Campus news
Opening Convocation honors five students A longstanding tradition at Central Methodist University, the Opening Convocation on Aug. 25 featured the presentation of five major awards to returning students. The convocation, held at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church, serves to welcome the newest freshman class to CMU, notes President Marianne Inman. CMU faculty and administration, in full regalia, Elizabeth Hanes Jessica Powell Lakyn Baker enter to accompaniment of the CMU Concert Band. CMU’s 2010-11 Exemplary Teacher Award recipient, Dr. Sherri Griffin, presented a special message to the freshman class. Also addressing her newest fellow students was Kristen Bailey, a junior chemistry major and president of CMU’s Student KaeLeigh Brown Dewey Fennewald Government Association. Dr. Sherri Griffin Much of the focus was on returning students who were awarded some of CMU’s top student awards for their efforts last year. Lakyn Baker, a sophomore education major from Fayette, was presented the Tau Kappa Epsilon Outstanding Freshman Female award for her accomplishments during the previous academic year. The recipient is selected based A new staff member has joined Advancement and on academic standing, dedication, involvement and comAlumni Relations. Heather Carlton will be serving as mitment to the mission and goals of CMU. the Advancement events KaeLeigh Brown, a sophomore chemistry major, received the Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Leadership Award. planner. A native of Joplin, This honor goes to a student who demonstrates outstandHeather graduated from ing campus leadership abilities; recipients are nominated Missouri Southern State by CMU faculty and selected by ODK members. University in May with a Dewey Fennewald, a sophomore education major, garnered the Kim Everett Outstanding Freshman Male cita- bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in tion. He was chosen based on genuine concern for CMU, marketing. diverse involvement on campus, leadership, concern for Carlton worked with fellow students, and academic scholarship. Kim Everett her family’s catering busiwas CMU freshman class president in 1972-73, a musician ness through college, gaining and student-athlete, who was tragically killed at the start valuable experience in events of his sophomore year. planning. Elizabeth Hanes received the Demaree Prize, given to She has also worked with the YMCA as a marketthe freshman having the highest scholastic average. She is ing intern and served as a writer for Missouri Southern’s a sophomore education major from Eolia. alumni magazine. Jessica Powell, a junior early childhood education major from Laclede, gained the E.E. Rich award. The award winner is a female sophomore, and selection criteria include outstanding scholastic achievement and leadership.
Advancement and Alumni Relations welcomes staff
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Fall 2011
Central Methodist University
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