21 minute read
Victory Bell
IN IT WIN IT
The loyalty to an institution developed when competing in college-level athletics is a tether that many individuals have experienced. The bond strengthened throughout years of play creates devoted alumni when their academic journey is complete. This past fall, two alumni coaches elevated Wildcat athletic teams to greater heights.
Culver-Stockton College Women’s Soccer Head Coach Tyler Tomlinson ’03, and Head Football Coach Tom Sallay ’01, have been back on “the Hill” for a few seasons, but this fall was record-setting for both teams. The history-making seasons these two coaches and their teams created were something these alumni have been striving for since accepting the roles as Wildcat Athletic Coaches.
When Tom Sallay and Tyler Tomlinson returned to “the Hill” as Culver-Stockton College coaches, the two alumni aimed to elevate their programs. Every season since they took the reins, their programs have been building to success. The 2021 season was when the visions of those coaches began to come into focus, and both programs reached record win totals. For Wildcat football and women’s soccer, this was the winning year that these alumni men dreamed of delivering back to their beloved alma mater.
For Tomlinson, his return to C-SC started in 2011 where he held the role of sports anchor at WGEM TV in Quincy, Ill. When he learned of the leadership vacancy in the women’s soccer program, Tomlinson recognized it was time to return to “the Hill” and coach the sport which had provided him opportunities to prepare for some of life’s most significant challenges. As the newly hired women’s soccer coach, his vision was simple: create a positive environment for his players to cultivate a passion for the game and increase the wins record for the Wildcats. Tomlinson intended to turn the Wildcat Women’s Soccer program around by building confidence from within. Now, ten years after assuming the role of Head Coach, Tomlinson continues to instill new core values into the program, which elevate his players to reach new heights both on and off the field. At the start of each season, Tomlinson works with the new group of seniors to identify a core value or phrase which will create chemistry among the team and build a united culture that inspires them to push harder day after day. After a chaotic COVID season, Tomlinson and the team’s seniors knew how important this year’s phrase would be to build synergy after a season apart. Heading into the season, Tomlinson mentioned how meaningful it was that everyone on the squad believed in one another.
“They knew they had what it took to be great, make the playoffs, and even more,” Tomlinson commented.
Instead of relying on outside motivation or a canned catchphrase, it became clear that this season would be successful if the team simply relied on each other. The phrase came to them easily: “Why Not Us?” Tomlinson shared the evolution of the phrase, as the word “Not” quickly turned into “Knot,” symbolizing how closely the teammates were tied together in their mission for success.
United behind their chosen phrase, the team’s performance on the pitch showed their belief in their motto. Under Tomlinson’s leadership, the team finished the campaign with a 13-4-1 record and a record of 8-3-1 in the Heart of America Conference, tying the 2003 team for the school’s record of most wins in a season. These incredible efforts led to the Wildcats hosting a Heart of America Conference playoff game at Ellison Poulton Stadium for the first time in school history and earned Tomlinson the title of winningest Wildcat Women’s Soccer coach with 100 career wins. Tomlinson and staff were recognized for their leadership as they were named Women’s Soccer Coaching Staff of the Year by the Heart of America Conference. Extending beyond the conference, Wildcat Women’s Soccer Coaches were named United Soccer Coaches Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year.
As Wildcat Women’s Soccer enjoyed ringing the Charles Fieldhouse Victory Bell this fall, another alumni-coached team took its turn at breaking records and winning challenging matchups. Head Football Coach Tom Sallay and his coaching staff have been hungry for a winning season and this year, the team delivered.
In 2017, when Sallay assumed the position of Head Football Coach 15 years after graduating from Culver-Stockton College, the former Wildcat had one goal in mind: he was determined to “Restore the Roar.” This rally-cry for Sallay’s program was soon adopted by players and Wildcat fans alike.
Before the season began, Sallay and his squad recognized the potential for this to be a record-setting season. With a large group of returners, bolstered by an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic season, the experienced squad knew the opportunity was available to capitalize on that potential. With the addition of new players in key positions and the wisdom of the returners, the Wildcats made sure there was much to cheer for this season. From securing the first homecoming football victory since 2014 to the team surpassing the 1969 record for all-time wins in a C-SC football season, several individual players logging record-breaking performances, and Coach Sallay named Heart North Division Coach of the Year, the 2021 football season truly restored the roar.
Since Tomlinson and Sallay returned to “the Hill” as coaches, they have transformed two programs into serious contenders within the Heart of America Conference. Beyond their successes on the field, these coaches have demonstrated to their teams and the entire Wildcat athletics community that a winning culture is built on hard work, determination, and prioritizing team-above-all. The culture of excellence these coaches have modeled has renewed the sweet sound of ringing the Victory Bell and has highlighted the importance of returning home to “the Hill.”
During the 2021 season, the “roar” from the football team was heard by Wildcat fans across the country. Numbers don’t lie. The 2021 fall athletic season was undoubtedly one for the history books for women’s soccer and football, but statistics don’t always tell the whole story. The efforts of these two winning alumni coaches show that, regardless of how many days, months, or years have passed since a Wildcat has left “the Hill,” there is a bit of magic that sparks upon their return.
Culver-Stockton College is pleased to unveil a dedicated space to encourage design-centered thinking and foster collaboration with Innovation, Design, and Experiential Activities: the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center.
JOHNSON - TURNER IDEA CENTER
Culver-Stockton College’s history is chock-full of stories that trace the paths of alumni who have accomplished incredible things. From professional athletes and world-renowned opera singers to global leaders, C-suite executives, and even a Deputy Attorney General of the United States, all of these stories have one common element: the journey to success for these alumni truly began on “the Hill.” Since 1853, Culver-Stockton College has focused on teaching students not only how to generate ideas but how they can use the tools they have been provided on “the Hill” to turn their ideas into workable solutions.
As the new addition to the Gladys Crown Student Center began to take shape in early 2021, the school’s administration sought a lead donor to name the building. The college recognized the importance of partnering with a philanthropic leader who would serve as a champion for IDEA-focused thinking at this pivotal moment in the school’s history; after all, the donor’s name would adorn the outside of a building dedicated to Innovation, Design, and Experiential Activities. What eventually transpired was a break from tradition, but an appropriate name for the building that reflected the project’s very nature. Born in the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurism, the space seeks to inspire and demonstrate the power of collaborative thinking. The Johnson-Turner IDEA Center has been named by and for two alumni who also serve as members of the Culver-Stockton College Board of Trustees, Mr. Scott Johnson ’71 and Mr. H.B. Turner ’79. Their tradition-breaking decision to jointly name the IDEA Center signals the kind of transformative change that is possible when visionary people join together.
SCOTT JOHNSON ’71 H.B. TURNER ’79
Scott Johnson is an idea man. An innovative thinker, entrepreneur by trade, and natural connector, Johnson has a passion for making big things happen. In his career, he has served as a catalyst for new directions in the health industry as owner and CEO of Basic Brands, Inc., Basic Organics, U.S. Health Club, and University Nutrition. In his community outreach and over the course of a lengthy history of volunteerism, he has connected people in his town of Columbus, Ohio, and beyond with big, global initiatives through his board service for such organizations as Aladdin Shrine, the Ohio Commodores, the Arnold Classic, and the Culver-Stockton College Board of Trustees. In his capacity as a philanthropist, he has provided students on “the Hill’’ with opportunities for advancement and connection by naming the Johnson E-sports Arena, contributing to essential building projects, and providing crucial scholarship support. Johnson seeks to broaden the student experience for all CulverStockton College students and has sought to provide them with opportunities to stand out in the world of work. From offering unique mentorship opportunities to appearing as a featured speaker, he is continuously seeking new ways to connect with Culver-Stockton College students. Recognizing the importance of giving back to his alma mater, Johnson had been waiting for the right project to present itself which would solidify his legacy on “the Hill” in a way that honored his commitment to entrepreneurship and collaboration. Johnson shared,
“What excites me the most about the IDEA Center is that it fulfills a goal of mine to make a difference in someone’s life. I once read that you work to make a living, you make a living to make a life, and then you make a difference,” Johnson shared. “I truly think that the IDEA Center can help make a difference in the lives of Culver-Stockton students.” In his quest to make a difference for the next generation, Johnson saw an opportunity to match the intended energy of the IDEA Center and quickly identified a collaborative partner in the naming, fellow Trustee H.B. Turner. Johnson shared, “H. B. Turner is someone that I respect immensely. Being around (him) is always a positive learning experience and we think alike on almost every subject; he is a very successful entrepreneur and a loyal friend.” It is no stretch to suggest that H.B. Turner embodies the very principles of leadership, entrepreneurship, design-centric thinking, and innovation the IDEA Center’s activities seek to instill in Culver-Stockton College students. The naming of the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center pays tribute to Turner’s long-standing commitment to serving the place where it all began for him.
Turner has a lifetime of leadership experience, having retired in 2018 from his post as President and CEO of Heatron Inc., where he led an innovative design and manufacturing team responsible for the development and updating of components for crucial and often lifesaving medical devices. Ever the entrepreneur, Turner is now the primary owner and Chairman of Peachtree Lighting, a manufacturer of LED lighting fixtures in markets throughout the USA and internationally. Consistently tying his success back to his time at CulverStockton College, Turner shared, “I look back on my career and so many things that I was blessed enough to be able to do are really the result of some of the things I learned and the relationships I developed at Culver-Stockton over the years.”
“When the IDEA Center was presented to me, I thought long and hard about what this project could accomplish over the years… I realized that the IDEA Center could be the tipping point for a student to strive for the next level or next goal (and) to open their minds to real world experiences, not just book learning.” “When I heard (the IDEA Center) was going to be strictly for ideation, innovation, and creation for students, that was what really sold me because I think that is what makes Culver students unique and different,” Turner shared. “When they come to Culver, they learn different skills, but they also learn how to put those skills to work, solve problems, and come up with creative ideas. I think that is the exciting thing about the IDEA Center.”
Turner, who has been repeatedly recognized for his leadership, has shared his passion for entrepreneurship and forward-thinking decision making with the Culver-Stockton College community in the years since he left “the Hill.” He has sought to lead by example through his many interactions with students and his philanthropic contributions to the institution, most recently with the naming of the JohnsonTurner IDEA Center, which he hopes will inspire others to give back to Culver-Stockton College.
Like generations of Culver-Stockton College alumni who have come before them, both Johnson and Turner have taken the lessons they learned on “the Hill” and used them to build careers rooted in entrepreneurism, radical leadership, and successful disruption of the status quo. Individually, they have been changemakers. Together, they have forever changed the footprint of Culver-Stockton College and will positively impact generations of students. The Johnson-Turner IDEA Center is the physical representation of Culver-Stockton College’s commitment to preparing the students of today for the workforce of tomorrow and will provide an environment which gives students the tools they need to turn their ideas into solutions. President Douglas B. Palmer shared the importance of the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center and what it will do for the campus community. “Never once has a hiring manager requested three extra credits in a certain subject area, but they always desire recent graduates who can work well within a team,” Palmer said.
Culver-Stockton College alumni and students know that formulating a good idea is only the beginning of a successful project. To enact real and lasting change, that first spark of an idea needs to be cultivated, explored, and even contradicted before the real magic of collaboration can happen. Built in the spirit of encouraging collaboration and the process of turning ideas into workable solutions, the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center is Culver-Stockton College’s answer to the growing need for young-career professionals who are creative thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers. Though the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center has only been open for a few short months, CulverStockton College’s laboratory for innovation and design is already providing students with a space to nurture their ideas, design innovative solutions, and connect with global leaders. With the addition of the JohnsonTurner IDEA Center, CulverStockton College now has a dedicated space for students to focus on the seven pillars of experiential education: creative expression, leadership, simulation, professional experience, service learning, travel, research, and innovation. In the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and converting ideas into workable solutions, the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center was made possible by philanthropic contributions from alumni, faculty and staff members, corporate and foundation partners, and friends.
OTHER NAMINGS
The unique layout of the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center, which was built as an addition to the Gladys Crown Student Center, allows for collaboration among groups of various sizes and features state-of-the-art technology which connects the Canton, Missouri, campus to the world. Generous contributions from United State Bank and alumna Carolyn Peter ’66 and her husband Ross allowed for the construction and outfitting of two breakout rooms in the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center. These rooms, which accommodate smaller groups of 4-6 individuals, have been furnished with audiovisual equipment, moveable whiteboards, and soundboards to enhance the think-tank approcach of IDEA Center activities.
The Johnson-Turner IDEA Center is also home to the Larry D. Thompson Executive Conference Room, which pays homage to the philanthropic support of alumnus and former Deputy Attorney General of the United States, Larry D. Thompson ’67. Thompson recently joined Senior Lecturer Eric Larson’s Global Business class via teleconference to share his perspective on global business and to answer questions about serving as the Independent Corporate Compliance Monitor and Auditor on the Volkswagon emissons fraud case. Connecting Culver-Stockton students to global leaders is possible through the state of the art conferencing capabilities. GLOBAL BRIGADE
Professors are already utilizing the state-ofthe-art technology in the break-out rooms and conference room to enhance experiential education and connect students with leaders and initiatives across the globe. Students in Assistant Professor of Business and Moorman Professor Dr. Matthew Osborn’s Global Brigade senior capstone course used the break-out rooms and conference room space of the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center to complete a project and enact global change. Throughout the first 12-weeks of the fall semester, Global Brigade seniors spent 90 minutes every Thursday working directly with coffee farmers in El Paraiso, Honduras, learning about their lives, business challenges, and economic viability. Working with the farmers to resolve and improve the supply and value chain, students learned the life cycle of the coffee bean and provided four possible solutions that would enhance economic results for the Honduras farmers. “The outcome of this project was incredibly rewarding and truly introduced solutions that had yet to be considered,” Osborn shared in response to his students’ comprehensive proposal, which offered a solution for using the entirety of the coffee plant, not only the coffee bean. “Our students were amazed at the practicality of the solution, but also grateful for being involved in sharing it with our partners in Honduras; that’s problem-solving,” Osborn concluded.
GREAT RIVER RESEARCH CENTER
Throughout time, rivers have signified life and prosperity. Explorers naturally formed communities around rivers for the nutrition, income, entertainment, and transportation they provided. Historically, rivers supported innovative and profitable communities which stood out as industry leaders in agriculture, biosciences, and commerce. Great rivers, like our beloved Mississippi, revolutionized American business and led to the expansion of the United States. This powerful body of water has provided a livelihood to generations of Americans and will continue to teach important lessons on survival, resource development, and interconnectedness as long as we, its stewards, are asking the right questions. In return, the information we gather from the great Mississippi River can create an impact on our nation when we collaborate with those who value the river and its resources. Like the river, Culver-Stockton College seeks to be a vehicle that connects people, places, ideas, and resources to develop the next generation of creative thinkers and leaders. To enhance the connectedness of thought and creativity, a dynamic team with diverse experience was formed at Culver-Stockton College to ask essential questions about the history and future of the Mississippi River. The team created a vision to change the current and launched the Great River Research Center at Culver-Stockton College. Dr. Douglas B. Palmer, who moved his family to the bank of the Mississippi River when he assumed the Culver-Stockton College presidency in 2020, understands the greater importance of the river as a resource. Having been raised in a waterways-focused family, Palmer learned the value of national rivers from his father, Barry Palmer, who served as director of the Association for the Development of Inland Navigation in America’s Ohio Valley (DINAMO). “My father taught me that the river can transform communities and (the river) connects us to a sophisticated, global economy,” Palmer said. The College’s proximity to the mighty Mississippi provides an exceptional classroom for experiential learning, service projects, and first-hand research just a few blocks from campus. For Palmer, founding the Great River Research Center is a key part of the College’s commitment to preparing students for a dynamic world. “Our graduates may go to work for a rail company, an agribusiness, or a retail operation. In all those areas, it is important to understand the part that river commerce plays- as well as in climate change and sustainability,” Palmer said in an interview with Waterways Journal.
Palmer and his team of faculty and staff will work within the Great River Research Center framework to create learning opportunities, prioritize community impact, and develop research solutions for the regional community and beyond.
Dr. Scott Giltner, Professor of History and co-chair of The Great River Collaborative Conference, recounts his first memories of the Mississippi River, which has had a significant impact on his life and teaching career since his early days on “the Hill.” “I will never forget when the river erupted over the banks in 2008,” Giltner remembered, “The devastation was catastrophic, but how the community rallied together to rebuild was nothing short of a miracle. I knew at that moment, while I was watching the community serve
The Great River Research Center seeks to transform the region and beyond by cultivating innovation, promoting interdisciplinary problem solving, fostering the expansion of academic-industry partnerships, and developing an environment for collaborative impact to study, research, and address the continued economic and social importance of the Mississippi River.
one another, that I would always call Culver-Stockton College home because the river has so much to teach us.” It has been 13 years since that flood, and Dr. Giltner has used lessons he learned from that experience to educate his students on the importance of learning from the past while preparing for the future. Giltner’s class,
EXP 101: Stories in Blue and White, challenges students to create a connection with a Canton resident who endured a natural tragedy. Through a series of interviews, the students learn oral communication, storytelling, and the value of historical lessons to create possible solutions for future river residents. “This course is always one of my favorites because it not only connects our students to the local community, but they gain a greater understanding of how powerful the river is and the magnitude of impact.”
Through curriculum development, handson learning experiences, and research, our students will be provided with additional opportunities for collaboration and engagement within the local community. River-focused education will better prepare Culver-Stockton College graduates to serve local and regional businesses, government, and community organizations as leaders and informed employees. Broad-based learning objectives will support students who are preparing for a wide range of careers from agriculture to marketing by emphasizing written and verbal communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and solutions-based qualities.
Dr. Giltner is not alone in his passion for educating students on the impact and importance of the Mississippi River. Dr. Alissa Burger, Associate Professor of English and Director of Student Success, has created innovative ways for her First-Year Experience (FYE) students to better understand the river and its impact on our area. Students in Dr. Burger’s class focus on educating themselves and the local community on the significance of the Mississippi River through various academic exercises and programs. Their emphasis on constructing a narrative around the vital role the Mississippi will continue to play in economic development and infrastructure improvements for our region will benefit local employers as the students graduate and seek jobs in the local market. In addition to promoting academic programs which focus on the Mississippi River, The Great River Research Center will host a Collaborative Conference that unites academics, scholars, community members, government officials, business leaders, and other interested parties to explore the centrality of the Mississippi River to the past, present, and future of the tri-states. The Great River Collaborative Conference is scheduled for April 7-9, 2022, at Culver-Stockton College with the theme of Changing Currents.
Leading the charge will be conference co-chairs Dr. Scott Giltner and Dr. Matthew Osborn, Moorman Professor and assistant professor of business, who have secured Chad Pregracke of Living Land and Waters as the keynote speaker for the inaugural conference. Pregracke was named CNN’s Hero of the Year in 2013 and has been recognized by former President George H. W. Bush as a national “Point of Light.” Pregracke grew up near East Moline, IL, with the Mississippi River in his backyard. He has spent his life committed to the conservation of American waterways, including the Mississippi River, and will bring to the conference his expertise in nonprofit management and the importance of community support in conservation efforts.
In addition to Pregracke, the conference is now accepting proposals from academic experts, community members, government officials, business leaders, and other interested constituents that promote development, engagement, and inquiry for healthy communities related to the river. “Ultimately, we hope conversations generated here will foster innovative and collaborative solutions to the various challenges facing the river and the community it impacts,” Giltner said in response to opening up the call for proposals.
Since our founding in 1853, Culver-Stockton College has grown to become an institution that prepares students of promise for a dynamic world. As we focus efforts and merge currents to establish the research center, it is important that Culver-Stockton College pay homage to the river that has taught us many lessons. As we grow, we must continue to ask essential questions, everseeking answers from the Mississippi River.
