ministry has not focused on what takes place in the chapel but instead on walking around and meeting with people, whether it’s talking with a security policeman out on guard post at 3 a.m. or talking to people in their work environment,” he said. “I’ve used up a lot of shoe leather, so to speak, as a part of my ministry.”

Duncan, stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, has also been responsible for several programs to help further benefit the cadets during their time at the Academy. He rewrote lesson plans and presentations for the Core Values Education that are directed to every incoming freshman at the Academy.

“We teach the cadets what it means to live with integrity first, service before self and excellence in all they do and the importance of living by these values that the Air Force was built on,” said Duncan, who was named an Outstanding Academy Educator in 2010.

Likewise, integrity, service and excellence are paramount in Duncan’s role as chaplain as

Spring 2012

he strives to lower hurdles for his cadets so when they face obstacles they don’t face them alone.

“My passion is dealing with people,” he said. “I live my life as a chaplain establishing rapport.

They may be having a great day today, but a week later they may be crashing. If I talk to the cadets and relate to them then they are more likely to talk to me, rather than if His calling to the ministry has led Chaplain, Lt. I stand up in Col. Rives Duncan to reach out to others in need front of a room – at home and abroad. and tell them, ‘Hi, I am your chaplain, if you want to talk to me about anything, you can.

Regardless of the setting – in a sanctuary or in the field – Duncan is committed to helping the cadets understand that they don’t have to struggle alone and that he is there to listen and help. n

Class Notes

51

Lifelong impacts With more than 150 student organizations ranging from student government and Greek life, to multicultural groups and academic clubs, Northwest students have plenty of opportunities to get involved. We asked several students about how being involved in an organization has made an impact on their lives.

Kasey Swinnerton is a junior from Atlantic, Iowa, and is involved in the Pre-Health Occupations Club.

“PHOC has been a fun and helpful organization to be involved in while at Northwest. Guest speakers at our meetings have opened my eyes to different opportunities in the healthcare field and shared lots of great tips on everything from graduating to finding a career. It has also allowed me to network with other Northwest students who have a major similar to mine for advice on classes and studying techniques and made me a stronger student.”

Brett Mayekawa is a senior from Overland Park, Kan., and is involved in To Write Love on Her Arms, a suicide

2008

Jonathan Cooper is an employment opportunity specialist with the Environmental Protection Agency in Kansas City.

Sam Hucke graduated from the University of Wyoming Law School.

Brandon Laird graduated from Marquette Law School.

Jonathan Lowrey graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School and is an intern at Buckley & Hutchings LLC in Kansas City.

Jason Peters is an investigative assistant with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Federal Investigative Services.

prevention organization.

“This is an organization I started at Northwest, and it has helped me grow as a person and allows me to make an impact on campus. It’s brought me closer to a lot of people who I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to ever get close to without it.”

Ashley Herring is a senior from Omaha, Neb., Brett Mayekawa mans a booth at the Student Union on behalf of the suicide prevention organization he started on campus. and is involved in Alternative Spring Break.

Mick Turpin is a senior from “Alternative Spring Break has had the Lawson and is a Theatre Northwest most impact on me as a student and as Representative. a person. It has not only increased my “Theatre Northwest Representatives awareness of the kind of need that exists has impacted me more than I imagined around the United States, but also shown it would. TNR offers exclusive tours to me that everyone has a story to share. prospective students and their friends The greatest impact of being a part of this and family. Fortunately, I have had the organization is seeing that other students honor of running this organization for the have the desire and motivation to join last three years, and it has allowed me to an organization that’s sole purpose is to enhance my leadership and organization provide service to others.” skills while meeting new friends and colleagues.” n

Dustin Stark and Stacey Strauss were married June 4 in Creston, Iowa. Dustin is employed by Alexander Farms in Hopkins, and Stacy is employed at Southpaws Vet Clinic in Maryville. They live in Hopkins.

2009

Drew Engle is the purchasing manager at Sierra Building Products in Kansas City.

Chris Hawkins is a third-year law student at the University of MissouriKansas City.

Scott Honeyman works at the Clarinda Academy in Clarinda, Iowa.

Jennifer Ray is an honors intern with the FBI and is

◆ Northwest Alumni Association Member

studying at the University of Dohuk in Iraq.

the University of NebraskaLincoln.

specialist at Cerner Healthcare in Kansas City.

Angeline Schulte is a wean pig specialist at Iowa Select Farms. She lives in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

Jane Bowness Johannsen and her husband, Trevor, spent six months in Hawaii, returned to Steelville to work last summer while waiting to join the Peace Corps and moved to Arizona in September. Her oil paintings were featured in a one-day exhibition by the Steelville Arts Council. The show highlighted four pieces she created on poplar wood boards along with new oil paintings on canvas.

Annaelise Mack is a hazard mitigation specialist at the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management in Oklahoma City.

John Lomax and Katie Zion were married Oct. 21 in Liberty. John is a research chemist for DeLaval Corp. in Kansas City, and Katie is a human resources

Curtis Rogers is a social worker in Clinton County, Mo.

Anna Searl is a first-year law student at Creighton Law School.

Liz Sexton is a communications specialist with the Liz Sexton Media Group in Chicago.

2010

Erica Rockley Davis is an assistant account executive at Fleishman-Hillard in Kansas City.

Jana Harding is a ruminant nutrition lab supervisor/graduate student at

# Photo submitted (see pg. 47)

Spring 2012

Desmon Mallonee is manager of Wild Rose Ranch in Camden Point.

Amanda Petelin is a legislative assistant for Rep. Noel Terry and is pursuing a master’s of public administration at the University of Missouri.

Tess Stocklaufer is pursuing a master’s of public administration at Missouri State University.

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52

Class Notes

2011

Paemon Aramjoo is a first-year law student at the University of MissouriKansas City.

Bree Berner is a first-year law student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Ashley Draper is a first-year law student at the University of MissouriKansas City.

Chris Edwards is an administrative assistant at the Jefferies Company in Decatur, Ga. Mike Fuller and Kate Valuck (’10) were married June 18 in Hannibal. They are both employed in the Hannibal Public Schools.

Mike teaches music at Veterans Elementary School, and Kate teaches vocal music at Hannibal High School and Hannibal Middle School.

7 Joshua Lock and Sara Kendall (’10) were married Dec. 10. Joshua is a teacher at Hosea Elementary in the St. Joseph School District, and Sara is a teacher at Kindercare Learning Center. They live in St. Joseph.

Jeffrey McWhirt is a first-year law student at the University of MissouriKansas City.

Jeffrey Scott is a firstyear law student at the

University of MissouriKansas City.

first-grade teacher. They live in Oregon, Mo.

Quentin Templeton is a first-year law student at the University of MissouriKansas City.

Justin Wieners and Katie Suntken (’10) were married Aug. 27 in Weston.

Justin is a web designer at PlattForm Advertising in Lenexa, Kan., and Katie is an analyst at Cerner Corporation in Kansas City.

Stephen Waigand and Tabitha Biermann (’07, ’09) were married June 18 in St. Joseph.

They both are employed in the South Holt School District. Stephen is a junior high math teacher and coach, and Tabitha is a

Justin Yates is a firstyear law student at the University of Nebraska Law School.

Northwest friendship creates successful business partnership Two Northwest alumni were inspired to “change the world” via cutting-edge technology when they co-founded JimmyGood Technology in 2007. Brian Smith ’00 and Dusty Laun ’99 worked to make a complex technology concept into something user-friendly and simple.

Following their undergraduate years together at Northwest and successful careers with a business software company, Smith and Laun decided it was time to take their entrepreneurial aspirations to a new level.

“We extended our friendship into a business partnership when forming JimmyGood Technology co-founders Brian Smith ’00 JimmyGood Technology,” (left) and Dusty Laun ’99 have created several products that appeal to individual users as well as businesses, said Smith, co-founder of the including a free service that allows parents access to Kansas City-based company. their children’s text messages and exact GPS location.

“We compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses on every level. The energy and exciting ideas we generate are endless.”

This energy led to the development of several products for JimmyGood Technology. Most recently, JimmyGood launched MindPush for iPhone and Android operating systems. Laun describes MindPush as social networking minus the network. It is the only anonymous, vicinity-based sharing app today.

Another notable product is CiiAll (pronounced “See All”). The service empowers users with the ability to access cell phone information over the internet. Specifically CiiAll users can access text messages, exact GPS location, browser history and

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

call details for any phone in which they have account privileges.

“Text messaging has quickly become the primary form of communication for a large demographic,” Smith said. “We recognized a growing need for individuals to back up their text messages and a way to easily access these via the web. CiiAll is an online inbox for mobile messaging. It’s free, so anyone can reap the benefits. With sexting, cyber-bullying and texting and driving becoming such real concerns, our objective is to let the world know there is indeed a real solution.”

According to Smith, CiiAll caters to parents and businesses. It allows businesses to protect their assets and minimize liabilities by monitoring company information in messaging just as they do internet access and call logs. Parents can have access to any of their children’s text messages or exact GPS location instantly online. Specifically the service allows customers to set custom alerts for specific terms that may indicate a potentially dangerous situation such as bullying in children and leaking valuable information at a business.

Following an endorsement by Sprint, CiiAll is now featured in Sprint’s free application, the Sprint Zone, which has led to an increase of new user registrations in CiiAll by more than 300 percent.

JimmyGood Technology also recently launched a new product, CiiMemories (pronounced “See Memories”), an interactive message board being used at events such as wedding receptions letting guests interact by texting messages or pictures to the CiiMemories display for all to enjoy.

For more information about JimmyGood Technology visit www.jimmygood.com. n

Class Notes

Middleton’s horse training techniques capture world championship

Northwest has one of the largest social media followings in Division II

I’ve always enjoyed helping other people get to their best and not just me getting to mine.”

Two of Middleton’s top accomplishments include competing in the American Paint Horse World Show in Fort Worth, Texas, where he won the Reserve World Championship in the Solid Paint Bred Open Reining, and winning his first world title at the 2012 Worldwide Paint Horse Congress, in Open Reining, in Kansas City.

As Middleton’s passion evolves, his drive to compete heats up and he has no plans on slowing down.

“As competitive as things are today in the horse business, you can’t go half way,” he said.

“Anything I do I want to go all the way and be the best. I just try to jump in with both feet and go as hard as I can.” n

Join more than 35,000 followers across Northwest’s social media platforms and stay connected with the latest University news and events.

PHOTO BY DICK WALTENBERRY

Grasping the reins and stepping into the pen, Cal Middleton ’05 lets all outside inhibitions fall by the wayside. He confides in his horse, trusting their training together, and as his name echoes from the speakers they set off as one to test their limits.

“One of the biggest obstacles is being able to trust your training,” Middleton said. “Just having the confidence to go out to compete and trust that you prepared your horse in the right way.”

That confidence didn’t come easy for Middleton, a full-time horse trainer, as he first developed his passion for horses on his grandparents’ farm where he spent his summers growing up.

“The only way to learn how to be a horse trainer is to work for a horse trainer,” Middleton said. “You have to go out and get it.”

Middleton has been on the road a lot these past few years in order to stay on top of his game and learn from some of the top trainers in the country. Along the way, he’s lived in places such as Scottsdale, Ariz., Oklahoma City, Ottawa, Kan., and Smithville.

Besides training world-class performance horses, he also offers help with starting colts, general pleasure riding, problem horses and buying or selling horses. Middleton has taught lessons to children as young as 3 and to adults of all ages.

“I definitely have a passion for educating people,” Middleton said. “I think I got that from my mom and dad (Northwest graduates Jerry ’76 and Katie Dowdy ’77 Middleton).

53

www.pinterest.com/nwmostate

Professional horse trainer Cal Middleton enjoys putting his skills to the test and recently won his first world title at the 2012 Worldwide Paint Horse Congress, in Open Reining, in Kansas City.

In Memoriam Sandra Slater Allen ’68 63, of Houston, died April 22, 2011. She was an English teacher at Jersey Village High School for 10 years.

Chris Arnold ’98 36, died Aug. 25. He had worked at AWG, PVI, Premiere Global Services, Quest Communications and most recently ADT.

Thelma Clinesmith Backer ’41 95, of Lee’s Summit, died Nov. 14. She was a retired elementary school teacher in the Kansas City School District.

Jeremy Barlow ’03 30, of Olathe, Kan., died Sept. 11 in Arizona.

◆ Northwest Alumni Association Member

Laura Kerkmann Beattie ’71, ’87 60, of Montgomery City, died Oct. 4. She taught in Savannah for 13 years and then taught high school art for 18 years in Montgomery City, retiring in 2005.

Mary Christian Beasley ’63 70, died Aug. 13. She

# Photo submitted (see pg. 47)

began her career as a chemist with the Food and Drug Administration in Kansas City. She was also a researcher for Johns Hopkins and worked for several years for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Columbia.

Steve Booton ’85 51, of Blair, Neb., died

Spring 2012

Sept. 23. After many years of working in corporate America, he had recently become the drama director at Fremont (Neb.) High School.

Virginia Culver Brownlee (attd. ’42-’44) 87, died Aug. 27 in Sidney, Iowa. She was a teacher and homemaker.

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Class Notes

In Memoriam (continued) Rosalie Busby Dawson ’38 93, of Maryville, died Sept. 28.

Pharmacy, Hall’s Pharmacy and The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Shawnee, Kan.

Charles Derstler ’49 87, died June 30. He farmed and raised cattle in rural Cameron since the early 1950s and purchased and sold farm property.

Burdell Hansen ’71 62, died July 31 in Audubon, Iowa. He owned Hansen Insurance Agency, which he later changed the name to Nishna Valley Insurance. He had sold the agency and was semiretired.

Becky Ackerman Edgar ’73 60, of Leawood, Kan., died Nov. 10. She had worked for the federal government for several years prior to the birth of her children.

Curtis Gard ’47 89, of Weston, died Aug. 14. He retired as vice president and comptroller of First National Bank of Omaha in 1993.

Bob Gillespie ’71, ’75 64, of Neosho, died Nov. 17. He had a 34-year teaching and coaching career that included stints in Maysville, Hannibal, Oregon, Stanberry and Neosho as well as Wyandotte, Okla., where he retired.

Larry Hager ’57 76, of St. Joseph, died Oct. 15. He taught at Benton High School in St. Joseph for 41 years.

Phyllis Stewart Hall ’52 81, died Oct. 10. She was a teacher and 40-year business partner for Merriam Rexall Drug, Merriam

LeRoy “Lee” Heggy ’74 61, of Kansas City, died Sept. 2. He worked for Longview Community College for 33 years, retiring as coordinator of the media center in 2010. He also worked for the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art for more than 30 years.

Wayne Kinman ’52 83, died Oct. 28 in Liberty.

He retired from the city of Liberty.

Gwenevere Wiley Klepinger ’31 103, died Oct. 20 in Omaha, Neb. She taught elementary school for six years in Thurman, Riverton and Council Bluffs, Iowa.

David Mackey ’67 66, of Edina, died Sept. 3.

He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a soil and district conservationist in DeKalb, Worth and Knox counties, retiring in 2000 after 34 years of service.

Let us know If you learn of the death of a Northwest graduate, please submit in writing or via news clipping the name of the deceased (and maiden name, if appropriate), year(s) of graduation from Northwest, date of death, age, city of death, city of residence and a brief listing of career accomplishments. In addition, submit your relationship to the deceased and your daytime telephone number to the Office of University Advancement, 800 University Dr., Maryville, MO 64468-6001, fax to 660.562.1990 or email alumni@nwmissouri.edu.

No pictures please. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. n

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Spring 2012

Jerry Magnussen ’67 67, of Peterson, Iowa, died Nov. 4. He worked at Peterson State Bank from 1972 until 1994 and then became a partner at J & K Insurance in Sutherland, Iowa, in 1994.

Matthew Mason ’98 37, a native of Holt, died Aug. 6 in Afghanistan. He was a Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) in the U.S. Navy.

He had been deployed seven times in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Steven McGeorge ’82 57, died Sept. 20 in Platte City.

Roger McIntosh ’68 65, of Garland, Texas, died Dec. 3. He worked for more than 30 years in the meat packing industry followed by several years in the Garland Independent School District.

Rick McIntyre ’81 51, died July 25 in Rogers, Ark. He was employed at the Jack Carter Company in Rogers.

Denise Miller ’73 60, died July 20 in Manning, Iowa. She was employed at UPS from 1977 until she retired in 2006. She then worked at the Graphic Edge in Carroll, Iowa.

Leon Miller 91, who lived in Maryville for 60 years, died May 28 in Springfield. He served as chairman of Northwest’s Division of Education and Psychology and director of Horace Mann Laboratory School from 1950 to 1960, dean of instruction from 1960 to 1969 and then as Northwest’s first graduate dean from 1969 to 1985. He was given the title of distinguished professor before his retirement in 1985.

Ivan Nally ’50 90, died Sept. 14 in Maryville. He retired from the Scottsdale, Ariz., school system as a purchasing agent.

City. He was an educator for 24 years, three years in the Winston School District and the last 21 years in Gallatin as a high school math teacher.

Daniel Ragland ’65 died Oct. 23, 2010, in Urbandale, Iowa. He was a fishery biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Army Corp of Engineers.

Hilda Hamblin Southard ’42 91, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., died July 31. She was a retired music teacher.

Carolyn Trively Randol ’58 74, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., died Sept. 17. She taught in Elmhurst, Ill., for 28 years and retired in 1994.

Raymond Schuster ’50 91, of Maryville, died Oct. 4.

He was superintendent of the Jefferson C-123 School District from 1952 to 1970 and then moved to the Maryville R-II School District to become the principal of Washington Middle School until 1987, when he retired.

Donald Scott ’49 87, of Silver Spring, Md., died Nov. 29.

Maurice Shier ’60 73, of Phoenixville, Pa., died Oct. 17. He was an economic analyst for the American Petroleum Institute and was director of research for the New Jersey Taxpayers Association.

From 1972 to 2000, he worked on the staff of the New Jersey Legislature’s Office of Fiscal Affairs.

Helen Ogi Steffen ’64 98, died Oct. 15 in St. Joseph. She and her husband owned and operated Steffen’s Book Store in St. Joseph for 13 years, and she retired from teaching in 1975 from Hawthorne Elementary (now Coleman Elementary) in St. Joseph.

Mark Strasser ’70, ’75 63, of Lake Viking, died Nov. 13 in North Kansas

Flo Wolf Tippett ’49 87, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, died Sept. 1. She taught in Belle Plaine for 15 years.

Gara Williams Toalson ’38 94, of Centralia, died Oct. 8.

Janet Pollock Uthoff ’72 61, of Georgetown, Texas, died July 16. She was a substitute teacher for several years in math and special education.

Melba Seitz Van Vickle ’44 89, died Aug. 29 in Chapel Hill, N.C. She taught in the business departments of Missouri high schools for 30 years, retiring in 1982 from Central High School in St. Joseph.

Pamela Martin Wedemeier ’77 59, of Frankford, died Oct. 10. She was a secretary and bookkeeper in Hannibal.

Craig Wernimont ’71 62, of Omaha, Neb., died Sept. 7. He was employed at Iowa Workforce Development in Council Bluffs, Iowa, for 36 years, retiring in 2007.

Patricia Madden Wilmes ’72 77, of Ravenwood, died Nov. 15. She was a homemaker and an educator, teaching in the Stanberry School District for 21 years before retiring.

Nowand The Greek Week Olympiad is a longstanding tradition in the Northwest Greek community. Representatives from each fraternity and sorority race throughout campus in their hand-crafted chariots that represent the theme of Greek Week.

(Above) Members of Phi Delta Theta compete in the 2011 Olympiad with their Nickelodeonthemed chariot. (Right) Members of Phi Sigma Kappa and Alpha Sigma Alpha teamed up to compete in the 1996 Olympiad. Even though 14 years separate the pictures, the healthy competition of Greek Week remains the same.

This year, students representing nine fraternities and five sororities enjoyed some friendly Greek Week competition while promoting their unity and spreading awareness. Activities included the Olympiad; a Jell-O Bash, where teams competed in games using Jell-O; Rec Night, where Greek organizations partnered to compete in a tournament of elementary school games; the Zeus and Hera talent competition; and an awards ceremony. This year’s theme was “Greeks love the ’90s” and funds were raised for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Then

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Stay in touch with us: www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni 660.562.1248 Contact us by email: Address changes: alumni@nwmissouri.edu Class notes: alumni@nwmissouri.edu Letter to the editor: mitzi@nwmissouri.edu

Join the Tourin’ Bearcats at the

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta the largest ballooning event in the world Oct. 5–9, 2012 $1,699 per person*

Includes: ● Escorted land tour ● Hotel ● Airport transfers in Albuquerque ● Daily breakfast ● Farewell luncheon $375 deposit due April 30 Final payment due June 1 *Based on double occupancy and departure from Kansas City International. Trip insurance is available. For a quote, call Cotter Travel at 660.224.0338, ext. 320.

Highlights ● Experience the predawn opening ceremonies and the mass ascension of hundreds of hot air balloons ● Enjoy a guided walking tour in Santa Fe, including the San Miguel Mission and Loretto Chapel’s “Miracle Stairway” ● Witness the Balloon Glow, when all the balloons fire up their burners and light up at the same time ● View the After-Glow Fireworks Show ● Take part in a sightseeing tour, with visits to Albuquerque’s Old Town, the International Balloon Museum and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

If interested, contact the Northwest Alumni Association at alumni@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248.