Columbia College Affinity Magazine Summer 2016

Summer 2016

THE COLUMBIA COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

a f f i n i t y

Full Circle

Volleyball earns program’s fourth NAIA National Championship

THE COLUMBIA COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Letter from the President

a f f i n i t y

Building On Our Success The cover of this issue of Affinity features our women’s volleyball team’s victory in the NAIA National Championship match; we’re so proud of them! Penny Liu was named MVP of the tournament, Volleyball Player of the Year and First Team All-American, while Melinda Wrye-Washington was named Coach of the Year.

Those aren’t the only impressive accomplishments of our Athletic Department, which had an amazing year:

Conference (AMC) championship, and women’s cross country placed second in the AMC championship.

National Runner-Up in the long jump in a field of 33 jumpers with a leap of 5.65 meters.

• The women’s soccer team made its third straight appearance at the NAIA national tournament.

This fall, the excitement continues as we add men’s baseball and men’s and women’s track and field to the mix. We’re also adding a highly competitive League of Legends eSports video game team.

• The men’s basketball team ended the season ranked No. 10 nationwide and made it to the second round of the NAIA national tournament.

• We have a fantastic new athletic facility, R. Marvin Owens Field, a $3.2 million renovation that benefits not only our soccer teams but all students.

• The women’s basketball team started the season 19-0, earned its highest midseason ranking in program history (No. 3) and made the NAIA national tournament.

• The men’s soccer team made it to the quarterfinals of the NAIA national tournament, achieving a No. 6 ranking in the postseason poll.

• The court in Southwell Arena was named Bob Burchard Court in honor of our longtime athletic director and men’s basketball coach.

• The men’s cross country team won the American Midwest

• Track and Field student athlete Abby Strickler finished as the

And those aren’t the only changes for Fall 2016. The college is adding three academic schools, a sixth eight-week session each year for adult students, a four-year nursing program in Columbia and a beautiful Quad project on main campus. I hope you’ll come by to take a look.

It’s an exciting time for all of us.

We are CC!

Columbia College Board of Trustees 2016-2017 Chair Walter (Web) E. Bixby III ’82

Trustees Lynne Stuver Baker ’64

Mitchell R. Humphreys, MD

Vice Chair Dale Coe Simons ’65

Lex Cavanah

June Hurdle ’83

Judy A. Cunningham ’64

David Russell, Ph.D.

Secretary Jolene Marra Schulz ’61

Jerry D. Daugherty

Rev. Brad Stagg

Joseph P. Dubinski ’96

Gary Tatlow

Treasurer George W. Hulett Jr.

Steve Erdel

Carol Winkler ’93

Daisy Willis Grossnickle ’66

Janet Carter Wright ’58

CCAA Alumni Representative Bill Johnston ’82 Faculty Representatives Kenneth Felts, Ph.D. Lia Willis, Ph.D.

1

16

4 Dr. Michio Kaku

32 36

6 Ivy Chain Ceremony

42 48

50 Columbia College Cougars eSports

On the Cover:

The Columbia College women’s volleyball program won its fourth NAIA National Championship in December, sweeping Missouri Baptist in three sets in the final. Melinda Wrye-Washington won the NAIA Coach of the Year award, and Penny Liu took home Player of the Year.

Photo by Cindy Potter ’05

Affinity

Magazine Staff

54 56

Carolyn Preul Editor, Affinity Magazine Associate Director of Alumni Relations

My CCAA Things to remember during job interviews and celebrating Christian College heritage at Reunion Weekend Faculty Profiles Toni Coleman Carter preaches positivity at Columbia College-Elgin, and music instructor Nollie Moore is always on the move Experience Transformed Alumna Valerie Wedel finds new modes of expression through pushing artistic boundaries Alumni Awards CCAA honors four deserving alumni during annual awards banquet Cougar Sports Zone Volleyball wins a national title, the eSports program is off, and running and the men’s and women’s basketball teams make it to the NAIA Tournament On the Web Check out Scooter’s latest travels CC Notes News and updates from people who matter — our alumni

Kaci Smart ’09 Photographer

Sam Fleury Associate Director of Public Relations

Donnie Andrick ’16 Ann Muder Jennifer Truesdale Contributing Writers

David Morrison Public Relations Specialist

Suzanne Rothwell Executive Director of Advancement

Ann Merrifield Director of Alumni Relations Stasia Sherman Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Heather Williams Administrative Assistant for Advancement

Affinity magazine is published in cooperation with Alumni Relations, Public Relations and Inside Columbia magazine.

Table of Contents

2

Inside the Gate Daisy Grossnickle leaves a legacy as board of trustees chair, the Quad project begins on main campus, and new deans are announced

Inside the Gate

2

THE COLUMBIA COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

a f f i n i t y

Evolve. Connect. Communicate.

#CCLeads Student Leadership Conference is a great success

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTO BY KACI SMART ’09

Evolve. Connect. Communicate.

That was the theme of this year’s #CCLeads Student Leadership Conference, which saw 60 highly engaged students participate in a variety of programs to develop leadership skills. The event was presented by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership Development in cooperation with the CC Student Leadership Conference Ambassadors for the second consecutive year.

“We wanted a way to provide leadership development to day and evening students on campus,” says Stephanie Sanders Cagle, director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development. “We studied a lot of materials from other institutions and decided that we needed help from a variety of departments around campus to make this idea a reality.”

The morning session kicked off with a welcome from Columbia College President Scott Dalrymple and a keynote

address from the owner of a burgeoning local business, Michael Urban of Harold’s Doughnuts.

Held at the Woodcrest Chapel in Columbia, the conference gave students the opportunity to interact with area professionals about topics ranging from “Capturing Your Communications Potential” to “Becoming a Valiant Leader” in 15 breakout sessions that encouraged dialogue among students.

“The Student Leadership Conference was very helpful,” senior Jennifer Hoch said. “I learned valuable leadership skills and bettered my understanding of what it takes to be a leader. Not all leaders are extroverts.”

The day wrapped up with three “CC Talks,” with a format that followed the popular TED Talks, led by three staff members from the college on topics such as “Leading from the Middle,” “You Do You” and “Being Your Authentic Self.”

3

Inside the Gate

Groundbreaking New quad to serve as heart of campus

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTO BY KACI SMART ’09

A new chapter in the history of Columbia College began on Tuesday, March 22. More than 125 members of the campus community and distinguished guests from the Columbia community gathered outside St. Clair Hall to celebrate the groundbreaking of the college’s new campus Quad. The event marked the official kickoff of the project that will become the heart of the college’s campus, which was envisioned by Columbia College President Scott Dalrymple.

“The Quad will transform our outdoor spaces in exciting ways that will benefit everyone,” Dalrymple said. “It will create a positive energy on our campus

and will be a place to study, to play, to eat and to make lifelong memories.”

The estimated $1.9 million project will feature an amphitheater for holding classes, student presentations and performances; a zero-entry fountain; a sheltered dining pavilion; a garden honoring Christian College heritage; and a new, centrally located campus safety office.

“Over the past 165 years, this special place has anticipated significant societal directions,” Lynne Stuver Baker, Christian College graduate of 1964 and member of the Columbia College Board of Trustees said. ”This project will not only become a

hub for students to gather and engage in discussion and social conversation, but the important issue of safety will become more visible on campus.”

The ceremony featured several dignitaries who were in attendance including President Dalrymple, First Lady Tina Dalrymple, several members of the board of trustees, Student Body President Sarah Barris, President Emeritus Dr. Gerald Brouder, former college President Dr. Donald Ruthenberg and his wife, Dee, representatives from Simon Oswald Architecture, Reinhardt Construction, CM Engineering, Engineering Surveys & Services and Cliff Jarvis, executive director of plant and facilities for the college.

Inside the Gate

4

Family Tradition

Fifth-generation graduate earns master’s degree

BY DAVID MORRISON

Peggy Lamke Price ’43 has seen plenty of her family members take the traditional route through higher education. Her granddaughter, Abigail Price Taylor, stands out because she went the “hard way.”

Taylor started at Texas A&M after graduating high school but eventually came back home to Missouri. She enrolled at Columbia College-Springfield in 2011, as a 28-year-old student, and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice in 2013. She



started taking classes for a Master of Science in Criminal Justice a week after earning her bachelor’s, all while caring for her 10-monthold son, Julien, with her husband, Michael Taylor.

Price was there to hand Abby her diploma when she graduated from Columbia College the first time around. And she was there to bestow the master’s degree upon Abby on May 7 at the Southwell Complex during Columbia College’s main campus commencement as well, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek

PHOTO BY KACI SMART ’09

as she walked across the stage.

And a note that read: “As your grandmother, and representing the third of five continuous generations of Columbia Christian College graduates in our family, beginning in 1871 with my grandmother, I have the great honor and privilege to hand your diploma to you, a fifth-generation graduate of the college. It’s the most advanced degree any of us has ever received, and we’re all so proud of you.”

Price’s grandmother, Mary Virginia Ruth Bassett Jennings,

5

“It just kind of happened. We didn’t plan it that way, of course, but as the years went by, each family individually realized that was the place we would like our kids to go, and they did,” Peggy says. “I’m just really proud of all of them.”

Abby was one of the 495 Columbia College students, representing 28 states and 21 foreign countries to earn their degrees during the college’s two commencement ceremonies.

The commencement speaker, Apple Inc. executive Vin Capone, stressed the importance of perseverance even when faced with long odds, such as the moment his dreams of playing college football ended with a serious spinal injury in high school.

Columbia College President Dr. Scott Dalrymple echoed that sentiment in his remarks. “We provide the opportunity for you

to change not only your life, but the entire trajectory of your family for many generations,” Dalrymple said. “I’m proud of you. And people you haven’t even met yet, who haven’t even been born yet, will be proud of you, too.”

Abby was one of 495 Columbia College students representing 28 states and 21 foreign countries to receive a degree during the May commencement ceremonies at main campus.

Abby says she made the choice to resume her schooling at Columbia College on her own, because the staff at the Springfield location made her feel like more than just a number.

That sentiment was reinforced when, after Abby took some time off following her son’s birth, location Director Kathy Gress and Enrollment Assistant Holly Canady helped her stay on course for her bachelor’s degree.

“They would hold him and walk him around the hallways of that building wailing so that I could take tests,” Abby said. “Things that you would think you would call a friend for. They just knew what I was going through and they offered and showed up.”

Abby wants to use her master’s degree to get into criminal justice administration, and she is hoping to land an internship with the Greene County, Missouri, courts.

She remembers her first graduation because her father, Rick Price, was able to attend.

He died less than a month later after battling kidney cancer. She’ll remember her second graduation because, even though Rick couldn’t be there, Peggy could.

“Aside from my husband, she’s my best friend,” Abby said. “I don’t mean that as a blanket term. She really is. I can talk to her about anything, without judgment. She’s just always been my biggest cheerleader, aside from my dad.”

Abby’s 7-year-old niece, Lily — Peggy’s great-granddaughter — was also in attendance for the commencement ceremony. Abby wanted to serve as a reminder to Lily that the women in her family “do things.”

They’ve already been doing so for at least five generations.

“I was so thankful for (Abby’s) grit, her tenacity, and the help that she got from the college,” Peggy said. “I think we were just so pleased with everything, with her approach and determination.”

Inside the Gate

graduated from Christian College in 1871. Her mother, Ruth Howard Jennings Lamke, and three sisters attended the school in the early 1900s. Price’s daughter, Gayle Jennings Price Gibb, graduated in 1973. Her granddaughters Beth Price and Rachel Gibb New attended as well, and Abby followed by graduating in 2013 and 2016.

Inside the Gate

6

Continuing the Tradition

Adult Higher Education graduates serve as ivy cutters

BY DAVID MORRISON



PHOTOS BY KACI SMART ’09

Alexander Greenberg and Albert Romero spent their morning draped in ivy. The two recent Columbia College graduates, both Nationwide students, were among the more than 100 students who took part in the Ivy Chain ceremony on Bass Commons on May 7, the morning of the college’s two May 2016 main campus commencement ceremonies.

Greenberg, from Columbia College-Orlando, blew a kiss to his wife as the procession made its way through the historic Rogers Gate and around the commons.

Romero, from Columbia College of Missouri-Lake County, was last in line when the ceremony began at Atkins-Holman Student Commons and first when the group recessed at the end.

Both were among the seven chosen — along with main campus students Ashley Brouder, Kaylee Brueggeman, Corri Hamilton, Katie Hodge and David Leon — to serve the integral function of ivy cutter, continuing a Columbia

College tradition that dates back to 1900, by reminding all those in attendance that while the students participating may be entering a new phase in their lives, they will always maintain a special bond with the college and their classmates.

“It’s meaningful to me to be part of that history, part of that chain,” Greenberg said. “I saw some paintings here that depict the Ivy Chain ceremony and I said, ‘My goodness: I’m going to be part of that.’ I’m truly very moved by it.”

Greenberg and Romero were chosen from around 20 applicants to be the Adult Higher Education ivy cutter representatives, based on their academic profiles, involvement in their communities and an essay. Greenberg is a deputy sheriff for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida, who has worked 18 years in law enforcement. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration. Romero is an active-duty Marine in his 16th year of service. He graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies degree and a minor in criminal justice administration.

Both Greenberg and Romero are the first in their family to graduate from college.

Romero, his wife and eight children also made the trip to Columbia when he earned his associate degree in 2014. He wants to set an example.

Lilia Alexander and

n Greenberg

“I need to be a good role model for them to see that their dad’s finishing college,” Romero said.

Albert Romero

7

Inside the Gate

“I didn’t have the opportunities that they’re going to get, as far as going to college. I had to do it on my own as an adult. I guess just to be able to not give them an excuse, like, ‘Well, you didn’t finish college, Dad.’ Now it’s like, ‘Well, yeah I did.’”

By the time Romero is done with his education, he hopes to have his associate degree, a quartet of bachelor’s degrees and a Master of Social Work.

He has long served as a volunteer mentoring disadvantaged adolescents in his community and hopes to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He also hopes to teach at Columbia College someday.

“I just clicked with a lot of the teens. I started remembering my teenage years were kind of rough,” Romero said. “I was just kind of drawn to how effective I was with them, how I was able to control difficult situations by just talking to them. Never lecturing.”

Greenberg also hopes to return to Columbia College as an instructor. He plans on pursuing a master’s degree that will make him a more attractive candidate for promotions as he continues his career at the sheriff’s office.

He said he started at Columbia College because a bunch of his work friends were taking classes there.

Soon, he was able to glean his own value from the experience.

“It required a very structured life, where study and reading and testing and paper-writing, everything had to be in a proper timeline or everything just falls apart,” Greenberg said. “It was difficult, but it is all the more sweet now that it’s done and I finished summa cum laude. It’s beyond my wildest imagination that I did this.

“It may sound corny, but college has changed the way that I look at my profession, police work. It has changed the way I look at the world.”

While neither encountered the traditional route through college, both Greenberg and Romero got to celebrate their accomplishments in the manner Columbia College graduates have for more than a century: their own personal strand of ivy.

“You came in search of an education,” Columbia College President Dr. Scott Dalrymple said at the ceremony. “What I hope you found is much more than that.”

Inside the Gate

8

In Search of Success CC student Ryan Frappier scores internship with Google

BY DONNIE ANDRICK ’16



PHOTO BY KACI SMART ’09

Ever wonder what goes on behind the world’s most well-known search engine? Or forget that real people are the power behind it? It’s true! Hardworking people make Google everything that it is, and Columbia College’s own computer science student Ryan Frappier is one of those people.

At age 6, Frappier dreamed of making video games — a dream that would slowly fade early in his high school career. However, after taking Intro to C++ Programming at the Columbia Area Career Center his sophomore year of high school, Frappier’s childhood dream of making video games grew into a passion for computer science, which he is currently pursuing at Columbia College.

Frappier decided to put the skills he acquired at Columbia College to the test and applied for an internship with Google.

“A bit of time passed, and I was contacted by a recruiter from Google to schedule interviews,” Frappier says. “I had two phone interviews with each being roughly 45 minutes.”

A short time later, Google extended an internship offer to Frappier, but his placement was still

undetermined. To help with this, Google asked him to complete a questionnaire to narrow down his interests and match him to a project. After one last interview, Frappier was placed in an engineering practicum position with the Chrome web browser team and would be on his way to his new home away from home: Mountain View, California.

As an engineering practicum intern, Frappier worked under the supervision of the project host and co-host to create a tool that would help the engineers on the team. At first, if Frappier came across a challenging code, he would try to solve the problem himself instead of asking someone else.

9

Inside the Gate

“Googlers are encouraged to form and participate in groups that relate to their interests.” — Ryan Frappier “I soon found that at a big company like Google, you cannot live under a rock. You must communicate with others,” he says.

What really made an impression on Frappier was the culture of the company.

“One of the coolest things about the culture is that Googlers are encouraged to form and participate in groups that relate to their interests,” he says. “I practiced in multiple group activities with my mentor and was amazed that activities such as foam sword fighting or bowling were commonplace at Google!”

That’s right — Google encourages their “Googlers” to step away from the stress of work and enjoy the fun environment it cultivates.

“Also, I can’t forget to mention the free food,” Frappier adds. “Google’s main campus in Mountain View offered several different places to eat, and there was quite a variety.”

Not only was the food — free food, that is — noteworthy, but the whole experience gave Frappier a much better feel as to what a software engineer does.

“It has allowed me to confirm to myself that I really want to continue to pursue computer science,” he said. “I gained a lot of good experience and made great connections that will most certainly help advance my career.”

College presents scholarships at Military Recognition Day

BY DAVID MORRISON  PHOTO BY KACI SMART ’09

Timothy Davis wasn’t going to let some quality time with Colonel Charles E. McGee pass him by, especially when the 96-year-old McGee had made the trip to Columbia all the way from Bethesda, Maryland.

The two talked about how McGee, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and the National Aviation Hall of Fame, got into the military in the first place, McGee’s decision to pursue his education at Columbia College-Kansas City and how McGee earned his degree in 1978 at the age of 58.

Davis, a former petty officer in the Coast Guard, is one of two recipients of this year’s $1,000 Col. Charles E. McGee Scholarship. He has earned three degrees from Columbia College-Jefferson City and is now in the pre-Nursing program at the Evening Campus.

In all, Columbia College gave out $6,500 in scholarships to military and veteran students as part of the college’s ninth annual Military Recognition Day ceremony May 26.

During the 2015-16 academic year, Columbia College served 4,688 military servicemembers, 3,027 veterans and 1,564 family members.

“Our values can slip away very easily if we’re not vigilant and don’t want everybody to be on board,” McGee said. “It’s not difficult to give back. You just have to be willing to do it.”

Inside the Gate

10

A Glimpse Into The Future World-famous theoretical physicist speaks at college

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTO BY KACI SMART ’09

If you’ve ever watched the popular TV series “Through the Wormhole” with Morgan Freeman on Discovery Science, or “NOVA” on PBS, or even a certain TurboTax commercial, you may have come across Dr. Michio Kaku.

Kaku, a world-famous theoretical physicist, is brilliant at explaining mind-boggling scientific concepts in everyday terms. As this spring’s Schiffman Ethics in Society guest lecturer on March 2, Kaku spoke on campus to a capacity crowd of more than 900 people about the ethics of science in the next 20 years.

From a special wallpaper that will allow you to talk directly to your doctor if you are sick to a self-driving automobile, Kaku’s predictions of what the future will hold mesmerized the crowd. One of these offerings is a result of modern medicine: a special cancer-diagnosing toilet that will perform liquid biopsies three times a day.

“The word ‘tumor’ will disappear from the English language,” Kaku said.

Kaku was the first lecturer in the Schiffman Ethics in Society series since the death of John A. Schiffman, the benefactor of the series, in August 2015.

However, the Schiffman family was well-represented as Schiffman’s daughter Joy Schiffman Masterson ’65, and son Don and his wife, Martha, were in attendance for the event.

Kaku was extremely lighthearted during the lecture, eliciting laughter several times during the 90-minute presentation. He was also gracious with his time, allowing attendees to ask questions following the lecture and signing books (which the bookstore sold out of ), programs and other items for more than an hour afterward.

Dr. Michio Kaku is the 14th guest speaker for the Schiffman Ethics in Society lecture series, which began in 2003.

During the pre-lecture Q&A, Kaku harkened back to high school when he decided he wanted to become a scientist. Kaku asked his mother if he could build an atom smasher in the family’s garage. When he plugged in the device, it blew out every fuse in the house. “(My mother) must have asked herself a simple question: Why couldn’t I have a son who plays basketball?” he said.

11

Inside the Gate

Head of the Class

Inaugural class of Fishman Faculty Fellow Entrepreneurs announced

BY SAM FLEURY

The Columbia College Steven and Barbara Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship announced the inaugural class of Fishman Faculty Fellow Entrepreneurs. Faculty members Jamie Currier, Brandi Herrman, Danielle Langdon and George Thompson have received the appointment for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic years.

With the degree in entrepreneurship as one of the newest and fastestgrowing degree programs at Columbia College, Dr. David Starrett, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, is pleased to have such strong interest from faculty members across the nation.

“The Fishman Faculty Fellows will work closely with the center and our advisory board members in expanding our entrepreneurship ecosystem and will serve as resources

to our students,” Starrett said. “The faculty fellowship program is very important to the center. The program will provide resources and tools to faculty that will help them advance a well-rounded academic program in entrepreneurship.”

The application process consisted of the faculty members submitting a program along with curriculum vitae that the faculty would develop, along with a recommendation from their supervisor. After that, each faculty member participated in an interview and follow-up discussion with their supervisors to see what kind of impact their proposals could make on the overall entrepreneurial environment at Columbia College.

For more information on the Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship, visit www. ccis.edu/fishman-center.

Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship Advisory Board CHAIR

Dr. David Starrett VICE CHAIR

Steven S. Fishman ‘74 Raja Bhattacharya Kathleen Bruegenhemke Matthew Clervi ‘96 Sara L. Cochran Dan Gomez-Palacio Charles W. Haubiel II Greg N. Johnston ‘91 David Keller R. Otto Maly Ronald M. Marotta Roger Miller ‘78 Dr. Jeffrey Musgrove Joseph Nicchetta ‘79 Suzanne Rothwell Scott Zajac

Jamie Currier St. Louis, Missouri

George Thompson Crystal Lake & Elgin, Illinois

PROPOSAL: FOCUS GROUPS

PROPOSAL: FLIPPED CLASSROOM

Danielle Langdon Columbia, Missouri

Brandi Herrman Columbia, Missouri

CO-PROPOSAL: CREATION OF AN ON-CAMPUS MARKETING AGENCY TO SERVE STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS

Inside the Gate

12

Building on a Solid Foundation College names three founding deans as part of new academic structure

BY SAM FLEURY

Dr. David Starrett, Columbia College provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, has announced the naming of the three founding deans who will lead the college’s three new academic schools. The new structure will take effect in the fall of 2016, after being proposed by Columbia College President Dr. Scott Dalrymple in April 2015 and subsequently approved by the board of trustees.

Shanda Traiser, Ph. D., currently the director of strategic planning at Basin Electric Power Cooperative, who will be the dean of the School of Business Administration; and Sarah Vordtriede-Patton, Ph.D., who will serve as dean of the School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics.

Vordtriede-Patton is currently the interim dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at St. Ambrose University.

“We are extremely pleased to have these outstanding educational leaders join the college or take on expanded roles as part of the new academic structure,” Starrett said. “All of their track records speak for themselves at every level of higher education, and our students and faculty will certainly benefit from their expertise.”

Citing a need to implement a structure that would both address a decade of rapid college growth and provide for future expansion, Dalrymple created the College Structure Task Force in 2014. This group, which consisted of faculty members and administrators as well as members of the board of trustees, met throughout the academic year to discuss different structural options for the college’s academic programs.

Based on the recommendation of this group, the college put forward a plan in which each school will be led by a dean.

The three new deans are David Roebuck, Ph.D., who currently serves as professor of political science at Columbia College and will assume the position of dean of the School of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences;

School of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences David Roebuck, Ph.D. DEAN

• Criminal Justice & Human Services • Education • History, Philosophy & Political Science • Language and Communication Studies • Psychology & Sociology • Visual Arts & Music

School of Business Administration Shanda Traiser, Ph.D. DEAN

• Business Administration

School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sarah Vordtriede-Patton, Ph.D. DEAN

• Computer & Mathematical Sciences • Nursing • Physical & Biological Sciences

13

Big changes are taking effect in the 2016-17 academic year with the addition of a sixth session for Nationwide, Evening and Online students. But this is not just another session. It marks the transition to our new semester structure. Moving forward, there

The primary purpose of this transition is to better serve our students. The time it takes to receive a degree is a top priority for adult learners. A sixth eightweek session puts the control in the hands of the students by increasing their opportunity to faster degree completion.

By adding the sixth session,

students are now able to register for the entire semester, or both early and late sessions. This means students will be able to plan more effectively and register in less time.

Lastly, this transition allows the college to increase the ability to meet the Columbia College mission, which is to “improve the lives of diverse undergraduate and graduate learners through exemplary teaching.� The college will now be able to reach a broader student base by adding greater course flexibility and the ability to complete their degree faster.

For more information, visit www.ccis.edu/sixsessions.

Inside the Gate

Six sessions will help students earn degrees faster

will be three semesters: fall, spring and summer. Each semester includes an early and late eightweek session. The Nationwide, Evening and Online programs will also now share an academic calendar, using the same semester start and end dates for the first time in our history.

Inside the Gate

14

the college grow and evolve has been an amazing experience.

I feel that this is the right time to give someone else the opportunity to lead, but I am delighted to remain on the board as a member.”

Daisy remained as chair until June 30, when new board officers started their terms.

Grossnickle received the Columbia College Service Award from the CCAA in 1991.

A Stronger Place

Grossnickle’s impact immeasurable during time as Chair of Board of Trustees

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTOS BY KACI SMART ’09

On April 29, Daisy Willis Grossnickle chaired her last meeting of the Columbia College Board of Trustees. Daisy, a wellknown community leader and 1966 graduate of the college, has served on the board for 34 years — 11 of them as chair. She was

the first female board chair of the college, which traces its roots back to 1851.

“Serving as chair of the board of my alma mater has truly been one of the great honors of my life,” Grossnickle said. “Watching

Since being voted a trustee in 1982, she has played a key role in several committees, including the presidential search committees that brought Dr. Donald Ruthenberg and Dr. Gerald Brouder to office and most recently the committee that installed Dr. Scott Dalrymple as the college’s 17th president. As chair of the Educational Policies Committee, she helped the college implement its graduate and online programs. Under her leadership, the college also added a number of new sports teams, erected many new buildings and grew the student population to its current count more than 27,000 at 36 locations across the U.S. “Daisy has provided steady leadership and amazing insight

15

BY DAVID MORRISON

Daisy Grossnickle ’66 admires a sculpture created by artist Larry Young ’76.

as chair. We’re truly indebted to her,” Dalrymple said. “The college is a stronger place because of Daisy Grossnickle.”

The college now boasts an endowment of approximately $150 million and no long-term debt.

Daisy’s support of the college has been on display since she stepped on campus as a student in 1964, when it was known as Christian College. She has served in leadership roles for the Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) board, the Annual Fund, the Tradition Meets Tomorrow campaign and is a member of the of the President’s Society Charter Circle.

In 1991, Daisy was honored with the Columbia College Service

Award by the CCAA for her significant contributions and service to the college. Also, in recognition of her generous contributions to the renovation of Missouri Hall in 2008, the college’s career center was renamed the Grossnickle Career Services Center. In honor of Daisy’s years of service, her family created and many friends continue to support the Daisy Willis Grossnickle ’66 Scholarship to provide assistance to students at Columbia College.

In a fitting tribute to the countless hours Daisy has spent making the college a better place, a bust of her likeness was commissioned and is placed in the St. Clair first-floor parlor.

The bust was provided through philanthropic funds.

Columbia Public Schools’ Multicultural Achievement Committee (MAC) Scholars program is focused on providing historically underrepresented students with more numerous and varied educational outlets from elementary through high school. Columbia College has been one of MAC’s most active partners in the community over the past few years, hosting multiple events on campus with the aim of exposing area students to higher education.

Because of those efforts, the MAC program named Columbia College the 2016 MAC Community Partner of the Year during a gala in Columbia on May 10.

Dr. Jeffery Musgrove, vice president of the college’s Adult Higher Education division, went to the event thinking he’d just be presenting an award. He didn’t know he’d be accepting one as well.

“We look for individuals or organizations who have helped us to break down some of those barriers to access,” Dr. Annelle Whitt, MAC’s district coordinator, said. “(Columbia College) truly has been a partner that has really helped us to build opportunities for our students.”

Columbia College has served as a venue for the MAC program’s Summer Expeditions camp and Honors Summer Academy over recent years, as well as hosting the MAC’s annual conference.

Inside the Gate

Columbia College earns MAC Scholars’ “Community Partner of the Year”

My CCAA

16

Letter from the Alumni Board President

Greetings Fellow Alumni, The Columbia College Alumni Association would like to congratulate the recent graduates on the attainment of a worthy goal and to extend encouragement to all our students — spread literally around the world — who continue the journey of academic excellence.

It has been an exciting and busy year. I invite you to visit www.ccis.edu and connected.ccis.edu on a regular basis to keep up with all that’s happening at the college. For daily updates, sign up for one or all of the college’s social media pages. A directory is available at www.ccis.edu/socialmedia.

As you can tell from the cover of this issue, one of our Cougar pride points of the past year is our athletic program. Whether you are a student or alumnus from Day or Evening campus, from one of our 35 Nationwide locations or Online, WE ALL take great pride in and ownership of our 15 NAIA Division-I sports teams. Check the Athletics website for team info, schedules and events streaming online. It is our hope that these opportunities will Columbia College Alumni Association Board of Directors (July 1, 2016 –June 30, 2017) President Bill Wright ’09 Online

Treasurer Jonathan Dudley ’10 Day campus

President-Elect Joshua Muder ’99 Day campus

Immediate Past-President Bill Leeper ’04 NAS Jacksonville

Secretary Sonya Garrett ’96 St. Louis

Board of Trustees Alumni Representative Bill Johnston ’82 Day campus

bolster affinity and a true sense of connection with all of our Nationwide and Online alumni.

One of the main questions that the CCAA Board of Directors asks is, “How can we better connect with our students and alumni? How can we do this so they know they are part of the rich history and longstanding tradition of an institution that dates back to 1851?” This is one of our toughest challenges. We are exploring new ideas and want your thoughts, ideas and feedback.

I encourage you to contact us and let us know what is working, what can be improved and what you would like to see more. You can reach us through the Alumni Relations office at 800-231-2391 ext. ALUM (2586), or email ccalum@ccis.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

We are CC!!

Bill Wright ’09, CCAA President ccaaprez@ccis.edu

Directors

Ex-Officio Members

Lynne Stuver Baker ’64 Christian College

James Pasley ’87 Lake of the Ozarks

Ann Merrifield Director of Alumni Relations

Mitch Gosney ’13 Day campus

Lollie Zander Reed ’68 Christian College

Suzanne Rothwell Executive Director of Advancement

Marjorie Thomas Gutelius ’69 Christian College

Ed Sasan ’11 Day campus

Courtney Lauer-Myers ’11 Day campus

Lisa Kowalewski Sweeney ’05 Day campus

Lana M. Le Mons ’09 Lake County

Norris Tanner ’10 Kansas City

Chris Lievsay ’09 & ’11 Kansas City

Carol Winkler ’93 Evening

Faculty Representative Tonia M. Compton, Ph.D. ’99 Assistant Professor of History Day campus Athletics Representative Drew Grzella ’01 Assistant Director of Athletics Day campus Music and Fine Arts Representative Nollie Moore Director of Jane Froman Singers Student Representatives Sarah Barris ’17 President, Student Government Association Leah Hoveln ’18 Student Representative to SGA

17

My CCAA

Career Corner

The best thing you can do to be ready for a job interview

BY DAN GOMEZ-PALACIO

Interviewing is a difficult experience, whether it’s your first or one of many. The staff at the Grossnickle Career Services Center often gets asked about what is the best thing a candidate can do to get ready for an interview. The answer is simple to say but harder to do: prepare.

There are two main ways that you can prep for an interview, and both are equally important.

The first step is to research the employer. At the interview stage, the employer is usually convinced the candidate can physically and mentally perform the job, so he or she is looking for the best cultural fit. You can accentuate your strengths with knowledge about the organization. What is its business model? What is the history of the organization? What has made the business successful and innovative? What community partnerships does it support?

Go beyond the company’s website to get a broader scope

of information. Look at local print and online resources to see not only how the business describes itself, but how others talk about the organization. Showcasing your knowledge about a business tells interviewers you are going to be a great addition to the team and that you are excited about this opportunity.

Secondly, think through examples of your success. In so many interviews, a candidate will talk through his or her strengths but, without demonstrative examples, you are asking the interviewer to wonder whether these are real situations or just empty statements.

Think through examples from past experiences where you can prove and exhibit your strengths. To do this, we suggest the “S.A.R.” method. S.A.R. stands for “Situation – Action – Result.”

Essentially, these are anecdotes that support the strengths you are trying to get across.

Showcasing your knowledge about a business tells interviewers you are going to be a great addition and that you are excited about this opportunity.

To do this, start by thinking about an accomplishment or situation that you handled professionally.

Next, sketch out the situation — what was happening at the time? Then, describe the action you took. What did you do specifically to alleviate the issue?

Finally, describe the result. The result doesn’t have to be earthshattering, but finish the example.

If you come prepped with four to six S.A.R. examples, you should be able to prove your strengths and express value you bring to the employer.

Preparation can ready you to highlight your strengths and emphasize the value you will bring to the organization. For additional help, see our webpage at www.ccis.edu/careercenter.

My CCAA

18

2016 Alumni Directory

Interest results in more than 12,000 alumni updates Thank you to the thousands of alumni who updated their records! Your participation has helped us collect up-to-date contact, career and academic information on more than 12,000 alumni.

The CCAA partnered with PCI Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, on this comprehensive data verification project. In order to provide adequate time for alumni to make updates, the directory includes alumni association members as of October 2015. All data was returned to Columbia College to ensure our database remains current and secure.

We are excited to offer this valuable resource for staying connected to your alma mater.

In addition to multiple listing options, it includes an overview of the college and news on what is happening at Columbia College today. The directory is only available to Columbia College alumni. Proceeds from directory sales benefit the CCAA Scholars Program.

Although any changes you submit now will not be included in the printed directory, we always welcome your updated information.

To verify your records, please call (573) 875-ALUM (2586) or email ccalum@ccis.edu.

19

My CCAA

Invest in the Future

Columbia College Fund support is crucial to priority projects

Gifts made to the the Columbia College Fund are directed toward priority needs of the college. By investing in the future of a growing and transformational institution, these contributions assure a legacy of generosity to Columbia College students for many years to come.

Most recently, the Columbia College Fund has supported the Quad Initiative on main campus. The creation and preservation of our campus spaces instills a sense of pride in our students, as well as retaining the value of a Columbia College degree. Turn to page 3 to read more about the Quad.

“Thank you. You don’t understand the impact this has, not only on myself, but on my family. ... Every dollar is greatly appreciated.”

— Anthony John,

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology

What does a gift to the Columbia College Fund do?

Columbia College prospers due to the generosity of its alumni, employees, parents and friends who give each year. Last year, 559 donors gave to the Columbia College Fund! Students benefit immensely from these gifts, as the funds often are put toward improving facilites, programming and more.

To make a secure gift online, visit www.ccis.edu/onlinegiving.

My CCAA

20

Pack Your Bags

CCAA launches travel program for 2017 Travel the world with fellow alumni! The CCAA has partnered with AHI Travel to offer two great travel packages in 2017. Each tour provides a rich travel experience with like-minded companions. All of AHI’s programs feature a strong educational component and flexibility to accommodate individual preferences with the goal of presenting worry-free travel experiences that foster a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and natural phenomena. For more information, visit www.columbiacollegealumni.org/travel.

Dutch Waterways April 17-25, 2017

Experience Holland and Belgium’s remarkably rich history and culture aboard the first-class MS Amadeus Silver for an unforgettable seven-night cruise. Personalize your trip with a choice of excursions, as you explore celebrated river towns and charming villages. Destinations include Antwerp, Bruges, Delft and Amsterdam. Local guides provide fascinating insights during included excursions and lectures that showcase the region’s history, art and culture. This program features first-class accommodations, all excursions as outlined in the program itinerary and a meal plan that includes wine with lunch and dinner. Price starts at $2,395 per person, plus taxes and airfare.

Tuscany september 12-20, 2017 Bursting with charming villages, ancient olive groves, bountiful vineyards and remarkable natural beauty, Tuscany’s sun-warmed hills have attracted artists, writers and travelers for centuries. Destinations include Cortona, Montepulciano, Siena and Florence. Local guides and expert speakers provide fascinating insight during included excursions and lectures.

This program includes first-class accommodations, fascinating excursions, educational programs and an extensive meal plan complemented by wine with dinner. Price starts at $2,595 per person, plus taxes and airfare.

21

Alumni, come back to class – for FREE! Are you looking to brush up on your Shakespearean knowledge, conduct a scientific experiment or learn about the principles of management? The CCAA Lifelong Learning Grant provides just that.

Available to alumni who completed the highest undergraduate degree available at the time of graduation (associate degree for Christian College alumnae; bachelor’s and/or master’s degree

for Columbia College alumni), the Lifelong Learning Grant welcomes students back to the classroom.

Lifelong Learning students are eligible to take one free in-seat undergraduate course every five years but may not accumulate unused courses.

This program does not apply to graduate or online courses, and all lab and textbook fees are the responsibility of the student.

Students may enroll for credit or as auditors in courses offered during regularly scheduled sessions, granted space is available and course prerequisites are met.

We invited you take part in lifelong learning through Columbia College. For program details and course information, contact Enrollment Service Center at (573) 875-7252.

My CCAA

Lifelong Learning

My CCAA

22

Speak Up!

Find out what fellow alumni are saying on social media Wearing my Columbia College blue today! #ccalumni #wearecc

Man, looks like I was a decade early getting to college.

– Douglas McIntosh ’07

I love it.

– Shayla Viele ’10

– Adrian Tarasoff ’09 So proud to have graduated from Columbia College. Men like Mr. Schiffman inspire me to be better.

— Chris Cardona ’13

The eSports logo looks awesome on the new e-gaming hut! #leagueoflegends #WeAreCC

#ThrowbackThursday Missouri Hall (pictured in 1927) was built under the direction of President Luella St. Clair Moss in 1920 to house 110 women. The Tudor-Gothic style building was modeled after a hotel in Mississippi and housed students until 1984.

It was a beautiful dorm.

— Kathleen Shewchuk ’76

I lived in old Mo for two years. Such a great dorm and fun. — Carol Rust Mooney ’57

I had stayed at Missouri Hall during winter break. It was one of my great memories @CC — Hiroaki Udagawa ’92

3rd floor ... my home for two years. — Lisa Dennis Mahler ’72 Mo Hall was home — Vicky Howe ’72

I lived in Mo Hall for one year because St. Clair was being remodeled.

They both had a wonderful old world charm. The stair case in Mo Hall was classic. The year was 1963-1964. — Eileen Harbert Convery ’64

Columbia College Alumni

@cc_alumni

Columbia College Alumni

www.flickr.com/photos/columbiacollegealumni

www.columbiacollegealumni.org/linkedin

Columbia College Alumni Association / Columbia College

My CCAA

24

Don’t miss out!

Update your preferred email address to get details straight to your inbox.

Around the Nation

Columbia College is proud to have a traditional campus in Columbia, Missouri, along with 35 locations across the country. The CCAA hosts regional socials throughout the year to give alumni opportunity to network and reconnect with classmates.

PHOTOS BY CAROLYN PREUL & STASIA SHERMAN

Orlando, Florida FEBRUARY 15, 2016

Jacksonville, Florida FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Melbourne, Florida FEBRUARY 16, 2016

25

APRIL 1, 2016

4th Annual Columbia College Alumni Day at the Ballpark July 28 Springfield, Missouri CCAA Board of Directors Fall Meeting October 7 Columbia, Missouri Athletic Hall of Fame October 7 Columbia, Missouri Family Day & Homecoming October 7 & 8 Columbia, Missouri Festivities Include: • Quad Ribbon Cutting • Alumni Hospitality Tent • Food, games and fun for the whole family • eSports Game Hut Open House Christian College Alumnae Luncheon October 20 Kansas City, Missouri Lake of the Ozarks Holiday Party December 9 Lake Ozarks, Missouri Alumni Holiday Cocktail Reception December 15 Columbia, Missouri

Jefferson City, Missouri MAY 26, 2016

Register online at www. columbiacollegealumni.org/ rsvp or call Alumni Relations at (573) 875-ALUM (2586).

For additional event listings and information, visit www.columbiacollege alumni.org/alumnievents.

View our online event photo galleries at www.columbiacollegealumni.org/photos.

My CCAA

Savannah, Georgia

Mark your calendar to attend college events!

My CCAA

26

Into the Wild

More than 200 alumni and their families visited the Saint Louis Zoo on June 4 for Columbia College Alumni Day at the Zoo. Guests visited the CCAA hospitality room between exhibits to enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch, take a break from the summer heat and pick up a gift from the alumni association.

PHOTOS BY CAROLYN PREUL

View the complete photo gallery at www.columbiacollegealumni.org/stlouis.

27

The CCAA honored four outstanding Columbia College students with a scholarship of $1,000 each for the 2016-17 academic year. Students were awarded scholarships based on their academic merit and notable affinity for Columbia College. Meet this year’s inspiring recipients:

Kayla D. Little Kayla Little does not take education lightly. While working a full-time job and attending Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks, she has made her academic achievement a high priority. She currently has a 3.39 grade-point average and was selected to join Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society for business management and administration majors who are in the top 15 percent of their class. Kayla says she views her college education as a foundation for her future and a strong base on which to build.

Michaela Horstman Michaela Horstman says she would not be where she is today without the assistance from the Writing Center, Math Center and Student Success Office. As a day student in Columbia, Missouri, she maintains a 3.76 grade-point average and is majoring in accounting.

Haley L. Skyles After transferring from two other colleges, Haley Skyles feels the saying “third time’s a charm”

could not be more true. She says she has found her academic home at Columbia College. As an Online student majoring in marketing, Haley believes her instructors take a personal interest in her education and are open to her questions.

Her grandmother, Shirley Wright, graduated from Columbia College-Rolla in 2004.

Brian Smith Columbia College has taught Brian Smith to cherish education and take it seriously, a lesson he will enthusiastically impart on his four children.

“Columbia College has allowed me another chance to ‘do education right,’” Brian says. “This second trip through the collegiate doors isn’t just because I’m ‘supposed to’ or to solely prove my excellence through grades, but to truly learn and appreciate the knowledge that I can apply towards becoming a clinically and academically excellent, passionate nurse.” Brian believes this education will be the catalyst for a long, successful career in health care. A nursing major at the Evening program in Columbia, Missouri, he maintains a 3.71 gradepoint average. His wife, Emily, graduated from Columbia College in 2008.

The CCAA Board of Directors created its first endowed scholarship to assist Columbia College students in 2013. The CCAA Scholars Program benefits students who exhibit notable affinity for Columbia College. Students of Day, Evening, Nationwide and/or Online education are eligible to apply. The scholarship can go toward tuition, books or room fees. The CCAA Scholars Program is made possible through the generous support of our alumni. Learn more at www.columbiacollegealumni.org/ccaascholars.

My CCAA

Supporting Our Students

My CCAA

28

Celebrating Our Legacy

BY CAROLYN PREUL



PHOTOS BY KIM WATSON ’91

In honor of our Christian College alumnae, the CCAA hosted Christian College Reunion Weekend on April 29 & 30. The weekend’s festivities highlighted the college’s heritage and gave special recognition to the 1936, 1946, 1956 and 1966 honor class years.

A walking tour of campus gave alumnae the opportunity to find their favorite hangouts and see how the campus is used today. Current students continue to use the original mailboxes that were once located in the lower level of Launer, while the alumni hall mural showcases generations of memories.

Above, from left: Mary Harrington Flanagan ’67, Sammye Smiser DeBerry ’66, Judi Burroughs Latchford ’66, Ann McIlroy Thompson ’66 and Mary Lamm Wood ’66 in Missouri Hall; Mary Helen Orr George ’66 by the student mailboxes; alumnae at the Alumni Hall mural

29

Above, from left: Sammye Smiser DeBerry ’66 and Ann McIlroy Thompson ’66; Sheila Madden-Morris ’66; Judi Burroughs Latchford ’66, Jody Schloder Garbic ’66 and Denise Mudaro Saberson ’66

The Columbia College Archives hosted a traditional afternoon tea. Clothing, yearbooks and memorabilia from Christian College days were on display.

“All-Round Girl” Rosemary Lester Horner ’50 poses with her senior portrait from the 1950 College Widow yearbook.

Laura Pace Crane ’56 and Rosemary Lester Horner ’50

My CCAA

Christian College Reunion Weekend

My CCAA

30

Christian College Reunion Weekend Unity and friendship are the hallmarks of the most cherished and time-honored tradition at the college. At the Ivy Chain and Remembrance Ceremony, guests were draped in ivy and received red roses to commemorate the ceremony from their college commencement celebrations.

Inset: Back row, left to right: First Lady Tina Dalrymple, Lynne Stuver Baker ’64, Marjorie Thomas Gutelius ’69, Denise Mudaro Saberson ’66, Daisy Willis Grossnickle ’66, Judi Burroughs Latchford ’66, Jody Schloder Garbic ’66 and Mary Lamm Wood ’66; Front row, left to right: Mary Harrington Flanagan ’67, Laura Pace Crane ’56, Rosemary Lester Horner ’50, Lollie Zander Reed ’68, Ann McIlroy Thompson ’66, Sammye Smiser DeBerry ’66, Nancy Stuver Wallingford ’66 and Elaine Spillman Penny ’66

After a day of activities on campus, alumnae continued the celebration at afternoon social held at the home of Skip and Daisy Willis Grossnickle ’66.

Alumnae reminisced about places they used to go around town during a tour of Columbia, hosted by Jolene Marra Schulz ’61, co-owner of Tiger Trolley Tours.

31

An inspiring evening for all in attendance, alumni and guests celebrated the recipients of the 2016 Alumni Awards on April 29. Turn to page 40 to read more about this year’s recipients.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Byron Wilson ’07 with guests

Norris Tanner ’10, Bill Johnston ’82, Janice Johnston, Joshua Muder ’99 and Chris Lievsay ’09 & ’11

Guests brought their yearbooks, personal photos and mementos to the reunion to share with classmates.

Pictured with her husband, Garry, Llona Weiss ’91 received the Columbia College Service Award in 2005.

My CCAA

Alumni Awards Banquet 2016

Faculty Profiles

32

THE COLUMBIA COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

a f f i n i t y

Because She’s Happy

Toni L. Coleman Carter uses positivity and amazing energy to make a difference in the classroom and the community

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TONI COLEMAN CARTER

When you call Columbia College of MissouriElgin faculty member Toni Coleman Carter on her cell phone, it is no surprise that her ringback tone is the song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. Her happiness, positivity and willingness to help others is apparent the moment you come in contact with her.

Carter is using those traits along with her own life experience as a former teenage mother and now successful businesswoman to help young mothers avoid the pitfalls and perils they can experience surrounding an unplanned pregnancy.

“I was a teen mother, so I feel that it’s my responsibility to help give back to people who may fall into the same situation I did when I was a teen,” Carter says. “I always start off every conversation when I am talking to people in the community about encouraging young people not to become parents before they finish their education, have landed their first job and have a few working years under their belt, because it’s really difficult when you are a teen parent.”

Despite the challenges of giving birth to her first child at the age of 15, Carter has successfully navigated her way through life thanks to the support of her grandmother Eliza Taylor and a group of cousins she calls the “Hughes Clan.”

Along with nurturing her beautiful family, Carter has earned her bachelor and master’s degrees

in human resources management at Roosevelt University while working as a human resources consultant at Motorola Solutions for the past 23 years. Carter started as an entry-level employee in the factory and now leads the inclusion and diversity work stream.

“There will be some people who have to learn the hard way like me. So if they happen to become a teen parent, they still need support, they still need people who will help them through situations, and that is our responsibility,” Carter said. “The Caring

33

Faculty Profiles

Toni Coleman Carter teaches human resources classes for Columbia College in Elgin, Illinois.

Hands Foundation works with young parents who are generally in high school, so we try to make sure they graduate from high school and go on to pursue some type of formal education.”

Carter has served as an instructor at the college for five years, focusing mainly on management and human resources classes.

Her insights resonate with her students and her leadership in the community also has not gone overlooked. Carter was recognized with the Leadership Excellence Award by the Illinois Diversity Council, a chapter of the National Diversity Council. In 2015, she received The Caring Hands Foundation award for humanitarianism and the Butterflies Organization SHERO award. Carter was also named Diversity Champion by Diversity MBA, a premier inclusion organization with 2.8 million subscribers.

“Diversity is important to me, but what is more important to me is inclusion,” Carter says. “Being from an underrepresented group (Carter describes herself as “both a Native American Indian and black person”), and having been put in so many situations where we are not a part of the majority group, it’s a struggle…. Inclusion is extremely important to me and, without inclusion, your diverse people will leave.”

“There will be some people who have to learn the hard way like me.”

— Toni Coleman Carter She and her husband, Gary, have three children: Candace (30), John (29) and Taylor (5). Outside of spending time with her family of five and working in the community, Carter recently had her first in a series of books and workbooks published, entitled When Trouble Finds You. She would also like to pursue teaching at a college full time, but right now Columbia College is the beneficiary of her discretionary energy and passion for helping others in the classroom.

“When I’m in class, I’m energized, I’m energetic and I’m engaging our students, and let me tell you, when I leave, I am totally exhausted and need a whole day to recuperate,” Carter says with a laugh.

Faculty Profiles

34

Nollie Moore: Music, work and finding a better version of himself

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTOS BY KACI SMART ’09

Nollie Moore directs the Jane Froman Singers at the December 2015 Commencement Ceremony

If you’re walking across campus with Nollie Moore, you’d better walk fast. As the college’s instructor of music and director of the Jane Froman Singers, Moore is constantly on the move.

From rehearsals to voice instruction, teaching class, being a dad to his two sons and husband to his wife, Julia, the Jackson, Missouri, native squeezes the most he can out of every minute of every day. With

an additional caffeine boost, Moore notes that his drive and determination come from a daily search for a better version of himself.

“From the very beginning, I have always had this desire to be the best that I can be at whatever it is,” Moore says. “Every day is an attempt to get a little farther down the path than I was yesterday.

I don’t think it’s a completely healthy thing, to be

35

While this juggling act may sound exhausting, Moore, who has been with the college for more than 18 years, handles it all in stride with a special brand of humor and personality. For his work, he was recognized with the Columbia College Trustees Award for Teaching Excellence in April.

He also has a unique opportunity to work with someone very close to him. His son Logan is a junior at the college and is majoring in music, a degree program Moore and a “huge team” revived in 2014.

“From a teaching standpoint, [Logan and I] developed a very professional approach to the process,” Moore says. “It’s a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

In fact, there will be yet another Moore on campus next year, as Moore’s younger son Carter will also be attending Columbia College. He will be majoring in, you guessed it, music. While recruiting his family to come to Columbia College was not a huge challenge, Moore believes that the college’s music program offers the students unique performance and professional opportunities they may not receive at a larger institution.

“I feel very strongly that students will perform at a level and a frequency far beyond what their peers would get at a larger school,” Moore says. “I really believe that is one of the things that defines this program. It makes it a challenge and a lot of work, but if experience is what you are needing, I think it’s really important.”

Moore also challenges himself to be a better instructor for his students. “I push myself to remain

active as a performer in both solo and theater work,” Moore said. “I hate that old saying, ‘Those who can’t do, teach!’ The best teachers do. The best teachers lead by example.”

Moore truly turns that saying on its ear as a great example for his students. In fact, Moore was named the Best Solo Vocalist by Inside Columbia magazine in 2015. He also made his solo debut at Carnegie Hall in May 2015, singing the tenor solos for A High, Lonesome Bluegrass Mass by Wes Ramsey and Tim Sharp. This April, he sang the same work at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the birthplace of bluegrass and home to the original Grand Ole Opry.

This summer, he joins the professional casts of Oliver! and 1776 at The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre in Arrow Rock, Missouri. Moore is scheduled to make his conducting debut at Carnegie Hall in June 2017.

“I push myself to remain active as a performer in both solo and theater work.”

He does need a few moments away from it all, though. When asked what music he listens to in the car, he instead shares his deep appreciation for silence while he drives.

“To be completely honest with you, I think people would be surprised to know that I listen to zero music in my car,” he says. “When I am not teaching, I prefer silence. I hear music all the time, so silence for me is an escape. Other people escape to music, for me, I escape to silence.”

So what does Moore do for fun? The response should not surprise those who know him.

Other than relaxing, treating himself to Thai food and spending time at home, “apparently work,” he says with a laugh. “I am fortunate enough to have a job doing what I love to do the most, which is create art.”

Faculty Profiles

honest with you; however, it is what drives me. I am constantly looking for the new and improved version of me.”

EXPERIENCE

Transform Art alumna Valerie Wedel takes performance and installation art to new levels

BY JENNIFER TRUESDALE  INTRO PHOTO BY KACI SMART ’09

Experience Transformed

med

37

Experience Transformed

38

F

ollowing high school, Valerie Wedel went on to college, completing a bachelor’s degree in French and peace studies at the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Having had a penchant for arts and crafts since childhood, Wedel nurtured her artistic side through her 20s by developing her own jewelry business. She created millefiori polymer clay beads for her pieces but began to find the process redundant. She had a yearning to express more through art.

“I had some ideas I wanted to pursue, so I knew I needed some training and wanted to go to art school,” Wedel says.

In 1998, nearly a decade after finishing college, Wedel discovered the art program at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. It would be just the first step on a journey that would transform her work from the smallest bead to sprawling rooms awash with interactive video, performance and installation art.

CONNECTING WITH COLUMBIA COLLEGE As Wedel embarked on her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing, she felt

a sense of connection with her Columbia College classmates and professors. In particular, she developed a rapport with longtime art professor Ben Cameron, who retired in 2012 after 38 years of teaching.

Cameron encouraged her to pursue a passion she would soon discover in Italy.

human-like clay figures only inches tall whose eyes look upward.

When the University of Missouri art department took a trip to see the Venice Biennial, an influential international art exhibition, Wedel took the opportunity to go. Expecting to be wowed by contemporary paintings from famous artists, Wedel was instead drawn to expansive art installations that captured her imagination.

This inspiration she drew from Gormley could be seen in her 2005 installment, The Search, for which she created 6,000 hand-thrown ceramic figures and placed them winding over a parched, empty pond bed in Oklahoma. Over time, the raw clay succumbed to the weather.

She found herself transfixed as she stood on Korean sculptor Do-Ho Suh’s Floor, an installation comprised of thousands of tiny human figures with their arms outstretched to support a glass floor.

She was taken by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto’s chamber of pendulous sacks of stockinglike material filled with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cardamom that visitors were encouraged to touch.

She also was inspired by British sculptor Antony Gormley’s Field, a room-filling flood of 210,000

“The idea of transforming the space into another world was really powerful for me,” says Wedel. “So when I came back from Italy, my ideas just kept turning toward installation [art].”

“The figures were made out of unfired clay to symbolize impermanence and to emphasize the idea that as we come from the earth, we shall return to it,” Wedel says.

Wedel’s themes on our connectivity to nature and each other, as well as ideas about abundance, sacrifice and collaboration, would become prevalent in her work moving forward. She graduated magna cum laude from Columbia College in 2002, completed her Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture at the University of Missouri in 2007 and followed it with a residency at the Vermont Studio Center.

Top and left: For a 2005 work titled The Search, Valerie Wedel installed 6,000 hand-thrown ceramic figures in the cracked red dirt of Oklahoma. Composed of unfired clay, the figures eventually decomposed in the natural elements.

Above: Visitors to the 2007 installment titled The Undoing of the Self were invited to lay on mounds of black sunflower seeds under 3,000 handmade clouds.

Experience Transformed

40

Shimmery traslucent insect wings covered the ceiling of the Sidney Larson Gallery at Columbia College for a 2014 exhibit titled On the Wing.

THE UNDOING Following The Search, Wedel’s 2007 thesis work, The Undoing of the Self, demonstrated how far she had come in incorporating aspects of video and performance into her art.

Spanning the entire 66-by-34foot Bingham Gallery at the University of Missouri, Wedel created 3,000 “poufs” from melted translucent fabric, which she then hung in a cloudlike formation using monofilament thread. Using two projectors, she struck the poufs with the scrolling words, “This is an undoing, undue desire, I want to be undone, touch the undoing.”

The text on the poufs looked something like sunlight on water,

and like rain or bubbles on the thousands of threads.

“Many people likened the sensation to being inside an electrical storm, yet with a sense of tranquility,” Wedel says.

To add to the multisensory experience, visitors were invited to lie down in 1,500 pounds of black sunflower seeds that stretched below the luminous cloud. As spectators became engrossed in the experience, Wedel performed in the installation, “harvesting” seeds or gently tossing them at their feet.

Wedel remembers one visitor who slowly ran the seeds through his fingers, creating a repetitive, soothing sound.

“I have such a desire to make an impact on people who visit the work that I forget sometimes that I am impacted as well,” she says.

FLOURISHING In 2009, Wedel worked with the Missouri Contemporary Ballet to design a set for its production Falling, performed at Missouri Valley College and restaged in 2015 at the Missouri Theatre in downtown Columbia.

Incorporating her signature poufs and projected text from a poem she wrote, Wedel designed a set in which the dancers moved about long drapes of stretchy voile that brought the verse to life amid a dazzling show of lights.

In 2014, Wedel was invited to exhibit her work in the Sidney

Photo by Amy Jerke

Dancers performed among long drapes of white fabric for the Missouri Contemporary Ballet production Falling.

Larson Gallery on the main campus of Columbia College.

With a desire to experiment with other materials without projected text, Wedel’s On the Wing filled the gallery with dozens of shimmering insect wings.

“I draw inspiration from the little things in my environment, like little bugs on the screen of my backdoor, which inspired this show,” says Wedel.

Her many inspired works have been exhibited at Orr Street Studios and the True/False Film Festival in Columbia, as well the Foundry Art Centre and Regional Arts Commission, both in St. Louis. Her most recent work, Pairings, a performance piece done in collaboration with

artist Hannah Reeves, was on display from Jan. 15 through April 3 at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Wedel also actively exhibits at Missouri Valley College, William Woods University and Stephens College — schools where she regularly serves as an adjunct art instructor or is invited to lecture.

She has also taught at Columbia College.

“I got an assistantship to teach in grad school, and within the first week I realized how profoundly I love teaching,” Wedel says. Teaching also gives her the flexibility needed to work on her craft and allows her to share her artistic journey

with blossoming artists. She hopes to teach a course on installation art at Columbia College soon.

As Wedel continues to teach and exhibit, she no doubt continues to explore her ideas of connectivity and the boundaries that impede it.

“We say we want to touch, to be held, but our desires often conflict with personal boundaries,” Wedel says. “I use this work to touch and embrace people who I otherwise may not, due to social restrictions.

When materials such as fabric and video serve as surrogates for caresses, I feel more comfortable to open up, to undo my boundaries.”

LU

M

B

IA

L COL

E G E A LU M N I

AS

SO

CI

A ON

2016

TI

CO

Alumni Awards

42

Alumni Awards The CCAA honored four outstanding alumni at the annual Alumni Awards Banquet and Presentation on April 29.

View a complete list of past alumni award recipients at www. columbiacollegealumni.org/ alumniawards.

BY ANN MUDER Photos by Kim Watson ’ 91

Nominations for the 2017 Alumni Awards close Dec. 30, 2016.

43

C O L U M B I A C O L L E G E S E RV I C E AWA R D Tonia Davis ’03 followed her brother into the U.S. Army on Nov. 29, 1979. “We were very close,” she says. “I thought we would be serving together, but we didn’t.”

Nevertheless, Tonia excelled in her career in the military. She traveled as far as Germany and received nine awards, including U.S. Army Achievement medals and Commendation medals.

In 1999, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and she left the Army two years later. The diagnosis gave her a new mission in life — to spread the word about MS and help find a cure.

COLUMBIA COLLEGESALT LAKE LOCATION

2003 CLASS YEAR

BA C H E L O R OF ARTS DEGREE

Today, despite the challenges of MS, Tonia volunteers her time for a number of causes. She serves on the committee for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Utah-Southern Idaho and volunteers at Bike MS Utah. She is active in the Calvary Baptist Church, where she is the director of the nurses’ guild and ministry leader. In addition to her volunteer work, Tonia also started, operates and co-owns a successful business: Tee’s & Lee’s T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Shop (www.teesandlees.com).

Tonia graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Columbia College-Salt Lake in 2003. She is a tireless advocate for the college and has appeared on local television news programs wearing her custom-made Columbia College sweatshirt. She credits her professors for encouraging her to start a business and hopes to encourage others to attend the school as well.

Alumni Awards

Tonia Davis ’03

Alumni Awards

44

Jared Reichel ’16 C O M M U N I T Y S E RV I C E AWA R D

Jared Reichel ’16 was serving in Iraq in 2008, when he was injured by an explosive device.

His injuries led to his retirement from the Army, but it didn’t take away his passion for helping fellow veterans.

In 2012, while attending Columbia College and working at Veterans United Home Loans in Columbia, Missouri, Jared and two co-workers created the Home Runs for Heroes softball tournament (www.softballforvets.org). The proceeds from the tournament benefit Central Missouri Honor Flight, an organization that flies World War II, Vietnam and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorials.

Home Runs for Heroes has become the largest oneday tournament in the Midwest. Last year, it raised $13,000 for Central Missouri Honor Flight.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE DAY P R O G R A M LOCATION

2016

“Every day we lose more World War II veterans to old age, and now we’re seeing Korean War and Vietnam veterans passing as well,” Jared says. “Many veterans don’t have the financial resources to go to Washington, D.C., to see their memorials. We want to raise money to send them there so they can see their brothers and sisters from combat memorialized at least one more time.”

CLASS YEAR

BA C H E L O R OF ARTS DEGREE

Jared graduated from Columbia College with his bachelor’s degree in communication studies. He was named as one of seven “Heroes Among Us” by Inside Columbia magazine in November 2015. He has received multiple honors and awards from the military, including the Purple Heart.

45

JA N E F R O M A N C O U R A G E AWA R D For women facing addiction problems, Heather Gieck ’15 brings a message of recovery and hope with her story of how she overcame the odds.

After years of battling alcoholism and drug addiction, Heather went to prison at age 35 for three years. Today, she’s the founder of the first women’s recovery house in Jefferson City — the Healing House and New Beginnings. She also speaks with women who are battling addictions as part of her jail ministry in Cole County, Missouri.

“I share every ounce of my life with them,” Heather says. “The ladies’ eyes light up when they see me.

They say, ‘If she can do it, then I can do it.’”

COLUMBIA COLLEGEJEFFERSON CITY LOCATION

2015 CLASS YEAR

BA C H E L O R O F SCIENCE DEGREE

When Heather got out of prison, she completed a faith-based, 12-step recovery program in Branson, Missouri. After the yearlong program, she decided that it changed her life so much that she stayed with the program for two more years, where she served as a house manager, helped mentor women and presented classes. When she returned to Jefferson City, she enrolled in Columbia CollegeJefferson City.

She graduated from Columbia College in 2015, the same year that she opened the Healing House and New Beginnings. The recovery house is a Christianbased ministry that offers a one-year program with 12-step meetings and mentoring. The program also focuses on building life skills and emphasizes spiritual growth.

Alumni Awards

Heather Gieck ’15

Alumni Awards

46

Byron Wilson ’07 D I S T I N G U I S H E D A L U M N I AWA R D

Back when he was in high school, C. Byron Wilson ’07 never dreamed he’d go to college. But today, he’s managing multimillion dollar contracts for the Air Force, as well serving as a mentor to others like himself who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Byron says that, when he was growing up, college was never mentioned as an option. Things changed during his junior year of high school when his principal told him his grades were high enough to apply to college. His girlfriend’s mother (now his mother-in-law) gave him encouragement as well.

“She said, ‘You’re too smart not to go to school,’” he says. “She was an alumna from Columbia College, and she suggested that I give it a try.”

COLUMBIA COLLEGE DAY P R O G R A M LOCATION

2007 CLASS YEAR

BA C H E L O R O F SCIENCE DEGREE

He took her advice, applied for financial aid and started Columbia College in the winter of 2004.

After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration in 2007, he became a deputy juvenile officer with the Boone County Juvenile Office. There, he supervised up to 50 youth at a time, helping deter them from delinquency and develop paths to promising futures.

In 2010, he decided he wanted to continue helping others on a global scale while serving his country in the Air Force. Today, he works as a contract specialist for the Air Force, where he manages contracts for commodities and services ranging from tactical gear to mission-critical aircraft.

47

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Columbia College alumni are special people who do amazing things, and we can’t help but celebrate them. Whether they demonstrate outstanding service to Columbia College, contribute to their community or excel in their profession, all CCAA members are eligible to be nominated for alumni awards using the online form at www.columbiacollegealumni.org/nomination.

To be considered for the 2017 Alumni Awards, nominations must be received by Dec. 31, 2016. Awards will be presented at a special banquet held in the spring.

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Attained regional or national recognition in his/her field, rendered service to Columbia College or service to his/her local community.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Attained outstanding success in his/her chosen career field within the last 10 years.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Demonstrated outstanding contribution in serving his/her community.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE SERVICE AWARD Promoted and served Columbia College, made significant contributions and has maintained a relationship with the college.

JANE FROMAN COURAGE AWARD Demonstrated perseverance to overcome personal obstacles while continuing to better himself/herself personally or professionally, displays a spirit of courage in daily life.

HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD For outstanding leadership and service to Columbia College.

WWW.COLUMBIACOLLEGEALUMNI.ORG/NOMINATION

Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards:2017

Cougar Sports Zone 48

49

Volleyball earns program’s fourth NAIA National Championship

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTOS BY CINDY POT TER ’05 & KACI SMART ’09

As the saying goes, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish.” The Columbia College volleyball team was the ultimate example of that adage in 2015, starting the season 4-4 before winning 29 of its next 32 matches on the way to an NAIA National Championship. This was the program’s fourth title and the second under 2015 NAIA Coach of the Year Melinda Wrye-Washington.

the squad with 601 kills — she was efficient, hitting .408 while also recording 86 blocks.

“Winning a national championship is very, very special. … I was extremely proud of the group,” Wrye-Washington said. “They came full circle; it was a really long season and … [I was] happy they had succeeded in all of the things they set out to do.”

“We had to overcome a lot to win this year, and the girls were steadfast in the fact that we were going to win,” Wrye-Washington said. “[The team] really was a close-knit group.” And while the Cougars were serious in their quest for a national championship, overcoming several injuries and different obstacles, they also had fun along the way.

Led by 2015 NAIA Player of the Year Penny Liu, the Cougars won their final 13 matches, including wins over rival Missouri Baptist in both the American Midwest Conference and NAIA National Championship matches. Not only was Liu magical all season — starting all 40 matches, playing in all 142 sets and leading

However, Liu was just one of several major contributors along the way, as six different Cougars recorded more than 200 digs (led by Mikah Simpson’s 485). At the net, the Cougars were led in blocks by Eirini Chatziefstratiadou with 110 blocks followed by Maria Franco with 101.

One way the team had fun was by watching every announcer try their best with a Cougar roster that features players from eight different countries with names such as Viktoriia Lavrenchenko, the formerly mentioned Chatziefstratiadou and several others.

The achievement was celebrated throughout both the campus community and around the Columbia area, as a pep rally was held honoring the team and its efforts. People came out in droves to be part of the event, which featured addresses from President Scott Dalrymple, Wrye-Washington and Athletic Director Bob Burchard.

From left: Teammates and fans celebrate Columbia College’s national championship; Coach Melinda Wrye-Washington ’95; Sashiko Heredia sets her teammates up for a shot; Five months after the Columbia College volleyball team took home the 2015 NAIA Championship, the Cougars were honored with championship rings.

Cougar Sports Zone

Full Circle

Cougar Sports Zone

50

On the Cutting Edge

Columbia College becomes one of the first schools in the nation to offer eSports scholarships

BY DAVID MORRISON

Bryan Curtis, Columbia College’s coordinator of student recreation and intramurals, and director of the college’s newly minted eSports program, has been getting the same questions a lot lately.

One: What are eSports? Simple enough. It is competitive electronic gaming, mostly via computer or video game consoles.

Two: You’re giving scholarships to people to play video games?

“Absolutely. We believe it’s a very legitimate sport,” Curtis



PHOTOS BY KACI SMART ’09

says. “There’s a team aspect to it. These student-athletes are putting hours into practice.

They’re representing our school in competition.”

Not to mention that Columbia College is at the forefront of a growing eSports trend. When the college announced in October that it would be adding eSports, it was only the fifth school in the nation to offer scholarships in the sport. Curtis said the college was looking for an innovative way to engage the student population and followed the example

of Chicago’s Robert Morris University, an NAIA school like Columbia College.

Since then, NCAA Division I athletics members Miami (Ohio) University and the University of California at Irvine have announced plans to start their own eSports programs.

“The ability to be on the ground level of collegiate eSports is incredibly important,” Curtis said.

“That allows us to set ourselves apart. I really think Columbia College is going to be seen down

51

Led by coaches Duong Pham ’15 and Matt Meininger ’13, follow the eSports team on Twitter under the handle @Cougar_eSports.

the road, as these events get bigger and bigger, as one of the leading programs in collegiate eSports.”

Columbia College is currently in the process of recruiting 12 scholarship players — two fiveplayer teams, two alternates — to compete in the “League of Legends” online game, which already has quite the following.

More than 27 million people play the game on a daily basis, Curtis said. More than 36 million people viewed last year’s League of Legends World Championship final, played at the MercedesBenz Arena in Berlin.

Cougars eSports head coach Duong Pham ’15, a senior programmer in Columbia College’s technology services department, has been an avid player since 2012.

Don’t try telling him it’s not a sport.

“These video games are more complicated than pressing a button,” Pham says. “It develops character. It teaches you about teamwork, communication, resource management. That’s why this is not just a game. It’s called ‘eSports’ for a reason.”

This is the first foray into coaching eSports for Pham, who has worked as a boxing and mixed martial arts instructor. He’s also been on the same intramural volleyball team as President Scott Dalrymple, who provided the genesis for the eSports idea with his challenge to the student body to beat him in the Madden NFL football video game in the fall of 2014.

It was a rousing success. Why not capitalize?

“There’s a lot of potential in a number of different areas,” Curtis said. “There’s a spectator aspect.

We can stream (competitions) to Bixby Lecture Hall or to the Southwell Complex and allow some of our students and staff to come and enjoy the fun atmosphere.”

Curtis said the Cougars have already signed seven players and are well on their way to filling out the rest of the squad. The program has received interest from as far away as Europe and South America. Players will be expected to go through practice and meetings and maintain a

Pham and assistant coach Matt Meininger ’13, a field engineer with Technology Services, have supervised scrimmages between their fledgling team and more established groups.

The Cougars have already beaten Ohio State and Texas, both of which were among the 32 teams that qualified to play for the North American Collegiate Championship this year.

Pham says that bodes well for the fall, when the games start counting.

“We’re working on strategies on how to win the game,” Pham said.

“That doesn’t just come right away. You have to get used to it.

The more you do it, the less you have to think about it. It’s going to become second nature.”

The eSports team will make its home in the “Game Hut,” a former soccer locker room on Rangeline Street repurposed as a hightech hub. Scheduled to open in August, it will include 10 computer stations and two flat-screen televisions hooked up to Xbox and PlayStation 4 game consoles. The team gets priority, but the “Hut” is open to all students.

“It’s going to become a symbol for us. It gives us a form of unity,” Pham said. “Having our own complex will show our sense of innovation.”

Cougar Sports Zone

certain grade-point average, just like any other Columbia College athlete.

Cougar Sports Zone

52

From left to right: Head Golf Coach John Utley, Andrea Lee Paul and Kasey Nichols, a current member of the women’s golf team

A Historic Season

Burchard earns 700th win during 2015-16 campaign

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTOS BY CINDY POT TER ’05

On a cold December Saturday afternoon on the home court of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, history was made. Columbia College legendary coach Bob Burchard recorded his 700th career victory with a 98-33 win over the Eutectics.

At the Cougars’ home game on Dec. 30, 2015, Burchard was recognized for this amazing accomplishment and for his outstanding career as his name was added to the court at Southwell Complex. The home court of the Cougars will forever be known as Bob Burchard Court at Southwell Complex, a worthy honor indeed.

Burchard and the Cougars finished the season with a 29-6 record, only the fifth time in school history a team has recorded at least 29 wins in a season. The squad was particularly good at home, recording an amazing 20-1 mark. Southwell Complex was the site of another highlight of the season.

The Cougars stormed through the American Midwest Conference tournament en route to the tournament championship, taking down Park University. The AMC tourney championship was the program’s fourth in five years.

Sophomore Nic Reynolds

The win propelled the squad into the NAIA National Tournament for the eighth time in the last 10 years, where they were able to dominate LSU-Shreveport before falling to William Penn in the second round, ending the season.

The Cougars once again were solid on defense, a calling card of a Burchard-coached team, limiting opponents to an average of only 67 points per game while scoring 82 points per contest. The Cougars were led by sophomore guard Nic Reynolds, who averaged 15.2 points per game during the season while knocking down a team-high 103 three-point field goal attempts. Senior Zach Rockers also had another solid season, averaging 12.5 points per game while leading the squad in rebounding with 6.8 boards per contest.

After another outstanding season both on the court and in the classroom, Rockers received several accolades including being named All-AMC second team. He also was selected as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete for the fourth time during his career and was named a second-team academic All-American, finishing his career 13th all-time in scoring as a Cougar.

53

Cougar Sports Zone

Record-Setting Run

Corri Hamilton (13) celebrates with Kei’yana Pearson during the Cougars’ 27-6 season.

Women’s hoops team makes return trip to national tournament

BY SAM FLEURY



PHOTO BY CINDY POT TER ’05

The Columbia College women’s basketball team returned to the NAIA National Tournament for the 12th time in the program’s 15-year history in 2015-16.

Fueled by a school-record, 19game winning streak to begin the season, second-year head coach Jessica Keller led the Cougars to a remarkable 27-6 record on the year.

That win total is the most wins by a Columbia College women’s hoops team since the 2012-13 season. The Cougars were especially fierce at home, registering a 16-1 record with its lone loss coming against Freed-Hardeman in the second

round of the American Midwest Conference tournament.

Senior Corri Hamilton paced the Cougars in scoring and rebounding, averaging 14.9 points a game while grabbing 7.6 boards a contest. Hamilton was also extremely efficient, shooting a team-high 53.1 percent from the field while hitting 73.3 percent of her free throws. She was joined in double figures in the scoring column by Petrolina Chilaka (13.0 points per game) and Ashlee Marlatt (11.1 points per game).

While the team reached many amazing milestones during the season, one individual

performance took the cake. In an 89-54 win over Missouri Baptist, Chilaka was on fire, setting a school record for points in a game with 42. She was 8-of-10 from beyond the three-point arc and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line en route to setting the mark.

Four Cougars were named to the six-person All-AMC team including Hamilton and Chilaka, who were named to the first team, Marlatt, who was named to the third team, and senior guard Kei’yana Pearson, who was named to the honorable mention all-conference squad. Additionally, Marlatt was also named AMC Freshman of the Year.

On the Web

54

On the Web: Scootergraphs Check out where CC alumni have taken Scooter this time!

To submit your own Scootergraph, email them to ccalum@ccis.edu or send to Alumni Relations, 1001 Rogers St., Columbia, MO 65216.

Oliver Brilhante ’09 and his wife, Sarah, took Scooter on vacation.

Jamie Mesta ’13 found a home for Scooter in her office in Virginia Beach.

“I would not have gotten my dream job without my degree from Columbia College!” she says.

Deannell and John Lewis, both 2012 graduates of Columbia College-Guantanamo Bay, took Scooter to the Tree of Life in Bahrain.

55

Julia Montgomery ’15 dressed up Santa Scooter for the holidays!

On the Web

Mike Kelly ’87 shares his Cougar Pride at the Columbia, Missouri, Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase.

Megan Pope ’16 took Scooter on vacation to Orange Beach, Alabama.

Anthony John ’17 and Mallory Page ’16 took Scooter to Florence, Italy, for Study Abroad 2015.

Future Cougar Ava joined mom Amber Ridenour ’06 &’13 at the Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks 25th Anniversary and Holiday Party.

swithscooter! View the digital Post, tweet and email your #selfie oter. ollegealumni.org/selfieswithsco photo gallery at www.columbiac

56

THE COLUMBIA COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

CC Notes

a f f i n i t y

Class Notes

To share your good news with fellow alumni, fill out the online form at www.columbiacollegealumni.org/classnotes.

’60s

Dr. Barbara White Houser ’66 is a correctional chaplain for the South Carolina Department of Corrections, a member of the Humanities faculty (Religion and Music) at Midlands Technical College and music director at Fort Jackson Protestant Chapel.

Houser resides in Columbia, South Carolina.

’80s

Tim Doud ’83 has several exhibitions running concurrently that are surveys of contemporary American artists. His work was on display in the Curator’s Office through April, and is in the National Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Exhibition in Washington, D.C., through January 2017. The National Gallery exhibition, “Outwin 2016, American Portraiture Today,” will travel to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2017. After completing a

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree under the direction of Sidney Larson at Columbia College, Doud received an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He resides in Washington, D.C., and is a tenured professor at American University in the Studio Art program.

Brian Mahieu ’89 received a commission to create five major murals for the new World Aquarium in St. Louis, Missouri. The paintings depict ecosystems from an impressionist standpoint representing North American habitats. Mahieu resides in Fulton, Missouri.

’90s

Lisa G. Moore ’94, president of Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, P.C., was selected as a 2016 Law Firm Leader by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. Moore, a family law

attorney, began her second term as president in January.

She resides in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Tonia Compton ’99 was named a 2016 ATHENA Young Professional finalist by the Women’s Network of Columbia. She is an assistant professor of History at Columbia College and is a faculty representative to the CCAA Board of Directors.

’00s

Joe McKenna ’01 was appointed chief of police for Houlton, Maine, in 2015. A 38year veteran of law enforcement, McKenna also served in the United States Marine Corps.

Dr. Vickie Spain ’01 received a Ph.D. in Learning, Teaching & Curriculum from the University of Missouri in July 2015. She resides in Columbia, Missouri.

57

Jason Ziegler ’04 was named chief of police for Mandan, North Dakota. In addition to 25 years of police service for Osceola County, Florida, Ziegler taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Criminal Justice at Columbia CollegeOrlando for eight years.

Sara R. Walsh ’05 was re-elected to the Missouri Republican State Committee to represent Missouri’s 19th Senatorial District for a second two-year term and reappointed to the Boone County Republican Central Committee.

She recently joined the Missouri Pharmacy Association, currently serving as Member Services Coordinator. Walsh resides with her husband, Steve, in Ashland, Missouri.

Fred Altensee ’07 published Recollections of the Orlando, Florida, Civil Rights Movement, the companion book to The Orlando, Florida, Civil Rights Movement. He resides in Orlando, Florida.

Tom Atkins, president and chairman of the board of Atkins Building Services and Products, and his wife, Linda Holman Atkins ’54, recently celebrated the company’s 90 years of business in Columbia, Missouri.

Atkins, a well-known community leader, has seen the small college town of Columbia grow into a prosperous city.

He and Linda have been very active not only in the community, but also with Columbia College. Tom’s involvement dates back to 1976, when he joined the board of trustees.

During the lean years Pictured: Tom and Linda Atkins ’54 at the 2004 dedication of the Atkins Holman Student Commons he, along with board Photo courtesy of the Columbia Daily Tribune chair B.D. Simon and trustees Marvin Owens, Andrew Bass Jr., David Rogers and Bill Eckhoff, spent their time getting the college back on a firm financial footing.

It was Atkins who played a major role in Columbia College history by chairing the college’s first capital campaign. He served as chairman of the board from 1982 to 1999 and retired from the board in 2001, becoming a trustee emeritus. He was named an honorary alumnus in 1999. His leadership guided the college through many changes and into one of its most successful eras.

Linda Atkins’ involvement started when she came to Christian College in 1953. A Town Girl, Linda became involved in the modeling club, lineage club and Beta Beta Tau. She served as president of her senior class, vice president of Delta Psi Omega and Drama Guild president.

Linda continued her involvement over the years, serving on the Larson Scholarship committee during the Destination Excellence campaign.

As you walk on campus, one noticeable attribute you will see is the Atkins-Holman Student Commons. The commons was named in honor of Tom and Linda’s parents: Edward and Ruby Atkins and Raymond and May Holman. Tom and Linda gave Columbia College the lead gift during the Destination Excellence campaign.

CC Notes

Atkins Inc. celebrates 90 years in business

CC Notes

58

’10s

Beverly Loverock Gibbs ’10 retired from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities in March 2015 after more than 39 years of service. She became a substitute teacher with the Syracuse City School District in September 2015. Gibbs resides in Liverpool, New York.

Anton Lukyanov ’10 was named a company manager at the Provincial Dances Theatre, a contemporary dance theater based in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Weddings

Stephanie Wolgat ’07 married Terry Fielder Jr. on August 8, 2015, in Carmel, Indiana.

Christopher Bagley ’08 married Melissa Salituri on May 2, 2015.

Jessica Prock Barron ’11 celebrated her fifth anniversary with Peoples Financial Services at Peoples Bank. An active member of the Cuba and Rolla communities, Barron lives with her family in Rolla, Missouri.

Jess Brodhacker ’11 has been named the first Agency Sales Manager in the history of Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance.

In 2015, Jess opened a new Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance office in Columbia, Missouri. He was also named to the Court of Excellence by MOFB Insurance companies, his second year to receive such an honor.

Tara Smith ’12 received a promotion to become a school nutrition program data analyst in October 2015. She resides in Savannah, Georgia.

Daniel R. DeLorenzo ’13 was promoted from a maintenance assistant to a general mechanic at the Central New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. He resides in Syracuse, New York.

Sarah Harmon Soderlund ’13 is an author and graduate student focusing on psychopathy of the violent offender and transpersonal psychology.

She obtained her master’s in forensic psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is currently studying to complete her Psy.D with a focus on psychopathy and neuropsychological studies. Her first published book, Haunted by the Abyss (2015), highlights some of the spiritual life events that have fueled her continued passion in understanding the mysteries of the unknown. Soderlund resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mary Posner (Honorary) ’15, founder of the Salute to Veterans Celebration in Columbia, Missouri, was recognized for her support of veterans. “One of the things my father had said to me was that I had enjoyed the corporate career that I had because of the brave men and women who had risked their lives so I could,” Posner said.

“He told me, ‘Find a way to say thank you.’ ” Posner received an Honorary Alumni Award from the CCAA in 2015.

59

CC Notes

Births Twin sisters Ryann and Rylee salute their daddy, Capt. Setzer.

Congratulations, Nick Setzer ’09 and Sarah Huebotter Setzer ’10 and ’12.

Katie Thrower Epstein ’05 and Toby Epstein, along with big brother Jonah, welcomed Dylan Tobias Epstein on Oct. 2, 2015.

Crystal Hutton Hult ’12 and Dennis Hult welcomed their son Robert on Oct. 14, 2015.

Lisa Kowalewski Sweeney ’05 and Patrick Sweeney welcomed their daughter Skylar Nicole on Sept. 6, 2015.

Kimberly and Cheston Kent ’12, along with big sister Marcie Jo, welcomed Evelyn Piper to their family on Jan. 6, 2016.

Future Cougars can show off their college spirit with gear from The Cub Club.

Shop the Alumni Merchandise Store catalog on page 63, and submit photos at www.columbiacollegealumni.org/thecubclub.

CC Notes

60

In

Memoriam

Dora F. Wells Harness ’27 November 2, 2015

Jean Duvall Watson ’42 October 7, 2015

Frances Miller Stevens ’35 September 29, 2015

Pauline J. Cannon Schlotman ’44 October 12, 2015

Julie Rehg Stoner ’36 September 9, 2010 Frances Shafer Selvidge ’37 February 19, 2016 Ellen J. Thompson Oldson ’38 June 1, 2015 Elnora Young Moon ’40 February 17, 2016 Virginia L. Harmon Owens ’40 October 16, 2015 Lillian H. Vance Painter ’41 April 2, 2016 Dorothy Humfeld Weir ’41 December 21, 2015 Jean J. Ragsdale Burch ’42 August 18, 2008 Carol R. Stevenson Eaton ’42 October 23, 2015 Corinne Wade Eichhoff ’42 October 14, 2015 Mary Ellen Jarman Elliott ’42 November 28, 2015 Elizabeth W. Ragsdale Fretz ’42 October 29, 2015

Geraldine W. Lett Chunn ’46 August 31, 2014

Irene Krachy Ferrell ’54 December 6, 2015 Margaret Ann Fakes Gehlmann ’54 September 23, 2014 Beverly Wight Swarthout ’54 October 30, 2015 Sally Jones Gilbert ’56 April 5, 2010 Nancy J. Kirtley Meese ’56 October 16, 2012

Jo Ann Hollingsworth Owen ’46 May 19, 2009

Carolyn Van Horne ’56 October 4, 2015

Roberta Roberts Shrout ’46 May 1, 2015

Karen M. Walker Waggoner ’58 October 27, 2015

Lois Jeane Harter Terrill ’46 July 8, 2015 Martha J. Stephens Toler ’46 November 27, 2015 Dorothy Markiewicz Donnelly ’47 October 2, 2015 Carolyn Miller Stern ’47 July 24, 2015 Marcia Hamilton Grimm ’50 December 22, 2015 Ann Craven Kemp ’50 April 28, 2016 Jo Ann White Lockwood ’50 March 8, 2016 Betty Hall Jons ’51 March 21, 2016

Judith Ann Tribble Brown ’59 November 29, 2015 Barbara Batman Magirl ’60 March 6, 1980 Gail Kennedy Woodley ’60 September 15, 2015 Donna Dee Daggett Culler ’62 November 24, 2015 Betty Stanton Bentz ’64 November 28, 2015 Carolyn Radley Denman ’64 November 4, 2015 Sandra Schwertfeger Ansted ’66 November 10, 2014

61

Jerry L. Oliver ’79 January 23, 2016

Leanna D. Lueckenotte ’96 September 1, 2015

Patty G. Merryman ’72 January 13, 2014

Benedict J. Campbell ’83 March 16, 2016

Nila S. Aegerter Hagemeyer ’98 February 7, 2015

Rebecca J. Mathis ’73 September 30, 2015

Frank R. Foley ’83 October 11, 2015

Leslie G. Abbott ’75 February 20, 2015

Helen Easley Smith ’83 December 19, 2011

Paul E. Fox ’75 September 12, 2013

Peggy Lueckenotte Zimmerman ’86 April 30, 2014

Darren J. LaBonte ’03 December 30, 2009

Yvonne Massey ’89 November 24, 2015

Stuart E. Samsel ’03 July 2, 2015

Frona E. Gray ’90 April 27, 2016

Robert P. Vallee ’04 April 19, 2015

Deborah E. Falco ’91 January 22, 2016

Christopher D. Vaughan ’09 March 28, 2016

Helen H. Trippensee ’93 August 11, 2015

Shamus R. Crawford ’11 June 12, 2015

Bette J. Rovik ’94 December 24, 2015

Jillian M. Goehl ’12 April 2, 2016

Mariel Brynhild Stephenson ’94 February 29, 2016

Jessica L. Darner ’13 August 17, 2014

Bob M. Gassaway ’75 May 19, 2016 Ronald R. Whittle ’75 April 21, 2015 Joseph Girard Wren ’75 October 7, 2015 Arcola J. Allen ’77 October 13, 2015 Robert H. Burbridge ’77 October 14, 2015 Jack C. Henerforth ’77 January 23, 2016 Donald L. McReynolds ’77 March 18, 2006 Vernon Lee Allen ’78 June 15, 2015 John C. Taylor ’78 ’85 December 11, 2015 Roger O. Wilson ’78 January 1, 2016 Sonia A. Mathias ’79 December 7, 2015

Howard K. Fletcher ’96 March 21, 2016

Lamont D. Nicholson ’99 December 4, 2015 David C. Birkenbach ’02 March 7, 2016

Janine C. Wheeler ’14 December 19, 2015 * Known deceased as of June 1, 2016

Anne Jeronimus ’96 April 5, 2016

CC Notes

Vicki Neeley McDaniel ’69 December 7, 2015

The CC Alumni Collection

62

The CC Alumni

Collection

Show your Cougar Pride with alumni merchandise. Shop the entire catalog online 24/7, including Christian and Columbia College apparel, at www.columbiacollegealumni.org/alumnistore.

Proceeds benefit the Columbia College Alumni Association.

FREE g

CCAA iWallet Silicone stick-on wallet with printed logo; $1

in

Shipp

4GB flash drive Swivel style, printed logo; $5

CCAA playing cards honoring the past, present and future of the college; $5

Navy fleece blanket White embroidered logo; $15

CCAA keychain Silver metal with blue band and printed logo; $5 White Alumni Wrap Mug 12 oz. white ceramic; $12

Big Chill six-pack cooler Insulated, soft-sided; $8

Lamis tote bag Stylish faux leather with CCAA logo imprint. Gray or navy; $15

Royal blue blanket White imprint; $20

Double Wall Insulated Tumblers 15 oz. plastic cup with lid and straw.

Alumni text wrap or blue plaid; $8

63

The CC Alumni Collection

#5

Colored sports bottle Printed white CCAA logo.

Purple, blue, red or green; $8

CCAA Navy Polo Men’s fit, Medium-3X: $10 Women’s fit, Small-5X: $10

Columbia College Alumni license plate cover White with navy imprint; $5

BE SELLST ER!

#1 / #2

#3

#4

1. Future Cougar onesies Navy/Gray/Pink, 6 mo-24 mo; $12

Baseball hat “ALUMNI” embroidered on back. Navy, khaki or pink; $14

Silver picture frame 4” x 6” brushed metal finish with etched logo; $8

Make check payable to Columbia College Alumni Association or charge to:  MasterCard

 VISA

 Discover

Account number _________________________ Expiration date: _____/________ CVC ______ Order Total _____________________________ FREE shipping is provided on all orders. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. U.S. postage paid only. You will be contacted if an item is out of stock and no longer available for purchase.

2. Future Cougar infant lap shoulder T-shirt Navy/Gray, 6 mo-18 mo; $12 3. Future Cougar infant basic T-shirt Navy/Gray, 6 mo-24 mo; $12

4. Future Cougar navy toddler T-shirt 2T-4T; $12 5. Columbia Cougars navy T-shirt Juvi 5/6 & 7; $12 Youth XS-XL; $12

Name____________________________________________________________________ Class Year __________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________ City________________________________________________ State _________________ Zip ______________________ Phone number____________________________ Email address _______________________________________________

Item description___________________________________ Color _____________ Size _________ Cost ______________ Item description___________________________________ Color _____________ Size _________ Cost ______________ Item description___________________________________ Color _____________ Size _________ Cost ______________ Item description___________________________________ Color _____________ Size _________ Cost ______________

Alumni Information Update

64

What’s

New

With You?

If you have a change of address, marriage or birth announcement, new job, awards, etc., we’d like to know about it! Use the form below or fill out the alumni update form online at www.columbiacollegealumni.org/alumniupdate. We’ll update your alumni records and share your good news in Affinity magazine. To submit a photo with your news, email it to ccalum@ccis.edu!

Name:

First

Maiden

Last

Preferred name: Address:

 Check if new

City:

Zip:

State:

Home phone: (

)

Cell phone: (

)

Email:

Date of birth:

Location attended:

Class year:

Employer:  Check if new Effective:

Job title: Business Address: Name of spouse: Spouse’s job title:

Employer:

Business address: Wedding announcement (within the last 12 months) Married to:

Date of marriage:

CC location attended (if applicable):

CC graduation year (if applicable): _______

City:

State:

Zip:

Birth (Adoption) announcement (within the last 12 months) Birth of a: Name:

 Daughter

 Son

Date of birth: Spouse’s name:  Check if CC Grad year

Career Notes/Retirement Update/Community Service/Military (within the last 12 months) Please attach additional information if necessary.

Mail this form to: Columbia College Alumni Relations Office • 1001 Rogers St. • Columbia, MO 65216 (800) 231-2391, ext. ALUM (2586) or (573) 875-ALUM (2586) • (573) 875-7733 Fax • www.ColumbiaCollegeAlumni.org

“THE LIFE CHANGER” Earning a college degree is an accomplishment that takes courage and encouragement.

We are all fortunate to have people, places or moments in time that have shaped our lives and helped us reach new heights we never thought possible.

We want to hear from you! In the winter edition of Affinity, we would like to highlight your “life changer.” Send your story and a photo that helps capture your moment.

CONTACT: CCALUM@CCIS.EDU DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 2

1001 Rogers Street Columbia, MO 65216

OCTOBER 7 & 8 • COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Visit the alumni hospitality tent on Saturday for food, fun and prizes!