Culver-Stockton College Chronicle Summer 2016

CHRONICLE COMMENCEMENT 5 | VICTORY BELL 7 | PASSING THE TEST 21 | POST GRAD 23 | DONATIONS AT WORK 25 | CLASS NOTES 27 | GREEK LIFE UPDATE 33

Summer 2016

Volume 26

Issue 2

MAJOR MENTOR ONE C-SC ALUM PASSES ON HIS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, BOTH ON AND OFF THE COURT.

www.culver.edu 1

FROM THE TOP OF THE HILL

CHRONICLE CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE

Summer 2016

Vol. 26

Issue 2

The Culver-Stockton Chronicle is published by the C-SC Office of Marketing & Public Relations for alumni and friends to inform readers of campus happenings and give insight into the mission and philosophy of the College and the expertise of its leaders.

EDITORIAL STAFF Misty McBee ’02, M.S.Ed. Executive Director of Admission & College Marketing

President Thompson presenting Ben Darling ’16 with his diploma.

W

ith my second commencement ceremony in the books, I realized how very fortunate we are as an institution to be sending such well educated, community-minded graduates out into the world. As they leave behind their legacies on “the Hill,” they know they will forever be a part of a caring community. From the collaborative learning they experienced here and the personal relationships they developed with our faculty and staff, they now leave the College knowing that you, their alumni family, continue to support them in their endeavors.

As a student-centered institution, we pride ourselves on continually asking the question, “How do we enhance our students’ experience?” From the opening of the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Recreation and Wellness Center to the development of a new Crime Lab, we are always looking for ways to give our students the best experiences possible. We now have entire families, generations of families even, understanding that the Culver-Stockton College experience is a most important one. And, thanks to our alumni support, we continue to prepare students of promise for a dynamic world.

In this edition of the Chronicle we feature another phenomenal example of our distinctive experiential learning opportunities. A group of nineteen history and biology students experienced travel study in China. While there, they were given first-hand experiences with pharmaceutical companies and the lush history of China. Anyone can write up a presentation on the Great Wall, but our students gave their presentations while standing on the Great Wall! Our cover story will also warm your heart and shows just one of the many ways in which our graduates are making a difference. Also featured is Jason Stratton ’96 and his siblings who attended C-SC. What an amazing family and how grateful I am for Jason’s service on the Board of Trustees. And, I know you will enjoy reading about our 160th Commencement Exercise. Members of the Class of 2016 will attend prestigious medical and law schools and many are entering professions in teaching, nursing, business, criminal justice and the list goes on and on.

Please know how grateful I am to have such a dedicated and generous Board of Trustees and for the many alumni and friends that give their time, treasure and talent to advance the mission of Culver-Stockton College. The momentum continues because of you!

Best Wishes,

Follow @CSCPresident on Twitter!

1 Chronicle, Summer 2016

Amanda Welker Assistant Director of Marketing & Public Relations Laura Harcharick, MBA Marketing Coordinator Katherine Hunt Writer/Editor John G. Schild Sports Information Director

ADMINISTRATION Ronald W. Leftwich ’64 Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Kelly M. Thompson President Dr. Daniel K. Silber Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College ADVANCEMENT & ALUMNI Dr. Bill Sheehan Vice President for Advancement Jennifer Sousa ’04, MBA Director of Alumni Programs

Culver-Stockton College One College Hill Canton, MO 63435 Office of Advancement and Alumni (800) 755-CATS alumni@culver.edu

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

5

From the Top of the Hill

1

News Briefs

3

#CSCGrad

Victory Bell

7

Academic Affairs

10

On May 7, C-SC celebrated its 160th Commencement ceremony on “the Hill.”

From the Chaplain

19

Passing the Test

21

Post Grad 23

10

Donations at Work

25

In Memoriam

27

Travel Study to China

Class Notes

27

Greek Life Update

33

In the spring 3-week, a C-SC travel study course went halfway around the world to China to learn about chemistry and history. Here’s a look at their journey!

ON THE COVER Marshawn Norris ’14 takes a local Canton student under his wing and uses basketball as a way to connect.

CHRONICLE COMMENCEMENT 5 | POST GRAD 9 | VICTORY BELL 17 | GREEK LIFE UPDATE | PASSING THE TEST 25 | DONATIONS AT WORK | CLASS NOTES 27

Summer 2016

Volume 26

MAJOR MENTOR ONE C-SC ALUM PASSES ON HIS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, BOTH ON AND OFF THE COURT.

MISSION STATEMENT

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.

Issue 2

13

All in the Family

Jason Stratton ’96 serves on C-SC’s Board of Trustees, but he and his siblings also serve as one of the College’s largest legacy families.

www.culver.edu 2

NEWS BRIEFS

A GIFT OF SCHOLARSHIP The Bank of Monticello recently gave Culver-Stockton College a donation of $2,500 for the Student Scholarship Fund.

Pictured is Chad Porter, President and CEO of the Bank of Monticello, presenting the donation to President Thompson.

A Recap of Noteworthy Campus Accomplishments FOR MORE NEWS, GO TO CULVER.EDU.

TKE ELITES

WILDCATS GIVE BACK The Culver-Stockton College Athletic Department donated 476 items of food to the Canton Food Pantry located at the Canton Christian Church. Women’s Soccer coach Tyler Tomlinson ’03 and the Women’s Soccer program led the department-wide project to get Culver-Stockton College athletes involved in donating back to the Canton community. In its sixth year, the food drive asks each student from every athletic program and athletic training department to donate one can of food. With close to 430 student athletes on campus, the participation rate was 110 percent. Every athletic program and the athletic training department participated this year.

3 Chronicle, Winter Summer2016 2016 2015

For the first time in the history of the Zeta Pi Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon they are ranked #1 out of 250 chapters in the nation.

The brothers of the chapter, in conjunction with the Alumni Board, worked hard to meet all of their regional and national requirements to be named the #1 chapter in the country for Spring 2016. This is one of the greatest achievements of the Culver-Stockton Greek community.

PROJECT MOVE OUT C-SC students recently donated 3,000 pounds of clothing to The Salvation Army. With “Project Move Out,” boxes were placed on each residence hall floor as an opportunity for students to donate items instead of throwing away any unwanted articles of clothing.

NEWS BRIEFS

MCMA HONORS STUDENT NEWSPAPER STAFF The Megaphone staff received third place for Best Overall Newspaper in the Missouri College Media Association (MCMA) awards.

Other honors were given to Laura Johnson ’17, receiving Honorable Mention for her column submission, and Alex Martin ’16 receiving Honorable Mention for a graphic design layout submission.

SERVICE THROUGH ACTION

NATIONAL STUDENT ATHLETE AWARD Kati Davis ’16 was presented with the Emil S. Liston Award, which recognizes academic athletic excellence by student athletes in men and women’s basketball, at the NAIA National Convention on April 17, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo.

In the effort of civic awareness, community collaboration, experiential learning, ecotourism and teamwork, the Spring 2016 3-week course Community Action, planted trees, flowers and cleaned up landscaping in downtown Canton.

A FOND FAREWELL Two Culver-Stockton College professors, Dr. Jayme Long and Dr. Steve Long, have resigned following the end of the academic year. Steve has been a faculty member since 2002 and was currently a tenured associate professor of English.

Jayme joined C-SC’s faculty in 2005 as the coordinator of the Tutoring and Academic Support Center and instructor of English. She was full-time faculty as an assistant professor of English and director of Writing Across the Curriculum. The two, who are married and lived in Canton with their two children, have moved to Texas. The C-SC community will miss them.

NATIONALS BOUND The C-SC Enactus team advanced to Nationals this year after winning the regional division in Chicago, Ill. The entire Enactus team logged over 450 hours between four separate projects.

www.culver.edu 4

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM COMMENCEMENT AND OTHER EVENTS ON “THE HILL,” FOLLOW @CSC1853 ON INSTAGRAM.

5 Chronicle, Summer 2016

Drs. Kim Gaither ’79 (left) and Dell Ann Janney ’87 (right) hood newly conferred MBA graduate Amanda Smith.

160 Years of Excellence

M A R K E D AT C - S C ’ S 2 016 CO M M E N C E M E N T The Charles Field House was a buzz of excitement and pride as 160 years of exemplary education along with 170 undergraduate and four MBA degrees were conferred on Saturday, May 7, 2016.

As the 174 graduates lined up, the sense of accomplishment could be felt as they congratulated each other on the end of their journey on “the Hill.”

The ceremony opened with an invocation from C-SC Trustee Dr. Timothy James ’74. President Kelly M. Thompson then welcomed the graduates, their families, faculty and staff in attendance. She paid tribute to the 160 years of students that have graduated from C-SC. “I know that you are well prepared for success and leading lives of purpose,” Thompson said. “My only regret is that I’ve only seen two years of your growth, but it has been an amazing two years!”

Morgan Wilson of Mount Morris, Mich., was the student selected to represent the Class of 2016 to deliver the student challenge. Morgan earned a bachelor of science degree in biology with a pre-med advising track, and a minor in chemistry.

Her message entitled, “The Glory of Life,” was a thought provoking description of passionate involvement. The focus of her message was about the student body being

involved in tasks better than themselves.

She ended her speech with this simple challenge to the Class of 2016, “Remember, you are an ambassador of C-SC when you are out in this world.”

Scott Cisel, former CEO of Ameren Illinois and member of the Class of 1975, commanded the audience with a moving keynote address entitled, “C-SC: Courage, Success, Caring.” Cisel touched on the importance of taking what they had accomplished at C-SC and moving into their new futures, noting that success in life is about the student’s everlasting character.

The family support the students received while at C-SC would continue on in the next chapter of their lives.

“Life is about people, take the time to acknowledge the people who make life better and gratefully reach out to those people who have shaped your life,” Cisel stated.

There was a flood of excitement that permeated the Charles Field House when degrees were conferred. Students walked appreciatively across the stage, beaming with excitement as President Thompson handed students their diplomas with a congratulatory hug or handshake. The entire audience stood in honor and observance as the family of the late Mitsie Lynn Ginn ’16, walked across the stage

to accept her honorary diploma. Then graduate Kathyrn Hodge led the Culver-Stockton College centennial hymn, “Hail, Culver-Stockton.”

The Class of 2016 affirmed their preparedness for the future by moving their tassels from the left to the right of their mortarboard, in doing so they journey into the next phase of their lives.

Their tomorrow starts with knowing the education received at Culver-Stockton College will guide their success. Welcome to the Culver-Stockton College Alumni Family, Class of 2016!

Scott Cisel ’75, former CEO of Ameren Illinois, delivers his commencement address. www.culver.edu 6

VICTORY BELL

THE OLD HA AC IS NOT THE

NEW HEART ADDITIONS TO CONFERENCE TEAMS MEANS CHANGES TO LONG - STANDING CULVER - STOCKTON RIVALRIES.

By John Schild, Assistant Athletic Director & Sports Information Director Plenty of former Culver-Stockton College athletes can probably recall the epic battles with Central Methodist University and Missouri Valley College in various sports, which have shaped an intense rivalry between the schools for nearly 90 years.

With the expansion of the Heart of America Athletic Conference looming in 2016-17, those battles, which have been happening since the mid 1920’s, will be seen fewer, as rivalries all over the conference are expected to be disrupted. Familiar foes will cross each other’s battlefields less in season schedules.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference, which Culver-Stockton has been a member of since 1980, is expected to complete its expansion to 14 teams, which is the greatest number of schools to be a part of the conference at any one point in the 45-year history of the league. Clarke University (Iowa) and Mount Mercy University (Iowa) will join the league on July 1, joining Grand View University (Iowa) and William Penn University (Iowa), which entered the league on July 1, 2015.

The addition of the four Iowa schools marks the fourth time in 7 Chronicle, Summer 2016

the last 25 years the conference has added schools to the league.

Lindenwood University (Mo.) joined in 1996, Avila University (Mo.) joined in 2001 and Peru State (Neb.) came aboard in 2011 when Lindenwood and William Jewell College (Mo.) left for the “greener pastures” of NCAA Division II. Long-time Heart commissioner Larry Lady, who retired in June of 2014, was the catalyst for league expansion with Grand View and William Penn, saying in a 2014 press release that “he was instructed (by league presidents) to expand the conference and its geographic footprint.”

New commissioner Lori Thomas followed that footprint the following year, announcing Mount Mercy and Clarke would be joining the Heart for the 2016-17 school year saying, “With a strong desire to balance the athletics and academic interests of its student-athletes these two outstanding member institutions share the same values and further strengthens our conference.”

Stretching its boundaries northward, however, has created

VICTORY BELL MEE

challenges for a league that had its heart right in the center of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

One of those challenges is going to be travel where costs are going to be exorbitant with the league stretching nearly 500 miles from Dubuque, Iowa (Clarke), to Springfield, Mo. (Evangel).

The travel challenge creates a second concern that will, most notably, affect Culver-Stockton and Graceland.

With expanded distances between schools, the league will go to divisional play in most team sports to help offset the cost of travel.

That decision will break up long-standing rivalries that Wildcat athletic teams have built up over the last 35 years.

Culver-Stockton will play in the North Division with the five schools from Iowa (Graceland, Grand View, William Penn, Mount Mercy and Clarke) and Peru State. That decision will leave Graceland, which is an original member of the conference, as the only long-time rival for the Wildcats.

Long-time rivals Central Methodist and Missouri Valley, along with Avila, Baker, Benedictine, Evangel and MidAmerica Nazarene will play in the South Division. After decades of playing traditional rivalries with schools that have been in the Heart for 30 years or more, the Wildcats will find themselves competing against unfamiliar teams.

Sure, C-SC has faced the new schools in non-conference play, with pretty good success throughout the years, and that does have some people on campus excited.

“We have been working to build a better conference,” said C-SC Athletic Director Pat Atwell. “Many schools didn’t want to lose that natural rivalry they have had with other schools in the league, but sometimes you have to do what is good for the league itself. It (divisional play) will have many challenges, but I believe this could work out in favor of our athletic program. Once we are in place, I have every reason to believe things will be better for us as a department and institution.”

The hope for C-SC is better success at the conference level that will lead to more opportunities at the national level for the student athletes.

TEAMS OF T THE THE

Culver-Stockton College

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Benedictine University

Peru State College

Avila University

Graceland University

Grand View University

William Penn University

Central Methodist University

Evangel University

Baker University

MISSOURI VALLEY

Missouri Valley College

www.culver.edu 8

VICTORY BELL

WILDCATS

BY THE NUMBERS YEARLY ACCOLADES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM C-SC ATHLETICS.

48 33 16

NAIA SCHOLARATHLETES

ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

CASSIE BURRIS

LUCY CLARK

CONFERENCE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR (SOFTBALL)

CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK SELECTIONS

AMMUNIKI WOOD

CONFERENCE CONFERENCE MEDALIST NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN’S GOLF) (MEN’S VOLLEYBALL)

KAMRIN GOLD

RANDI LEE PLUNKETT

NAIA ALL-AMERICAN, WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

NAIA ALL-AMERICAN, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

9 Chronicle, Summer 2016

China

WILDCATS OF

FOLLOW C-SC STUDENTS ON A TRAVEL STUDY COURSE AS THEY EMBARK ON THE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME.

By Spencer Waters ’16

www.culver.edu 10

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Nineteen C-SC students along with Dr. Patrick Hotle, professor of history and travel study director, and Dr. Mohamed El-Bermawy, professor of chemistry/biology, traveled to China from April 22 to May 1. The journey was documented by a student and shared on a blog in partnership with the Quincy-Herald Whig.

BLOG POST #4 We started our first day in China by exploring one of the most famous places in recent Chinese history: Tiananmen Square.

Here we walked the square seeing sights such as Chairmen Mao’s Mausoleum, the Monument to the People, and the entrance to the Forbidden City. We decided to stop in front of the National Congress Hall where we took our first group picture. There were many Chinese tour groups at the square and some of their participants stopped our group to get pictures with us. Our first full day was saturated with excitement and huge amounts of knowledge intake. Tomorrow poses to be an even more eventful day with travel to the Temple of Heaven, the Beijing Zoo to see pandas, and, one of the most exciting places to go, the Great Wall of China!

BLOG POST #5 Following one Chinese symbol we went to another Chinese symbol: the Great Wall. On our way there the tour guide gave us a quick crash course and refresher on the history and interesting facts about the wall. When we got there we ate lunch and then headed for one of the entrances to the top. At the entrance we grouped together for some more student presentations.

Sophomore nursing student Shaila O’Dear got the opportunity to give a presentation about the wall itself. She stated in her reaction to being there that, “it was kind of unreal to be at one of the wonders of the world. I felt like one in a million for being able to experience such a vast world heritage monument. It was cool to give an on-site presentation on such a unique cultural structure.” After the presentations we were given some time to walk along the wall and truly experience all we learned. When we were out of breath climbing some of the steep sections all we could think of was the workers who had to build such a vast structure on such rugged terrain and what it must have been like to patrol the walls against the enemies of the state. Once we took in all we could in the short time we had available to us we went back into town for a famous Peking duck dinner.

11 Chronicle, Summer 2016

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS BLOG POST #8 After such a full day of both historical and scientific learning, we took today for a more cultural approach to our education. We started by visiting the city walls of Xi’an where we rode bicycles. This bicycle ride was not next to the wall but on the wall for a total circumference of around nine miles! After getting used to riding bicycles again, students were able to take their minds off of controlling their modes of transportation and focus more on their surroundings. Along our route we passed a Buddhist temple and a neighborhood of wellpreserved ancient buildings from the Ming Dynasty. We were able to get a firsthand look at the interaction between these historical structures and the modernization of the city.

BLOG POST #10 When we finished our tour of the art museum, the guide took us to the back where we received some lessons in Chinese calligraphy. We started with the basics and drew out the eight different strokes that make up all other characters in the written language. Then we moved on to some easy characters that translated to words such as “love” and “American.”

After a while of practicing, we were left to our own devises to shop as well as request written words on special canvas for people back home.

Freshmen biology and pre-occupational therapy student Skyla Risner stated, “The art museum was a great representation of how Chinese culture has changed over time and it was an awesome experience!”

At dinner that night, we all participated in a talent show to wrap up our trip in a fun and interesting way. Some students sang songs they knew, while others showed the skills they had learned in China. One example of such skills was when one of the students showed how she had developed the ability to use chopsticks with her non-dominant hand.

Since she started the trip with little experience, it was a rather impressive talent. After dinner, it was time to do some last minute shopping and then everyone went to bed. We have a 5 a.m. wake up time tomorrow and more than 24 hour travel time.

BLOG POST #11 This is the end of our long journey both in distance and time. We want to take a moment to thank you, the readers, for following along with the blog and sharing in this amazing experience in China.

There are very few ways to receive a better educational experience than to travel to culturally diverse places and learn about the ideals and teachings from the classroom at the location in which it is studied. C-SC has provided us with such an experience, and the college will continue to do so for many students in the future. We learned so much, and we all had such great experiences that we won’t soon forget. We hope you enjoyed the journey, and we thank you for your support.

TO READ THE FULL BLOG, VISIT WHIG.COM/CHINA. www.culver.edu 12

THAN JUST E R A O

family

M

AFFAIR

By Katherine Hunt

13 Chronicle, Summer 2016

The Stratton Family, 2010

F

Four children chose the same college. Four children chose the same major. An unlikely scenario for most families, the Stratton family found what they were looking for at Culver-Stockton College. More than a family affair, the Strattons have taken the perfect mixture of what their parents and Culver-Stockton College instilled in them and continue to thrive. Four children and four success stories later, the Stratton family takes it to the next level by being a perfect example of giving back to your roots.

Michael Stratton ’92 was a business major and is now a successful banker. Starting out as a teller, he’s now the president of three successful banks. He is married, lives in Morton, Ill., and has two children.

Melissa (Stratton) Ackerman ’93 was a business major and a member of Chi Omega. She came back to Culver-Stockton College and worked as an admission counselor for a few years.

She is now married, has three children and lives in New Palestine, Ind. She has helped with the success of her husband’s business, Pork Veterinary Solutions. She loves that her job affords her the opportunity to use her degree from Culver-Stockton College, yet still be home when her kids are home.

Jason Stratton ’96 was a business major, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and played basketball for Culver-Stockton College.

He is co-owner of Advance Physical Therapy, headquartered in Quincy, Ill., where he and his wife live with their two children.

He serves as secretary to the Board of Trustees at Culver-Stockton College, and has been a member since 2010. He is also currently enrolled in the online MBA program at C-SC. Jan (Stratton) Roberts ’01 was a business major, member of Chi Omega and played basketball at Culver-Stockton College.

She is married and has two children, and also lives in New Palestine, Ind. She has been helping her husband run for their local county council, is active in her church and her children’s school PTO. Jason comments that he and his siblings chose to attend Culver-Stockton College because it was a familiar setting and only 15 minutes from home. Coming from Palmyra High School, it was the perfect fit. Culver-Stockton College seemed to continue the legacy of what their parents had taught them about the spiritual side of life, work ethic and most importantly, finding something to be passionate about. www.culver.edu 14

Michael and Lori Stratton with their daughter Haley and son Collin.

Melissa (Stratton) Ackerman with her husband Matthew, their daughter Anna and sons Joshua and Jacob.

Melissa felt like C-SC was a safe environment, but still felt collegiate. The ability to work as a resident advisor and be part of Greek life while at C-SC gave her the college experience she was looking for. Raised with the motto of “whatever you start, make sure when you finish it’s better than when you started,” the Strattons knew what Culver-Stockton College had to offer would be more than a great education close to home.

The professors at C-SC left a lasting impression on the Strattons and they couldn’t speak enough about them. They emphasized the impact professors had not only on their college career, but also on their lives beyond the Culver-Stockton College campus. All of the Strattons credit their successes due to the one-on-one involvement with the professors.

Jan was not only drawn to the academic side of Culver-Stockton College, but also to the successful basketball program. As a player, she wanted to help carry on the team’s reputation while getting a good education that would prepare her for life after college. The then women’s basketball coach Carrie (Connell) Mahon ’93 built the program with the support of Jennifer (Gillman) Durst ’93 and Kevin Hillman ’01. Jan feels like being a part of the team taught her more discipline and to push herself, both on the court and in the classroom.

“We all just wanted to be part of it!” Jason said. “The education part of Culver-Stockton College is phenomenal with the one-onone help from the professors.”

15 Chronicle, Summer 2016

Jan (Stratton) Roberts with her husband Dave, their daughter Grace and son Henry.

Because all of the Strattons were business majors, there were a few professors they all shared. They even commented that some of their professors at C-SC were more like family at the end of their college experience.

Mr. James Cosgrove, professor of business, was mentioned by all of the Strattons. He was more than a professor, he was their mentor.

“Mr. Cosgrove is a fantastic professor with a vested interest in his students,” Melissa said. “He helped me get my first job out of college at Norwest Financial. Even after leaving C-SC he still touches base with me. He truly cares about his students.”

The best memories of Culver-Stockton College for Jason were the spiritual talks he had with Cosgrove.

“He was almost like guardrails for me. I feel like I could have gone a lot of different directions, and he never micromanaged me.

I’d get that call from him asking if I wanted to come by and go through my class schedule,” Jason said. “He didn’t want to go over that with me, he was checking in with me and seeing how I was doing.” He further commented that he could always consult with Cosgrove on any tough decision he was facing.

Nineteen years ago, Cosgrove underwent heart surgery. Michael and Jason came to visit him, however no one but family was allowed in the ICU, so they told the hospital staff they were his sons. Cosgrove very much appreciated that visit. He says social media allows him to catch up with all of the Strattons. Cosgrove

Jason Stratton outside the entrance to the Advance Physical Therapy clinic inside of Blessing Health Center, Quincy, Ill.

Melissa and Jan with their mother, Cheryl Stratton

Jason Stratton with his wife Natalie, their son Jackson and daughter Sage.

also commented, “I don’t think there is a time Jason is ever on Jan’s best memories about C-SC came from her involvement campus that he does not stop by my office to say ‘hi.’” outside of the classroom. She said, “being part of the basketball Looking back at her college experience, Melissa, who is now team forged a close bond on and off the court. I was a Chi Omega looking at colleges with her own children, is steadfast at the too, and gained great friendships there as well.” notion that you don’t have to go to a big school to get a great All of the Strattons find mentoring a high priority in their education, and is grateful for the cultural opportunities she had lives. They are active mentors in their communities’ schools as a student at C-SC. Living in Indiana now, her children are and religious organizations. Jan was the coordinator of her looking at the bigger schools in their area. Melissa has told local Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group, and credits her her children, “the experiences that I had at C-SC helped me experience at C-SC with helping her be a leader. Melissa started secure the life I have now. Culvera ministry at her children’s middle Stockton College equips students school called New Pal Life, reaching SUCCESS HAPPENS with the tools to find success in out to 100 seventh and eighth grade their lives.” students weekly. Melissa said, WHEN PREPAREDNESS “Success happens when preparedness They all had different friendships as students here, and are still meets opportunities.”

MEETS OPPORTUNITY. connected with those classmates.

Living closer to his alma mater, The lifelong friendships made are one Jason has found mentoring students of the many things Melissa loves about having attended to be very rewarding. As a student, he said he wasn’t sure what C-SC. The great memories and friendships that last to this he wanted to do; there was always the fear of the unknown. day, the Strattons feel is what makes Culver-Stockton College Having students come and job shadow at his business, he is able so special. They are proud of where some of their classmates to talk to students who are also unsure about life after college. have ended up. They find pride in the ability to be able to He enjoys speaking to them from the heart and letting them connect on the simplest of terms saying, “we all went to know he was exactly where they are and is still learning what Culver-Stockton College together, and look how successful to do with life, assuring them that the fear of the unknown we are.” is normal. www.culver.edu 16

Jason Stratton at the entrance to the Advance Physical Therapy clinic inside of Blessing Health Center.

When asked what is the most important thing about C-SC experience differently now than while he was here as an giving back to the College, he expanded on the mentoring that undergraduate. The real-world experience has made getting his he’s done for C-SC. The Wellness Program is something he’s very MBA that much more interesting. proud of. Starting a recreational center to foster growth, and “Dr. Janney had a huge impact on my life as a student here, staying competitive with other schools he feels is paramount. and now still does in the MBA program,” said Jason.

Currently enrolled in C-SC’s MBA program, Jason marveled Jason also feels fortunate to be a Board of Trustees member. at how well it fits into his busy life. He is co-owner of a business He acknowledges the fact that he started out as a younger board with his wife and is in his second course of study. He is also member. He feels like he can make a difference by serving on the going around to the business community and really selling the board. He noted the positive momentum under the leadership of program that Culver-Stockton College has to offer. “It’s a great President Emeritus Valentine and President Thompson has made concept, and it works into my schedule as a husband, father it a joy and pleasure to be involved in the current success of the and business owner.” institution. It has been exciting for him As anyone going back to school to see the improvements on campus, DR. JANNEY HAD A would, he started worrying about increased enrollment, and the personal how it would all work. Dr. Dell attention they have brought to the HUGE IMPACT ON MY student experience.

Ann Janney, MBA program chair and professor of accounting, “Ultimately, the degrees that come LIFE AS A STUDENT reassured him, noting to not put out of C-SC have to mean something. too much pressure on himself and I’m more proud of the school today and HERE, AND NOW to just enjoy the process. Jason says I have a vested interest. The College has like any business owner, there are just continued to be successful,” Jason STILL DOES IN THE times when things get stagnant in said. “The momentum the school has, business thinking. Starting the MBA we are bucking the trend. Most schools MBA PROGRAM. program has really helped him to are going the other direction, and we look at things differently. He finds are thriving.” it rewarding to see aspects of the field he is in from a different In the truest spirit of Culver-Stockton, these four alumni have point of view. He mentions how it’s opened up things in his paid it forward. They have done so not only by their body of work business acumen, and he has started implementing the things he’s after leaving “the Hill,” but in the example that they set showing learned. It’s made him a better business owner, using what he’s that their distinctive educational experience continues to set them learning and putting it into immediate action. He feels like the apart. In the case of the Strattons, C-SC was clearly more than MBA program is a priceless addition to his business. He sees the just a family affair.

17 Chronicle, Summer 2016

CULVER

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH C-SC

COLLEGE

STOCKTON

CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES TO ENTER INTO A CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP, WHICH WILL ALLOW YOUR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT TOWARD ONLINE PROGRAM TUITION. Culver-Stockton College’s Online Programs allow your employees the flexibility and convenience to further their education. We offer the following majors in a completely online and accelerated format:

BENEFITS OF CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP:

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS: • Accountancy • Finance • Business Administration • Marketing • Criminal Justice • Sport Management

• Employers are able to cultivate leadership among the ranks of current employees by encouraging continuing education.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS: • Master of Business Administration

• More than ever before, both employers and employees are realizing the need for a quality education to stay relevant in today’s workforce.

• Educational benefits are highly desirable to current and prospective employees, allowing companies to attract and retain highly qualified individuals.

www.culver.edu 18 For more information on corporate partnerships at C-SC, contact the Office of Admission at (800) 537-1883 or email online@culver.edu.

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

College Chaplain Amanda Sorenson leads a prayer at the 2016 Honors Day celebration.

reflections AT THE END OF A BEGINNING

AS THE CLASS OF 2016 GRADUATES, THE COLLEGE CHAPLAIN LOOKS BACK AT THEIR JOURNEY THESE LAST FOUR YEARS ON “THE HILL.”

By Amanda Sorenson, Chaplain This graduation year was different for me. This was the class I started with at Culver-Stockton College nearly four years ago.

In October 2012, I moved into my office and assumed my role as the college chaplain. Two months prior to that, in August, first year students had moved their belongings onto campus for the first time. We spent the next few years learning, growing and walking together through life. I watched a complete cycle and transformation take place right before my eyes. The students who walked across the stage were the same people I had met four years prior; the ones I shared a connection with because we were in this together. But they were different people, too. They had gone from 19 Chronicle, Summer 2016

teenagers fresh out of high school to young adults in our time together. On May 7, they walked across the stage with confidence, heads held high, and smiles on their faces. They were unlike the unsure first year students I had visited with in previous years.

College is such an interesting time in a young person’s life.

While there are students who step on campus that first day knowing what they will do when they leave and follow that plan, there are many more who come in with a sure fire plan that slowly unravels and changes as they discover more about the world and themselves. I’ve seen it happen when a student meets a professor who has such a contagious passion for their work, it inspires

FROM THE CHAPLAIN the student to change their field of study. I’ve watched students be stirred to action and develop commitments to social justice as their eyes were opened to real world issues on mission trips and in the classroom. I’ve been a witness as students discovered that the call God had placed on their lives was not in their original plan, and sat in discernment with students considering ministry or other career path changes. I’ve been able to hold deep conversations with students as they ask the tough questions about their faith, about God, and about the world. I’ve been trusted with some of their biggest struggles and have had the joy of watching them come out on the other side. This is not a privilege that sits only in the chaplain’s hands. In fact, I am a tiny piece of the equation. Each of us, from the professors in the classroom, to student life, to those in Henderson, the physical plant staff, to the alumni who visit with and mentor our students and everyone in between, get to participate in these incredible moments.

I’VE WATCHED STUDENTS BE STIRRED TO ACTION AND DEVELOP COMMITMENTS TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AS THEIR EYES WERE OPENED TO THE REAL WORLD ISSUES ON MISSION TRIPS AND IN THE CLASSROOM. As commencement ended, I hugged and cheered on students in the gauntlet and watched them leave for what might be the last time, it was a bittersweet moment. It made me realize how lucky we are to do the work we do in higher education. In the busy, challenging, fun and sometimes grueling work, we also have the privilege of accompanying them on this brief part of their journey, where they grow and change and mature. We get to watch them go from timid freshmen to leaders who will change their parts of the world when they leave. We take on part of the responsibility of helping students put together the pieces of shattered plans and make it into something new and beautiful.

As I reflect on the last four years, I give thanks to God for calling me to this ministry where I get to be a witness to such incredible, fragile, wonderful moments. I also thank God for each of you- faculty, staff, alumni and friends, who give your heart and soul to the students we serve. The work we are called to do is not easy, but I pray each of you find inspiration through the impact you continue making in our students’ lives.

(l-r) Joni Mowen, office manager of the physical plant, Teresa Burbridge, housekeeper, Luke Jones ’16 and Joy Weathers-Scott, housekeeping supervisor

Dr. Haidee Heaton, associate professor of theatre, bestows his honors medallion upon Spencer Waters ’16.

Adrian Sanchez ’16 with Mike Bringer ’93, director of campus security and facilities

Melody Schroer, JD, assistant professor of www.culver.edu 20 legal studies, and Cassidy Rodgers ’16

PASSING THE TEST: SHORT ANSWER and was so passionate about the success of the College. I have a good work ethic because of her. She wouldn’t expect the admission counselors to do anything that she wouldn’t do. The other unforgettable person is Kim Uhlmeyer, as she has probably helped me more than anyone, to be a strong admission professional. Kim served as operations office manager for the admission office for over 25 years, and did my job at one time before I was hired.

She was another colleague that was so passionate about the success of C-SC, and helped shape me into who I am today.

Short Answer with Gaye Redd Mrs. Gaye Redd is the campus visit coordinator in the admission office. She has worked at Culver-Stockton College since 1992. She and her husband, Dean, reside in Taylor, Mo. Their oldest of two sons, Josh ’01, resides in Lake St. Louis, Mo., with his wife Julie and their three daughters – Isabelle, Emma, and Olivia. Josh is the North America Procurement Lead, Corporate Services for Monsanto. Their youngest son, Seth ’05, his wife Jill and their sons Ethan and Mason reside in Palmyra, Mo. Seth is a licensed plumber.

When I first got to Culver-Stockton, I thought…

I would be here until my children graduated from college and then I would go do something else. I didn’t think I would be here as long as I have been, but it was an opportunity for my boys to get a great education, which led to great employment opportunities.

Norma Richmond, long-time staffer at C-SC and relative, told me about the job position opening. Betty Smith, then dean of admission, hired me on the spot, and I joined a great team of admission counselors. Back in 1992, arranging campus visits was much different than it is now. No email, no texting, no internet, only phone calling. I remember calling and calling until we could reach faculty members to meet with students. Betty was a great leader in the admission office, and I learned a lot about creating the best 21 Chronicle, Summer 2016

campus experience for each individual prospective student.

The words in the dictionary that best describe me are…

Patient, caring, mother-figure, sincere, listener – working with prospective students and parents, as well as many admission counselors over the years, I interact with many people on a daily basis.

I work very hard to give everyone the best customer service possible, because I care.

The most unforgettable person at Culver-Stockton is/was…

I have two people that are unforgettable.

Betty is one, without a doubt. I worked for her twice here in the admission office.

She loves the College - she lived and breathed the College. She shaped me as a person; everyone should have worked with Betty Smith. She was a hard worker

My favorite spot on campus is…

I would say the admission office! I get to meet new students every year, returning students, and even when they graduate it’s nice to see them come back. It’s even more exciting when you see graduates bringing their kids to visit campus!

The older I get, the more I realize…

Things happen for a reason. I’m where I am for a reason. Why have I been here 24 years? The people. I value all of the people I’ve worked with over the years here at Culver-Stockton.

The most useful piece of advice I ever received was…

Treat people the way you want to be treated. I love to sit and talk with visitors – I always find out something neat and find a connection with them. Parents are more involved in their kids’ college search now than ever, and I really enjoy talking with them because I can relate to them.

My favorite memory of C-SC is…

Seeing both my sons graduate from Culver-Stockton College. What a great accomplishment! I also got to hand them their diplomas as they crossed the stage, and that was such a great experience. I love sharing that story with families as they visit. Josh got his first job through a career fair at C-SC and he’s only been able to move up from there. I am so grateful for the experience my sons had at C-SC.

PASSING THE TEST: STUDENT ESSAY

The Power of “Yes.”

By Kathryn Hodge ’16

Everything in the world began with a yes. “One molecule said yes to another molecule and life was born.”

These words by author Clarice Lispector observe a simple yet deeply profound fact: that movement and action begin from the affirmation of an idea. Unstated in this quote, however, is the claim that everything in the world must have begun with a question from which one could answer “yes.”

From our first day of school, questions asking us “what’s you major” down to the questions on our last final exam, Culver-Stockton College asked us questions we never thought about before—and we asked even more in return. And on May 7, 2016, my graduating class received our final Culver-Stockton “yes.”

So why do we want that yes, why did we come to Culver-Stockton College? It is a question that we have been asked pretty much every year since day one. I wish I could say I came to Culver-Stockton for four amazing years packed with rainbows and smiles. I wish I could say that Culver-Stockton never made me frustrated, stressed out, or constantly sleep deprived. Trust me; it did ALL of those things. But none of us came here for those things. We didn’t come here just to learn—we could have done that anywhere. No, we came for a particular kind of education.

We came here knowing that Culver-Stockton would push us to our limits intellectually.

Knowing that we would be surrounded with bright and quirky minds. Knowing that Canton, with all of its spirit and seasons, would be our home for at least a few years. We came here to grow.

So we survived Wildcat Welcome, we endured the 12/3 week system, we braved Snowpocalypse, we questioned each other, we questioned ourselves, and we grew.

The simple fact is our experience was never just about this grass, those buildings, a core class or even our majors. Our time here is only as unique as all of us—the people that make Culver-Stockton what it is. The changes we made, records we set, ideas we thought, the hundreds of questions we asked are all sewn into the fabric of the College and are also what we take away after leaving.

This is the power of inquiry, the power to shape—and this power is rooted in the connections we make and the questions we ask. We can help shape communities, we can help shape markets, we can help shape minds. And we know this because of how we shape others and how we’ve been shaped by others here. It is more than just having and cultivating this power, though.

While we have the tools and power, they mean nothing if we do nothing. The world is wrought with problems. The people who can solve them are the ones who can ask not only what the problems are, but also why and how they exist—how to solve them and why those solutions might work. We must question the institutions we inhabit and the spaces we occupy and work to change them for the better. This is our responsibility.

I’ve learned to never be afraid to ask tough questions. So some questions for my classmates: What will you become?

What will you do with these newfound skills and experiences?

The answers to these questions are important, but it is even more important that we remember to continue asking these questions and remain devoted to learning more about the world, about ourselves, and how we can improve both.

I want us to leave “the Hill” knowing the immense power and privilege we possess by being Culver-Stockton graduates and to use that to challenge others and to change the world. We came here ambitious and brilliant, but we leave better than before with many answers and even more questions. The very first step to changing the world is simply asking.

So congratulations to the Class of 2016 and congratulations on your final Culver-Stockton College “yes.” www.culver.edu 22

full circle

FOR A YOUNG

WILDCAT

T

he words of a Nancy Tillman book resonate more than the growth of his team is where he found pride. His dream to be just a thought provoking collection of expression that a coach, and building on his career as an assistant coach in a solid Marshawn Norris ’14 lives by and exemplifies. “No matter basketball program, is only the beginning of Norris’ story. how down you are, there is always someone else who thinks you It all began the day Norris moved into his apartment in Canton, are strong. I don’t do things for accolades, I just try to be a Mo. Moving in boxes and his self-admitted large shoe collection, good person.” he met Roy Johnson. The curious and inquisitive 12-year-old was Norris chose C-SC because the basketball program excited him, all questions. He admired Norris’ shoe collection and his gaming also because he wanted to bring along a fellow player, system and as time would prove, just spending time with his new CJ Adams ’14. Norris was given an athletic scholarship for neighbor. What started out as just hanging out and playing video his basketball ability. He, along with his team, games has turned into a relationship far took C-SC to the conference championship in-depth than a friendly neighbor.

WITH ROY, I FEEL more his senior year. At his Senior Night banquet Norris isn’t unfamiliar to the concept he said, “I want to be the next Jack Schrader.” mentorship. Growing up in Jackson, LIKE I’M PAYING of After graduating with a degree in Sports Mich., he was fortunate to have a few Management, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, mentors himself. John Willis ran the Martin IT FORWARD. Jack Schrader, recognized him as a promising Luther King Jr. Center, a community assistant coach. The opportunities that Culver-Stockton College center in Jackson, and was one of Norris’ first mentors. Norris afforded him was much more than a career. His favorite memory lived down the street from the center and it’s where his love of on “the Hill” was playing basketball in the NAIA National basketball began. A home away from home, Willis marveled at Tournament, the excitement of not knowing where the game Norris’ eagerness to play ball as he came daily to the center after would take him. Always one to want to prove his basketball skills, school and stayed until it closed. His introduction to the game of 23 Chronicle, Summer 2016

POST GRAD basketball opened a whole new world for himself.

In high school, Norris’ basketball career stalled out. He wasn’t getting chosen for any team at his high school and was told he wasn’t good enough, despite the countless times he would try out.

While still playing AAU basketball, he was spotted by a coach from smaller nearby Napoleon, Mich. The coach was shocked that he wasn’t playing for a high school team and decided immediately that would change. Danny Allen became the next pivotal mentor in Norris’ life. It wasn’t until living with Allen and playing Napoleon High School basketball that he ever thought about attending college. “It wasn’t like I was a problem child, college just wasn’t ever an option living in Jackson.” But thankfully, his basketball performance in high school got him noticed and recruited by Mott Community College. His path led him to Culver-Stockton College after playing a year at Quincy University.

He was excited about being part of the growing basketball program at C-SC. Norris is adamant that the most important thing about his friendship with Johnson is that they are friends. While he loves spending time with Johnson, and vice versa, Norris is steadfast in making sure that Johnson has his chores and exercises finished first. “I always tell him, ‘men always do their job’”. The physical therapy that Johnson does and the leg braces that Roy wears remind Norris of the reality of life. He feels like Johnson keeps him humble. He hopes that Johnson, given his physical condition, gets to do whatever he wants to do in life. But this notion hits closer to home for Norris.

It wasn’t until Norris and Johnson had to cut their video game playing short one afternoon, as Norris had to go to work. Johnson asked if he could go with him. With the approval of Jack Schrader from that point on Johnson has been to every practice and every game. Both teams have quickly taken Johnson in, not as a fan as you would quickly be corrected…as the third coach. Norris feels like he’s taking care of Roy the way Danny Allen did with him.

“With Roy, I feel like I’m paying it forward.”

Attending Culver-Stockton College and now being the assistant men’s basketball coach, he is looking forward to the future, looking forward to the challenge of helping mold a great team. In his mind he is taken back to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center as a kid, tackling the best 3-point shot; his career has come full circle.

A championship is what he has his sights on. His competitive nature doesn’t come from wanting to win. His competitive nature comes from wanting the best out of his players. To Norris, if his team is doing their best he feels like they are winning. “The wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

Norris feels like he is here for a reason. He feels like meeting Johnson was supposed to happen. With Norris’ life experiences, he feels like he has been given the opportunity to pay it forward and is rewarded all at the same time. His vested interest in the growth of Culver-Stockton College is a genuine example of what it means to be a Wildcat. www.culver.edu 24

DONATIONS AT WORK

introducing DR. BILL SHEEHAN C-SC’S NEW VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

“All I can ask is for others to donate their time, talent or treasure,” states Dr. Bill Sheehan, Culver-Stockton College’s new vice president for advancement. Dr. Sheehan hopes to build on the vision already laid out ahead of him with the combination of more than 160 years of excellence in education and the leadership of President Kelly M. Thompson.

Dr. Sheehan comes to C-SC after serving as vice president for institutional advancement at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. He brings professional experience in fundraising, alumni relations and public relations. Dr. Sheehan and his wife, Wendy, have two grown children.

Dr. Sheehan brings a very successful record of leading fundraising campaigns and managing various areas of alumni engagement. In his previous position at Westminster, he oversaw fundraising, alumni relations and public relations. This included being responsible for and leading the fundraising operation, donor relations and data management, campus events and the strategic involvement of the governing board.

Prior to his position at Westminster, he served as the associate vice chancellor for development at the University of Missouri for seven years. During that time, Dr. Sheehan helped lead his staff to raise over $400 million as part of the institution’s $1 billion campaign.

When asked about raising money Dr. Sheehan is quick to mention that no one does it alone. He believes that for any institution trying to set up a culture of philanthropy, the first impression never starts with one person, moreover a reputation for excellence is seen in every person working in that institution: faculty and staff.

25 Chronicle, Summer 2016

He’s excited by the C-SC Alumni, and by their willingness to support their alma mater, and he believes that the phrase “team concept” is all-inclusive. Dr. Sheehan is excited to help alumni see all the ways they can help make a difference in the life of the college and the campus community.

Dr. Sheehan stresses that alumni and friends of C-SC can provide significant support to the college and our students by volunteering, providing internship opportunities, hiring our graduates, helping to recruit students to the college, and through making monetary gifts.

Dr. Sheehan is excited about the passion, drive and priority setting that President Thompson already has established.

Furthermore, he is passionate about helping people understand the return on their investment in higher education.

Dr. Sheehan believes visitors to campus will see the changes that have occurred through the years and will realize that C-SC is being good stewards with the dollars donated to the college. He also believes that they will still see the same friendly atmosphere that they experienced and will understand that high quality education is still being provided on “the Hill.”

“This institution is more than just its buildings, it’s the people.

The connection the faculty and staff have with the students. Those are genuine relationships and a true statement.”

Dr. Sheehan loves his job because in his words, “I get to talk to people, who in their own right, are very accomplished. And then I get to ask them to support people they may never meet.

It’s exciting to watch someone give, knowing that such a gift might help someone get an education that the donor may never meet.

Planting a seed, for shade that they will never use, it is inspiring.”

DONATIONS AT WORK

THIS INSTITUTION IS MORE THAN JUST ITS BUILDINGS, IT’S THE PEOPLE. THE CONNECTION THE FACULTY AND STAFF HAVE WITH STUDENTS. THOSE ARE GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS AND A TRUE STATEMENT.

PROFESSIONAL C.A.T.S. MENTORING PROGRAM C. A .T. S. nal Pr o i o s

lv

e r-

eg

e

am gr

To get involved, visit culver.edu/alumni or call (800) 755-2287.

Cu

Culver-Stockton College is looking for alumni wanting to give back as a mentor for our current students. Mentors for our program can be C-SC graduates that have been out of school for five years and within their professional field for one year. In order to be a mentor to a current student or recent graduate, it involves a year-long commitment offering professional advice from within your field.

Pro fe s

(CULVER-STOCKTON ALUMNI TRANSITIONING STUDENTS)

Stoc kto

o nC

ll

www.culver.edu 26

CLASS NOTES

Kim Andereck ’69 was appointed CEO of Praxis Wellness Centers in San Antonio, Texas on April 1, 2016.

1940’s Doris Manning Bowman ’49 enrolled in C-SC 70 years ago. Not only did she meet her husband, Tom Manning ’48, but many life-long friends at C-SC. She recently moved to Lenexa, Kan., to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

1970’s Linda (Wolfe) Becker ’71 and her husband are heading to Colorado for an extended mountain adventure. They sold their house and plan to rent a place in the Woodland Park area. They have bought a camper to explore the national parks.

1950’s Donald Bausler ’50 has moved from Santa Barbara, Calif., to Palm Desert, Calif.

Gilbert Wojtal ’59 has moved to Arizona with his wife. He recently entered into the Senior Olympics in three different events.

Gilbert won gold in pinochle and silver in water volleyball. He is looking forward to 2017 with his wife and enjoying their time in Arizona.

1960’s Michael J. Green ’64 is currently residing in Northbrook, Ill., He is the owner of Int’l Air Courier. He has two daughters, Katharine and Elizabeth, with his wife, Sandra.

Carol (Martin) Borelli ’71 was married on April 9, 2016 to Lawrence Collins. They reside in Lake Barrington, Ill. Joe Briscoe ’71 was inducted into the St. Charles County Amateur Sports Hall of Fame on March 19, 2016, for fast pitch softball.

Rebecca “Becky” (Wood) ’07 and Adam ’06 Gist welcomed a baby girl into their family on Oct. 8, 2015 named Avery Arlene Gist. Becky works at Memorial Child Care as an early childhood supervisor in Springfield, Ill.

Patricia Lynch ’72 and John Rancourt are residing in St. Simons Island, Ga.

Donald Johanson ’68 currently resides with his wife Sara in Paige, Texas.

Ellyn (Schleiffarth) Bennett ’74 retired on Dec. 21, 2015, after a 40-year career with the Girl Scouts of America. Ellyn served the Girl Scouts in numerous positions and through three Girl Scout Councils: Dogwood Trails (Springfield, Mo.), Mount Magazine (Fort Smith, Ark.) and Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas (Fayetteville, Ark.).

Loraine (Branson) Olson ’37 Folsom, Calif. • Dec. 8, 2015

Martha (Clore) Brockman ’44 Prairie Village, Kan. • Feb. 15, 2016

Robert W. Blalock ’48 Marshall, Mo. • Jan. 2, 2016

Frances (Brown) Patterson ’43 Memphis, Tenn. • Jan. 27, 2016

Jean (King) Collier ’44 Columbia, Mo. • Dec. 26, 2015

Letitia (Pratte) Frankenberger ’49 LaGrange, Ill. • Jan. 10, 2016

Reba (Richardson) Waterston ’43 St. Louis, Mo. • Feb. 17, 2016

Jane (Wassell) Hulse ’46 Chesterfield, Mo. • Feb. 25, 2016

Donald W. Huber ’49 Bowling Green, Ky. • Feb. 24, 2016

Diana Jane (Weber) Berry ’65 retired from Fairfax County Public Library in 2009. Since then, she has enjoyed traveling, learning new things and exercising. In 2013, she downsized to a condo, and now lives closer to her two daughters.

Patricia Ann (Farrell) Casko ’66 recently lost her beloved brother James “Jim” Farrell ’63 on April 8, 2016. She currently resides in Naperville, Ill.

William (Bill) “Pope” Pieper ’66 has retired after teaching Biology 101 for the last 14 years at Carl Sandburg College.

Pete ’67 and Shirley ’67 Collier are residing in Troy, Mo.

IN MEMORIAM

27 Chronicle, Summer 2016

CLASS NOTES

Rachel Gieschen ’74 has moved back to Wilmington, N.C. from Raleigh. She enjoys volunteering on the NCDOT/ Amtrak Piedmont train, which runs between Raleigh and Charlotte. She has been doing this for over five years and says it is the best volunteer job anyone could ask for.

Amanda Ramsay McNeill ’74 is currently working on “Link”, the third book in The Haven Trilogy. The first two books, “Oracle” and “Infinite Chain” were published in July 2015. They are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or as a POD paperback from Create Space. She offers two programs: “Write Now!,” to help anyone wanting to write a novel, and “Pub Crawl,” which discusses the long trail to publishing.

techniques of Diplomacy and edited or co-authored many more, as well as a novel in partnership with the late professor Richard Holmes of Culver-Stockton College. He is an artist and is currently the Chair for Research on the Black History Committee of the Friends of the Balch Library in Leesburg, Va. Larry is heavily involved in politics and was recently elected Chair of the Democratic Party for the Dulles District of Loudoun County, Va. He has been riding camels since he was seven years old, enjoys rafting on the Mississippi River and was the President of the C-SC Veteran’s Club.

George Forest ’75 was recognized as one of the 2015 Top Ten African American Males by Parity, Inc. George is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force having served more than 40 years. Upon his retirement he worked as a senior acquisition manager for Serco-North America for over eight years. George is now a full-time volunteer for various groups in his community.

Holly Andress-Martin, associate dean for academic success at C-SC, and her husband, Michael, welcomed their son Nolan, on April 24, 2016.

He weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was 19 ¼ inches long. anniversary. Bob is working for Century 21 as a licensed real estate broker.

Robert ’75 and Jil Johnson have three children and four grandchildren. They recently celebrated their 41st wedding

Jim Worrell ’76 retired in 2013 after 42 years in the radio and TV business. Jim spent 21 years at KOKX, which started as a small business and grew. He was a news and sports information director. He also worked in Elkhart, Ind., in radio and provided the weather on channel 10’s sister station. He has also worked in Havana, Ill., Macomb, Ill. and Ames, Iowa (providing the play-by-play for Iowa State) and Carrollton, Iowa. He is currently living in Hamilton, Ill.

Doris (Bellon) Mathis ’49 Canby, Ore. • Nov. 10, 2015

Edgar L. Wilkinson ’52 Mason, Ohio • Jan. 28, 2016

K. Jean (Easley) Weldon ’54 Dallas, Texas • May 12, 2016

Audrey (Maas) Finney ’50 Lansing, Ill. • Nov. 29, 2015

Thomas J. Fischer ’53 Hannibal, Mo. • Jan. 20, 2016

Nancy (Jackman) Reid ’56 Warrenville, Ill. • Jan. 9, 2016

Betty (Marshall) Warwick ’51 Urbana, Ill. • Mar. 5, 2016

Harry R. Bentsen ’54 Springfield, Ill. • Jan. 31, 2016

Mary Sweetman ’56 Louisville, Ky. • Mar. 4, 2016

Larry Roeder, Jr. ’74 retired as a diplomat in 2005, and became the director for the united nations affairs at WSPA, a British non-profit. After 2009 he became a consultant on foreign affairs, information management and disaster management and at one point advised the President of Somaliland on sustainable development.

He has authored two textbooks on

Kathryn (Prosch) Gibson ’75 is currently residing in Temple Terrace, Fla. She is a senior office manager at Eriksson Technologies.

www.culver.edu 28

CLASS NOTES 1980’s Donna (Williams) Slusher ’82 is currently a special education teacher at Lexington R-V School. She resides in Lexington, Mo. Dr. James ’83 and Brenda (Wilkey) ’84 Masters reside in Monroe City, Mo. James retired from public school service after 31 years (12 years as a classroom teacher, seven years as a middle school principal, 12 years as superintendent). He spent the last eight years as superintendent in the Monroe City R-1 School District in Monroe City, Mo. In July (2016), he will assume duties with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as the director in the office of educator quality. Brenda retired from full-time teaching in 2013, but continues to teach part-time in the MCR-1 reading intervention program. Their oldest son, Jacob, lives in Patagonia, Ariz., and is looking to pursue a master’s degree.

Daughter, Meredith, will be a freshman at C-SC this fall.

Gary Gullion ’86 is residing in Ottumwa, Iowa.

and his family are currently residing in Henderson, Nev.

Don Tolly ’87 has worked for American Family Insurance for the last 26 years. He is an insurance advisor in Saint Joseph, Mo. Don is licensed in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Larry Gooud ’89 is residing in Springfield, Ill., and continues to be the general manager of Tower Hill Express, Corp.

Lori Wagner ’88 of Springfield, Ill., celebrated a 10 year anniversary with Kerber, Eck, & Braeckel CPA Firm.

Dr. John Dougherty ’88 accepted a position as the Dean of the Medical School at Touro University in Nevada. John

1990’s Shaun ’90 and Sue (Kaltefleiter) ’90 Carey currently reside in Quincy, Ill. Shaun is a teacher at St. Francis School and Sue is working at Archer Daniel Midland.

Danice Bollman ’92 is the treasurer of Bollman’s Pool & Spa Company in Springfield, Ill. Jamie Ross ’93 is an ortho trauma/ CMF hybrid sales consultant for DePuy Synthes Trauma, a company of Johnson & Johnson. Jamie and Dawn (Debro) ’91 live in Centralia, Mo., with their son Logan, and daughter, Kailin. Dawn is now staying at home enjoying her family and taking care of her parents in St. Louis, Mo.

Laura Zimmer ’83 accepted a position at the Hook Center for Educational Renewal at the University of MissouriColumbia in July 2015 as a preemployment transition specialist for Warren and St. Charles counties in Missouri. She has three boys: Jacob, Jeremiah and Josiah.

Mark Nielsen ’85 is living in Sioux City, Iowa, with his wife Barbara. They have two children Dalton (25) and Austin (23). He is the human resources director of Telco Triad Community Credit Union.

Amy (Luff) Petry ’89 currently resides in Independence, Mo., and works at Intimate Designs and Swimsations.

Stephanie (Espino) Kelly ’12 married Sean Kelly of St. Louis, Mo., on June 6, 2015 in St. Louis, Mo., at the Jewel Box in Forrest Park.

Lisa (Kult) ’93 and Jimmy Wright ’92 have five beautiful children: Michaela, Amber, Laura, Samantha and Jani. Lisa’s firm, Lisa C. Wright, CPA, LLC, has moved to Cherry Hill, 2001 Corona Dr., Ste. 309, Columbia, MO 65201. Jimmy continues to work for Shelter Insurance in Columbia.

Nancy Bleam, former faculty member, is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Technician at

IN MEMORIAM Norman B. West ’56 Jacksonville, Ill. • May 19, 2016

James R. Farrell ’63 Oswego, Ill. • Apr. 8, 2016

Richard W. Shepherd ’70 Needham, Mass. • Feb. 3, 2016

Benjamin C. Wood ’56 Canton, Mo. • Mar. 31, 2016

James A. Butler ’66 Aiken, S.C. • May 12, 2016

Lorna (Hawes) Sparrow ’74 Hamilton, Ill. • Feb. 12, 2016

Terrill J. Meyer ’61 Springfield, Ill. • Jan. 10, 2016

Mary (Raptis) Hardtke ’67 Riverside, Ill. • Feb. 29, 2016

JoAnne (Kallas) Gerst ’76 St. Louis, Mo. • Nov. 21, 2015

29 Chronicle, Summer 2016

CLASS NOTES and Stephanie is working for the University of Missouri’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Ellie (Shoemyer) Lugena ’11 and her husband, Houston, welcomed their son, John Bradlee Lugena, on August 26, 2015.

Boston Children’s Hospital. She currently resides in Hull, Mass.

Brian Dorian ’96 and his wife, Alexandra, celebrated their son Camden’s first birthday in April. Brian has been a police officer in Chicago’s south suburbs for 17 years. He and his family live in Cedar Lake, Ind. Jason ’97 and Dana (Schutte) ’99 Reynolds are living with their children in Ashland, Mo. Lori (Venvertloh) Walbring ’97 joined the Titan International Inc. Corporate Office in the finance department as a senior financial analyst in October, 2015.

Patricia Johnson ’98 resides in Cicero, Ill. She is currently employed as a senior regulatory compliance analyst with Devry Education Group.

Seth ’98 and Stephanie (Weiss) ’98 Niemeier reside in Harrisburg, Mo. They have three children: Kyle, Tyler and Aaron.

Seth is working for State Farm Insurance,

Rachel Eisfelder ’99 currently resides in Grandview, Mo. She works as the program coordinator of the OTA Program at National American University in the Kansas City area. She is currently the president-elect for the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association.

2000’s Chris ’01 and Kelli (VanDeventer) Higgins ’02 live in Greenwood, Ind., with their two daughters, Michaela and Melanie. Chris works at the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Center as the director of digital media and general assembly production. Kelli works at the Autism Society of Indiana as the community outreach ally.

Tiffany (Stanek) ’03 and Jacob ’03 Brewer have two boys, Preston, 8, and Bryson, 4.

Jake works at Peoples Bank in Canton as a loan officer. They recently relocated to Canton, Mo. Anne (Murray) Hedeman ’03 resides in Lockwood, Mo., with her husband, Grant, and their two children.

Justin Travis ’03 is residing in Phillipsburg, Mo., and is employed as a driver sales representative with Xpo Logistics.

Brandy (Tharp) ’04 and Joseph Decker welcomed their son, JJ, into the world on April 18.

BJ ’02 and Lisa (Noard) ’06 Berhorst have added three blessings to their family. BJ and Lisa adopted two children, Abel and Tedrow, and also welcomed a new baby boy to the family, Kinnik Thad, on March 2, 2016. Kinnik weighed 10 lbs. 5.5 ounces.

Brett ’02 and Cayla Keyes reside in Springfield, Ill. Brett is currently a commercial loan officer for Havana National Bank located in Virginia, Ill. Brett and his wife have three children; Jordan, 15, Brayden, 11, and Greyson who just turned 3. Cayla was elected to the school board last April.

Cristin Wiggins ’02 is currently residing in Dubuque, Iowa.

Mary Elizabeth Scholz was born Dec. 28, 2015, to Charles ’02 and Jamie Scholz. She was welcomed by big sisters Nancy, 6, and Charlotte 2.

Former Faculty/Staff David B. Crecelius ’77 Quincy, Ill. • Mar. 28, 2016

Jacob C. Nance ’07 Kahoka, Mo. • Apr. 3, 2016

Jane Armistead, Education Faculty Lexington, Ky. • Apr. 15, 2016

Robert L. Hogan ’77 Fulton, Mo. • Mar. 19, 2016

Benjamin C. Wall Crescent City, Ill. • Apr. 21, 2016

Thelma Clark, Dining Services Canton, Mo. • Apr. 17, 2016

Steven T. Sheffler ’90 Warsaw, Ill. • Apr. 2, 2016

Emma Neale King, Music Faculty Osage Beach, Mo. • Jan. 20, 2016 www.culver.edu 30

CLASS NOTES

Dr. Rodney ’05 and Jessica (Schriner) ’05 Donahue are residing in Amarillo, Texas.

Rodney is the program coordinator and technical director for the drama department at Clarendon College and Jessica is a homemaker. They have one child, Rachel Madelynne, born Nov. 16, 2012.

Jillian Brown ’06 is currently residing in Peoria, Ill., with her four children: Nora, Penelope, Margaret and Frances.

Dallas Tobin ’13 got married on Oct. 2, 2015, to Cole Henderson on Main Street at the Old Stone Chapel in St. Charles, Mo. They reside in St. Peters, Mo. Traci (Syring) Eppes ’04 is the owner of four commercial print companies that are located in: Loves Park, Ill., Rockford, Ill., and Elgin, Ill. She has a son, Jayce, 16, and has been married for 21 years.

Jessica Jones ’04 is currently residing in Washington, D.C., and is the grassroots advocacy manager for the League of Women Voters.

Chrissie (Ballard) ’04 and Andy Messina added a daughter, Kacie Paige Messina, to their family on Feb. 25, 2016. Kacie’s brother, Kaden, was excited to welcome a new sibling.

IN MEMORIAM Anna Morris, Housekeeping Supervisor Canton, Mo. • Jan. 14, 2016 Virginia Schlager, Biology Faculty Sugar Hill, Ga. • Mar. 9, 2016

31 Chronicle, Summer 2016

Jordan ’08 and Josey (Wort) ’10 Harris welcomed twin daughters, Laney and Quinn, on April 4, 2016.

Katie (Gremaud) ’08 and Caleb Hedrick have added two children to their family.

Brandon Alexander Hedrick was born on Sept. 25, 2011, and Tyler Benjamin Hedrick was born on March 8, 2014.

Jordan ’06 and Alissa (Flynn) ’07 Stults welcomed a daughter on April 5, 2016.

Chelsea (Taylor) Carleton ’07 married Brian Carleton in June 2015. They currently reside in Columbia, Mo. Chelsea is a human resource specialist at the University of Missouri.

Melissa Rhea ’07 is currently the program manager of First Resources in Keokuk, Iowa. She has a 17-year-old son Ethan Rhea.

Jennifer (Kenzler) Kerr ’07 currently resides in Bowling Green, Mo. Scotty ’07 and Michelle “Shellie” (Massey) ’07 Wolfskill welcomed a daughter, Peyton Marie Wolfskill, to their family on March 28, 2016. She joins sister, Piper.

Jennifer (Ransdell) ’08 and Aaron Fults ’07 have two children: Valerie and Andrea.

They currently reside in Lake Ozark, Mo.

C-SC Chaplain Amanda Sorenson and her husband, Brent, welcomed their first child, Lydia Elaine Sorenson, on Nov. 17, 2015. Lydia weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Former Trustees/Friends of the College John M. Irvin Chillicothe, Mo. • Jan. 16, 2016 Former Trustee.

W. R. Konneker St. Louis, Mo. • Jan. 7, 2016 Benefactor of the Konneker Leadership Series.

Ross Warden Quincy, Ill. • Dec. 21, 2015 Former member of the President’s Advisory Council at Culver-Stockton College.

CLASS NOTES

She will be part of the Rural Aquaculture Program.

Brandon Gehle ’15 moved to Kansas City, Mo., in May 2016. He is currently working for Edward Jones.

Jose Mejias ’15 is residing in Fulton, Mo., and is a transfer admissions counselor for William Woods University. Jose and Jenny Ware ’17 were married on Jan. 26, 2016.

Justin ’02 and Deanna (Venvertloh) ’01 Twaddle added a son to their family on April 5, 2016, named Isaac John Robert Twaddle. He joins sisters Lila, Abigail and Caleigh.

Kaitlin Sparrow ’15 is currently residing in Peoria, Ill. Morgan Wilson ’16 and Mason DeMott ’14 moved to Ionia, Mich., and are celebrating their recent engagement.

Michelle Staples ’09 is currently residing in O’Fallon, Mo.

WANT YOUR NEWS ANNOUNCED IN THE

2010’s Gonzalo ’12 and Katie (Johnson-Martin) ’12 Hernandez recently purchased their first home in Waukee, Iowa. They met at Culver-Stockton College. They were married in May 2014.

Dallas (Tobin) Henderson ’13 recently was promoted to brand marketing coordinator at Grey Eagle Distributors in St. Louis, Mo. She has been working there since May 2014.

Megan Land ’14 has been accepted into the Peace Corps, and on Feb. 8, 2016, left for a 27-month tour in Zambia, Africa.

Amanda Gibbs ’10 married Anthony Jahr ’11 on June 13, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa. Bridesmaids included fellow Sigma Sigma Sigma sisters Kat Kerness ’10, Heather Gibbs ’14, Cara Lamansky ’10 and Emily Gau ’10. Groomsmen included Alex Thull ’12, Jon Tatum ’11, Caleb Arnsman ’13 and Jake Wengerski ’12.

NEXT ISSUE OF THE

CHRONICLE?

Chad DeWaard, associate professor of political science, and his wife, Meagan, welcomed their son, William, on Dec. 10, 2015.

John Irvin, age 104, served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Culver-Stockton College for 32 years (1972-2004). John and his late wife of 74 years, Virgie, were dedicated to the Disciples of Christ Church, their community of Chillicothe, Mo., the arts and Culver-Stockton College.

SUBMIT YOUR NOTE ONLINE BY VISITING CULVER.EDU/ALUMNI AND CLICKING THE “CLASS NOTES” IN THE LEFT-HAND NAVIGATION. *Notes submitted from May 1 to Nov. 30 will appear in the winter issue each year.

Notes submitted from Dec. 1 to April 30 will appear in the spring issue each year.

www.culver.edu 32

GREEK LIFE

greek life

UPDATE Ernest Evans, Director of Greek Life & Diversity Initiatives

I

n the spring of 2016, the Greek students were busy on “the Hill.” They were involved in great experiences that impacted the campus and Canton community. The semester began with the hiring of Ernest Evans, the new director of Greek life and diversity initiatives. The students have proven that they are not only dedicated to their organizations and community, but also to their academics. Our All-Greek grade point average is a 3.320, which is still far above the national average for Greek communities.

In March the annual Greek Week was held. The students were very creative and themed this year’s Greek Week after the hit show “Survivor.” They participated in a “Survivor Hunt,” lip sync and dance battle, a trivia and karaoke night, “Minute to Win It” games, Greek-Out the gym and Penny Wars. The triumphant winners of this year’s Greek Week were Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The Greek Town Hall Meeting series began, and will take place twice a semester. These town hall meetings require that each chapter have members present to discuss topics and issues that affect our organizations on a local, regional, and national level.

The first town hall meeting addressed the issue of mental illness in the Greek community. The students received resources that will aid them in dealing with mental illness themselves, as well as resources to assist their brothers and sisters that may be dealing with mental illness.

Throughout the semester the students continued to serve the community through service and philanthropy. The women of Chi Omega were busy with their “Make-A-Wish” campaign. They set forth the goal to grant a wish, which means that they needed to raise $7,200. To date they have raised $4,500, which means they are more than halfway to their goal and determined to reach it.

They also made donations for the fight for breast cancer. The men of Delta Upsilon raised more than $2,000 in their 33 Chronicle, Summer 2016

“Sleep Out for the Homeless.” These are just a few of the great things that our chapters are doing for the campus and the Canton community.

The year ended with the induction of students into the Order of Omega National Greek Honor Society and the annual Student Life Awards banquet. The Order of Omega inducted 10 students into the organization. This was the first induction that has taken place since 2013. The new inductees are excited and ready to continue providing leadership and academic excellence to the Culver-Stockton community. The students shined bright at the Student Life Awards Banquet. Below are the awards presented at this year’s ceremony: • Greek Woman of the Year: Lei Alena Dagat ’17 (Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity) • Greek Man of the Year: Daniel Kidd ’17 (Delta Upsilon Fraternity) • Advisor of the Year: Eric Larson (Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity) • Emerging Greek Leader: Skyla Risner ’19 (Sigma Kappa Sorority) • Outstanding Academic Performance (Highest GPA): Delta Upsilon Fraternity and Sigma Kappa Sorority • Outstanding New Member Education/Membership Program: Delta Upsilon Fraternity • Outstanding Campus Involvement/Community Service: Delta Upsilon Fraternity • Greek Lifetime Achievement Award: Morgan Wilson ’16 (Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority) • Most Improved Chapter: Delta Upsilon It has been a great year in the Office of Greek Life. The Greek community continues to be excellent examples of the traditions that the College holds most important, notably that of philanthropy and community mindedness on the C-SC campus and in the greater Canton community.

“

“

President Thompson on the blue carpet at the senior dinner with Alexandria Paden ’16 (left) and William Jackson ’17.

students like these

”

ARE THE REAL REASON TO GIVE BACK TO THE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND...

- PRESIDENT KELLY M. THOMPSON

GIVING ONLINE

is

easy

IT TAKES JUST THREE STEPS...

1

GO TO CULVER.EDU/GIVING.

2

CLICK THE “GIVE NOW” BUTTON.

3

FILL OUT THE SECURE ONLINE FORM.

Or a pledge card can be mailed upon request by calling

(800) 755-CATS.

I s u p p o rT C - S C

www.culver.edu 34

ROAR Culver-Stockton College One College Hill Canton, MO 63435

Parents: If this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at home, please notify the Advancement Office at (800) 755-CATS or at advancement@culver.edu.

ROAR S E M I T D O O

G E H T T E L

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO CULVER.EDU/HOMECOMING.

35 Chronicle, Summer 2016