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Winter 2009
Scholarships: Keys to student success
SPORTS SC H E D U L E ICHABOD BASKETBALL JANUARY 2 5 9 13 16 23 27 30
University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, 3:30 p.m. Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, Mo., 7:30 p.m. Missouri Southern State University, 7:30 p.m. Pittsburg State University, 7:30 p.m. Emporia State University, 7:30 p.m. University of Nebraska-Omaha, 7:30 p.m. Northwest Missouri State University, 7:30 p.m. Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, 7:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 3 6 10 13 17 20 24
Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., 7:30 p.m. Fort Hays State University, 7:30 p.m. University of Central Missouri, 7:30 p.m. Southwest Baptist University, 7:30 p.m. Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, 7:30 p.m. Pittsburg State University, 7:30 p.m. Emporia State University, 7:30 p.m.
MARCH
5 - 7 MIAA Basketball Championship Tournament, Kansas City, Mo. All games in bold played at Washburn in Lee Arena, Petro Allied Health Center.
LADY BLUES BASKETBALL JANUARY 2 5 9 13 16
University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, 1:30 p.m. Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, Mo., 5:30 p.m. Missouri Southern State University, 5:30 p.m. Pittsburg State University, 5:30 p.m. Emporia State University, 5:30 p.m.
23 University of Nebraska-Omaha, 5:30 p.m. 27 Northwest Missouri State University, 5:30 p.m. 30 Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, 5:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 3 6 10 13 17 20 24
Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., 5:30 p.m. Fort Hays State University, 5:30 p.m. University of Central Missouri, 5:30 p.m. Southwest Baptist University, 5:30 p.m. Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, 5:30 p.m. Pittsburg State University, 5:30 p.m. Emporia State University, 5:30 p.m.
MARCH
4, 6, 7 MIAA Basketball Championship Tournament, Kansas City, Mo. All games in bold played at Washburn in Lee Arena, Petro Allied Health Center.
ICHABOD BASEBALL FEBRUARY 19 20 21 23 26 27
University of Nebraska-Kearney, 3 p.m. University of Nebraska-Kearney, 1 p.m. University of Nebraska-Kearney, noon Rockhurst University, 3 p.m. Southwest Baptist University, 2 p.m. Southwest Baptist University, noon
MARCH 2 6 7 9
Wayne State College, 2 p.m. Pittsburg State University, 2 p.m. Pittsburg State University, 1 p.m. St. Cloud State University, 1 p.m.
10 12 13 14 16 20 21 24 27 28 30
Upper Iowa University, 2 p.m. Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., 2:30 p.m. Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., 1 p.m. Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., 1 p.m. Rockhurst University, 4 p.m. Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, 1 p.m. Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, noon Wayne State College, Wayne, Neb., noon Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, 3 p.m. Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, noon Fort Hays State University, 2 p.m.
APRIL 7 10 11 13 17 18 20 23 24 25 27
Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., 6 p.m. University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, 2 p.m. University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, noon Fort Hays State University, 2 p.m. University of Nebraska-Omaha, 2 p.m. University of Nebraska-Omaha, 1 p.m. Drury University, noon Emporia State University, 5 p.m. Emporia State University, 2 p.m. Emporia State University, 2 p.m. Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., 6 p.m.
MAY
1 Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, 1 p.m. 2 Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville,1 p.m. 6 - 9 MIAA Baseball Championship Tournament, Community America Ballpark, Kansas City, Kan. All games in bold played at Washburn at Falley Field. For information, call (785) 620-1135 or visit www.wusports.com
From the President
CONTENTS
11
12 FEATURES
6
$5 million gift boosts School of Business
11
Scholarships:
18
Sweet legacy:
On the cover
In this issue, four recent Washburn graduates tell how scholarships opened doors of opportunity to both personal and academic success.
18
Keys to student success
Home of generous Washburn alumni becomes campus ministry center
Washburn Alumni Association Alumni director
Alumni magazine editor
Susie Hoffmann, bba ’87
Joy Thompson
Contributors
Contact Us!
Dena Anson, ba ’01 director, university relations
Mike Knipper assistant sports information/marketing director
Your news, thoughts and questions are important to us. Please write, telephone or send us an e-mail. Letters to the editor and news of jobs, honors, weddings, anniversaries and births are always welcome. Please include your name, class year, address and daytime phone number. Letters to the editor may be edited for length and clarity.
Katy Browne, aa ’07 secretary, Alumni Association
Robin Kruschinska, ba ’99 assistant director, Alumni Association
Gene Cassell sports information director
Scott Sewell communications officer, Washburn Endowment Association
Address: 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, Kan., 66621 Telephone: (785) 670-1641 E-mail: wualumni@washburn.edu Web site: www.washburn.edu/alumni To the editor: attention to Joy Thompson, (785) 670-1657, joy.thompson@washburn.edu
Martha Imparato Mabee Library special collections librarian
Peggy Clark university photographer Amanda Hughes, ba ’00 assistant director, university relations
We often think about scholarships going to highly talented and successful students. They do. Our culture of achievement rewards hard work and talent. For college students, scholarships are not simply medals of honor bestowed for grades. More importantly, they Jerry Farley help create achievement. Scholarships help students focus on educational goals. With financial help, students are better able to concentrate on studies, improve skills and develop talents. Scholarships for international study allow students to broaden their view of the world, learn about cultures, art, geography and geopolitical issues which will position them to be effective economic contributors and citizens. “Working at a job and There is a parallel between students who know how to concentrating on studies work hard and those who need to be in balance, achieve after college. Those tough part-time or summer and scholarships help jobs we all had were important in developing our skills and keep that important character. We celebrate hard equilibrium.” work. Washburn’s most generous and inspirational graduates, like Dick Davidson, ba ’66 and honorary doctorate ’94, champion the value of hard work and education. But too much time consumed in college working to pay rent and keep a car running can be a distraction to academic achievement. Working at a job and concentrating on studies need to be in balance, and scholarships help keep that important equilibrium. Perhaps scholarships were important for you or your family — they are for today’s Washburn students as well.
24
DEPARTMENTS
2
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
4 ALUMNI NEWS 6 WASHBURN ENDOWMENT
15 FACULTY & STAFF
21 CAMPUS NEWS & SPORTS
31 CLASS NOTES
Jerry Farley
Melissa Treolo writer Vickie Waters office assistant, university relations FryeAllen, Inc., Topeka, Kan. design and layout
The Washburn Alumni magazine is published quarterly by the Washburn Alumni Association for alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university. Third-class postage paid at Topeka, Kan.
20 www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 1
MUSIC FEBRUARY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
12 Elaris Duo Faculty Recital, 7:30 p.m. 22 University Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. 24 Symphony Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m.
MARCH
ALUMNI EVENTS JANUARY 8 After Hours, 5 p.m. 22 Young Alumni After Hours, 5 p.m. 31 - Feb. 18 Alumni-sponsored Australia
and New Zealand cruise
FEBRUARY 5 After Hours, 5 p.m. 6 - 7 Florida event 11 Wake Up With Washburn,
13 14
19
26
Mitch Peterson, bba ’90, “Marketing Serenity in Troubled Times,” 7:30 a.m. Phoenix, Ariz., event Tucson, Ariz., brunch buffet at Tucson Country Club Southern California event, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse Wichita reception in conjunction with Kansas Music Educators Association
MARCH 4 - 7 MIAA Postseason Basketball
5
Tournament, Kansas City, Mo., pre-game receptions After Hours, 5 p.m.
7
After Hours, 5 p.m.
JUNE 4
After Hours, 5 p.m.
Alumni events are in the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, unless noted. For information, call (785) 670-1641.
MULVANE EXHIBITS AND EVENTS
23 23 24
30
Along the Underground Railroad”
Paintings, etchings and drawings by Joseph Holston
JANUARY
13 - May 2 “Ms. Homeland Security:
Through Jan. 17 “A Few of Our Favorite
Illegal Entry Dress Installation”
Photographs, video and public art work by Robin Lasser and Adrienne Pao
Things”
Through Jan. 24 “Hybrid Visions:
Ken Butler”
APRIL
6 - March 21 “The Last Silent Picture Show”
3 - June 6 Washburn Art Student Exhibition
JUNE
Photographs by Orval Hixon of 1910 -30 vaudeville and theater celebrities
Wind Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m. Trumpet Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m. Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m. Percussion Collective Concert, 7:30 p.m. Ann Marie Snook and Lee Snook Faculty Recital, 3 p.m.
APRIL 9 Opera, “The Mikado,” 7:30 p.m. 10 Opera, “The Mikado,” 7:30 p.m. 18 Washburn Singers Cabaret Concert,
20 22
27 29 30
Washburn Room, Memorial Union, 7:30 p.m. Percussion Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m. Percussion Ensemble Festival Concert, 7:30 p.m. Ivalah Allen Faculty Recital, 7:30 p.m. Chamber Concert, 7:30 p.m. Wind Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m.
3 5 6
JUNE
11 - 19 Sunflower Music
featuring works by more than 90 national artists, plus art activities for children, music and food The Mulvane Art Museum is located in Garvey Fine Arts Center. For information, call (785) 670-1124 or visit www.washburn.edu/mulvane.
Festival, 7:30 p.m.
All concerts are in White Concert Hall in Garvey Fine Arts Center, unless noted. The schedule is subject to change. For information, call (785) 670-1511.
Orval Hixon
JANUARY 29 WU Board of Regents, Living Learning
Center, Blair Room, 1 p.m.
1 “Rent,” 8 p.m. 2 “Rent,” 2 p.m.
FEBRUARY
Written by Jonathan Larson, this Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is a collaborative production with Helen Hocker Theater.
Located at the Andrew J. and Georgia Neese Gray Theatre, Garvey Fine Arts Center. For information, call (785) 670-1639.
6 Washburn University Founders Day 26 - 27 Kansas Silent Film Festival, White
Concert Hall, Garvey Fine Arts Center
27 Kansas District 3 History Day,
“Innovation in History: Impact and Change,” Memorial Union. For information, call (785) 670-2060, e-mail history@washburn.edu, or visit www.washburn.edu/cas/history/ historyday.
MARCH
ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE JANUARY 12 School of Law classes begin 18 Martin Luther King holiday
(WU holiday) 19 Classes begin
FEBRUARY 15 Priority deadline for Washburn
academic scholarships and federal campus-based financial aid
12 WU Board of Regents, McGivern
Room, Bianchino Pavilion, 3 p.m.
CRANE OBSERVATORY View the night sky at Crane Observatory open houses in Stoffer Science Hall. Open houses are free and open to the public.
JANUARY 7 and 21, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
FEBRUARY 4 and 18, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
MARCH
MARCH
FEBRUARY
15 - 21 Spring break
4, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
26 - 27 Program of original playwriting,
APRIL
8 p.m.
MARCH 5 - 6 Program of original playwriting, 8 p.m. 7 Program of original playwriting, 2 p.m.
2 | winter 2009 | www.washburn.edu/alumni
MAY
THEATRE
“Vaudeville Dancer,” Orval Hixon, photograph
23 - 25 “Rent,” 8 p.m. 29 - 30 “Rent,” 8 p.m.
Percussion Studio Recital, 7:30 p.m. Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Concert, 7:30 p.m.
June 5 - 6 Mulvane Mountain/Plains Art Fair,
SPECIAL EVENTS
APRIL
MAY
FEBRUARY
22 - 24 Alumni Weekend 22 Wake Up With Washburn,
“Arrival in the Unknown,” Joseph Holston, mixed media, 2008
6 - April 3 “Color in Freedom: Journey
APRIL
Angie Wilson-Perkins, ba ’98 and ma ’00, “Careers in a Service Field: Pursuing Rewards, Not Awards,” 7:30 a.m. Alumni board of directors meetings After Hours, 5 p.m. Alumni awards and recognition dinner, Memorial Union, 6 p.m. Graduation party for the class of 2010 in conjunction with Young Alumni After Hours, 5 p.m.
5 9 10 11 25 28
MAY
28 School of Law last day of classes
APRIL 1 and 15, 8 - 9:30 p.m.
MAY MAY 7 Last day of classes 15 Commencement
6, 8:30 - 10 p.m.
For information, call (785) 670-2141 or visit www.washburn.edu/cas/physics/ crane. www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 3
Alumni Association opens applications for 2010-11 scholarships
A
ALUMNI NEWS
Running and walking the campus On a brisk October morning, approximately 170 people gathered in front of the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center for the Washburn Alumni Association’s annual Scholarship 5K Fun Run and Campus Walk. One hundred of the participants ran the 5K course, and the remainder walked two miles around the campus. The event raised approximately $5,000 for the Alumni Association scholarship fund through sponsorships, entry fees and donations. For a complete list of runners and their times, visit www.washburn.edu/ alumni. To inquire about becoming a sponsor for next year’s event, contact Susie Hoffmann at (785) 670-1643.
Miquel Espinosa, Topeka, was the first runner to cross the line at 19:33.2.
photo by Cindy Rogers
Michelle Andrew, Topeka, won in the overall female category at 20:39.5.
(L to R): Topekans Jayne (Bronson) Cafer, ba ’58; Jeanne (Smith) Hoferer, bba ’80 and Vera Pearce, pose together before beginning the campus walk, while School of Nursing students offer free blood pressure tests in the Mobile Health Clinic (pictured in the background). (L to R): The only entrants in the male 12 and under category are brothers Peter Sandquist, 8, who finished at 36:41.0, and Patrick Sandquist, 5, who finished at 36:43.0. They are sons of Arthur Sandquist and Carolyn (Metzenthin) Sandquist, ba ’82 and b music ’82, Topeka.
4 | winter 2009 | www.washburn.edu/alumni
Attention alumni in classes of 1940, 1950 and 1960: Alumni Association inaugurates new way to celebrate Ichabod milestone Alumni in the classes of 1940, 1950 and 1960 are invited to relive their Washburn graduation by walking with the May graduating class of 2010. Events planned for the special classes include a cocktail reception and dinner on campus Friday, May 14, with President Jerry B. Farley, members of the Washburn Board of Regents, the University deans and the 2010 honorary degree recipients. On Saturday, May 15, the celebrants will be honored during the 12:30 p.m. commencement ceremony in Lee Arena, Petro Allied Health Center. Those planning to attend should make reservations by March 1 and provide height and T-Shirt size for gowns. More details are coming in the mail to the members of the special classes.
Magazine is mailed to all alumni Beginning with this issue, the Washburn Alumni magazine is being mailed to all graduates of Washburn. Previously, the fall and spring issues of the quarterly magazines were mailed to all alumni, and the winter and summer issues were mailed to dues-paid members only.
pplications for the Washburn Alumni Association’s scholarship program will be available online beginning Jan. 11 at www.washburn.edu/alumni. Feb. 15 is the deadline for financial aid and scholarship applications, including the Alumni Association scholarships. Special consideration is given to legacy students — applicants with a parent, sibling or spouse who is a graduate of Washburn. Although grade point average is a qualifier, recipients are chosen on the basis of financial need. Scholarships may be awarded to students in the following groups: • Legacy: issued to students with a parent, sibling or spouse who graduated from Washburn University. • Ichabod Pride: issued to students who are members of the Washburn Alumni Association. The annual membership fee is $10. • Traditional Full-time: full-time students under age 26. • Traditional Part-time: part-time students under age 26. • Non Traditional Full-time: full-time students age 26 or older. • Non Traditional Part-time: part-time students age 26 or older. • Alumni: Washburn alumni pursuing a second degree. Established in 1944, the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund has been a source of revenue for many Washburn students. Additional scholarship funds come from the Scholarship 5K Fun Run and Campus Walk, the Ichabod specialty tag license program and individual donations. More than $32,000 in scholarships was awarded to 72 students for the 2009-10 academic year.
n Meyer Ueoka, jd ’49 and honorary doctorate ’83, Wailuku, Hawaii, donated the native Hawaiian flower arrangement that adorned the podium at the Alumni Fellows luncheon, held during Homecoming Weekend. Ueoka sends flowers every year for Alumni Homecoming gatherings.
n Paul Etzel, bs ’71, La Mesa, Calif., speaks to a forum of students and faculty in Stoffer Science Hall. A professor of astronomy at San Diego State University and director of the SDSU Mount Laguna Observatory, Etzel was one of seven Washburn Alumni Fellows honored for career achievement during Homecoming in October. The Alumni Fellows program provides opportunities for outstanding alumni to return to campus and share their expertise with students and faculty in the classroom and other campus settings.
Alumni Association Board of Directors 2009-10 President
Board Members
Ann Adrian, b ed ’67, aadrian@cox.net
Kirsten Allen, ba ’88, kallen2@butlercc.edu
William Marshall, ba ’61, wmarsh6869@aol.com
Dennis Bohm, bba ’04, dennis.bohm@gmail.com
Erin Menard, bba ’05, wualumniboard@washburn.edu
Vice President
Jami Bond, bba ’04, jami.bond@hotmail.com
Linda Parks, ba ’79 and jd ’83, parks@hitefanning.com
Roger VanHoozer, ba ’72, rvanhoozer@msn.com
Stacey Calhoon, ba ’89, scalhoon@cox.net
Cindy Rogers, ba ’69, cindytcr@swbell.key
Tara K. Cunningham, ba ’00, tarakc@email.arizona.edu
Mark Ross, bba ’83, mark.ross@ricoh-usa.com
Armond Enclarde, ba ’05, Armond.Enclarde@Scouting.org
Leo Taylor, ba ’74, mrleot1@juno.com
Amy Garton, ba ’03, agarton@opcvb.org
John Ybarra, jybarra75@hotmail.com
www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 5
WASHBURN ENDOWMENT
photo by Peggy Clark
Davidsons donate nearly $5 million to Washburn
Trish and Richard K. Davidson, ba ’66 and honorary doctorate ’94, of Bonita Springs, Fla., answer questions from reporters during a news conference following the announcement of their gift.
In September, Washburn University officials announced the largest single gift ever made to Washburn. Richard K. and Trish Davidson, of Bonita Springs, Fla., made a gift providing nearly $5 million to increase support for faculty professorships and chairs in the School of Business. The gift will qualify for additional funds through the Kansas Partnership for Faculty of Distinction Program. 6 | winter 2009 | www.givetowashburn.org
“We are very grateful to Trish Davidson was a trustee of the and Dick Davidson for this generous Washburn Endowment Association gift. It is an extraordinary expression from 1996 to 2004, serving on the of their support and dedication to finance, development and executive the university and its students,” said committees and has been a trustee President Jerry B. Farley. emeriti since 2004. He was an Davidson, ba ’66 and honorary Executive in Residence at Washburn doctorate ’94, received basketball and in 2000. In 2002 he received the other scholarships while at Washburn prestigious Horatio Alger Award and worked to put which recognizes himself through extraordinary school. He began Americans who “I know I would not a railroad career in have risen from 1960 as a brakeman/ have achieved the humble beginnings to conductor with personal and success I have achieved achieve Missouri Pacific professional success. Railroad. He joined in life without the Trish Davidson is a Union Pacific Railroad native of Freeport, Ill., education I received in 1982 when it and a 1972 graduate merged with Missouri at Washburn. It not of the University of Pacific and Western Iowa. After a 20-year only was a good Pacific railroads. career with Union Davidson held education, but it Pacific, she retired various department in 1996 as assistant certainly expanded positions at Union vice president of Pacific until his my paradigms as far community relations appointment to and corporate as life goes. It helped chairman and chief giving. She served executive of the me mature and grow on the boards of the railroad in 1991. Durham Western as an individual.” He was named Heritage Museum, the — Richard Davidson, ba ’66 chairman and chief and honorary doctorate ’94 University of Nebraska executive officer of at Omaha Women’s the corporation in Athletic Steering 1997. He stepped down as CEO of Council and the Nebraska Humanities Union Pacific in 2006 and as chairman Foundation. in 2007. Trish Davidson is also retired The Kansas Partnership for Faculty from Union Pacific, where she worked of Distinction Program increases the for 20 years. impact of the Davidsons’ gift with “I know I would not have achieved additional matching funds from the the success I have achieved in life State. This program was established without the education I received at by the Kansas Legislature in 2000 Washburn,” Davidson said. “It not only to encourage private support to was a good education, but it certainly enhance the ability of state educational expanded my paradigms as far as life institutions to attract and retain faculty goes. It helped me mature and grow of distinction. The program provides as an individual.” supplemental funding to the income earnings of qualifying gifts.
Davidson gift was a charitable lead trust
T
he Davidson gift was made through a charitable lead trust, which can be a powerful tool in gift and estate tax planning. A charitable lead trust provides either a fixed annuity payment or a variable unitrust payment to Washburn Endowment Association. Low interest rates make the annuity payment option attractive for donors, as more assets may be passed to their heirs. The initial or lead interest of the trust is paid out to WEA annually for either a predetermined number of years or for the duration of the donor’s life. Thereafter, the assets of the lead trust are either returned to the donor or to another beneficiary designated by the donor. The donor can receive an income tax deduction when the trust is created. If the assets are passed on to heirs, applicable estate and gift taxes on the value of the gift are reduced or completely eliminated. For more information about gift planning, call the Washburn Endowment Association at (785) 670-4483.
www.givetowashburn.org | winter 2009 | 7
In May 2010, Washburn Women’s Alliance will celebrate 15 years of providing scholarship support for non-traditional female students with dependent children. “Without these scholarships, many of these women would not be able to complete their education,” said Cindy Rogers, ba ’69, Topeka, WWA president. “Our goal is to create a better life for them and their families.” In 1995, campus leaders identified a need for scholarships for nontraditional female students. Ruth and John Stauffer, Topeka, established the first endowed scholarship targeting this group. Fifty women applied for this single scholarship the first year. In the 15 years since, 10 additional endowed scholarships have been created and nearly $446,000 has been awarded. Last year, 42 students received 74 scholarships totaling more than $80,000.
Washburn Law launches Students First Campaign
W
the 2010-11 year. Four scholarship funds are emphasized in the Students First Campaign: Premier Academic Scholarships – Washburn Law has created scholarships to recruit premier academic students by awarding scholarships to provide full resident tuition plus additional stipends. These scholarships are renewable for three years if academic standards are met; the majority of other law schools offer one-year scholarships. Homestead Scholarships – Each year a significant number of students come to Washburn School of Law from Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas and Wichita State University. Homestead Scholarships are awarded to students with undergraduate degrees from these universities as well as to Washburn alumni. Competition Team Scholarships – Successful competition teams benefit the School of Law by enhancing students’
educational experiences as well as the visibility and reputation of the school. This increase in visibility helps the school recruit prospective students and opens career doors for graduates. To maintain the national caliber of these teams and attract their participation in these valuable programs, scholarships are awarded to upper class students. Bar Preparation Scholarships – Success in passing the bar examination is critical for students professionally and for Washburn Law’s reputation. When the funds become available, the Bar Preparation Scholarships will help defray the costs of bar examination application fees and preparation courses for a limited number of third-year law students. This will help improve bar exam results. If you are interested in making a gift to support these scholarships, please call the Washburn Endowment Association at (785) 670-4483.
(L to R): Rep. Annie Kuether; Rep. Annie Tietze; WWA scholarship recipient Annie Voth, Topeka, a senior majoring in education; and Sen. Laura Kelly
First year law students for fall of 2009 pose for a class photo on the steps outside Stauffer Commons.
photo by Peggy Clark
ashburn’s School of Law recently initiated a new scholarship campaign to enhance its strategy to award highly qualified students with larger scholarships. The new scholarship program, implemented for students entering in the fall of 2009, resulted in a higher percentage of students choosing Washburn. In addition, the median Law School Admission Test score of incoming students was two points higher than the class of 2008. “We are continually working to recruit the best and brightest students while also ensuring the debt load does not keep them from pursuing the professional opportunities they seek upon graduation,” said Thomas J. Romig, dean of the School of Law. “These scholarships help students immediately and build a stronger law school long-term.” More than $1.8 million in scholarships was awarded for the 2009-10 school year, and the school projects an additional $200,000 to $300,000 will be needed for
8 | winter 2009 | www.givetowashburn.org
Each year WWA has an event to recognize and bring together donors and scholarship recipients. Rogers said the event has grown from a simple, informal reception in 1995 to a formal luncheon with more than 200 people attending. U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson will be the speaker for the 2010 luncheon scheduled for May 17. “Even though Washburn has more traditional students on campus now, the need for these types of scholarships hasn’t diminished in the last 15 years,” Rogers said. “WWA continues to play an important role at Washburn. These scholarships help young women have hope and make a future for themselves and their children.” For more information about how to support Washburn Women’s Alliance, call the Washburn Endowment Association at (785) 670-4483.
photo by Peggy Clark
Washburn Women’s Alliance celebrates 15 years
WASHBURN ENDOWMENT
Debra and Randy Clayton, ba ’88, Topeka, look at the touch-screen kiosk at the new Hall of Honor display.
Hall of Honor unveiled
A
pproximately 200 people attended a celebration on Oct. 16 to unveil the Hall of Honor in Memorial Union. The new exhibit highlights the impact of philanthropy on the history and future of Washburn, honors donors and celebrates the impact of their generosity. Donors were invited to view the exhibit, which covers the lobby wall outside the Washburn Room and features presentations on two wallmounted plasma screens and wallmounted photos of participating Lincoln Society Members. An interactive kiosk allows visitors to search for profiles and photos of participating Lincoln Society members. The Lincoln Society recognizes lifetime cumulative contributions of $50,000 or more and is the Washburn Endowment Association’s most prestigious giving club.
www.givetowashburn.org | winter 2009 | 9
WASHBURN ENDOWMENT
Ellis named VP for Development at Washburn Endowment Tom Ellis, ba ’75, was recently named vice president for development at the Washburn Endowment Association. Ellis was previously Tom Ellis the special assistant to the president at Washburn University. In his new position, Ellis will provide strategic and operational leadership and oversight for major gift and planned giving fundraising activities involving face-to-face contact with prospects and donors. He will be responsible for developing plans and implementing university-wide fundraising efforts in cooperation with university units and other developmental programs. “We are very excited to have Tom become a member of our team,” said WEA President JuliAnn Mazachek. “He has demonstrated his ability to work collegially and collaboratively with University and community leaders for over 30 years. We look forward to putting Tom’s skills and abilities to work for Washburn at WEA.” Ellis has held a variety of positions at Washburn including admissions counselor, student activities director, facilities use coordinator, purchasing agent, director of the Memorial Union, interim vice president for administration and treasurer and interim dean of enrollment management. Aside from three years at the University of Oklahoma, Tom has been employed by Washburn University since 1975. 10 | winter 2009 | www.givetowashburn.org
FEATURE
Washburn graduates make a difference at alma mater Advancement officer Michael Bascom, ba ‘01, compares his passion regarding the work he does for the Washburn Endowment Association to that of alumni sitting on the sidelines during college games. “The thing of it is, working here is not just a job,” Bascom said. “I’m working for a place that I’m passionate about. It’s fun coming in every day knowing that I’m helping the school that I’m proud of. The joy that people feel supporting their college teams on game day, I get to feel supporting Washburn every day.” Michael Bascom Bascom’s passion stems in part from the fact that he is an alumnus with a bachelor of arts degree in communications. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at Washburn. Bascom is one of 28 full-time employees at WEA, 12 of whom are Washburn graduates. Washburn Tech and Washburn University employ 1,168 employees, 180 of whom graduated from Washburn. “I think it definitely makes me more passionate about Washburn,” said Charlotte Adair, advancement and planned giving officer. She is a 1970 graduate and has been working for WEA since 1995. “It’s really fun to raise money for something you truly believe in because I feel I had a good education here.” Adair said her status as an alumna has greatly benefited her work at Washburn Endowment, as she has been able to make connections with former students and professors she knew while in school. She also has the opportunity to meet those who know Charlotte Adair her parents, Max Sr., ba ’42, and Helen Marie Gaither, bfa ’43. Adair says working on a daily basis with people who care about the university as much as she does makes her job an easy one to do. “I like my job,” Adair said. “I love the people that I meet because so many of them care about Washburn. They’re all generous people, as well as people who are interested in things other than themselves. They’re interested in helping Washburn students or their community or just making life better for other people.”
Scholarships: Keys to student success
O
utstanding faculty members are essential to any student success story. Recently, Richard Davidson, ba ’66 and honorary doctorate ’94, and his wife, Trish Davidson, of Bonita Springs, Fla., increased support for faculty professorships and chairs in the School of Business (see related story on page 6) and joined a tradition of donors that includes the Sweet family, who established the Sweet Sabbaticals to provide faculty with funds for travel and study abroad (see Bob Beatty, page 17). Also central to the story of Washburn’s outstanding students is the ongoing generosity of those who fund scholarships. Our history & traditions section on pages 18-20 relates the story of the Sweet family, whose Sweet Foundation scholarships are part of the success stories of Lisa Fahey, bba ’09, Bloomington, Ind., and Tyler Goetz, ba ’09, and bs ’09, featured here.
Success after graduation: Four recent graduates tell how scholarships made all the difference Time for studies and family As Miranda Ericsson-Kendall, ba ’08, Topeka, looks forward to a teaching career, she knows that the scholarships she received throughout her years at Washburn gave her opportunities she never dreamed possible. “I would have worked a lot more and not had time for studies or family,” she said. Six scholarships from the Washburn Women’s Alliance, several English department scholarships and a number of other scholarships made it possible for Ericsson-Kendall, at that time a single mother with a young son, to not only attend college full time but to also graduate as the highest ranking member of the senior class. She is grateful to those who donated to the scholarships she received, particularly the women in WWA. “They were more than being generous financially,” she said. “It was inspiring to get together with successful women who were willing to throw their support
to me. They gave me an award with a little golden star that says ‘Believe.’ It is a reminder that they believed in me.” (See page 9 for more on WWA.)
“I would have worked a lot more and not had time for studies or family.” — Miranda Ericsson-Kendall, ba ’08
A graduate and valedictorian of Topeka’s Highland Park High School, she says she wants to give back to her community through service as a teacher. “Teachers personally motivated me and encouraged me in public schools. At Washburn, I was inspired and motivated by dedicated professors, especially in the English department,” she said. “I can’t think of a profession more rewarding or meaningful than teaching.” Her long-term goal is to pursue a master’s degree with a specialty in gifted education.
Scholarships awarded to Miranda Ericsson-Kendall: • Bruce Whaley Scholarship for Creative Writing • Dr. Eldo F. and Mrs. Evelyn E. Bunge Endowed Scholarship • Emma Grayson Buckner Scholarship Fund • Florence Eaton Scholarship Fund • Jolee Houx English Scholarship Fund • Leadership Institute Scholarship • Pooled General Scholarship Funds • Washburn Women’s Alliance Current Gift Scholarships
Miranda Ericsson-Kendall
FEATURE
Exploring new fields of study
The right fit: multiple scholarship offers
This fall Jared Doke entered graduate school at the University of Kansas with two undergraduate Washburn degrees. He is pursuing Jared Doke what may, at first glance, seem to be an interest unrelated to either of his degrees, a bachelor of science in criminal justice and a bachelor of arts in anthropology. Doke entered Washburn as a transfer student with an associate’s degree in fire science from a community college and a desire for a career in arson investigation. He majored in criminal justice, with an emphasis on law enforcement, and received scholarships through the School of Applied Studies and the criminal justice department.
“Scholarships allowed me to do things I had never considered.“ — Jared Doke
A grant through Washburn Transformational Experience provided Doke with funds for travel to Australia to study at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland. Even though he was there to study criminal justice, Doke became fascinated with anthropology while taking an indigenous studies course. This interest brought Doke to a second major and a second trip abroad – study in Mexico led by an associate professor in the Washburn sociology and anthropology department.
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Jared Doke scuba dives on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. This is one of the photos Doke submitted to a study abroad photo essay competition at Washburn.
In the summer of 2008, while working at an archeology field school, Doke became fascinated with the Geographic Information Systems used to map archeological sites. Additional experience working with GIS during an internship with the crime analysis unit of the Topeka Police Department convinced Doke to pursue graduate studies in geography, which he says can be tied in with any discipline – including arson investigation. “Scholarships allowed me to do things I had never considered,“ Doke said.
Scholarships received by Jared Doke: • School of Applied Studies Scholarship Fund • Carlos E. & Helen R. Hobbs Memorial Scholarship Fund • Dana and Louise Hummer Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund • Dr. Karl A. Menninger Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice • Ellsworth Ingalls Memorial Fund • Professor Ted Heim Leadership Scholarship in Criminal Justice
When Lisa Fahey, bba ’09, Bloomington, Ind., was still in high school, she received scholarship offers from the Washburn School of Business, Lisa Fahey the Institute for the Practice and Study of Leadership and the athletic department. Her sister, Anna Fahey, ba ’07, West Lafayette, Ind., who was at Washburn studying biology and playing soccer, also encouraged Lisa to choose Washburn. Fahey decided that Washburn was the right fit because it offered her the chance to study business and leadership and pursue her love of soccer. A trip to Hawaii with the Lady Blues is one of her favorite Washburn memories, along with working as a counselor at the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, a summer leadership program for high school students held on the Washburn campus.
As she reflects on her years at Washburn, she says that the multiple scholarships enabled her to “live, not work.” At the conclusion of the 2008-09 soccer season, Fahey was named to the all-MIAA first team, to the National Soccer Coaches Association All-Region second team, Daktronics Honorable Mention All-American Team, Daktronics South Central Region First Team and honored at Washburn as the team’s most valuable player. She also received
numerous academic honors, including CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team and Academic First Team All-American, Washburn Senior Scholar Athlete, MIAA Scholars Athlete Award and MIAA Academic Excellence Award. This fall, Fahey started law school at Indiana University. She is looking forward to a future profession as a certified public accountant and a lawyer working in the areas of corporate tax law or sports and entertainment law. As she reflects on her years at Washburn, she says that the multiple scholarships enabled her to “live, not work.” “I will not forget blessings and benefits that meant so much to me when I was here,” she said.
• Grace Wolf Memorial Scholarship Fund • Ichabod Scholarship Fund • Margaret Strawn Sheafor & Harold Norman Sheafor Leadership Scholarship • Payless ShoeSource Foundation Current Gift Leadership Scholarship • Pooled Athletic Scholarships • Richard G. Vogel Appreciation Fund • Smith Business/Athletic Scholarship • The Sweet Foundation • Topeka Lions Club Memorial Scholarship Fund • Zola Desmond Trust
Lisa Fahey
Scholarships awarded to Lisa Fahey: • Arthur L. Shultz Scholarship Fund • Capitol Federal Foundation Scholar Athlete Award • Clayton WEA Scholarship • Dale C. Marcoux Scholarship Fund • Ellsworth Ingalls Memorial Fund • Emma Grayson Buckner Scholarship Fund • Florence E. Green Scholarship Fund • Hutchins & Haake, LLC/CPA Accounting Scholarship • James David Pollak Memorial Scholarship for Business Fund • Leadership Institute Scholarship • General Fund Athletic Scholarship • Gerd Smith Business/Athletic Scholarship Fund
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FEATURE FACULTY & STAFF Research opportunities and medical school Tyler Goetz, Boston, Mass., received a bachelor of arts in biochemistry and a bachelor of science in biology in May 2009. This fall, he began pursuing a doctor of medicine Tyler Goetz degree and credits Washburn for his success in getting accepted to Harvard Medical School. “Washburn was a great school choice for me,” he said. “Making it to Harvard Medical School, and more generally, to medical school, has been a dream of mine, literally, since the second grade. Through hard work and the support of family, friends and teachers, I have made it where I am today.” Goetz initially transferred to Washburn after being offered an academic scholarship. Throughout his three-year academic career, he received multiple scholarships from the biology and chemistry departments. He also received stipends for research through the National Institutes of Health Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) program. Goetz said he values the opportunity Washburn and K-INBRE offered in working directly with professors in a substantial research project. For two years, he worked with Susan Bjerke, assistant professor, biology, in research that focused on molecular mechanisms of herpes simplex virus. In his final year, he received a $7,500 Star Trainee scholarship to continue this research throughout the academic year. 14 | winter 2009 | www.washburn.edu/alumni
Community service was also a significant part of his Washburn experience. He completed 900 hours of volunteer service in the AmeriCorps Bonner Scholars program and more than 100 additional hours of service. He volunteered at the Marian Clinic, a summer camp for children with muscular dystrophy and traveled to Nicaragua under the international social justice project of Washburn Peace Works. As founder and president of the Washburn American Medical Student Association, he organized two bone marrow registry drives and a Great American Smokeout event.
• General Fund Academic Scholarship • K-INBRE Scholarship • Mr. & Mrs. Alonzo S. Thomas Pooled Chemistry Scholarship • Pooled General Fund Scholarship • Shawnee Sportsmen Incorporated Scholarship Fund • The Sweet Foundation
Goetz initially transferred to Washburn after being offered an academic scholarship. Throughout his three-year academic career, he received multiple scholarships from the biology and chemistry departments. Scholarships awarded to Tyler Goetz: • Carlos E. & Helen R. Hobbs Memorial Scholarship Fund • Catherine H. Conard and Edith Conard Frisinger Scholarship Fund • Charles S. and Doris F. Joss Scholarship Fund • Dr. Robert H. Glazier Sciences Scholarship Fund - Chemistry
Tyler Goetz at Harvard Medical School following his White Coat Ceremony, which marks the transition to clinical health sciences. Goetz wears the coat during patient interactions.
Mr. Cello outreach introduces performing arts Cellist Steven Elisha, director of string studies, and his friend, Mr. Cello, have been introducing the performing arts to children of all ages for more than 20 years.
In September, Elisha performed “Mr. Cello Stories” at the Kansas State Fair. In October, he performed for terminally ill children on a cancer ward, for adults in a psychiatric ward, toured individual hospital floors and presented a recital for doctors and staff during a three-day residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Elisha’s work with children includes conducting the Topeka Symphony Youth Orchestra and offering “Mr. Cello Stories” in venues across the country. “I love kids,” he said. “I’m a kid at heart.” Elisha offers a 45 to 90 minute program tailored to fit any subject, theme or age of any audience. He begins with the principles of how sound works and then demonstrates Mr. Cello’s beauty and unique qualities. During the program, Elisha invites children to the stage for a group “Mr. Cello Story.” As the children take turns improvising part of the story, Mr. Cello embellishes their stories with sounds and music. “It’s amazing what these kids come up with,” he said. “Those listening pay attention and hang on to the last word.” The name Mr. Cello originated when Elisha was on his first overseas concert tour to the People’s Republic of China. Because his cello was too valuable to put in the cargo hold, he needed to purchase an extra airplane ticket. The airline ticket agent insisted that the occupant of the second seat have a name and handed Elisha a ticket bearing the name Mr. Cello. Elisha currently performs “Mr. Cello Stories” as part of the Kansas Arts on Tour program of the Kansas Arts Commission. The Mid-America Arts Alliance underwrites a portion of his performance fee for non-profit organizations. To learn more, visit Elisha’s blog at mrcellostories.blogspot.com. www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 15
FACULTY & STAFF
Faculty and Staff briefs
Washburn faculty and staff receive grants Richard Ellis, professor, human services and director, Center for Community Service and Civic Engagement
Cynthia Hornberger, professor, School of Nursing
Ellen Carson
Cynthia Hornberger
• $420,000 from the U.S. Department of Education, through the European Union-United States Atlantis Program under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, to implement the Transatlantic Double Degree in Nursing Project. Partner universities will develop and implement a four-year transatlantic double degree program in nursing, utilizing an integrated study plan and incorporating the strengths of each partner university while promoting multicultural understanding between the European Union and the U.S. EU partner universities include Mikkeli (Finland) University of Applied Sciences; Queen’s University, Belfast Northern Ireland; and Szeged (Hungary) University.
Willie Dunlap, dean and professor, School of Applied Studies
Richard Ellis
Stephen Angel, associate professor and chairman, chemistry
Stephen Angel
Roxanne Kelly, dean, Washburn Institute of Technology
Willie Dunlap
• $331,452 from the Kansas Board of Regents Postsecondary Perkins Program Improvement Funds Program to provide equipment, faculty development and course development for the allied health, criminal justice, human services and legal studies departments in the School of Applied Studies and for all technical programs at the Washburn Institute of Technology.
Roxanne Kelly
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• $80,000 from the Corporation for National and Community Service, through the Vista Recovery Support Grant made possible through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. This funding will allow Washburn’s Center for Community Service and Civic Engagement to expand, hire staff and provide support for its current AmeriCorps VISTA program.
Dave Kendall
• $25,000 from the National Institute of Health through the Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Program, for the purchase of an electospray mass spectrometer for chemistry research and instruction.
Dave Kendall, manager of production services and executive producer, KTWU • $15,000 from the Kansas Humanities Council Major Grant Program to produce 13 “Sunflower Journeys” 30-minute programs.
Val VanDerSluis, program director, KTWU • $2,000 from the Kansas Arts Commission Arts-in-Communities Project Mini-Grants Program for KTWU to use towards the production and broadcast of a radio play with the ARTS Inc. adaptation of “Dracula.” Val VanDerSluis
n Chris Hamilton, professor, political science, autographs copies of “House Rules,” June 10 during a book signing in the Memorial Union. “House Rules” is a non-fiction historical novel set in Hamilton’s hometown of Concordia, Kan., in the 1960s. The book is based on the life of Terry Householter, the fastest high school sprinter in America in 1967, who died serving in the Marines during the Vietnam War. n Lynette Petty, jd ’87, associate professor, School of Law, was one of seven lawyers in Kansas to receive a Pro Bono Certificate from the Kansas Bar Association. The certificate recognizes a lawyer or law firm for the delivery of direct legal services, free of charge, to the poor or, in appropriate instances, to charitable organizations whose primary purpose is to provide other services to the poor. Petty supervises interns representing low-income clients in the School of Law Legal Clinic. n Thomas Romig, dean of the School of Law, received the Courageous Attorney Award from the Kansas Bar Association. The award recognizes a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession. Romig was honored for his time as the Judge Advocate General of the Army, where he took positions against waterboarding and other extraordinary methods of interrogation.
n Bob Beatty, associate professor, political science, stands near the Unification Monument in Pyongyang, North Korea, in June. The North Korean trip was a rare chance for an American to visit the “hermit kingdom,” as only a few Americans are allowed to enter each year. Beatty received a Sweet Sabbatical for the summer to do curriculum development work for his international politics courses, especially his Asian politics class. He also traveled to Japan, South Korea, China and Mongolia, where the U.S. Embassy asked Beatty to be an international observer of the May 24 presidential election. Beatty was one of 12 Washburn faculty members receiving 2009 Sweet Sabbaticals.
photo by Baili Zhang
Ellen Carson, professor, School of Nursing
n Washburn professors are inducted into Phi Beta Delta national honor society for international scholars (L to R): Alan Bearman, interim dean, Mabee Library and associate professor, history; Margaret Wood, associate professor, sociology and anthropology; Bob Boncella, professor, School of Business; and Maria Raicheva-Stover, assistant professor, mass media.
www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 17
photo by Peggy Clark
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
Home Sweet Methodist Home
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boards of numerous Topeka businesses and organizations and was one of the founders of the Methodist Home. He died in 1918. Annie Brown Sweet was active in the YWCA and helped raise money for a new building, for which she laid its cornerstone just before her death in 1910. Throughout their lives, the Sweets gave money to churches, foreign missions and schools, including Washburn, but they also left their children a large inheritance. In 1922, after the sale of the home of their parents, two of the children, Paul and Annie, built a large home at 1621 Boswell Street in the College Hill area north of Washburn. A history of College Hill published in the December 1962 Bulletin of the Shawnee County Historical Society says the Sweet children “came from a family of a fine background of culture and public spirit. Their parents,
Mr. and Mrs. T.B. Sweet were leaders in church, civic, cultural and social affairs and the children have followed in their footsteps.”
photo by Peggy Clark
I
n 1873, Timothy Bailey Sweet and his bride, Annie Brown, moved from Illinois to Topeka. After their children Susie, Mary, Paul and Annie were Timothy Bailey Sweet born, they built a large Victorian mansion at 3rd Street and Topeka Boulevard in 1882. The Sweet family always welcomed visitors, but Methodist ministers and missionaries had a special invitation. All of the Sweets were lifelong members and benefactors of First Methodist Church, now First United Methodist Church. Timothy Sweet established several businesses and invested his money well. He served 1902-15 on the Washburn College board of trustees, served on the
By Martha Imparato
Susie (1874-1954) finished high school at Washburn Academy in 1892 and then attended Washburn College for three years before transferring to Goucher College in Baltimore, Md., where she received a bachelor of arts degree. She returned to Topeka and was active in the Methodist Church as superintendent of the primary department and supported foreign missions. Susie remembered Washburn in her will with a $100,000 scholarship bequest. Mary (1878-1964) attended Goucher College for two years and attended Washburn 1900-02. She graduated from the Methodist training school in Mary Sweet Chicago and from the University of Kansas in 1903. Returning to Chicago, she taught in the Methodist Deaconess training school until 1910. She moved to Italy and taught 1912-1914 at the Methodist School for Girls in Rome and remained in Italy during World War I, working with the Red Cross. After the war, she taught at the Methodist Deaconess School in Seattle, Wash. She later returned to Topeka, but continued to travel extensively. She established the Sweet Summer Sabbatical Foundation in 1955 with a gift of $100,000, which continues to provide funds for faculty to travel and conduct research. (See Bob Beatty, page 17.) Paul (1881-1951) received a bachelor’s degree from Washburn in 1902 and a degree from Yale University. At Washburn, he was a member of the Gamma Sigma
literary society, and studied vocal music. He managed the Crawford Building, the Jayhawk Hotel and was director of the First National Bank of Topeka, Paul Sweet which his father founded. He also followed in his father’s footsteps as a Washburn College trustee and was on the first Board of Regents in 1941 after the change to a municipal university. After his term as a regent ended in 1943, he continued as a member of the Washburn College board of trustees, which eventually became the Washburn Endowment Association. He served on the boards of the Symphony Society, the Community Concert Association, the YMCA, First Methodist Church and helped found the Shawnee County Historical Society. A 1951 Topeka State Journal editorial said that Paul “left his earnest, interested mark on Topeka’s cultural, religious and educational development.” After Paul’s death, his three sisters established the Sweet Foundation at Washburn University, with the interest to be used for scholarships. Annie (1882-1969) received a bachelor of arts degree from Washburn in 1905. While a student, she played guard on the women’s basketball team and founded Beta sorority, the first women’s Greek letter society at Washburn, which became an Alpha Phi chapter in 1916. She was named Outstanding Alpha Phi Alumnae by the Topeka chapter in 1961. After
doing graduate work at Bryn Mawr (Pa.) College, Annie taught several years in Topeka public schools. She worked with the YWCA in France during World War I.
Annie Sweet at graduation Annie Sweet
After she returned home, she served on the First Methodist Church and Topeka YWCA boards. In 1926, when a need for a women’s education program in Chile came to her attention, Annie traveled to Santiago, Chile, and talked with the Methodist bishop of South America. In memory of their parents, the Sweet siblings founded a women’s vocational training program, hospital and daycare center complex in Santiago. After Paul’s death in 1951, Annie was invited to represent the Sweet family on the Washburn College board of trustees, where she served until 1964. Washburn honored her with (continued on page 20)
Water pump at the Sweet home photo by Peggy Clark
Sweet home on Boswell Street
The house on Boswell Street was built with identical upper and lower apartments, so the siblings could be independent. Their sisters, Susie and Mary, each had their own homes, but Mary later moved into the big white house with Annie.
JuliAnn Mazachek, Washburn Endowment Association president “The Sweet Sabbatical is a truly unparalleled gift, providing funds for the faculty of a regional Midwestern university to expand their horizons beyond the borders of the classroom and America. This gift makes a very real difference in the lives of our faculty and students by allowing approximately 12 faculty members each year to travel abroad for six to eight weeks to pursue research and further their studies. These sabbaticals offer faculty the unique opportunity to experience and internalize an international perspective they can share in the classroom, expanding the students’ global perspective as well.” www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 19
HISTORY & TRADITIONS CAMPUS NEWS & SPORTS
a Distinguished Service Award in 1955 and an honorary doctorate in 1957. When she and Mary were no longer able to keep up the house on Boswell Street, they deeded it to Washburn in 1964 and moved to the Methodist Home at 1100 Mulvane St. Annie continued her interest in and support of Washburn and donated to the fine arts and law school building capital campaigns. In December 1966, she turned one of the first shovels of dirt at the fine arts building groundbreaking ceremony.
photo by Peggy Clark
(continued from page 19)
The Campus Ministry at Washburn University banner, attached to the upper balcony of the former Sweet home on Boswell Street, north of the Washburn campus.
Full Circle
photo by Peggy Clark
Carol Vogel, ba ’67, Topeka, remembers was valued at $45,000, with $16,000 of when the Sweets lived in her neighborhood. equipment inside the building. Her grandmother was a contemporary and For about 10 years, Washburn owned friend of the Sweet sisters and and operated the Sweet House often took Vogel with her when as a rented duplex. In 1976, she visited them or attended Ed Marchant, ba ’67, and church circle meetings hosted Susan Marchant, ba ’69, Topeka, at their home. She remembers bought the house from the Susie as plump and Annie as university and owned it for very slender, and the one who approximately 10 years, living paid her the most attention. in the ground floor apartment Vogel also remembers “growing with their two children while up in their building,” the Sweet Susan’s mother lived upstairs. Building, still used by Topeka’s The house next became First United Methodist Church for the property of the Catholic religious education. Archdiocese of Kansas City in The Sweets donated their The Rev. Eduardo Bousson, Kansas and was used briefly as pastor for Campus Ministry home to Washburn in 1964. a home for unwed mothers. at Washburn University, stands on the upper balcony Gene Mosiman, bba ’61, The United Methodist near one of the recently Topeka, who retired from Church recently purchased restored columns. Washburn as vice president, the house to be an ecumenical administration and treasurer, remembers ministry center for Washburn students. This walking through the house with the seems fitting to the memory of the Sweets, Washburn architect after it had been deeded who supported both Washburn and Methodist to the university. According to the 1965-66 Church ministries during their lifetimes and Washburn annual report, the real property in their final bequests.
Annie Sweet and Lloyd Durow, retired director of physical plant, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the fine arts building in the fall of 1966.
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As members of the Washburn Board of Regents look to Washburn’s 150th anniversary in 2015, they called on the Washburn community to assist them in developing a strategic plan for the next decade. For this purpose, an executive planning council was formed, comprised of members of Board of Regents and the university executive leadership. In addition to the planning council, a strategic planning committee was established and included members of the Board of Regents, Washburn faculty, staff, students, alumni and individuals from the Topeka community. Five subcommittees were charged with exploring key areas: • Academic programs: development, organization and support of Washburn’s academic mission. • Asset development and stewardship: sources and uses of revenue and ways to increase revenue and reduce expenses. • Enrollment management: developing a sustainable model for identifying additional markets for recruiting and retaining quality students, embracing diversity and maintaining a tradition of academic excellence.
• Learning environment: physical aspects of the university and programmatic aspects other than academic programs. • Student life: experiences, programs, services and opportunities which enhance and complement classroom learning.
“I always had a lot of pride in Washburn, but now I understand the challenges that Washburn faces at a deeper level.” — Ann Adrian, b ed ’67
Ann Adrian, b ed ’67, Newton, Kan., president of the Washburn Alumni Association board of directors, served on the enrollment management subcommittee. Adrian said she appreciated the opportunity to be involved in planning for Washburn’s future. “It was exciting to try to think 10 years down the way,” she said. “I always had a lot of pride in Washburn, but now I understand the challenges that Washburn faces at a deeper level.”
In October, each subcommittee published drafts of white papers on the Web site to give members of the Washburn community the opportunity to provide feedback to the executive strategic council and the strategic planning committee. The next month, members of the strategic planning committee presented their final white papers to the executive planning council, which then formed an initial draft to present to the Board of Regents in December. Following review and input from the Board, drafts of the plan will be posted online and opened for comments from the Washburn community from Dec. 23 to Jan. 23 and from Feb. 12 to 27. A final draft of the plan will be presented to the Board in April. Robin Bowen, vice president for academic affairs and chairwoman of the executive strategic planning council, said of the process so far: “We are pleased with the progress and feel everyone who wished to provide input had ample opportunity to do so.” Visit washburn.edu/main/strategicplanning to find out more about the plan and review updates of the plan’s progress. Bowen welcomes questions, comments and feedback as the work progresses. She can be contacted at espcchair@washburn.edu.
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CAMPUS NEWS & SPORTS
From the assistant director of student activities and Greek life
S
ince I joined the Washburn community as assistant director of student activities and Greek life in the fall of 2007, I have seen Jessica Neumann Washburn’s Greek community, which was facing decreases in chapters, low membership and low morale, turn around and move forward to a strong recovery. Our office has supported the Greek community by developing new programs and initiatives, and providing guidance to alumni, community members, faculty, staff and students. The Greek Life Advisory Board, Advisors Meeting and Presidents Council have been re-established. These groups helped support the changes that we see today.
The formal recruitment process has been changed for both fraternities and sororities. Our sorority community has seen an increase in quota number for the past two years, and our fraternity community is continuing to work together on fraternity recruitment advertising and programming. Kappa Sigma colony returned this fall, and new member classes increased. Our Greek community experienced a more than 45 percent increase in membership numbers for this fall semester. This increase has strengthened morale, leadership and commitment to the university. Along with all these positive changes, we have continued to see an increase in academic achievement among all the chapters. In the fall of 2008, we began developing a strategic plan. The students
Members of Washburn’s Greek community show their chapter pride during the Homecoming game.
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supported the plan with program development at IMPACT, a Greek leadership institute. The final strategic plan document will be finished this spring. Student activities and Greek life also supports the Greek community with scholarships to leadership development institutes through the North American Inter-Fraternity Conference and the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values. I am encouraged by the many positive changes I have seen this year alone. We are continually looking for alumni support for our chapters and our advisory board. Those with suggestions, questions or a desire to support their chapter or the advisory board may contact student activities and Greek life at (785) 670-1723 or visit www.washburn.edu/greeklife.
Greek Updates FRATERNITIES Alpha Delta Most improved grades for spring 2009 semester Supported American Diabetes Association with a Skate-away fundraiser in November Homecoming awards: Grand Champions Overall, first in float, first in house decorations, first in Ichabod Race, second in Yell Like Hell Delta Chi Received national chapter recognition in Region 4 for outstanding chapter leadership Received national chapter recognition in Region 4 for outstanding membership recruitment Received student activities & Greek life office Standards of Excellence Award for philanthropy and service Achieved the highest fraternity grades with a 3.33 grade point average in spring 2009 Kappa Alpha Psi Recognized by their national fraternity in fall of 2008 Recruited three members Held GLAD program during their Founders Week Kappa Sigma colony Kappa Sigma colony was recognized by their national organization and Washburn University in November Reached 25 new members for the new colony Ongoing fundraising to celebrate their 100th anniversary at Washburn University
photos on this page by Peggy Clark
Junior Tony Ahrens, Ottawa, Kan., rings the Phi Delta Theta bell to celebrate a touchdown during the Homecoming game against Pittsburg State University Oct. 17. Ringing the bell is a tradition recently reintroduced by the fraternity.
Members of Kappa Sigma colony show their Ichabod spirit at home football games. (L to R): sophomore Michael Kitowski, Topeka; freshman Max Bur, Shawnee, Kan.; freshman Alex Sonnich, Topeka; freshman Kyle Taylor, St. Louis, Mo.; sophomore Peter Smith, Kansas City, Mo.; junior Kevin Burton, Topeka; sophomore Nick Brown, Kansas City, Kan.; sophomore Dlany Conny, Berryton, Kan.; sophomore David Render, Topeka; junior Zach Morris, Olathe, Kan; and sophomore Ben Rogers, Newton, Kan.
Phi Delta Theta Ongoing fundraising through the Washburn Endowment Association for the renovation of their chapter house Recruited six new members A member named Homecoming king finalist Sigma Phi Epsilon Purchased a new chapter house Hosted Edge, a chapter membership development program for healthy choices and leadership, for District 19 in November Fraternity intramural champions for 2008-09 SORORITIES Alpha Phi Achieved a 3.08 chapter grade point average in spring 2009 Doubled their chapter size during formal recruitment Can be followed on Twitter at TopekaAPhiAlum
In August, members of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity moved from 1520 SW 17th St. into the former Kappa Alpha Theta sorority house, located at 2001 SW MacVicar St.
Delta Gamma Received student activities & Greek life office Chapter of Excellence Award Achieved the highest sorority grades with a 3.39 grade point average in spring 2009 Achieved good standing with the national organization and reached Total in fall 2009 Kappa Alpha Theta Chose to continue without a facility to provide different options to Washburn students and have flourished with membership and leadership Experienced a significant increase in alumnae involvement in lifetime membership Increased fundraising for the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation and CASA Zeta Tau Alpha Received student activities & Greek life office Standard of Excellence Award for membership Ongoing support for breast cancer awareness through “Think Pink Week” and “Run for a Reason” Recruited 14 new members in fall 2009 www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 23
CAMPUS NEWS & SPORTS
Family of the Year
Washburn’s School of Art and Spanish Business named ‘Best’ professors class among by The Princeton Review Washburn summer
T
he Washburn School of geared towards working professionals Business has once again been in this region. To be associated with named an outstanding business the top business programs in the school by The Princeton Review. country is the result of the dedication The New York-based education of our faculty, the hard work of services company features the school our students and the support of our in the recently published 2010 edition alumni, supporters and the regional of “Best 301 Business business community.” Schools.” “Best 301 Business This is the third “We offer students Schools” has two-page year the Washburn profiles of the schools an affordable, School of Business and their MBA programs, has been featured high-quality with write-ups on their in the guidebook, academics, student program geared making the list of one life and admissions, of the best business towards working plus ratings for their schools in the nation academics, selectivity professionals in and one of the best and career placement institutions a student this region.” services. could attend to earn — David Sollars, dean of the The Princeton School of Business a master of business Review compiles ratings administration degree. and ranking lists based “We are so very pleased to on institutional data it collects from have received such a high rating for the schools and on its surveys of the Washburn MBA program,” said more than 19,000 students attending David Sollars, dean of the School the schools profiled in the book. of Business. “We offer students an The lists are posted at affordable, high-quality program www.PrincetonReview.com.
n Gerald Torres, the 2009 Oliver L. Brown Distinguished Visiting Scholar for Diversity Issues, at the multi-disciplinary conference, “Affirmative Action: Requiem or Renaissance,” hosted by Washburn Sept. 22-23. Torres, who holds the Bryant Smith Chair in Law at the University of Texas School of Law, delivered the keynote address. The conference was held in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the implementation of federal affirmative action programs.
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n A high altitude balloon launched by Washburn students takes a picture of Falley Field as it ascends.
study programs
Edward Navone, professor emeritus, art, and Karen Diaz Reategui, assistant professor, modern languages, are leading a two-week trip to Spain May 24 - June 9. The trip is part of an Santiago, Spain interdisciplinary course, Spanish Art and Culture, that will meet for classroom instruction March 23 through May 4. Alumni and community members are welcome to take the class for either credit or no credit. For more information, contact Glenda Taylor at (785) 670-2238 or Diaz Reategui at (785) 670-1507. Other short term summer study abroad programs include trips to Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, China, England, Finland, France, Northern Ireland, Japan and Uganda. For more information, contact the office of international program, (785) 670-1051 or visit www.washburn.edu/iip.
n Environmental sculptor Patrick Dougherty of Chapel Hill, N.C., with “Stickwork.” From Nov. 2 to 20, Dougherty built the tree sapling sculpture, along with a crew of volunteers, outside the Mulvane Art Museum.
Washburn President Jerry and Susan Farley with the 2009 Family of the Year during halftime of the Washburn vs. Central Missouri State University football game on Family Day, Sept 26. Front (L to R): Kennedy and Jacob Boyles, Topeka; Back (L to R): Rick Scott and Stacey (Walter) Scott, Concordia, Kan.; Whitney Walter and her parents, Patience and Tim Walter, Topeka; Margaret (Walter) Boyles, Topeka; Tiffany (Walter) Noller and Brad Noller, holding sons Jackson and Parker, Topeka.
When Whitney Walter nominated her family for the 2009 Family of the Year Award, she noted that she attended her first Washburn football game at age two in a WU cheerleading uniform. “From as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a Washburn Ichabod and nothing else,” Whitney wrote. Three of Whitney’s four sisters, children of Tim and Patience Walter, Topeka, are Washburn alumnae: Stacey (Walter) Scott, b ed ’94, Concordia, Kan.; Margaret (Walter) Boyles, aa ’95, Topeka; and Tiffany (Walter) Noller, bsn ’02, Topeka. Tiffany’s husband, Brad Noller, ba ’00, is an additional family member with Washburn ties. Whitney plans to graduate in 2010 with an associate of science degree in physical therapist assistant and a bachelor’s degree in health services. Whitney grew up in Beloit, Kan., and recounted that her family attended many Washburn football games and showed their Ichabod pride with a Washburn rock in front of their house. When Whitney’s parents moved to Topeka a few years ago, they become even more avid Washburn sports fans, attending football, volleyball and basketball games. The family also participates in the Scholarship 5K Fun Run and Campus Walk sponsored by the Washburn Alumni Association.
n Members of Washburn’s Physics and Engineering Club and students from several classes launch a high altitude balloon nearly seven feet in diameter. As it ascended, the balloon collected data and took pictures. (L to R): Junior Jason Gibbs, Topeka, (kneeling), junior Kyle Volle, Grantsville, Kan.; and sophomore Joey Landuyt, Topeka. All are majoring in physics and serve as officers in the Physics and Engineering Club.
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CAMPUS NEWS & SPORTS
Washburn Law featured in The Princeton Review’s ‘The Best 172 Law Schools: 2010 Edition’ photo by Peggy Clark
W
n Whiting Field House reopens with a ribbon cutting Sept. 4. Bob Storey, bba ’61 and jd ’63, Topeka, who served as chairman of the Washburn Board of Regents when the project began, cuts the ribbon with Washburn President Jerry B. Farley. Also participating are (L to R): JuliAnn Mazachek, Washburn Endowment Association president; members of the Board of Regents Jim Roth, jd ’66, Wichita, Maggie Warren, ba ’74, Topeka, James Lagerberg, ba ’53, Topeka, and Blanche Parks, b ed ’71 and m ed ’76, Topeka; Washburn Endowment Association board of trustee members John B. Dicus, Topeka, and Bernie Bianchino, ba ’70 and jd ’74, Overland Park, Kan.; Monica Scheibmeir, dean, School of Nursing; and Anderson Chandler, honorary doctorate ’08, Topeka.
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can be accomplished when education and industry work together.” Roxanne Kelly, Washburn Tech dean, said the Goodyear-Topeka partnership has been instrumental in creating a curriculum in advanced manufacturing for electricians, mechanics and pipefitters. “These graduates have attained a combination of high-tech specialized technical skills and 21st Century workplace skills which are essential to meet the ever changing technology demands in industry,” she said.
photos by Gene Cassell
maintenance technicians at Goodyear’s Topeka manufacturing plant. The first class of eight graduated in January 2004. The 2009 graduating class of 11 consists of six incumbent associates and five newly hired associates. “We are honored to partner with Washburn Tech on this program and proud of what we have been able to accomplish together over the past seven years,” said Goodyear-Topeka Plant Manager Tim Davis. “This cooperative effort between Goodyear and Washburn Tech is an excellent example of what
photo by Gene Cassell
n Seniors Nicole Perkuhn, Topeka, and Angel Romero, formerly of Junction City, Kan., are crowned Homecoming queen and king during halftime of the Washburn football game with Pittsburg State University Oct. 17.
Sixth maintenance Co-op class graduates from Washburn Tech
The sixth class of the Goodyear Maintenance Co-op Technician Program celebrated at a graduation ceremony in September. Seven years ago, Kaw Area Technical School, now Washburn Institute of Technology, established a relationship with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. to offer a program to improve the skills of current, as well as prospective,
n Washburn’s student athletes lift weights in the 9,258 square foot weight and conditioning room on the second floor while members of the Ichabod basketball team use the third floor practice courts of the newly renovated Whiting Field House.
photo by Peggy Clark
ashburn’s School of Law was named an outstanding law school by The Princeton Review, which features the school in the 2010 edition of “The Best 172 Law Schools.” “We are honored to be included with the top law schools in the nation,” said Thomas J. Romig, dean of the School of Law. “Washburn University School of Law provides our students with a high-quality legal education found in many of the best private law schools, but at a public law school price.” “The Best 172 Law Schools: 2010 Edition” has two-page profiles of the schools with write-ups on their academics, student life and admissions, plus ratings for their academics, selectivity and career placement services.
KTWU program honored in international competition
K
TWU received a Silver Prize, the highest award, in the Sound Design category for the televised radio play, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” at the 30th Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards honor outstanding local, regional, and cable television programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. This year, the Telly Awards received more than 13,000 entries. “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which featured live music and sound effects, was an adaptation of the classic holiday film released in 1946. It was written by Philip Grecian, ba ’93, Topeka, and directed by Karen Hastings, ba ’68, Topeka, with sound created by Ute Mueller, Topeka. KTWU’s Jim Kelly directed the production.
www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 27
CAMPUS NEWS & SPORTS
FOOTBALL Ichabods finish year with 8-3 record
Ichabod and Lady Blues Sports
The Ichabods wrapped up the season with an 8-3 record. They were left out of the NCAA postseason and fell in the MIAA tiebreakers for both of the postseason bowl games. They defeated Emporia State University 56-35 in the 106th edition of the Turnpike Tussle in Emporia in their final game of the season.
By Gene Cassell and Mike Knipper
SOCCER photo by Gene Cassell
n Mike Sarkesian, who served as athletic director and retired as professor emeritus, education and health, physical education and exercise science, Topeka, with the Ichabod mascot at the Homecoming game Oct. 17. Since arriving at Washburn in 1966, Sarkesian has not missed a home football game in 43 years. At the end of the 2008-09 football season, his attendance record was 226 consecutive home games.
Zach Watkins, senior, Independence, Mo.
LADY BLUES BASKETBALL
photo by Gene Cassell
Entering the 2009-10 season, the Ichabods look to return to the top of the MIAA standings after last season’s run to the conference tournament semifinals. With 10 new players, the Ichabods had a 62-52 exhibition loss to the Division I University of Nevada-Las Vegas Runnin’ Rebels and then opened their 104th season with a 71-41 win over Peru State College in Lee Arena. Returning to the Ichabod back court are junior Nate Daniels, Kansas City, Kan., sophomore William McNeill, Alexandria, La., and freshman Todd Eils, Overland Park, Kan., who was redshirted last season. Seven players new to the backcourt include a senior transfer, a Division I transfer, two junior college transfers and three freshmen. The Ichabods returned two to the front court from last season -junior Logan Stutz, Kansas City, Mo., and sophomore Steve Feighny, Topeka. They were joined by a pair of transfers and a freshman.
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Hope Gregory
The Lady Blues are primed for another run to the top of the MIAA and the NCAA after reaching their eighth straight NCAA tournament and finishing the 2008-09 season with a 27-5 record and their seventh MIAA tournament championship under head coach Ron McHenry. Seniors Brette Ulsaker, McPherson, Kan. and Dayna Rodriguez, Havana, Cuba, are returning starters. Also returning are juniors Hope Gregory, Cheney, Kan., and Alyssa Mullen, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and sophomores Lauren Henry, Randolph, Kan., Cassie Lombardino, Bonner Springs, Kan., and Stevi Schultz, Neodesha, Kan. Junior Jacki Tipping, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, returns after sitting out all of last season due to ankle surgery.
photo by Gene Cassell
photo by Gene Cassell
photo by Peggy Clark
Jordon Shefte, junior, Omaha, Neb.
photo by Mike Knippter
WU soccer team
The Lady Blues soccer team wrapped up the season with an 11-8-1 record, finishing fourth in the MIAA overall. The team finished the season riding a three-match winning streak as they blanked Missouri Western State University in the season finale with a 1-0 win.
ICHABOD BASKETBALL
Nate Daniels
www.washburn.edu/alumni | winter 2009 | 29
CAMPUS NEWS & SPORTS CLASS NOTES
ICHABOD TENNIS Ryan Ward wins ITA South Central Regional title Senior Ryan Ward, Corpus Christi, Texas, captured the 2009 Wilson/ITA Men’s South Central Regional Championship Oct. 4 in Abilene, Texas. Ward, who was seeded fifth, won the title in the championship match with a 6-3, 3-6, 10-5 win over third-seeded Francisco Segura of University of the Incarnate Word. Ward advanced to the finals with a straight sets win over top-seeded Martin Zsiga of Southwest Baptist University. Ward dropped just one set in the entire tournament, and that came in the final against Segura. Ward was the first Ichabod to win the South Central Regional and advance to the ITA Small College Championships in Mobile, Ala., where he finished sixth.
Alumni higlighted in blue are dues-paid members of the Washburn Alumni Association. To join, visit our Web site www.washburn.edu/alumni.
40s Chris Herron
WU volleyball team
300th win for Herron The Washburn Lady Blues volleyball team gave head coach Chris Herron his 300th career coaching win with a 3-0 win over Eastern New Mexico University Sept. 12 at the Rockhurst Fall Classic in Kansas City, Mo. As the Lady Blues entered the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament, Herron had recorded a 321-77 mark in his 11th season as a college head coach. Herron is 246-48 in his eighth season at Washburn. He picked up his 100th MIAA win against Pittsburg State University Nov. 7.
Sports information office leads nation again in publication awards
W Ryan Ward
Follow the Ichabods and Lady Blues on Facebook and Twitter Join the more than 1,800 fans of the Ichabods and Lady Blues who follow instant updates on Facebook and Twitter. To sign up for the Ichabods and Lady Blues fan page, go to www.facebook.com/pages/Washburn-Ichabodsand-Lady-Blues/110886013214. To follow the teams on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/wusports.
30 | winter 2009 | www.washburn.edu/alumni
ashburn’s sports information office led NCAA Division II in publication awards for the second straight year after collecting eight awards at the annual College Sports Directors of America convention. Sports information director Gene Cassell and former assistant Jeremy Wangler received eight citations, including four Best in the Nation honors for the football game day programs, women’s soccer, women’s basketball and softball media guides. The 2009 Lady Blues softball media guide also took Best Cover honors. Since December 1998, Washburn’s sports information office has received 63 citations for office publications, including 25 Best in the Nation awards. 2008-09 awards • Best in the Nation - Division B Women’s Soccer Media Guide • Best in the Nation - Division B Football Game Day Programs • Best in the Nation - Division B Women’s Basketball Media Guide • Best in the Nation - Division B Softball Media Guide • Best in the Nation - Division B Softball Media Guide Cover • Second in the Nation - Division B Men’s Basketball Media Guide • Second in the Nation - Division B Men’s Baseball Media Guide • Fourth in the Nation - Division B Football Media Guide photos on this page by Gene Cassell
Joseph Morris, ba ’43, jd ’47 and honorary doctorate ’81, Tulsa, Okla., was named to the 2010 edition of Best Lawyers in the alternative dispute resolution and natural resources law categories.
ANNIVERSARY AND BIRTHDAY Gordon Lowry, ba ’41 and jd ’46, and Margaret Lowry, Valley Falls, Kan., celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in June, and Gorden Lowry celebrated his 91st birthday in July.
50s James Kirk, ba ’51, Monmouth, Ore., received an Award of Merit in the professional division at the Oregon State Fair for “The Bath,” a watercolor and pencil, and “Favorite Model,” a watercolor. Jack Richmond, ba ’50 and honorary doctorate ’00, San Antonio, Texas, was inducted into the Pizza Hut Hall of Fame by the International Pizza Hut Franchise Holders Association. Richmond, who served on the IPHFHA board of directors, has expanded Pizza Hut of San Antonio to 32 stores. He is a Washburn Endowment Association trustee emeritus, received the Distinguished Service Award in 1987 and was named an Alumni Fellow in 1998.
60s Jack Bender, ba ’66 and jd ’69, Halstead, Kan., was appointed to the Harvey County (Kan.) planning commission. Donna Davis, b ed ’68, Enterprise, Kan., retired after 36 years from Chapman USD 473, where she was an administrator and elementary school principal.
Thomas Goulding, bs ’67, Harvard, Mass., was named head of the department of computer science and systems at Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, Mass. Thomas Heiman, b ed ’68, Bel Aire, Kan., is superintendent of Quinter USD 293. Kent Weatherby, bba ’63 and jd ’66, Shawnee, Kan., authored “The Frenchman Ate the Fresh Bread First,” a mystery published by Tate Publishing Co.
ANNIVERSARIES Yvonne (Lewis) Evans, b ed ’66 and ba ’72, and Ralph Evans, Topeka, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August. Charles McClenny, bba ’65, and Muriel McClenny, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August.
70s Thomas Becker, ba ’74 and jd ’77, Millbrook, Ala., is academic director of the Air Force Judge Advocate General School at Maxwell Air Force Base. Patty Dick, b ed ’71, Topeka, was named executive director for Northeast Kansas and Kansas City by the Arthritis Foundation.
PROFILE: Gary Leabo Gary Leabo, ba ’65, Independence, Mo., celebrates receiving the St. George Award in October. The national award, presented by the Episcopal Church, honors adults for service to the spiritual, physical, mental and moral development of youth. Leabo was recognized for his work with the Boy Scouts and with Episcopal youth in Africa. Pictured (L to R) in the back row with Leabo (center) is Bob Jones, b ed ’66, Topeka; John Dickeson, bba ’63, Shawnee, Kan.; and Dode Lesser, attendee ’66, Topeka. Front (L to R): Phyllis (Anderson) Clanton, attendee ’64; Nancy (Edmonston) Jones, b ed ’70, Topeka; Barbara (Dickeson) Leabo, b ed ’64, Independence, Mo.; Barbara (Leabo) Dirks, West Des Moines, Iowa; Ann (Rieke) Leabo, bba ’84, Kansas City, Mo.; and Elsie (Medlin) Lesser, ba ’65, Topeka.
John Dietrick, ba ’74 and jd ’84, Topeka, is chief executive officer and general counsel of Creative Business Solutions. Gerald Hart, bs ’71, Kingsville, Md., was inducted into the Topeka High School Hall of Fame. He is the DeLamar Professor and director of biological chemistry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Cathy (Wollen) Maxwell, ba ’75, Powhatan, Va., is the author of “The Earl Claims His Wife,” published by Avon Books in October. Jerry Meier, ba ’79 and m ed ’86, Topeka, was named 2009-10 middle school principal of the year by the Kansas Association of Middle School Administrators. Brandon Myers, jd ’75, Auburn, Kan., retired from the Kansas Human Rights Commission as chief legal counsel. Richard Price, jd ’71, Wichita, Kan., was inducted into the Topeka Rowing Association’s Hall of Fame.
Craig Shultz, jd ’78, Wichita, Kan., was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Curtis Zeitelhack, ba ’71, Phoenix, Ariz., was promoted to office director of Wells Fargo Bank, where he is vice president in the real estate technical services division of credit administration.
ANNIVERSARIES Charles Baldry, ba ’78, and Peggy Baldry, Topeka, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August. Marian (Harrison) Bednasek, bs ’76, and Ken Bednasek, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September.
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CLASS NOTES
PROFILE: Karen Hastings Karen Hastings, ba ’68, Topeka, a veteran actress of Topekaarea community theatre, performed the one-act play, “Lemonade,” at a national competition sponsored by the American Association of Community Theatre in Tacoma, Wash., in June. Hastings and Carole Ries, Topeka, earned the chance to perform at the AACTFest after advancing in state and regional festivals. Hastings won best actress honors at the Region V competition held in Minden, Neb., in April. photo by Bill Blankenship, courtesy of The Topeka Capital-Journal
Even though Hastings and Ries did not win at the national festival, Hastings said she was pleased to have been one of three nominated for best actress. “It was important for me that we got Kansas back in the competition in the AACT,” she said, noting that it has been about 12 years since a Kansas play advanced to nationals. Set in the 1960s in Peoria, Ill., “Lemonade” is a bittersweet comedy that revolves around two women who happen to set up lemonade stands near each other along a busy highway. As they sample each other’s spiked lemonade, their conversations reveal their lives. Hastings toured many years as a professional actress and is president of the American Regional Theatre Society Inc., which started out as a vaudeville melodrama company performing at Apple Valley Farm, north of Ozawkie, Kan. She said that “Lemonade” was a perfect fit for her company. “We’re kind of dedicated to unusual pieces and the kind of theatre that often is, we believe, neglected,” she said. Hastings recently performed “Dracula,” a radio show featuring live music and sound effects produced and aired live on KTWU. She also performed “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Twisted Tales of Poe” in a similar format on KTWU. Other performances include a starring role in Washburn’s 2008 production of “Doubt.” In 2007, she directed T.S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral” at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, Topeka.
ANNIVERSARIES Andrea (Rahey) Clark, m ed ’72, and Ralph Clark, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. William Richards, ba ’73, and Ollun Richards, Topeka, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September.
ANNIVERSARY Sara (Baker) Cook, ba ’89, and Scott Cook, bs ’88, Topeka, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in September.
90s
80s
Annette (Damman) Conrow, bsn ’95, Manhattan, Kan., graduated from the Leadership Institute of the Kansas Hospital Association.
James Abbs, jd ’85, Wawaka, Ind., was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame of the University of WisconsinRiver Falls, where he was a four-year football letter winner.
Kristina (Wagner) Dietrick, ba ’91, Topeka, is president of Creative Business Solutions.
Scott Cook, bs ’88, Topeka, marked 20 years with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, where he is a group rating analyst in actuarial research. Kristi (Long) Gosser, bba ’82 and bba ’95, Auburn, Kan., graduated from the Leadership Institute of the Kansas Hospital Association. Dominic Gutierrez, aa ’85 and bs ’87, Kingwood, Texas, earned the certified corrections executive designation from the American Correctional Association. Gutierrez is associate warden at the Federal Detention CenterHouston, Federal Bureau of Prisons. Kit Kelley, bba ’85, Topeka, was elected governor of the Kansas District of Optimist International. Marie Mater, ba ’89, Magnolia, Texas, was appointed chair of the department of communication and rhetoric at Houston Baptist University. Thomas Meek, jd ’83, Wilton, Conn., was named vice president, general counsel and secretary of Minerals Technologies Inc. Sue Schilling, bba ’89, Topeka, is secretary of the Topeka chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction. Mayo Schmidt, bba ’80, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was named Chief Executive of the Year by Canadian Business Magazine. Schmidt is president and chief executive officer of Viterra Inc. Washburn honored him as an Alumni Fellow in 2003. Susana Valdovinos, jd ’88, Topeka, was appointed to the Governor’s Task Force of Racial Profiling by Gov. Mark Parkinson. Jeff Wagaman, ba ’84, Topeka, was appointed to the Learning Quest 529 Plan advisory and review committee by Kansas Treasurer Dennis McKinney.
Douglas Fincher, jd ’98, Topeka, is practicing tax law, estate planning and non-profit formation and taxation with the law firm of Riordan, Fincher & Munson PA. Margaret (Meiering) Graham, jd ’95, Rio Rancho, N.M., is an associate in the law firm of Bannerman & Williams PA in Albuquerque, N.M., practicing in the areas of employment law, health care and litigation. Julie Hinrichsen, bba ’99, Topeka, was named vice president of information services and chief information officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Yolanda (Wesley) Ingram, jd ’95, Germantown, Tenn., was nominated to the Memphis Bar Foundation board of directors. In 2008, she received the President’s Award from the Memphis Bar Association. Steve King, bba ’94, Nixa, Mo., is director of residential lending for Great Southern Bank. Bryan Luetters, bba ’97, Meade, Kan., with his wife, Rochelle, is the owner of the Snappy Stop convenience store in Meade. Ryan Ross, jd ’97, Ocean Springs, Miss., was promoted to vice president of marketing of the MGM Mirage Mississippi operations team. James Sims, bba ’94, Houston, Texas, is the Fed Ex senior manager of contractor relations in Texas and Louisiana. Beth Slawson, b ed ’91, Paola, Kan., was named a Kansas Teacher of the Year finalist by the Kansas State Department of Education. Slawson teaches first grade reading at Cottonwood Elementary School.
ANNIVERSARIES Patricia (Kohls) Barrett, bsn ’90, and Ronnie Barrett, Wakarusa, Kan., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September.
Michael Chavez, bfa ’93, and Monica Chavez, Topeka, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in August.
Kenneth DeLaughder, jd ’09, Chanute, Kan., is an associate in the law firm of Hines and Ahlquist PA.
Debra (Griffith) Rukes, aas ’96 and bas ’98, and Dan Rukes, Overbrook, Kan., celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in September.
Tayley Dick, bas ’03, Holton, Kan., owns and operates Transitions for Life Case Management Services.
Jean Lewis Sanchez, as ’06 and bhs ’07, Topeka, is lecturer and physical therapy assistant clinical coordinator for the Washburn allied health department and is pursuing a master’s degree in health care administration at Des Moines (Iowa) University.
Jennifer Fisher, ba ’01, Hutchinson, Kan., is the school psychologist for the Kansas school districts of Hillsboro and Goessel.
Aleta Pennington, aas ’03 and bas ’08, Topeka, is an administrative assistant in global marketing at Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Eric Fournier, jd ’09, Garden City, Kan., is assistant attorney for Finney County, Kan.
Travis Perry, ba ’09, Osawatomie, Kan., is a reporter for the Osawatomie Graphic newspaper.
Lacey (Ronnebaum) Frehe, bba ’04, Seneca, Kan., was promoted to assistant vice president at United Bank & Trust in Seneca.
Lori Rilat, msw ’06, Fort Riley, Kan., was promoted to the rank of captain in the Army and is officer in charge of the warrior transition unit social work program.
Sarah Hawthorne, bsn ’06, Holton, Kan., is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing education from the University of Phoenix.
Josh Shald, ba ’07, Phoenix, Ariz., is program director of Teach For America.
WEDDINGS Jennifer Cook, ba ’91, and Matthew Goddard, ba ’95, Topeka, on Sept. 7. She is deputy legislative director for Sen. Pat Roberts, and he is executive vice president for Heartland Community Bankers Association. Debby Keller, as ’92, and Greg Taylor, Topeka, on July 11. She is a registered respiratory therapist at St. Francis Health Center. Robin Kruschinska, ba ’99, and Scott Moser, Topeka, on Sept. 26. She is assistant director of the Washburn Alumni Association.
00s Romualdo “Romi” Chavez, ba ’09, Topeka, is the author of “El Vampiro and the Curse of the Feathered Serpent,” published by Xlibris. Coye Crenshaw-Kleve, bba ’06, Topeka, was promoted to assistant vice president/assistant cashier at Heritage Bank. Milfred “Bud” Dale, jd ’09, Topeka, opened Law Offices of Bud Dale, which focuses on family law.
Ryan Hellmer, jd ’09, Topeka, is an associate attorney with the law firm of Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer LLP. Stephanie Herbster, ba ’07, Topeka, is teaching geometry and junior high robotics at Silver Lake (Kan.) JuniorSenior High School. Curtis Kitchen, ba ’02, Prairie Village, Kan., is producer, talent, columnist at Union Broadcasting Inc., where he covers Kansas State University sports for Sports Radio 810 WHB and produces the Kenny and Ozone Show for Hot Talk 1510 KCTE. Kitchen also serves as executive vice president of Communications for Top of the Table LLC.
Jennifer (Engel) Smith, ba ’01, Blue Earth, Minn., is a physician in family medicine at the United Hospital District Clinic. Mark Smith, bs ’01, Topeka, is lecturer and coordinator of the astronomy outreach program in the Washburn physics and astronomy department. Terry (Schirmer) Sorensen, as ’02 and bhs ’05, Topeka, is lecturer and program director, diagnostic medical sonography, for the Washburn allied health department. Irina Sosa-Cortinas, as ’00, Emporia, Kan., received national recognition from the American Physical Therapy Association for advanced proficiency in musculoskeletal systems.
PROFILE: Robert Collins Robert Collins, jd ’06, Topeka, has been working behind the scenes for more than six years with his brother, Blair Collins, of Utah, who is one of six whistleblowers in a $2.3 billion settlement of United States et al. ex rel. Blair Collins v. Pfizer, Inc., the largest health care fraud case in U.S. Department of Justice history. Robert was a second-year Washburn law student in 2003 when Blair lost his job as a Pfizer sales representative after contacting management and expressing concern about the company’s marketing practices. At that time, Robert was suffering from a serious health condition. This situation, in addition to Blair’s distress, led Robert to decide to withdraw from law school and use his specialized legal education to help Blair find legal recourse. Robert remained in touch with his Washburn law professors, who provided guidance in research with hypothetical questions related to Blair’s case. His research led him to a provision in the 1986 False Claims Act which allows for whistleblowers who file suits on behalf of the government – called “relators” – to receive a percent of any money recovered by their lawsuit. As Robert and Blair worked on eight pages of tort claims, they searched for a law firm willing to take their case. They found a firm in Boston, Mass., which worked with the Justice Department to include Blair’s claim in its case against Pfizer. Robert returned to law school in January of 2005 and focused his senior research project on qui tam law – the specialty that he discovered while working on his brother’s case. “Colleagues questioned why I thought that a law clerk and later new lawyer from Kansas could make a difference against fraud of this scale, let alone approach what at the time was the third largest corporation in the world to alleged wrongdoing. Blair and I knew the impact that such fraudulent behavior had on families, taxpayers, the safety of patients and the current health care crisis,” Collins said. Today Robert Collins has a solo law practice in Topeka and works with the non-profit research group he founded, Kansas Taxpayers Against Fraud.
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Dues-paid Alumni Association members are highlighted in blue.
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CLASS NOTES
Farrin Taylor, bsn ’09, Topeka, is a nurse in the telemetry unit at St. Francis Health Center. Kylee Tibbits, bsn ’09, Lawrence, Kan., is a registered nurse working in oncology at Stormont-Vail HealthCare. Michelle Townsend, certificate ’01 and aa ’01, Wichita, Kan., received a bachelor of general studies degree in sociology from Wichita State University in August. Tanner Wealand, bba ’08, Topeka, is a graduate of Air National Guard basic military training.
WEDDINGS Keelin Counihan, m ed ’08, and Jeffrey Pierce, m ed ’08, Topeka, on June 6. She teaches fourth and fifth grades at Whitson Elementary School. He coaches and teaches U.S. history at Washburn Rural Middle School and coaches basketball at Washburn Rural High School. Shannon Halpin, jd ’07, and Marshall McGinnis, ba ’03 and jd ’07, Lawrence, Kan., on Aug. 30, 2008. She works at Sprint Nextel corporate headquarters in Overland Park, Kan., and he is an associate counsel for Creative Marketing in Leawood, Kan.
Alumni in the community Washburn School of Law alumni serving on the 2009-10 Wichita Bar Association board of governors: • James Fleetwood, jd ’89, Wichita, Kan. • Clinton Goos, jd ’04, Wichita, Kan., ex-officio member, young lawyers president • Laura Ice, jd ’84, Wichita, Kan., ex-officio member, Kansas Bar Association representative • J. Michael Kennalley, jd ’76, Wichita, Kan., president • Jon Newman, jd ’94, Wichita, Kan., president-elect Washburn University alumni serving on the 2009-10 Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum board: • Jeanne (Olson) Bertelson, ba ’73 and jd ’77, Topeka, honorary member • Dan Billen, bfa ’07, Topeka • Lora Carlson, mba ’92, Topeka, secretary/ treasurer • Carrie Jo Gros, ba ’04 and bfa ’05, Topeka • Richard Ross, ba ’71 and jd ’75, Topeka, honorary member • Judith (Lennox) Sabatini, bfa ’85 and honorary doctorate ’06, Topeka, honorary member • Chris Schultz, ba ’06, Topeka • Joe Scranton, bfa ’79, Tecumseh, Kan.
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Christin Hamilton, ba ’07, and Keith Barkemeyer, ba ’08 and bba ’08, Jinha, China, on Aug. 1. They are both teaching English at Zhejiang Normal University. Valerie Holmes, ba ’07, and Tyler Baker, bba ’04, Topeka, on Aug. 30, 2008. She is marketing assistant for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, and he is branch manager of American General Finance. Kiley Nusbaum, bs ’08, and Joel Hicks, bs ’08, Portland, Ore., on Sept. 5. She is pursuing a master’s degree at Portland State University, and he is a microbiologist for Exova. Stephanie Staufenberg, bba ’07, and Eric Nott, Topeka, on Sept. 10. She is an accountant at Wendling Noe Nelson & Johnson LLC. Ashlea Vap, bsn ’08, and Scott Stickane, Mission, Kan., on June 13. She is a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. Dues-paid Alumni Association members are highlighted in blue.
IN MEMORY 30s Esther (Kaler) Crane, ba ’36, 94, Bellingham, Wash., on April 11. She worked in the Life Quest Program at St. Joseph Hospital, volunteered in numerous community organizations and was a member of PEO. At Washburn, she was a member of YWCA, Blue Peppers and Independent Women.
40s Wendell Bennett, ba ’49, 84, Sun City, Ariz., on July 6. A Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he worked for Preferred General Insurance Agency, Hickel Investment Co., retired from the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, and was a member of the American Legion. Ruby Creighton, ba ’49, 90, Topeka, on Oct. 15. She worked 30 years as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration, was a member of Washburn’s Whiting Society and a lifetime member of Washburn Alumni Association. As a student, she was named to Who’s Who and Pi Gamma Mu social science honor society and was a member of Independent Women.
Barry Crites, ba ’51, 81, Whiting, N.J., on Aug. 31. A World War II Marine veteran, he retired as an engineering psychologist with Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township and was a lifetime member of the Washburn Alumni Association. Gloria (Miller) Langdon Harden, ba ’46, 86, Leawood, Kan., on Aug. 27. She was a homemaker, volunteered for numerous organizations and was a member of Washburn Alumni Association. As a student at Washburn, she was named to Nonoso and Who’s Who and was a member of Phi Sigma Chi pep club and Delta Gamma sorority. Floyd Hopkins, bba ’48, 92, Topeka, on Sept. 16. A World War II veteran, he retired from the Army at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He worked many years for Hallmark Cards and retired from the Kansas Department of Administration. Dorothy (Curry) Hubbard, ba ’41, 90, Auburn, Kan., on Sept. 6. She farmed, taught first grade at Auburn Elementary School for nearly 20 years and was a community volunteer. At Washburn, she was a member of YWCA, Citizenship Council and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Charles Kartrude, bs ’46, 89, Kansas City, Mo., on March 4. He earned a master of science degree from Kansas State University and was the chief chemist in charge of pharmaceutical production at the National Laboratories Corp. William Lieurance, ba ’49, 84, Houston, Texas, on July 25. An Army World War II veteran, he was an elementary and junior high school teacher, elementary school principal and a member of the American Federation of Teachers. John Weeks, ba ’48 and jd ’48, 88, Pocatello, Idaho, on Sept. 9. He was a World War II Army Air Corps aviation officer and founder and chief executive officer of Intermountain Claims Inc. At Washburn, he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity.
50s Allan Adair, bba ’59, 72, Siloam Springs, Ark., on Aug. 12. He was a comptroller for Atlantic Richfield, a financial manager for Daryl Hickman Chevrolet and a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where he served as financial secretary. Duane Bush, jd ’51, 85, Bonita Springs, Fla., on Jan. 2. At Washburn, he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. James Clifton, ba ’51, 79, Walled Lake, Mich., on July 24. He was an independent insurance auditor, served on numerous boards and commissions and was a councilman for the City of Walled Lake. At Washburn, he was a member of the football team, Student Council, the Review staff and Independent Men.
Wilma (Douglas) Cunningham, b ed ’52, 79, Topeka, on Aug. 19. Alan Downs, bs ’59, 71, Aberdeen, Md., on Aug. 19. He retired as a physicist with the Army Research Laboratory at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. At Washburn, he was a student instructor in physics and served as vice president of Kappa Mu Epsilon honorary mathematics fraternity. Hugh Mauch, jd ’56, 80, Great Bend, Kan., on Aug. 5. He had a solo law practice and established the Hugh D. Mauch Law Scholarship at Washburn School of Law. As a student, he was editor-in-chief of the law review board and a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. Alfredo Padilla, ba ’58, 78, Leavenworth, Kan., on Oct. 3. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a major and served 31 years with the U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan. He served as American Legion post baseball chairman for many years, and the main field of Leavenworth Sports Field Complex is named in his honor. At Washburn, he was student manager for football, basketball and track and a member of ROTC. Charles “Dick” Patton, bba ’51, 80, Huntsville, Ala., on Aug. 18. He worked more than 30 years for General Tire and Rubber Co. At Washburn, he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Albert Pottinger, bba ’51, 80, Cleveland, Ohio, on March 4. He had a private law practice, was a Cleveland first assistant police prosecutor, a commissioner with the Department of Community Development and served 10 years as Ohio assistant attorney general. At Washburn, he was a member of the Newman Club and Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
60s Dale Alexander, ba ’64, 70, El Paso, Ill., on Aug. 24. He retired as an associate for Mitsubishi Motors and was a member of Community Bible Fellowship Church and UAW Locals 974 and 2488. Donna (Gaudreau) Shirk Knecht, ba ’61, 71, Fairfax, Va., on Sept. 1. She was director for information services and volunteer office at the Republican National Committee and served 1989-93 as an executive assistant to Marilyn Quayle in the Office of the Vice President. At Washburn, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Robert Ochs, jd ’68, 67, Topeka, on Aug. 15. He practiced law at several law firms, retiring in 2000. At Washburn, he was a member of the law journal staff. Aleta “Jo” (Petrik) Ott, bs ’64, 67, Topeka, on Aug. 13. She earned master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Kansas and published a reference book for colleges and universities in 1979. Richard Roberts, jd ’60, 73, Olathe, Kan., on May 22. He practiced law in Olathe for 40 years and developed an oil field in Gardner, Kan. Rayburn “Spanky” Thompson, ba ’63, 69, Topeka, on Sept. 2. He worked at Topeka State Hospital and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., was pastor of Lowman United Methodist Church and Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, owned Financial Concepts of Kansas and was a member of Washburn Alumni Association. Donna (Pennick) Vausbinder, m ed ’66, 73, Topeka, on Oct. 19. She was an elementary school teacher and counselor for 39 years in Miami, Fla., and Topeka, and a past president of the Audubon Society. Her husband, Charles Vausbinder, bba ’55, survives.
Larry Wellington, bba ’64, 66, Klamath Falls, Ore., on April 26. An Army veteran, he operated Sister Ray’s Music and was a member of Klamath Symphonic Band. At Washburn, he was a member of the swim team and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
70s Sam Jones, ba ’72, 64, Houston, Texas, on Sept. 5. He was a Navy and Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and was awarded the Navy Cross medal and Purple Heart. He had a career in radio in Pennsylvania, Kansas and Texas and taught history at Hastings (Texas) High School. Jerome “Jerry” Osburn, jd ’75, 61, Las Vegas, Nev., on July 27. He practiced law in the Kansas cities of Hays and Goodland and worked 13 years for the State of Nevada in workman’s compensation. Hugh Ridgway, bba ’73, 82, Baytown, Texas, on Aug. 15. A World War II Army Air Corps veteran, he retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. after 38 years of service and held many positions at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Mildred “Millie” (Konrade) Stork, b ed ’76, 84, Topeka, on Aug. 15. She was a special education teacher in elementary schools, a case manager for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, an arbitrator for the State of Kansas and a member of Washburn Walkers. Memorials may be made to KTWU. Dolores (Doyle) Tangari, bs ’71, 78, Topeka, on Sept. 24. She served as an officer in the Air Force, was a registered nurse at the Shawnee County Health Department, volunteered for the Red Cross and Girl Scouts and retired from the Menninger Foundation.
IN MEMORY Kim Dae-jung, honorary doctorate ’88, 83, Seoul, South Korea, died on Aug. 18. A native of the Republic of Korea, he studied political science in Seoul at Kunkook University and pursued graduate studies in business administration at Korea University in industrial management and economics in Kyunghui University. In 1961, he was elected to the National Legislature and ran for president in 1971. He endured years of house arrest as a political dissident and survived a death sentence and an assassination attempt by military dictators. In 1987, both the German and Japanese parliaments nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Washburn honored both Dae-jung and his wife, Lee Hee-ho, with honorary doctorates in 1988, but only Hee-ho was able to attend the ceremony. In 1998, Washburn President Jerry Farley, Blanche Parks, who was serving as Washburn Board of Regents chairwoman, and Topeka Mayor Joan Wagnon traveled to South Korea and presented Washburn’s honorary doctorate to Dae-jung. Dae-jung served 1998-2003 as president of South Korea. During his presidency, the two Koreas connected roads and railways across their shared border, built a joint industrial park, and two million South Koreans were able to visit family members in North Korea. In 2000, Dae-jung was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his struggle as a pro-democracy campaigner and his work to overcome mistrust and hostility between North and South Korea. His wife, Lee Hee-ho, honorary doctorate ’88, survives.
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CLASS NOTES
80s
00s
Janet (Mason) Beckner, jd ’81, 62, Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 13. Her husband, Michael Beckner, ba ’66 and jd ’71, survives.
Shelby (Bryant) Didier, bba ’03, 34, Topeka, on Aug. 12. She worked for Jostens and earned a master’s degree from Baker University.
David Dunlap, bba ’83, jd ’86, and mba ’94, 51, Topeka, on Sept. 27. He worked 14 years in legal services at the Kansas Department of Revenue. Paul Kreipe, ba ’81, 81, Topeka, on Sept. 15. A Marine Corps veteran, he worked 30 years for Marley Co. and retired from Westar Energy as an engineering technician. His wife, Laurine (Riedel) Kreipe, ba ’79 and jd ’82, survives. John Mingle, jd ’81, 78, Laramie, Wyo., on Oct. 10. An Army veteran of the Korean conflict, he taught chemical and nuclear engineering and engineering law at Kansas State University and served as the director of the KSU Research Foundation. After retiring as professor emeritus in 1990, he practiced patent law in Wyoming. Bernard Nobo, ba ’84, and bs ’84, 65, Topeka, on Sept. 30. He had a private psychotherapy practice in Topeka for more than 20 years and worked for Stormont Vail HealthCare, Catholic Social Services and Memorial Hospital. His wife, Jeannette (Rerez) Nobo, ba ’82 and ma ’85, survives. Mark Scott, ba ’88, 54, Salina, Kan., on Sept. 14. He was a reporter for the Manhattan Mercury newspaper for 22 years, played city league basketball and coached youth league basketball and baseball. At Washburn, he served on the Review staff. Kim Steele, jd ’83, 56, Wichita, Kan., on Oct. 3. He worked 16 years as an attorney for child support enforcement at the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. Eric Whitner, jd ’88, 49, Omaha, Neb., on Aug. 29. He founded Whitner Law Firm and was a mentor to young African-American lawyers. He served on many boards and was president of the Midlands Bar Association and a former chairman of the Butler-Gast YMCA board of directors.
Friends Ann Ashley, attendee ’88, 50, Topeka, on July 31. She taught dance, yoga and Pilates at Washburn 2006-09 as an adjunct, served on the Washburn Women’s Alliance board and was a member of the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum. Helen Brodecker, 100, Topeka, on Aug. 28. She was a house mother for Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and worked at the Catholic Campus Center. Richard “Nick” Godlove, attendee ’52, Topeka, 78, on April 17. He was a Navy aerial photographer and retired from Goodyear after 23 years of service. At Washburn, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
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James Kelley, 94, Topeka, on Aug. 10. He was a surgeon with the Army during World War II, had a private plastic surgery practice in Tulsa, Okla., and served 1974-81 at Washburn as the student health department physician. He was an honorary member of Sagamore and a past president of the Ichabod Club, which named him Outstanding Ichabod in 1976. With his wife, Elizabeth Kelley, who survives, he established the J.W. and Elizabeth R. Kelley Athletic Endowment Fund. Memorials may be made to that fund at Washburn. Lelona “Lee” (Baker) Kelly, attendee ’77, 63, Topeka, on July 29. She served 2002-06 as an administrative secretary at Washburn Endowment Association, was a 1980 delegate to the Democratic National Convention and a member of the Kansas State Democratic Committee. Memorials may be made to Washburn Womens Alliance. Gene Matney, 84, Topeka, on Oct. 5. A World War II Navy veteran, he worked 43 years in the automotive industry as a parts manager and was president of the Old Time Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers for 23 years. Memorials may be made to the Washburn School of Nursing.
MEMORIAL GIFTS Remembering loved ones through memorial or honorary gifts to Washburn University leaves a unique legacy in their names while enriching the lives of students at the university. A gift to Washburn honors individuals in keeping with your wishes and unites their memory with the lives of so many others. Please visit www.givetowashburn.org/Giving-TributesMemorials/Index.htm for more information on how to create a memorial or honorary gift.
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