Summer 2023 Chronicle

A LIFETIME OF LEADERSHIP

Upon completion of 33 years of dedicated service to the College, Chairman Ron Leftwich ’64 shares his stories of leadership, perseverance, and friendship.

CONTENTS

FEATURES

20

their inspirational

A Lifetime of Leadership Chairman Ron Leftwich ’64 reflects on 33 years of service to his beloved alma mater, as he retires from his leadership duties.

30

Athletic Hall of Fame

Meet the newest class of Wildcats inducted into the C-SC Athletic Hall of Fame.

32

Turning the Tassel

A recap of commencement conferring the degrees for the Class of 2023, including spotlights of three graduates.

CHRONICLE

The Magazine of Culver-Stockton College

Summer 2023

The Culver-Stockton Chronicle is published by the C-SC Marketing and Public Relations Office for alumni and friends to read about campus happenings while providing insight into the mission and philosophy of the College.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Alyssa Hummel

Director of Communications and Marketing

Jayla Heindselman

Graphic Designer

CAMPUS LEADERSHIP

Dr. Lauren Schellenberger

President

Pat Atwell

Director of Athletics

Dr. Belle Cowden

Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies

Cindy Freels

Senior Assistant to the President

Dr. Kim Gaither ’79

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Alyssa Hummel

Director of Communications and Marketing

Dr. Angie Royal

Vice President of Student Experience

Leslie Sieck

Vice President for Economic and Workforce

Development and Executive Director of the Tri-State Development Summit

Julie Straus ’97

Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Culver-Stockton College

One College Hill

Canton, MO 63435

culver.edu

LETTER FROM the PRESIDENT

This August, Culver-Stockton College is bursting with energy thanks to a large incoming class and the excitement of our returning students. Residence halls, Greek houses, classrooms, athletic fields, and performance spaces are full of life as students make new friends, form study groups, build team unity, and learn through the creative arts here in our beautiful campus community on “the Hill.”

For the past 15 years I have experienced what it means to be a part of the Culver-Stockton community. Whether in the classroom, at athletic or performing arts events, or studying abroad in Belize and Guatemala, I have seen first hand the true Wildcat spirit of our students of promise. They dream big, gather knowledge, build authentic experiences, and then go forth into a dynamic world prepared to make a difference. It is an absolute joy to watch their success after they leave campus and to stay in touch as they build careers and families.

And now in my 16th year, I am honored to serve as the 28th president of Culver-Stockton College. I am so proud to lead this forwardthinking institution and to embrace the community spirit of our campus. I look to students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, community members, and our esteemed board of trustees to work together as we deepen our traditions and forge new paths for future success.

In this Chronicle, all the groups listed above are represented - from our longtime friend, supporter, chairman, and trustee emeritus Ron Leftwich ’64 to six of our newest graduates. All found meaning and purpose at Culver-Stockton, and all are excited about what the future holds for them.

Culver-Stockton College is a special place, where each student’s experience is shaped through our distinctive curriculum, impactful opportunities for leadership and collaboration, and a deeply supportive learning community. Changing lives is what we do, and we’re proud of our 170 years of transformational education. Join me in continuing this tradition of transformation, steeped in the best values of faith and the human spirit, as we invest in our mission to prepare students of promise for a dynamic world today, tomorrow, and forever.

Dr. Lauren Schellenberger President

170 YEARS AND COUNTING

On January 28, 2023, we celebrated 170 years since the chartering of “Christian University” atop “the Hill” in Canton, Missouri. A lot has changed since 1853, but most importantly, we are still committed to educating students of promise according to the best values of faith and the human spirit.

RECORD BREAKING TEAM

The Men’s Indoor Track 4x400 relay team, composed of Anthony Havens Jr., Drew Mallett, Sean Cleary, and Verlyn Johnson, set a new school record of 3:18.96 to advance to the NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championships in South Dakota.

BASKETBALL NOTICEABLES

Avery Oetting, a freshman from Hallsville, Missouri, was named “Freshman of the Year” in Women’s Basketball by the Heart of America conference.

The Heart also recognized Mckenzie Lathrom, a senior from New London, Missouri, as “Newcomer of the Year” in Women’s Basketball.

EXPERIENCING ADVERSITY THROUGH POVERTY SIMULATION

Education majors met in the Mabee Gymnasium for several hours in March to complete a poverty simulation facilitated by NECAC (North East Community Action Corporation). Within the simulation, students experienced unexpected problems such as medical expenses, housing eviction, job loss, and food insecurity while navigating the challenges of those individuals and families who are living at or below the poverty line.

Avery Oetting Mackenzie Lathram

EXCELLENT EDUCATORS

Congratulations to our newest inductees to the Education Hall of Excellence: Dr. James “Jim” Masters ’82 and Sabrina (Gilchrist) O’Heron ’11.

These outstanding alumni were honored for their ability to go the extra, creative mile in the lives of young people. To date, over 40 C-SC alumni have been inducted into the Education Hall of Excellence.

ALL-AMERICAN BOWLER

Wildcat Bowler Jasmine Saunders, a sophomore from Keokuk, Iowa, was named the Heart of America Women’s Bowler of the Week in late February. She went on to earn Honorable Mention All-American Honors.

9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL

The cast of 9 to 5, The Musical, presented “Mr. Tinsworthy”, played by President Douglas B. Palmer, with a cast photo to commemorate his cameo appearance. The upbeat musical and hilarious story of friendship produced four sold-out shows performed in the Mabee Little Theatre during the last weekend of March.

AWARD-WINNING MARKETING

The C-SC marketing and design team earned multiple awards for their submissions at recent educational advertising contests. The junior recruitment piece (top) was awarded a gold and silver award, and the viewbook (bottom) earned a silver award.

WELCOME, WILDCAT COACHES

Director of Athletics Pat Atwell announced the following new coaches to lead the Wildcats: (left to right)

Dorian “DJ” Hobbs ’15 as head coach for Men’s Basketball, Kaitlin Tait for competitive cheerleading, Hunter Davis as Track and Field Coach, and Tyler Hamilton ’17 as Men’s Soccer Coach.

HONORING HEROES

The Fallen Officer Project hosted its 6th annual Fallen Officer Walk the first weekend in April. The criminal justice course, In the Line of Duty, uses student research to shine a light on the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice as a police officer or firefighter.

JURIED ART SHOW

Art students participated in a juried art show in the Mabee Art Gallery and were honored for their work in various art forms. Senior Carlee Hummel stands proudly near her piece “Melancholy Honey.”

COACH OF THE YEAR

Head women’s lacrosse coach Caitlin Erickson was named Coach of the Year by the Heart of America for their inaugural season of lacrosse awards. This is Erickson’s third season with the Wildcats since launching the program at C-SC in 2020.

FACULTY RETIREMENT

Faculty members Debra ScogginMyers, Dr. Patrick Hotle, and Kay Dyer were celebrated for their years of service at a retirement reception in the Lab Cafe at the end of the semester.

TRAILBLAZE THE HILL

Members of the C-SC faculty collaborated with John Wood Community College to strengthen partnerships to reach a direct transfer agreement. We look forward to welcoming many Trail Blazers to “the Hill” in the future!

DOGWOOD PARADE

A group of faculty, staff and students walked in Quincy’s Dogwood parade to showcase C-SC’s Gem on the Hill!

HOTLE’S LAST LECTURE

Dr. Patrick Hotle presented his final lecture as a full-time faculty member. “Myths, Narratives, and Micro History: The Case of Abolitionism in Quincy,” was presented as an offering of knowledge to the campus community. The event celebrated Hotle’s commitment to lifelong learning.

HILLSTOCK

Students gathered for the annual Hillstock music festival to hear bands, enjoy good food, play games, and celebrate another academic year coming to an end.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

Four outstanding individuals were honored for their service to the College during the annual Honors Convocation in May. Exceptional awards included Dr. Patrick Hotle, President’s Award for Exemplary Service of a Faculty Member; Michael “Sparky” York ’01, President’s Award for Exemplary Service of a Staff Member; Debra Scoggin-Myers, the Helsabeck Prize for Excellence in Teaching, and Dr. Alissa Burger, the Walter S. Rueling Faculty Prize for Innovation in Student Learning.

PREPARED TO LEAD

On May 25, 2023, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Lauren B. Schellenberger to become the 28th President of Culver-Stockton College. Previously the college’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Schellenberger began her duties leading the college on July 1, 2023.

CHANGING ROLES

On July 1, Dr. Kimberly Gaither ’79 accepted the position of Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She previously served as Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Dr. Patrick Hotle Michael “Sparky” York ’01

Debra Scoggin-Myers

Dr. Alissa Burger

NN VATION BEYOND THE CL ASSROOM

For more than 170 years, Culver-Stockton College has been a forward-thinking institution, leading with an innovative curriculum that is forged in experiences and enhanced through connections. The goal is not only to provide the coursework needed to succeed after graduation, but to also do so in a way that best prepares students to become strong leaders in the future. The college has been fulfilling that mission through many educational opportunities over the years, including some recent experiences that have called students out of the classroom and into the world.

RIVER LIFE

Rivers serve a tremendous purpose around the world, and for some Culver-Stockton College students, an additional purpose of the Mississippi River is to elevate their educational experience.

Students in Dr. Alissa Burger’s three-week “Literary Nonfiction” course spent a May afternoon picking up litter along the riverfront. The event was held in conjunction with the college’s “My Mississippi Life” learning community, responsible for adopting miles 342-344 of the river as a cleanup area through the Living Lands and Waters organization. The national nonprofit’s Adopt a River Mile program has been operating since 2014, fostering clean-up of the nation’s rivers and their watersheds.

Burger said the opportunity to clean up the riverfront allows students to connect with the local community as well as the environment with a service project while following their coursework focusing on the river. Throughout the cleanup efforts, Burger was able to educate students about how pollution in the Mississippi River affects the larger bodies of water it flows into. The opportunity, she noted, was a way to show students how actions from students on “the Hill” can contribute to the greater good around the world.

In addition to Burger’s course, the “My Mississippi Life” learning community at C-SC includes Dr. Aren Van Houzen’s First-Year Experience and Dr. Scott Giltner’s “Stories in Blue and White” courses.

Cleaning up the river was a special feeling. You know you are doing something good for society and that makes me happy. It creates a special bond to the river and you can go home feeling proud of yourself. Having that feeling is what makes me want to go down there more and to do more to help.

JULIA SVEGI SOPHOMORE

COMMUNITY ACTION

Each semester for the past five years, students have continued the momentum established from Everyone Doing More (EDM) through a class known as “Community Action.” Seeking to affirm and strengthen the relationship between campus and the community, the students serve as volunteers in Canton to enhance our beautiful town. Dr. Chad DeWaard said the class is full most semesters, and seats must be added because students enjoy contributing to the local area.

“Our students are adding to the community’s ‘curb appeal’ through landscaping, cleaning the walking trails, and painting around town. I often hear that they like the flexibility of the projects and are satisfied how they are serving others organizing the food pantry, or working at the playhouse.”

DeWaard said the connections students make with local organizations contribute to networking skills, civic engagement, teamwork, and also life skills that are valuable as an adult. Senior Tanner Cannady said the class taught him how to adapt to new people and work environments and that every project he completed made a difference.

This work matters because somebody’s got to do it. There will always be work to do, so volunteering is important. This class has allowed me to get out in the community and help. Learning experiences like this set Culver-Stockton apart.

CANNADY SENIOR

EUROPEAN EDUCATION TRAVEL

C-SC students recently embarked on a unique eight-day study abroad program that helped them compare Scandinavian educational systems to those in public schools in the United States.

The nineteen students traveled to Finland and Sweden with C-SC professors Dr. Cindy Whiston and Dr. Lindsay Uhlmeyer ’04. During the study abroad course, EXP 301, Improving Educational Systems and Structures, students had the opportunity to visit three schools where they met with students and staff members at the elementary and high school level. C-SC students were given background information about each school and then were invited to ask questions and interact with students as they visited the classrooms.

To supplement the information gathered in the classrooms and help them gain a better understanding of the Finnish culture, the C-SC students also visited museums, religious buildings and historical sites. A highlight for many students was an experience in one of the Finnish public saunas that was followed by a dip in an ice-cold lake. The practice is believed among the Finns to rid the body of toxins and increase relaxation.

The students also attended a workshop where they learned about the Finnish education system and national standards from a teacher and a consultant from the National Agency of Education. Upon their return from the trip, the student participants said they learned how students in Finland and Sweden achieve higher scores on standardized testing, keep graduation rates high and develop techniques to prevent burnout. Additionally, C-SC students reported the experience enabled them to expand their knowledge about other cultures and begin to grow their perspective about global education.

This travel course allowed our group to immerse ourselves into the education systems and cultures around us. I felt I was able to grow as a teacher and a person.

MADISON COVEY SOPHOMORE

ASHLIE WEAVER SOPHOMORE

You learn a lot about yourself during a program like this. I learned things I want to incorporate into my classroom, things I prioritize as a teacher and person, how to handle social situations, and how to be more outgoing.

NAIA INTERNSHIP

Seniors Grant Watts, Kirstin Jannin, and Adam Fowler gained hands-on sport management experiences during the NAIA final four men’s basketball championships in Kansas City, Missouri.

BUSINESS INNOVATIONS

Students in Senior Lecturer Eric Larson’s Innovations in Business class recently experienced Chicago’s entrepreneurship and innovation scene.

Participants of the trip had the opportunity to meet with industry leaders, including C-SC alumnus Gabe Sanford ’16, an account executive at Upwork, a freelancing platform headquartered in San Francisco. Sanford provided insights into working in the gig economy and how companies like Upwork are expanding the way the business world hires talent.

The students also visited prominent business incubators, including 1871, a nonprofit business hub supported by engineers, tech founders, and innovators. The trip was a chance to familiarize the students with the resources and support available to startups as well as the challenges facing young entrepreneurs.

In addition, the group visited Bosch Chicago Connectory, another incubator focused on the Internet of Things (IoT). The visit was a great opportunity to introduce the students to the latest advanced technology and how that technology is disrupting industries worldwide.

Following the trip, the students reported how the experience allowed them to see up close and personal how innovation is driving the economy in Chicago, nationally, and internationally. The Chicago trip supplements the classroom instruction for the Innovations in Business course, which is an introduction to entrepreneurial concepts, new products and processes, and new markets.

It was an awesome learning experience and great for networking within the sports world!

KIRSTIN JANNIN SENIOR

WILDCATS A DECADE OF GROW

At the age of 25, Janette Burgin accepted the head coaching position of the Culver-Stockton College (C-SC) women’s basketball team with the presumptive expectation that it was merely a stepping stone in her career.

Ten years later, Burgin has become the longest-standing women’s basketball coach in the history of the college, credited with building a competitive program on a foundation of honesty, family, and a true love of the sport.

“When I first came here, to be quite honest, I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t have a plan, and I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” Burgin said. “But I knew I wanted to make it better. I didn’t want to be stagnant. I didn’t want the program to be status quo. You always want to do something better than the people before you. I think that’s how you grow, not just as an individual, but it’s how you grow the program.”

Despite challenges throughout the seasons, including injured starters and a global pandemic, Burgin found a way to grow as a coach each season. She relied on the lessons she carried with her from standout coaches as a player and the support of C-SC basketball alumni. She drew from memorable moments with her father in the family’s gravel driveway, becoming frustrated as she dribbled the basketball on the uneven surface. It would improve her ball handling, her father told her. It became a valuable lesson in navigating circumstances that weren’t always ideal.

“Just like society in general, you have to keep up. You have to keep pushing forward,” she said. to understand that what I did 10 years ago is not going to be the same as what I am going to do now. That is how you really grow as a coach.”

Women’s Basketball Coach looks back on 10 Years of Wildcat Success

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Over the last decade, Burgin has led the program through a number of impressive seasons, including a national tournament appearance. This year, her team earned the academic award for the best collective grade point average of all the women’s athletic teams on campus. Both on and off the court, it has been a 10-year period of growth and improvement.

“If you ask some of my past players, especially the team during my first year, they say I’ve gotten softer,” she laughed. “When I first came in, I was 25 years old. I was close in age to a lot of these young ladies. So having to be in a leadership role, I was much firmer with them to set the expectation. I wouldn’t go back and change anything. They helped build the expectations, the culture, and the understanding of what it is to be a women’s basketball player here at CulverStockton. That’s pretty special.”

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ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Cracking the Code: Culver-Stockton College students working to decode the blueprint of life in genomics course.

Since 2009, Culver-Stockton College students have been rising to the challenge of making science less mysterious through their involvement with genomics, the study of the entire DNA code that makes up an organism.

Assistant Professor of Biology Sarah Reardon teaches the experiential learning course spanning both the 12-week and 3-week term of the semester. Reardon said students have the opportunity to use biotechnology and computer and mathematical processes (bioinformatics) to make predictions about bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria), and their interaction with bacteria. Genomics is used to help researchers understand how the phages infect the bacteria and how bacteria defend themselves against the phages.

“The students are learning about phages by going out, finding them, isolating them, and purifying them while learning lab techniques and concepts along the way. The students, taking the role of researchers, are not only completing projects for academic credit but are contributing to the worldwide knowledge of phages. It’s a relatively new field, and the more that we know about phages, the more we learn.”

SARAH REARDON ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

Reardon said students in the course are tasked first to identify sequences between the DNA of phages and bacteria using a variety of methods, including comparative genomics, blast sequencing, and other analysis websites. The student researchers then decode, or annotate, their sequential findings

and submit those predictions to GenBank, the National Institutes of Health’s open-access sequence database.

The second, one-hour sequential course helps students hone their skills in writing their abstracts for publishing and presenting during the three-week session.

At the close of the 2023 course, students created posters of their research to present their findings at the Missouri Academy of Science and the Science Education AlliancePhage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) annual meeting.

Reardon said some students enrolled in the course receive internships, including some with NSF-funded research experiences at major universities, Ph.D. assistantships, and internships with organizations such as Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and Quincy Medical Group.

“Laboratory internships like that have provided them a better understanding of things they can do in the medical field that are adjacent,” she noted. “Virology is a field that more students really need to pursue because when you think of viral diseases, that is increasingly devastating in our healthcare system.”

Reardon said the course is useful for any student planning a career anywhere in the medical field, with opportunities to develop skills in conducting and presenting research, even as a first-year college student.

“It’s a huge step ahead,” she said. “They are then able to carry those skills throughout their college career and into their professional career.”

Pictured above (left to right): Nathan Lopez , Millen Patel , Hunter Goehl , with Professor Sarah Reardon present at SEA-PHAGES annual meeting.

STUDENTS OF PROMISE MEET THE graduates

The class of 2023 spent nearly half their college years learning during the pandemic, experienced the introduction of AI, and are facing a dynamic world. Read below to hear from six of our newest graduates, and you will quickly learn that they are mindful, curious, and tenacious. To our students of promise, this world is ready for you.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in your chosen field? Completing Genomics through the SEA-PHAGES program built my confidence as an independent researcher and inspired me to pursue bioinformatics.

Next Steps: UMKC to pursue a Master’s degree in Genomic Bioinformatics.

As you write your #CSCWildcatStory, what are some moments or key characters you are thankful for? Every class with Dr. El-Bermawy taught me so much and encouraged me to pursue higher education. He was the best teacher and a great advisor. His classes prepared me for my future career by involving applicable skills and discussing real-life issues.

I’m proud to be a C-SC alumna because I feel very prepared to continue into the next chapter of my life. Culver-Stockton provided a lot of opportunities for learning and professional development that will allow me to succeed in my career.

Eduardo Garcia ’23

What inspired you to pursue a degree in your chosen field? Business has always been a passion of mine and I have always found it very interesting.

Next Steps: Currently enrolled in the MBA program at C-SC and seeking employment in management, marketing, or business development.

As you write your #CSCWildcatStory, what are some moments or key characters you are thankful for? I worked in the Admission Office for four years and the team was always positive and extremely welcoming.

I’m proud to be a C-SC alumnus because it is a unique college that gives you hands-on experiences while being home away from home.

Hannah Husted ’23

What inspired you to pursue a degree in your chosen field? I had teachers who changed my life growing up, and I want to be that teacher for my students.

Next Steps: Teach early childhood education, preferably preschool.

As you write your #CSCWildcatStory, what are some moments or key characters you are thankful for? Working as a student caller in the Alumni Office taught me many life skills. The staff was always there when I needed to talk and supported me in many different ways. I learned the importance of making connections and networking.

I’m proud to be a C-SC alumna because the College supported me every step of my collegiate career, and I will never forget what they did for me.

Ava Hammons ’23

Jorge Mateo Gonzalez ’23

What inspired you to pursue a degree in your chosen field? Everyone always remembers their favorite teachers and the ones that changed their lives. I want to be that teacher for students one day!

Next Steps: Social Studies teacher at Austin Middle School (Amarillo, TX)

As you write your #CSCWildcatStory, what are some moments or key characters you are thankful for? Early classes in the History department definitely shaped my educational experience. The detail of studying history was something I’d never experienced in a public school classroom. It was breathtaking and made studying history more of something I craved rather than something required. I’m thankful for the education faculty and education courses that involved real-life scenarios like, Classroom Management and all the Field Experience classes, because I gained hands-on experience.

I’m proud to be a C-SC alumnus because C-SC gave me endless opportunities to benefit myself in all aspects of life!

What inspired you to pursue a degree in your chosen field? I’ve always had a passion for helping others and was interested in pursuing a career in medicine. When I shadowed at a dentist’s office and learned the important role they play in our lives, I knew I would pursue a career in dentistry.

Next Steps: KCU College of Dental Medicine

As you write your #CSCWildcatStory, what are some moments or key characters you are thankful for? My science professors played a huge role in my education. They were super supportive and helpful in my journey. I loved the focus on experiential learning, and I was able to travel to Belize and Guatemala, which was an awesome experience. Other classes that really shaped me were Genomics Research, Service Learning/Community Action, and my two capstone classes.

I’m proud to be a C-SC alumna because of the commitment that was made to better me as an individual, which helped me to pursue my career in dentistry.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in your chosen field? I wanted to pursue creative outlets so I could inspire others to be creative.

Next Steps: Move to Chicago to form new connections

As you write your #CSCWildcatStory, what are some moments or key characters you are thankful for? Dr. Alissa Burger has done so much for the students. She’s always there not only to listen to problems but also to find solutions. She always works to make real, effective changes to benefit students.

I’m proud to be a C-SC alumnus because I grew as a person, as a student, and as a member of society.

Katelyn Felt ’23

Noah Klauser ’23

A LIFETIME OF Leadership

Retiring chairman Ronald W. Leftwich ’64 leaves a rich legacy of service

Ronald W. Leftwich is a soft-spoken man – a rather reserved southern gentleman, clad in cowboy boots and with a friendly smile always on his face. With many of the characteristics of his favorite Steiff teddy bears, Ron is timeless, values tradition, is generous in compassion, and is beloved by everyone he meets.

He has led an inspiring life, but he is content to remain behind the scenes and redirect the spotlight humbly.

For Leftwich, life isn’t about what you say you’ve done. Life is about just doing. And that speaks volumes for the man who has been committed for more than six decades to Culver-Stockton College.

After 33 years, Leftwich, who now lives in Houston, Texas, decided to retire from the College’s Board of Trustees, where he most recently served as chairman. As he passes the torch of leadership, Leftwich will take with him a wealth of memories that began when he was a young man, stepping onto the liberal arts college campus for a fresh start.

FINDING HIS PLACE

It was the summer of 1961. Leftwich had finished his first year of college at Rocky Mountain College in Montana. He had struggled with his academic focus. His mother, a schoolteacher, and father, a grocery store manager, suspected it might be the distance from their Elsberry, Missouri home that was clouding his focus. They encouraged him to find something closer.

“So, we stopped at Culver-Stockton, and the admission director was a man by the name of Mr. Pilcher. He was also a high school basketball referee who had refereed a number of games I played in high school. Because he knew who I was, and I knew who he was, there was a nice connection there,” Leftwich said. “Because of him and what I saw on the campus when I was there, I knew this would work.”

It did work. Leftwich settled in at C-SC while majoring in business and economics. He joined a fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, which he said helped him form friendships and make lasting memories. One of those moments happened in 1964, his senior year. Preparing for the homecoming parade, he and his fraternity brothers spent countless hours creating a float that was an exact replica of the campus at the time.

Graduated with a B.S. in Business & Economics

1961 1964 1986 1964-2002

Enrolled at C-SC

Worked at Shell Oil Company

Established Wayne B. and Dorothy E. Leftwich Endowed Scholarship

Leftwich with “Trustee” the bear he received as a retirement gift from the Board of Trustees

“We worked on that float for weeks. The night before homecoming, we stayed up all night doing all the finishing touches. It covered a great big wagon. It had all the buildings, and it was covered with artificial grass. It had the hills and everything,” he said. “I drove the tractor, and we pulled it in the parade. It won first prize, and the college wanted to hold on to it as long as they could, so it sat out on the campus for weeks.”

“Culver-Stockton gives you an education across a wide area that allows you to be able to talk with anybody, anytime, anywhere, and feel comfortable,” he said. “I think that did as much for me as anything. It piqued my curiosity and made me want to learn more. It helped me to realize how big the world is and what there is to learn about it.”

Leftwich said the education at Culver-Stockton was more than just textbook learning. In the years that would follow his college years, he learned to appreciate the professors’ approach to preparing their students for how to deal with life in general. There was also an emphasis on civic engagement, and he was frequently presented with opportunities to give back to the community as a college student.

“As you probably would hear from any of the kids I went to school with, they all would probably tell you that we weren’t the best academically. We didn’t necessarily end up with the best grades,” he laughed. “But we ended up with what was a great education that’s taken us a long way in our lives. And that is what Culver-Stockton is about.”

There would be many more memories that Leftwich would hold dear over the years, and as he recounts his education, nearly 60 years later, he shares that he is most appreciative of the supportive environment that taught him how to connect with anyone and form relationships to solve problems.

Drawing back to his last days as a college student, Leftwich turned his sights to his career. Near the end of the first semester, he spent his evenings typing letters of interest to over 40 companies, one of those being Shell Oil Company. Although they initially denied his application, the company soon reconsidered Leftwich’s application after the Missouri State Employment Service helped secure an 1989

2008

1990

Named as a member of the Board of Trustees

Honored as a distinguished alumnus of C-SC

Established Madelyn (Kay) Leftwich Ward Teacher Education Scholarship

1963 Sigma Phi Epsilon Float

interview. Ten days after graduation, Leftwich accepted a position with Shell that launched a 38-year career lasting until his retirement in 2002 as the company’s treasurer.

As a professional, his desire to help others expanded greatly, becoming active with service opportunities around the Houston area. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, the United Way, and other outreach organizations. For his contributions, the city of Houston proclaimed Sept. 10, 2002, as a day in his honor.

Leftwich ties his well-rounded education and serving others to the foundation he received at C-SC; he also said this was one of the contributing factors that led to his longevity with Shell.

Giving Back to “the Hill”

As Leftwich progressed in his career, the memories of Culver-Stockton were never far from his mind. It was his intention that when it was financially feasible for him to do so, he would give back.

He established his first scholarship for the college in 1986, the Wayne B. and Dorothy E. Leftwich Scholarship, honoring his parents for their dedication and sacrifices they made for his education.

“I thought, this is a way to do two things. One, to honor them. And two, to help the college as the years go on,” he said. “College costs a lot –even back then, it did. So many people helped me get through school through scholarships, and I felt like I needed to give back. We have to have good people come from behind us to fill in the blanks, replacing other people and bringing new ideas and new thoughts. We need to be able to help the people coming up behind us. It’s a nice thing to be able to say you helped somebody get a step further.”

Just three years after establishing the scholarship honoring his parents, Ron honored his sister Kay Ward ’68 by creating the Madelyn (Kay) Leftwich Ward Teacher Education Scholarship to support students pursuing a career as educators. In 2012, Ron set out to honor the love of his life, Susie, in the best way he could imagine: by investing in students of promise. The Susan V. Leftwich Spirit of Culver-Stockton College Award is bestowed annually to a student who demonstrates the true spirit of Culver-Stockton College through academic success, campus participation, and spreading the enjoyment of the experience of attending C-SC.

Throughout his 37 years of scholarship support to his alma mater, Leftwich said he has enjoyed following the recipients of the various scholarships, seeing where their

2010

2009

2011

2010

Founded Business Leadership Exchange

Elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Established Senior Class Challenge

Leftwich Plaza Dedicated

life paths have taken them, and watching them return, in gratitude, the help they once received. He said those moments exemplify the mission of Culver-Stockton.

“That’s what the college has always been about,” he said. “It’s always been about us being a group of people rather than a whole lot of individuals.”

In addition to financial support, Leftwich was part of another project that honored his parents on campus. He and Susie, as well as his sister, Kay Ward, and her husband, Frank, funded the Dorothy E. and Wayne B. Leftwich Memorial Plaza, a landscaped and stone space for campus visitors to enjoy.

dedicated as much time as he could while he traveled the world with his job at Shell to understand the needs of the college. When he became chairman of the board in 2009, he said he focused on recognizing a changing world for students and ensuring that college administrators had the tools they needed to move the college forward. He was also instrumental in developing opportunities where students, faculty, and staff could meet with the trustees in an effort to foster cohesiveness across the campus.

“We as a college are more closely knit, and I think that starts with the trustees,” he said.

When Leftwich joined the College’s Board of Trustees in 1990, he did so under three guiding principles – share your wealth, share your expertise, and share your time. He

As a trustee, Leftwich also funded and helped develop the college’s Business Leader Exchange Program, which seeks to connect community business leaders with students on campus. The twofold purpose of the program is to expose Culver-Stockton’s curricular preparation and future talent pool to outside industries while also allowing

2012

2013 2018

2023

Established Susan V. Leftwich Spirit of Culver-Stockton College Award Received Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

Inducted to the Order of Founders

Retired as Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Dorothy E. and Wayne B. Leftwich Memorial Plaza

Jim Lipka ’76 and Ron Leftwich at a college fair in Texas

pictured with Kirstin Jannin ’23, 2023 recipient

students to further explore career possibilities. The success of the program has sparked several other initiatives on campus, including the Experiential Learning Program (EXP), the travel study program, and internship opportunities. It was this movement on campus, Leftwich said, that really elevated the dynamic of C-SC.

Honoring a Legacy

Throughout his years of service, Leftwich was honored several times for his contributions to the Culver-Stockton community. He was honored as a distinguished alumnus in 2008 and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2013. In recognition of his commitment to the college, he was inducted into the Order of the Founders Circle in 2018.

encouraged the graduates to draw on the life skills they have learned on “the Hill,” always to be kind, and to daydream.

“The door for your world is waiting to be opened,” he told the class. “You hold the future in your hands.”

Upon retirement, the Board of Trustees presented Leftwich with three parting gifts: a unique 1930 antique bear wearing a Wildcat tee that read “Leftwich ’64” on the back, the distinguished title of Chairman Emeritus, and a Culver-Stockton College leather booklet. Within the booklet, these words were printed, “The Ronald W. Leftwich ’64 Chairman Emeritus Endowed Scholarship.” With humility in his heart and tears in his eyes, Leftwich learned that countless individuals endowed a scholarship to honor his legacy of enduring care, faithful service, leadership, and commitment to Culver-Stockton College.

Before departing, Leftwich was presented with another great honor – the opportunity to address the 2023 graduating class as the keynote speaker during commencement. He

It isn’t the accolades for what he has achieved, however, that Leftwich said he will cherish when he looks back over the three decades he spent serving on the board. He said his proudest accomplishment is the “students we sent out into the world.” For Leftwich, success isn’t measured by what he did but rather by what a team of compassionate, dedicated people accomplished collectively to make Culver-Stockton College a better place.

“I just hope that the atmosphere that we built felt like to the leadership team and the trustees that the world out there was ours to capture -- we just had to do it together,” he said. “It wasn’t me. It was us. I just happened to get to be in a chair that had a title on it, but I was just one of many who made a difference.”

Larry Gorrell ’69 and Ron Leftwich inducted into the Order of the Founders Circle

Leftwich addressing the class of 2023

A LOVE FOR BEARS

The love for teddy bears originated when Ron met Susie in 1993 at a shop called “Stuffed & Stuff” in Houston, Texas, where she was a teddy bear maker. Collecting teddy bears eventually became a cherished activity for the couple, who have amassed about 1,200 handmade bears over the course of their marriage and have shared them with his son David, daughter-in-law Tara, and granddaughter Eliot.

THE HAND-OFF

HB Turner ’79 accepted the nomination for chairman after serving as treasurer. He began his duties on July 1, 2023, after working side-by-side with Leftwich for months leading up to the transition.

“As an alumnus and board member, it is my distinct privilege to lead this institution through the next transition. Through Ron’s vigilance, we have been able to carefully select the right president for Culver-Stockton College for each season, and I am confident that as we look forward to this next presidency, we will be wellpositioned for growth, innovation, and continuing the mission of educating students of promise.”

Turner, who resides in the Kansas City area, earned a bachelor of science in business, then found success as an entrepreneur. He has served on the board since 2004 and regularly gives back to the college by connecting students with alumni for internships, speaking in classrooms, and most notably, contributing to capital campaigns to leave a lasting impact on the campus footprint. In April 2022, the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center was completed as a joint gift from HB and board member Scott Johnson.

Professionally, Turner completed a 35-year-long career with Heatron, Inc., where he served as the company’s President and CEO and shepherded the company as they became part of the Swedish public company Global Leader NIBE Inustrieer AB, a worldwide leader in the heating element market. In January 2018, he retired from Heatron, and became the primary owner and Chairman of Peachtree Lighting, a manufacturer of LED lighting fixtures sold to commercial and industrial specification markets throughout the USA and and the world.

Donations WORK at

24 HOURS OF GIVING

For 24 hours beginning at noon on March 16, Wildcats around the globe united for the largest one-day giving campaign in our college’s history. A true testament to the connectivity of Culver-Stockton College relationships, alumni business owners kicked off the campaign with a day of dining and donation, and raised awareness as individuals vistited their establishments to support student scholarships. New this year, HeBrews XI Coffee and Electric Fountain Brewing Coffee Company supported the efforts offering donation opportunities on site to attract additional funds. In total, 347 donors participated in the event to raise $205,160 for the Student Scholarship Fund!

NEW CARPET IN ALL FAITHS CHAPEL

Constructed in 1976, the All Faiths chapel is used for small group services, study group, and a quiet place for reflection. We are grateful to the Lauren Shannan Redman Endowment, along with an anonymous donor, who graciously provided funding for new carpet in this space.

Photo: Students enjoy new flooring in the All Faiths Chapel

Culver-Stockton College students are piloting a new internship opportunity provided through a partnership between the college and Tri-State Development. Already attracting local and national attention, the 12-week internship program will begin in the fall of 2023. The internships are structured to help participants learn more about the process and outcome of economic and community development, as well as the impact of government affairs.

Leslie Sieck, Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at Culver-Stockton College and Executive Director of Tri-State Development, said the pilot program aims to connect students with communities and community leaders within the region. Through direct participation in Tri-State Development task forces and meetings, students will work alongside leaders who are making important decisions and steering vital conversations in economic development-focused decision-making.

“Interns in the program will also compile research and present their findings in various ways, including through blogs, infographics, and whitepapers,” Sieck said. “They will have the opportunity to take what they learn and create content for social media and engage their peers and community members in advocacy for what they discover and for what becomes important to them.”

SHARE LESSONS OF POSITIVITY INDUCTEES

There was a common theme woven through the words of speakers at Culver-Stockton College’s (C-SC) recent Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

As honorees addressed the guests, their stories spoke of how the alumni athletes overcame adversity during their years playing sports at C-SC. It was clear the mission of the college laid the foundation for the valuable lessons the former athletes carried with them into the future.

Inductee Jennifer (Gillman)

Durst ’96 was part of the 1994-95 women’s basketball team, and recalled the Wildcats finding victory, finishing the regular season with an overall 27-5 record and bringing the college’s basketball program to the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament for the second time in its history. There were challenges, however, including the loss of C-SC Hall of Fame head coach Kathy Turpin, who left at the start of the season for another position. Team members needed to adjust to a new head coach, Randy Clampitt ’91, who had been serving as assistant coach, and a new coaching style. It was then they learned that coming together would help them conquer the adversity they faced.

“Proverbs says that iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another, and we sharpened each other,”

2023 Durst told the ceremony attendees. “These guys are just overcomers and that’s what we did all season long. As a team, we just got momentum going, and we weren’t going to let difficulties stop us.”

Clampitt, an inductee this year for his basketball coaching as well as achievements playing both baseball and basketball for C-SC, described his struggles of wavering academic enthusiasm as a student. “Grades were a little tough. I was struggling. I went home and told my mom that if I am not eligible for baseball, I’m probably not going back to school,” he said. “Mom said, ‘Well, you better get eligible because you’re going back’.”

Clampitt said his parents and the support from the coaches helped him overcome his academic challenges, leading to completion of his degree.

“Sports teaches us so much. It teaches us to persevere,” said inductee Barb Nutt, ’85, who was honored for her accomplishments with both volleyball and basketball programs.

Nutt said

Dr. Judy Favor ’87 shared stories of determination and resilience she heard during the ceremony that were familiar to the sentiments of her sorority sister, Jennifer (Brown) Leftwich ’90, and her husband Greg, who have become known throughout the campus community for their mindset of positivity.

“Culver-Stockton College has been an important part of my life story. You all continue to add to the generations of young people and their life story. I am so grateful and honored to add to my Culver-Stockton story here tonight,” she told the crowd.

“Let’s all continue living a great story.”

“You learn so much more from losing than you ever do from winning,”

Culver-Stockton College has been an important part of my life story. You all continue to add to the generations of young people and their life story.

- Dr. Judy Favor ’87

RANDY CLAMPITT ’91

Randy Clampitt was a four-year starter with the Wildcat baseball team from 1984-1988. He returned during the 1990-91 school year and played one year with the Wildcat basketball program, helping the Wildcats to their only Heart of America Athletic Conference title. On the baseball diamond, Clampitt was a superb infielder and was named to the all-conference team three times and the all-district team twice, including first team in 1988. Clampitt finished his career with 33 home runs, still topping the all-time list. He was also the head coach of the 1994-95 women’s basketball team and helped lead them to a 27-5 record and an appearance at the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament for the second time in its history.

DR. JUDY FAVOR ’87

Dr. Judy Favor enters the Hall of Fame for professional accomplishments in the field of athletics. In the Zone Training, Inc. CEO and founder, Favor is no stranger to success. She has distinguished herself as an award-winning professional coach, scholar, educator, and speaker. As the lead contact and facilitator for all consulting initiatives, she has developed high performing teams and leaders for over 25 years, first learning how to build, lead, and motivate high performing teams as an NCAA head softball coach. Her college coaching accolades include leading her teams to five consecutive NCAA Regionals and one Final Four, earning four Coach-of-the-Year awards, and being inducted into the Athletic Halls of Fame at Columbus State (Ga.) and Southeast Missouri State University.

BARB NUTT ’85

Barb Nutt was a two-sport athlete at Culver-Stockton in volleyball and basketball. During her time on the volleyball court, the team increased its win total each season, including a 37-6 mark her senior year, and finished with a .674 winning percentage. Nutt was named to the Heart of America Athletic Conference all-conference team as an honorable mention as a freshman and earned first team honors in 1982 and 1983.

On the basketball court, the Wildcats posted a .686 winning percentage during Nutt’s time, including back-to-back undefeated (14-0) conference championships in 1984 and 1985. She was named to the honorable mention all-conference team as a senior, second team as a sophomore, and honorable mention all-district as a freshman. During her tenure, Nutt pulled down 809 career rebounds, which is currently third on the school’s all-time list.

1994-95 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

Congratulations to the 1994-95 women’s basketball team for their induction into the C-SC Athletic Hall of Fame. Several members were recognized for their play during the season. Eva Hostmeyer ’98, a transfer, was the team’s leading scorer and named “Heart Newcomer of the Year.” Jessica Langenbahn ’98 was named “Heart Freshman of the Year.” Hostmeyer, Langenbahn and junior point guard Cathy Shoup ’96 were named to the all-conference first team, while Shoup was lauded as a NAIA All-American honorable mention selection. Shoup, a C-SC Athletic Hall of Famer, set the school single-season record for assists that year.

(Left to right) Gene Hall, Randy Clampitt ’91, Merry Spain ’98, Sara Miller ’98, Brenda (Roberts) Loudermilk ’97, Jennifer (Gillman) Durst ’96, Amber (Law) Campen ’99, Andrea (Ryan) Dabney ’95, Cathy Shoup ’96, (second row) Eva Hostmeyer ’98, Carie (Boudreau) Logsdon ’99

TURNING theTASSEL

“You never know what adventure awaits until you say yes,” graduating senior Ahmed “AB” Barrow said as he addressed his classmates during the senior challenge. “At one moment in time, we all said yes to attending C-SC and began this journey to live out different experiences.” This class of Wildcats spent nearly half of their undergraduate years during a global pandemic, completed many of their courses through distance learning, came of age during the launch of digital automation, and as a group, has been tabbed as the most adaptive and inclusive generation yet. This class of graduates acquired scholarly knowledge through adversity and prioritized individual outcomes to impact a dynamic world. These students of promise turned the tassel proudly.

The College’s 167th Commencement was held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, and 188 undergraduate and 29 graduate degrees were conferred. Wildcats earned degrees in 45 majors and countless minors, and these students hailed from across the United States and five other countries.

Following Barrow’s student challenge, Mr. Ron Leftwich ’64 provided the keynote address entitled “The Future is in Your Hands.” Both speakers encouraged graduates to focus on matters of importance, positively impact the world, and take action. Leftwich motivated the graduates by recalling his life experiences and how his C-SC education has served him well. Beyond academics, he credited the experiences gained on “the Hill” for providing him with life skills that led him to achieve happiness in life, which he invited graduates to reflect upon so they could make decisions for their future. Telling a fable of a dove and a fortune teller, Leftwich concluded, “You hold the future in your hands, and many opportunities are awaiting you!”

Get to know three of our recent graduates as they share a piece of their #CSCWildcatStory

AHMED “AB” BARROW, B.S. PSYCHOLOGY

“My psychology courses, specifically counseling and social psychology, really shaped who I became here on “the Hill.” The interpersonal communication and religion courses taught me a lot. I learned how to communicate better, driving my desire to become a pastor while pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.”

Inspired by his love for people, Barrow will continue his education to earn a Master’s in Counseling in hopes of becoming an advocate for future clients.

BRITINA CONDREN, B.S. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

“I’m proud to be a Culver-Stockton College graduate because I am able to join the amazing alumni who have assisted me along my path!”

A non-traditional student, Britina Condren chose C-SC when she learned of our impressive job placement rankings. She credits many instructors for the positive impact they have made on her journey, both academically and personally, by encouraging her to define herself. Condren has accepted a position with Great River Health as a Human Resources Business Partner.

MARIEME SALL, B.S. ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

“I’m proud to be a C-SC graduate because of the bonds I created. These relationships have opened so many doors for me. I found mentors during my time on campus, which I know will always have my best interest in mind.”

Sall has accepted a teaching position at Lawson Elementary in St. Louis, Missouri. She credits her education courses, handson experience, and continued feedback from the faculty for her ability to learn and develop as an educator. She looks forward to returning to her hometown to teach the 3rd grade and make a difference in students’ lives.

1960s

REV. MICHAEL DIXON ’64 of St. Louis, Mo., recently retired after 55 years in the ministry. He is married to SANDY (MCBRIDE) DIXON ’65.

ALLAN L. JONES ’66 is the owner of Jewell Sign Company in Festus, Mo. He lives in Festus with his wife, Terri.

HAROLD ’66 and MARILYNN (HOLST) ’65 MAY reside in Johnsburg, Illinois where they are enjoying retirement. In the winter months they go to Arizona. Their eight grandchildren are keeping them busy with college graduations and weddings.

WILLIAM ILIFFE ’69 and his wife, Cindy, are surviving in Indiana at Woodededge Ranch with four miniature horses, four alpacas, one lamb and dogs. The ranch is near Auburn, Ind.

1970s

MICHAEL LANE ’71 spent 47 years in association management as owner and founder of PAMS, Inc. In 2020 he sold his business and retired. He lives with his wife, Darlene, in Springfield, Ill.

GARY LUEBBERS ’73 retired from the City of Sunnyvale, California as their city manager. He and his wife, Jeannie, have moved to Cave Creek, Ariz.

1980s

PHYLLIS L. CHAPMAN ’80 retired from the State of Missouri’s Division of Workforce Development, Dept. of Economic Development after 17 years. She lives in Union, Missouri and is enjoying her hobbies of genealogy, reading and Civil War re-enactment, including being a columnist for two hobby newsletters.

RITA (HYER) BROOKS ’84 retired from the Department of Defense on Dec. 31, 2022 after over 37 years of civilian service. She started as a clerk typist at the Army Corps of Engineers’ Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Ill. in February 1985. She transferred to the

hospital then to the contracts office at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Ill. before returning to CERL. The majority of her career was spent as a contract specialist where she wrote, negotiated, and administered service and research contracts, grants, and agreements. She received multiple awards including Achievement Medals and the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.

RANDY ’84 and Kate GRAY recently visited Steamboat Springs, Colorado in addition to multiple trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The couple reside in Columbia, Mo.

BARBARA (DODD) PERKINS ’85 is a customer service associate for FISERV and lives in Jefferson City, Mo.

1990s

BRYAN SPENCER ’90 was named Florida’s Middle School Teacher of the Year (6-8 grade) within the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Bryan teaches social sciences at Yulee Middle School.

2000s

BILL ’03 and SARA (DAVIS) ’02 SKAR live in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. with their three children. Bill is an English teacher and the director of theater at Simley High School. Sara is the administrative assistant to the school board and the superintendent of District 112. She is also a freelance director in the Twin Cities.

REBECCA (WOOD) REYNOLDS ’07 and her husband, Jimmy live in Riverton, Ill. Rebecca is the Director of Child Care at Memorial Health in Springfield, Ill.

2010s

RADAZAIH “COOKIE” WHITTINGTON ‘17 opened Royal Horizon Vending, a beauty supply vending machine on the campus of C-SC in April of 2023. The vending machine provides beauty and health products to minority students on campus.

WEDDINGS

AVERY (JOHNSON) BENNETT ’19 and Brett Bennett were married July 16, 2022 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy, Ill. Culver-Stockton alumni in the wedding party included HANNAH (HOLLOCK) ECHEL ’19 and AUTUMN (FLOREA) WILKENS ’20

Tempestt Christian and RYAN

CHRISTIAN ’03 were married Nov. 5, 2022. Culver-Stockton alumni in the wedding included JASON RICHMOND ’03, JULIAN RODRIGUEZ ’03, BRENT HICKENBOTTOM ’00, and NATHAN SPARKS ’05. They reside in Palmyra, Mo. Ryan is the director of the C-SC Marching Band.

HANNAH (HOLLOCK) ’19 and JOHN ECHEL ’17 were married July 23, 2022. John and Hannah reside in Festus, Mo.

MELANIE (EILERS) ’19 and DANIEL FOHEY ’20 were married June 4, 2022. Maid of Honor was SARAH SPARROW ’19 and flower dudes were JAYDEN HAPPEL ’19 and JIMMY HEISSE ’18. They were married by former volleyball coach, Caren Kemner. They recently bought their first house in Hannibal, Mo.

BIRTHS

A daughter, Auriella Cox, was born to MISSY (TANNER) ’12 and JORDAN COX ’11 on April 12, 2023. She joins older siblings, Aurora and Nicholas. The Cox family resides in Oro Valley, Ariz.

A son, Riggs Anthony Echel, was born to HANNAH (HOLLOCK) ’19 and JOHN ECHEL ’17 on March 31, 2023. He joins older sister, Shea Lynn Echel. They reside in Festus, Mo.

A daughter, Noah Marie Hogan, was born to JORDAN (EPPERSON) ’12 and ANDREW HOGAN ’14 on March 18, 2022. Noah joins older sister Drew Harper Hogan. The Hogan family resides in Moscow Mills, Mo.

Grandparents are STEVE ’85 and JONI (THOMPSON) ’87 EPPERSON and TIM and SANDRA (HENKE) ’90 HOGAN.

A son, Callum James Lowenstein, was born to DANIELLE (HAUER) ’11 and Connor LOWENSTEIN May 16, 2023. Photo by Erin Fluchel Photography. The Lowenstein family resides in Chesterfield, Mo.

A son, Roan John McBride, was born May 28, 2023 to JOHNATHAN ’14 and Nichole MCBRIDE. He joins older sister, Charley. The McBride family resides in Mesa, Ariz.

Twin sons, Rogan and Graham McVey were born to KAITLIN (SPARROW) ’15 and MATTHEW MCVEY ’14 on March 4, 2023. The McVey family resides in Peoria, Ill.

A son, Cade Thomas Moore, was born to COURTNEY (CAHALAN) ’13 and Paul MOORE on Oct. 1, 2022. He joins older brother, Quin, age 4. The Moore family resides in Boonville, Mo.

A daughter, Collyns Mae O’Bryan, was born to KRISTEN BRINGER ’18 and Grant O’BRYAN on Jan. 5, 2023. Proud grandparents are MIKE ’93 and TRACI ’95 BRINGER. The O’Bryan family resides in Palmyra, Mo.

A daughter, Willow Grace Palmer, was born to KRISTEN (BUTTIG) ’14 and Josh PALMER on Feb. 13, 2023. The Palmers live in Ursa, Ill.

A son, Stetson Andrew Ponder, was born to DANIELLE (WILCOXSON) and SHANE ‘18 PONDER on May 10, 2023. He joins older sister, Laynie. The Ponder family resides in Loraine, Ill.

A son, Benelli Pierce Sherwood, was born to CARA (JOB) ’19 and Dakota SHERWOOD on March 1, 2023. He joins older brother Coldyn. Grandmother is SUSAN (GAUS) JOB ’84. The Sherwoods reside in Canton, Mo.

A son, Ivan GerardTeskey III, was born to MEGAN (BLICKHAN) ’19 and IVAN TESKEY ’19 on April 26, 2023. The Teskey family resides in Fort Irwin, Calif.

A son, Oscar George Venvertloh, was born to BRANDI (SMITH) ’06 and Nick VENVERTLOH on Sept. 3, 2022. He joins older sisters, Millie and Hazel. The Venvertloh family resides in Quincy, Ill.

Twin sons, Clark and Kellen Webb, were born to ASHLEY (WOODCOCK) ’11 and ANTHONY WEBB ’10 on March 8, 2023. The twins join older sister Aria. The family resides in Chillicothe, Mo.

A son, Liam Wheeler, was born to JORDON ’16 and SHEALYNN (ELMORE) ’16 WHEELER on Dec. 8, 2022. The Wheeler family resides in Surprise, Ariz.

A son, Francis Alexander Williams, was born to ABBY (GRAWE) ’17 and ALEX ’16 WILLIAMS on Nov. 21, 2022. The Williams family resides in Maryland Heights, Mo.

A daughter, Sadie Elizabeth Schwarzer, was born to MICHAEL ’10 andTaylor SCHWARZER on March 2, 2023. She joins older siblings,Tyson (age 6) and Sloane (age 4). The Schwarzer family resides in Kanas City, Mo.

AVERY ’19 & BRETT BENNETT

TEMPESTT AND RYAN CHRISTIAN ’03

HANNAH ’19 & JOHN ECHEL ’17

MELANIE ’19 & DANIEL FOHEY ’20

COX

CAHALAN

ECHEL

HOGAN

LOWENSTEIN

MCBRIDE

O’BRYAN

PALMER

PONDER

SCHWARZER

SHERWOOD

TESKEY

MCVEY

VENVERTLOH WEBB

WHEELER WILLIAMS

CLASSES OF THE 1940s

EDNA MAE (STONE) BAXTER ’45

Crown Point, Ind. • Feb. 6, 2023

CAROL (KNIGHT) YAPLE ’47

Naples, Fla. • May 27, 2023

ELIZABETH (VAIL) LINDAHL ’48

Auburn, Ala. • March 31, 2023

MARJORIE (HYER) LOPEMAN ’48

Portland, Ore. • Jan. 18, 2023

HOPE (MOELLER) CAMPBELL ’49

Missoula, Mont. • March 13, 2023

HAROLD ERNST ’49

Princeton, Ill. • Dec. 3, 2022

CLASSES OF THE 1950s

DONNA (FOUTES) BUTLER ’50

Middletown, Mo. • Jan. 9, 2023

MARJORIE (SCHIFFMAN) DAVIS ’50

St. Louis, Mo. • Jan. 7, 2023

MARY (POULSON) JURRIES ’50

Tulsa, Okla. • March 23, 2023

ROBERT MILLER ’51

Quincy, Ill. • April 2, 2023

WILLIAM MUNNS ’51

New Richmond, Wis. • Jan. 5, 2023

NANCY (BRISTOL) PARKER ’51

New Richmond, Ohio • Oct. 14, 2022

JANE (HOWERTON) STEWART ’51

Louisville, Ky. • Feb. 15, 2023

MARY (LEACH) OLSON ’52

Okemos, Mich. • Dec. 27, 2022

SHIRLEE (ROWDEN) WESSLER ’53

Arenzville, Ill. • Dec. 4, 2022

MARY ELLEN (SMITH) HARTIGAN ’54

Culver City, Calif. • Feb. 20, 2023

JOANN (COLMAN) MARSH ’54

Wilmington, Del. • March 11, 2023

IN MEMORIAM

MARITA (PETZOLDT) MCCLYMONDS ’56

Charlottesville, Va. • March 2, 2023

DUANE L. MERRELL ’56

LaGrange, Mo. • Feb. 26, 2023

MARTHA (BONE) WEAVER ’57

Ballwin, Mo. • Dec. 31, 2022

CAROLYN (BROWN) WINSTON ’57

Chatham, Ill. • March 21, 2023

ROBERT MARCH ’58

Clayton, Ill. • June 5, 2023

V. DAVID MARR ’58

East Moline, Ill. • April 14, 2023

JOSEPH VOEGELI ’58

Rockbridge, Ill. • Nov. 10, 2022

TERRY FOLAND ’59

Astoria, Ill. • May 25, 2023

JAMES HURT ’59

Savoy, Ill. • Nov. 2, 2022

DAVID SAWDY ’59

Andover, Kan. • April 9, 2023

CLASSES OF THE 1960s

JAMES HARDIN ’61

Canton, Mo. • June 5, 2023

PATRICIA (DONOVAN) MARR ’61

East Moline, Ill. • March 12, 2023

MICHAEL ZENGE ’61

Albuquerque, NM • Jan. 14, 2023

JOYCE (CARY) FELDKAMP ’62

LaGrange, Mo. • Dec. 4, 2022

MARILYN (MYERS) SCHROEDER ’62

Quincy, Ill. • March 31, 2023

LAINE (BARRETT) SMITH ’62

Phoenix, Ariz. • Jan. 28, 2023

CAREEN (CURTIS) HAMMAN ’63

Longwood, Fla. • Mar. 14, 2023

LORENZ LEPPER ’65

Columbia, Mo. • Dec. 15, 2022

TALLIS LOCKOS ’65

St. Louis, Mo. • Nov. 11, 2022

WILLIAM ALBERTY ’66

Canton, Mo. • Dec. 25, 2022

ANDREW BOBER ’66

Elgin, Ill. • Dec. 16, 2022

THOMAS K. HOFFMANN ’66

Carterville, Ill. • May 7, 2023

CARL JACKSON ’66

Chesterfield, Mo. • Feb. 6, 2023

WALTER DUDEK ’69

Mountain Home, Ark. • Feb. 18, 2023

THEODORE LILLIE ’69

Charlotte, NC • Oct. 30, 2022

CLASSES OF THE 1970s

DENNIS BERGEMAN ’70

Port Clinton, Ohio • Feb. 17, 2023

CHERYL (LEE) DAVIS ’70

Milwaukee, Wis. • Oct. 27, 2022

MARK LIVERMORE ’70

Quincy, Ill. • Jan. 30, 2023

KENNETH BENTLEY ’71

Bloomington, Ill. • May 1, 2023

GEORGE EDWARDS ’71

Pelham, Ala. • Dec. 8, 2022

JACLYN KELLER ’71

Treasure Island, Fla. • Nov. 22, 2022

H. RAY SIGLER ’71

Highland, Ill. • May 9, 2023

JOHN TURKE ’71

Macomb, Ill. • March 17, 2023

WILLIAM BRISTOL ’72

Glendale, Ariz. • Nov. 18, 2022

continued on page 38

WILLIAM WELLER ’72

Port Orange, Fla. • Nov. 12, 2022

DONALD BUTCHER ’74

Westborough, Mass. • Dec. 13, 2022

EULALIO ESCOBEDO ’74

San Antonio, Texas • Jan. 30, 2023

JAMES HANING ’75

Altus, Okla. • Nov. 21, 2022

ANDREA (VAUGHN) OWSLEY ’75

Canton, Mo. • April 18, 2023

RONALD DEMPSAY ’76

Pelzer, SC • April 2, 2023

STEVEN PEACHER ’76

Aubrey,Texas • Feb. 11, 2023

MICHAEL JONES ’77

McQueeney,Texas • May 5, 2023

JAMES FAULKNER ’78

Port Lavaca,Texas • April 1, 2023

IN MEMORIAM

D. SCOTT GRIFFITH ’78

Maryville, Ill. • May 24, 2023

CLASSES OF THE 1980s

BRETT CLAY ’81

Tucker, Ga. • June 8, 2023

KENNETH CLUDRAY ’83

Durham, Mo. • Jan. 11, 2023

S. ABIGAIL (JOHNSON) LAUFER ’84

St. Louis, Mo. • Jan 23, 2023

JIM LONG ’85

Carrollton, Mo. • April 21, 2023

TODD MOREY ’86

O’Fallon, Mo • Dec. 26, 2022

CHARLES STRAIN ’89

Harrisburg, Mo. • April 12, 2023

LEE WILEY ’89

Elvaston, Ill • May 6, 2023

CLASSES OF THE 1990s

LORI FENTON ’94

Monroe City, Mo. • Nov. 23, 2022

RYAN WALKER ’98

O’Fallon, Mo. • May 19, 2023

CLASSES OF THE 2000s

COREY BRINGER ’00

Canton, Mo • Jan. 30, 2023

IAN COOPER ’02

Keokuk, Iowa • March 3, 2023

FORMER FACULTY

ROBERT GALLOWAY ’07

Retired Faculty Member

Keosauqua, Iowa • Dec. 11, 2022

HAVE YOU CHANGED JOBS, RETIRED, OR CELEBRATED A MILESTONE?

In addition to updates you submit, we compile information from a variety of sources: campus event notices, newspapers and magazine articles, press releases and, Google alerts. Please submit updates to alumni@culver.edu

Have you had a chance to check out CulverStockton College’s new online giving platform, UNITE C-SC? Here, you can learn more about exciting projects and initiatives on campus, make impact gifts to support student scholarships, and connect your targeted philanthropic priorities with innovative student and faculty-driven projects on “the Hill.”

With UNITE C-SC, alumni, parents, and friends of Culver-Stockton College can join together to fund inspirational projects. All gifts make a difference and, together, we can show the world just what we can do from high atop “the Hill.”

Visit

GIVE DIFFERENTLY

GET CREATIVE WITH HOW YOU SUPPORT

CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE

Kellen Craig ‘07

Kellen Craig ’07 shares that the personal liberal arts education he received has been invaluable to his work in corporate retirement plans, where he works as a TPA Channel Director for John Hancock, assisting administration and compliance firms across the Western Region of the U.S. “Having the opportunity to take a variety of classes with professors who were educating and challenging me while also knowing me made me appreciate and understand empathy and connection.” Craig received scholarship assistance as a student and said, “The support of a scholarship made an immense difference.”

Now, as an established professional, Craig is making an impact on the Wildcats of today. He says, “While financial giving is important, there are other ways in which alumni can support undergraduates. Staying connected with Greek organizations, athletics, and academic organizations by volunteering time is a huge asset. Providing updates on where you’re at in life, how you’re using your degree, and what opportunities exist after college in your field, can lead to potential internships and job openings for C-SC students; these are great ways to give back in ways that don’t involve making a financial gift.”

“If I can help provide a student some support to pursue opportunities to further his or her education while forging life-long connections and potentially changing their futures, then there is nothing comparable.”

-Kellen Craig is a 2007 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. Upon the death of his parents, Craig chose to establish an endowed scholarship through a life insurance policy to honor their encouragement to pursue higher education. While his parents never attended college, Craig chose to honor his parents by investing in future generations of C-SC students.

ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI TEAM

Marjorie Ellison ’90

Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni

mellison@culver.edu

573-288-6000 ext. 6541

Carla Boren ’83

Director

of

Advancement for Annual and Leadership Giving cboren@culver.edu

573-288-6000 ext. 6463

Susie Biggerstaff ’02 Administrator for Gifts and Stewardship

sbiggerstaff@culver.edu

573-288-6000 ext. 6320

The mission of Culver-Stockton College is to prepare students of promise for a dynamic world through our distinctive experiential curriculum within a supportive learning community founded upon the best values of faith and the human spirit.

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“ Culver-Stockton College made a profound impact on my life. I wouldn’t be who I am, where I am, or with the life-long friends I have without my time on ‘the Hill.’

One College Hill

Canton, MO 63435

800-755-CATS alumni@culver.edu