Spring 2013 - The Talon

TALON

SPRING 2013

THE MAGAZINE OF CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY

Dr. Roger Drake takes the helm... page 16

To Alumni and Friends of Central Methodist University: Blessings and Good Wishes In the process of signing several hundred diplomas for this year’s graduates, I found myself reflecting on the beauty of the academic cycle and the constant renewal that it represents. Each semester or term as classes end, there is a pause and then another several weeks in which to make a fresh start. Each year as we say goodbye to our wonderful seniors, we wonder how in the world we will ever get along without them...and then the next class of fine students arrives and we soon realize that we have been waiting all our lives for them.

And so it is with years of service for faculty and staff as persons move from one institution to another or simply move to another phase of their lives. Last year when I announced my intention to retire from Central at the end of June 2013, it seemed a long time away...and now it is right here. I have loved every place I have ever lived and every institution that I have had the privilege of serving. No previous position or location, however, has had the impact on me that Central Methodist University and Fayette have.

All of us who know anything at all about Central Methodist University know that this is a very special institution. We hear, from even first time visitors (including media representatives, who are assumed to have a somewhat dispassionate attitude toward their work!), that “there is a special feeling here.” A number of years ago, when a meeting of Missouri’s higher education leaders was being held on our Fayette campus, the president of a large public university commented, as he entered the dining hall for breakfast, “This is a beautiful campus...” and then, in

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Our viewbook in years past, in an attempt to evoke the Central spirit, began with the words, “You can’t touch it, but it touches you.” And a marketing firm that was assisting us in identifying the Central distinctives suggested that we emphasize “an uncommon sense of community” in our descriptors of CMU. It is indeed significant that Central’s greatness exists, yes, in quantifiable measures such as our very favorable assessment results and employment rates, but also in the intangible elements of feelings and the spirit.

Everyone who has ever intersected with Central leaves a bit of himself or herself to add to that spirit; and likewise, some of that spirit stays with that individual for a lifetime. We work very hard to assure that every Central student in any physical location or online receives the two hallmarks of a CMU education: (1) first-rate academic quality, and (2) an intensely caring, personalized experience.

My current residence is the 21st address I have had in my life, and CMU and Fayette have without a doubt been the most loving and welcoming communities of all of them.

I recall vividly the embracing feeling that greeted David and me as we drove into the driveway on Park Road in June 1995. This feeling has been reinforced countless times over in the years since that time. As Central has grown to have a presence in some 130 communities in Missouri, strong and close feelings have developed for all these places; still, I do live in Fayette and thus the emotional tie is naturally the most powerful there.

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an almost hushed tone, he added, “In fact, it is so beautiful that I just had to pause outside for a moment.”

I feel honored to have served Central Methodist University as its twenty-fifth president for these last 18 years, and I thank you all profoundly for the support you have shown to Central and to David and me. The many kind and thoughtful communications we have received in recent weeks and months here have been particularly heartwarming.

I know that you will show that same support to Roger and Judy Drake as they move to Fayette and assume the leadership of this truly fine institution. As good as Central is and has been, surely even brighter days lie ahead. I look forward to learning of the future successes and grand accomplishments that I know are in store.

Blessings and good wishes always to all members of the CMU family.

Central Methodist University

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THE MAGAZINE OF CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY Table of Contents President’s Message…..................................................2 Talon Birthday...............................................................4 Spirit of Central ............................................................5 Graduation ....................................................................10 Dr. Roger Drake............................................................16 Alumni Awards...............................................................18 Campus News................................................................22 Peery and Kazmierczak Retire ......................................24 International Students..................................................34 Enactus.........................................................................36 Humanities Conference................................................40 Mission Trip...................................................................41 College of Extended and Graduate Studies..................42 Fine Arts........................................................................46 Ashby-Hodge Gallery.....................................................48 Board of Trustees..........................................................54 Alumni News.................................................................58, 68 Athletics........................................................................60 Calendar.......................................................................78 Spring 2013

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Senior Administration Dr. Marianne E. Inman, President Dr. Rita Gulstad, Vice President and Dean of the University Ken Oliver, Vice President for Institutional Growth and Student Engagement Julee Sherman, Vice President for Finance and Administration Donna Merrell, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Chad Gaines, Vice President for Information Services Cover: Dr. Drake considers the CMU campus from unexpected perspectives, including the top of T. Berry Smith Hall. Cover by Marketing Communications Department.

Talon Editorial Staff and Contact Information Cathy Thogmorton, Editor 660-248-6391 cthogmor@centralmethodist.edu Kent Propst, Executive Director for Marketing Communications 660-248-6238 kpropst@centralmethodist.edu Jenny Martin Anspach Assistant Director for Marketing Communications 660-248-6629 jmartin@centralmethodist.edu Alan G. Marshall Executive Director of Development and Alumni Programs 660-248-6260 agmarsha@centralmethodist.edu Nicholas Petrone Sports Information Director 660-248-6358 npetrone@centralmethodist.edu Student Writers: Adriana Romero Jessica Travlos Addie Layne

Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.

– Mission Statement

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Happy 20th birthday to the Talon magazine!

Editor’s note: We called upon the originator of the Talon magazine, Carol Moczygemba, to reflect on our unexpected beginnings. Carol is currently executive editor of Texas Co-op Power magazine in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband, Mike Hirsch, shown below in Austria.

Has it really been 20 years since those first pages of the Talon came shooting out of the rollers of the huge and noisily chugging Tribune press? I watched from the viewing room two floors above as the images sped through the maze of belts and ink pads. The Talon was coming to life.

It certainly had humble beginnings.

My husband, Mike Hirsch, had been hired at Central to teach sociology in the fall of 1992, and in the college’s tradition of trying to help spouses find their place in the community, President Howell hired me to resurrect the alumni newsletter. Instead of the slim, black and white newsprint newsletter that was distributed sporadically, he wanted a magazine that would print on a regular schedule. I had just left a position as editor of an alumni magazine, so it made sense that I was the person for the job.

All well and good. But there was no available office space. No available computer. I was the entire magazine staff. The budget was tiny. And the first issue was to be introduced in the spring.

It reminded me of a story about someone who was hired to run a train from one city to another and happily accepted the post because he knew how to be a train engineer. He accepted the job amidst much congratulation. Then was told: “Now you need to build the track.”

I set about building the track as soon as I could. Once we agreed on the name (Talon for the eagle’s claw), I set to work borrowing computers. As one was freed, I’d work on it; then on to the next. Fayette graphic artist Jody Miller volunteered her time to design the pages. Her home on Linn Street became my office when I wasn’t gathering stories and news items. We hired a photographer to take the cover photo of Dr. Robert Barker, emeritus professor of sociology, who had bequeathed the college and the community substantial financial grants. A humble man dedicated to Central and Fayette, Barker was the perfect face for the inaugural issue of the Talon.

Eventually an office space was created from the file room adjacent to Dean Robinson’s secretary’s office. Even though it was filled with metal filing cabinets, the little room had a grand Brannock window. I had a desk and a compact Apple computer. And I had a mission: to give the Talon a good start in life, to keep making it better, to find good stories and to report on the achievements of alumni, students, faculty and staff.

In years to come, the Talon featured many CMC alumni who had made significant contributions to government, justice, academia, the arts, and humanity. It was my great honor to interview them and find out what role the college and its faculty played in their life’s chosen work.

The Talon was there to greet Dr. Marianne Inman when she was appointed successor to President Howell. It was there to carry her message to alumni and friends of the college as she set a new course for the future. And it’s still here—now to carry her farewell message.

It was a privilege to have the responsibility of creating a new publication.

There are many people to thank for helping the Talon make it to the 20-year mark and being part of its evolution into the attractive, four-color magazine it is today. I open it as soon as it hits our Austin mailbox.

Happy Birthday, Talon.

Carol Moczygemba Spring 2013

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The Spirit of Central

A Farewell to President Inman in Three Acts President Marianne Inman was prepared for a busy and event-filled week of festivities honoring her 18 years leading the institution. She was in no way prepared, however, for all of the accolades and honors showered upon her during the celebration April 28May 5, dubbed “The Spirit of Central.” The surprises, along with the anticipated activities, made for a memorable week for both her and the University.

The program for the week was designed as a playbill in recognition of Dr. Inman’s love of the theatre. Trustee Janet Jacobs ’77, Executive Vice President of Commercial Trust Company in Fayette, chaired the planning committee of Dr. Joe Geist, CMU Professor Emeritus and Curator of the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art; CMU Professor Emeritus Tom Yancey ’54; Donna Merrell, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations; Kent Propst, Executive Director of Marketing Communications; and Heather Carlton, Advancement Event Planner.

world premiere of “Celebration,” a composition by CMU adjunct music faculty member Jorge Muñiz commissioned in her honor.

Skip Vandelicht ’77, left, Dr. Inman, and composer Dr. Jorge Muñiz.

Act I: “If My Friends Could See Me Now”

As the CMU Jazz Band (including Dr. Ron Shroyer as a band member), under the direction of Professor Jo Ellen Shroyer ’79, played Friday evening, May 3, in Puckett Fieldhouse, nearly 450 students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends gathered. They came from Fayette, Howard County, all over Missouri, and from coast to coast to celebrate Dr. Inman’s 18 years of service. The Reverend Dick Curry, former representative of Bishop Schnase on the Board of Trustees,, gave the invocation and dinner began as the band resumed playing. A jazz arrangement of “Barnum” signaled the beginning of the program.

Master of Ceremonies Janet Jacobs directed everyone’s attention to the screen in front of the bleachers for a visual presentation, “The Inman Era.” (You may view this on YouTube at www.youtube.com/centralmethodist) The twelve speakers who followed represented Fayette, central Missouri, the state, private

Overture: “Another Opening, Another Show” When Dr. Inman arrived at Linn Memorial on Sunday afternoon, April 28, for the concert band’s annual performance, she knew it was dedicated to her. What she didn’t know was that it included the Spring 2013

Dot Schnell ’51, her daughter Ann, Lee Woodward ’55, Martha Holman ’47, and Dee Bland Woodward ’55 greet Dr. Inman as they arrive for the Community Celebration.

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Dr. Inman receives the Missouri Senate resolution from Senator David Pearce.

Founder and President of Coil Construction, Randy Coil, reflects on Dr. Inman’s impact on 10,000+ Boy Scouts through her service with him on the Great Rivers Council.

Janet Jacobs ’77, Master of Ceremonies

LTS Club President Lynne Alexander presents the Inmans with a jar of beans since they will miss the annual LTS ham and bean dinners that have funded $25,000 in scholarships during 18 years.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonians serenade their “sweetheart,” Dr. Inman.

higher education, The United Methodist Church, and, of course, the University. They presented proclamations and resolutions, light-hearted and serious reflections, gifts and hugs.

After Dr. Inman responded and the Phi Mu Alphas serenaded her, Board Chairman Glenn Cox ‘51 returned to the podium and announced, as an image of the Student and Community Center flashed on the screen, “Central now has the Inman Student and Community Center!”

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Student Government Association President Kristin Bailey ’13 reminds the Inmans that “A bad day fishing is better than a good day working.”

Board of Trustees President Glenn Cox ’51 laughs with glee when Dr. Inman sees the slide of the Inman Student and Community Center.

Act II: “Being Alive”

Scene 1: “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” Following its Saturday morning session, the Board of Trustees moved to the Spalding Room for lunch with Dr. Inman and her husband, David, as well as former trustees, senior staff, and friends of the Inmans. Current chair Glenn Cox and past board chairs Norman Drissell ’51 and Bob Courtney reflected on their work with President Inman. Trustee emerita

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Jenny Bergston ’59 shared several amusing stories before Trustee Janet Jacobs presented the trustees’ gift: the establishment of a quarter million dollars of endowed scholarships. One $125,000 endowment will be named for Marianne and the second of an equal

David’s honor. The acrylic on canvas painting, entitled “Farm House,” is by Daniel Marks of Ames, Iowa.

Scene 3: “You Gotta Have Friends” Alumni Fred ’61 and Jenny Bergsten ’59 hosted a reception for faculty, staff, trustees, members of the Ashby-Hodge and Alumni Boards, and friends of the Inmans at Coleman Hall.

Act III: “Steppin’ Out with My Baby”

CMU Board of Trustees (Left to right), Front row: R.G. Kirby, Bruce Addison ’66, Dr. Inman, Ivan James, Janet Jacobs ’77, Nancy Ellis, Judy Rethwisch ’65, Louann Shaner ’70; Row 2: Paul King ’68, Sondra Spalding ’57, Donna Puyear, Nina Furstenau, Keith Gary ’82, Tim Jackman ’81, Jim Denneny, Dick Bailey ’84, J.B. Waggoner ’91, John Drakesmith; Row 3: Don Allemann ’60, Nancy Peacock ’82, Tad Perry ’65, Bob Hahne ’60, Keith Young ’86, Jeff Hogenmiller ’70, Bob Anderson, Jim Bryan; Row 4: Terry Henderson ’83, Rick Dailey ’70, David Atkins, Bob Courtney, Glenn Cox ’51

The Alumni Awards Celebration dinner began at 6:30 Saturday evening, May 4, when members of the marching band played the fight song from the balcony outside the Spalding Room in the Inman Student and Community Center.

After the presentation of the awards to alumni as listed on the program (see article pp.

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amount will be named for her husband, David.

CMU Trustees, past and present, funded the scholarship in Dr. Inman’s name, while David Inman’s was made possible by a challenge gift from former Trustee Jay Jacobs and his wife, Kelly.

Scene 2: “Something Wonderful” Saturday afternoon, The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art at CMU dedicated a painting in her and Trustee Donna Puyear and Alumni Board member Carolyn Perry ’66 visit with Ashby-Hodge Docent Dorothy Jean Ayers.

Ashby-Hodge board members Henry Graham, Bill Kountz, Joe Geist, Tom Yancey ’54, Anna Mae Hodge ’44 with the Inmans in front of the painting “Farm House.”

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Hostess Jenny Bergsten ’59 welcomes Alumni Board Advisory Committee member Dee Woodward ’55.

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Ashby-Hodge Board President Bill Kountz talks with Trustee Paul King while David Inman visit with Alumni Board member John Cheary ’70 in the background.

Professor emeritus Keith Keeling chats with host Fred Bergsten ’61.

Dr. Inman talks with Ashby-Hodge Docent Ann Parks from Keytesville, Mo.

This CMU pendant was a gift from the Alumni Association.

Merrell moved to the podium and said, “We will now recognize a special person who is not an alumnus but whose service to Central merits recognition from the University, the recognition of the 25th University Service Award. As Dr. Inman said, this award honors exceptional service to Central, service that is extensive and extraordinary.” She then described the range of David Inman’s service to Central, from strengthening the relationship between Central and Fayette to being the consummate gentleman, caring for and thinking of others.

David described his response to his first alumni awards dinner as “a spiritual experience.” He spoke of the innate goodness of Central’s alumni and the many ways in which they are affecting their communities, their world, for good.

The capstone of the evening, and an historic moment, then unfolded. Alumni Board President Judy Rethwisch ’65 and immediate past alumni board president Jim Steele ‘64 made Dr. Inman an honorary alumna of Central Methodist University, “with all the rights and privileges thereof.”

The 25th president, Dr. Inman, presents the 25th University Service Award to husband David Inman.

Alumni Board president Judy Rethwisch ’65 presents the Honorary Alumnus citation to Dr. Inman.

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Intermezzo: “Get Me to the Church on Time”

Curtain Call: “One”

Sunday morning members of the Central Jazz Choir sang an a cappella rendition of “Be Thou My Vision” from a Bob Kauflin arrangement. This arrangement was made for the a cappella group GLAD.

Finale: “What I Did for Love”

Speaking at her last Commencement on the Fayette campus, Dr. Inman said: “May your lives be filled with purposeful work, with a sense of passion, perseverance, and curiosity, and with the joy and fulfillment of a loving family and community. Celebrate the talents that God has given you, celebrate the power of your Central Methodist education, and celebrate the unique opportunity to make the kind of difference in the world that only you can make.”

Sunday afternoon, May 5, CMU vocal music students dedicated their concert to Dr. Inman. It featured a work commissioned in her honor, composed by Chairman of the Board Glenn Cox CMU music professor Dr. Ron Atteberry, entitled awards Dr. Inman the Honorary “How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings.”

Doctor of Humane Letters and status as President emerita at Commencement.

Dr. Ron Atteberry and the choir applaud Dr. Inman after she receives the score of “How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings.”

David Inman, Dr. Ron Atteberry, and Dr. Inman recognize the seniors in the choir.

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Words fail . . . but love endures Central Methodist University

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Baccalaureate and Commencement Central Methodist University held its 2013 Baccalaureate and Commencement celebrations on the Fayette campus on May 11. Retiring CMU President Dr. Marianne Inman delivered the Commencement address, while Rev. Ross Fulton spoke at Baccalaureate.

Baccalaureate services were held in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church in the morning. Commencement, recognizing more than 300 new graduates, was held in the newly air conditioned Puckett Field House in the afternoon. After what can only be described as a long-lingering winter, spring was out in full force with blue skies and warm temperatures, making graduates, faculty, and guests even more celebratory.

The Rev. Ross Fulton (photo below), pastor of the Branson United Methodist Church, spoke at Baccalaureate.

After attending high school in Springfield, he enrolled at then-Central Methodist College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree in 1969.

He was active in marching band, the Eagle track team, and the campus radio station during his Central days.

He later received the Master of Divinity degree from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Rev. Fulton was ordained a Deacon in the Missouri West Conference, and later Elder in that same conference. He has served United Methodist Churches in Mound City, Kansas City, Windsor, Osage Beach, Chillicothe, and Maryville prior to his appointment in Branson.

For Rev. Fulton and his wife Melinda, Commencement 2013 was a special one at CMU: one of their four 10

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daughters, Katherine, crossed the stage as a Central graduate. In fact, the Fulton family ties to CMU are extensive: Rev. Fulton’s three sisters, twin Rose Marie Fulton ’69, Patty Fulton Rogers ’66 and husband Richard ’63, and Betty Fulton Green ’63 (dec.) and husband John ’62, all went to Central. So did his father, Rev. Ross Fulton Sr. ’36.

Rev. Fulton spoke to the soon-to-be graduates about resisting the temptation to crawl into their comfort zones and declare their work finished. Instead, he suggested they meet life with verve and adventure and see what differences they can make in the world.

Playing the organ on this very special occasion was Dr. Don Armitage ’64 (photo, lower left), a favorite of Dr. Inman. Among other exquisite pieces, he played “Toccata” (from Symphony #5 for Organ) by Charles-Marie Widor, known by decades of Central alumni simply as Widor’s Toccata, the signature piece of Dean Luther T. Spayde, who was Dr. Armitage’s major professor at Central. Armitage was assisted by his wife, Mary (Lenger) Armitage ’62.

The processional and recessional, “Music for a Ceremony,” by Dr. Ron Shroyer, dean emeritus of the Swinney Conservatory of Music, were performed by the CMU Brass Ensemble, led by Professor Skip Vandelicht ’77.

The Chorale sang the standards of Baccalaureate, “Things That Never Die,” “Beautiful Savior,” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” led by Dr. Claude Westfall.

They also reprised the piece which was written by Dr. Ron Atteberry for Dr. Inman and presented to her during the choir concert the weekend prior to Commencement. “How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings” was directed by Atteberry, accompanied by adjunct professor Kelley Head, with a clarinet solo by junior music major Rebecca Shroyer.

The Rev. Robert Stickler had the honor of reading the scriptures in honor of his son, Robert Benjamin Stickler, who graduated in the afternoon ceremonies.

Dr. Marianne Inman, the 25th President of Central Methodist University, presided over her final Commencement at CMU’s Fayette campus before she retires in June.

Her presidency has resulted in significant advancements in enrollment, facilities, programming, and in support for the institution. In the following ten days, she would celebrate graduations at three more campuses before she could pack away her robes.

Dr. Inman has been active in many higher education organizations, including the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges

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and Universities, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Missouri Colleges Fund, and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri.

She is past chair of the Missouri Humanities Council and has served on the board of the Great Rivers Council of Boy Scouts. Dr. Inman has been active in The United Methodist Church on the local, state and national levels. Dr. Inman earned the Ph.D. degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin. She holds the master’ degree in French Literature and Linguistics from Indiana University, and the bachelor’s degree with highest distinction in French, Spanish, and English secondary education from Purdue University.

The more than 300 students and their faculty processed into the cool Puckett Field House to the music of the CMU Concert Band. The podium party included President Inman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Glenn Cox ’51, Vice President and Dean of the University Dr. Rita Gulstad, Vice President for Institutional Growth and Student Engagement Ken Oliver ’93, CMU Campus Chaplain Rev. Lucas Endicott, and President of the CMU Alumni Association Judy (Engel) Rethwisch ’64.

An honorary Bachelor of Science degree was presented to Ralph Dumas for his many years of volunteer work at Morrison Observatory.

Dr. John Porter and the faculty of the English, Foreign Language, Philosophy, and Religion Division were honored with the Kincaid Award for their dedication to teaching and learning, devotion and loyalty to CMU, and commitment to the students. Emeritus status was awarded to two retiring professors, Dr. Larry Peery and Prof. Ginger

Kazmierczak (see articles pp. 24-25) At Commencement, Dr. Inman spoke to nearly a thousand people about becoming leaders who continue to reflect the mission statement of Central, incorporating professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. She talked about following one’s passion and having the grit to see dreams through to their fruition.

She was rewarded for her words and her 18 years of excellent, ethical and socially responsibility leadership by a standing ovation and thunderous applause . . . more than once.

After diplomas were handed out, President Inman did what she called “her favorite part of Commencement” and handed out the top three student honors to surprised graduates. The top award, the Selecman Award, went to Kristen Bailey. The Human Relations Award was awarded to Jessica Powell, and the Victoria Award was presented to Nathaniel Oliver. (See article, p. 12-13).

The Fayette Commencement activities ended with two additional honors, much to Dr Inman’s surprise. Glenn Cox, president of the Board of Trustees, bestowed upon her the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters and also pronounced her President Emerita of Central Methodist University.

Dr. Porter, left, accepts the Kincaid Award.

Vice presidents Ken Oliver and Dr. Rita Gulstad prepare to hood President Inman after Chairman of the Board Glenn Cox announces her new Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters status.

Dr. Marianne Inman formally hooded and holding roses.

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CMU graduates gain top honors Commencement at Central Methodist University on May 11 was a special one for the more than 300 graduates recognized that day, yet it was even more memorable for three of them. The three were surprised when President Marianne Inman named them recipients of CMU’s highest student honors.

Kristen Bailey was awarded the Selecman Award, Nathaniel Oliver the Victoria Award, and Jessica Powell the Human Relations Award during graduation ceremonies in CMU’s Puckett Field House. All were also named Outstanding Graduates by the Alumni Association.

Kristen Bailey, Selecman Award

Nathaniel Oliver, Victoria Award Nathaniel Oliver graduated with a degree in communication studies and a minor in English. This year’s winner of the CMU Victoria Award, he is the son of Malcolm and Mary Oliver of Republic and a graduate of Republic R-III Senior High School.

The award is given in memory of Victoria Beecroft Cutter. It was established in 1979 by her late son, Dr. Walter Cutter, CMU Class of 1928. The award is intended for the graduating senior who, in the opinion of faculty and students, best exemplifies the ideals and purposes of the college during the previous academic year.

Oliver’s accomplishments at CMU include: • A high grade point average and membership on the Dean’s list six times • Participation on the CMU men’s golf team • Service to his fellow students as an English tutor • Member of the student newspaper The Collegian staff • Recipient of a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Champions of Character Award • Involvement in the Navigators, a religious organization on the CMU campus • Member of Sigma Epsilon Pi Honor Society for the top 10 percent of the graduating class

Kristen Bailey, a chemistry major with teaching certification, received the Selecman Award. It is the highest CMU student citation.

The award is named after Bishop Charles Claude Selecman, an 1898 graduate of Central. He was on the college’s governing board in 1913-14, and served as the third president of Southern Methodist University in Dallas from 1922-38.

Selecman established the award at CMU in 1957, asking that it go to a student who displays to “an extraordinary degree” good citizenship, scholarship, religious leadership, moral and spiritual qualities, and outstanding achievements.

Bailey is the daughter of Richard ’84 and Gina Kay Bailey ’85 of St. Louis and is a graduate of Parkway West High School in Ballwin. An Jessica Powell, Human Relations Award extremely active student at CMU, her achievements and Jessica Powell graduated with a degree in early childinvolvements include: hood education. She was named the recipient of CMU’s • A high grade point average and a member of the Human Relations Award.

Dean’s list five times Powell is the daughter of Allen and Tauna Powell of • A member of the CMU women’s soccer team for two Laclede. While at CMU, Powell’s accomplishments and years involvement have included: • Membership in Alpha Lambda Delta, national honor • A high grade point average and membership on the society for the top ten percent of freshman Dean’s List seven times • Membership in Gamma Sigma Epsilon, national • Four years’ participation in the CMU Student honor society in chemistry Government Association • Participation in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes • Three years’ involvement in the CMU Conservatory • Participation in the CMU Student Government Singers and in the Chorale Association for three years, including two years as • Membership in Sigma Alpha Iota, international president and one year as its religious life fraternity for women in music representative • Membership in National Association for Music • Member of Sigma Epsilon Pi Honor Society, for Educators the top 10 percent of the graduating class 12 Spring 2013 Central Methodist University Talon

• Student membership in the Missouri State Teachers Association • Member of Sigma Epsilon Pi Honor Society for the top 10 percent of the graduating class • Membership in Alpha Chi Honors Society • One of only four seniors who completed the Honors Program The CMU Human Relations Award was first given in 1953. It was established by Martha Smith Luck to honor the student “showing the most promise in human relations and human adjustment.”

This prize is awarded annually to the student who “attempts to develop the ability to get along with others and work with others -the ability to understand the other fellow, develop liaison techniques and this (pouring of oil on troubled waters) in the area of human relations and understanding.”

Honors Program

Devin Bond, Psychology

Four students graduated from the CMU Honors Program during Commencement. The Honors Program is designed to empower students by offering additional challenging educational opportunities.

To be accepted into the program, students are expected to have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5, or an ACT of 26 or higher, according to Dr. Richard Bradley, program director. Students with a GPA of 3.0 and a ranking in the top ten percent of their high school class may petition the Honors committee for admission to the program.

In order to graduate with Honors, a student must maintain a GPA of 3.5 and complete 12 hours of Honors work over a minimum of two semesters. Three of these hours must be the Honors Senior Thesis, supervised by the Honors Director, Dr. Richard Bradley, or appropriate faculty and publicly defended before a committee including the Academic Dean, the President, and the Director of the Honors Program.

This year’s Honors Program students are:

“Exploring Homelessness: Attitudes and Understanding” Thesis Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Gold

Andrea K. Davis, Interdisciplinary Studies “Changes in Time: Working Mothers and Coping with Conflict” Thesis Advisor: Dr. Richard Bradley

Donald Heaton, Music Education “Claude Debussy and his Première Rhapsodie: An Analysis of his Life, Work, and Style” Thesis Advisor: Dr. Dori Waggoner

Jessica Powell, Early Childhood Education “Whatsoever a Man Soweth, That He Shall Also Reap: A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness” Thesis Advisor: Dr. Richard Bradley

From left: Andrea Davis, Dr. Richard Bradley, President Marianne Inman, Jessica Powell, Donald Heaton, and Devin Bond at the Honors Program ceremony following Baccalaureate. Each student presented a copy of his or her Honors Thesis to parents or other family members.

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Roger Drake chosen to lead Central Methodist University Dr. Roger Drake has been named the next President of Central Methodist University and will assume the office on July 1, according to Glenn Cox, chair of the CMU Board of Trustees and of the Presidential Search Committee.

Dr. Drake will become the 26th president in Central Methodist history, dating to 1854. His appointment was announced and he was introduced by the Board of Trustees at a campus assembly February first. Drake will replace Dr. Marianne Inman, who retires in June after 18 years at the CMU helm.

“I am honored to be chosen as the next President of Central Methodist University,” Drake says. “It is my hope that the institutional momentum created under President Inman’s leadership can continue far into the future. Judy and I are excited about this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.”

The appointment, made at the end of January and announced by the CMU Board of Trustees, caps a more than seven-month search process that included CMU Board members, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. AGB Search of Washington, D.C., supported the search process.

“We expect the higher education environment to experience many challenges and changes in the immediate future,” Cox says. “Dr. Drake’s business experience, coupled with his academic accomplishments, makes him an excellent choice to lead Central Methodist University during such a period as we continue to excel and grow.”

Currently the vice president of administration and finance at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Ky., Drake and his wife, Judy, were on hand for the announcement.

Drake had been in his current position since 2004.

His responsibilities at Lindsey Wilson College included serving as chief financial officer, overseeing areas such as accounting, finance, planning, human resources, information technology, information systems, 16

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buildings and grounds, the campus service center, and auxiliary enterprises.

Lindsey Wilson College has an enrollment of 2,677 and operates an off-campus program in five states.

Drake attended Lees Junior College (Jackson, Ky.), received a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from Eastern Kentucky University, a master of business administration/executive MBA degree at Vanderbilt University, and the doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree from Vanderbilt.

From 1992 to 2004 he was vice president of finance for AAA Mine Service Inc. in Hazard, Ky. Drake was vice president for business affairs at Lees College in Jackson, Ky. from 1989 to 1992.

Above left, Dr. Drake introduces his wife, Judy, to the welcoming crowds. Above right, Dr. Drake immediately dons his CMU sweatshirt and feels right at home.

Below, Dr. Drake warns SGA President Kristen Bailey that he has never been bested in ping-pong by a student. The SGA gave him a table as a welcome gift.

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Letter to Alumni and Friends: Eager to Continue the Momentum The time is rapidly approaching for Judy and me to begin our service to Central Methodist University.

Each day, it seems I am doing something for the last time in my current role. And each day, I am spending a greater percentage of my time reading and studying about Central Methodist University.

I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the president of an institution founded in 1854. The University’s mission of academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility tugs at my heartstrings. Judy and I are finding it difficult to talk of anything other than our upcoming move to Fayette.

President Inman has been simply wonderful throughout this transition process. While busy at the helm of the institution, she graciously invited me to campus for several days. During that visit, she gave freely of her time and counsel. She also arranged meetings for me with her senior leadership team. This visit was invaluable in helping me to prepare for my new role.

In my brief time on campus, I was impressed by the excitement of the current students and the dedication of the alumni. During the meetings with students and alumni, there were recurring themes about what makes Central a “special place.” Alumni spoke in great detail about faculty members who made a difference in their lives. Current students spoke of their relationships with faculty members as the driving force that brought them to Central and keeps them returning semester after semester. The phrase “a strong and caring faculty” kept coming up again and again in our discussions.

We must continue to work diligently to support the faculty and to enrich learning on campus. I am excited and energized to know there is a strong possibility that we will soon be considering a bold initiative to support better our existing academic programs and to allow for future growth on our campus.

The entire CMU community seems to be excited about the continuing development of the campus and the growth at the extended campus sites. In my short time on campus, I had the sense that each stakeholder Spring 2013

group is anxiously awaiting the “next big project,” eager to continue the momentum created under Dr. Inman’s leadership.

On July 1, I will be placing things on my shelves and arranging my workspace in Brannock Hall. Most likely, I will spend the first week on campus meeting as many of the faculty and staff as I can. After that, I want to meet with as many trustees, alumni, and friends of the college as will grant me a visit. I want to learn from each of you what you believe makes Central a “special place.” I want to understand better those things that you value about our university.

I am extremely grateful to the Board of Trustees, the search committee, and everyone involved in the search process. Judy and I are beyond thrilled that I was selected as your 26th president. You can be assured that I will work tirelessly to ensure the continued success of this university that is yours and will soon be mine, too.

During one of my campus interviews, I spoke about a passage from a book by Wendell Berry, a great Kentucky author. Berry was describing a barber who lived above his shop. The barber felt called to operate the barber shop in that little river town and to provide a place for fellowship and communication. Wendell Berry wrote, “You could not tell by looking if he was working or living.” I was immediately taken with that passage. When my years of service to Central Methodist University are over, I would hope that my dedication to the mission might cause someone to say, “We couldn’t tell by looking if he was working or living.”

May God continue to bless Central Methodist University.

Central Methodist University

Roger Drake, President-Elect Central Methodist University

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Six alumni honored with awards Exceptional achievements by six outstanding Central Methodist University alumni were honored at the 67th annual CMU Alumni Awards Celebration on May 4.

CMU President Marianne E. Inman presented four alumni with Distinguished Alumni Awards: Andrew Glover, Dr. Michael Reid, Dr. Terry B. Smith, and Rev. Rena Rickman Yocom.

Dr. Thomas Randoll was presented with the CMU Young Alumni Award, while Dr. Delores Bland Woodward garnered the University Service Award.

“The strength of Central Methodist University is a direct reflection of the strength of its alumni,” notes President Inman. “We are privileged to be able to recognize the exceptionally fine contributions of these six members of the CMU family.”

A reception began the celebration, followed by dinner, introductions, and awards.

Dr. Delores “Dee” Bland Woodward Dr. Woodward received her undergraduate degree from Central in 1955. She received the University Service Award, the first such recipient since 2009 and only the 24th to receive this award from CMU. Award criteria specify that it be bestowed “only upon persons whose service is extensive and extraordinary.”

A resident of Fayette, Woodward has served and continues to serve CMU in a variety of ways. She is a docent for The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art, has served on the CMU Alumni Board from 20002012, is on the CMU Alumni Advisory Board, and has been active in the CMU Class Agent program since 2004.

She has hosted CMU events and special guests, judged Homecoming Parade entries, been a supporter of the fine and performing arts, and supported her alma mater in numerous other ways.

A native of Bogard, Mo., Woodward received her master’s and doctoral degrees from Georgia State University.

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Her career in education included serving on the faculty of Drury University, 10 years as elementary school principal in Climax Springs, Mo., and work as a teacher and librarian with the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs. She continues to work as an educational consultant.

Dr. Thomas Randoll Dr. Randoll of Columbia received the CMU Young Alumni Award. The award honors alumni who have demonstrated high personal achievements within 15 years of their CMU graduation or attendance and who have strong commitments to community and University service.

A 2001 graduate from then-Central Methodist College, Randoll is in the Internal Medicine-Department of Primary Care staff at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, where he has worked since 2008.

He was an internal medicine resident at the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics from 2005-2008.

Randoll, a native of Florissant, Mo., has his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine. He serves as assistant program director for the Internal Medicine Residency program at the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia.

The CMU Young Alumni Award is not his first such honor. He received the Young Alumni Achievement Award last September from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The following four individuals received the CMU Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 1946 to recognize alumni who have exhibited exemplary character, success in their chosen professions, and leadership and service to their communities, the University, and society.

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Andrew Glover St. Louis native Andrew Glover graduated from Central in 1983 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree, but by that time he had already begun work as a professional musician. Glover played euphonium with the Detroit Concert Band from 1982-85, performing on 10 LP recordings and one documentary soundtrack.

Since 1998 he has worked for C.L. Barnhouse Co. of Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he lives. He began as editorial and production manager, becoming a partner in the firm in 2004.

He was later chief operating officer and secretary-treasurer; last year he was promoted to executive vice president of the firm.

Prior to joining Barnhouse, Glover taught instrumental music in the Webster Groves, Mo., public schools for two years, and spent seven years as director of bands at Rosary High School in Spanish Lake, Mo. He also spent 12 years working for International Credit Association of St. Louis in various positions.

Glover has more than 60 musical compositions and arrangements in print with C.L. Barnhouse. He remains active in the musical performance field as a guest conductor, soloist, clinician and speaker. Glover also wrote the CMU fight song “Fighting Eagles” in the 1990s.

Dr. Michael Reid Dr. William Michael Reid is associate professor emeritus of the University of South Florida (USF). A native of University City, Mo., and a 1962 graduate of then-Central Methodist College, he currently resides in Tampa, Fla. Reid retired from USF in 2010, not only as a faculty member in its department of environmental and occupational health, but also as director of its Center for Leadership in Public Health Practice. That position encompassed the Public Health Leadership Institute of Florida, which Reid founded in 1994.

He has master’s degrees from the University of MisSpring 2013

souri and from the University of Southern Maine, and his Ph.D. is from the University of Missouri. Prior to joining the University of Southern Florida faculty in 1993, he taught and directed distance education programs at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, directed the health planning unit in the Maine Department of Human Services; did research for the State of Maine’s Governor’s Office; and taught at the University of Maine-Orono.

Reid received the Florida Public Health Association Meritorious Service Award in 2007, and was the first-ever recipient of the Community Partner Award from the Florida Association of County Health Officers in 2003.

Dr. Terry B. Smith A 1966 Central graduate, Dr. Terry B. Smith is currently executive vice president and dean for academic affairs, and professor of political science, at Columbia (Mo.) College. He has been with Columbia College since 1996.

After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, he received both his Master of Arts and doctoral degrees in political science from Michigan State University. Smith was selected as a Fulbright

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Scholar to England in 1991; he attended the Institute for Education Management at Harvard University in 2002.

A native of Kirkwood, Mo., Smith is an avowed American politics enthusiast and teaches political science courses at Columbia. He also is often heard or seen on regional radio and television broadcasts, often as an election analyst, at other times offering political commentary.

Smith is active in local community and professional organizations, and serves on the Education Committee of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He is a board member for the Paul D. Higday Mozart Music Trust as well.

Rev. Dr. Rena Rickman Yocom Dedicated to serving The United Methodist Church (UMC) is an apt description for the Rev. Rena Rickman Yocom. She graduated from Central in 1965, and at present is assistant general secretary for the UMC General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tenn., where she resides.

Yocom has a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco School of Theology. She hails from Neosho, Mo. Yocom was missiologist-in-residence for the Saint Paul School from 2005-2011, and served two different times for the UMC General Board of Global Ministries located in New York. She spent 2003-2007 as special assistant to the General Secretary, and from 1991-1997 was Associate General Secretary.

She also spent five years with the UMC’s Louisiana Annual Conference, and from 1979-1990 was Minister of Adult Education for The Village Church in Prairie Village, Kan. She was also a Vista/Peace Corps trainer of new volunteers for four years.

All six of these alumni represent the caliber of so many students who come through the doors of Central and head 20

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out to become leaders in academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. CMU is pleased to acknowledge the difference they are making in the world.

In a delightful surprise to most of the assembled guests, an additional CMU Service Award was presented to David Inman. President Inman took great pleasure in being the 25th president presenting CMU’s 25th Service Award to her husband.

Following that, the Alumni Board current and past presidents, Judy Rethwisch and Jim Steele, respectively, presented Dr. Marianne Inman with a proclamation and a composite of campus photographs, naming her an honorary alumna of Central Methodist University, something she had wished for on many occasions in the last 18 years.

They also gave her, on behalf of the Alumni Association, a pendant necklace that reflects the seal of the University on the front and is engraved to her on the back. (See p. 8.)

Induction remarks made by James H. Steele, May 4, 2013 Marianne, we’re making official today what has been a reality for nearly two decades—your membership in the Central Methodist family of graduates and former students. As you know, the Alumni Association has been around nearly as long as the institution itself and currently our group represents more than 15,000 former students in all 50 states and 20 countries. Yet, in spite of this lineage, what we’re about to do this evening may easily be a “first” in the history of the association.

Of course, these last two days have been a whirlwind of remembrance, emotions and well-deserved recognitions—as dozens of speakers, last night and this afternoon, have enumerated an almost unbelievable list of accomplishments which have happened during your time at the helm of Central Methodist. I’ll not even attempt to summarize what’s been said.

But I do think it’s appropriate at this moment to lift up your commitment to and your support of our CMU alumni in general and the Alumni Association in particular. In the 12 years I’ve been associated with the board, I cannot recall a single meeting which you’ve missed—always, you’ve been willing to stop by our meetings and provide board members with an overview of recent developments.

On dozens of other occasions you’ve traveled off-campus to lend your presence to alumni functions around Missouri and beyond. Moreover, several years ago—as the association began to increase the scope of its programs and outreach—you gave us your active support and encouragement. When we first began to explore the vision of a CMU Living History Museum, you encouraged, supported, and provided us valuable suggestions as this project moved eventually to fruition.

On a personal note, I’ve deeply appreciated a delightful friendship with you, David and Miles, and the fact that this friendship has endured —even though (on a few rare occasions) the Fayette paper didn’t report things exactly the way the PR office had sent them out!

But now we prepare to transition to a new president and so it’s entirely appropriate that we take this occasion tonight to recognize and say thank you for the 18 years you’ve graced this institution as teacher, colleague, friend, cheerleader, and—above all—as a model and guiding force for leadership in liberal arts education.

So, for all these reasons and many more, the alumni board of directors is proud to adopt you as “one of our own” and, with the presentation of this plaque, we name you, Marianne Inman, an Honorary Alumna of Central Methodist University with all the rights and privileges thereunto appertaining. Godspeed as you and David move to Georgetown, and come back to visit us often.

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CMU’s new Master of Music Education begins this summer Already noted for its strong undergraduate music programs, Central Methodist University will soon take it to a higher level when it launches the new Master of Music Education degree program this summer. The program will be offered only during summers, to meet the needs of current music teachers who want to pursue an advanced degree without taking time away from their work, according to Dr. Dori Waggoner, dean of CMU’s Swinney Conservatory of Music.

The NASM, a Virginia-based music accreditation agency, recently notified CMU of approval of the new program. In fact, in notifying CMU of its approval of the new degree, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) commended the university for “submitting this new degree program as a direct response to the needs of practicing music educators.” This comes after similar action last summer by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, CMU’s regional accreditation body.

“Given the reputation for excellence our music program enjoys, and has for decades, we take great pride in adding this option to our graduate degree opportunities,” notes President Inman. “We are pleased to add this program in response to the many requests we have received.”

The typical student will take three or four graduate classes for three consecutive summers. Courses will be primarily online, but for each hour of graduate credit students will be on campus for one day. Following the third summer, students will develop a Master’s Report project.

“We know there are many superb music teachers in our schools, and we have designed a graduate program that we are convinced will make them even better,” Waggoner says. “There is real excitement here at CMU as we get ready to provide this resource to schools and teachers across the state.”

The new Master of Music Education program becomes the fourth graduate program offered by CMU. The others include the Master of Education, the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling, and the Master of Science in Nursing.

For more information about the new MME program, contact Dr. Waggoner at 660-248-6321 or by e-mail at dwaggone@centralmethodist.edu.

At CMU, you know what to expect. Whether visiting campus, talking with an old friend or professor, or attending graduation, it all brings us back to the place we know and love.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps to maintain our excellent school for the next generation of proud alums.

And each gift can make a world of difference to our current students. You helped them to this point, just as you were helped too.

Please consider making a donation to our Central Excellence Fund today.

For more information, contact Matt Vander Vennet at 660-248-6239 or mvanderv@centralmethodist.edu.

Make a gift or schedule payments online at http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu/cef.

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Achievement Awards 2013 Accounting Excellence Award: Brian King ACDA National Student Choral Award: Calley Rogers Alpha Epsilon Delta Anatomy Award: Kaitlynn Troxel Alpha Epsilon Delta Harold L. Momberg Award for the Outstanding Pre-Med Student: Wil Norviel Alpha Epsilon Delta Physiology Award: Jill Petzel Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Awards: Kristen Bailey, Jessica Powell, Kaitlyn Eversmeyer, Kayla Sanders, Nathaniel Oliver, Cameron Yates American Nurses Association Award: Brooke Brandt Banking and Finance Excellence Award: James Craighead Dr. Robert Barker Sociology Award: Shamika Renee Pegue Cheryl Bartholomew Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Amy Fuemmeler Noble Emmett Baskett Scholarship in Business Administration: Alex Hunter William Denny Baskett, Sr., Study Abroad Award: Kayla Heidbrink Beta Beta Beta Outstanding General Biology Students: Novy Foland, Lauren Little Clyde and Hazel Blattner Mathematics Award: Jesse Marks Mike Cavanah “True Eagle” Award: Bryan Plenge Communication Department Student Media Award: Meghan Barton Conservatory Honors Program Award: Donald Heaton Criminal Justice Excellence Award: Christina Burke Mark and Kathy Dempsey Athletic Training Student Clinical Excellence Award: Tristan Taylor Thomas Dillingham Award for Non-Fiction Prose: Jamie Ward R. Paul Drummond Memorial Award: Zackariah Fincher Diamond ENACTUS Service Leadership Award: Meghan Barton Platinum ENACTUS Service Leadership Award: Shannon K. Dickerson ENACTUS Outstanding Senior Award: Addie Layne, Tom Walker, Jenny Mosley Entrepreneurship Excellence Award: Brenda Breland Estes Award for Outstanding Senior Male Athlete: Andrew Greiwe Gentry Estill Award for Total Business Excellence: Caleb Boeckman Susan Estill Award for Total Business Excellence: Shannon Dickerson Gamma Sigma Epsilon Excellence Award in General Chemistry: Dristen Willer Gamma Sigma Epsilon Excellence Award in Organic Chemistry: Luke Mayer Dr. Joseph E. Geist Prize in Performing Arts: Darrell Bailey

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Lisa Powell Goessling Award: Melanie Wilmsmeyer Golding Scholarship for Study Abroad: Kate Kellner, Aubrey Utley Gordon Hadfield Award for Poetry: Joe Jefferies Chester E. Hanson Outstanding Computer Science Award: Angel Smith The Keith House Band Fellow-Tour Manager: Michael D. O’Neill Martin C. Harral Memorial Music Award: Rebecca Shroyer William Randolph Hearst Education Scholars: Kristen Bailey, Jessica Powell, Lydia Cassingham, Kacie Young, Taylor Grellner, Megan Welker Hern Award for Excellence in Religious Studies: Molly Bryant Dr. George W. Heslar Leadership & Service Scholarship: Lakyn Baker Hickman Award for Achievement in Music: Joslyn West Judge Andrew J. Higgins Award in Pre-Law Studies: Cameron Yates, Tyler Winn John C. Hinkle Scholarship: Lakyn Baker Dr. Marianne Inman Award: Kaleb Borghardt, Theadorah Nichting Nancy Thompson Jones Gem Award: Aubrey Taylor Dr. Glenn R. Joyce Memorial Award: Jesse Marks Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Award: Tabatha Hoback Byrd Cooper Kirby Prize: Eileen Stacy Martin E. Kooi Excellence in Communication: Nathaniel Oliver Martin E. Kooi Excellence in Theatre Arts: Shamika Pegue James M. Luetjen Scholar Athlete Award: Aubrey Utley Management Excellence Award: Kayla Sanders Marketing and Advertising Excellence Award: Shawn Beard Glenn McElroy Athletic Training Student Academic Excellence Award: Shelby Reed General Lewis M. Means Award in Political Science: Tyler Bishop Perera The Missouri Federation of Music Clubs: Levi Gerke The Missouri League for Nursing: Chas Alcorn Professor Paul A. Montemurro Award: Sara Glynn MTNA Student Achievement Recognition Award: Derek Volkmann Dane Nelson Memorial Award: John Critchlow Dr. Niels C. Nielsen Outstanding Chemistry Student Award: Rebecca Brehe Outstanding Nurse Clinician Award: Hailey Claunch Outstanding Nursing Scholar Award: Katie Peterson Outstanding Senior in Accounting, Business & Economic Award: Kaitlyn Eversmeyer Darla Pannier Award for Outstanding Senior Female Athlete: Raylyn Nuss

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Pannier/Cavanah Exellence in Education Award: Hannah Babcock, T. Dustyn Yung Dr. Lloyd and Valerie Jean Penn Scholarships: Ashley Arrowood, Harold Hildreth, Addison Foote, Carrie Marston, Jill Petzel Dr. Thomas A. & Lora M. Perry Award in Comparative Literature: Samantha Linneman Phi Mu Alpha Honor Award: Donald Heaton Phi Mu Alpha Scholastic Award: Michael O’Neill Pi Gamma Mu Scholastic Award: Devin Bond Excellence in Psychology Award: Devin Bond Glenn C. Riegel Faculty Award: Dr. Lea Daniel Glenn C. Riegel Student Science Award: Kayla Leeser Sarah Rutherford Prize: Kristen Bailey W. D. Settle Memorial Music Education Award: Lakyn Baker Shallenburger Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounting Principles: Sam Pollock Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Leadership Award: Jennifer Mosley, Addie Layne, Tom Walker Sigma Alpha Iota Collegiate Honor Award: Kayla Kelly Sigma Alpha Iota Scholastic Award: Jessica Powell Sigma Epsilon Pi: Jessica Powell, Cameron Yates, Rebecca Brehe, Kayla Leeser, Nathaniel Oliver, Zachary Wallace, Shamika Pegue, Kristin Willer, Shelby Reed, Kristen Bailey, Katie Peterson, Shannon Dickerson, Michael O’Neill, Megan Davidson, Tabatha Dickey, Devin Bond, Alisha Maples, Hannah Utlaut, Cody Davis, Calley Rogers, Kaitlyn Eversmeyer, Nicole Sanders, Robert Stickler, Elisabeth Nation, Jessica Scobee Luther T. Spayde Memorial Award: Austin Long Elizabeth E. Stapleton Award in Art Education: Jessica Travlos Harold W. Sunoo History and Political Science Award: Destinee Muse T. Cecil Swackhamer: Award Kayla Kelly Swinney Conservatory Outstanding Freshman Award: Levi Gerke Helen Puckett Thogmorton Award for Excellence in Music: Ann Marie Pelley Kilgore Trout Award for Fiction: Jane Gonzalez-Meyer Erwin and Hazel Wiedle Outstanding Nursing Graduate: Wayne Bishop Jeff Wilcox “Raising the Bar Award”: Zach Wallace Raney Winter Award: Luke McKinney Dr. Farris H. and Leona Woods Memorial Award in Biology: Aubrey Utley The Fred Rhoads Acting Awards (“The Freddies”) Best Female Actor in a Leading Role: Kate Kellner Best Male Actor in a Leading Role: Darrell Bailey

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Best Male in a Supporting Role: Dakota Gladbach Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Shamika Pegue The Phoenix Award: Abby Bostic Best Assistant Director/Stage Manager: Kate Kellner Most Versatile Player: Paul Davis Outstanding Newcomer: Rebekah Monroe Shop Superstar: Zach Razafinjatovo Outstanding Student Director: Jordan Brennan

Above, the new class of Sigma Epsilon Pi, representing the top ten percent of graduating seniors at Central Methodist University.

Social Science Honors (Left to right) Christina Burke, Cameron Yates, Shamika Pegue, Tyler Bishop Perera, Destinee Muse, Devin Bond, Nathaniel Oliver, Tyler Winn (not shown, Meghan Barton) Match and Science (Left to right) Lauren Little, Rebecca Brehe, Angel Smith, Novy Foland II, Wil Norviel, Zach Wallace, Jesse Marks, Kaitlynn Troxel, Luke Mayer (not shown, Jill Petzel, Aubrey Utley, Kristen Willer, Tabatha Hoback, Kristen Bailey, Kayla Leeser)

Below left, Megan Hess, chair of the Health Professions Division, spoke prior to pinning the 34 new nursing graduates. Right, Melinda Hart prepares to pin Wayne Bishop, BSN. Two athletic training students also received special awards.

Fine and Performing Arts (Left to right), Row 1: Ali Maples, Jessica Carter, Dakota Gladbach, Lakyn Baker, Ann Marie Pelley, Kate Kellner, Shamika Pegue; Row 2: Rebecca Shroyer, Calley Rogers, Hannah Utlaut, Mary Rose Lehman, Susan Henke, Sara Glynn, Joslyn West, John Critchlow, Michael O’Neill, Abby Bostic; Row 3: Luke McKinney, Jordan Brennan, Cal Bergthold, Aubrey Taylor, Donald Heaton, Hershel Williams III, Darrell Bailey; Row 4: Robert Mobley, Derek Volkman, Sam Gaddy, Zack Fincher, Austin Long, Levi Gerke, Rebekah Monroe, Jamie Rector, Daniel Long, Paul Davis

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Larry Peery concludes 46 years in CMU classroom

by Kent Propst, Director of Marketing and Communication Advances in science and technology come at a staggering pace; it often seems as if the only constant is change.

But for science students at Central Methodist University, since 1967 there has been one other constant: Dr. Larry Peery.

That constant came to an end with the close of the Spring 2013 semester when Peery, CMU professor of physics, walked away from his Fayette classroom for the final time. Thus ended an almost unheard-of 46 year run teaching at the same institution.

Not bad for a person who learned of the faculty opening at Central purely by chance while in graduate school at Oklahoma State University.

Central’s legendary “Dean T.,” Dean James Thogmorton, and Larry Dimond, then head of Central’s education department, happened to be at a conference in Stillwater, Okla., in 1967. Dimond knew one of Peery’s classmates and mentioned the faculty opening, and the classmate relayed the tip to Peery.

The next thing he knew, Peery was flying a small plane with his expectant wife Carolyne to Fayette to interview. With no teaching experience beyond a graduate assistantship at Oklahoma State, Peery was hired—though he readily admits he wasn’t certain he would spend his career teaching, much less in Fayette.

“In graduate school I did some research and consulting for NASA,” Peery reflects, including involvement with the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space projects. That was after he had done some work with the McDonnell-Douglas Corp. as an undergraduate student in Rolla, Mo., at what was then known as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy.

“I thought we might stay here (Fayette) for two or three years, and then I would either go teach at a larger institution or go to work in industry,” Peery says. “But we became involved in Fayette, and we liked it as a place to live and to raise a family. I had freedom here, the ability to choose what I wanted to work on, including research. It (Central) grew on us.”

Peery, who had joined the Navy while at Oklahoma State, also had the flexibility to remain active in the Naval Reserve; he retired in 2006 with the rank of Captain.

Another advantage of his teaching schedule at Central was the ability to complete his doctorate from Oklahoma State during summers.

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Much has changed at Central during Peery’s years of service. He has worked under five different presidents; remarkably, he worked for the three who served longest – Ralph Woodward (1950-1970), Joe Howell (1977-1995) and soon-to-retire President Marianne Inman, who joined CMU in 1995.

The college itself “has grown, certainly, yet it has preserved its heritage,” Peery says. “I applaud President Inman for putting the University under sound financial management, for strategic planning, and for leading a planned approach to expansion.”

Students have changed, too, “but not as much as you might imagine,” he says. The biggest change “parallels the breakdown of family.”

With the advent of social media, Peery observes, students have withdrawn into their own social media bubble; they often don’t know the student sitting next to them in class. “Scholastically, if you look at technological change, students today are more knowledgeable about the ability to use it,” Perry says, “but they aren’t as curious as to why it works and how to make it better.”

Peery also reflects on change involving faculty.

“When I came here, most faculty lived in Fayette and there was a lot of social interaction. That’s no longer the case,” he observes, “and it makes it harder to maintain that collective sense of faculty.” The trend toward more part-time or “adjuct” faculty and the growth of online programming has been another major shift, not just at CMU but in higher education in general, he notes.

While Peery is best known to his Central colleagues and to current and former students for his work in the classroom, he is perhaps more widely known for his role as Curator of the Morrison Observatory at CMU. As with his initial appointment to the Central faculty, it came about more by chance than by design.

“The college had downsized its faculty and programming during some lean years around 1980,” Peery reflects.

“And astronomy was one of the programs cut. I recognized the importance of astronomy, of how it can help cultivate the next generation of scientists. So I learned to teach astronomy,” he says matter-of-factly, “and took over management of the Morrison Observatory.”

While Peery plans to remain active with the Morrison Observatory, and perhaps to work on grant-writing for CMU science programs, his priorities will shift. He and wife Carolyne look forward to more time with their family.

There is also more work to be done advocating for regional water and wastewaster systems, something with which Peery has long been involved.

Gardening, landscaping, and restoration of an old car and truck are also on his agenda. After 46 years of dedication to Central Methodist, he’ll finally have the time for it.

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Ginger Kazmierczak retires from CMU

by Kent Propst, Director of Marketing and Communication

The nursing program at Central Methodist University had to bid farewell to one of its own at the end of the 201213 academic year, with the retirement of veteran faculty member Ginger Kazmierczak.

Kazmierczak closed out a well-traveled career and life with 20 years at the University that came about more by good fortune than by design. In fact, she was well into her nursing career before the thought of teaching even crossed her mind.

With a husband in the Army, the central Illinois native was accustomed to moving around and was used to, in her words, “looking for things to do” after each relocation.

Kazmierczak obtained her registered nurse training in Illinois, her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in California, and her Master of Science degree in nursing in Missouri.

By the late 1980s, her husband was stationed in Lawton, Okla., and Kazmierczak took a job teaching in the practical nursing program at a vocational-technical school there after seeing a help wanted ad in the local newspaper. Before that opportunity, the thought of teaching “didn’t cross my mind,” she says.

Four years later the Kazmierczak family, which includes three children (and now several grandchildren), found themselves moving to Columbia, Mo. Her husband had just retired from the Army and had gone to work at Boone Hospital. For Ginger, it was time to find a new job; the Oklahoma experience had confirmed one thing, though.

“I really wanted to teach,” she says.

“My husband talked to some people at Boone Hospital, and one of them mentioned Central,” Kazmierczak recalls.

She contacted then-Central Methodist College, and spent a year teaching part time before joining Central full time.

Two decades have brought many changes to both CMU and to its nursing program. When Kazmierczak began, nursing at Central was a two-year program; today, CMU offers both the Bachelor’s and the Master’s degrees in nursing, with programming literally across the state.

“I got to be a part of that switch, and I feel some ownership for it,” she says proudly.

“It’s a demanding major,” Kazmierczak reflects. “Our students have to pass our own rigorous courses and a naSpring 2013

tional exam to be licensed. We have to meet a lot of external accreditation requirements, both state and national.

“This (program) requires a real investment by the student,” she continues. “For some, it’s the first time they’ve had to work this hard. Many students have never gotten a ‘C’ before. They have to decide if they really want it.”

After making her own substantial investment in Central Methodist, Kazmierczak now gets to look forward to travel and spending time with children and grandchildren.

She won’t miss the deadlines, nor putting together course syllabi for the next semester.

“I’ve been proud to say I teach at Central,” Kazmierczak says. “We have a great reputation, and I’ve enjoyed it very much.”

Photo Contest Have a great photo of CMU? Share it!

Details are available at: cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu/photocontest All photos must be submitted to the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations by June 30, 2014. Questions? Contact Heather Carlton at 660-248-6234 or hcarlton@centralmethodist.edu.

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Campus news

Kendal Clark, new assistant professor of physics Kendal Clark, CMU’s new assistant professor of physics, isn’t so new to the campus.

Clark graduated from Central Methodist University with his Bachelors of Arts in Physics and Mathematics degree in 2002. From there he earned his Masters in Physics and Ph.D. in Electoral Engineering from Ohio University.

Clark, before returning to CMU, had worked as a research and teaching assistant at the University of Ohio and the University of Hamburg, Germany. Most recently Clark worked as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

In 2010 he won the cover image of Nature Nanotechnology, won the Ovshinsky Student Travel Award, and attended the DOE Energy Research Opportunities Workshop; in 2009 he received the AVS Dorothy M. and Earl S. Hoffman Travel Grant, and in 2006 he was offered the Ohio University EECS Teaching Assistantship.

Clark has additionally researched topics like Electron Transport in Low-Dimensional Systems, Non-Contact AFFM (a tuning fork used to study insulating and conditioning substrates), Organic Superconductors, Self-Assembling of Molecular Chains, and Atomic and Molecular Manipulation. Clark has also published several scientific works about the study of nanotechnology.

CMU hires director of human resources After almost 160 years, Central Methodist University has welcomed its first full-time human resources professional, Becky Kendrick, to the CMU staff. Kendrick serves as the director of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership and supervision for all campus HR functions, according to Julee Sherman, vice president for finance and administration.

Kendrick’s immediate priorities as director of human resources are to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and develop and standardize employee orientation and training programs, Kendrick says.

“What stood out about CMU was that everyone was warm and welcoming,” she says. “I had heard from others that it was a great place to be a part of.”

Kendrick comes to Central Methodist University with years of experience in the human resource field. She joins CMU from Columbia College, where she was a compliance specialist, primarily responsible for ensuring legal compliance with federal and state employment laws, writing and administering training programs, and administering the Family Medical Leave Act for an average of 25-30 employees at a time.

Kendrick began her career at Heartland Heath as an Employment Specialist where she was previously a human resources intern and received an Award of Excellence. She also has worked for Midway USA as a human resource specialist, and another term at Columbia College as assistant director of human resources. She also worked for Boyce and Bynum Pathology Laboratory as a human resource generalist.

Kendrick holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Missouri Western State University and the master of education in counseling from Stephens College.

Pieta new head of institutional research Sandy Pieta has been hired by Central to fill the position of director of Institutional Research.

In May she completed her master’s degree in economics at the University of Missouri - Columbia, where she also served as a graduate teaching assistant.

“I’m very excited to be joining CMU at this time,” Pieta says, “and look forward to meeting everyone this summer.”

The Office of Institutional Research gathers data and keeps all facts and figures pertaining to CMU. It creates reports and statistics for multiple agencies, including state and federal governments, and provides information as needed to departments across the campus.

Originally from the Chicago area, Pieta moved to Columbia in 2011 to study for her master’s degree. She enjoys traveling, reading, and meeting new people.

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Campus news

Updates from James C. Denneny, Jr., Career Development Center

by Nicolette Yevich, director

Annual Career EXPO

Students explored possible internships

and jobs during the EXPO. The first substantial snow of winter hit campus on February 21, canceling the scheduled date of this year’s EXPO. With our busy campus, we were still able to find an alternate date almost a month later. Nearly 40 employers eager to meet our students attended, while the majority of students were seeking internship opportunities, followed by full time positions.

While every major was represented, the largest number of majors came from the business department. New to the Career EXPO was a Linkedin Photo Booth; for two hours students could get a free professional head shot taken to use in their social media platforms.

Utilizing social media in job searches is becoming even more common as students network virtually, and having a professional photo really can make a candidate stand out.

Spring Etiquette Dinner The Career Development Center held its annual Etiquette Dinner April 4. We had more than 30 students present for a five course meal. They learned fine dining tips, proper dinner etiquette, and were able to connect with business professionals in their field of study. Furthermore, we had employees attend from USGS Columbia Environmental Research, Missouri Employers Mutual, Peak Performance, Auto Owner’s Insurance, Wolcott Water Systems, USIS, and Boone County Family Resources, all of whom made excellent table hosts. The event ended with students having a better knowledge of dinner etiquette, networking connections with industry professionals, and of course, chocolate strawberry napoleon for dessert!

Mock Interviews Conducted

Part of the etiquette dinner involved learning to be a good conversationalist and to network.

Left, Nicolette Yevich gave a mock interview to senior Kristie Renfrow and then discussed it.

Students who attend CMU through our College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES) are encouraged to use the resources of the James C. Denneny, Jr., Career Development Center. For example, senior Kristie Renfrow, an elementary education major on the Sedalia Campus schedPost-interview, Yevich provides feedback on the uled a mock interview with Nicolette Yevich, director of student’s appearance, the answers he or she provided and the Career Development Center. helpful hints on what to do when corresponding with “The mock interview starts like any normal interview potential employers. you would have,” Yevich says. “Generalities and niceties Yevich is also open to corresponding with students via move into questions that relate to the position the student webcam when traveling to Fayette is not possible. Contact is applying for.” Students should expect a mock interview her at nyevich@centralmethodist.edu. to last between 30 and 45 minutes.

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Campus news

Carter’s new book about aerial operations during Cold War Dr. John Carter, CMU professor of history and political science, and director of graduate studies at CMU, has recently published a new book, his fifth. He has authored four other books on the presidency and the history of the American intelligence community.

Entitled American Aerial Covert Operations During the Early Cold War, the new book examines aerial espionage and covert operations undertaken by the Truman and Eisenhower administrations during the early period of the Cold War, from 1945 to 1960.

The analysis of the vignettes of these spyflight operations is connected to the Cold War development of the American presidency and the modern American intelligence community by two analytic threads, Carter says. First, is an examination of the relationship between the changing political environment of the American presidency and the struggles of Truman and Eisenhower to assert effective presidential control over these very high-risk operations.

Second, the work examines the ways in which the changing politics of the American presidency drove the changing agenda of aerial espionage and covert action intelligence tools during this period and in the process helped to define the role of technical intelligence in the assessment of risk during this volatile period.

The book, published by The Edwin Mellen Press, is available at both CMU’s Smiley Library, and the Howard County Library.

Carter has been a member of the CMU faculty since 1980. He studied political science and literature at Westminster College and holds graduate degrees in political science from the University of Central Missouri and the University of Missouri.

He and his wife, Jerri, have resided in Howard County for the last 30 years.

Lamberson joins CMU Admission staff If sincerity and believability are important when recruiting performing arts students to Central Methodist University — and they are—Summer Lamberson has the job nailed.

Lamberson joined CMU’s Admission Department in January as admissions counselor for performing arts, according to Larry Anderson, director of admission. She finished her bachelor of music education degree from CMU in December.

“Having been a CMU student, I know the atmosphere,” Lamberson says. “I know the professors and how they care about their students. Prospective students hear that from just about everyone, but it’s real here – I visited other campuses when I was looking at colleges, and I could sense it here.”

The Vandalia native and Van-Far High School graduate already has experience in the recruitment business, having worked several years while a CMU student for Admissions, calling prospective students and their parents – “telecounseling,” as it is called.

It is where she first began to think about some day working for CMU’s Office of Admission, but staff turnover in that department is low and she “didn’t think anything would be available. It’s a blessing,” she says.

After student teaching in elementary schools in both Glasgow and New Franklin, Lamberson was all set to begin her teaching career. Then, the opportunity to recruit CMU music and theater students opened up, and she jumped on it.

Lamberson herself was very involved in vocal and instrumental music at CMU, and was active in music-related student organizations. She also worked as a student assistant in the music department, was a Phonathon caller for Advancement, and worked in the CMU library and cafeteria.

“It will be nice to have just one job,” she laughs.

Lamberson started visiting with potential students immediately. Her message focuses on CMU’s high quality programs, and the fact that “we’re genuine, we’re caring. If I’m not excited about Central,” she observes, “they won’t get excited.”

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Campus news

Cooper joins Advancement team The newest face in the Advancement Department at Central Methodist is no stranger to CMU, or to mid-Missouri.

Deanna Cooper began work February 1 as director of development and alumni activities at CMU. She spent most of the past three years in the region with the American Red Cross as a donor recruitment representative. In fact, one of Cooper’s clients for Red Cross blood drives was Central Methodist – and the more she became acquainted with CMU, the more interested she became.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to work with faculty, staff, and students of CMU on various levels,” Cooper says. “I came to appreciate all that CMU represents and strives to achieve. To be part of this institution is an honor, and I am very excited to be a part of the CMU family and of its terrific mission.”

In her role at CMU she will be involved in seeking annual and major gifts to the University, maintaining and growing relationships for the University, and meeting with alumni and friends through staffing various alumni events.

In her work with the Red Cross, Cooper managed an eight-county area. She has held positions with Sprint Nextel, the Knox (Mo.) County Nursing Home, and several other private companies. She also worked in the Gunnison (Colo.) County Assessor’s Office for nine years.

Cooper is a native of Gunnison, Colo., and was raised on a working cattle ranch.

She attended Western State College in Colorado and Ft. Hays (Kan.) State University, but intends to transfer her credits and complete her degree from CMU. She and her family live in La Plata. She is active in the Macon Rotary Club and in the Fayette Golden Study Club.

Rethwisch honored by scholarship in his name The business of student recruitment is tough and competitive. When it comes to enrolling a student, only one college can “win.” Braxton Rethwisch of CMU has been fighting the good fight for his alma mater since 1964.

That alone is a remarkable accomplishment. But an award Rethwisch, CMU regional director of admission, recently gained speaks volumes about the regard in which other admission professionals across Missouri hold him.

The Missouri Association of College Admission Counselors (MOACAC) instituted the “Braxton Rethwisch MOACAC Scholarship” at its annual conference, held in St. Louis in April. The honor was a complete surprise to the Fayette native, who represents CMU in St. Louis and eastern Missouri.

“To be recognized by one’s professional colleagues is a high honor and I am grateful,” Rethwisch says. “I owe a debt of gratitude to my co-workers at CMU for their support.”

The MOACAC Board members voted unanimously to initiate the scholarship program “to celebrate his accomplishments and continued service to the organization,” notes Drew Griffin of the University of Missouri at St. Louis, and past president of Missouri ACAC, in announcing the award at the convention.

“There is not a more deserving person,” says Larry Anderson, CMU director of Admission, who has known Rethwisch since Anderson was himself a Central student in the mid-1960s. “Braxton is the consummate professional and a credit to the college admission profession and to Central Methodist University.”

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Rethwisch has been heavily involved with the admission group on both the state and national levels. He served as vice president of the National Association of College Admission Counselors from 1978-81. He was on its budget and finance committee from 1995-97.

He is a past president of Missouri ACAC and chaired the state government relations committee for many years. In 2001 he was the first to receive the National ACAC Government Relations Award “. . . which goes to a member for outstanding efforts to promote equal access to higher education, encourage counselor excellence, and further the priorities of NACAC.” In 1994 Rethwisch was presented the National ACAC Gayle Wilson Award for Meritorious Service for outstanding service to the college admission profession.

He has a master’s degree in higher education administration and finance, and has completed coursework toward a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University. He and wife Judy split time between homes in St. Louis and in Fayette.

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Campus news

Faculty updates Dr. Kristin Cherry, assistant

Caring Center once a month. The initial goal is to spend time interacting with the residents. They will eventually try to measure if the visits have a positive impact on the wellness of the residents and the socialization and adoptability of the pets.

professor of communication, has published a work book for speech classes.

The book is entitled Public Speaking Companion and is published by Kendall Hunt (Iowa). She also received the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System’s Jeff Tellis Outstanding Advisor Award.

Greg Owen, adjunct professor of theatre arts, presented a playwriting workshop entitled “Assembling the Puzzle Pieces: Writing Your (First?)

Play” at the American College Theatre Festival.

Angie Cornelius, assistant

professor of nursing, has successfully defended her project and has earned the title of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Dr. Susan Quigley-Duggan,

Cindy Dudenhoffer, director

of information resources at Smiley Library and associate professor, attended the Innovative Academic Library Director’s Symposium in San Francisco, representing CMU and the MOBIUS Consortium Board, to improve library technology services.

She has also been elected president of the MOBIUS Consortium Board of Directors. Her term begins in June.

Dudenhoffer has also published a book chapter in Social Media: Best Practices for Libraries.

She has presented six different presentations at the regional and national level this academic year, including at the Association of College and Research Libraries Conference in Indianapolis on non-traditional collection development and programming in academic libraries; and the keynote presentation on emerging library technology at the Northeast Kansas Library Network Conference in April.

Dr. Mark Kelty, associate pro-

fessor of theatre arts, served as the assistant coordinator of the Directing Initiative at the American College Theatre Festival, which included the directing component of the Ten Minute Plays, the Society of Directors and Choreographers Scholarship, and the Faculty Directing Showcase.

Dr. Dana Morris, assistant professor of biology, has started a new service learning program with PAWS animal rescue group and CMU biology students to visit nursing homes with foster dogs and cats.

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associate professor of music and head of the opera program, gave two performances this semester, one in Jefferson City and one in Fayette, with Dr. Ruth Robertson of Lincoln University, and including CMU professors Ron Atteberry and Tom Arnold.

She also adjudicated for the Federation of Music Competition in March in Jefferson City, taught a master voice class, and worked with other Conservatory members in facilitating an all-day CMU Voice Workshop for 60 high school vocal students.

Dr. Jeremy Reed, assistant professor of English, recently attended a “Reacting to the Past” workshop at Duke where he learned about gamebased pedagogy by participating in the role-playing game “Frederick Douglass, Slavery, Abolitionism, and the Constitution: 1845.”

His role was Neal Dow, a prohibitionist. He had to craft speeches and finagle back-room deals designed to convince pro- and anti-slavery characters that they were arguing about the wrong issue and to embrace the cause of temperance.

Dr. Annette Van, associate professor of English, recently presented a paper titled “Beautiful Writing: Sublimity in the Composition Classroom” at the Midwest Modern Language Association Conference in Cincinnati.

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Campus news

Student stand-out news

Bilabaye, Hoback to lead SGA

Music

CMU students have elected Geofrey Bilabaye and Tabatha Hoback as president and vice president of the Student Government Association for 2013-14.

The duo will assume office when the fall term begins next August. Elections were held in early April.

President-elect Geofrey Bilabaye is a junior from Dar Es

Levi Gerke, freshman baritone and vocal performance major, won first place in the Kansas City NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Lower College Men’s Division in February. He was also named alternate in the Senior Performance level of the West Central Music Teachers National Association Competition.

Jamie Rector, freshman mezzo-soprano, received honorable mention in the Lower College Women’s Division.

Both she and Levi are students of Dr. Quigley-Duggan.

Michael O’Neill, a graduating music student received Honorable Mention in the most recent Upper Level Brass Division of the Missouri Music Teachers Association. He played Stauss’ “Concerto No. 1,” Mozart’s “Concerto No. 4 (II. Romanza),” and Marais’ “Le Basque.” His major professor is Dr. John Perkins, associate professor of music.

Drama

Jon Connor, Sam Pummill, Jordan Brennan, Dakota Gladbach, and Kate Kellner competed in the Irene Ryan acting scholarship at the American College Theatre Festival in Nebraska.

Paul Davis was cast in Inside the Lines, which was performed for the festival.

Brennan, Rebekah Monroe, Darrell Bailey, Kellner, Gladbach, and Amanda Avery got call backs from three playhouses represented at the festival.

Pre-Law/Political Science

Cameron Yates received generous offers from law schools at Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, and the University of Washington. He finally settled on a full tuition-plus offer from Indiana University Law School.

Tyler Winn has been admitted to law school with a handsome aid package to Saint Louis University, his first choice.

Tyler Bishop Perera has been accepted into the political science graduate program at Kansas State University.

The major professor of all three is Dr. John Carter, professof political science and director of pre-law.

Salaam, Tanzania. A math major and computer science minor, he has been extremely active in CMU student life. He is a member of Sigma Alpha Chi/Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the business group Enactus, the CMU Speech and Debate Club, International Students Club, and the Catholic Students Association.

Bilabaye is also a member of the CMU men’s soccer team, is a tutor, has served as an SGA Senator, and is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society.

Hoback, the vice president-elect, is a sophomore from California, Mo. She majors in mathematics at CMU. Hoback has been involved in SGA, is a member of Sigma Pi Alpha sorority and Kappa Mu Epsilon math honorary group, and has served CMU as a leader in its student orientation program.

Mark Stone receives award for third time Mark Stone, director of student activities, has received the Campus Event Planner of the Year award for the third time. He won the award in recognition of his “tireless efforts and excellence in student activities programming and campus event planning,” specifically for the best overall event for hosting the mentalist Robert Channing.

According to the award’s sponsor, Power Performers Talent AgenSpring 2013

cy, this was the 10th annual awards ceremony by College Performers and Superior Programming Magazine. The award was based on more than 4,200 colleges and universities nationwide.

The award had several criteria: organization of the event, audience, atmosphere, customer service with performer and agent, treatment, friendly welcoming, technical-music, stage, lighting, sound, etc. Power Performers books high impact speakers, celebrities, sports stars, and entertainers.

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CMU library uncovers Presidential letter Libraries often are a treasure trove of long-forgotten but fascinating materials and information, a point reinforced recently by John Finley, CMU reference librarian and archivist.

A letter from U.S. President Grover Cleveland, signed in 1888, accepting honorary membership in Central’s Aristotelian Literary Society, was discovered by Finley and is now on display in CMU’s Smiley Library.

Dated Sept. 29, 1888, and sent on letterhead titled “Executive Mansion, Washington,” the handwritten note to Central student and Aristotelian corresponding secretary Paul W. Yancey, reads: “I have received your note informing me of my election to Honorary Membership in the Aristotelian Society of Central College, and desire to express my appreciation of the compliment paid by me in placing my name upon its rolls. Very truly yours, Grover Cleveland.”

The letter was written just weeks before Cleveland lost the Presidency in his bid for reelection, though the New Yorker is unique among U.S. Presidents: he was elected to a second term in 1892, the only President to serve non-consecutive terms.

The Aristotelian Society was founded at Central on Oct. 1, 1868, one of two rival literary societies at the college. Its counterpart, Phi Alpha, ceased to exist in 1922 but the Aristotelians continued until sometime in the 1930s.

Finley also discovered the bound minutes of Aristotelian Society meetings. The minutes from early October 1888 acknowledge the letter from Pres. Cleveland, and note the group had to suspend its bylaws temporarily, to allow for its new “Honorary Member.”

The next item of business was approval of funds to purchase a wastebasket for its secretary, followed by authorization to have the letter from Pres. Cleveland framed and displayed.

Frank C. Tucker’s book Central Methodist College: One Hundred and Ten Years noted that literary societies were important and prestigious throughout much of the early history of Central. Tucker reported that Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and author/humorist Mark Twain were other honorary literary society members at Central, and that their letters of acceptance once graced the walls of classroom buildings on campus.

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This is a copy of the letter found by librarian John Finley in the Central Methodist archives. President Grover Cleveland had been invited to become a member of the Aristotelian Society on campus, and he graciously accepted.

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Campus news

Students win college division for Ronald McDonald House drive In a noble competition with no losers, students from Central Methodist University outpaced those from four other area institutions to help support construction of the new Ronald McDonald House project in Columbia.

Led by the work of CMU Greek Life students, CMU compiled more than 2,500 points in the “2013 Raising the Roof” challenge to help build the new Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri serves as a home-away-fromhome for families of sick or injured children receiving medical care in Columbia.

Central Methodist accumulated more than twice as many points as runner-up Moberly Area Community College’s School of Allied Health in Mexico, Mo. William Woods University was next, followed by Westminster College and Stephens College.

Joy Flanders, director of student success (front, right), accepts the trophy for the CMU students sponsored a 5K race “2013 Raising the Roof” from volunteer coordinator, Wendy Sheehan ’87. and also held a raffle, raising nearly $1,000 for the cause, according to Joy to CMU for its work on the project. She is the volunteer Flanders, CMU director of student success. Those were the coordinator and development officer for the Ronald Mcprimary activities CMU held in support of the “Raising the Donald House Charities of Mid-Missouri.

Roof” campaign.

Central Methodist students are already planning anWendy Slagle Sheehan, a 1987 graduate of Central, was other 5K race in the fall to generate additional support for on campus in late April to present a trophy and her thanks the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia, Flanders notes.

Pi Kappa Delta convention welcomes CMU into membership

by Greg Owen, adjunct professor of theatre arts

Three members of Central Methodist’s Speech and Debate Club attended and competed in the Pi Kappa Delta National Convention and Tournament March 13-16 on the campus of Webster University in St. Louis.

Wednesday afternoon kicked off with an informal reception followed by province meetings. In the Heartland Province, to which Missouri belongs, a new province governor and student governors were elected. During the business meeting later that evening, CMU’s chapter of Pi Kappa Delta was formally reinstated. Nine students are listed on the University’s new charter. Central had formerly had membership in Pi Kappa Delta from 1921-1942 and 1948-1969.

Thursday through Saturday students competed in

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individual events, each event consisting of three rounds of competition. Senior Darrell Bailey competed in impromptu speaking. In each round Bailey was given a topic, at which point he had two minutes to prepare a five minute speech on the topic which he then delivered, using minimum notes.

Freshmen Sam Pummill and Jon Connor each competed in dramatic interpretation, in which they had ten minutes to present a prepared piece cut from a dramatic work or works. Pummill and Connor also teamed up to present a dramatic duet. As in individual dramatic interpretation, the two had ten minutes to present a prepared piece.

This year marks the centennial celebration of Pi Kappa Delta and the 48th national convention.

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Internationals and Interact

by Jessica Travlos, student staff writer Central Methodist University has become the home for many international students in the last few years. The representation of these students among the CMU student body has been rapidly increasing. In just seven years since Cathy Baxter, assistant director of Admission, took over the international enrollment responsibilities for CMU, Central has seen an increase from 10 students in 2006 to the 37 international undergraduates attending today, six of whom graduated in May. These students have come from all around the world, bringing with them the cultures of 23 different countries.

Embedded within the CMU community they are a great source for the students, faculty and staff to learn about the world by simply socializing with each other, and at the same time they are also gaining insight on the diverse nature of America.

With the guidance of Rotary member Michael Pope ’77 and Fayette High School teacher Gwen Pope, the Fayette Rotary Club launched their first chapter of Interact at the local high school. Interact is a club for high school students that focuses on understanding and respecting people from around the world. The club also offers opportunities for students to gain leadership skills and help others in need. This first chapter had a successful take off with its 25 members. Next year one student, Faith Robinson, will be completing her senior year in Switzerland as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student.

Coinciding with this exchange, Fayette High School will also have a Rotary Youth Exchange Student

from Colombia, South America.

The students in this club have been fortunate enough to be able to meet and socialize with several of the international students on campus. Through organizing luncheons where they cooked food for the CMU international students, members of both groups were able to get together to learn by interacting with one another.

Fayette Interact currently has at least three seniors who plan to attend CMU in the fall. These students intend to work towards starting a Collegiate Rotary Club for CMU. If successful, this will enhance the social experience for both international and US-native students.

Geofrey Bilabaye, the CMU 2013-2014 SGA president, is very excited about these students joining CMU and their goals for the upcoming school year. Bilabaye is himself an international student from Tanzania and has been attending CMU for three years now. He described how difficult it can be when you first arrive from another country and have to begin learning new customs. However, because of CMU’s welcoming nature, he says, you come to know that “you’re part of a huge family. It makes you realize you’ll be fine.”

Bilabaye also emphasized how important it is for the international students to take initiative not only to learn but to teach everyone about their own cultures. He noted that many of these students are considered ambassadors for their home countries, so the more interaction among all students, the better. Bilabaye believes that starting a Collegiate Rotary Club on campus will benefit everyone and help all CMU students to see the beauty of their own homes.

Many of the CMU international students have hidden

Photos from top, (left to right): Natsuki Kitamura and “Kiko” Ha at the State Capitol; Fayette High School Interact students prepare lunch for the CMU International students (back row: Lacee Adams, Kaylynn Sims, Aaron Renaud, Brandi Mueller, Robert Miner, Ethan Harper; middle row: Faith Robinson, Lilly Tarakai, Rachael Bishop, Annaliese Moore; front row: Anna Baxter); and students on top of Mount Cristo Rey during the recent CMU mission trip: Christopher Bantz, Nahom Asfaw, J.P. Jacks, Kidus Birhanu, Sergio Garcia-Niño, Sarah White, and Estephenia Iracheta

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talents that not very many know about. To name a few, Burton Iosefa, from American Samoa, is a fire-dancer; Tama Hugo, also from America Samoa, does original tribal art and tattoos; Diu Ha “Kiko,” from Vietnam, performs with the Vietnamese Dance Troupe in Columbia; and Murun Altankhuyag played soccer for the Mongolian National Team.

Kidus Birhanu, a sophomore from Ethiopia, has already been accepted into medical school in the U.S. He will finish his undergraduate degree in a total of three years in order to get an early start at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.

CMU is a member of the Study Missouri Consortium, an organization dedicated to encouraging the growth and excellence of international students studying in Missouri colleges. Through this organization eighteen of the international students were scheduled to represent CMU at the state capital in Jefferson City on February 27 for International Education Day. Due to the snowy conditions of February, the event was postponed to April 30. Diu Ha “Kiko” and Natsuki Kitamura of Japan were the only two available to go because many of the students had to prepare for finals instead. Ha and Kitamura got the opportunity to visit the capital for the International Education Day in April, where they were able to meet with Fayette’s senator and state representative.

Ha’s favorite part of the trip was during introductions where all of the international students gathered and were announced by country. As each country was named, Ha was moved by the clapping and cheering from everyone for each individual country. Ha was awed by the fact that so many different cultures were able to come together in a place foreign to them but still feel a sense of unity among themselves.

With the hopes of more cultural interaction coming to campus, CMU will be able to continue its growth in thisdiverse manner. “It’s such a rich experience knowing these students. We need avenues to share that,” Baxter says.

Make a difference. Share the Central experience. Give today.

To make your gift online visit: http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu/cef.

If you would like more information on the Central Excellence Fund, please contact Matt Vander Vennet at mvanderv@centralmethodist.edu or 660-248-6239.

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Campus news

CMU Enactus team named regional champion

by Addie Layne, student staff writer The Central Enactus team of business students was named a league champion at the Enactus regional competition held recently in Rogers, Ark., and thus qualified for the Enactus National Exposition at Kansas City in late May. The CMU Enactus group was judged as the top team in its nine-college league at the regional event, held April 17, according to Julie Bennett, associate professor in the division of Accounting, Business, and Economics. Bennett is CMU’s Enactus advisor.

The Arkansas event was one of 10 Enactus regional competitions across the country. At Regionals, teams are rated on their presentation team’s explanation of projects that their group executed that year.

The six CMU Enactus members on the presentation team are Sophie Wilensky, junior communications study major from Plano, Texas; Meghan Barton, senior communications studies major from Fenton; Katie Just, sophomore business major from Kirkwood; Jordan Meyer, junior accounting major from Albuquerque, N.M.; Ryan Vandivert, freshman athletic training major from Maryville; and Tom Walker, senior accounting major from Houston, Texas.

Shannon Dickerson, senior accounting major from Moberly, serves as the group’s technical director.

A dozen additonal Encactus members attended the regional event to show support and to do some networking.

In addition to the success of this team’s projects and

presentation, as recognized at Regionals, CMU was named to the Enactus 4.0 Club.

The Club honors teams with excellent advisors, quality educational programs, student success in Enactus, and long term sustainability in enabling progress through entrepreneurial action. These factors are graded on a 5.0 scale, and any team that achieves above a 4.0 is recognized.

Enactus, formerly Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), is a community of students, academic leaders, and business leaders who are committed to using entrepreneurial action to enable human progress. CMU Enactus undertook a variety of projects this year, including: • Feed Fayette, a project that has allowed the CMU Enactus program to help provide 2,692 meals through fundraising efforts such as caroling for cans, a community Easter egg hunt and a three-on-three soccer tournament.

• Kiddie Economics, a project aimed at teaching kindergarteners and fifth-graders economic concepts • Green Shoes, a project to help the environment that collected over 800 pairs of shoes to repurpose athletic surfaces; and • Build-A-Business, a project that was aimed at helping the broader community by helping eight local businesses gain the skills they need to start and succeed in their own businesses.

Champion team (from left) Front row: Addie Layne, Karen Loera, Shawn Beard, Teri Hurt, Tom Walker, Sophie Wilensky, Jordan Meyer, Meghan Barton, Katie Just, Ryan Vandivert, Caleb Boeckman, Keely Zimmerman; Back row: Angela Weicken, Kristi Miller, Shannon Dickerson, Jennifer Mosely, Sergio Garcia-Niño, Julie Ramiso. Not shown is Enactus supervisor, Prof. Julie Bennett.

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Campus news

CMU awarded $50,000 grant to enhance moral, civic values Nurturing students to become better people has long been a priority at Central Methodist University, but a $50,000 grant just awarded will bring a whole new commitment to that cause.

The Washington D.C.-based Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) named CMU one of 33 recipients nationwide of a NetVUE program development grant, CMU President Marianne Inman has announced.

Dr. Kevin Carnahan, CMU associate professor of philosophy and religion, is program coordinator for the two-year NetVUE (Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education) grant. It is intended to deepen the intellectual and theological search of vocational interests among students.

CMU aims to use the grant to find practical methods of helping students reflect upon their true calling as they consider courses of study and careers. The program will, among other things, help students see the relationship between faith and career choices, and develop the next generation of leaders.

The CIC NetVUE program, funded by a grant from the Lilly Foundation, is designed to further enable independent colleges and universities to teach and mentor students in matters of faith and vocational choices. CMU faculty who participate in the program will be asked to explore ways to incorporate civic engagement and service learning into the curriculum across disciplines.

“This grant will allow us to put more of our students into contact with pressing issues in the real world, while prompting them to make this kind of engagement a continual part of their lives,” Carnahan says. “At Central Methodist University, we are constantly working to push our students beyond the normal bounds of the classroom,” he adds. “This grant provides a wonderful opportunity to open new avenues of engaged learning.”

The concept of being a better citizen is nothing new at CMU. The CMU Mission Statement states it plainly: “Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.”

Each spring, CMU cancels classes so that students, faculty and staff can volunteer for Service Day. Students by the hundreds contribute thousands of hours toward service projects across the region.

Service Day is just one example of CMU volunteering for the greater good of society. CMU student-athletes donate countless hours through the Champions of Character program sponsored by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics; Greek life at Central has a long history of volunteerism; and there are many others.

With the new NetVUE grant, CMU intends to take that spirit to greater heights than ever before.

KCMU garners multiple radio awards Central’s radio station, KCMU, continues to pick up awards for their campus work. This spring the sponsor, Dr. Kristin Cherry, CMU assistant professor of communication, attended the Intercollegiate Broadcasting (IBS) Awards in New York City. She picked up the Bronze Microphone Award for Outstanding Broadcasting Excellence for the station and the IBS Jeff Tellis Outstanding Advisor Award for herself. She also announced that four students were finalists in three categories: Michael Tevega for Best Station Promo for “College Road Trip to CMU”; Kelsey Forqueran for Best Event Promo for “Zombie Rampage 5K”; and Nathaniel Oliver and Tyler Winn for Best Public Service Promotion/Event for “SIFE Recycling Program.”

More recently, word has come that two public service announcements (PSAs) are finalists in other competitions. One titled “Texting and Driving,” created by Courtney Dennis and Jennifer Jaboro, is a finalist in the Missouri Broadcasters Association award competition. The other, by Stazhia Pleasant, Kelsey Forqueran, Miranda Herod, and Micah Jeffries, took the first place award in the Missouri State Teachers Association award competition. In both cases, their PSAs were in competition against broadcast professionals at commercial radio stations.

Winning radio staff include (from far left) Miranda Herod, Courtney Dennis, Dr. Kristin Cherry, Stazhia Pleasant, Jennifer Jaboro, Kelsey Forqueran, Nathaniel Oliver, (Kelsey), Tyler Winn, Michael Tevaga, (and Dr. Cherry).

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Campus news

Simon-Peter gives annual Fleer Lecture at CMU Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter of Casper, Wyo., spoke at the annual Fleer Lecture on Feb. 19. Her presentation marked CMU’s fifth annual Gilbert and Ruth Fleer Lecture for Excellence in Values-Based Education.

Rev. Simon-Peter’s lecture topic was “Global Weirding, Wacky Weather, and the Christian Call to Discipleship in a Changing Climate.”

Since 2007 she has directed BridgeWorks, an extension ministry of the United Methodist Church. BridgeWorks provides innovative coaching, consulting, workshops, sem-

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Rev. Simon-Peter discusses religion, philosophy, and ecology with students after her presentation.

inars, and classes, promoted as being “grounded in authentic spirituality, and intellectual integrity.”

An ordained elder in the Rocky Mountain Conference of The United Methodist Church, Rev. Simon-Peter was raised in an interfaith home, and her interactions with the Jewish community has interested her deeply in the Jewish roots of Christianity.

Rev. Simon-Peter earned a degree in environmental studies at the University of Vermont and worked on the State of Vermont’s water quality and acid rain studies before answering the call to ministry. She is the author of Green Church: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice!, 7 Simple Steps to Green Your Church and The Jew Named Jesus (September 2013). A longtime board member of the Wyoming Association of Churches, she makes her home in Casper with her husband, Jerry Gonzales.

Founders of the Fleer Lecture Series at CMU, Gilbert ’55 and Ruth ’58 Fleer live in Bentonville, Ark. Gilbert was assistant professor of religion at Central from 1959 to 1965.

Fleer is now retired as a social science professor from Western Texas College and as a United Methodist counselor. The couple’s strong support of leadership training led them to establish the Gil and Ruth Fleer Fund for Excellence in Values-Based Education at CMU, and this program is made possible by their benevolence.

A recording of the lecture is available at www.ustream.tv/channel/centralmethodist.

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Campus news

Gibbs ‘Newcomer of Year’ The 2012 Newcomer of the Year award for the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel (MASFAP) has been given to Central Methodist University’s Kristen Gibbs, director of student financial assistance.

Gibbs received the honor at MASFAP’s annual convention.

She was nominated by colleague Darla Strecker, financial assistance counselor with CMU’s Adult Degree Program in St. Louis.

“Many times a financial aid director only hears complaints or feels the heartbreak of a student struggling to afford college,” Gibbs says. “This award was a reassurance that I am occasionally doing something right, especially when it comes from peers who have been in the business.”

Selection criteria include being a newcomer to the profession; Gibbs joined CMU and began her career in financial aid in November 2011. Other criteria involve contributions to the profession, keeping student interest as the highest priority, encouraging professional development by colleagues, and giving back to the financial aid community.

Gibbs was cited specifically for her work to provide training opportunities to members of the CMU financial assistance team, and for assisting a student in finding a place to live so he could continue his CMU studies this past fall.

2013 Service Day by the numbers Number of Projects: Total Participants: Total Hours Worked:

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Humanities Conference takes center stage again

by Jessica Travlos, student staff writer CMU held the third annual Humanities Conference on campus, April 17 of this year. Students featured their own work from the areas of English, Religion and Philosophy.

Their efforts in class were presented through readings, presentations and posters. Several students, faculty, staff and alumni attended to give feedback and discuss the academic research and works these students had created.

Several students presented their written work which was either read aloud by themselves or volunteers. One of Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar’s students, Jimmy Craighead, presented his creative writing piece titled “Pitfall,” a ten-minute play involving a heated argument in a jungle.

Craighead was honored with the opportunity to have one of his characters represented by celebrity actor and CMU alumnus Bill Chott ’91. Chott’s performance as the comic-relief tour guide was quite a high point for the conference, drawing in more people than seats available.

Craighead’s play was followed by two additional plays written by creative writing students.

Other presentations discussed student-conducted research in the use of the English language, ranging from the topics of grammar errors and texting to profanity in today’s society. A couple of Dr. Kevin Carnahan’s students followed with discussions on both religion and evil. Several papers written by students of Dr. Jeremy Reed were read aloud. Two of the papers discussed social concepts of literary works and Megan Welker presented “Lee Harvey

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Above and left, Kaitlyn Klapperich and Kayla Kelly present their research and original work.

Surrounding photos show three posters shown in the Student and Community Center lobby during the lunch hour. Many of the posters analyzed graphic novels and comic books as a form of literature.

Below, from left, guest actor Bill Chott ’91 and students Rebekah Monroe and Joe Jefferies read a ten-minute play by student Jimmy Craighead, “Pitfall.”

Oswald: a Man of Many Identities,” a piece from her senior thesis.

Over lunch all of campus was able to enjoy posters displayed in the Student and Community Center Rotunda covering books that several students had read. Many of these included animated posters exhibiting information about comic books as literature such as Kiefer Smith’s poster “The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Graphic Novels: Pros and Cons.”

The Humanities Conference is held every spring to share and celebrate scholarship among the students and all CMU affiliates.

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CMU spring mission trip

by Jessica Travlos, student staff writer

Campus Ministry embarked on a spring break mission trip to El Paso, Texas, with 20 students and three leaders, CMU Chaplain Lucas Endicott, Fayette UMC associate pastor Jacob Schneider, and Beth Marshal. In their efforts to serve God and the community, the mission students spent most of their time working with Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI), a United Methodist school on the border of Mexico for grades seven through twelve.

LPI students first take English as a Second Language courses and then continue into full high school. These students are mostly Mexican citizens who pay tuition or work for the school to receive their education. More than 90 percent of these students move on to college upon graduating. Three of the students on the CMU mission trip were proud LPI alumni. Estephania Iracheta, Enid L. Macias, and Karen E. Loera have chosen to attend CMU after recently graduating from LPI. Central frequently awards LPI graduates the Lydia Patterson Institute Alumni Scholarship when they enroll at Central.

Loera, being one of these recipients, was also a scholarship student at LPI. The scholarship students there work for the school, doing everything from janitor duties to serving in the kitchen during lunch. Loera, Macias, and Iracheta all worked during their time at LPI. “I had the opportunity to experience helping LPI as a student and now as an alumna,” Loera said about the CMU spring mission trip. Iracheta described the opportunity to return and help LPI with a group of her collegiate peers as a very rewarding experience because now she was doing it for others instead of herself.

The CMU crew spent much of their time getting sunburned while on top of the LPI rooftops as they cleaned more than 15 industrial air conditioning units. Other projects the students completed involved the construction and painting of handicap ramps for local residents in need, and making improvements to various aspects of the LPI grounds such as a stairwell, the volleyball court, and an irrigation system.

CMU missionaries rest after climbing to the top of Mount Cristo Rey.

In addition to the manual labor the students tasked themselves with, they spent time every day to worship together and to share their faith with each other. The experience was very emotionally rewarding for them, as well as all those they were able to reach out and help in the community.

Everyone who embarked on this mission trip also got the opportunity to climb Mount Cristo Rey near the border. For several students this was a wonderful first-time experience.

Missionaries included: Mercielynd Hernandez, Iracheta, Schneider, Elisabeth Nation, Macias, Loera, Jessica Graver, Dakarayi Chabaya, Samuel Gipson, John-Patrick Jacks, Diu “Kiko” Ha, Ashley Westhoff, Yvonne Alava, Christopher Bantz, Sarah White, Jessica Travlos, Geofrey Bilabaye, Mason Gandy, Nahom Asfaw, Kidus Birhanu, Sergio Garcia-Niño, Endicott, and Marshal.

Photos from left to right: Jessica Graver and Elisabeth Nation work on upgrades for the Lydia Patterson sand volleyball court. Dakarayio Chabaya and Kidus Birhanu paint a handicap ramp.

Nahom Asfaw, Kidus Birhanu, “Kiko” Ha, and Geofrey Bilbaye sing in the LPI chapel during service.

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Extended Studies

Taylor first CMU-Waynesville graduate Balancing the considerable demands of wife, mother of four, and full-time employee is more than many could handle.

For Selina Taylor of Waynesville, meeting those demands will actually be a relief—because as of May, she was able to take “college student” off of her list of responsibilities.

She also became the first graduate of the Central Methodist University -Waynesville program, offered in cooperation with Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC).

“I made a promise to my grandmother, my mother, and myself,” Taylor says of her journey to a bachelor’s degree. “It’s (completing her degree) hard work, but I want to let people know that it can be done.”

As the site secretary for OTC-Waynesville, Taylor is in a perfect position to tell students that very thing. After taking classes from numerous colleges while her husband’s career in the U.S. Army kept them on the move, she started working full-time for OTC in the summer of 2010.

Taylor gained her associate’s degree from OTC in 2011, and enrolled in the then-brand new CMU program in Waynesville. She participated in a CMU Commencement ceremony on May 15 in Sedalia, receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in business with a minor in psychology.

“Central Methodist University and Ozarks Technical Community College provided me with multiple opportunities not available to me during our military career,” Taylor says. “The ease of transitioning from OTC to CMU was relative simple.

“The ability to plan an entire degree from junior year to graduation was an ideal match for me,” she adds. CMU “has allowed me to make my dream of obtaining a bachelor’s degree a reality.”

Her husband, Alvin, just retired from the Army and is working on the Ft. Leonard Wood base and also substitute teaching. Their oldest is college-age, their second-oldest soon will be; the others are 14 and 11.

Taylor plans to remain working at OTC-Waynesville.

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“I enjoy what I do,” she says.

“I have been Selina’s business professor and academic advisor since her sophomore year,” notes Michele Tripp, coordinator for CMU’s site in Waynesville, who also teaches for OTC. “I am personally and professionally proud of Selina.

It has been rewarding to watch Selina grow,” Tripp says.

“She is a strong, educated, and professional woman and an outstanding representative for not only Central Methodist University and Ozarks Technical Community College, but for the city of Waynesville as well.”

The multi-tasking Taylor admits it will be nice not having to fit college work into her busy lifestyle—but how long that “break” will last is uncertain. She’s already talking about going to graduate school.

For now, the Dallas, Texas, native can focus on family and work—perhaps with a little “career counseling” to other students based on her experience.

“Now, I can share my story with other students,” Taylor says. “I see a lot of ‘me’ walk through the door here at OTC. I can tell them it will be OK—it can be done.”

Accelerated nursing degree available in Columbia An exciting new nursing degree program at CMU will allow those who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field to “fast track” their way to a nursing degree.

CMU’s new accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can be completed in 14 months of study, according to Megan Hess, chair of the division of health professions. The program is located at CMU-Columbia in the Forum Shopping Center.

Anyone with a previously-earned bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university, who has successfully completed all math and science prerequisites, can apply to the program, headed by Dr. Angie Cornelius, CMU associate professor of nursing.

It is offered in the cohort format, meaning a group of students begins the program at the same time and follows the same schedule through completion. Clinical experiences will occur in a variety of mid-Missouri health care facilities.

The first cohort of students in the Accelerated Nursing program began in May. The application deadline for the second cohort will be Jan. 2, 2014, with classes beginning in late May next year.

For more information, contact Dr. Cornelius at acorneli@centralmethodist.edu or by calling 660-248-6366.

Details are also available on the CMU website.

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CMU adds four new partners in St. Louis area

by Heather Weber, assistant dean, Adult Degree Program

The faculty and staff of the CMU Adult Degree Prothe employees at Mercy’s other area hospitals and many gram in the St. Louis area are proud to announce that new regional medical facilities. Because both employers encourpartnership agreements age their nurses to earn have been signed with their BSN degrees, they St. Charles Communiwork to make it as conty College, Jefferson venient and affordable College, BJC HealthCare as possible for them to and Mercy Hospitals achieve it. to teach the registered “Pairing CMU’s nurse-to-bachelor of cutting edge curriculum science in nursing (RNand the outstanding BSN) program. faculty in the nursThe program at St. ing program with the Charles Community excellent resources at College (SCC) will be both of these hospital CMU’s first location in systems is very advantaSt. Charles County for geous for the students, the RN-BSN. CMU staff and we are proud to be is accepting applicain partnership to make tions for the first cohort this happen for them,” at SCC, slated for June. said Weber. “Working Dr. Ron Chesbrough, St. Charles Community College president, The partnership together, we hope to signs the partnership agreement with President Inman. signed with Jefferson improve the healthcare College in January of the St. Louis area means that CMU now has agreements with all of the tworesidents for many years.” year public colleges in Missouri. The plan is to begin an Applications are being accepted for the first cohorts at RN-BSN cohort at Jefferson College’s Arnold campus in both BJC and Mercy, which are scheduled for this summer. early fall.

With the addition of these four new partnerships, Both colleges were excited to offer an opportunity for CMU now teaches the RN-BSN program in seven St. Louis their nursing students and working nurses in their comarea locations, including Maryland Heights, St. Anthony’s munity to complete their BSN degrees onsite, and CMU’s Medical Center, and Mercy Jefferson. Anyone interested flexible and lockstep cohort program was an excellent fit. in learning more about these programs is encouraged to “CMU is proud to partner with both of these outcall 314-227-4400 or visit adp.centralmethodist.edu to speak standing community colleges,” said Heather Weber, Adult with an enrollment representative.

Degree Program assistant dean. “Working adults can’t easily relocate to finish their degrees, so offering advanced educational opportunities within these communities was a strong desire of both schools. CMU hopes this will be the first of many degree programs we are able to offer in these regions.”

CMU’s two new healthcare partners, BJC HealthCare and Mercy, are truly committed to the continuing education of their employees, Weber said. While many corporations have cut benefits to employees and reduced the assistance they offer to help them complete degrees, these two have taken the opposite approach.

BJC established their Center for Lifelong Learning in Brentwood off I-64 and Hanley Road to allow their employRetiring presidents Dr. Marianne Inman from CMU and Dr. Marsha Drennon from State Fair CC preees to enroll in a wide range of courses, some for college sided over the opening of new facilities at Lake of credit and others for personal or professional development. the Ozarks. The campus was relocated within the Mercy’s partnership allows CMU to teach classes at MerStone Creek Mall in Osage Beach. cy St. Louis (formerly St. John’s Mercy) and also includes Spring 2013

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Extended Studies

Mineral Area College, CMU sign five-year agreement It was the first partnership of its kind in Missouri when Central Methodist University and Mineral Area College joined in 1989 to offer the “2+2” program to community college students who wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

The Mineral Area College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve a five-year renewal of the 24-year agreement between the two postsecondary institutions during the board’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting in April.

MAC President Dr. Steve Kurtz said he looks forward to the continued partnership with CMU. “It’s been a good fit,” he said. “Re-examining the agreement has proven to be beneficial to both parties, and will ultimately improve the delivery of education to our students. We’re pleased to be working with them.”

“We are pleased to remain in this close partnership with Mineral Area College,” CMU President Marianne Inman noted. “Our relationship was truly a pioneering one for Missouri, and holds a very special place for us at Central Methodist University. Most importantly, it works well for MAC students. Our thanks to the MAC Board, President Kurtz and his administration for this continuing opportunity.”

CMU has offered courses of instruction and degree programs, including the Master of Education degree program, on the campus of Mineral Area College in Park Hills since 1989. CMU degree programs offered at MAC are fully accredited.

CMU Executive Director of Marketing Communications Kent Propst said that while CMU has partnerships with every Missouri community and technical college, “we still offer more degree programs, and have more full-time staff in Park Hills than at any other site.”

The degree programs offered at MAC include Accounting, Applied Science in Management, Business, Business Education, Child Development, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Middle School Education, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Special Education, Sports Management, Master of Education, Master of Science in Clinical Counseling, and Master of Science in Nursing.

Generally, CMU classes are taught in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate the work and personal schedules of students. Staff of Central Methodist University, including CMU Site Coordinator Jeff Williams, are available on-site at MAC to help students enroll in Central Methodist University classes and to provide information about courses and degree programs. Online studies are also available for all CMU students.

CMU classes at MAC are primarily designed for students who have already completed a two-year college degree, or degree at the associate’s level, and who wish to complete requirements for a baccalaureate, or four-year, college degree. The classes are also appropriate for students who are interested in personal or professional enrichment or growth, but not necessarily interested in attaining a four-year degree.

Since the CMU-MAC inception, other community colleges have formed partnerships with private and public four-year colleges and universities, but Mineral Area College’s partnership with CMU was a first. It was spearheaded at the time by MAC President Dr. Dixie A. Kohn and Central Methodist College (now Central Methodist University) President Dr. Joe A. Howell.

Nurses attend Advocacy Day Ten students enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing-Clinical Nurse Leader program, along with faculty member Dr. Susan Devaney attended Nurse Advocacy Day in Jefferson City, Mo., in February.

Those attending learned about the legislative process and had an opportunity to visit their respective legislators in the Missouri Capitol building.

The event is sponsored by the Missouri Nurses Association.

Front row, from left: Ariella Brumley, Julie Chirban; back row: Kristine Ruzicka, Grace Feutz, Amy Carr, Erin Wilson, Sean Pridgeon, Angela Bartley, Lisa Hall, Laura Barnes.

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CMU musicians present first Poplar Bluff senior recital Central Methodist University music students Sarah Jones and Tiffanie Smith presented a joint senior recital in February. Although music recitals are not unusual occurrences for Central, this was a benchmark—the first music recital ever presented by aspiring CMU graduates of a College of Graduate and Extended Studies site, in this case, Poplar Bluff.

Jones, a soprano, is a senior music education major from Dexter. Smith, who performed on flute, is a senior music education major from Essex. They were candidates for graduation in May, the first graduates of CMU’s music program offered in conjunction with Three Rivers College.

Both are students of Cindy J. White and were accompanied by Mary Ruth Boone. Their senior recital was presented in partial fulfillment of the bachelor of music education degree from CMU.

Tiffanie Smith, left, and Sarah Jones were the first CGES students to present senior music recitals for their CMU degrees.

SFCC, CMU receive ACE grant

Nursing honor society

State Fair Community College and Central Methodist University have received a joint $100,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) for their Advantages of College Education (ACE) program to boost college attendance and success rates for low-income Missourians.

The College Access Challenge Grant funding will be directed at financial aid assistance and college access activities, specifically for: · assistant director for college and career readiness · financial aid advisor for 11 counties · one-quarter-time financial aid advisor · college fair and career day lunches and busing · middle school outreach activities · GED site visits for students · partial funding for “Successful College Math Preparation” books · miscellaneous funding for activities that involve high school students and/or staff.

Pat Gillman, SFCC’s director of College & Career Readiness, said that last year through this partnership with CMU, more than 7,000 participants in SFCC’s service area were provided opportunities to learn about careers and college access resources and to receive help with college enrollment and financial aid applications.

SFCC and CMU already provide a 2+2 degree program to students in SFCC’s 14-county service area, which provides a seamless transition for students who want to complete four-year degrees.

For the first time in the history of the CMU Department of Nursing, graduating BSN seniors and MSN students were invited into membership in Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.

Fifteen students were inducted into the Alpha Iota Chapter at the University of Missouri - Columbia in a ceremony following first semester’s end.

New BSN members are Chasarae Alcorn, Ashlie Bliss, Shelby Harlan, Rachel Meyer, Katie Peterson, Rachel Robertson, and Chelsea Smith.

New MSN members are Angela Bartley, Julianne Brain, Hillary Claunch, Karla Guier, Lisa Hall, Sean Pridgeon, Mary Sanders, and Erin Wilson.

The mission of Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide.

Students (shown with their graduation cords below) are selected on the basis of leadership, scholarship, character, and service.

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Campus news

Inscape mirrors creativity The CMU Mu Lambda Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta released the 38th issue of Inscape on May 5. Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honors Society. Inscape, the annual literary arts publication, celebrates the creative works of CMU students, faculty, and staff.

The magazine collects works of poetry, both fictional and non-fictional prose, and photography throughout each school year to be considered for publication in the spring.

Early in this semester the members of Sigma Tau Delta, as well as the English department staff members, were able to cast their votes in each category. An award was granted the best entry of each type. They are as follows: Gordon Hadfield Award for Poetry – Joe Jefferies, “Manifest Destiny” Kilgore Trout Award for Fiction – Jane Gonzalez Meyer, “Numb” Thomas F. Dillingham Award for Non-Fictional Prose – Jamie Ward, “The Weary Kind” Byrd Cooper Kirby Award – Eileen Stacy, “Watch Your Step” (Photography) Elizabeth Stapleton Award in Art Education – Jessica Travlos, “Jondaryan” (Photography) This year’s issue features more than 30 pieces of literary art, including ten poems, four fictional prose, three non-fictional prose, one one-act play, and fifteen photographs.

The coordinating of Inscape this year was advised

by Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar, assistant professor of English, along with two student editors, Jane Gonzalez-Meyer and Kate Kellner. Dr. Hatwalkar teaches a CMU imaginative writing course every fall; and, as part of the requirement, students in the class must submit work to Inscape. Many of the entries included in this year’s issue are works from

Receiving awards, from left: Jane Gonzalez-Meyer, Jamie Ward, Joe Jefferies, Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar, and Jessica Travlos. Not present is Eileen Stacy.

Dr. Hatwalkar’s imaginative writing students from last fall.

Kellner is a junior double majoring in English and theater, and Gonzalez-Meyer is also a junior majoring in English education. Both of the editors are members of Sigma Tau Delta and Gonzalez-Meyer was also an imaginative writing student last fall.

CMU offers an introduction to photography and various writing courses, but only one for creative writing. This does not limit the submissions to these students, of course.

Justin Brewer, for example, is a computer science major, but that didn’t stop him from entering his poem titled “Shadow Surfer.” Jared Green, who has not declared his major yet but plays for the CMU baseball team, submitted a creative short story, “Cab #178.” Both submissions were featured in Inscape this year.

Inscape is funded by the CMU Student Government Association in conjunction with Sigma Tau Delta. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to submit their creative works to this yearly publication.

Knight presents book reading Author and educator Dr. Lania Knight read from her work in March on the Fayette campus of CMU. The event was sponsored by CMU student organizations Core Support and Sigma Tau Delta and was part of the ongoing Geist Reading Series, which brings to campus writers in honor of Dr. Joe Geist, emeritus professor of English.

Knight presented pieces from her first published book Three Cubic Feet, which was released in August 2012. The reading was followed by a reception for conversation and book signing.

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Knight teaches English and creative writing at Eastern Illinois University. She received her Ph.D. in English from the University of Missouri. In addition to her book, Knight has also published several short stories and essays in New Stories from the Midwest, PANK, Midwestern Gothic, Missouri Review, Poets & Writers, Jabberwock Review and others.

Her husband, Jeff Arrigo ’89, is a Central Methodist University alumnus.

Core Support is a new organization at CMU where members of the LGBTQ community can meet to seek support from peers. Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society.

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Campus news

Do you remember, when you were young, the pictures where you had to pick out the differences? These two photos aren’t quite the same as that, but they do bear a resemblance. The photo above is of the 2012-2013 Concert Band, the one that tours and might have performed in your school or church this spring The photo below is Central’s second band, the new University Band, formed in the second semester of this year.

According to Director Skip Vandelicht, Central had too much of a good thing—instrumentalists! Auditions were held at the end of first semester for a 57-member touring band—the Concert Band. Those who did not make that band, plus most of the Concert Band, formed a second band that does not tour—the University Band. There are several benefits, other than the obvious ones for audiences who enjoy band music. Many of the music majors have opted to play a secondary instrument in the University Band, strengthening the breadth of their skills. In addition, Professor Vandelicht is not the only conductor. This semester students learned to play for a variety of directors, including Professor Jo Ellen Shroyer, Dr. Dori Waggoner, and Professor Jackie Lordo. The University Band gave its first concert this spring, and we all look forward to more.

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Campus news

Three from Fayette - The Ashby-Hodge summer show The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art on the first floor of Classic Hall presents a summer show from June 2- August 4. “Three From Fayette” frames the art of three local successful artists—Roger Medearis, Edna Schenk, and Monte Crews. The opening reception on June 2 features an artist of a different genre, Nina Furstenau, a writer who will be speaking about her new book, Savor Missouri: River Hill Country Food and Wine.

Roger Medearis (1920-2001) Born in Fayette, the son of a Baptist minister, Roger Medearis grew up in Oklahoma and was influenced by Charles Banks Wilson’s work. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute where he studied with Thomas Hart Benton and John DeMartelly. Benton included Medearis’ works in a 1941 exhibition of student work in New York, and Medearis had several single-artist showings in New York City.

During World War II, he served the Navy in Washington, D.C., as a map draftsman. He stopped painting in 1950 and did not pick up a paint brush for 15 years. However, in the mid-1960s he began painting again, building his own studio in 1969.

While studying lithographs with deMartelly, Medearis began the practice of hand coloring a small number of prints from each edition. The Ashby-Hodge Gallery has two of these tempera-on-panel paintings.

Benton was proud of the talent and skill Medearis put into his artwork, calling him “perceptive” and “skillful” and further stated of Medearis “that his vision and talents have been steadfastly directed to our American life and . . . a large measure of that humanistic quality which is basic to any lasting art.”

Edna Schenk (1913-2007) Born in Missouri, Edna Schenk studied at then-Central College (now CMU), the University of Wisconsin, and San Fernando Valley State College. She taught in Missouri, Illinois, and California. In 1961, she took a sabbatical from teaching and went to Europe where she drew and painted (oils and watercolors) in Rome, Switzerland, Florence, and Paris.

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Her success spurred a decision to embark on a career as an artist. She traveled for months, up to a year at a time, to Europe. For the next 35 years she had multiple single-artist showings in America and in Europe, including one at the Ashby-Hodge Gallery at CMU. Her subject matter is as varied as her media. She worked with oil and watercolor, brush and pallet knife.

She bequeathed many paintings to the Ashby-Hodge Gallery, which has graciously allowed some to be bought and put into private collections.

Monte Crews (1888-1946) Monte Crews was born in Fayette, a descendant of pioneer Missouri families. He became a highly respected painter and illustrator during the first half of the 20th century. His father was a merchant in Fayette, and many of Crews’ later works depict scenes from his years as a youth here, including several reflecting the hand typesetting of newspapers.

He briefly attended the University of Missouri, then enrolled in the Chicago Art Institute. Two years later he received a scholarship to study at the Art Students League in New York City.

His illustrations and magazine covers appeared in such magazines as Red Book, Saturday Evening Post, Liberty, Boys’ Life, American Girl, and the American Legion.

He spent 19171921 operating the local movie theatre in Fayette, but was soon drawn back to creating and promoting comic strips. After contributing numerous illustrations to the Kansas City Sunday Star magazine, he taught illustrations for nine years at the Kansas City Art Institute.

The Ashby-Hodge Gallery is open Sundays and Tuesdays-Thursdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Tours may be arranged. It will be closed on July 4.

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Campus news

Busy semester for the arts Second semester has been incredibly busy for all areas of the Fine and Performing Arts Division.

In addition to the two large band groups and the two large choral performance groups which performed multiple times this spring, many smaller groups have had concerts and recitals as well.

The jazz band performed regularly to jubilant crowds, but they also performed for nearly an hour at the beginning of the community dinner for Dr. Inman.

The jazz ensemble performed prior to the Alumni Awards Dinner, as did Professor Kelley Head on piano, in addition to their regularly scheduled recitals and accompaniments.

The Church Street Boys not only performed on campus, but they also sang out of town at a church or two during the semester.

Groups have been organized, or reorganized this semester, too. The newly formed Luther T. Spayde Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) has

elected Zack Fincher as its president. Sponsors include Dr. Westfall and recently hooded Dr. Atteberry.

With Central’s extensive percussion section, it was only a matter of time until they assembled to form the CMU Percussion Society. Josh Hall is the president of this group that is sponsored by Professor Skip Vandelicht.

The men and women of the Conservatory also ran the yearly Music Fest, which was downright frigid this year, and put on a vocal workshop for a number of regional high school students.

Dr. John Perkins, CMU associate professor of music, is a member of The Pinnacle Brass Quintet that performed in January. He plays and teaches trumpet and horn. He has been a driving force behind the Pinnacle Quintet as well as prime music provider.

He spends his summers as the principal trumpet for the Shippensburg Festival Orchestra and performs with numerous other professional music groups.

Master classes a special benefit after performances After many years of touring almost exclusively as a solo classical guitarist, Petar Jankovic broke new ground by initiating what has been called a truly unique musical crossover. The Petar Jankovic Ensemble (PJE) features a traditional string quartet led by guitar.

As an innovative, as well as a revolutionary idea, the guitarist’s Spanish and Latin American influences meld splendidly with the string quartet’s European musical traditions, and critics have hailed the PJE for breaking new ground and pushing the limits of the Chamber Music genre.

Following the PJE concert, Jankovic stayed on at Central to conduct a master class in guitar.

A guest music recital was given by Dr. Paula Patterson, mezzo-soprano, in April.

Dr. Patterson has garnered praise as a versatile singer of opera and musical theatre. She earned a master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Missouri – Columbia. She has performed with opera companies in Spain, Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri, among others. She also performed a solo recital in Qingdao, China.

Following her performance, Dr. Patterson returned to give a master voice class to outstanding vocal students.

Petar Jankovic, photos on left, presents a master class to guitar students.

Above and to the right, Dr. Paula Patterson works on vocal skills for voice students.

Love opera CMU’s annual Opera Workshop, this year beginning on Valentine’s Day, presented a theme of songs of love and celebration from a variety of musical sources, including opera, operetta, and musical selections.

Delectable musical selections were drawn from Gershwin’s Of Thee I Sing, Berlin’s Call Me Madam, Loesser’s Most Happy Fella, Rodgers and Hart’s The Boys from Syracuse, Schonberg’s Les Miserables, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, and Bernstein’s Candide.

Opera and operetta scenes came from Bizet’s Carmen, Delibes’ Lakme, Lehar’s Gypsy Love, Joplin’s Tremonisha, Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and Copland’s The Tenderland.

The ensemble that presented this sweet treat included 17 students and Professor Tom Arnold, all directed by Dr. Susan Quigley-Duggan, associate professor of music and opera.

Clockwise from upper right: “You’re Just in Love” from Call Me Madam; “When the Children are Asleep” from Carousel; Dr. Quigley-Duggan; “Here is Donati’s Nightcap!” from Gianni Schicchi; “The Kissing Duet” from Gypsy Love; “Habanera” from Carmen; “Sing for your Supper” from The Boys from Syracuse; and “Bon Voyage” from Candide.

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Eaton returns to share master concert Central Methodist University alumna Lacey Eaton ’11 presented a guest vocal performance recital March 23. It was a reprisal of her master’s recital for the University of Kansas. She received her master’s degree in vocal performance this spring.

Eaton majored in vocal performance at CMU’s Swinney Conservatory of Music and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in music performance in May 2011. At graduation she was honored with the CMU Selecman Award, the highest student honor given by the University.

She is a Fayette native, At Central, she was in Chorale and A Cappella Choir, was an opera fellow; was drum major for the CMU Marching Band; and played in Concert Band. She won numerous vocal awards while in undergraduate school, was active in summer opera productions, and did an internship with the Asheville (N.C.) Lyric Opera.

While at CMU, she studied under Dr. Susan Quigley-Duggan, associate professor of music and director of the opera program.

Photo right: Lacey Eaton with Dr. Susan Quigley-Duggan, following the guest recital.

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Campus news

I’m Not Rappaport Herb Gardner’s poignant comedy I’m Not Rappaport was performed on the CMU stage this winter, reuniting two actors who performed it originally three years ago.

I’m Not Rappaport takes place in Central Park, N.Y.C., where two elderly gentlemen spend their days sitting on a park bench. Together they fight against obstacles brought on by old-age while struggling to keep their independence.

Nat (alumnus Josh Kirby ’12) is a cantankerous Communist whose daughter is urging him into the old folk’s home. Midge (graduating senior Darrell Bailey), an apartment superintendent, spends his days in the park hiding in the past and from his disgruntled tenants.

The play was directed by Dr. Mark Kelty, CMU associate professor of theatre arts. Reuniting in the two main roles, Darrell and Josh performed this show together in the summer of 2010 to raise money in honor of the late Dean Nancy Thompson Jones. Supporting cast for this production included Jon Conner, Amanda Avery, Paul Davis, Rebekah Monroe, and Shamika Pegue.

Proceeds from this presentation of I’m Not Rappaort supported the Central Methodist student ministry’s spring mission trip.

A Far Country In A Far Country by Henry Denker, Dr. Sigmund Freud (Kelson Rosbach), preparing to leave Nazi-occupied Vienna in 1937, recalls the case that was the tipping point of his career. As he treated a woman who was paralyzed and unable to walk (Kate Kellner), he employed his ground-breaking tools of hypnosis and psychoanalysis to pinpoint the fear and longing that had prevented her recovery.

Dr. Mark Kelty, CMU associate professor of theatre arts, directed the play, assisted by Darrell Bailey. He pointed out that the play stretched the cast in terms of period, style, and subject matter. Based on a respondent from the American College Theatre, both Kelson Rosbach and Kate Kellner were nominated for the Irene Ryan acting scholarship.

The supporting cast included Abby Bostic, Jeff Byous, Jon Connor, Kelsey Forqueran, Paul Davis, Rebekah Monroe, Amanda Avery, and Sam Pummill.

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Rumors: actor Bill Chott is back Rumors, a madcap play by Neil Simon, marked the return to the Central Methodist stage of Hollywood actor and comedian Bill Chott ’91.

The play, under the direction of Dr. Mark Kelty, CMU associate professor of theatre, played in April on campus.

In the play, four upper class couples arrive at the elegant townhouse of the Deputy Mayor of New York City and his wife to help celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, when they arrive, the host lies bleeding in another room and his wife is missing. A scandal must be avoided!

Lawyer Lenny Ganz’s clever cover up story gets progressively more difficult to sustain as the rest of the guests arrive; and nobody can remember who has been told what about whom. Doors slam and hilarity ensues as the couples experience a severe attack of Farce.

Chott played Ganz, who must pretend to be the deputy mayor when the police arrive. He was supported by a strong cast of CMU students, including Abby Bostic, Shamika Pegue, Darrell Bailey, Dakota Gladbach, Kate Kellner, Rebekah Monroe, Kelson Rosbach, Jon Connor, and Jackie Hoffman.

Freshman Paul Davis served as the understudy for Bill Chott, and the assistant director was Amanda Avery.

Chott studied acting at Second City in Chicago and has had his own improvisational schools in both St. Louis and Los Angeles. He plays principal Laritate on Disney Channel’s series “The Wizards of Waverly Place,” and has recurring visits on “Saturday Night Live.”

Chott has been in a number of films and plays, including The Ringer and I Love Lucy Live on Stage, for which he won the Broadway World Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

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Greetings From the Board of Trustees: A Time of Transition In the last issue of the Talon, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extended to Marianne and David Inman our love and gratitude for their devotion and outstanding service to Central Methodist University.

I also wrote that we are now in a period of transition—a continuation of a trip in which all of us must continue to move forward, directing our energies and support to the advancement of our University.

Transitions can be healthy for people and organizations. We can take note of some of the transitions that have occurred during the past 18 years. Although our endowment is small, but growing, it has tripled since 1997. Central has traveled far from Fayette and has a presence in every state two-year college in Missouri and also conducts classes in a number of other institutions.

ter, major improvements and additions to the athletic facilities, and the renovation of Classic Hall, along with numerous smaller improvements. What a ride it’s been!

With Marianne having chosen a road less traveled into retirement, we also begin down a new road with the transition to new leadership. At the February Board meeting, Dr. Roger Drake was elected the next president of Central Methodist University, effective July 1, 2013.

Alumni and friends of the University can play an important role welcoming him and his wife, Judy, to this new leadership position. We can help open doors for their access to individuals, churches, and high schools.

We can be there to help support his recruitment initiatives and in all of his efforts to strengthen our University.

With his driving force and our help, Central will continue its development as one of the finest independent universities. The more certain our travel becomes, the more CMU will become the destination of choice among high school graduates.

After 18 years of Marianne behind the wheel, Central now offers certain graduate programs and awards master degrees; thus, our transition from a college to a university. Today, students of all types have followed the path into numerous online courses offered by Central and developed by our professors. The campus has also turned an important corner, starting Welcome aboard, President Roger Drake and with the renovation of McMurry Hall, construction of Judy. We look forward to continuing this exciting the newly titled Inman Student and Community Cenjourney with you.

Glenn Cox, Chair CMU Board of Trustees

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James C. Denneny III joins Board of Trustees Columbia physician and educator Dr. James C. Denneny III, who joined the CMU Board of Trustees in February, is not an alumnus of Central.

That is not to say, however, that his bonds to the University are not strong ones.

Denneny, professor of clinical otolaryngology and a practicing physician at the University of Missouri, began a four-year term on the CMU Board. While attending its quarterly meetings, he might catch a glimpse of his daughter Jacquelline, a senior interdisciplinary studies major.

And while he’s participating in CMU Board meetings in the Student and Community Center, he is likely to stroll past The James C. Denneny, Jr., Career Development Center, named in honor of his late father, a 1947 Central graduate and native of Fayette.

“I have many fond memories of Fayette and CMU from frequent visits over many summers,” Denneny says. “It is an honor to be able to give something back to the school that has meant so much to our family.”

Denneny’s aunt Frances Denneny Barnes graduated from Central in 1945, and his grandfather and namesake James C. Denneny ’47 also attended the institution. Unquestionably, the new CMU Board member has a vested interest in the fortunes of the University; he will now have a chance to help shape those fortunes.

The 38-member CMU Board is responsible for formulating bylaws and policies for the University. They select and evaluate the CMU President, approve long-range and

strategic plans, oversee the maintenance of CMU’s physical assets, and approve educational programming, among other duties.

Individual members serve on various Board committees, though Denneny’s committee assignments have not yet been determined. Board members are asked to be ambassadors for the University, and to serve CMU in a variety of ways.

“We are honored that Dr. Denneny’s service on our Board of Trustees continues the long tradition of his family’s commitment to Central Methodist University,” notes President Inman.

Denneny’s father was an executive with the former Southwestern Bell telephone company, so the younger Denneny grew up with stops in Missouri, Texas, New York, and Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in biology at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he was admitted to medical school at the University of Oklahoma, where he received his M.D. degree. Postgraduate training took place at the University of Oklahoma Medical School, and at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

In addition to his medical practice, he has taught at the University of Illinois, the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, the Indiana University School of Medicine, and the University of Tennessee-Memphis prior to joining the University of Missouri in 2011. He also spent 24 years in private practice in Knoxville, Tenn.

CMU going tobacco-free Central Methodist University soon will join the growing ranks of colleges and universities declaring themselves tobacco-free.

The CMU governing board has approved the tobacco-free initiative, effective July 1, 2013, according to President Marianne Inman. The University has for years placed severe restrictions on tobacco use on campus, but this will mark the first time in history all tobacco products will be prohibited.

A committee of students, faculty and staff has been at work preparing for the transition. A host of issues including signage, publications, sanctions, smoking cessation and other educational programming, and more all will be addressed prior to implementation.

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Ivan James joins Central Methodist University Board Ivan James III of St. Louis has joined the Central Methodist University Board of Trustees as of its February meeting. He will serve a four-year term. A St. Louis native, he worked in management for Western Electric and AT&T for 29 years before taking early retirement to start St. Louis-area consulting & distributing businesses.

“I welcome the opportunity to serve on CMU’s Board,” James said. “CMU has a longstanding tradition of high quality education and recognizes the value of a Christian and liberal arts education, as well. I look forward, with excitement, to being a part of this respected organization.”

The 38-member CMU Board is responsible for formulating bylaws and policies for the University. They select and evaluate the CMU President, approve long-range and strategic plans, oversee the maintenance of CMU’s physical assets, and approve educational programming, among other duties.

Individual members serve on various Board committees – James’ committee assignments have not yet been determined. The Board members are asked to be ambassadors for the University, and serve CMU in a variety of ways. They hold four regular meetings each year.

“Central Methodist University’s Board of Trustees is second to none, and we are delighted that Mr. James will be serving in this important capacity,” comments CMU President Marianne Inman.

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from St. Benedict’s (now Benedictine) College in Atchison,

Kan., and a Master of Business Administration degree from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. He has completed the Minority Business Executive Program from Tuck’s School of Business at Dartmouth College; the Kellogg Executive Program from Northwestern University; the Business of Construction Course at Washington University in St. Louis; and the Supply Change Management course from St. Louis University.

He has also served as an adjunct professor at Rockhurst College and community colleges in Kansas City and St. Louis.

As a member of the St. Louis Minority Business Council, several of James’ companies were recognized by that group as the Minority Company of the Year on a number of occasions. One of his companies, Ivan James & Associates, also received the St. Louis American and the Urban League Excellence in Business awards as one of the top 20 minority businesses in the St. Louis area.

An active member of The United Methodist Church for 35-plus years, James is a certified lay speaker, has served on several local, district, and conference-wide committees, and is a facilitator for the Conference Lay Leadership Development Program. Currently he chairs The United Methodist Church’s Missouri Annual Conference Trustee Board, and serves as the lay pastor of Asbury UMC in St. Louis.

James is married to the former Grace Donaldson and is the father of five sons and grandfather to 10.

Patterson sponsors seminar on addiction Terri L. Patterson readily admits she’s “an addiction survivor,” but her experience with illegal drugs took a positive turn, and now she’s using her skills and experience to help others. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (’08), and a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling (’11), both from CMU’s partnership with Mineral Area College in Park Hills, she is now owner and clinical counselor at A Horizon of Hope, a center for substance abuse treatment in Farmington, Mo. Patterson, who willingly shares the story of her own addiction, opened the agency in February 2012 to “give back hope to people who have lost all hope.” Initially she worked to support the agency, but then acquired a federal contract to counsel inmates released to half-way housing as part of their aftercare.

At a Feb. 22nd seminar sponsored by A Horizon of Hope, Patterson and two Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force agents covered the dangers of illicit drugs. They specifically focused on heroin, and another of our nation’s newest and biggest challenges, the sale of prescription drugs that are stolen from the elderly. The seminar was geared toward law enforcement officers, medical emergency room staff, teachers, counselors, and clergy.

Patterson says her clinic’s fees are figured on a sliding scale, and noted that CMU students receive a discount for therapy. Patterson will be developing and implementing CMU’s PY527 Foundations of Addictions Counseling course this fall at Park Hills.

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Powell tabbed for President’s Council William D. Powell ’65, Springfield, Mo., has been appointed as the newest member of the Central Methodist University President’s Council, according to President Marianne E. Inman. Powell will be serving a four-year term.

The President’s Council consists of alumni, community members, and other good friends of Central Methodist University who meet on campus twice a year. Members, who serve four-year terms, provide advice and counsel to CMU’s president on issues of strategic importance to the institution and to higher education in general.

Powell, a native of Kansas City, Mo., graduated from CMU in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He continued his education at Washburn University (Topeka, Kan.) where he received his law degree and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta, an international law fraternity.

“Bill has long been an active and supportive alumnus of Central Methodist University, and we are honored that he will bring his expertise and perspective to this important group,” commented CMU President Marianne Inman.

Powell has been practicing law in Missouri since 1970. He is currently a partner at Daniel Powell & Brewer LLC in Springfield. Powell is also a member of several professional organizations including the Missouri Bar Association, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, American Bar Association, Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers, and Joint Workers’ Compensation Committee (Medical Society and SMBA).

His term on the CMU President’s Council began in April. Powell becomes the 21st member of the group.

Eagle Connection Update your information, post a class note, search for a classmate and much more! Become a member of the CMU Eagle Connection today! Follow the easy steps below to register.

1. Visit http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu 2. Click on “First Time Login” above the password box under the rotating picture.

3. Enter your last name.

4. Find your name in the list, select it, and hit the “Next” button at the bottom.

5. Enter your ID number and click the “Verify” button. This number can be found on the label of your Talon above your name or can be sent to you by a member of the Advancement staff.

6. Once you have verified, you will be able to update any of your information and create a username and password that you can use the next time you visit the Eagle Connection If you have questions, need your ID, or just need help, contact Heather Carlton at hcarlton@centralmethodist.edu or toll-free at 877-CMU-1854 ext. 56234.

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Alumni news

CMU baseball alumni gather to honor Coach Smith On Sunday, April 14, more than 20 former CMU baseball players gathered at Estes Field to watch the current team take on rival Missouri Valley College and to celebrate the coaching career of CMU baseball Coach Fred Smith ’85.

Smith announced his retirement this spring, effective at the end of the season. Many of the returning alumni were either coached by Smith or were teammates with him. Alumni ranged in years from 1968 to current day.

On one of Fayette’s rare but beautiful spring days, these men compared their stories of baseball, enjoyed new and renewed friendships, and watched the CMU team win two games over Missouri Valley.

What could be better!

From left, front row: Tyler Belt ’11, Darrell Widhalm ’86, Randy DeBold ’90, C.J. Zeller ’09, Nate Freeland ’07, Brian Schwartze ’95, Shannon Jeffrey ’94, Patrick Powers ’88; Back row: Fred Smith ’85, Brennen Wood ’13, Terry Henderson ’83, Shannon Gepford ’92, Tim Edwards ’92, Ryan Littrell ’97, Dan Widhalm ’85, Alan Marshall ’92, Vaughn Loomis ’92, Jeff Gragg ’95, Bill Roth ’91, Paul King ’68

Alumni Band June 22, 2013 cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu/alumniband13

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Alumni news

Four Kings = a winning hand for CMU

by Adriana Romero, student staff writer Four Kings is a great hand in virtually any card game.

Four Kings in the same fraternity at the same university is even better.

Brian, Eric, and Todd King are currently juniors at Central Methodist University. Some fellow students may be unaware that they are triplets, given that they all look so different.

Others might refer to each as “one of those triplet kids,” and the brothers are perfectly okay with that. Yet each has his own unique identity, interests, and involvements, though they do share one activity.

All three are members of the social fraternity, Phi Delta Theta/Sigma Alpha Chi, and this year each holds an executive office role. Eric is Phi Delta Theta/Sigma Alpha Chi’s president, while Todd is vice president and Brian is treasurer.

Being in the same fraternity has brought them even closer as a family—and the family/fraternity ties run deeper than just the triplets’ involvement. Their father, Paul King ’68 was a member of Sigma Alpha Chi during his Central days, serving as secretary his junior year and president his senior year. He also was a member of the Eagle baseball and football teams.

Brian King, an accounting major, had originally planned on attending Drury University in his hometown of Springfield, Mo. Then, during his senior year at Kickapoo High School, he received a call from CMU Head Baseball Coach Fred Smith, and Brian scheduled a visit.

He immediately knew CMU was the school for him, and he’s been busy at the Fayette campus ever since.

Brian is also a member of Student Government Association (SGA), National Honor Society, and Delta Mu Delta, a business fraternity.

Eric King, an athletic training major, decided to attend

Central Methodist when he received a baseball scholarship his senior year at Kickapoo High School. He was familiar with the school and thus, the decision was easy for him.

Eric is also a member of the Student Athletic Training Association (SATA) at CMU. “Being a triplet is like having a brother or sister of your own,” Eric says. “It is nice to have two brothers that I can go to and share ideas with. We all have a different perspective on things sometimes but share many similarities as well.”

Todd King, a communications major, was dead set on attending Mizzou. However, during his senior year of high school, he decided to try out at Central for the men’s basketball team. He has learned to love the small college life.

As to their involvement in the fraternity Phi Delta Theta/Sigma Alpha Chi, Todd was the first to join in the spring of 2011. Seeing how much he enjoyed being a member of the organization, Brian and Eric decided to join that fall. They like making decisions and running the fraternity together.

“It’s fun for all four of us to compare the past of the fraternity and the University with where we are today,” says Todd. “We do have conflicting ideals sometimes, but we usually work them out. It is a lot of fun to lead the fraternity together.”

Paul is currently a member of Central Methodist University’s Board of Trustees and is an attorney at The Law Offices of Paul W. King, LLC, in Springfield.

The decision to attend Central Methodist University has been positive for all three brothers. They enjoy being known as the “King Brothers,” but also like distinguishing themselves from each other based upon their own individual aspirations.

The four Kings are, from left, Brian, Eric, Todd, and father Paul ’68.

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Athletics

Athletic administration option to Master of Education degree The portfolio of graduate studies at Central Methodist University has been expanded with the addition of a new option to the Master of Education degree.

The CMU Graduate Committee recently approved a new concentration in athletic administration for its Master of Education (M.Ed.) program, according to Dr. John Carter, director of graduate studies and professor of political science.

This option will only be available on the Fayette campus.

The athletic administration emphasis consists of at least 18 graduate credit hours within the 36 hour M.Ed. degree. It is designed for prospective and practicing professionals who seek careers or professional development in athletic administration in educational settings.

The new option will be offered starting this summer. It is the second concentration option for the M.Ed. program, joining mathematics. The regular M.Ed. degree from CMU is offered in Fayette and at CMU Extended Studies sites in Park Hills, Poplar Bluff, St. Louis-Adult Degree Program, Sedalia, Trenton, and Union.

The Master of Education degree at CMU is approved by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. Financial aid is available for qualified students.

CMU also offers the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling, Master of Science in Nursing-Clinical Nurse Leader, and the new Master of Music Education degrees.

For more information, or to apply for any of CMU’s graduate programs, contact Lea Tindall in the CMU Graduate Programs Office at 660-248-6254 or email: ltindall@centralmethodist.edu

Coming Soon

A Hero's Homecoming October 25-27, 2013 Reunion classes: 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008

http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu/hc13

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A hero at rest on a rare warm spring day.

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Eagle Athletics Men’s Basketball The Central Methodist men’s basketball team finished its most successful season in the last four years. The Eagles finished the season 19-13 and 11-7 in league play. Central Methodist won its first HAAC Tournament game in four seasons.

Central Methodist senior forward Elliott Black and junior guard Melvin Tillman were named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I Men's Basketball honorable mention All-America Team. Jeff Sherman picked up his 500th career win on Jan. 3 at Graceland (Iowa).

Women’s Basketball Central Methodist has continued its rise as one of the Heart of America Athletic Conference's elite women's basketball programs in Coach James Arnold's second season. The 2012-13 squad jumped out to its best start in school history at 16-1, which included victories over two top 25 squads and NCAA Division I Chicago State.

The season saw two eight-game win streaks, one shy of the school's single-season record. The Eagles, who defeated three Top 25 teams, finished 25-8, good for the second highest season winning percentage in a season in school history, and third in the HAAC standings for the second straight season.

The 2012-13 campaign was a season of firsts for Central Methodist since the HAAC joined the NAIA Division I level in 2009. The Green and Black jumped into the national Top 25 for the first time since the 1999-2000 season and spent four straight weeks in the poll, ranking as high as No. 17.

The Eagles qualified for the Division I National Championship after making four straight appearances in the Division II postseason tournament between 1997-2000. Central Methodist reached the HAAC championship game for the first time in 13 seasons, and senior guard Raylyn Nuss was named an honorable mention NAIA All-American.

Off the court, Arnold's 2012-13 unit excelled in the classroom, posting five Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes – the most in the HAAC and second most in the country.

23rd Annual Luetjen Tournament will be held July 19, 2013, at Hail Ridge Golf Course, Boonville Register today at cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu/luetjen13 !

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Track and Field The Central Methodist’s men’s and women’s track and field teams continued their dominace of producing HAAC champions and National Championship qualifiers. DeMarcus Jackson and Kate Fulton became All-Americans during the Indoor Season in the 100 meters and high jump, respectively.

Fulton became an All-American for the third straight season.

The men’s track and field team finished second at the HAAC Outdoor Championship. The women’s track and field team finished third. Jackson won the 100 meters, and Fulton won the high jump for the third straight season. Jordan Kukal won the discus. Shelby Garrigus won the long jump. The Eagles will send thirteen qualifiers to the National Championships.

Men’s Golf The Central Methodist men’s golf team won its first HAAC Championship in school history. Central Methodist ran away with the team title, posting a threeround total of 917 to win by 28 strokes. The Eagles had a pair of golfers in the top five as Ty Lieberman finished one shot behind Graceland's Andrew Moffatt, the individual champion. Nathaniel Oliver shared fourth place at 227.

The Eagles entered the hunt for the National Championship led by Lieberman, the HAAC Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year Jim Ray Kluck.

Women’s Golf The Central Methodist women’s golf team finished off the best season in school history, placing second in the HAAC Championship. Kelli Esquivel led the charge for the Eagles to finish sixth.

Jessi Norton and Ashley Spaulding finished tied for 11th. Kayla Esquivel and Alannah Hustead were named to the All-HAAC team.

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Baseball In his final season as head coach, Fred Smith ’85 led the Central Methodist baseball team to its most successful season in 37 years. The Eagles finished the HAAC regular and postseasons 25-11 and won both the league’s regular-season and tournament titles, advancing to the first National Championship in program history.

The Eagles swept the HAAC’s top honors. Smith was named Coach of the Year. Jesse Zellner was chosen Player of the Year. Drew Greiwe was named the Pitcher of the Year. Greiwe was named the HAAC and NAIA Pitcher of the Week after throwing the school’s first perfect game against Graceland.

The Eagles won 15 of their last 19 games and did not allow a run in two HAAC Tournament games.

Central Methodist entered the National Championship Opening Round as a four-seed in the Hattiesburg Bracket. Unfortunately, they lost in their first two outings to finish their season.

Softball HAAC softball regular season and tournament championships are becoming the norm in Fayette under 21-year coach Pat Reardon ’90. The Eagles won both for the second straight season and won the HAAC regular season for the third straight campaign. Reardon and Aubrey Utley were named Coach and Pitcher of the Year, respectively, for the third straight season.

Lauren Geringer became the program’s first player to be voted Player of the Year after breaking the school’s single-season record for homeruns and tying the NAIA single-game homerun record after hitting three bombs in the HAAC Tournament championship against MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.).

Utley broke the school’s career wins record earlier this season and owns the most all-time wins by any pitcher among any current HAAC school.

Central Methodist had won a school-record 19 straight games heading into the program’s second straight National Championship, earning a two-seed in the Rogers State Bracket. They won one game over Morningside (N.C.) in the national tourney before being eliminated.

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First annual Holman Blow-Pop game The CMU women’s and men’s basketball teams hosted the first annual Bill Holman Blow Pop Game on February 2, when the Eagles battled MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.).

Bill, a 1947 alumnus and longtime resident of Fayette, died on Dec. 9, 2012, at the age of 89.

Bill and Martha Holman, also Class of 1947, have been avid supporters of Central Methodist athletics, particularly the basketball teams, where they were known for passing out Blow Pops to team members and others in attendance.

Together the Holmans helped establish three separate Central Methodist scholarships and have been generous supporters of the University for more than three decades.

The Central Methodist athletic department passed out Blow Pops during both games and made a special presentation to Martha between the women’s and men’s basketball games. Martha also served as an honorary coach for both contests. Donations were accepted in the Holman names that evening to benefit the Fayette Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

Holman enrolled in 1941 and earned a degree in physics in 1947 following several years of service in the armed forces. He served Martha Holman passed out the Blow Pops at the first in the Air Force during World War II, as well as the Department of annual game honoring Bill and her for their many years Energy. He was among those in Mission Control during the historic of support and treats for the athletes. moon landing of Apollo 11 in 1969 and was part of the team that pioneered development of the artificial heart that led to the invention of the Jarvik Heart. Holman sent his alma mater to the moon by having a “C” inscribed on an Apollo 11 seismometer heater capsule. (See obituary on p. 76.)

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Sherman wins number 500 Central Methodist University men’s basketball coach Jeff Sherman ’83 picked up career win number 500 on January 3 of this year as the Eagles took care of Graceland University, 84-64, inside the Closson Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

Sherman became the ninth coach in NAIA Division I history to surpass the 500win plateau as the Eagles remained within a game of first place in the league standings after defeating the Yellowjackets (4-11, 1-3 HAAC).

That game also matched father against son for the first time, as Jeff’s oldest son, Matt ’10, was on the sidelines for Graceland as an assistant coach. Matt Sherman was a standout player for the Eagles under his father’s coaching on the hard court from 2006-10.

Fans in the stands who had been anticipating this win, showed their support by waving numbers and pictures of Jeff (photo below).

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Athletics

CMU top-notch players of the year All-American Athletes Basketball - Men

Track & Field - Men

Melvin Tillman - Honorable Mention Elliott Black - Honorable Mention

DeMarcus Jackson - Indoor 60 Meters

Track & Field - Women

Basketball - Women

Kate Fulton - Indoor High Jump

Raylyn Nuss - Honorable Mention

Football Trevor Robinson - DL (Beyond Sports Network third team All-American)

Daktronics - NAIA Scholar Athletes Basketball - Women

Football

Raylyn Nuss Brittney Hotsenpiller Katlyn Douglas Alison Durst Nakia Robinson

Cody Davis Conner White

Soccer - Women Shawn Beard Kayla Leeser Jenny Mosley Shannon Dickerson Kassi Kreek Megan Davidson

Cross Country - Men Colby Lapresi

Cross Country - Women

Volleyball

Tabatha Dickey Elise Schreiber Sarah Tucker

Makenzie Shepard Kylie Melkersman Jennifer Garrett

Capital One Academic All-Americans Football Cody Davis - second team Bryan Plenge - second team 66

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CMU top-notch players of the year All–HAAC Athletes Basketball - Men

Cross Country - Women

Melvin Tillman (1st Team) Elliott Black (2nd Team) Eric Franklin (Honorable Mention)

Taylor Beaverson (1st Team) Amber Beaverson (1st Team) Elise Schreiber (1st Team) Hailey Breusch (1st Team) Tabatha Dickey (Honorable Mention) Emily Nealley (Honorable Mention)

Basketball - Women Raylyn Nuss (2nd Team) Towanda Sutton (3rd Team) Britney Joseph (Honorable Mention)

Football Trevor Robinson (1st Team) Erick Roe (1st Team) Bo Amos (2nd Team) Burton Iosefa (2nd Team) Bryan Plenge (3rd Team) Jake McSpadden (Honorable Mention) Cleave Perryman (Honorable Mention) Ezequiel Rivera (Honorable Mention) Tama Hugo (Honorable Mention) Conner White (Honorable Mention) Ryan Restemayer (Honorable Mention)

Cross Country - Men Tyler Meierarend (Honorable Mention) Brett Davis (Honorable Mention) Cris Renteria (Honorable Mention)

Soccer - Men Thyago Catharino (1st Team) Murun Altankhuyag (2nd Team) Brendon Boucaud (3rd Team) Erwin Sanchez Jr. (3rd Team)

Soccer - Women Elizabeth Gayer (1st Team) - 2012 Shawn Beard (2nd Team) - 2012 Lindie Adair (3rd Team) - 2012 Kayla Leeser (3rd Team) - 2012

CMU @ THE ZOO! Mark your calendars for June 23, 2013 Enjoy a picnic buffet and spend a wild day among the animals with our host, CMU Trustee and zoo docent Brock Lutz.

Volleyball Sarah Lewey (Honorable Mention) - 2012 Dana Peters (Honorable Mention) - 2012 Julia Weber (Honorable Mention) - 2012

Register today! Call 660-248-6234 or online: http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu

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Alumni news

Bergsten honored by Sweden Dr. C. Fred Bergsten ’61 was honored in April by the Swedish Government. Sweden’s Minister of Finance presented Bergsten with the Order of the Commander of the Polar Star. It is the equivalent of the French Legion of Honor, which he received in 1985.

The award, given for Bergsten’s influence and skills in the world economy, is also important to him as his father’s family carries the Swedish heritage. His grandfather settled in Kansas from Sweden in 1886; and his father, Carl A. Bergsten, was a 1925 graduate of Central College.

Bergsten was also profiled recently

by Barry Wood of the Washington Post, which called him an “evangelist for the open economy.” Bergsten founded the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Although he “retired” last winter, he remains director emeritus and senior fellow.

The Woodward “extended family” gathered in April at Fort Myers Beach, Fla. From left are John Drakesmith ’58 and his wife, Margaret (Woodward) ’59; Larry Drebes ’58 and his wife, Nancy (Woodward) ’63; and Norris Smith, M.D. ’58, who roomed with Larry at Central, and his wife, Gail.

They reminisced about the good times at Central. The three men were sophomores, living in McMurry when Dean T (Jim Thogmorton) moved his family in during the fall of 1955. Larry talked about a class he had with Dean E.P. Puckett, too, who took over for Dr. “Machine Gun” Gaddis when he fell ill. Larry writes that “Central gave us our start and we enjoyed fond memories.”

A Central Third Thursday gathered this spring in St. Louis with Deanna Cooper, director of development and alumni activities, as hostess. Shown here (from left) are Judith Gray Overall ’64, Dr. Marsha Kahler Kerr ’69, George Neimeyer ’69, Nancy Callison Neimeyer ’70, and Dr. Susan Brandt ’78.

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Alumni news

Graham appointed to Lawyers Committee of the National Center for State Courts Maurice B. Graham, president of the St. Louis plaintiff litigation law firm Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C., has been appointed as a member of the Lawyers Committee for the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).

The NCSC is a non-profit organization charged with improving judicial administration in the United States and around the world by providing leadership and service to state courts. It functions as a think-tank, a library, a consulting firm for the courts, an advocate for judicial and legislative reform, and a center of education in the field of judicial administration. All of NCSC’s services—research, information services, education, consulting—are focused on helping courts plan, make decisions, and implement improvements that save time and money, while ensuring judicial administration that supports fair and impartial decision-making.

The Lawyers Committee of NCSC is made up of leaders of preeminent law firms who partner with NCSC in building public understanding of the need for a strong and independent judiciary. The Lawyers Committee of NCSC works closely with the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators. Members of the Lawyers Committee: • Serve as advocates for the fair and timely resolution of disputes through stable, effective, and efficient state court systems

• Collaborate with state chief justices and corporate general counsel to debate issues and recommend solutions • Protect the rule of law and champion the importance of good government • Fulfill their responsibilities as officers of the court to improve justice and the legal profession The NCSC, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., was founded in 1971 as the result of the efforts of United States Supreme Court Justice Warren E. Burger.

Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C. is a plaintiff litigation firm located in downtown St. Louis. The firm’s primary areas of practice are catastrophic injury and death, complex commercial and consumer litigation, product liability, railroad and river worker injuries, automotive and aviation litigation, and professional negligence.

On January 29, 2013, State Fair Community College hosted its second annual CMU alumni gathering on their campus. The goal of the event is to gather alumni and friends of CMU who live within 50 miles of Sedalia. According to Alan Marshall, “We had fourteen attendees at this year’s event which included the basketball game and a free chili supper. It was nice to have the chance for alumni from the SFCC campus and the Fayette campus to meet and learn more about each other’s Central experience. This year we had a special treat. One of our attendees, Amy Harrington Tilley ’90, sang the national anthem prior to the start of the game and made us all proud. Our CMU Junior Varsity Men’s basketball team played the State Fair Community College team. Everybody seemed to have a good time and we are looking forward to next year’s event.”

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Birkes retires as executive director of the Missouri Bar

by Heather Carlton, Advancement Events Planner Central alumnus Keith Birkes ’69 went from being the first member of his family to attend college to serving as the Executive Director of The Missouri Bar for 27 years and leaving a lasting impression on Missouri law. Birkes dedicated his combined 37 years with The Bar to not only preserving the justice system in Missouri, but bettering it in every way possible.

After nearly four decades of service, Birkes retired from the association in December 2012. But his passion and diligence will not soon be forgotten.

Birkes grew up in the small town of Bolivar, Mo., where he participated in sports. Being the first person in his family to pursue higher education, finding the right college was important to Birkes. He knew a strong education was the best pathway to a fulfilling life. Former high school football teammate and friend Larry Anderson ’67, now the current director of admission at CMU, had chosen to come to Central as a student athlete. Birkes respected and admired Anderson, and after seeing how much he was getting out of his college experience, Birkes decided Central was the place to go fulfill his dreams.

“I really grew up at Central in so many ways,” he says. “An entire world was opened to me.”

When he wasn’t playing football, Birkes was pursuing a major in biology along with a minor in economics.

The combined disciplines strangely sparked an interest in the law, and Birkes went on to obtain his JD degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, where he graduated in 1973.

“A solid liberal arts education prepared me for law school and for life,” Birkes says. “Central prepared me for a career in the law by opening my eyes to so many possibilities.”

After starting out his legal career in Missouri government, Birkes became acquainted with other lawyers working for The Missouri Bar, and became interested in the various programs and activities the association provided to its members and to the public.

“I was very impressed with The Bar’s commitment to an impartial and accessible justice system in Missouri.

Being able to work with the best lawyers and judges to enhance and preserve the justice system was very appealing,” he says.

In 1975, Birkes was offered a position with The Bar; he was thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of their mission. After demonstrating his skills and abilities in various positions throughout the association, Birkes was named Executive Director in 1985, a role he would fulfill until his retirement in 2012. Birkes accomplished much during his

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tenure as executive director. He worked tirelessly to continue The Bar’s pledge to keep partisan politics out of the legal system.

“I believe I made a difference by helping to protect the constitutionally intended independence of the justice system,” Birkes says.

Last fall, he played a prominent role in defeating Amendment 3 on the ballot, which would have politicized the selection of judges for the state’s appellate courts as well as trial courts in the metropolitan areas. Birkes views this as his biggest achievement.

“Missouri still has the model judicial selection system in the country, and politicians have failed again to politicize our justice system. I am very proud of this,” Birkes says.

Birkes is also proud of establishing a staff of people completely committed to making the Missouri justice system the best it can be.

“There is no profession or group of better spirited men and women than the members of The Missouri Bar,” he says. “It was my pleasure to work with and for them!”

Though Birkes is leaving The Bar, he isn’t giving up his passion for the law. In his free time, he will continue to volunteer to represent Missouri citizens unable to pay for necessary legal services. He intends to provide pro bono assistance to those in need. Birkes also plans to spend more time on his other passions in life: his family and his hobbies.

He was recently married in 2012 and is looking forward to this next chapter with his wife, Kathy, as well as his two children. His son, Clayton, will be starting college in the fall as a track athlete, and Birkes plans to attend as many of his meets as possible. His daughter, Lara, lives in Switzerland as an economist, and shares a passion for mountain climbing with Birkes; he foresees many trips to the mountains in his retirement.

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CMU grad leads U.S. Army’s herald trumpets

by John Cheary In January, during the ceremonies surrounding the inauguration of President Barack Obama, few of us knew that Central Methodist University’s very own Captain Randy Bartel was directing the U.S. Army’s Herald Trumpets.

Captain Bartel graduated from CMU with a BME Degree in 1992.

The path to this remarkable accomplishment began in Marshall, Missouri where CMU alumnus Clarence Smith ’84 was Randy’s band director. “[Randy’s] work ethic was so strong,” Smith says. “For example, he didn’t want to disturb the family, so in all kinds of weather he practiced in an out building on his father’s farm. He was always polite, considerate and reliable.

The other kids respected him and looked up to him.”

Randy’s introduction to CMU began while participating in the annual Jazz Festival and Solo and Ensemble Festival. Clarence encouraged his interest. A recruiting blitz from band directors Keith House and Ron Anson was capped off with the efforts of then Regional Director of Admissions, Robert McNeill.

Two other musicians from Marshall also chose CMU, and Randy values the memory of his high school buddies playing in the band and graduating from CMU together. He noted that his friends have gone on to lead successful lives.

Bartel expounded at length about the high quality of the preparation he received from CMU’s Swinney Conservatory of Music saying, “That place is far and away the best most incredible school. The environment is the key.

The students, the profs all create an atmosphere of mentoring and learning in all facets.”

When asked about the difference between playing with Central’s celebrated Concert Band and the Herald Trumpets, Bartel replies, “It’s the same nuts and bolts stuff; big breaths and down beats. A difference might be standing at ease in the front of the Presidential reviewing stand in thirty-four degree weather for an hour and forty-five minutes and expecting perfection when it is time to play Hail to The Chief. . . The musicians are professionals.”

He adds, “We have a corps of fanfares we use in certain situations making problems predictable.”

Captain Bartel’s military career has taken him through the Marine Band stationed at Quantico, Va., to Iraq where he was the officer over four Army Bands. These bands Spring 2013

provided entertainment in remote locations where it was not safe for the big name civilian entertainers. Randy said the soldiers in Iraq were pretty much on duty 24/7, so they were hungry for live music from back home. In addition, he worked with Iraqi bands using their music written in their tonalities. Written music for the Iraqi bands seemed rare and came almost exclusively from the composers in the bands. On one ceremonious occasion the Iraqi Band was performing at their Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.

As a symbol of unity the Iraqi band director conducted the first half of the march. In the middle of the march passed the baton to Captain Bartel who finished the piece. Randy also described going from one gig to another in MRAP vehicles. Occasionally one would get stuck and the musicians would hop out “locked and loaded” to stand guard while the vehicle was freed.

Captain Randy Bartel now stands in Washington D.C. guarding the national dignity, carrying forth the pomp and ceremony essential to maintain feelings of national unity and patriotism, and duly impressing foreign dignitaries. Regardless, Bartel always proudly represents Central Methodist University.

Bartel, along with Swinney Conservatory of Music’s Dean, Dr. Dori Waggoner, will be directing the annual CMU Alumni Band on June 22, 2013.

John Cheary ’70 is a member of the CMU Alumni Board and a regular contributor to the Talon.

Music gifts from alumni With the opening of the new Classic Hall, our collection of musical gifts continues to grow! We want to thank CMU alumni & friends who have generously given to the music department in an effort to enhance our students’ educational experience. Central has received a variety of instruments ranging from flutes and clarinets to trumpets and saxophones. Most recently, a piano was given for Classic Hall. Music, books, records, and CDs have also been donated.

Thank you for your generosity!

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Alumni news Dear Alumni, As Central moves into a new era, we extend to Marianne and David Inman our best wishes. At our May 4, 2013, Distinguished Alumni Gala the Alumni Association granted honorary alumna status to Dr. Inman. At our last board meeting, Marianne came and we remembered her many contributions to Central Methodist University and took a final picture for our archives.

We look forward to getting to know the new President, Dr. Drake, and his wife, Judy. We enjoyed meeting them on their initial visit to Central, and we look forward to learning about and helping with their visions for Central Methodist University.

Our Alumni Board presently has nineteen members.

We have six decades represented on our board. Anyone interested may apply for membership by emailing Alan Marshall, executive director of development and alumni programs, at agmarsha@centralmethodist.edu.

Once again we want to congratulate our new alumni honorees.

CMU Distinguished Alumni recipients: Rena (Rickman) Yocom D.Min., Class of 1965 Terry Smith Ph.D., Class of 1966 Mike Reed Ph.D., Class of 1962 Andrew Glover, Class of 1983 CMU Young Alumni Award recipient: Thomas Randoll, D.O., Class of 2001.

CMU Service Award recipient: Delores Bland Woodward Ph.D., Class of 1955.

When you visit Fayette, stop by Central Methodist University’s Inman Student and Community Center and see the History of Central display and timeline on the first floor.

Our next event is Central Methodist Day at the St. Louis Zoo, June 23. Lunch will be provided at River Camp along with special behind-the-scene activities and train tickets. Invitations will follow. It is a wonderful family event and time for alumni to visit together.

Judith Rethwisch President, CMU Alumni Board

Members of the Alumni Board at the most recent meeting on the Fayette campus pose in front of the new Central History Timeline in the Student and Community Center. Back row, from left: Jean Borgelt Gruenewald ’75, Stephen Johnson ’56, Jacob Heppner ’12, John Cheary ’70, Jacque Allred Cheary ’82; front row: Ruth Dorman Benner ’66, Nicole Parrish Scott ’94, Laura Blair ’86, Carolyn Summers Perry ’66, Judith Engel Rethwisch ’65, Todd Oberlin ’07, James Steele ’64.

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Alumni news Newsmakers Pat Schneider ’56 has published a new book How the Light Gets In, Writing as a Spiritual Practice (Oxford University Press, 2013). Previously she has published five books of poetry, three of nonfiction, five plays, and four liberetti.

ture in Wuhan, China, through a program at The Ohio State University (during the month of July 2013).

Betty (Tausch Nickel) Atchison ’78 is a celebrity impersonator of Cher and Lady Gaga in Fla.

Lisa (Frazier) Duncan ’89 is a Financial Aid Counselor and Student Success Coordinator for Missouri Valley College.

Susan Brandt ’78 received her doctorate from Gallaudet University in April 2013.

Bill Chott ’91 was recently awarded the Broadway World Award for his work as Fred Mertz in I Love Lucy Live on Stage. He also portrayed Mr. Holman the cookie baker in Disney’s Santa Pups 2.

Jeffrey Francis ’80 played Jason in a production of Medea with the English National Opera.

Editor’s note: She was kind enough to send me a copy of her new book. Whether you agree or not with her premise that writing can be as powerful a connection to God (that she calls Mystery) as prayer or meditation, the beauty of her writing will transport you away from yourself and deep into your Self.

Bruce McClintock ’57 was selected as the NASW-Missouri Chapter’s Social Worker of the Year March 2013.

Janice Bradshaw ’58 was inducted into the Missouri Music Educators “Hall of Fame.”

Bill Zimmerman ’58 retired in the spring of 2012.

Charles Turner ’66 was elected Commander of Overland, St. Ann Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3944.

Jim Meng ’62 published a 712-page book titled, The Meng and Shamhart Family History and Genealogy in Deutschland and America.

The book, which took 15 years to complete, is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Xlibris Books.

Rev. Dr. Morris W. Hudgins ’68 will be recognized this summer in Louisville, Ky., at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly for his retirement after 40 years in the ministry.

Morris continues to preach locally and assist pastors who are on leave.

Jim Swan ’68 and his wife, Kim, have moved to Glendale, Ariz.

Don Brashears ’69 helped to produce a show

Jamie Page ‘82 recently taught at a pastors conference in Kenya, shown with a pastor’s wife who translated into Swahili for him.

on the Golf Channel called “Our Longest Drive” through his production company Tom, Dick and Harry Advertising in Chicago, Ill.

Jane (Lammers) Hicklin ’80 retired in 2011 from her full time position as a band director in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District; she continues to work at LS-R7 part time as a substitute teacher and assistant marching band instructor. She is also employed part time with the Raymore-Peculiar School District as a beginning band teacher, continues to teach private low brass lessons, and has numerous hobbies that keep her busy.

Kelley Head ’81 played piano in a recital on the Missouri Valley College campus on March 25, 2013.

Bill Sheehan ’84 is the new Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. Fred Smith ’84 will retire as CMU’s Head Baseball Coach after the 2013 season to become the principal at Laura Speed Elliott Middle School in Boonville, Mo. Dean Anthony ’86 has gotten rave reviews as Director of the new opera Glory Denied, which premiered in Fort Worth, Texas, this spring.

The opera is the true story of Jim Thompson, a POW held in North Vietnam for nine years, the longest of any American prisoner of war.

Amy (Luetjen) Sullivan ’86 received her Educational Doctorate in Administrative Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She continues to teach second grade in the Blue Springs School District, Blue Springs, Mo. Eugene Peebles ’87 received the award as Best Jazz Musician from the Black Music Association & Academy of America’s 13th Annual Sacramento “Sounds of Soul” Music Awards.

Paul Harper ’93 was appointed the Legislative Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. Paul lives in Jefferson City, Mo. with his wife, Jennifer (Gillespie) Harper ‘95 and two children, Alexander and Rebecca.

Amy (Fischer) Sipe ’94 is the president for the UMKC Pharmacy School Alumni Association.

Tracy Crowe Jones ’94 was promoted to Team Lead in Project Management at IBM in Columbia, Mo. Gary Gose ’94 was promoted to Senior Tax Counsel with H&R Block in Kansas City, Mo. Brad Blakemore ’95 the Hallsville, Mo., girls basketball coach, earned his 300th coaching victory in January 2013.

Brian Barber ’97 is the Food Warehouse Manager at City Union Mission in Kansas City, Mo. Kathy (Brauer) Howard ’97 was the Musical Director for Love Notes XI in conjunction with the River Rats for the Arts at Turner Hall, Boonville, Mo. Jessica (Grasdorf) Quint ’97 was elected to the Fayette R-III School Board.

Lathem Scott ’98 is the Vice President Business Banking Relationship Manager for Bank of the West.

Suzanne Brill Bradshaw ’01 received her M.A. in Counseling from The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

Roger Stone ’03 was hired as the principal at Norborne High School.

Deon Duncan ’88 is an athletic recruiter and Football Coach for Missouri Valley College.

Missouri Valley had an undefeated 2012 season and were HAAC Champions for the second year in a row.

Meghann Teague ’05 was promoted to Associate Director of Admission at DeVry University-Kansas City.

Rheatta (Kelley) Petty ’88 is teaching elementary music to grades PreK-4 at Pegram Elementary School in Pegram, Tenn.

David Hutchison ’07 was appointed Senior Pastor at Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley, Mo.

Jimmy-John Akins ’89 was recently choosen to be on the Board of Directors for the Theravada Buddhist Society of North America.

Todd Oberlin ’07 earned his master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in May 2012.

Jeff Arrigo ’89 is a lecturer at UIUS in the ESL Academic Writing Program. Jeff was accepted to teach intensive English and American Cul-

Glenna Parks ’07 won a silver ADDY award for copy writing, for the Nelnet Plant a Tree Project campaign.

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Katie Rathmell ’06 is teaching English to kindergarteners at Cornel in Taichung, Taiwan.

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Alumni news Matthew Vandelicht ’07 has completed the necessary requirements and earned his Certified Public Accountant designation.

Julie Shahan Atchley ’09 is a Staff Accountant for the Business Services Department at Connor Ash PC Maryland Heights, Mo. Paul Blanchard ’09 graduated from University of Central Missouri with a Master of Arts in Teaching in May 2012.

C. Ryan Salmon ’10 obtained her CPA designation with BDK of Springfield, Mo.

Melissa Wincek ’10 and Josh Hall were married Dec. 12, 2012.

Wendii Anderson ’11 and Steven Jobe are engaged to be married.

Donna Beasley ’11 and Lance Cramer ’11 were married March 16, 2013.

Cody Fletcher ’11 and Ashley Clouse were married Dec. 15, 2012.

Alisha Hanneken ’11 and Evan Roettering are engaged to be married.

Breanna Kivett ’12 is working for Women’s Health Associates in Columbia, Mo.

Marriages & Engagements Amy Flater ’98 and Scott Galaydick were married Sept. 9, 2012.

Jeremy Payne ’00 and Christina White were married Oct. 13, 2012.

Cydnee Cavole ’01 and Dustin Gilmore were married June 23, 2012.

Candi Snee ’01 and Josh Johnson were married Sept. 15, 2012.

Justin Yates ’02 and Brandy Worley were married June 10, 2012.

Megan Jones ’11 and Aron Geiger were married Nov. 10, 2012.

Erica Mosier ’11 and Zachary Grella were married March 16, 2013.

Lisa Scrivener ’11 and Daniel Vachalek ’11 were married July 14, 2012.

Amy Pope ’12 and Chris Spurgin are engaged to be married.

Nate Meyer ’13 and Bailey Chapin were married March 23, 2013.

Nicole Sanders ’13 and Ryan Sherman ’13 are engaged to be married.

Kimberley Schlitt ’13 and Bryan Hanebrink were married Feb. 2, 2013.

Nicole Horn ’05 and Robert Jacquin were married June 2, 2012.

Births

Charlie Wilson ’05 and Kim Bell are engaged to be married.

Josh ’02 and Hilary Mueller Myers ’02 announce the birth of son Isaac Ellington on Nov. 2, 2012.

Courtney Schwartze Jeremy ’03 and husband Todd announce the birth of their twins, Emerson Lahr and Walker Ambrose on July 26, 2012.

Tonya Goosen ’07 and Zachary Nelson are engaged to be married.

Nathan Werremeyer ’07 and Sarah Mathis were engaged to be married on May 11.

Michael ’03 and Rachel (Leist) ’05 Backfisch announce the birth of son Dalton Edward on Dec. 26, 2012.

Cory Carver ’08 and Jodi Motley were married Sept. 22, 2012.

Mary Kate (Henke) Livingston ’03 and husband Nicholas announce the birth of daughter Katelyn Eleanor on April 2, 2012.

Jessi Williams ’08 and Jay O’Bannon were married Feb. 15, 2013.

Kari Salmon ’09 and Dan Hopkins were married March 23, 2013.

Heather Silvey ’09 and David Beach were married July 7, 2012.

Teresa Martin ’03 and husband Cody announce the birth of son Sullivan Maxwell on Oct. 31, 2012.

Michael ’04 and Casey Parker ’04 Turney announce the birth of son Chase Parker on Sep. 24, 2012.

Eric Ulmer ‘09 and Laura Armstrong ’10 were married March 23, 2013.

Stephanie Frevert ’10 and Ryan Bernard ’10 were married Nov. 3, 2012.

Hannah Kiddoo ’10 and Glen Thurman ’10 are engaged to be married.

Jacob Knigge ’07 and wife Audrey announce the birth of daughter Cheyenne on Jan. 27, 2013.

Dustin ’08 and Veronica McKinney ’08 announce the birth of daughter Adryan Rose on Nov. 22, 2012.

Spring 2013

Katie (Harris) ’09 and Dan Kreienheder ’09 welcomed a baby boy, Harris James, on Sept.

27, 2012.

Nick and Bri Hilgedick announce the birth of son Donald Colt on Jan. 30, 2013.

Deaths 1930 Margaret Runge Hainsworth ’30 of Basehor, Kan., died Oct. 7, 2012.

Gwendolyn Robinson Crumpecker ’37 of Naples, Fla., died Jan. 31, 2013.

Leland D. Schaperkotter ’37 died March 30, 2013, in Columbia, Mo. A few years after selling Schaperkotter Hardware in 1972, he became interested in oil painting and his wildlife paintings are in many Missouri collections. Service on Central’s Alumni Board was one of the ways Lee demonstrated his loyalty to Central. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1974. He is survived by daughter Carol and son John and their families.

Margaret McKee Lee ’38 of Fort Madison, Iowa, died Dec. 27, 2012.

Elza E. Lester ’39 of Oxford, Miss., died Feb. 1, 2012.

Bess Richmond ’05 and Eric Siebuhr were married Dec. 1, 2012.

Josh Holt ’06 and Lisa Wojciechowski were married Jan. 5, 2013.

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Casey Lowry ’10 and Cory Cowsert ’11 were married April 13, 2013.

Central Methodist University

1940 DeForrest E. Cline ’40 of Springfield, Mo., died May 9, 2012.

Eula Dessieux Clark ’42 of Holts Summit, Mo., died Jan. 23, 2013.

Harry E. Griffith ’45 of Boonville, Mo., died Nov. 27, 2012.

Elizabeth Stuart Rankin ’46 of Salem, Ill., died Dec. 4, 2012.

Jerry W. Rhodes ’46 of Farmington, Mo., died Feb. 24, 2013.

Vivian Calkin Wallace ’46 of Madill, Okla., died Sept. 25, 2012.

Dorothy Kauffman Bingham ’48 of Marionville, Mo., died Feb. 25, 2013.

1950 Kenneth R. Lutgen ’50 of Kansas City, Mo., died April 27, 2013.

Elmer Eugene Luther ’50 of Ashburn, Va., died Jan. 16, 2013.

Talon

Alumni news Dorothy Shiflett Weir ’50 of Rocheport, Mo., died Nov. 1, 2012.

Franklin Hoyt Patterson ’64 of Kenosha, Wis., died July 3, 2012.

Isaac Smith Garb ’51 of Buckingham, Pa., died Dec. 3, 2012.

1970

Victor I. Gurley ’51 of Metairie, La., died Jan. 6, 2013.

Norma Jean Kearney Campbell ’72 of Clark, Mo., died March 6, 2013.

Keith D. Brodock ’76 of Fort Benton, Mont., died Aug. 17, 2012.

Gabriel “Gil” Georgeff ’51 died February 9, 2013, in Scottsdale, Az.. One of the most outstanding athletes in Central’s history (lettering in football, basketball, track and baseball), he was an equally successful educator. When he retired from the Blue Springs School District, a lectureship was established in his name and a building renamed for him and another educator. He was inducted into Central’s Hairston Hall of Fame in 1983.

1980 Jeff Hollaway ’82 of St. Charles, Mo., died March 29, 2013.

Marla McNiece Dillon ’83 of Marshall, Mo., died April 7, 2012.

Kathleen G. Casteel ’84 of Columbia, Mo., died Nov. 26, 2012.

Debra Kay Willenbrink ’87 of Olathe, Kan., died Aug. 28, 2012.

Linda Mallinckrodt Marriott ’89 of Fayette, Mo., died March 10, 2013.

James E. Rich ’55 of Columbia, Mo., died Feb. 24, 2013. Son of E.E. ’15 and Maud Adkisson Rich ’14, Jim was an Army veteran before retiring from Sears. He is survived by his wife, Kay, two children, and three step-children.

Robert E. “Bob” Gaines died April 14, 2013, in Fayette. Bob had been a part of Fresh Ideas from its formation 13 years ago, per founder John Orscheln. A current student who worked with him said Bob was a great role model, “a hard worker and dedicated in everything he did.” Whether they knew him two years or 20 years, people described him as caring, kind, and fun.

Friends of Central Gloria C. Hunt Schlapbach of Saint Louis Mo., died Jan. 20, 2013.

Elsie Jean St. Cyr of Austin, Texas, died Dec. 2, 2012.

Marian Bowman Spivey ’56 died in Rogers, Ark., on March 25, 2013. She taught music at the high school and college level, retiring as professor emerita from Oklahoma State University. Her husband, Calvin, survives.

Egland S. Hauck ’52 of Dixon, Mo., died Dec. 18, 2012.

Suzanne Duke Brown ’53 of Austin, Texas, died Jan. 4, 2013.

Jacqueline E. Lewis Fritschle ’54 of Neenah, Wis., died Nov. 20, 2012.

Frank P. Boatwright ’59 of Lebanon, Mo., died March 24, 2013.

Ralph L. Hollis ’59 of Alameda, Calif., died Oct. 9, 2012.

Cecilia E. Raske Barnett ’59 of Blue Springs Mo., died Feb. 14, 2012.

1960 Marian S. Soergel Poynter ’61 of Dacula, Ga., died Nov. 5, 2012.

A new bench has appeared in Epple Park on the CMU Fayette campus. It was placed there with fond memories of Rev. George Burgin who died last year, by his friends in the Class of 1957.

Addison T. King III ’63 of New Franklin, Mo., died Dec. 23, 2012.

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Alumni news

CMU favorite son Bill Holman dies in December

by James H. Steele William S. (Bill) Holman ’47, a retired U.S. Atomic Energy Commission nuclear engineer who in 1969 headed development of seismometer heaters making possible NASA’s Apollo 11 mission to the moon, died at his home in Fayette Dec. 9, 2012.

A longtime civic leader in the Fayette community, he was among those in Mission Control during the historic moon landing and retired from the AEC in 1978.

Lt. Col Bill Holman (USAF-Ret.) served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II where he flew bombing missions as a radio countermeasures officer. After the war he completed college studies at Central and in 1949 joined the (then) new U. S. Air Force and later was chosen as one of 14 officers for the first Air Force Thermonuclear Weapons Assembly Team. He also worked in military intelligence. After retiring from the Air Force he joined the Department of Energy.

Among various honors, Holman received a group achievement award for his part in developing the first satellite to escape the solar system. He also was part of a team that pioneered development of the artificial heart that led to the invention of the Jarvik Heart.

A native of Callao, Holman came to Fayette in 1941 as a freshman at then-Central College, receiving his degree in physics in 1947 and later earning a master’s in nuclear physics from the University of Illinois.

After graduation from Central, he spent a year as a graduate assistant at the University of Hawaii and then taught school at Callao where he also coached and directed plays.

He and Martha Rogers ’47 were married in 1986 and returned that year to her hometown of Fayette. Over the years they were involved in countless facets of community life.

In 1993, Holman received a Distinguished Alumni Award from CMU. He and Martha have been major Central supporters, including establishing three separate scholarships and major donations to other CMU causes. Bill for several years served on the board of the CMU Alumni Association.

“Bill was a truly wonderful person—brilliant scientist, devoted Central alum, loyal sports fan, and gracious friend,” notes President Inman. “His upbeat and generous spirit was an inspiration to all, and he will be sorely missed.”

Even before coming to college in 1941, Bill Holman was well acquainted with Fayette, having spent holidays and summers at the home of his sister whose husband worked for the Fayette newspapers. Holman gained an early appreciation for the newspaper business and over the years was a frequent contributor to the Democrat-Leader and Fayette Advertiser, as well the Talon.

When he and Martha came to live in Fayette, they became active in various local organizations, especially community theater and Rotary (where he was a past president). Bill directed a

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number of productions for the Fayette Area Community Theater.

The Holmans took part in many groups including the American Legion, FAHA, Main Street, Fayette Armstrong Community Betterment, and served as docents for CMU’s Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art. Bill also was a member of the Round Table Club and served on the board of Endless Options. Last July 4, he was one of four recipients of a “Quilt of Valor” presented by the Peacemakers Quilting group.

They especially had a great love of Central athletics, basketball in particular, plus taking an active interest in plays, concerts and special events.

Bill Holman was born May 15, 1923, the son of John T. and Maude (Cherry) Holman. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, all of Fayette — David, John Michael (Cynthia), Steve Holman, and Carol Chafee. Also, four step-children — Jack Bricker (Susie), Karl Bricker, and Patricia Bricker, all from the Kansas City area, and Kathryn (Frank) D’Angelo of Zepher Cove, Nev., in addition to 15 grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, plus nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Donations are suggested to the Fayette Ministerial Alliance, the Holman Scholarships at CMU, or the Howard County Library.

In an article published in a 2004 Talon, Holman remembered his Central days. “It wasn’t until much later that I began to understand what Central had given me,” he wrote. “As time went by I began to realize the purpose of a liberal arts education. How many engineers and scientists did I meet, many from prestigious, institutions, who —though well-educated in their fields—were immediately ‘out to lunch’ once the conversation veered. They often had limited ability to express themselves literally on paper. Experiences like these turned on the light bulb. It began to dawn on me how well Central had prepared me for life.”

In another Talon article, in 2009, Holman reflected on experiences with the first moon walk effort: “If, in the distant future, some moon-walking explorer finds the remains of Apollo 11 and inspects the heat sources,” he wrote, “he may puzzle over the ‘C’ which I had the Mound Lab inscribe on one of the capsules. That ‘C’ stands for three things: Callao, my hometown; Carol, my daughter; and Central, my alma mater.”

Jim Steele ’64 is the former owner and publisher of the Fayette newspapers and an active member of the CMU Alumni Board.

Central Methodist University

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Alumni news

Richard Driscoll ’51 Richard M. Driscoll ’51 died on April 13, 2013, in Mt. Holly, N.J. He was 88.

True, but the facts are very clinical—and the man was not. He graduated from Central in 1951 and took every opportunity to show how much he loved then-Central College.

Driscoll retired in 1992 as principal for the Lenape High School in Medford Lakes, Va., where he had served the district for 32 years. While there, he was responsible for sending many young men and women to his alma mater—Central College, Central Methodist College, then Central Methodist University—for their higher education. One of those young men was Rick Dailey ’70, his nephew and godson. In fact, Rick (Richard) Dailey was named for his uncle, and he now serves as a member of the CMU Board of Trustees.

Driscoll earned his master’s degree from Rutgers University. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He is survived by three daughters and their families; a sister, Sister Benedict of the Little Sisters of the Poor; and multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A crane lowered the equipment to bring air-conditioning to Puckett Field House, a move that made Commencement much more comfortable for all involved.

REDUCE YOUR 2013 TAXES With an IRA gift The fiscal cliff law permits individuals who are 70½ to roll over up to $100,000 from their IRA to charity free from federal income tax. Better yet, an IRA rollover gift qualifies for your 2013 required minimum distribution, permitting you to lower your income and taxes for this year while helping students at Central.

Did you know that you can reduce your taxes for 2013 by making a gift from

YOUR IRA TO CENTRAL?

Contact Donna Merrell at 660-248-6214 or dmerrell@centralmethodist.edu to learn more about how you can redirect unneeded IRA income to Central.

Calendar

of Events

June

November

22: Alumni Band 23: CMU Day at the Zoo, St. Louis

1: Chamber Music Recital, Recital Hall 3: Choir Concert, Location TBD 5: National Players Production, The Little Theatre 6: MMTA Recital, Recital Hall 11: Jazz Choir & Church Street Boys Concert, Recital Hall 19: Jazz Band Concert, Keith House Band Room 21-26: Chorale Tour 23-29: Thanksgiving Break 29-Dec. 1: Almost, Maine, Cafe Berlin - Columbia

July 19: Luetjen Golf Tournament, Boonville

August

December

20: Classes Begin

September

5: SAI Christmas Concert, Location TBD 5-6: Student One Act Plays, The Little Theatre 8: Choir & Band Concert, Thespian Hall - Boonville 13-Jan.12: Winter Break

13-22: London Trip 2013 20-22: Dean Anthony Master Classes 27: Jeff Queen Percussion Concert, The Little Theatre 28: Hairston Hall of Fame Inductions

October 2: Davd Para and Cathy Barton, The Little Theatre 5: CMU Tailgate, Missouri Valley College, Marshall 5: Band Day 10-13: Little Theatre Production 12: Family Day 20: Gems Recital, Recital Hall 25-27: Homecoming 2013, A Hero’s Homecoming

Many Central alumni and most of the town of Fayette will miss more than Marianne and David Inman as they leave for warmth and rest in Texas. For many, the loss of Miles Plzak, Marianne’s father, will be an additional blow. A gentleman of the first accord, Miles never met a stranger and never met a child he didn’t love.

He is shown here blowing out the candle on his birthday cake on the occasion of his 100th birthday while Marianne watches. Like a snowbird, he has flown south, too. We all wish him great happiness in his new abode.

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The Phonathon callers take a moment to pause and strike a pose for the camera on their last night of calling this spring. In front, left to right: Julie Ramiso, Director of Annual Giving Matt Vander Vennet, Ashley Novak; back: Shelby Miller, Angela Weicken, Jessica Graver, Ricky Massana, Brittany Webb, Jackie Hoffman, Heather Anderson, Emily Everett, Jen Garrett. Not pictured: Harrison Hill, Alison Durst, Molly Rippenger, Toni Weatherford, Caryn Jackson, Kelli Shepard, Sergio Garcia-Niño.

Phonathon callers have great year The 2012-13 Phonathon calling team (photo above) made many inroads this year. The positive response from alumni and friends to the student callers was a big reason that this year saw increases in both new donors and number of dollars pledged. We saw an almost 40 percent (39.59) increase in the total amount pledged this year compared to last year and were able to raise a record total number of gifts for the students! In addition, we had 76 new donors pledge this spring for an increase of 49 percent over last spring’s new donor total of 51. We just want to say “THANK YOU!” to all of you who spoke with our students and helped to change their lives, even just a little!

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411 Central Methodist Square Fayette, MO 65248-1198

Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Jefferson City, MO Permit No. 210

Change Service Requested

The latest mural in downtown Fayette from local artist Peggy Guest includes this panel depicting some of the activities commonly found on the CMU campus at Fayette.