Spring 2025 - The Talon

Central Methodist University

TALON Spring 2025

50 Years of Inscape 1

PE A C S IN y iversit dist Un o h t e ts lM the Ar Centra ine of Magaz

2022 THE MAGAZINE FOR EAGLE ALUMNI

Thirty Years Later, Dr. Inman’s Influence Still Inspires Dr. Roger Drake, President

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TALON

e’ve celebrated a number of milestone moments in time recently at Central Methodist University. This spring and summer alone, we’ve commemorated 50 years of two of our favorite artistic traditions with Inscape literary magazine and the Alumni Band concert. Last year, we also celebrated 50 years of our nursing program that has produced countless professionals for a vital field.

Every fall, we acknowledge the milestone year work anniversaries of our long-serving faculty and staff members.

I’d be remiss, however, if I didn’t acknowledge another anniversary taking place this year, as 2025 marks three decades since Dr. Marianne Inman was brought on board as the president of Central Methodist College.

Thirty years ago this spring, my predecessor became the 25th president of this historic institution, and in the 18 years that followed, Central was transformed in so many ways that are still paying dividends. I said it when I was hired, and it’s still true today: you could stand on any corner of this campus, look in any direction, and see transformational evidence of what Marianne Inman has done for this University.

In her tenure as president, Marianne took something good and made it truly great. With an eye for longterm strategic direction and a boldness that allowed her and the board of curators to set ambitious goals, she built a launching pad for this historic institution to continually reach new heights. Many achievements for which I’m given more credit than I deserve simply wouldn’t have been possible had Marianne not come along when she did. Expanding our educational mission to new locations and graduate programs, updating and upgrading the facilities, weathering a financial crisis with grace – it all paved the way for the progress we continue to make every year.

The facility upgrades in particular still resonate with everyone who sets foot on our campus, whether they find themselves drawn to the Student and Community Center that bears her name, or to the athletic fields where our student-athletes represent

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Central with pride, or to the historic Classic Hall, which Dr. Inman led a campaign to renovate after decades of neglect. Each of these centers of student life and achievement and creativity were important to her, and she did everything in her power and beyond to make them places we’re proud to show off to both our potential students and our returning alumni.

That’s just part of why one of the events I’m most looking forward to this fall is the celebration we’re planning in honor of the 30 years of influence that Dr. Inman had on Central. On November 19, we’re bringing the celebration to Marianne, traveling to Georgetown, Texas for an event where she resides amongst a vibrant Methodist community at The Wesleyan. With the backdrop of a concert performance by our wonderful Chorale Singers – who make use of that same Classic Hall for rehearsals every day – a number of speakers will pay tribute to Dr. Inman’s work and the impact she’s had on their lives. Current and former trustees, faculty, and members of the senior staff will be on hand to offer their thanks and admiration of the woman who left such an impressive mark on our campus.

We’re working out our plans to livestream the event for those who can’t join us in person, but I would love to see many familiar faces there to add to the chorus of appreciation for Marianne and all she did for our wonderful University.

In a Fall 2012 Talon story that chronicled her achievements, Dr. Inman gave me – though she didn’t know that yet – these words of advice: “Love this institution with every fiber of your being and work tirelessly in its advancement.”

I will always strive to live up to that advice, because I know it’s exactly that love and work by Marianne that got us where we are today. The evidence of it can be seen from any corner of our beautiful campus, no matter which direction you look.

CMU Senior Staff Dr. Roger D. Drake, President Dr. Rita Gulstad, Provost Brad Dixon ’07, Vice President for Student Life Chad Gaines, Vice President for Technology, Planning, and Athletics

Central Methodist University

TALON Spring 2025 Magazine

Campus News ........................................................................................... 4

Dr. Melissa Mace, Vice President for Enrollment Management

Spring 2025 Commencement...................................................................... 8

Dr. Bill Sheehan Jr. ’84, Executive Vice President

Counseling Center Expands to Meet Needs............................................... 14

Julee Sherman, Vice President for Finance and Administration

Inscape Turns 50........................................................................................ 16

Talon Staff

CMU Sets Example for Methodist Colleges................................................ 12

CMU Names 2025 Central Scholars.......................................................... 20 Leadership Central Completes First Class................................................... 21 Central’s Got Talent and Center Stage........................................................ 22

Joe Waner Director of Marketing and Communications 660-248-6629 | jwaner@centralmethodist.edu

Coach Breland Reaches 400 Wins.............................................................. 24

Emily Kesel, Editor Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications 660-248-6684 | ekesel@centralmethodist.edu

Reardon Reflects on 1,000 Wins................................................................ 26

Katie Bedsaul Media Content Coordinator 660-248-6391 | kbedsaul@centralmethodist.edu

Moore ’91 Named Director of Bands......................................................... 33

Rachel Moore Assistant Athletic Director / Director of Athletic Communication 660-248-6358 | rmoore@centralmethodist.edu Stasia Sherman Director of Alumni Engagement 660-248-6239 | ssherman@centralmethodist.edu Alissa Watkins Director of Annual Giving 660-248-6683 | awatkins@centralmethodist.edu

Contributing Writers: Alysha Galla, Noah Kee ’25

Dr. Luetjen Memorial Tournament.............................................................. 25 Winter, Spring Sports Wrap-ups................................................................. 28 Choirs Present ‘Reflections of Love’............................................................ 32 Academic Lectures Spring 2025.................................................................. 34 Faculty, Students Earn Innovation Awards.................................................... 36 Community Celebrates MLK Day............................................................... 38 CMU Giving Day a Success........................................................................ 40 50 Years of Alumni Band............................................................................. 42 Alumni News & Notes............................................................................... 44 In Memoriam............................................................................................. 46 Alumni Socials............................................................................................ 50

Upcoming CMU Events: Athletic Auction................................................................................ July 18 St. Louis Alumni Social, Missouri Athletic Club West.................... July 31 Men’s Basketball Golf Tournament, Boonville....................September 13 60th Annual CMU Band Day................................................... October 11 Homecoming........................................................................ October 17-19 Visit www.centralalumnievents.com for more information

On The Cover: Central Methodist University celebrated the 50th anniversary of Inscape magazine this spring. The cover features decades worth of cover art for the publication, including this year’s featured art by student Diane Ondobo.

Our Mission CMU fosters a diverse and caring community, empowering students to become lifelong learners, committed to academic excellence, prepared to engage in a complex world.

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Central Students on the Move

CMU students and faculty attended the annual meeting of the Missouri Academy of Science at the University of Central Missouri on April 12. Students presented on their research, while faculty members attended in leadership roles for the state-wide organization.

Niemeier Named Beneke Award Winner Central Methodist University senior Saige Niemeier had the honor this spring of being named the first winner of the Beneke Psychology Research Award.

A Jacksonville, Mo. native, Niemeier was recognized by the psychology faculty for being an outstanding student in the major and deserving of the award endowed by a former professor. Dr. William Beneke established the endowment in 2023 to annually recognize a senior psychology major who is conducting research as part of their degree completion. Beneke was a member of the psychology faculty at CMU from 2000 to 2008.

Niemeier’s senior thesis research this year has involved a study of possible correlations between people’s personality and whether they have tattoos. Through surveys of different classes on the Fayette campus, she hoped to draw conclusions about the relationships between tattoos and certain personality traits.

In addition to her thesis research, Niemeier was part of the first for-credit psychology research lab led by Professor Christopher Arnold. Students used the resources of the Dr. Jacqueline M. Anson Psychology Research Lab for two different projects this academic year, including studying the effects of music genres on mood and coping strategies for different genders.

Arnold had high praise for Niemeier and said she was very deserving of the Beneke Award: “Saige is a very strong student who does a lot to contribute to the psychology program and has great ideas.”

Niemeier graduated in May after double-majoring in psychology and communications and minoring in art. She is considering attending graduate school to continue her education.

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Central junior Quenia Butler, pictured, was appointed this spring as a student representative to the Missouri Advisory Board for Educator Preparation and will work to help ensure teacher quality in the state.

Carter Hawkins ’25, right, presented her research project at the national American Chemical Society meeting in San Diego. Joined by Dr. Shayna Burchett ’13, Hawkins was the first student to present at the meeting since 2019 and the first CMU student to present their research at a national meeting for chemistry.

CMU celebrated its newest Hairston Hall of Fame class this winter, as new inductees were recognized on January 18. New members of the Hall of Fame include the 2012-13 women’s basketball team, the 198384 men’s basketball team, Raylyn Nuss ’13, Chelsea Dykman ’10, Peter Muldoon ’10, Bobby Strumlauf ’01, Kenny Wyatt ’84, Kevin Cantwell ’80, and Dennis Hagedorn ’79.

Segura Awarded Gulstad Scholarship Central Methodist University’s College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES) was proud to celebrate the latest recipient of the Gulstad FullTuition Scholarship this spring, as officials traveled to Lebanon to present the award to McKayla Segura of Ozarks Technical Community College on June 6.

The Gulstad Scholarship is offered to eligible community college students looking to transfer to Central to finish their degree. Named in honor of Dr. Rita Gulstad, provost, the award celebrates the outstanding quality of education provided by Central’s community college partners and reflects its namesake’s commitment to bridging the gap between these institutions and Central, ensuring that students have the support they need to succeed.

Service Day 2025

On April 8, CMU students and organizations participated in the annual Service Day, lending a hand to the community where help was needed. Rev. Scotty Wall, campus chaplain, said the event went well and achieved its goal of connecting CMU students to the Fayette community.

“It was great seeing the students engage with each other all over the community, to see them engage with the people of Fayette,” he said.

Throughout the day, approximately 300 CMU students helped out with beautification projects in town, as well as landscaping and cleaning at various facilities. Some groups also met with local elementary school students, volunteering to read, talk, listen, and play with young students.

CMU, NCMC Sign Enrollment Agreement Officials from Central Methodist University traveled to Trenton, Mo. on May 28 for a signing event at North Central Missouri College. The two institutions formalized a concurrent enrollment agreement and re-signed an articulation agreement to further solidify an ongoing partnership between them.

This signing came on the heels of Central’s Degree Completion – Education Pathway agreement, designed to facilitate transfers between the two institutions. The CMU and NCMC partnership also lives on through the Central Career Changers (C3) Apprenticeship program and their mutual sponsorship of the annual Teacher Energizer workshop coordinated by the Trenton School District.

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Hansel & Gretel Opening the semester in the Little Theatre was the operatic retelling of the Grimm Brothers fairytale Hansel & Gretel. Directed by Dr. Jonathan Ray, CMU students performed the fun, family-friendly story in English, a perfect opera for those new to the genre.

View photos from Hansel & Gretel here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC2pES

Trial by Jury The CMU opera troupe also performed Trial

by Jury this spring. The comedic one-act show was put on in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church on April 5.

View photos from Trial by Jury here: https://flic.kr/s/ aHBqjCiGem

Student-Written Ten-Minute Plays CMU students staged their original ten-minute plays in workshop format on February 27-March 2. The student playwrights were joined by John Cariani, writer of such stage hits as Almost, Maine and Love/Sick, who provided feedback at the workshop after delivering this year’s GeistYancey Lecture on the Arts.

View photos from the student plays here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCiEey

She Kills Monsters The Little Theatre peformed She Kills Monsters on April 23-26. A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, the show provided the audience with plenty of colorful entertainment. Written by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen, the play offered an homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

View photos from She Kills Monsters here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCd9Qx

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Area Artists Highlight Winter Show

Speakers Visit for National Poetry Month Central Methodist University celebrated National Poetry Month in April with a pair of readings by professional poets Allison Joseph and David Harrison.

Joseph visited campus for a poetry reading and Q&A session on April 3, while Harrison’s event took place on April 9. Both sessions were held in Assembly Hall.

An award-winning poet and director of the MFA program in creative writing at Southern Illinois University, Joseph has written numerous books of poetry, as well as fiction and non-fiction. She also served as the poetry editor of Crab Orchard Review, the publisher of No Chair Press, and the director of Writers in Common, a writing conference for writers of all ages and experience levels.

A resident of Springfield, Mo., Harrison has written and published more than 90 original books and earned dozens of honors for his work in children’s literature. His books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into twelve languages. Harrison has given addresses and presentations at more than 300 events on national, regional, state, and local levels.

Both events were free and open to the public, sponsored by the Cultural Affairs Committee at Central.

The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art kicked off 2025 with a colorful and tactile show titled “Musical Conservations.”

Featuring the work of area artists Kerry Hirth and Tom Schulte, the winter show opened on January 26 and continued until April 17.

The show was divided into three exhibits, one in each gallery of the Classic Hall space.

Hirth’s works of abstraction were featured in the Geist Gallery, while Schulte’s sculpture and relief work featured in the Yancey Gallery. In the middle were works

by George Caleb Bingham, adorning the walls of the gallery that now bears his name.

Hirth and Schulte each also returned to campus to give unique artist talks about their works and the inspiration behind their pieces.

Sculpture by Tom Schulte

Central Methodist University students of the Swinney Conservatory participated in the annual trip to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City this spring. Thanks to the generosity of Earl ’61 and Sunny Bates, CMU students have the unique opportunity to see a show and experience a fine meal at no cost to themselves.

Spring 2025 | The Talon 7

Elliott Reed

2024-25 Victoria Award recipient Casey Brooks, Human Relations Award recipient Amanda Mantel, and Selecman Achievement Award recipient Sofia Burks.

Spring 2025 Commencement

Lauren Hill, Daly Garland, and Kelena Oots

I

n front of a capacity crowd in Puckett Fieldhouse on May 10, more than 300 Central Methodist University graduates crossed the stage at the 2025 spring commencement. Students from the Fayette campus and online were celebrated after earning their master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees through years of dedication and hard work.

This year’s commencement address was given by board of trustees secretary and 1969 graduate Laurence R. Tucker. A past winner of the CMU Distinguished Alumni Award, Tucker serves as senior counsel to the law firm of Armstrong Teasdale LLP and works from the firm’s Kansas City, Mo. office.

He has practiced law primarily in the field of civil rights litigation in Kansas City for more than 45 years in three different firms. He was an equity partner at Armstrong Teasdale from the time he joined in 1996 until 2016, when he retired from full-time practice and

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moved to working on specific projects as senior counsel.

Tucker has also acted as the chancellor for the Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church from 2006 to 2019.

In the role of chancellor, he was the legal advisor to the Bishop and the Conference itself. He also served on the Missouri Bar’s Young Lawyer Section, acting as the section’s chair, and was on the Missouri Bar’s Board of Governors. He is a past president of the Missouri Bar, having served in the role from 1995 to 1996.

Following the commencement address and conferring of degrees, three graduating seniors were recognized as this year’s achievement award winners. Based on nominations by the CMU faculty and students, Brad Dixon ’07, vice present for student life, handed out the top three awards to Casey Brooks, Amanda Mantel, and Sofia Burks.

Brooks was named this year’s Victoria Award winner. Given annually to a graduating student, the Victoria Award recognizes someone who, in the opinion of the faculty and fellow students, has best demonstrated dedication and the principles of Central Methodist University.

Brooks graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s in music education. The Ken and Nancy Seward Band Fellow, she has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership as a member of the band program since arriving on campus.

This year’s Human Relations Award was given to Amanda Mantel, who was determined to be the student showing the most promise in human relations and human adjustment. The award is given annually to the student who sets an example of leadership and excellence and develops an ability to work well with others.

Mantel graduated summa cum laude with

Maria Varghese

Christian Knighton and Ja’Sean Northington

Morgan Wilson, Ky Streeter, and Caryn Jackson

Makayla Albert and Olivia Viet

honors in the major, completing her honors thesis for marine biology with a project titled “Utilizing Known Shark Species to Test the Precision of Environmental DNA (eDNA).”

She was a member of the women’s soccer team and president of the Environmental Science Club and was involved in several other campus organizations as a student.

The most prestigious award – the Selecman Award – was given this year to Sofia Burks. Established in 1957 by former Central student Bishop Charles Selecman, the award is presented to the student who has displayed the following characteristics to an extraordinary degree: good citizenship on campus, scholarship, religious leadership,

Alayna Arch, Mary Primus, Jalyn Van Gundy, and Katy Cole

moral and spiritual qualities, and outstanding achievement.

Burks graduated summa cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science with a healthcare administration major and a minor in pre-law/political science. A well-rounded student with leadership roles in her sorority, the chapel band, the Center for Faith and Service, and the Student Government Association, her dedication to student engagement and service was always evident.

Central was proud to celebrate these and all its graduates at commencement and will value them as its new alumni.

Andrea Bray

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Commencment speaker Laurence R. Tucker ’69 addresses spring graduates.

Elana Dodson and Paul Reinert

Alden Senor, Casey Brooks, Faith Jasper, and Arielle Prince

Parys Smith, Zyaire Robinson, and Coach Kenny Anderson

Nidal Memic

Achievement Awards Spring 2025 Accounting Excellence Award — Alyson Goforth Outstanding Senior in Accounting Award Mikenna Collins Evan Workman ACDA National Student Choral Musician Award — Grace O’Neal Alpha Epsilon Delta Anatomy Award — Alyssa Beaumont Alpha Epsilon Delta Harold L. Momberg Award for the Outstanding Pre-Med Student — Ethan Arroyo Alpha Epsilon Delta Physiology Award — Lauren Berger American Nurses Association Award — Brooke Painter Noble Emmett Baskett Scholarship in Business Award Jessica Alverson Freese Dr. John Bellefeulle Excellence in Organic Chemistry — Ethan Arroyo Beta Beta Beta Outstanding General Biology Students Abigail Erickson Walker Lapinski Early Bird Award — Johnny Brownell-Hecke Clyde and Hazel Blattner Mathematics Award — Abigail Michael Dr. Richard T. Bond Mathematics Award — Dillan Lembke Business Administration Excellence Award John Garrett Rikel Hailey Vanskike Outstanding Senior in Business Award — Whitney Hackman Outstanding Senior in Business Education Award — Alanna Crumley Herman C. Byrd Award — Caleb Raley CMU Biology Alumni Award — William DeLaughter Dr. Kendal Woolf Clark Memorial Award — Mohamed Belmahdi R. Paul Drummond Memorial Award — Richelle Milburn

Future Entrepreneurship Award — Matthew Atherton Estill Entrepreneurship Award — Emma Doyle Gentry Estill Award for Total Business Excellence — Thomas Libbert Susan Estill Award for Total Business Excellence — Virginia Claire Alexander Gamma Sigma Epsilon Excellence Award in General Chemistry Abigial Erickson Kyleen Gibson Dr. Joseph B. Geist Prize in Performing Arts — Arielle Prince Lisa Powell Goessling Merit Scholarship — Matthew Higginbotham David Goodwin Award — Kylie Dickinson Chester E. Hanson Outstanding Computer Science Award — Kyle Newberry Martin C. Harral Memorial Music Award — Brandon Prince Outstanding in Healthcare Administration — Sofia Burks Herrick-Colpitts Opera Award Danny Eckhoff Mariah Nichols Hickman Award for Music — Johnny Brownell The Keith House Band Fellow — Matt Hamilton Inscape Ten Minute Play Award — Gram Coalier Inscape Poetry Award — Shaynlin Smith Inscape Fiction Award — Corinne McClure Inscape Creative Nonfiction Award — Carly Edwards Inscape Visual Art Award — Donovan West Inscape Cover Art Award — Diana Ondobo Nancy Thompson Jones Gem Award — Rachel Fisher Dr. Glenn R. Joyce Memorial Award — Mohamed Belmahdi Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Award — Thomas Beem

2025 graduating seniors pose for a photo outside the Swinney Conservatory before Commencement this spring.

Kristen Coontz, V.C. Alexander, and Sara Francis

Kayce Messner and Lizzy Clary

Martin B. Kooi Excellence in Theatre Arts — Mullin Eyberg Global Business Leadership Award — Christian Barbieri Outstanding Leadership — Zeb Wede Mike Magyar Fine Arts-Leadership Award — Matt Hamilton Future Marketing and Advertiser Award — Emily Collins Marketing and Advertising Excellence Award — Andrea Bray The Missouri Federation of Music Clubs: Keyboard (25) — Danny Eckhoff Professor Paul A. Montemurro Award — Johnny Brownell-Hecke MTNA Student Achievement Award — Casey Brooks Dane Nelson Memorial Award — Emily Millstead Dr. Niels C. Nielsen Outstanding Chemistry Student Award Carter Hawkins OTA Outstanding Student Advocate Award — Jocelyn Reynolds OTA Outstanding Professional Performance — Shelby Bilyeu Outstanding Nurse Clinician Award — Jalyn VanGundy Outstanding Nursing Scholar Award — Kathryn Cole Pannier, Cavanaugh, and Robb Excellence in Education Award Isabella Fuller Brennan Logan Dr. Larry J. Peery Award for Excellence in Physics — David MacLachlan Pinnacle Award — Grant Engel Dr. Jerry Priddy Mathematics Award — David MacLachlan Phi Mu Alpha Scholastic Award — Johnny Brownell Excellence in PTA — Nikki Carter Raney Winter NAfME-C Award — Jordyn Williamson Glenn C. Riegel Student Science Award — Abigail Michael Sarah Rutherford Prize — Samantha Doisy W.D. Settle Memorial Music Education Award — Madisyn Conway

Noah Kee

Ken and Nancy Seward Band Fellow — Casey Brooks Seward Award for Band Excellence — Casey Brooks Shallenburger Accounting Principles Excellence Award — Grayson Blackburn Sigma Alpha Iota Collegiate Honor Award — Emily Millstead Sigma Epsilon Pi — Virginia Claire Alexander Mathew Atherton Andrea Bray Casey Brooks Christine Brown Sofia Burks Lydia Burroughs Natalie Christy Samantha Cox Emily Decoske Samantha Doisy Carly Edwards Lydia Elder Grant Engel Renee Finke Olivia Fischer Carter Hawkins Kylea Hoover Amanda Mantel Addison Massey Corinne McClure Maggie McGuire Baileigh Morris Laura Roth Juliana Shields Jasmine Steward Grace Wilkinson SNA Community Award — Kaleb Small Luther T. Spayde Award — Elizabeth Berry Sports Management Award — Kristine Lykke Swinney Conservatory Outstanding Freshman Award Emeline DeLapp Caleb Scantlin Swinney Conservatory Outstanding Musician Award Kyle Drewes Trinity Thompkins Swinney Conservatory Super Hero Award — Jackson White Helen Puckett Thogmorton Award for Excellence in Music — Lauren Shields Erwin and Hazel Wiedle Outstanding Nursing Graduate — Madeline Logsdon Dr. Ferris H. & Leona Woods Award — Delaney Snyder Jeff Wilcox Raising the Bar Award — Carter Hawkins

FAITH

Rooted in

Committed to

EXCELLENCE

By Emily Kesel

A

s far back as the signing of its charter in 1853, Central Methodist University – though it has gone by several names in the intervening years – has been the pillar of higher education for the Methodist population of the great state of Missouri. Central was, by design, the “one college of the highest order” in the state, built midway between the two largest population centers so that it would be equally accessible to all who wished to pursue a Wesleyan education.

Today, CMU continues to provide that same accessibility and excellence and has become a model of a United Methodist college. Early this year, Central underwent evaluation by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church, which found the University to be an outlier among its peers.

“The evaluators called us the example of what it means to be a United Methodist related institution,” said Dr. Roger Drake, president of the University. “They were very complimentary of all the things we do with the Center for Faith and Service, as well as the financial safety of the college.”

President Drake and other University officials welcomed evaluators to campus this semester, after submitting paperwork to the accrediting body whose purpose is to “maintain the standards of United Methodist-related education, ensuring that our institutions are functioning at a high level of excellence in all areas of strategy and operation including church-relatedness, program quality, financial integrity and stewardship, and governance.”

Central was found to be not only meeting but in many cases surpassing the University Senate guidelines for maintaining standards of excellence for a United Methodist school, especially where it comes to church-relatedness.

At the center of CMU’s Christian practices, as well as at the center of the campus, is Linn Memorial United Methodist Church, which houses Assembly Hall and the Center for Faith and Service (CFS). These institutions make up the backbone of religious life at Central, as the campus community is invited to Chapel services every Tuesday morning for devotion and fellowship led by the campus chaplain – currently Rev. Scotty Wall – and featuring student musicians and future worship leaders.

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Appointed and paid by the Methodist Conference, the chaplain leads the CFS and works alongside the Religious Life Committee to coordinate religious programming and activities, such as Bible studies and appearances by guest speakers. The pastors of Linn and St. Paul UMC also serve on this committee and play various roles in furthering the religious life of Central’s students and community.

Rev. Bill O’Neal, current Linn UMC pastor, also serves as a major gift officer for Central’s office of advancement and alumni relations. In addition to his day-to-day roles, O’Neal has also led students on multiple mission trips and taught courses on emergency response, lending to the community service aspect of Central’s own mission. His connections to UMC leaders in the state have also been instrumental in forging a partnership with the UNITE youth conference, which brings hundreds of young people to campus each summer for a week of faith-based activities.

Many of these offerings and aspects of the CMU experience meet the University Senate requirements of creating a community of scholarship and learning which facilitates social justice, but perhaps none more so than the Building Bridges program, through which Central offers college coursework to incarcerated persons across the state. True to the Wesleyan roots of the college, the program allows incarcerated students to earn degrees in business, helping to reduce recidivism and offering a “second chance” to those in need.

Of course, Central also offers its own religious course of study. While all students are required to complete at least one religion course as part of the general education requirements, courses are also offered as electives and as part of the majors in religion and church leadership or comparative religion and philosophy. Students who earn degrees in these fields go on to become church leaders, non-profit organizers, ministers, and various other professions, often studying at prolific UMC seminaries after graduating from CMU. While Central is proud to offer and support so many opportunities for religious study and practice, Drake believes that it is all the other aspects of a CMU liberal arts education that make it the ideal way to pursue a degree.

“From a mission standpoint, I don’t think that there is a better way to educate a student in a religious affiliated college than we do as Methodists,” he said.

“If a student wants to come here and graduate without ever being influenced in any way by our United Methodist connection, they could choose to do that.

If, on the other hand, a student wanted to come and be completely immersed in Wesleyan thought, they could do that as well.

“If they want to choose anywhere else on that spectrum, there’s the option to do that here, completely voluntarily,” Drake added. “I think that’s just a more excellent way to educate people.”

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Counseling Center Expands to Meet Campus

By Emily Kesel and Noah Kee ’25

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I

n a continued effort to provide students at Central Methodist University with all the support and tools they need to be successful, resilient members of the community, the on-campus Counseling Center was expanded this academic year to reach as many people in need as possible.

Thanks in part to the University receiving the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention and Awareness Grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), the Center was able to add two new members to the team, alongside director Katie Wooldridge. Audrey Phelps was added as an associate counselor, while 2024 graduate Emalee Harris joined the team as wellness coordinator.

Prior to joining the staff at Central, Phelps was involved in mission work around the world, as well as serving families in poverty through social services.

“For me it was a natural progression going from these other helping professions into asking, ‘how do I address some of these bigger mental health impacts for the community that I live in?’” Phelps said of her career change toward the mental health realm.

“Adding Audrey to our team. . . gives me a great sense of security,” Wooldridge said. “I have seen how she works with the students and know her performance is at a high level. She has a wonderful set of skills to offer our campus.”

In addition to Phelps’s full-time counselor position, Harris was added to the staff in the role of overseeing the allocation of the grant funds, as well as connecting students to the Counseling Center’s free resources.

“The work we are doing with this grant is something we are very passionate about and will be a huge, positive impact for our campus,” Wooldridge said. “Emalee is an alum, so having her input as a staff member, as well as her experiences as a student, really gives us an advantage.

Emalee has come to the table already with some great ideas and has been working

hard with our team to carry out our grant initiatives.”

The SAMHSA grant has also allowed the Counseling Center to hire more interns and add development programs for the counselors, all of which go toward the ultimate goals of the office: giving individuals the tools and supports they need in order to have a positive college experience, and helping students build self-efficacy and resilience.

Wooldridge, who joined the CMU staff in the fall of 2020 amidst the mental health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, knows the importance of providing these services to students not only in times of widespread crisis but constantly, especially during one of the rare times in people’s lives when mental health access is free – their college years.

But offering the services doesn’t guarantee that students will use them, so part of the Counseling Center’s efforts this year involved increasing awareness among the student population about the importance of mental health.

“We are increasing our efforts to break the stigma around mental health and counseling, and we also want to increase our efforts to get wellness information out to as many people on campus as possible, not just the ones who come to our offices for counseling sessions,” said Wooldridge.

The staff worked hard throughout the semester to put on events for the campus community, holding “Thriving Thursdays” every week to talk about topics such as healthy habits, communication and conflict, the mind-body connection, nutrition, and other wellness issues.

Of course, the Counseling Center also provides free counseling for CMU students, who bring concerns such as anxiety, depression, and life adjustment.

Phelps pointed out that college students often experience these things for the first time, and don’t know how to cope with them. The Center can also help with relationship issues, traumatic experiences, and substance abuse.

“Our offices are safe spaces. And it doesn’t matter who you are, what your challenges are, what your walk of life is; you are going to find a safe space in the Counseling Center,” added Phelps. “And if you do decide to receive services and attend counseling, you’re going to find an opportunity to. . . work through your challenges and find personal growth.”

Wooldridge pointed out the importance of the continued support for the Counseling Center by the administration and the board of trustees, as well as the cooperation from other offices and areas of the University while the program continues to grow.

“We keep track of our data, which shows a fairly high utilization of services, and these numbers support our growing program,” she said. “We’ve also been collaborating with other departments and professors as we’ve grown in order to make sure our students know about our services and how to access them.”

All these forces have combined to make the Counseling Center more impactful than ever, and will continue to provide for Wooldridge’s plans for the future of the office. Looking ahead to next year and beyond, she anticipates more of an emphasis on suicide prevention and awareness, including screening events, as well as trainings for anyone interested in learning suicide prevention skills.

Wooldridge also teased a mental health fair to raise awareness of additional services outside the CMU community and a National College Health Assessment to take place early in the fall semester.

To learn more about the Counseling Center, its staff, or services offered or to utilize the resources available to the community, visit https:// www.centralmethodist. edu/student-life/servicesand-resources/counseling-center.html

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Inscape co-editors EmmaLee Campbell ’25 and Noah Kee ’25 unveil the cover of this year’s Inscape.

5 0 Ye a r s o f S t o r i e s C e l e b r a t e d w i t h I n s c a p e E v e n t

INSCAPE TURNS 5O

By Noah Kee ’25

W

ith a formal release party held on Friday, April 25, Central Methodist University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its magazine of the arts, Inscape.

The magazine, first published in 1975, has featured written and visual work by members of the Central community for the past five decades, publishing poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, 10-minute plays, and visual arts.

As with many beloved traditions of the English department at Central, the origin of Inscape lies at least in part with Dr. Joe Geist, professor emeritus and registrar of the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art. While the English department was already publishing work from students of the Scribblers & Scrawlers club and other groups

16 The Talon | Spring 2025

prior to 1975, a literary magazine was not yet firmly established, and the English faculty put out a call for students to submit their name ideas for a new magazine. Geist himself suggested the name Inscape to a student, who formally entered it in the competition. The name was selected after a discussion from the half-dozen or so faculty members, and the magazine has been called Inscape ever since.

“I’m very happy and overly pleased that [Inscape is] still in existence,” Geist said, adding that he’s pleased that the magazine has been kept “going beautifully over the years,” and that he reads it cover to cover every year.

John Yuelkenbeck ’82, was one of the students very involved in the magazine in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

“I was very hands-on with doing the typesetting, design,

2025 Inscape cover artist Diane Ondobo.

Kirk Meyer ’83

Dr. Joe Giest and Dr. Mark Kelty

photography, and production as well as editing for Volumes 5, 6, and 7,” said Yuelkenbeck, who graduated with a degree in English literature. “Some of my work was automatically included because I won the Swinney Writing Award a few times, and the winning entries were always printed. As editors, we had to strike a balance when it came to including our own submissions without overdoing it.”

Yuelkenbeck also explained the definition of “inscape,” and how it fit with the goal of the magazine: “‘Inscape’ is a term coined by Gerard Manley Hopkins, referring to the intrinsic beauty or essence of things,” he said. “It was our job to pull disparate parts together into an organic whole. It does my heart good to know that the tradition has continued.”

CMU is working hard to preserve that tradition and the history of Inscape while celebrating the present and looking ahead to the future. An exhibit was on display this spring on the second floor of Smiley Library in Cupples Hall at CMU’s main campus in Fayette.

This display was open to the public and celebrated 50 years of the literary art magazine and 100 years of student writing at Central. The exhibit included copies of historic brochures, covers, and magazines from CMU’s archives. It also included a timeline of student writing, starting with the founding of the Scribblers writing group in 1924 and leading up to the “Pandemic Edition” of Inscape in 2021.

Virtual copies of more recent editions dating from last year’s Inscape 49 back to the 37th edition in 2012, as well as additional information

Samantha Maddux

Dr. Rita Gulstad and Sara Chaney ’76

about the magazine, can be found online on the Inscape page of CMU’s website. To see the digital archive page of the exhibit, and to view individual examples of historic student writing including the earliest editions, visit the Inscape page of CMU’s online archives.

Jennifer Parsons, assistant director and access services librarian at Smiley Library, has put in many hours archiving and organizing the history of student writing at the University.

“Inscape is an interesting way of seeing how student writing and creative writing, especially, has evolved and changed to its current form as you see today,” Parsons said. “We have this long and rich history of students engaging in creative writing independently, in experimental ways, with their own initiative, getting their own ideas out there.”

That history was celebrated by many this spring with the 50th anniversary event, which featured a variety of guests, including this year’s published contributors, former editors and contributors to the magazine, and the CMU board of trustees. During the event, participants enjoyed visiting with other guests over lunch and cake, and guests were treated to poetry readings of each of the three winning poems as well as the unveiling of a poster featuring the new cover design by student Diane Ondobo.

The luncheon was a culmination of a year’s worth of work for the Inscape staff and Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar, Inscape advisor and chair of the humanities division, who was pleased with how much the event

Spring 2025 | The Talon 17

showcased the value of the magazine.

“It was a tacit acknowledgment of the hard work of our students for the 50th anniversary,” Hatwalkar said. “Once the board members saw the magazine, once they were able to hold it in their hands, they seemed elated.”

Hatwalkar also spoke about how meaningful it was for alumni to take off work – some driving three or four hours – to attend the luncheon to honor the anniversary and their own involvement in the magazine.

“It means a lot that after they leave, they still see it as something of value for them,” she said.

It also meant a lot to Shaynlin Smith ’24, whose poem “Earth’s Arrhythmia” earned her a first-place prize in the poetry category for the second year in a row.

“The Inscape celebration was an incredible experience that meant a lot to me, especially as a graduate student who has been offcampus for almost a full year. Getting to see your creative works in print is exhilarating and surreal,” said Smith, who recently finished her first year in the CMU master’s program for clinical counseling. “Inscape has inspired me to continue to follow my passion for writing. Without Inscape, I may not have written some of my favorite pieces of poetry. I am sure that other students have been impacted in similar ways over the last 50 years due to Inscape’s encouragement of creative expression and empowerment of Central Methodist voices.”

While some aspects of Inscape have changed over the years and are continuing to change, the value of the magazine and the values it represents remain.

“Alumni should know that Inscape is going strong. It looks different than it may have looked when they were students. But the fundamentals are still the same,” said Hatwalkar, who has served as academic advisor for the magazine since the 38th edition in 2013. “The best part is that students are now getting academic credit for the hard work that they’re putting into it.”

This academic credit is thanks to the inclusion of Inscape as a class starting in 2019.

Through the course, which is offered as a onehour class in the fall and a three-hour class in the spring, students promote, organize, and eventually publish the magazine. The class has been taught by Hatwalkar since 2019 and will be taught by Dr. Ryan Woldruff starting in Fall 2025.

18 The Talon | Spring 2025

Inscape student staff is recognized at the 50th anniversary event this spring.

Rev. Ivan James

Brooke Knoble ’19

Jennifer Blanton and Kathy Dempsey ’86

Dr. Joe Giest speaks about the history of Inscape and the early years of the publication.

Gram Coalier and Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar

Regardless of who is in the advising role, the consensus is that the CMU community hopes for another 50 years of the publication of Inscape. And while the inclusion of editions online gives the magazine more reach, Hatwalkar believes the university should continue prioritizing the physical printing of Inscape.

“My hopes for the future of Inscape are that we continue to publish physical copies,” she said. “There’s something very palpable and real and tactile about being in a book.

The value of that is immeasurable.”

While submissions are open to all CMU students, online students aren’t physically on campus and tend to be less likely to submit as a result. Encouraging more online students to submit may also be a consideration for the future of the magazine.

“Online students are an untapped resource for contribution to Inscape,” Hatwalkar said.

Increasing the cash prize for winners (currently $50 for first place in each genre) is another idea. Hatwalkar said a fund dedicated to the publishing of the magazine as well as the prizes would be a valuable consideration for the future. Currently, the cost of publishing is covered by the combined efforts of the English department and the Student Government Association, and prizes are covered by the English department as well.

Whatever the future holds for the specifics of the magazine’s publication, those who have been part of Inscape since the early years hope it will remain one of Central’s most special institutions.

“I hope it keeps going another 50 years,” said Yuelkenbeck. “A literary magazine is essential to preserving the values of a liberal arts education.”

“Keep it moving, keep it going,” said Geist. “The department is alive and kicking and thriving, and I hope that it would always be a special joy for them to produce.”

Shaynlin Smith ’24 and Dr. Hatwalkar

Mackenzie Hustead ’17 and Dr. Travis Johnson

View a digital copy of the 2025 Inscape or previous issues, visit; https://centralmethodist. edu/student-life/clubsorganizations/inscape. html Dr. Nancy Peacock ’82

v

Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar and Carly Edwards ’25

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Central Scholars Full-Tuition Awards Presented

By Emily Kesel

F

our outstanding high school students were recently awarded with full tuition scholarships after winning the second annual Central Scholars competition at Central Methodist University. Emilia Bates of Hannibal and Keilan Johnson of Blue Springs were named Eagle Select scholarship winners, while Brayden Loftin of Ava was selected as the Pre-Health Scholar, and Alexa Lee of Green City was the winner of the Valedictorian Scholarship.

“Central Scholars continues its exceptional record of attracting high-achieving academic students to compete for full tuition scholarships. This year’s participants have an average GPA of 4.06,” said Dr. Melissa Mace, vice president for enrollment management.

“The resumes, essays, and interviews of these participants simply amaze me, and I am so proud they want to make CMU their college home.”

To be eligible for the Central Scholars competition, students needed to meet a high school GPA minimum of 3.75 and apply to participate. Each participant submitted an essay and resume and was later interviewed on campus by CMU faculty, staff, and/or alumni.

Following the scholarship competition in February, the winners were surprised at

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their schools by CMU staff, in front of their classmates and families.

Hannibal High School senior Emilia Bates was an Eagle Select Scholarship awardee.

She plans to major in exercise science while playing on the volleyball team and participating in Greek life. Bates also says she is excited to take advantage of the 3+2 program that will allow her to complete both a bachelor’s in exercise science and a master’s in athletic training in just five years.

“That program really excites me because it’s everything I want to do, and in five years I’ll have a master’s degree,” she said, adding that she loved the process of competing in the Central Scholars Day. “I told my mom I would do that again. I liked the interview and meeting some of my future classmates and getting to see Central Methodist.”

Planning to major in communications is fellow Eagle Select winner Keilan Johnson, a senior from Blue Springs High School who has committed to play for the Eagle men’s soccer team.

“Competing was really fun. . . In the interview process, I had two great interviewers who were a joy to be around and made me feel really comfortable,” said Johnson. “What excites me most [about coming to Central] is getting to go out and

make my own way, to just get grown-up and real-world experience.”

Pre-Health Scholarship winner Brayden Loftin of Ava High School plans to major in biology and says he is excited to explore all the different avenues of science at CMU and take advantage of the technology offered, including the unique Anatomage Table for virtual dissection.

Alexa Lee, of Green City High School, is a Valedictorian Scholarship winner who plans to major in communications and participate with the Eagle Envy dance team. “[Central Scholars] was an amazing experience. It was definitely nervewracking, but the staff there is so kind and made me feel so welcome,” she said. “I’m excited for the new environment that I’ll get to experience [at Central], all the new people there and the new form of learning that I’ll get to experience.”

Contact the office of admission at 660-2486251 or admissions@ centralmethodist.edu for more on how to apply to Central.

Leadership Central Completes First Class

By Emily Kesel

I

n the fall of 2024, Central Methodist University began an innovative new program designed to build up leaders from within its dedicated and talented staff. Ten months later, organizers and participants alike agreed that the first year of Leadership Central was a success.

Stemming from an idea by Dr. Bill Sheehan ’84, CMU executive vice president, the program aims to “break down silos” between various offices and departments across campus and provide informative and thought-provoking sessions for the members of the class.

“I think we’ve been fairly successful,” said Sheehan, who first pitched the idea after researching leadership programs conducted by various cities. “It’s panned out with the informal connections of the participants – they could get together and chat and realize how well they could work together now because they know each other.”

The first class of selected participants, chosen from numerous applications submitted by staff members across campus, brought together a

number of directors, assistant directors, and specialists whom the selection committee recognized as staff members likely to make a mark on the institution for a long time to come.

This year’s class included Xiaobin Dai, director of global engagement; Mackenzie Hustead ’17, retention specialist; Haleigh Monnig ’19, human resources director; Whitney Parks ’22, executive assistant to the president; Maile Pihana Rhorer ’12, director of CGES admissions; Jason Rinne, assistant director of technology services; Michelle Schuller, St. Louis assistant dean; Stasia Sherman, director of alumni engagement; Joe Waner, director of marketing communications; and Derry Wiswall, director of plant operations.

Learning about each other’s roles on campus was undoubtedly one of the highlights for the participants, especially Rhorer, whose work for the College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES) can sometimes feel set apart from the rest of the main campus efforts.

“From my perspective, especially being on the CGES side, this program gave me great insight into how the campus works as a whole,” she said. “Because we all have the same common purpose – we want to be here for the students.

And it was interesting to learn everybody’s roles and how we all make that happen.”

Continued on next page

Front row, from left: Stasia Sherman, Whitney Parks ’22, and Mackenzie Hustead ’17 Middle row, from left: Maile Pihana Rhorer ’12, Xiaobin Dai, Haleigh Monnig ’19, and Michelle Schuller Back row, from left: Joe Waner, Jason Rinne, and Derry Wiswall

Spring 2025 | The Talon 21

The same could be said for entities that the staff doesn’t always interact with on a regular basis but have major influence on the dayto-day functions of the campus nonetheless.

Namely, the Leadership Central class got to know members of the senior staff and the board of trustees throughout the year, as members of those groups led the classes each month.

Presenters included President Roger Drake and Provost Rita Gulstad, as well as all the campus VPs – Sheehan; Chad Gaines, technology and planning; Dr. Melissa Mace, enrollment management; Brad Dixon ’07, student life; and Julee Sherman, finance and administration.

Dr. Nancy Peacock ’82, president of the board, and board members Tad Perry ’65 and Terry Henderson ’83 also presented to the group, providing valuable insight into not only their own leadership styles but what it takes to keep

an institution like Central thriving.

“Tad and Nancy, as a past and current president of the board, both bring a sense of pride and of loyalty to Central that I think the Leadership Central participants got a chance to see and really appreciate,” said Sheehan. “They were able to share what’s going on with the board and really drive home how much time and effort the trustees are putting into that job.

“I think it’s great for our folks to have those opportunities to get to know our board leaders and to recognize that our trustees are really all about Central,” he added.

As implied by the name of the program, the presentations for the Leadership Central class were also highly valuable for the participants in learning how to become even stronger leaders than they already were. And while the first class of Leadership Central

participants take the lessons from the program to continue leading their teams, the next class is already in the process of being selected, and Sheehan hopes to continue building on the initial success for years to come – both through the new class and the participants in the inaugural group.

“My hope is that, as senior leaders, we help to identify people that are up and coming and we give them even more opportunities to be successful,” he said.

“It goes a long way when somebody sees something in you and when the leadership wants to invest in you,” added Rhorer. “It’s very validating to know that they saw something in me that they appreciated and they wanted to grow those skills.”

Kera Driskell, Eric Jackson, Chase Staton, Johnsner Ernest, Evan Coats, and Hunter Felten

Music, Theatre Scholarships Awarded

By Emily Kesel

M

ore than 20 talented students from across the region were awarded with music and theatre scholarships this spring, as Central Methodist University held its annual Central’s Got Talent and Center Stage competitions on February 20. After multiple rounds of auditions, full-tuition scholarships were awarded to Davis Conway of Salisbury, Eric Jackson of Elsberry, and Hunter Felten of Boonville.

“It was a fantastic day of competition,”

22 The Talon | Spring 2025

said Dr. Melissa Simons, dean of the Swinney Conservatory and chair of the fine arts division. “We gave away a lot of money in scholarships, and we really hope to see every one of these students here in the fall. This is my favorite day of the year.”

The first big award on the day was presented in the theatre competition known as Center Stage, where students can compete in acting or theatre production. Simons and theatre professor Mark Kelty presented the

Terri Rohlfing Theatre Arts Scholarship to Davis Conway, who performed a piece from Greece: The Ancient Musical.

“It means a lot to me to win this scholarship because I’ve been working hard on acting since my freshman year. I’ve been working up my talent and my skills and it’s cool to have it pay off in such a big way,” stated Conway, who emphasized his excitement to follow in the footsteps of his sister, Madisyn, who currently stars in theatre and opera

productions for CMU’s Little Theatre.

In the Central’s Got Talent portion of the day, students competed by auditioning instrumental or vocal pieces before faculty judges. Six finalists were selected to perform again in front of an audience, and two winners were selected. This year’s finalists included Evan Coats of Fayette, Chase Staton of Marshall, Eric Jackson of Elsberry, Keira Driskell of Oak Grove, Johnsner Ernest of Marshall, and Hunter Felten of Boonville. Jackson and Felten were chosen as the winners for their talents in clarinet and vocal performance, respectively.

Jackson stated his excitement over being a winner of the competition and his enthusiasm for performing in front of an audience.

“Obviously it was a lot of work to prepare for this competition, but I love music so it was also a lot of fun,” said Jackson, who performed Sonata in C Minor

by Georg Philipp Telemann. “I hope to major in music performance [while at Central], and I would like to learn how to go about finding work performing in front of many people.”

Felten, the last performer on the day among the finalists, says he is happy to have the opportunity to come to the school where his mother studied and sang in the choir.

“Central’s Got Talent was an amazing experience. I got to hear so many amazing instrumentalists and vocalists. It’s truly been one of my favorite experiences so far in my choir career,” said Felten, who hopes to major in music education. “Central Methodist was my mother’s school, and this school has always been a part of my life. I’ve loved the campus, and I can’t wait to work with everybody here.”

Every competitor on the day left with a sizeable scholarship for both their academic excellence and their music or theatre talents. The remaining competitors for the day included Alexis Casdorph of Cole Camp, Alaina Watson of Merriam, Kan., Andrew Hennessy of Independence, Carter Blackburn of Mexico, Emma Mallen of Lone Jack, Gavin Callahan of Fayette, Jackson Krause of Lee’s Summit, Jacob Cullom of Warrenton, John Guthrey of Marshall, Lillian Michael of Cape Girardeau, Matilda McKenzie of Columbia, Piper Merrill of Prairie Home, Taylor Martin of St. Louis, and Vivian Gravitz of St. Louis.

“

2025 Center Stage winner Davis Conway and Dr. Mark Kelty

“Central’s Got Talent was an amazing experience. I got to hear so many amazing instrumentalists and vocalists. It’s truly been one of my favorite experiences so far in my choir career,” said Felten, who hopes to major in music education. “Central Methodist was my mother’s school, and this school has always been a part of my life. I’ve loved the campus, and I can’t wait to work with everybody here.”

2025 Central’s Got Talent winner Eric Jackson and Dr. Melissa Simons

2025 Central’s Got Talent winner Hunter Felten and Dr. Melissa Simons

Spring 2025 | The Talon 23

Breland Reaches 400 Wins for CMU Baseball Program

By Alysha Galla

C

oach Nate Breland ’06 has put his stamp on the Central Methodist baseball program. Through just 12 seasons at the helm, he has already amassed 400 wins.

He is thankful to all the student-athletes that have helped him achieve this feat so quickly.

“I appreciate their commitment to trusting the process and buying into what we think is right,” he said. “It means a lot to me that they have come out and put in the long days and weeks and travel all over the country to represent CMU at the highest level. They’ve always put the Eagle first, and it means a lot to me.”

Averaging 36 wins per season as the head of the team, Breland has an impressive list of accolades. Under his guidance, the Eagles baseball program has been to nine consecutive NAIA Opening Rounds in the National Tournament, and the team finished runner-up at the 2021 NAIA World Series.

That success didn’t come automatically, though. Breland’s first two seasons at the helm were not winning seasons, but he and the coaching staff worked hard to turn the program into what it is today.

“We started recruiting the right type of kids that can win at this level. That’s where we were making mistakes. It has to be the right fit from all angles for a student: campus to community to degree,” he said. “It takes a special kid to come in here and enjoy the small community and still be the best player they can be. We had to find the right kind of kid that could be here

24 The Talon | Spring 2025

and be successful in this type of community.”

That mindset has led to some impressive numbers. Since Breland took over in 2014, the team has produced 17 NAIA All-Americans, 99 Heart All-Conference players and 56 NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Thirty-five of his former Eagle baseball players have also gone on to play at the professional level.

As someone whose name is in the Central baseball record book himself, Breland enjoys seeing his players surpass him.

“It’s enjoyable. Those records and what they are doing means the world to them,” he said. “I remember what it meant to me, so it’s great to watch them break the records and see that it means so much to them, that they didn’t take

it for granted and it wasn’t just another thing.”

When it comes to success, it’s not just about records and wins for Breland.

“I think it’s important to continue to grow on the success on the field and off, especially from a GPA and graduation standpoint,” he said. “We want the guys to move on to the professional world with the tools, tasks, and mindset to be successful.”

Prior to his time with the baseball program, Breland served six years as the head strength and conditioning coach for Central. He graduated from CMU with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 2006 and his master’s in education in 2008.

Terry Henderson ’83, Kirk Meyer ’83, Everett Preyer ’85, Ron Mills ’83, Scott Bell ’86, Todd Rusk ’88, Tim Simmons ’87, and Doug Wright ’87

Brad McCarty ’94, Kirk Arends ’96, Mick Spaulding ’92, Jon Bishop ’95, and Jeff Sherman ’83

34th Annual Dr. Luetjen Memorial Golf Tournament Players and friends of Eagle Athletics came out once again for the annual Dr. Luetjen Golf Tournament this summer, the first since the passing of the tournament’s namesake, Dr. James M. Luetjen. The fundraising event took place on June 14 at Hail Ridge Golf Course in Boonville, bringing out dozens of players to participate in the scramble.

Luetjen, a beloved professor, coach, and athletic director during his career at Central, passed away last July at the age of 91.

Matthew Vandelicht ’07, Tyler Bales, David Holtwick, Kyle Thacher, Brice Clickner, Mike Dowdy ’71, Larry Clickner ‘70, and Bob Hutton

Back: Alan Marshall ’92, Pat Reardon ’90, and Avery Reardon Front: Brad Hunter ’92, Paul Bailey ’89, Rick Armentrout ’90, Steve Seibert, and Cary Bibb ’91

Mick Spaulding ’92, Chad Gains, and Randy Washburn ’70

Justin and Melissa Luetjen, Aron and Bailey Widel, Steve Luetjen ’79, Amy Luetjen Frazier ’85, Don Frazier, and Stephen Sullivan

Pat Kelly, Darryl Pannier 88, Matt Sherman ’10, Jeff Sherman ’83, Steve Scheiner, David Fox ‘83, Fred Smith ’85, and Dan Widhalm ’85

Spring 2025 | The Talon 25

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Reardon Reflects on 40 Years and 1,000 Wins

By Alysha Galla

F

or 40 years, Coach Pat Reardon ’90 has been an Eagle. First as a student-athlete for the men’s soccer and baseball teams, next as a soccer graduate assistant, and finally a head coach of multiple sports. He’s built up a legacy over four decades that will make him a Central legend, especially now that he’s reached a milestone few others have achieved – 1,000 wins as an NAIA softball coach.

Reardon’s tenure as the head softball coach began in 1993. After graduating, he stayed in Fayette, “just trying to kill time” until his thenfiancé, Leslie Peters ’91, graduated. He coached everything from women’s soccer to tennis to cross country, and when the softball head coaching job came open in the fall of 1992, he went to the athletic director and pitched the idea of trading his tennis duties for softball.

“He had a meeting with the president playing racquetball that day,” he said, “and about three hours later, I was named the new head softball coach.”

Thirty-three years later, Coach Reardon celebrated his 1,000th win with a 5-2 victory at Williams Baptist University on March 12, 2025. With his seventh 40-plus win season in the last nine years, he now holds a 1,028-581-1 overall record following the 2025 season. That’s an average of 31 Eagle wins per season.

“Central Methodist has always been a special place,” Coach Reardon said when asked what’s kept him in Fayette for this long. “It does come down to the people. The people, in one word, would be the reason why.”

Reardon’s family is all in with his coaching at Central Methodist as well. His daughter, Addy ’19, went to CMU and helped him coach, his son, Avery, helps in the off-season, and Leslie is one of the team’s biggest cheerleaders while sacrificing so much being a coach’s

wife. It does not stop with just his immediate family, though. His dad, Gene, has spent the last 19 years next to him in the dugout as the associate head coach, and his mom is the team’s seamstress and another big cheerleader for the team.

He went on to say, “This is my program.

This is my stamp that’s on this.”

The softball program continues to thrive under Reardon. He has taken the Eagles to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series five times during his tenure, including appearances in last three years. The 13-time Heart Conference Coach of the Year is the third-winningest coach in NAIA history and holds the conference record for coaching wins.

Under the 2012 CMU Hairston Hall of Fame inductee, the program has seen 27 NAIA AllAmericans, 16 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Americans, 134 Heart All-Conference players, and mor than 175 NAIA-Daktronics Scholar-Athletes.

It hasn’t always been that way for Reardon, though.

Through his first 16 years of coaching, there was not a conference championship.

In 2008, that changed, and since the 2008 conference championship, winning became the expectation.

Now, the Eagles have had 10

conference championships. He credits a lot of this success to his dad joining the staff in 2006.

Whether Gene’s presence breathed fresh life into the program or his recruiting prowess was the reason, the Eagles became a better program.

Even better than the success he has achieved on the diamond? The relationships he has built over the years, the players that have reached out and said it was the best four years of their life, and the success he has seen his players move on to, Reardon says.

When asked if he had anything to say to all his student-athletes he has coached, he said, “The biggest thing would be that I appreciate everything they’ve done when they were here, through the good and the bad. Whether they thought I was a great coach or a terrible coach, whatever the case is. They are all a piece of this program whether they were reserve or varsity. We celebrate the varsity, but there are a lot of reserve players that have come through here that practiced with us or were big pieces of this program that don’t necessarily get the glory and everything else.

But everyone that stepped foot through this door, I try to make sure I treat as an equal.

“I tried to do the best for each one of them,” Reardon said.

“I’m sure proud of all they have accomplished in life.”

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Sports Wrap-up

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Central Methodist women’s basketball team, under first-year head coach Dustyn Yung ’13, finished the 2024-25 season with a 9-19 record and a 6-18 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Eagles opened the season with an 83-67 victory over Haskell on October 28, marking Coach Yung’s first win as head coach of the Eagles. Central ended the season with a senior day win over Mount Mercy, 8269, on February 22. Freshman guard and Columbia native Nautica Washington was named to the Heart All-Conference Third Team, after averaging 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists/game in her first collegiate season. Senior guard Tristan Porter was also recognized as a College Sports Tristan Porter Communications (CSC) Academic All-District selection for her work in the classroom.

Marcus Anthony

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The CMU men’s basketball team, led by Coach Matt Sherman ’10, finished the 202425 campaign with a 15-14 overall record and a 12-12 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Central won three consecutive games to close the regular season and clinch the No. 7 seed in the conference tournament. The Eagles fell to No. 2 seeded Graceland on February 26 in Lamoni, Iowa by a score of 78-75. Senior guard Marcus Anthony produced the best game of his career in his final time in an Eagle uniform. He recorded a game-high 35 points, with 22 of those coming in the first half.

Anthony shot over 50 percent from the floor, which included four threes. He also dished out five assists while grabbing four rebounds. Both Anthony and senior forward Bol Tong earned Heart All-Conference honors, as Anthony was named to the first team, while Tong was selected to the third team. Tong’s strong senior season included an incredible stretch where he earned Heart Player of the Week honors three times in a fourweek span. He was twice named the Heart Defensive Player of the Week and once Offensive Player of the Week.

Don James Griffin

MEN’S WRESTLING

The Central Methodist men’s wrestling team produced its best finish in program history at the NAIA Championships, held March 6-8 in Park City, Kan. Under second-year head coach Graham Karwath, the Eagles finished in 10th place in the team standings with 51.5 points, the highest finish for the program in school history. The program sent five grapplers to the championships, which included Arojae Hart, Don James Griffin, Roman Garcia, Sincere HallOsbourne, and Austin Foye. At the conclusion of the tournament, CMU produced three AllAmericans and a pair of National Runner-Up finishes. Griffin, who was the No. 1 seed in the

28 The Talon | Spring 2025

157-pound bracket, won three consecutive matches to secure a spot in the championship match. He would ultimately fall to David Rubio of Corban, finishing as the national runner-up and earning AllAmerica honors for the second time in his CMU career. Foye entered the tournament as the No. 11 seed, rattling off four consecutive wins, including upsets over the No. 3 and No. 2 seeds, to advance to the title bout. He finished as national runner-up, joining Griffin as an AllAmerican. Garcia became a two-time All-American at 174 pounds after finishing the tournament with a 4-2 record. He capped his tournament with a seventh-place finish after defeating Trace Braun of Southeastern by a 14-2 major decision. The three All-Americans are the most for the program at a national championship in school history.

WOMEN’S WRESTLING

Victoria Nunez Baker

The Central Methodist women’s wrestling program came under new leadership in 2024-25, led by head coach Tim Prescott.

CMU finished the year with a 4-4 dual record, highlighted by an upset victory at home over No. 13 Baker on January 30. The prior week, the Eagles battled No. 6 William Penn.

Although coming up short against the Statesmen, senior Lillian Gough recorded the biggest upset of the year against No. 3 nationally ranked Kendall Bostelman in the 138-pound weight class. Gough pinned Bostelman just two minutes into the first period to secure the win. In the postseason, the Eagles finished sixth at the Heart of America Conference Championships and saw two Eagles qualify for nationals in Lillian Gough (138 pounds) and Victoria Nunez (117 pounds).

CHEER

The CMU cheer program, led by Coach Abi Rosa ’22, competed at the NCA Cheer National Championships April 1012 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Eagles competed in the Intermediate Small Coed NAIA Division, which featured nine different NAIA programs from around the country. CMU posted a preliminary score of 78.43, securing a third-place standing heading into the finals. The Eagles concluded the weekend with a finals score of 78.67, ultimately finishing fifth. Eddie the Eagle also competed in the mascot challenge, finishing in a tie for 15th with an event score of 77.94.

Aubrey Labor

DANCE

Katherine Hendel

The CMU Eagle Envy dance team, under Coach Matt Fohn ’20, competed in three different divisions of the NDA National Championships, April 10-12, in Daytona Beach, Fla. On the first day of competition, Central competed in the preliminaries of both the NAIA Jazz and Spirit Rally Open

Sports Wrap-up Divisions. In Jazz, CMU posted a second-place standing in the prelims after tallying an event score of 82.25 to advance to the finals. That same day, Central finished fourth in Spirit Rally Open with a score of 83.37.

CMU fell just one spot short of advancing to the finals. On Friday, Central finished third in the preliminaries of the Hip Hop Division, tallying a score of 78.42. CMU’s first podium finish came later that day, when the Eagles competed in the Jazz finals with a score of 83.62, placing third.

Central concluded the championships with a fifth-place standing in Hip Hop Saturday, tallying a score of 78.0.

Men’s Golf team

Mechelle Vermillion

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF

The Central Methodist women’s golf program had a successful season on the links, as they finished the year with six top-three tournament finishes. CMU also brought home a pair of tournament championships in the Missouri Valley Invitational in Marshall and the Wildcat Fall Classic in Quincy, Ill. During the spring season, CMU finished fifth in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament, improving one spot from 2024’s sixth-place finish.

The CMU men matched the women with tournament championships at the Missouri Valley Invitational and the Wildcat Fall Classic. They also posted four top-three tournament finishes during the 2024-25 season.

Sophomore golfer Cole Wiese led the way with several top individual finishes. He was named the Heart Men’s Golfer of the Week after finishing in a tie for second at the William Woods Fall Invitational on September 16. The men placed eighth at the Heart of America Championships in April, and Wiese was named to the Heart All-Conference Tournament team for his play during the regular season.

BASEBALL

The Central Methodist baseball program finished the 2025 season with a 35-15 overall record and a 25-7 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Head Coach Nate Breland ’06 secured his 400th career win as the Eagles shut out Tabor College, 6-0, on February 7 at the Cajun Collision in Sterlington, La. Coach Breland’s record, after Ryan the 2025 season, stands at 431-

Malzahn

191, for a 69 percent career winning percentage as head coach. Breland was recognized for his 400th win with a special presentation from Jeff Sherman, director of athletics, on March 28 during the Eagles’ home doubleheader against William Penn.

For their play in the regular season, nine players earned Heart AllConference honors. Four were named to the first team, including Darius Freeman (OF), Carlos Negron (OF), Gavin Whitehurst (DH), and Foster Seitz (P). The trio of Kyle Williams (1B), Tanner Sears (C), and Ryan Malzahn (OF) were named to the second team, while Valentin Cerna Jr. and David Soriano earned honorable mention nods.

After finishing third in the Heart Regular Season standings, the Eagles cruised through the conference tournament, posting a perfect 4-0 record in Ozark, Mo. The Eagles capped their championship run with an 11-3 win over Mount Mercy in the championship game. CMU averaged more than 15 runs per game in each of their four wins in the tournament. Central’s Ryan Malzahn was named Tournament MVP after hitting .529 with six home runs, two doubles, 13 RBI, and 10 runs in the Eagles’ four games. Additionally, the All-Tournament team, announced after the tournament, was loaded with Eagles. Tanner Sears (C), David Soriano (SS), Valentin Cerna Jr. (IF), Ryan Malzahn (OF), Carlos Negron (OF), Kyle Williams (DH) and Foster Seitz (SP) were recognized for their performances during the tournament. With the tournament championship, the program secured its third conference tournament title in the last five years, and the first since 2022. CMU punched its ticket to the NAIA National Tournament for the ninth straight year. Central closed its season in the opening round of the Lakeland Bracket in Lakeland, Fla.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BOWLING

The Central Methodist men’s and women’s bowling program competed Emma in seven tournaments during Kitchens the fall and spring seasons.

The women finished sixth at the Columbia College Invite on January 19 in Columbia, Mo. Freshman Emma Kitchens led the way for Central with a 17th place finish with 749 total pins, averaging 149.8 pins/game.

The men also posted a sixthplace finish at the event. Lane Hook was the highest finisher for the men, placing 12th with an average of 175 pins/game (873 total). Lukas Heldenbrand posted a 15th place standing, knocking down 844 pins for a 169 pins/game average. Dustin Linneman (18th - 821) also landed in the Top 20 of the Sunday Tournament. Both programs Lane Hook concluded their seasons at the NAIA West Regional Tournament on February 1-2 in Lawrence, Kan.

SOFTBALL

The Central Methodist softball program concluded the 2025 season with another stellar campaign, capped by their third straight trip to the NAIA World Series in Columbus, Ga. in late May. The program began the year with an incredible milestone, as Pat Reardon ’90 secured his 1000th

Spring 2025 | The Talon 29

Sports Wrap-up career win as head coach of the Eagles on March 12. With a game one win over Williams Baptist in Walnut Ridge, Ark., Coach Reardon became just the fourth coach in NAIA softball history to reach 1,000 career wins.

At the conclusion of the 2025 season, he now holds a career record of 1028-581-1 and is the third-winningest coach in the history of NAIA softball. Coach Reardon was presented with an honorary plaque by Jeff Sherman ’83, CMU director of athletics, in between the program’s games against Lauren Hill ’25 MidAmerica Nazarene on March 22.

Central finished the year with a 42-11 overall record and a 21-3 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Eagles won the Heart regular season title for the fourth straight year. Coach Reardon was named the Heart Coach of the Year for the 13th time in his career and junior Elizabeth Palumbo earned her second straight Heart Player of the Year honor. Altogether, 10 members of the program earned AllConference honors. Palumbo was joined on the First Team by Haley Cotter, Lauren Hill, Madison Roberts, Daly Garland, Kaysie Jolley, Rachel Brandt, and Joely Crider. Veronica Dearth and Maddie Holly rounded out the All-Conference selection with at-large and honorable mention nods, respectively. Madison Roberts also achieved a Heart Conference Gold Glove Award for her extraordinary defense on the diamond. The Eagles secured the No. 2 seed in the Fayette Bracket of the opening round, which was played on their home turf at Cox Softball Complex. Central swept the bracket with wins over British Columbia, LSU-Alexandria, and Tennessee Southern. CMU concluded the year at the NAIA World Series, where they posted a 1-2 record. After the season, seven Eagles were named to National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association AllRegion Teams. Central’s All-Region V first team selections included Haley Cotter (P), Daly Garland (2B), Madison Roberts (SS) and Joely Crider (DP).

Second team selections for the Eagles included Lauren Hill (C), Elizabeth Palumbo (1B), and Kaysie Jolley (OF). Additionally, Palumbo (second team) and Hill (third team) were tabbed as NAIA All-Americans.

ESPORTS

The CMU ESports program, led by Coach Grayson Blackburn Tyler Molnar ’21, garnered a number of honors during the fall and spring season.

Senior Victor Bedoya was named the League of Legends Player of the Week the week of October 2, 2024, after leading the Eagles to a 1-0 win over St. Ambrose on September 26.

CMU competed in the conference’s second-ever League of Legends Heart Tournament on October 19 on the campus of Park University in Parkville, Mo. The No. 4 seeded Eagles finished the tournament with two tough losses.

During the spring season, freshman Daniel Richmann was named the Heart Rocket League Player of the Week. The St. Louis native led Central to a 1-1 record with a 3-0 win against Baker, followed by a 4-2 loss against Missouri Valley College. He tallied 13 goals, nine assists, and 14 saves for the week. Central entered

30 The Talon | Spring 2025

the postseason as the No. 4 season of the Rocket League Tournament, finishing with a 1-2 record, including a 4-0 shut out win over Graceland.

Head Coach Tyler Molnar was named the 2025 ESports Coach of the Year while Richmann earned Heart First Team All-Conference honors. Coach Molnar, who serves as the vice chair for the Heart Esports Coaches, led CMU to a pair of conference tournament qualifications in both League of Legends and Rocket League. Richmann earned All-Conference honors for the first time in his young career.

VC Alexander ’25

STUNT

CMU STUNT battled a number of NCAA Division I and NAIA programs in its third season as a program. The Eagles punched their ticket to their first-ever College STUNT National Championship when they defeated Missouri Valley in its final tournament of the season by a score of 13-6, on Sunday, April 6 in Springfield, Mo. The Eagles earned the No. 3 seed at the championship, which was held in Nashville, Tenn. Central squared off against a familiar foe in No. 2 Missouri Baptist, where they dropped their first game of the tournament to the Spartans by a final score of 13-7. Needing a win to extend their season, the Eagles squared off against Missouri Baptist again the following day, falling to MBU 13-6 to conclude the year. Seven Eagles were named All-Americans, including Brianna Klobe (first team), Virginia Claire Alexander (first team), Sara Francis (second team), Grace Palmer (second team), Makenna Cartwright (second team), Abigail Campbell (honorable mention), and Emily Collins (honorable mention). Alexander was recognized as the Highest Scoring Athlete of the Year, Haley Bellamy tallying 225 total points for CMU.

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD Renee Finke ’25

The Central Methodist track and field programs had another remarkable run during indoor season, highlighted by a Heart Conference Championship for the CMU women, their third title in the last four years. The CMU women took home the conference crown after scoring 209 total points and taking home gold in six individual events. The 209 points scored were 47 points better than second-place Benedictine and are the most for the program during their last three championships.

Senior middle distance runner Dayana Montenegro was tabbed as the highest point scorer of the meet. Montenegro tallied 30.5 points, winning the 400m (56.16) and the 600m (1:33.43) races and finishing second in the women’s 200m (25.09). She also helped lead the CMU 4x400m relay to a first-place finish (3:51.32). Montenegro was named the Women’s Athlete of the Meet, Assistant Coach Kailey Johnson was tabbed as the Heart Women’s Indoor Co-Assistant Coach of the Year, and Head Coach Kenny Anderson was recognized as the Heart Women’s Indoor Coach of the Year, the fourth honor of his career. Coach Anderson was also named the South-Central Regional Women’s Indoor Coach of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association. CMU sent

Hugo Massa

the following athletes to indoor nationals in Gainesville, Fla.: Haley Bellamy (high jump, pentathlon), Dayana Montenegro (600m run), Claireece Cross (triple jump), Renee Finke (high jump, pentathlon), Diane Ondobo (600m run), Allena Rowland (600m run), Joana Vakasobuduru (pentathlon) and Karli Wolfe (weight throw), and the 4x400m relay team of Aroa Carballo, Zakiya Porter, Montenegro, Rowland, Vakasobuduru, Ondobo, and Bellamy. The women posted a strong run at nationals with a top-10 finish (No. 9) in the team standings for the third straight year. Altogether the CMU women brought home 11 NAIA All-Americans, which included Finke (3rd – pentathlon, 7th – high jump), Bellamy (4th – pentathlon), the 4x400m relay team of Ondobo, Montenegro, Carballo, Vakasobuduru, and Rowland (3rd), Wolfe (5th – weight throw), Montenegro (4th – 600m), and Ondobo (6th – 600m).

The CMU men finished fourth at the Heart Indoor Conference Championships in Maryville, Mo. with 104.5 total team points. The CMU men produced three individual conference champions, including Hugo Massa (800m run), Brayton Stephenson (shot put), and Ethan Smith (heptathlon). Central sent six men to indoor nationals in Gainesville, Fla. in the latter part of February, including Colder Evans (shot put), Stephenson (shot put), Doriye Jackson (600m), Massa (600m), Smith (heptathlon), and Leroy Williams (60m hurdles). The Eagles concluded the weekend with three NAIA All-Americans, including the men’s first national champion since 2017. Massa placed sixth in the 600m run in a time of 1:20.10, Evans finished sixth in the shot put with a new personal best throw of 16.65 meters, and Stephenson won the national title in the shot put with a throw of 17.44 meters. The men would finish in 13th place in the team standings with 17 points.

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD

Both the men’s and women’s track and field programs built upon a strong indoor season into a dominant outdoor season. For the women, the Eagles completed the sweep of both the Heart Indoor and Outdoor Conference Championships, winning outdoor conference on their home turf in early May with 179 total points. It marked the second outdoor title for the program in the last three years and the fifth conference championship, indoor or outdoor, in the previous five years. Additionally, the CMU women garnered 13 individual conference champions in seven different events. Junior sprinter Zakiya Porter was named the Heart Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of Diane the Meet. She took home gold in Ondobo three different events, including the 100m dash (11.71), 200m dash (24.40) and the 4x100m relay (46.54).

In the 100m dash, Porter not only set a new school record in the event but also a conference championship record.

She was also a part of the 4x100m relay team that set both a school and conference championship record. Nine Eagles qualified for the outdoor national championships in Marion, Ind. later in the month, including; Haley Bellamy (high jump, heptathlon), Aroa Carballo

Sports Wrap-up (400m hurdles), Renee Finke (high jump), Diane Ondobo (400m dash), Zakiya Porter (100m, 200m dash), Allena Rowland (400m dash), Parys Smith (100m hurdles), and Joana Vakasobuduru (javelin).

Additionally, the 4x100m relay (Porter, Vakasobuduru, Smith, Ondobo, and Zyaire Robinson) and the 4x400m relay teams (Ondobo, Vakasobuduru, Carballo, Rowland, and Bellamy) ran for the Eagles.

Central brought home five All-Americans, beginning with Bellamy in the heptathlon. The senior from St. Louis finished fourth in the twoday, seven-event competition with 4,774 total points. The 4x400m relay team of Ondobo, Vakasobuduru, Carballo, and Rowland finished as the national runner-up in the relay after running a time of 3:48.73 in the finals. The Eagles, after scoring 13 points as a team, finished in a tie for 22nd place in the final standings.

For the CMU men, the Eagles had a dominant showing in the Heart Outdoor Conference Championships, winning the meet with 196 total points, 85 points better than secondplace Benedictine and 97 points above third-place Park Brayton University.

With the Stephenson CMU women winning the women’s title, both programs concluded an impressive indoor and outdoor run, winning three of four conference championships in 2024-25.

Additionally, CMU garnered 15 individual conference champions in nine different events. Highlighting the meet for Central was junior Sam Thomas, who was the highest point scorer of any male athlete with 23.5 points. He won the men’s long jump (7.01m) and also scored points in the men’s 400m dash (3rd - 48.72), 200m dash (7th - 21.50), and the 4x400m relay (1st - 41.10). Coach Tevin Riddle was named the Heart Men’s Outdoor Assistant Coach of the Year, and Coach Kenny Anderson was named the Heart Men’s Outdoor Coach of the Year, the eighth such honor during his time leading the Eagles. Additionally, Riddle and Anderson also earned South Central Regional Coach of the Year honors from the USTFCCCA, while Colder Evans was named the Men’s Field Athlete of the Year. Evans earned silver medals in both the discus and the hammer and fourth place in the shot put at the Heart Outdoor Championships. He qualified for outdoor nationals in the discus, hammer, and shot put. Evans was also ranked among the top-20 athletes nationally in both the hammer and discus. Central sent 16 men to outdoor nationals in Marion, Ind., including Logan Bass (400m hurdles), Hunter Mont Cary (decathlon), Ethan Smith (decathlon), Evans (shot put, discus, and hammer throw), Brayton Stephenson (shot put), Hugo Massa (800m run), Harvey Sayon (high jump), Azaan Stoughtenborough (triple jump), and Leroy Williams (110m hurdles). Additionally, the 4x100m relay (Adam Trachsel, Sam Thomas, Tristan Boyce, Charles Young, and Williams) and the 4x800m relay teams (Jacchaeus Taylor, Doriye Jackson, David Leon, Massa, Thomas, and Bass) ran for the Eagles. Highlighting the meet for Central was junior Brayton Stephenson, who won the national title in the shot put after reaching a mark of 18.47 meters on his second throw of the event. The throw, which set a new school record, gave Stephenson his second national title in 2025, after he took home first place in the indoor championships in March.

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Ted House ’81 conducts the CMU concert band at Kirkwood United Methodist Church.

Choirs Present ‘Reflections of Love’ at Kirkwood United Methodist Church

C

entral Methodist University and the Swinney Conservatory of Music invited the public to attend an afternoon of choral music performed by the CMU choirs, presenting a concert titled “Reflections of Love” on Sunday, March 2, at Kirkwood United Methodist Church in Kirkwood, Mo. The program explored love in its many forms through a diverse selection of repertoire. Drawing inspiration from the Song of Solomon 8:6, the concert reflected on the enduring power of love: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm.”

Under the direction of Dr. Thomas Clark and with the help of collaborative artist Janet O’Neill, the Conservatory Singers and Chorale presented pieces that blend classical and contemporary works. Featured selections included “I Am Loved” by emerging composer Christopher Harris, with inspiring text by St. Louis native Sara Teasdale, and C. V. Stanford’s “Beati Quorum Via,” a serene and reflective choral piece.

The program’s centerpiece, “Five Hebrew Love Songs” by Eric Whitacre, offered a captivating collection of short songs based on

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Hebrew poetry, enhanced by the artistry of special guest violist and current adjunct instructor of strings Dominique Archambeau, whose performance added warmth and depth to these expressive melodies.

The concert concluded with “If Music Be the Food of Love” by David Dickau, a lush and romantic setting of Shakespeare’s text celebrating music as a universal expression of love.

The performance also highlighted the talents of student musicians Matthew Hamilton (trumpet) and Casey Brooks (flute), accompanied by collaborative artist Zachary Kierstead ’20, a CMU professor and graduate of Kirkwood High School. Dr. Roger Drake, CMU president, was also on hand for a special performance, along with choir members Grace O’Neal and Mallory Boyer.

Following the concert, a social gathering was open to alumni, church members, and other visitors, also held at Kirkwood UMC. The community had a chance to meet the new members of the Swinney Conservatory, as well as Dr. Melissa Simons, the dean of the conservatory.

Moore ’91 Named Director of Bands Brings 27 Years of Teaching Experience

By Emily Kesel

C

entral Methodist University’s new director of bands didn’t begin his college journey at Central, nor did he start his teaching career in Fayette, but as both a student and now as an educator, he’s found his way “home.” After 27 years of teaching at the high school level, Chuck Moore ’91 is ready to take the baton for his alma mater.

Moore, who will take over after the departure of Dr. Kara Metzger this summer, says it still feels “a little surreal” to be stepping into the role held by so many legends of Central, but he is excited for new opportunities to create music in a college environment and be an inspiration for young music students, as Keith House ’49 once was for him.

“It’s an honor, it really is,” said Moore of joining the esteemed list of Central band directors. “Prof. House was a profound influence in college, but several other Central grads have been mentors and trusted confidants throughout my teaching career, such as Skip Vandelicht ’77, Bob Hansen ’67, and Keith Ruether ’86. These musicians helped shape who I’ve become as a director.”

As a public school educator and band director for 27 years, most

of which were spent at Fulton High School (2000-2012) and Sullivan High School (2012-2025), his programs have gained widespread state and national recognition. His concert bands were selected to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association conference on three separate occasions, once at Fulton and twice at Sullivan, and the marching bands competed at numerous national, regional, and state festivals under his direction.

Moore himself has served on the MSHSAA Music Advisory Committee and as district president of the MMEA Northeast and East Central Districts. He has also served as lead trombone judge for the All-State Band auditions since 2001 and as an adjudicator and band clinician for many years, all of which helped make him a prime candidate to join the team of educators for the Swinney Conservatory of Music at Central.

“Chuck is the perfect puzzle piece for what we need – enticing more students to come to CMU,” said Dr. Melissa Simons, chair of the division of fine and performing arts. “He is well-known around the state and has an amazing reputation not only for the quality of his bands, but for the students that have worked with him. If you go to any school, they recognize his name, and I think that’s going to be an incredible recruiting factor for us.”

It’s a fitting, full-circle narrative for Moore, whose own connection to Prof. House through the recruiting cycle is what brought him to Central in the first place. Moore says he visited campus while in high school, and while his educational path took him first to the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri, the impression left by House stuck with him and made the eventual move to Central an easy choice. Now, he finds himself “saying the same phrases that Keith House said to us” as he teaches.

“They weren’t just music things; they were profound bits of wisdom that just stick with you,” Moore said of the so-called Houseisms. “The one I probably use most is ‘Never louder than lovely.’ The kids at any age can really relate to it.”

Moore’s musical connection to Central goes back even further than House, in fact. He credits his high school teachers for being influential in shaping his future, including his choir director and English teacher, Central alumni Dave Goodwin and wife A.B. Goodwin, both class of 1958. His deep roots within the CMU community and connections to other music alumni make him the ideal candidate for such a pressure-packed job.

“Our alumni are very excited. We’ve had lots of them reach out to us and tell us how excited they are to have heard the news,” said Simons. “Chuck has great knowledge of who we are and what we provide. I think knowledge is power, so that is going to help a lot.”

Moore – alongside his wife, Natalie ’91, whom he met at Central and is who set to join the Glasgow school district as a vocal music teacher – is ready to get to work in Fayette this summer. He has already served as a guest conductor at the 50th Annual Alumni Band event on June 14, and now will be hard at work shaping the bands for the fall semester and beyond.

“My wife and I are very excited to be back where our lives started together. My goal is to share many of the unique musical opportunities and wisdom, that were afforded to me as a student, with a new generation of students,” he said. “The music faculty is close-knit and incredibly supportive of one another and of the students, and I’m looking forward to being part of the team. I am elated to bring prospective students and families to campus so they can see who we are and experience the one-of-a-kind educational value that Central can provide.”

Spring 2025 | The Talon 33

Brother Guy J. Consolmagno S.J. speaks at the Dr. Thomas A. Perry Faith & Science Lecture.

CMU Celebrates Academic Lecture Series for 2025

T

he spring 2025 slate of guest speakers brought to Fayette to participate in Central Methodist University’s academic lecture series continued the tradition of sharing insight and expertise from a wide range of subjects. Find out more about each lecturer here, then check out videos of their talks by scanning the QR code on the next page.

Geist-Yancey Lecture on the Arts The third annual Geist-Yancey Lecture on the arts took place on February 26, presented by actor, playwright, and novelist John Cariani. Cariani’s lecture, titled “You Can Smell Plays, But You Can’t Smell TV Shows and Movies…and Other Things I Love About the Theatre,” was held in the Inman Lecture Hall and preceded his involvement in a play writing workshop the following day.

Cariani is a playwright, actor, and novelist. As a playwright, he is best known for his first play, Almost, Maine, which premiered at Portland Stage Company in 2004, opened Off-Broadway in 2006, and has since become one of the most popular plays in the United States and around the world.

The play has received more than 5,000

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productions to date and has been translated into more than a dozen languages. In 2020 he penned Almost, Maine - a novel, which was recently published by Fiewel and Fiends. Almost, Maine is the most frequently produced play in North American high schools over the past decade. Cariani’s other plays—LOVE/SICK, cul-de-sac, and LAST GAS—have received more than 500 productions in the U.S. and around the world.

As an actor, Cariani made his Broadway debut in the 2004 revival of Fiddler on the Roof receiving an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of Motel the Tailor.

Later, he originated the role of Nigel Bottom in the Broadway hit John Cariani speaking at the Geist-Yancey Lecture Something Rotten! and received an on the Arts Outer Critics Circle Award and a Grammy Award nomination for nomination for his performance. his performance. Additionally, he originated Most people know Cariani from his work the role of Itzik in the The Band’s Visit, on TV. He played Forensics Tech Beck for winner of the 2018 Tony Award for Best five seasons on NBC’s long-running drama, Musical; and he recently appeared as Stuart Law & Order. He also had recurring roles Gelman in the acclaimed revival of Caroline, on CBS’s Numbers and on IFC’s The Onion or Change, receiving a Grammy Award News Network. Notable film work includes

Showtime (with Robert De Niro), Scotland, PA (with Christopher Walken), and Elephant Sighs (with Ed Asner).

In addition to the lecture, Cariani participated in a workshop for the Ten-Minute Play Festival that was held on campus on February 27-28.

Gil and Ruth Fleer Lecture The 2025 Fleer Lecture at Central Methodist University took place on Wednesday, March 26, as Rev. Dr. Rubén Rosarío Rodríguez lectured on “Spiritual Formation in a Secular World: Challenges and Opportunities.”

Rosarío is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary and holds the Clarence Louis and Helen Steber Professorship in Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. He engages issues of global migration and social justice as director of the Mev Puleo Program in Latin American Politics, Theology, and Culture at Saint Louis University.

His latest monographs include Theological Fragments: What We Can and Cannot Know about an Infinite God (Westminster John Knox Press, 2023) and Calvin for the World: The Enduring Relevance of His Political, Social, and Economic Theology (Baker Academic, 2024).

Rev. Dr. Rubén Rosarío Rodríguez speaking at the Gil and Ruth Fleer Lecture

Dr. Thomas A. Perry Faith & Science Lecture On April 21, Central Methodist University welcomed Brother Guy J. Consolmagno S.J. to campus to give the 2025 Perry Lecture on Faith and Science. Consolmagno presented his lecture, titled “Genesis, Creation, and the Vatican Observatory,” in the Inman Lecture Hall.

Known as “The Pope’s Astronomer,” Consolmagno serves as the director of the Vatican Observatory and president of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, with an area of research in asteroids and meteorites. His address reflected on how faith in a Creator gives humanity the courage to study creation, and how understanding creation gives us an intimate familiarity with that Creator.

Consolmagno, who spoke at Central on the day Pope Francis died, has multiple degrees in planetary science and has spent a career as a professor and lecturer. He was a postdoctoral fellow and lecturer at the Harvard College Observatory and MIT before joining the Peace Corps, serving for two years in Kenya teaching physics and astronomy. He returned to the US and teaching in higher education before entering the Jesuit order in 1989.

Br. Consolmagno has served on the governing boards of the Meteoritical Society; the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Division III, Planetary Systems Science (secretary, 2000 - present) and Commission 16, Moons and Planets (president, 2003-2006); and the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences (chair, 2006-2007). Since 2008, he has been a member of the IAU Working Group on Planetary System Nomenclature and the Mars Nomenclature Task Group.

He has co-authored two astronomy books and four books exploring issues of faith and science, including The Way to the Dwelling of Light (U of Notre Dame Press, 1998); Brother Astronomer (McGraw Hill, 2000); God’s Mechanics (Jossey-Bass, 2007), and Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial? (With Paul Mueller, Image, 2014).

Audience during Q&A for the Dr. Thomas A. Perry Faith & Science Lecture

Brother Guy J. Consolmagno S.J. gives the Perry Lecture.

To view these lectures and previous lecutures visit: http:// youtu.be/playlist?list=PLLJIXz ewD5BKOWAak87qVdXwOQ CAFyIjR

Spring 2025 | The Talon 35

From left, faculty Innovation Award winners Dr. Julie Bennet, Dr. Amanda Arp, Dr. Ryan Woldruff, and Dr. Cody Smothers

Faculty, Students Earn Innovation Awards

By Carrie Strodtman ’03

A

t Central Methodist University’s March faculty meeting, four faculty members were recognized for their exceptional work in integrating technology into their teaching. This year’s Innovation Award winners—Dr. Julie Bennet, Dr. Amanda Arp, Dr. Cody Smothers, and Dr. Ryan Woldruff—were honored for their forward-thinking approaches that enhance student learning through the use of iPads and artificial intelligence (AI).

The Innovation Award, first introduced in 2019, highlights faculty members who embrace technology to enrich academic engagement, address classroom challenges, and prepare students for an evolving digital world. This year, two winners were recognized for their integration of iPads into coursework, while two others were selected for their innovative use of AI in the classroom.

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Dr. Julie Bennet, professor of business, was honored for her marketing course, where students applied the AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) framework to create infomercials and written sales briefs that emphasized FAB (Features, Advantages, and Benefits). By leveraging digital tools, students developed persuasive marketing strategies, strengthening both their analytical and creative skills.

Dr. Amanda Arp, assistant professor of English and director of the Writing Center, was recognized for her use of iPads in her workplace writing course. She emphasized the importance of multimodal communication, allowing students to create professional documents using their devices.

“Using their iPads to craft visuals and Microsoft Word documents gives them a range of multimodal experience that can

transfer to other courses and onwards into their time beyond the university,” said Arp. “It is also engaging for students since they get to make their own choices throughout the assignment, empowering them in their communications.”

On the AI front, Dr. Cody Smothers, assistant professor of English, was honored for his AI Friday Forums in Composition II, where students explored AI’s role in academic writing.

Each week, students engaged in discussions and exercises connected to course readings, demystifying AI and encouraging ethical usage.

“These assignments offer a low-stakes and expressive way of looking at AI, showing that the use of it should not be seen as scary or problematic but helpful if you know the ethical ways of using the information it gives you,” Smothers explained.

Dr. Ryan Woldruff, associate professor

of English, took AI integration even further in his advanced workplace writing course, where students participated in an eight-week workplace simulation. Tasked with creating a fictional Futures Forecasting Consulting Company, students used AI for project coordination, idea generation, design, and image creation.

“In all, the students were participating in the kinds of group collaboration and writing that happens in businesses, while also tackling individual projects based on their interests,” Woldruff said. “They’re providing a portfolio of both collaborative and individual work that they can mention in job interviews, and the long-term collaborative tools will help them in their future careers.”

In addition to the faculty Innovation Awards, a handful of CMU students were also recognized for their creative use of technology. The first-place Innovation Award went to Lauren Bissen, for her project titled “Aspirations: A Digital Story,” while the second-place award was given to Carly Edwards and Noah Kee for their work titled “VIVIDMED White Paper, the Path to a More Effective Healthcare Education and Practice.”

Bissen, a marine biology major, said she enjoyed taking a different approach to her advanced research writing assignment than she usually takes in classes for her major.

“I wanted to use my digital story project from my advanced research writing class to express my personal story and connection with my major, rather than use it to inform my audience about a certain topic,” she said.

“While it was a lot of work putting together all the different pieces of the video, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a finished project with all the hard work I put into it.”

Kee, whose shared project came about as part of Woldruff’s award-winning course, said the assignment helped him learn the importance of familiarizing himself with new technologies.

“I hadn’t used AI very much before this class, so it was a great experience learning to use it and thinking critically about its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its potentials and its responsible use,” he said, highlighting a key component of Digital U and the intention behind the Innovation Awards.

With the Innovation Award program, along with Digital U and the Apple Distinguished School designation, CMU continues to lead in technology enhanced education that will prepare students for the future.

Spring 2025 | The Talon 37

Members and advisors of the African American Student Union at the MLK Luncheon

Community Celebrates MLK Day Two Awards Presented

By Emily Kesel

C

entral Methodist University and the African American Student Union (AASU) invited the Fayette community to campus on January 20 for the annual MLK Luncheon honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Held in the Inman Student and Community Center, the event successfully brought students, faculty, and staff together with members of the community.

AASU president Jaylon Lewis began the festivities by welcoming all those in attendance and thanking them for their support of the event and the organization.

He then introduced campus chaplain Scotty Wall to lead the room in prayer before the meal. Wall took a moment to reflect on the Methodist baptism covenant in the context of Dr. King.

“I think we can all agree to this. [The covenant] asks, ‘Do you resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?’” said Wall. “That was one thing, I believe, among many others that Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for: resisting evil, injustice, and oppression in all the forms they present themselves.”

Following a brunch served by the Fresh Ideas staff, AASU’s vice president Claireece Cross took to the podium to read an excerpt from a 1967 speech by Dr. King titled “Where Do We Go from Here.” Cross and Lewis then presented the two awards given annually at the event.

The 2025 Lea Tindall Award was presented to CMU alumna and current retention specialist Mackenzie Hustead ’17, while the Bright Future Award was given to J.T. Taylor.

The Tindall Award recognizes individuals who exemplify a dedication to serving others

38 The Talon | Spring 2025

in the spirit of Dr. King and who are deserving of honoring the memory of Ms. Lealure Tindall.

Hustead’s service to Central made her an ideal candidate, as Lewis described. “[Hustead] is a valued member of the CMU team and has positively impacted AASU president Jaylon Lewis with J.T. Taylor, countless lives through her Mackenzie Hustead ’17, and AASU vice president compassionate tireless efforts Claireece Cross in assisting students with the transfer process,” he said. shape a brighter future.

“Students consistently praise In introducing Taylor as this year’s her for her commonness, helpfulness, and winner, Cross described him as a recent unwavering support throughout their transfer student who has made “significant journey. Beyond her work, she is an active impact” during his first semester at Central. supporter of various events and organizations “In his free time, [Taylor] dedicates along the CMU campus, demonstrating her himself to supporting our athletics programs deep commitment to build a stronger, more by using his creative talents in photo and inclusive community.” video production to help promote our Hustead deflected praise when asked teams,” she said.

“His contributions have about the award, turning her appreciation not gone unnoticed as he has played an back to the AASU organization. essential role in highlighting the hard work “I think seeing the group of people gathered here today is just as exciting as any and dedication of our student-athletes. In award,” she said. “I was on this campus for addition to his work with athletics, he is an four years as a student, and I feel like the active and engaged member of the African presence of AASU has grown exponentially American Student Union, demonstrating his since then. And to be recognized for being commitment to building a stronger and more able to impact students in any way feels inclusive campus community.”

Taylor was delighted to have been really special, and I love to see all that recognized by his peers for this award. they’re doing.”

“It means a lot to know that I have a bright The MLK Bright Future Award honors future ahead, that I have a lot of talent,” he young leaders who embody Dr. King’s values said.

“I’ve been here for around six months of education, service, leadership, and social now, and to receive an award connected to justice. Recipients inspire bold dreams, Martin Luther King, Jr. is amazing. I have foster unity, and drive meaningful change, a lot of kindness and smiles to give to the carrying forward MLK’s legacy of equality world, and being an influence for kids and and progress. The award highlights the power everyone is exciting.” of service, justice, and uplifting humanity to

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS YOUNG ALUMNI

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Geofrey Bilabaye ’15 Shayna Burchett ’13 Chris Ebright ’11

Bill Chott ’91 Beverly Garner ’88 Marvin Manring ’85 Kristofferson Culmer ’06

JOIN US FOR THE ALUMNI AWARDS CEREMONY DURING HOMECOMING WEEKEND ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

MAKE A

DIFFERENCE

Make a planned gift to Central: · Leave a gift in your will or living trust to Central Methodist University. · Make Central Methodist University a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy. · Recommend grants from your donor advised fund. · Give appreciated assets, such as stock.

When you inform Central of your intentions, you join a growing group of alumni and friends as part of Central’s Heritage Society.

sstegeman@centralmethodist.edu 573-690-2008

centralmethodist.myplannedgift.org/

Spring 2025 | The Talon 39

40 The Talon | Spring 2025

Central CMU Giving Day a Success Goals Reached for Gifts, Dollars

T

he Central Methodist University community came out in force this spring for the first CMU Giving Day on March 26, raising thousands of dollars to contribute to Central students’ futures.

Organizers within the office of advancement and alumni relations set goals of raising $50,000 from 200 donors in just 24 hours, and the community responded to meet and exceed those goals. At the end of the day, CMU received 208 gifts for a total of $76,709 raised, including matching gifts from other donors.

“We are so grateful to our loyal donors for the participation and generosity they’ve shown on our first Giving Day,” said Dr. Bill Sheehan ’84, executive vice president. “It’s abundantly clear that our alumni, faculty and staff, and community truly care about our students’ success, and we’re very thankful for their contributions.”

Donors contributing through the Giving Day site had the opportunity to choose from a number of options for how their gift would make an impact. The Central Annual Fund received 97 donations, while Central athletics and fine arts each received dozens of gifts as well, distributed across specific areas of donor interest.

Anyone still wishing to contribute to the success of Central’s students and the institution may donate to Central at any time at givetocentral.org.

“

It’s abundantly clear that our alumni, faculty and staff, and community truly care about our students’ success, and we’re very thankful for their contributions.

Dr. Bill Sheehan ’84 Spring 2025 | The Talon 41

50 Years of Alumni Band

O

n Saturday, June 14, Central Methodist University celebrated its annual Alumni Band gathering, marking the 50th such occasion since the tradition began.

Returning alumni band members and participants rehearsed in the morning, then gathered for a special luncheon to celebrate the 50-year anniversary. The crowd heard from Dr. Melissa Simons, dean of the Swinney Conservatory, as well as the new director of bands, 1991 CMU graduate Chuck Moore. Professor emeritus Skip Vandelicht ’77 also spoke, as did Hon. Ted House ’81, son of legendary band director Keith House ’49.

The concert was held in the evening, with dozens of alumni from all eras of Central bands lending their talents to the music, and the celebration wrapped up with an Alumni Band Social.

42 The Talon | Spring 2025

Chuck Moore ’91, Central’s new director of bands, conducts at the Alumni Band concert.

Hon. Ted House ’81 speaks to the crowd at the Alumni Band luncheon on June 14.

Dr. Melissa Simons, dean of Swinney Conservatory, and Crystal Kimmi ’21 share a laugh at the Alumni Band luncheon.

Skip Vandelicht ’77 conducts the Alumni Band at the 50th annual Alumni Band concert.

Spring 2025 | The Talon 43

Alumni News & Notes

1970s

Dr. John R. Smart, III ’76, along with his two associates, announced the grand opening of the new $14 million dollar Casey County Primary Care Facility in Liberty, Ky. John has been a physician for 44 years.

1980s

Susan Hart ’86 was promoted to president of Reinhardt Construction in December 2024.

1990s

TALON

Stacie Littrell Wild ’92 was awarded the Central Missouri Secondary School Counselor of the Year 2024 and Missouri School Counselor of the Year Finalist 2024.

Dawn Evans ’92 retired from Fox C-6 School District in Arnold, Mo. Jeanne Wiggins ’97 is an ANCC certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist of 17 years and a psychiatric nurse of 28 years. She is a Perinatal Mental Health Provider, an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider, and a Certified Geriatric Care Professional who serves as the Nurse Practitioner Liaison and Advanced Practice Provider Committee Chair with the Midwest Society of Addiction Medicine (MWSAM).

She is also a member of the Compass Health Network Psychiatry Senior Management Team who works at CCBHCs in Warrenton and Nevada, Missouri, as well as the Longterm Adult SUD Residential Care Unit in Clinton, Missouri.

She is also a member of the Center for Missouri Nurses Board of Directors. She lives in Fulton, Mo. with her husband, four sons and three grandchildren.

Alicia Young Baum ’98 is working as the director of the counseling center at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. She serves on the university’s Student Affairs Leadership Team and Behavior Intervention Team and is also on the advisory board for MSU’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services, representing the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.

44 The Talon | Spring 2025

Joel Jones ’98 is the associate principal with Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon, Vt. Jen Baker Gill ’99 on May 21, 2021 suffered from myocarditis, an inflammation of the cardiac muscle. On May 26 she had a heart transplant at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. After 88 days in the hospital and strenuous amounts of therapy she was later able to return to her classroom. She teaches fourth grade at South Shelby Elementary School in Shelbina, Mo. Dan Mabery ’99, vice president for university relations with Northeastern State University, received the Natalea Watkins Communicator of the Year Award for 2024.

2000s

Darren Dean ’01 published The New Salvation and Other Stories. This is his second story collection.

Sharon Geuea Jones ’02, a Trailblazer for Equal Justice Honoree, received the Equal Justice Pioneer Award.

Jenny Martin ’03 received the University of Missouri-St. Louis Hero Award.

Myles Proctor ’04 is the president-elect of the historic Finke Theatre in California, Mo. Additionally, he will soon celebrate five years as the owner and president of Proctors Building Materials Inc., a company that will proudly mark its 130th anniversary in 2026.

Scott Fergerson ’05 is the chief financial officer with Park University.

Tiffany Huey Treadway ’05 is the new scheduling supervisor for Copeland in Lebanon, Mo. She has been with the company for 10 years.

His team at Iberia High School won a state title and was 28-0 in the spring 2024 season.

Katie Cummings Bodkins ’09 was recognized by the BestAgent.us as a 2025 Top Agent. Katie is a real estate agent with Iron Gate Real Estate in Columbia, Mo. Rebecca “Becki” Kempf ’09 is the assistant superintendent with Morgan County R-II School District.

Zach Julian ’09 is the assistant principal for Bolivar High School.

2010s

Kimberly Oeth ’10 received the Betty Crim Faculty Enhancment Award from the University of Missouri’s Sinclair School of Nursing.

Drew J. Sells ’11 is working for EquipmentShare, Inc. in Columbia, Mo. He is also a licensed real estate agent with Iron Gate Real Estate and earned an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation and At Home with Diversity Certificate in 2025.

Adam Mikesch ’11 was selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. Addie Layne ’13 is the senior account manager with Hello Big Deal, a branding and marketing agency in Kansas City, Mo. Bryan Plenge ’13 was promoted to director of Olympic sport performance with the University of South Dakota.

Mallory Haley King ’17 passed her exam to become a certified hospice and palliative nurse with Hospice of Northeast Missouri.

She was also honored with the Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence in Hospice.

Candace Emmendorfer ’06 is a physician assistant of 13 years, currently working in interventional radiology. She and her husband, Brian, welcomed their first child in May 2024.

Brett Knese ’17 is a general assignment reporter for Local 10 News in South Florida.

Timothy Vinson ’08 was selected as the NFHS National Baseball Coach of the Year.

Tavares Brown ’18 was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 - Games list for being a co-

LaQuentin Black ’18 is the head football coach with Missouri Valley College.

Alumni News & Notes

founder – along with fellow alumni Brandon Harrison and Marcus Whiteside – of Charge It 2 the Game LLC. Bo Burkhart ’18 is the boys varsity basketball coach with Washington High School in Washington, Ind.

2020s

Cory Nicholson ’20 is the New Franklin High School softball coach and will also be coaching the boys basketball team.

Elliot Knernschield ’20 completed the Boston Marathon, placing 917th out of 28,774 racers.

Jordan Wolfe ’21 is the volleyball coach for Battle High School in Columbia, Mo. Allie Schulte ’24 is the head volleyball coach and assistant basketball coach with the Marshall Public School District.

Alexander Promoted at Commercial Trust Commercial Trust Company announced the promotion of Virginia Claire Alexander ’25 to the role of community relationship manager this summer following her graduation from Central Methodist University. In this new position, her focus will be on building relationships with the students, faculty, and staff at CMU. Alexander, who double majored in accounting and business, will continue to stay actively engaged with the CMU campus and Fayette community through regular visits, events, and outreach.

“Virginia Claire has a natural ability to connect with people,” said Kyle Elliott, CEO/ CFO of Commercial Trust Company. “As someone who knows the CMU campus inside and out, she’s the perfect person to help strengthen our presence and support the university community.”

During her time at CMU, Alexander was active across campus—serving in the office of admissions, competing on the cheer and STUNT teams, and building strong relationships throughout the university. As a legacy student with deep ties to CMU, she’s proud to continue serving the Fayette area in this new capacity.

Pundmann Ford Celebrates 100 years Pundmann Ford, co-owned and managed by 1970 Central graduate Thomas Pundmann, celebrated its 100th anniversary this spring with help from the city of St. Charles, Mo. The dealership opened its doors on April 25, 1925, moving and expanding over the years to better serve the community. On the anniversary, executives from the Ford Motor Company gathered to present the business a plaque commemorating 100 years, while St. Charles honored the occasion by renaming the Interstate 70 overpass behind the dealership “Pundmann Parkway.”

At the end of the Parkway also lies the newly named Pundmann Nature Park. “We are very blessed to be part of the St. Charles community that has given us so much,” Pundmann said.

The Pundmann family and the dealership will continue celebrating the anniversary in June with a gathering to include food trucks to serve employees, customers, vendors, and the public. Pictured, left to right: Tom Evans, James Gwaltney, and Thomas George from Ford Motor Company, Thomas Pundmann, and sons Timothy Pundmann and Brian Pundmann.

Judy Rethwisch Honored for 60 years at Afton High School CMU alumna Judy Rethwisch ’65 was honored this spring for reaching a milestone year in teaching and directing student theatre productions at Affton High School.

Her 60-year career was highlighted in a lengthy profile in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The article detailed her time producing more than 120 shows with the school and the profound impact she had on her students, several of whom have gone on to become recognizable names in the entertainment industry. Rethwisch, whose name now lends itself to the performing arts center at Affton, was praised by students and coworkers from all eras for her impact on their lives.

Spring 2025 | The Talon 45

In Memoriam

Frederick Hilgeman

Dennis and his daughter, Courtney and her husband Ryan; his great-granddaughter, Zoey; his daughter, Karen, and son Mike; and daughter-in-law Michelle.

Fred loved golf, baseball, fishing, playing bridge, and spending time doing those things with family and friends. He enjoyed a good story or joke, and was eager to share one on several occasions.

A memorial service for Fred was held on Saturday, April 12 at the First Presbyterian Church in Georgetown, Texas.

Janet Addison

F

red Hilgeman passed away peacefully in his sleep early on April 4, 2025. He was born on November 3, 1937 in St. Louis, Mo. to Adele and Elmer Hilgeman.

After high school, he attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, Mo. He met the love of his life, Patty Phillips, at a dance in the fall of 1955. They married on May 30, 1959, the day before they graduated. They moved to New Orleans, La., where Fred received his PhD at Tulane University. While there, they welcomed the first two of four children; Susan and Dennis. They then moved to Longview, Texas when Fred began a job with Eastman Kodak. During that time, Karen joined the family. In August of 1967, they moved to Georgetown, Texas, where Fred began his 38year career at Southwestern University. Mike joined the family in November of that same year. Together, Fred and Pat shared almost 60 years of marriage.

They enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, working crossword puzzles, and several activities at church. Fred coached baseball and umpired for several years. He served on the GISD school board for three years, the last as president. He served on the Planning and Zoning Committee for several years, as well.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church since August 1967, serving terms as an elder, on several committees, and many years as a high school Sunday school teacher.

He was preceded in death by wife, Patricia Phillips Hilgeman; his parents; and his in-laws.

He is survived by his sister, Elaine Hilgeman; his daughter, Susan Hilgeman Moreno and her son, Austin and his wife, Jenny; his son,

46 The Talon | Spring 2025

F

ayette resident Jan Addison, age 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, at The Lodge following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Janet Lynne Addison was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on August 16, 1945. She was a daughter to the late Ozra and Georgia (Snyder) Gift. Jan graduated from Webster Groves High School with the class of 1963.

While attending Central Methodist College, Jan met the love of her life, Bruce Addison.

On January 28, 1967, the two were married at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. The couple enjoyed over 57 years of marriage.

Jan worked as a teacher’s aide for Daly Elementary and as a lab tech for Addison Biological Laboratory. She was primarily focused on her volunteer work and serving the Fayette community in various capacities.

Jan served for several terms on the city council. She was elected by her fellow alderpersons as mayor pro tempore, later serving as Fayette’s first female mayor. Jan

1940s

Judith Jackson Blair ’41 of Louisville, Ky. died March 15, 2024.

Eugene Biondi ’45 of Owosso, Mich. died December 22, 2023.

George K. Schweitzer ’45 of Knoxville, Tenn. died September 20, 2024.

Sara Helen Chiles Bargfrede ’49 of Blackburn, Mo. died February 11, 2025.

1950s

Mark Q. Barton ’50 of Bellport, N.Y. died December 17, 2024.

Bedford F. Knipschild Jr. ’50 of Marshall, Mo. died May 28, 2025.

Mary Groce Merrifield ’50 of Higginsville, Mo. died January 25, 2025.

Nancy Ann Schwerdtfeger Ulmer ’50 of Green Valley, Ariz. died July 14, 2024.

George D. Carson ’51 of Tulsa, Okla. died May 29, 2025.

Naomi J. Williams Doss ’51 of Kansas City, Mo. died December 21, 2024.

Frances Lucille Foster ’51 of Springfield, Ill. died December 11, 2024.

Barbara Conway Harris ’51 of Rolla, Mo. died November 1, 2023.

Shirley C. Stewart Mason ’51 of Belle, Mo. died December 12, 2024.

Ben Lee Guenther ’52 of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. died January 14, 2024.

William H. Jacobs ’52 of San Antonio, Texas died January 18, 2025.

Glenn Wilber Lawrence ’52 of Lakewood, Colo. died October 26, 2024.

Joe E. Belew ’53 of Chesterfield, Mo. died January 17, 2025.

Myra Dally Coggeshall ’53 of Belleville, Ill. died September 19, 2023.

Mary Jane Vansant Sinclair ’53 of Columbus, Ohio died February 17, 2025.

Nancy Ellen Moss Bird ’54 of Paducah, Ky. died March 10, 2025.

Leo Darrell Folsom ’54 of Paducah, Ky. died February 5, 2024.

Geraldine Fry Hall ’55 of Savannah, Mo. died May 26, 2025.

Joyce Green Patterson ’55 of Chesterfield, Mo. died June 4, 2024.

Alan E. Wyckoff ’55 of Springfield, Mo. died March 5, 2025.

Jerry L. Dinsmore ’56 of Lee’s Summit, Mo. died April 20, 2025.

In Memoriam Carolyn Johnson Kemper ’56 of St. Charles, Mo. died January 9, 2025.

Robert J. LaMore ’56 of Eureka, Mo. died May 5, 2025.

Dixie Farnham Philipp ’56 of Olmsted Twp, Ohio died December 29, 2024.

Chester E. Hanson ’57 of St. Louis, Mo. died March 31, 2025.

Ann Poindexter Lyons ’57 of Prairie Village, Kan. died November 8, 2024.

Eleanor Kay Luyster Moffat ’57 of Peoria, Ariz. died March 5, 2025.

William F. Nelson ’57 of Madison, Wis. died February 26, 2025.

Fred R. Hilgeman ’59 of Georgetown, Texas died April 4, 2025.

Alice Jo Harper Jackson ’59 of Canyon, Texas died January 16, 2025.

N. Karen Heiberger Anderson ’59 of Albuquerque, N.M. died Jan. 18, 2025.

1960s

Robert L. Hahne ’60 of Falls Church, Va. died October 28, 2024.

Phyllis Jean Davis Detherow ’61 of Higbee, Mo. died March 11, 2025.

Stanley Charles Heidmann ’61 of Washington, Mo. died January 14, 2025.

Jon Richard Graves ’62 of Columbia, Mo. died December 19, 2024.

Harold Milton Johnson ’62 of Kansas City, Mo. died May 19, 2025.

Kenneth Robert Kneale ’62 of Oregon, Mo. died March 17, 2025.

Mary E. Polster Secora ’62 of Columbia, Mo. died April 22, 2025.

Nancy Kay Greiner Neidel ’63 of St. Joseph, Mo. died April 28, 2025.

Robert A. Nelson ’63 of Columbia, Mo. died December 17, 2024.

Judy Ann Martin Parsons ’63 of Columbia, Mo. died April 2, 2025.

Robert N. Hix ’64 of Ellijay, Ga. died February 21, 2025.

Kenneth E. O’Brian ’64 of Fayette, Mo. died December 3, 2024.

Grant Anderson ’65 of Columbia, Mo. died December 1, 2024.

Raelene Casatta Derrieux ’65 of Columbia, Mo. died May 26, 2025.

Jacquelyn J. Peterson Faenger ’65 of Springfield, Mo. died Nov. 28, 2024.

stayed very active and was involved in several organizations and committees, including the L.T.S. Club, D.A.R., and PEO Chapter NN. She also served as president of the Fayette Music Boosters Club.

Survivors include her husband, Bruce Addison ’66 of Fayette, Mo.; two children, Kristin Himmelmann and Justin (Sonya ’02) Addison ’99, both of Fayette; five grandchildren, Grant, Miles, and Addison Himmelmann, and Jake and Alex Addison.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanette Gift of St. Louis, Mo.; Claudio (Adrianna) Petrillo of Luxembourg; along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Jan was preceded in death by three siblings, Bernadine Morgan, Gary Gift, and Doug Gift.

A funeral service honoring Jan’s life was held on December 20, 2024, at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church in Fayette, with Rev. Bill O’Neal officiating.

Sells, now known as Deloitte, transferring to Washington D.C. National Affairs office in 1972, and becoming partner in 1974.

Bob’s faith was a central part of his life.

He and Barb worshiped at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean. Bob was very active in many civic roles and charitable organizations, such as Sunday school teacher, president of the church council, Rise Against Hunger, Partners for Surgery, McLean Tysons Orchestra, McLean Little League, McLean Babe Ruth, Langley High School Boosters, and McLean Rotary, and he coached too many baseball teams to count. For many years, Bob served on the president’s leadership council and the board of trustees of his alma mater.

He and Barb established a scholarship fund to be awarded to a CMU student each year.

Jim Ray Kluck

Robert L. Hahne

R

obert Louis Hahne, 85, of McLean, Va., passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024, with his three sons by his side.

Bob was born in Washington, Mo., on December 25, 1938, son of Arthur and Selma (Ahrens) Hahne. He is survived by his three sons, Jeff, Jerry, and Rob and wife Kieren, all of Virginia; five grandchildren, Jared, Lauryn, Robert III, Maddie, and Kyle; and his uncle, Don Hahne and wife Joan, of Washington, Mo. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Ann (Williams) Hahne, and his parents.

Bob loved baseball and was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He saw active duty in the U.S. Army under the Reserve Forces Act and then pursued a college education at Central Methodist College in Fayette. He had an illustrious 40-year career in accounting, beginning at Haskins and

J

ames Raymond “Jim Ray” Kluck, age 71, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at The Lodge in Fayette, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Junction City, Kan. on February 4, 1954, the son of James and Wilma (Gifford) Kluck.

Jim Ray grew up in Pierce City, Mo. with his three brothers before moving to Boonville in 1967, where he graduated from Boonville High School in 1972. He also attended classes at Kemper Military Jr. College and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri. He worked during his school years for Tom Adair Construction, Hirlingers, and delivered furniture for Hitners Furniture.

He was the owner of Kluck’s Hallway from 1976 to 2003. During this time, he was also a football coach for Kemper Military Jr. College and Central Methodist University. He became a salesman at Frontier Motors, where he was known as “The Round Man with the Square

Spring 2025 | The Talon 47

In Memoriam Deal.” He then returned to Central as an admissions counselor and a golf coach, before retiring in 2024. During his career, he was also a sportscaster for KWRT and CMU. He married Shirley Terrell and her four children on Valentine’s Day 1979, and they had three children together. In 2004, he married Richelle Adair, who brought her three children to the family. They were together 21 years at the time of his passing.

Jim Ray was a sports enthusiast who loved any type of sport, especially football and baseball. He was an analytical problem solver and mathematician who could solve any problem without the use of paper or a calculator. He was a loveable comedian who told the best stories and gave the best advice.

He raised many kids along with his own. Jim Ray had a big heart and never met a stranger.

He hated the thought of anyone being alone. He was Santa Claus for over 50 years for countless families in Boonville, including his own.

Most of all, he loved his children, grandchildren, and his entire family, extended and otherwise.

Mary Jarboe

M

ary Elizabeth Markland Jarboe died peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at her home in Fayette, following a year-long battle with cancer.

She was born to William Asa (Bill) and Earline Howard Markland on November 29, 1954. Growing up in Armstrong, Mary attended first grade in Glasgow, grades two through eight in Armstrong, and graduated from Fayette High School with the class of 1972. Mary then graduated from Central Methodist College in 1975, with a B.S. degree in elementary education.

Mary married Mark Ellis Jarboe on June 7, 1980, in Martinsburg, Mo., while they were

48 The Talon | Spring 2025

both teaching in Wellsville. After moving to Armstrong, Mary finished her teaching career with the Moberly Public Schools. Following retirement from teaching, she worked part-time for many area Edward Jones offices and served on the Armstrong City Council.

Mary had many interests, including antiques and playing cards, and she belonged to several organizations. Following in the footsteps of her father, she was a long-time member of the Howard County Democrat Committee, serving as chairperson for many years. She was also a member of P.E.O., Chapter AU, the RD Bridge Club, and the Ganador Bridge Club. Mary enjoyed organizing large bridge parties, and Sunday afternoon Canasta parties. She was an avid cake baker. She also enjoyed traveling, cruising the world, and especially enjoyed visiting Aspen, Colo., New York City, London, and traveling with family to cheer on the Mizzou Tigers.

Daniel R. Ferry ’65 of Pierre, S.D. died November 12, 2024.

Elizabeth V. Cully ’66 of Long Beach, Calif. died January 20, 2025.

Charles E. King ’66 of St. Charles, Mo. died March 17, 2025.

Charles M. Ruhland ’66 of Polk City, Iowa died December 9, 2024.

Janet Gift Addison ’67 of Fayette, Mo. died December 16, 2024.

Carol Ann Matthews Smith ’67 of St. Louis, Mo. died March 20, 2025.

Linda A. Windhorst-Ford ’67 of St. Louis, Mo. died January 26, 2025.

Stephen G. Crandall ’68 of Shell Knob, Mo. died February 28, 2025.

Stanley L. Maxey ’68 of Springfield, Mo. died February 19, 2025.

Sheri Sheets Byergo ’69 of Tipton, Mo. died January 25, 2025.

Dr. Joe Belew

1970s

D

r. Joe Edward Belew of Chesterfield, Mo., passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on January 17, 2025.

Dr. Belew was born on August 27th, 1931 at home on his family’s farm in Lonedell, Missouri.

A f t e r graduating high school, he attended Central Methodist College in Fayette and met the love of his life, Mary Jane Ash. They married on August 28, 1955, and were devoted to each other for over 63 years.

He attended St. Louis University Medical School, and went to Washington University for residency specializing in OB-GYN. After graduating from residency, Dr. Belew served in the US military as an officer in the Army. He returned to St. Louis, where he had a successful private practice in West County spanning more than 50 years, delivering more than 11,000 babies before retiring. He held many prestigious positions in his field over his long career, including chief of staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, head of Washington University fertility

Thomas Ellsworth ’70 of Normal, Ill. died February 22, 2025.

Janice Kay Hirlinger ’70 of Boonville, Mo. died December 13, 2024.

Nancy K. Callison Neimeyer ’70 of Eugene, Ore. died January 11, 2025.

Alan H. Yount ’70 of Columbia, Mo. died June 3, 2025.

Sara M. Hackley Bagby ’71 of Fayette, Mo. died February 10, 2025.

Michael L. Cochran ’71 of O’Fallon, Mo. died May 4, 2025.

Sarah Elizabeth Colony ’71 of St. Louis, Mo. died December 22, 2024.

Marlin James Kinman ’71 of Ravenwood, Mo. died November 12, 2024.

Pamela A. Stouffer ’71 of Marshall, Mo. died March 22, 2025.

Dan E. Adkison ’72 of Bolivar, Mo. died March 24, 2025.

Ritchie John Feuers ’72 of Benton, Ark. died March 24, 2025.

Mona Gail Fisher ’74 of Kissimmee, Fla. died February 7, 2025.

Don A. Gruenewald ‘74 of Columbia, Mo. died February 2, 2025.

Mary Markland Jarboe ’75 of Fayette, Mo. died February 25, 2025.

Milton Wray Campbell ’78 of Versailles, Mo. died November 4, 2023.

In Memoriam Terry E Kelley ’78 of Columbia, Mo. died January 24, 2025.

Carla A. Wicklein Metz ’79 of St. Charles, Mo. died May 13, 2025.

1980s

Alzina Britton ’84 of Columbia, Mo. died May 3, 2025.

1990s

Mary Ellen Hankins Bowen ’94 of Salisbury, Mo. died November 8, 2024.

Michael Wayne Pulcher ’96 of Columbia, Ill. died May 30, 2025.

2010s

Karen Jean Sharp Compton ’12 of Park Hills, Mo. died April 24, 2025.

Kathy Ann Miller ’12 of Poplar Bluff, Mo. died April 12, 2025.

Sean David Allen Robinette ’13 of Rocheport, Mo. died February 21, 2025.

Katherine Elizabeth Lewis ’18 of Columbia, Mo. died February 25, 2025.

2020s

Victor Lopez Patterson ’24 died August 29, 2024.

CMU Friends, Former Faculty, and Staff

Dorothy Jean Ayres of Fayette, Mo. died January 26, 2025.

Cornel Vasile Duta of Fayette, Mo. died November 22, 2024.

Denise C. Henderson of Ste. Genevieve, Mo. died April 13, 2025.

John W. Heyward Jr. of St. Louis, Mo. died November 28, 2024.

William C. Kellermann of Washington, Mo. died May 20, 2025.

James R. Kluck of Boonville, Mo. died May 27, 2025.

John W. Lyles of Higbee, Mo. died November 19, 2024.

Jesse Marshall of St. Charles, Mo. died February 8, 2025.

Roberta W. Richey of Kansas City, Mo. died April 7, 2025.

Kitty Schewe of Glasgow, Mo. died November 2, 2024.

Clinton Wofford of Edina, Mo. died November 1, 2024.

clinic, and president of Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Funeral services were held at Bonhomme Presbyterian Church in Chesterfield, Mo. on February 8.

Lucille Foster

L

ucille Foster, aka “Lucy,” of Springfield, Ill., formerly of Palmyra, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Concordia Village in Springfield, Ill. Lucille was born Frances Lucille Foster on April 21, 1929, in Hannibal, Mo. as the only child to Herbert L. and Guida G. Foster. She graduated from Palmyra High School in 1947, then went on to earn her b a c h e l o r ’s degree in music from C e n t r a l Methodist University and a master’s degree in music and vocal performance from the University of Cincinnati – Conservatory of Music, in addition to a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois – Champaign.

Lucille held positions as a vocal music teacher at Alameda Jr. High School in Las Cruces, N.M. and at White Hall Junior and Senior High Schools in White Hall, Ill. She then rooted her professional career in Springfield, IL, serving as a vocal music teacher for 12 years at Grant Junior High and ultimately spending 18 more years in guidance counseling: as guidance counselor at Jefferson Middle School and Southeast High School and Guidance Dean at Grant Middle School until her retirement.

Chester Hanson

C

hester E. Hanson, a beloved, father, and esteemed educator, passed away on March 31, 2025, in St. Louis, Mo., at the age of 93. Born on July 30, 1931, in CrosbyIronton, Minn., Chester lived a life filled with purpose, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to his family and students.

Chester dedicated 30 years of his life as a

college professor at Central Methodist College in Fayette, where he shared his extensive knowledge of mathematics and computer science, having earned master’s degrees in both fields from the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Evansville.

Known for his generosity of spirit, Chester was not just an educator but also a mentor who went out of his way to support and empower his students, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

His devotion extended beyond the classroom. Chester was a kind and nurturing husband to his wife, Lavene, and father to his children, Michael and Russell, always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was a man who believed in the power of kindness and aimed to embody those values every day, showering his family with love and guidance.

Robert LaMore

R

obert “Mr. Perfect” LaMore passed away on May 5, 2025 peacefully at his home at the age of 91.

Born and raised in Webster Groves, Bob graduated from Webster Groves High School and Central Methodist University. He served two years in the Army, including a tour of duty in Japan, before returning home to marry his college sweetheart, Jenny. He spent his career running the family business, Red LaMore Body Company in Webster Groves, and enjoyed interacting with the extensive and loyal customer base. Bob was a long-time member of the Contemporary Sunday School Class at Webster Hills UMC, where he formed lifelong friendships.

Spring 2025 | The Talon 49

Kansas City Alumni Social – Boulevard Brewery — April 16, 2025

Dr. Thomas Clark, director of choral activities, speaks to attendees at the Kansas City Alumni Social.

Tim ’19 and Lauren Beasley ’19

Kyle ’73 and Marie Hern ’73

Rick ’75 and Brenda Cowart ’75 and Larry ’66 and Rena Yocom ’65

Susana and Todd Smith ’00

View more photos at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC9eJD

50 The Talon | Spring 2025

Dr. Roger Drake, president, updates attendees at the Kansas City Alumni Social of the latest at CMU.

Keith Frazier ’86 and Rebecca Wenzel ’85

Sadowna and Mark Conarroe ’84, Susan Stegeman ’84 and Cynthia Livingston ’83

Stasia and Matt ’10 Sherman

Columbia Alumni Social – Logboat Brewery — May 21, 2025

Susan Stegeman ’84, Jana Fox ’82, Ashley Angle ’01, and Dee Dee Shelton ’88

Susan Hardy-Mills ’83, Lisa Berry ’86, and Jill Tatum ’86

Dan Widhalm ’85 and Dr. Roger Drake, CMU president

Kassi Kreel ’13 and Derek Hicks ’13

J.B. ’91 and Dori Waggoner ’92 (front), with Suzanne Drummond ’67 and Breanna Kivett ’12

Jim Smith ’76 with Rebecca ’77 and Mark Harbison ’76

Mike ’85 and Kathy Dempsey ’86 with David Fox ’83

Emma ’18 and Parker Johnson ’17 with their son, Corbin

Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Thomas Clark

View more photos at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCf7hs

Spring 2025 | The Talon 51

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