Crossroads Magazine Summer 2019

Members of the Missouri Southern Concert Chorale and Southern Symphonic Chorus rehearse John Rutter’s “Requiem” in New York City’s Carnegie Hall prior to their June 10 performance. Dr. David Sharlow, director of choral activities at MSSU, was invited to serve as a guest conductor for the concert.

(Photo by Aaron Durall, ’11)

“They say when you want to go fast, you go alone. When you want to go far, you go with a pack.”

That’s a quote from Gidieon Kimutai, a freshman from Kenya who recovered from a serious injury and decided to give running a try. After joining the cross country team at Missouri Southern, he finished fourth during the 2018 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships.

Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll meet other members of the Lion family who have also gone far by running with a pack.

There’s former student Jaron Lamar Davis, whose passion for drumming led him to join the Joshua Espinoza Trio, which recently released its first album.

You’ll read about the women who, for the first time in the history of the campus chapter, filled the officer slate for the Society of Manufacturing Engineering.

And you’ll meet Harold Conner, a Joplin Junior College grad who – with the help of his son, Bart Conner – is getting in shape to attend his 10th Summer Olympic Games in 2020.

We hope you enjoy the latest issue of Crossroads. If you have a story suggestion, news or feedback about this publication, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at crossroads@mssu.edu.

Thanks for reading. We’ll catch up with you again this fall!

Editor Crossroads Magazine Missouri Southern State University

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Dr. Alan Marble President Dr. Brad Hodson Executive Vice President Dr. Paula Phillips Carson Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

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Rob Yust Vice President for Business Affairs Darren Fullerton Vice President for Student Affairs Jared Bruggeman Director of Athletics

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Crossroads Magazine is produced by the Office of University Relations and Marketing.

Heather Lesmeister, Director Mike Olmstead Chloe McMain Scott Meeker Brian Mehrens Curtis Almeter Kayla Monteleone Brad Belk Ashley Eriksen Megan Vest

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SPRING 2019 7

From the President

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Around Campus

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Alumni Update

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Lasting Legacies

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Sticking With It Jaron Lamar Davis returns to Missouri Southern with jazz trio

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Girl Power Student engineering group led by all female officers for 2018-19

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Good as Gold Harold Conner, ’50, shares memories of career, sons’ athletic achievements

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Voices of Southern

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School of Arts & Sciences

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School of Business

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School of Education

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School of Health Sciences

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Since 1996

20 COVER: “I Don’t Give Up So Easily” Freshman Gidieon Kimutai shows amazing

stamina after 2015 injury

Student Assistant Keaton Campbell

Special Contributors Kevin Greim Chelsea Conley Lee Elliff Pound Meagan Adams Justin Maskus

We’re Growing, Grow With Us

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Class Notes

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Picture This

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Why I Give

2116 S. Maiden Lane Joplin, MO (417)578-9040

1731 E 20th St. 2609 E. 7th St. Suite 1 5034 MO-43 Joplin, MO Joplin, MO (Mortgage Office) Joplin, MO (417)578-9050 (417)578-9044 (417)578-9000

1615 Cherokee Ave. Seneca, MO (417)776-2111

Pictured left to right: Julie Smith, Brett Burr, Carrie Burgi, J.E. Cruse, Deron Burr, John Klute, Amy Gannaway, Crystal Franklin, Not Pictured: Savanah Musselman.

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s president of Missouri Southern, one of the most rewarding perks of the job is to have a front-row seat as our students cross the stage during commencement.

of Missouri Southern’s graduate programs was reflected in the numbers as well, with 52 master’s degrees awarded this spring, and 14 in December.

It’s a time-honored ceremony that marks a new beginning for the graduates as they go out into the world to become tomorrow’s leaders, teachers, scientists, pace-setters and global citizens. To be there to offer my congratulations for all their hard work is truly an honor.

I wonder if the founders – who worked tirelessly to transform Joplin Junior College into what it has become today – could ever have envisioned what the future had in store: An “impossible dream” that saw a small handful of buildings on the former Mission Hills Estate grow into the thriving campus we know and love today.

This spring’s commencement ceremony was extra special.

In the following pages, you’ll read about our keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Barbara Bevins, USAF, Ret. She was the first Missouri Southern student to cross the stage in 1969 to receive a fouryear degree. We were thrilled to have her with us again as we marked the 50th anniversary of that milestone.

Dr. Conrad Gubera – who has taught at Missouri Southern since the Mission Hills campus was established in 1967 – was on hand to introduce Bevins, his former student. He recalled that first commencement ceremony and the speech given by George A. Spiva Jr., a professor of economics and son of college library namesake George A. Spiva.

Dr. Gubera pointed out that Dr. Spiva tied his comments to the popular musical “Man of La Mancha” and by using the refrain “Just keep dreaming the impossible dream … just keep dreaming the impossible dream.” There were 198 baccalaureate degrees awarded that day, along with 88 associate degrees.

And, as Dr. Gubera pondered in his comments, I wonder if those looking back 50 years from today will wonder if we had an inkling of how MSSU will look in 2069.

Poet William Wordsworth wrote of life being divided into three terms: “That which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future.”

Currently we are living in the “which is” term; the “which will be” is something we think about every day as we try to live up to the rich heritage “which was” created for us by our founders.

I am confident that with friends like you, to help us keep dreaming the impossible dream, our future is bright and filled with promise.

Please enjoy this issue of Crossroads magazine, and know that we continue to be thankful for the support from our Lion family.

Fast forward 50 years to this spring, which saw a record 935 degrees awarded. That’s not counting the 480 degrees awarded during last December’s winter ceremony. The continued success

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In 1975, she participated in “Operation Baby Lift,” an evacuation plan which removed orphans and refugees from Saigon.

She worked at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines to process the children and refugees for further travel to Guam and later the United States – for which she received two Humanitarian Service medals.

Her career would also find her stationed in San Antonio, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; and near Madrid in Spain.

Retiring as a lieutenant colonel after more than 20 years of service, she went on to teach for many years as a JROTC instructor in Midland, Texas, where she still resides with her husband. She was the recipient of Missouri Southern’s Outstanding Alumni award in 1991.

On May 11, Bevins was on hand to speak to graduates during MSSU’s 72nd commencement.

“Fifty years ago, I was in the same shoes that you’re in,” she said. “Like some of you, I thought about going out into the great big world and making a difference … maybe someday join the Peace Corps. But that wasn’t the door I went through.

“You never know if the door you’re getting ready to go through is the door you thought you were going to go through. But it’s your door; go through it. Take a leap of faith and you may like where you stand.”

‘IT’S YOUR DOOR; GO THROUGH IT’ First grad to receive four-year degree from MSSU returns to speak at spring commencement It was a tale of two commencements.

One, a hot and humid Sunday afternoon on June 1, 1969.

The other, the Saturday of May 11, 2019.

What made the 1969 ceremony special was it marked the first graduating class to receive four-year degrees from Missouri Southern. Two years earlier, the former Joplin

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Junior College made the move from downtown to the new campus built on the Mission Hills estate.

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Hundreds of area students from fifth grade through high school gathered at Missouri Southern this year for events which showcased their knowledge of history and science.

The Social Sciences Department hosted the annual Region 6 History Day on March 8, while the 30th annual Missouri Southern Regional Science Fair was held March 26.

More than 290 entries were received for History Day, which included papers, websites, exhibits, performances and documentaries. Winners from the contest – one of nine in Missouri – advanced to the National History Day competition on April 27 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. State winners advanced to the national contest, set for June 9-13 in College Park, Md. The Regional Science Fair featured entries from 82 students in the junior category (grades 5-8) and 11 in the senior category (grades 9-12).

The first of the nearly 200 students to walk across the makeshift stage to receive bachelor’s degrees that day was Barbara Bevins (then Blackford). A sociology major, she went to work for the University of Missouri’s Extension program before deciding to join the United States Air Force.

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AREA STUDENTS GATHER FOR HISTORY DAY, SCIENCE FAIR

Senior division winners graduating from high school received a scholarship to Missouri Southern, with cash prizes for others, made possible by a variety of sponsors.

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RUESTMAN RECEIVES 2019 ANNIE BAXTER AWARD Marilyn Ruestman, former Missouri State Representative and Newton County Presiding Commissioner, was recently honored as the recipient of the 2019 Annie Baxter Award.

Established in 1990, the award is presented annually to a prominent Missouri woman who makes noticeable contributions to her community in the spirit of Annie Baxter.

Baxter was elected as the Jasper County clerk in 1890. She was the first woman to hold elective office in the state of Missouri, and the first female county clerk in the United States.

Ruestman served as district assistant for Congressman Mel Hancock from 1989-96 and as district director for Missouri State Senator Marvin Singleton.

She later served as a Republican state representative, representing parts of McDonald and Newton counties in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2003-10.

University representatives enjoyed spending time with Lions living deep in the heart of Texas during our first ever visit to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

During her time as a state representative, she was elected the Majority Caucus Secretary in 2005, 2007 and 2009. She was elected treasurer of the freshman class of the 92nd General Assembly, president of the Women Legislators of Missouri and was appointed to the Missouri Women’s Council. She later served two terms as Presiding Commissioner of Newton County.

In early May, alums gathered for another Alumni After Hours event at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. Other activities included hosting the MOSO Monday panel discussions for the School of Arts and Sciences, the MOSO Monday event honoring the School of Education and catching up with Golden Graduates (who graduated between 1944-69) during commencement weekend.

“We had a great time catching up with alumni and friends this past spring,” says Lee Elliff Pound, Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations. “We’re currently working on a calendar of events for this fall that are a combination of business mixers and family-friendly fun.”

OCEANIA SEMESTER EVENTS TO MAKE A SPLASH Plans are underway to celebrate the Oceania Semester this fall.

“The focus will be on Australia and New Zealand, but it’s a region that also includes the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea,” says Dr. Chad Stebbins, director of the Institute of International Studies.

Since 1997, Missouri Southern has organized themed semesters that allow students to explore different cultures.

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rom the annual Southern Social to visits with our graduates in Dallas/Fort Worth and Northwest Arkansas, it was a busy spring for the Missouri Southern Office of Alumni & Constituent Relations.

Among the fall events will be a presentation and recital by New Zealand-born flutist Alex Still; a symphony orchestra and percussion ensemble concert featuring New Zealand composer John Psathas; the International Film Festival; a production by the Theatre Department; and a cooking demonstration by Jay Jay Wolfpie, owner of Aussie Pies in Los Angeles, Calif.

Upcoming activities include the annual Day at the K on Friday Aug. 16. Kansas Cityarea alums can enjoy a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium and a tailgate for $15.

A full schedule of activities will be shared later this summer at www.mssu.edu.

For more information on these and other events, visit www.mssu.edu/alumni-events and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

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Tickets for another gathering for a Northwest Arkansas Naturals game on Tuesday, Aug. 27, will be available for $10.

And, of course, make plans to attend Homecoming weekend activities Oct. 4-5.

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DID YOU KNOW that our in-state tuition program, Lion Pride Tuition, extends into 9 other states?

If you live in Arkansas Illinois Iowa Kansas Kentucky Missouri Nebraska Oklahoma Tennessee or Texas you’ll recieve our in-state tuition discount!

Please encourage perspective students to consider MSSU! 11

DR.

JOHN

CRAGIN, the

DR. GLENN DOLENCE, a

former head of the Computer Information Systems Department at Missouri Southern, died March 25 at the age of 94.

former longtime Vice President of Student Affairs at Missouri Southern, passed away on May 24.

A graduate of Joplin High School, he served in World War II and later entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1950. After retiring from the Army, he returned to Joplin and accepted a position teaching physics and mathematics at Missouri Southern.

Following his retirement in 1989 after 22 years at MSSU, Cragin remained committed to the institution’s success. In addition to establishing three endowments, he and his wife, Joy, supported the expansion of Spiva Library, the expansion of the Ralph L. Gray Alumni Center and the university’s international mission.

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our members of the Lion family with deep ties to the university passed away this spring. We’d like to take a moment to remember the far-reaching impact they had on Missouri Southern, our students and the community.

RUTH

KOLPIN

RUBISON

passed away on April 27 at the age of 96.

A longtime Carthage resident, she was considered a pioneer in radio, television and cable television – and was hugely instrumental in the broadcast program at MSSU. In 2008, KGCS moved to channel 22 and began broadcasting a digital signal, which allowed it to reach more than 167,000 households in Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. The changes were made possible by a generous donation from the Ruth I. Kolpin Foundation. As a result, the KGCS studios were named in her honor.

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During his 27 years at Missouri Southern, he served as dean of men, athletic director, dean of students and served as vice president for student services until his retirement in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Myrna, who he met at Southern where she was dean of women. She later became a counselor and founded the Student Success Center.

Examples of Dolence’s leadership are still a part of MSSU. These include the establishment of the Golden Crest Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa - a national leadership honor society - and the Student Leadership awards and Leader of the Year award, which are named in his honor.

RICHARD MASSA, a founder and longtime head of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern, died Sunday, March 17, following a lengthy illness.

Massa joined the MSSU faculty in 1972 as an associate professor of journalism and advisor to The Chart, the student newspaper. From 1979-80, he served as interim head of the Department of Language and Literature and then as acting head of the Department of English.

He helped create the Department of Communications in 1980, and served as head of the department for 19 years.

During his tenure, the campus radio station KXMS was founded as well as television station KGCS. He was also instrumental in the creation of the university’s Institute of International Studies, serving as its first director until his retirement in 1999.

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“It’s been five years since I left his teaching, but I carry all of it with me and use it almost every day.”

In 2015, he took a job performing on Branson’s Showboat Branson Belle, where he stayed for nearly three seasons.

“I had auditioned there the previous year,” says Davis. “Their drummer decided to relocate so they brought me back in and I nailed the audition. I started two or three days later, with a lot of music to learn and not much time. It was a good pressure cooker.”

Jaron Lamar Davis returns to Missouri Southern with jazz trio

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peaking to a group of college musicians gathered for a master class in Webster Hall’s Corley Auditorium, drummer Jaron Lamar Davis explains his role in a jazz trio.

“It’s a conversation that’s taking place,” Davis says, still sitting behind his kit. “You want to be as authentic as you can be to that moment.”

The April 16 visit by the Joshua Espinoza Jazz Trio, featuring Davis on drums, marked a homecoming for the former music student. Following the master class, the trio offered a free evening performance.

He’s been playing the drums since a young age, but football was initially on his mind when coming to Missouri Southern.

“But I made an executive decision and decided to save my limbs and focus on music,” he says. “I learned a lot … mainly under Dr. Phil Wise (director of jazz studies). He’s not a drummer, but he has a way of being able to deliver and help you learn the things you need to learn. That’s the sign of a master teacher.

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He eventually moved to the Washington, D.C./ Baltimore metropolitan area. It was there that he met pianist Josh Espinoza and bassist Mikel Combs, who were also recent transplants to the area.

“It seemed like the universe just came together because we all moved there within about a month of each other,” says Davis. “Josh happened to be at a jam session where I was playing. He came up to me to say how great I sounded and that he wanted to play with me.

“Through playing together, we started delving out of traditional jazz and into more of an exploratory thing.”

drummers,” says Espinoza. “I feel like what we do is to try and tell a story through music. There’s a lot of ups and downs happening.

“He’s able to tune in and enhance it with the way that he plays, instead of just setting a groove and sticking with it the whole time. He’s able to put that aside and play the drums almost like a melodic instrument.”

The trio has played at a number of festivals and house concerts, but Davis says the opportunity to come back to Missouri Southern to perform was especially meaningful.

“The students here are learning and having the same struggles I dealt with,” he says. “I love being able to come back and show what’s possible when you believe in yourself and work hard.”

in his view In 2018, Jaron Lamar Davis recorded original music he had written as well as a few jazz arrangements for his debut as a bandleader, “My View Through the Lens of Music.”

The trio recently recorded their first album, “Journey into Night,” which was released on June 14.

“The nice thing about this trio is that we have a unique synergy and understanding of one another,” says Davis. “He brought me and Mike in because of what we naturally already do.”

“I arranged them in a way that meshes with my own personality,” says Davis. “It’s jazzy, but there’s funk and soul as well.

I didn’t initially record it for others … more so to get it off my chest.

But to my surprise, a lot of people have enjoyed it.”

Espinoza says Davis brings a style that is “very orchestral” to the trio’s mix.

“Jaron really elicits all these different colors from the drum set that you sometimes don’t hear from

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The album is available for purchase on Amazon, and can be streamed via Spotify and Apple Music.

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s meetings go, the April meeting of the Society of Manufacturing Engineering student chapter at Missouri Southern was fairly standard.

Syleris Gwin Martinez, president of the chapter, called the meeting to order and began reviewing the agenda projected on the whiteboard.

There was discussion of upcoming trips to view the hydraulics system at the Wonders of Wildlife aquarium in Springfield; and to Newell Coach in Miami, Okla., which manufactures luxury coaches. Final plans for a senior sendoff were reviewed, as well as the prospect of a bake sale fundraiser, followed by new officer elections for the 2019-20 school year.

Not much out of the ordinary for a typical student club meeting. However, it marked the end of a unique year for the SME chapter – the first since its founding to have an all-female slate of officers.

“It is interesting, considering when I started with this program in 2008, we didn’t have any females (enrolled), period,” said Claudia Koch, assistant professor of engineering technology and the club’s advisor. “In 2010, when we started the SME chapter, we didn’t have any female members whatsoever.

“Here we are, eight years later, and we have all female officers. We’ve done our work getting them interested.”

Along with Martinez, officers for the year were senior Annie Smith, vice president; junior Abigail Randall, secretary; senior Tina Lancaster, treasurer; and senior Tabitha Gray, public relations.

Women make up only 13 percent of the engineering workforce, according to research by the Society of Women Engineers. While the number of women in other STEM fields have been on the rise, the numbers in the engineering field have remained flat since the early 2000s.

Martinez, who served as the SME chapter president for two years, said she has several family members who are engineers.

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“I’ve always been organized and methodical about everything and thought if I can fix things, and I like to fix things, (studying industrial engineering) would help me learn the tools to do it better,” she said.

Martinez joined the program at Missouri Southern more than two years ago as a non-traditional student. An engineering technician for Ducommun, she said her involvement in SME has helped her in her career.

“It opens doors for you,” she said of SME. “Everybody can see that your being part of this student chapter and its activities means you’re invested in the field.”

Martinez said being part of the all-female group of officers was a unique experience.

“We all got along very well, and all of us were going through the same process and same struggles,” she said.

Smith, who was elected president for the 2019-20 year, is working as a research and development intern for Joplin’s EaglePicher. Like Martinez, she said involvement with SME has helped her explore her interests in the field. The opportunity to tour area manufacturing plants has been one of her favorite parts of the experience.

“We recently went to Orizon in Grove, Okla., which manufactures parts for airplanes,” she said. “It’s automated with CNC (computer numerical control) machines. It was really neat to see.”

Koch said she credits the number of women in the chapter at Missouri Southern in part to having two female faculty members – herself and Dr. Elke Howe, chair of Missouri Southern’s engineering technology program.

“I think it has helped with any inhibitions they might have (about engineering),” she said. “We’re working to get all students interested. There’s a strong need to fill the STEM pipeline, which can be difficult no matter what.”

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After graduating with an associate’s degree from JJC in 1950, he went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Kansas. Soon, opportunity – and a much warmer climate – came knocking.

Michael, the youngest son, transitioned from skating to becoming a soccer standout and captain of his highschool team. He currently works as an electrical mechanical engineer in Chicago.

“(My wife and I) went off to California,” he says. “North American Aviation offered me $500 a month to do structural engineering for them. That was the same salary my dad was making as a carpenter and stonemason, for my first job. We packed up and moved there for two years.”

“We were just an ordinary family, but somehow the rivalry between the three boys allowed them to make themselves world champions,” says Conner. “They each got into their own field where they could use their own athletic abilities.”

A collection of model aircraft in his home showcases the projects he was involved in, from the Air Force’s experimental X-15 to the rocket engine mounts that would help put man on the moon.

“I was very lucky to be on the ground floor for new developments in the aviation program,” he says.

Harold Conner, ’50, shares memories of career, sons’ athletic achievements

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arold Conner can tell you exactly how many stairs are in his Norman, Okla., home. He counts them each day, as he walks and continues to strengthen following a heart attack last year.

Originally designed and built by an architect who once lived there, the interior is somewhat reminiscent of an M.C. Escher work. Here and there, stairs lead to various levels throughout the house – a unique, somewhat abstract design that’s never quite what one would expect.

But it’s perfectly suited for the 88-year-old Conner, whose life has taken the self-described “country boy” and Joplin Junior College graduate from California to Chicago, and around the globe as a witness to the achievements of the world’s greatest athletes, including his own sons.

His family was originally from rural Oklahoma, but later moved to Webb City. In school, Harold played football and basketball, but was never what he considered to be a stand-out athlete.

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While in high school, Conner began thinking about his future. He visited with a local architect to learn more about what the job entailed.

“When I got to Joplin Junior College, one of the things they had close to it was pre-engineering, so I took those courses,” he says.

At the time, the predecessor to Missouri Southern was housed in the former Joplin High School building at Fourth Street and Byers Avenue. Conner would try to catch a ride to class with a friend who had a car, or would take the bus for a nickel.

“It was a good school … the teachers made you study,” he says. “You couldn’t get by without doing homework every night.

Mathematics instructor Martha McCormick and chemistry teacher Eula Ratekin were both very important to his education, he said.

“I did very well … I wasn’t outstanding, but I was a good student,” he says.

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After a few years, he accepted a position with the Chicagobased Portland Cement Association, where he worked as an engineer and early computer programmer. He remained there for more than two decades, retiring as the company’s director of information systems.

Conner has attended nine summer Olympics over the years – including ’84 – and is looking forward to the 2020 games in Japan. To that end, his middle son makes it a point to keep his father moving as he continues to recover from his heart attack.

“I try to go over four or five days a week to have a cup of coffee or breakfast and then walk,” says Bart. “We try to keep as active as possible. He has a goal of going to the 2020 Olympics. Just like an athlete, we’ve got to train for that and improve his stamina and fitness.”

He later accepted a position with the University of Oklahoma, where he helped create the School of Architecture’s construction science program, and then ran a consulting business after retiring again.

A full career, to be sure. But raising three sons born in a span of just 33 months kept his home life equally interesting.

Bruce, Bart and Michael developed an early affinity for indoor speed skating before their interests led them on different paths.

Bruce, a pilot for United Airlines, continued training as a speed skater. While he missed qualifying for the Olympics, he would go on to become – at 57 – the oldest man to qualify for the Olympic trials.

Bart, who took an interest in gymnastics, would go on to win two gold medals during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Calif. He later married Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci and created the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy in Norman.

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Harold and son, Olympic medalist, Bart Conner

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It’s an impressive finish for Kimutai, who recently wrapped up his freshman year as a member of the cross country team at Missouri Southern.

But to put his achievement in perspective, maybe it’s better to go back to his official starting line as a runner. Other than a little soccer and rugby played for fun, pursuing athletic greatness was not something he had seriously considered.

Life, though, has a way of changing in an instant.

Freshman Gidieon Kimutai shows amazing stamina after 2015 injury

MARCH 3, 2015 E L D O R E T, K E N Y A Kimutai is home after finishing high school. He’s taken his graduation exams and is now in the midst of the two-month wait to find out the results.

DEC. 1, 2018 PITTSBURGH, PENN. It’s a cold and muddy morning, but just a few kilometers into the men’s 10k, Gidieon Kimutai is feeling good.

College is in the future for the 19-year-old, who hopes to study electrical engineering and dreams of one day traveling to the United States. Today, though, there’s farm work his father has asked him to do – corn stalks need to be run through a feed processing machine.

The NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships began with a shaky start at Schenley Park. A collision in the initial 100 meters means the runners have to be called back. Cramped lines still result in several taking a tumble at the second start.

He puts the stalks into the machine, which grinds them down to be used as food for the cows. A larger stalk becomes stuck in the opening and he reaches with his right hand to try to dislodge it.

He feels nervous at the outset, knowing the caliber of competition he’s facing. But now Kimutai sees that he’s keeping pace with the top runners.

The stalk gives way and is jerked into the grinding apparatus, taking his hand along with it.

“This is a good position for me to try to maintain,” the Missouri Southern freshman thinks to himself.

There’s an explosion of pain as his hand is crushed within the gears.

He stays among the lead pack throughout the race. At 5.8k and again at 7.8, he finds himself in third place. He keeps pushing himself forward.

By the time he reaches the hospital, doctors inform him there’s nothing they can do.

What immediately comes through in conversation with Kimutai is his humble nature. He’s quick to praise his teammates on the university’s cross country program, which collectively placed 11th during the national championships.

“I believe in teamwork,” he says. “They say when you want to go fast, you go alone. When you want to go far, you go with a pack.”

His path to becoming a runner able to keep pace with national contenders began as a more solitary journey, however. He was still in the hospital in Kenya when he was visited by his uncle.

“He came to me and told me, ‘Hey, everything is not lost,’” says Kimutai. “He’s interested in sports and used to run in high school. He said, ‘I want you to start training (as a runner) because you could be on the Paralympic team.’ I told him I’d think about it.”

In the months that followed, Kimutai focused on rehabilitation and learning to complete basic tasks that he had once taken for granted – such as writing, typing and driving – with just his left hand.

But the idea of training as a runner never left his mind.

“I knew I had the talent, but I hadn’t taken it into my heart to start running,” he says. “After thinking about it for a while, I said OK.” His uncle purchased a pair or running shoes and other gear for him, and Kimutai began the process of training himself.

“I started gradually after I had fully recovered,” he says.

“I started by waking up every morning and going for a 30-minute run. I would come home and relax, then in the afternoon I would go for another 30-minute-run.

His hand needs to be amputated.

He crosses the finish line in fourth place, earning All-American honors in the process.

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‘NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE’

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“Where I come from, there are many athletes. I got to know some of them while I was training and they invited me to come work out with them. I realized I could hang on with them and thought, ‘Wow, I might be good at this.’”

“That gave me a lot of encouragement to be positive about running. It told me nothing is impossible.”

While his uncle had initially suggested training for the Paralympics, Kimutai never made it.

He attended a meet in Kenya where he met a coach who took an interest in Kimutai’s talents as a runner. As his training progressed, the two kept in touch. The coach told him he would help him make connections to get a scholarship to come run in the United States – which is what brought him to the attention of Jamie Burnham, head distance coach for Missouri Southern’s cross country team.

“His coach sent us an email, and then I had someone take a video of Gidieon running in a race,” says Burnham. “We typically like to see runners in action. It all comes down to how fast they could run.

“It looked like Gidieon could do it.”

‘THINK POSITIVE’ Kimutai says he was excited to travel to the United States to attend college and to join a talented team of athletes.

“I dreamed of coming to the United States at some point, but I didn’t know it would happen this soon,” he says. “I was used to training and running alone back home, but I saw this would be a good team to work with. (The other members) help me a lot.”

After his accident, he changed his goal of becoming an electrical engineer to another area of interest – computers.

“I had a friend back home who had a small cyber café and I used to help him out,” says Kimutai.

He’s studying computer information systems at Missouri Southern, and has a student worker position with the campus Information Technology Department. He hopes to one day become a programmer.

In the meantime, he has no plans to slow down as a runner. He aspires to return to the national cross country championships for an even better finish, and to pursue athletics beyond college.

The Olympics, perhaps? You never know.

“I don’t give up so easily,” he says, looking back at the course the last few years has found him on. Life may put obstacles in your path, but he’s found it’s best to take them in stride – building endurance as you continue to put one foot in front of the other.

“The best thing you can do is to start being positive,” Kimutai says. “Think positive each and every day. Don’t ever see yourself as below others.”

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Nikki Bramwell, ‘19 | Secondary Education major

First place – Education; Best Overall Presenation | 2019 Student Research Symposium

R

esearch is a versatile tool that every student needs to have in their toolbox.

research to “Effects of Highlighting and Summarizing on Reading Comprehension.”

As a freshman in the Honors Program here at Missouri Southern State University, I remember learning that I would need to complete a senior thesis project to graduate with honors. I was intimidated and had no idea what to expect, and I chose to put off thinking about my own research ideas.

How has research been a versatile tool for me? Research sharpened my mind. I learned about theoretical frameworks, literature reviews, data analysis and how to decipher past research.

I did not begin to fully understand the significance and effects of research until I was in my junior block of the education program.

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Research also chisels away at the rough edges of misinformation and misconceptions. When I conducted my own study, I refuted the popular idea that highlighting is not an effective study strategy.

I learned that to be an effective teacher, there needs to be an understanding of past research in education, theories and best practices. Research helps educators determine which instructional strategies are most effective in classrooms.

I tested 41 college students and found that highlighting is beneficial with shorter time limits and for texts of 650700 words. Summarizing is a crucial skill, but my research suggests students need longer time limits to complete the process and to be taught effective summarization techniques.

This idea of research-based instructional strategies led me to the idea of using my senior thesis to test the effectiveness of study strategies. I narrowed down my

When conveying the importance of research to students and giving students various opportunities to practice research, MSSU has nailed it.

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SPENCER DAWSON SELECTED FOR OXFORD MUSIC PROGRAM For Spencer Dawson, home this summer – at least for one week in July – will look nothing like his actual residence in Webb City.

EXHIBITIONS FEATURE WORKS BY RECENT GRADUATES Two Art Department graduates had works accepted into recent national, juried exhibitions.

Jocelyn Lechuga’s “El Santo: Hero of the Mexican People” was selected for “ARTistas,” an exhibition in the Moon Gallery at Berry College in Mt. Berry, Ga. The show opened March 19 and ran through April 5.

Lechuga, who graduated from Missouri Southern State University in December 2018 with a degree in studio art, has made her Mexican heritage a focal point for her artwork. Folk stories, music and other areas of popular culture - such as masked wrestlers - are blended into her artistic exploration.

“EL SANTO: HERO OF THE MEXICAN PEOPLE”

The exhibition, which ran April 13-June 2, was open to students enrolled in undergraduate programs across the nation during the 2018-19 academic year.

“I submitted three different works, and out of those two were selected,” says Humphreys. “They’re portraits of people who are depicting a negative emotional response (due to) depression and anxiety. I wanted to bring awareness that it’s OK to have these responses and not have to hide them.”

Each of the subjects were captured on video while sharing their story, and a single frame was taken from the recording. The color purple is featured to represent the emotional scars and bruises obtained through their lives.

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The music education major at MSSU was selected to be a part of this year’s Oxford University Choral Singing Summer School. He’ll join 25 other students from across the globe to make up an elite ensemble and participate in the prestigious, one-week program in the UK.

She also had three works accepted for “Latinos Unidos,” an exhibit by artists of Latino heritage at Henderson State University’s Landmark Gallery in Arkadelphia, Ark. That exhibit will run June 7 through Aug. 30.

Lydia Humphreys, also a December 2018 graduate, had two of her oil paintings featured in the Undergraduate Juried Exhibition at the AlbrechtKemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Mo.

PORTRAIT BY LYDIA HUMPHREYS

Instead, the Missouri Southern junior will spend part of his summer break where what many consider to be the home of English choral music – Oxford University.

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“It’s incredible,” said Dawson. “I hope

to learn what inspired those composers and how they wanted their works performed.”

The program at Oxford is a small, selective residential course offered by the university’s Continuing Education department.

The ensemble is made up of international students and follows the model of the university’s own college choirs.

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COMMUNICATION STUDENTS HONORED DURING AWARDS CEREMONY Abigail and Madison West were named Producers of the Year and Students of the Year during the Department of Communication’s annual awards ceremony. The sisters, who graduated in May with degrees in mass communication, were among the students honored for the involvement with KGCS-TV during the April ceremony.

Sean Gordon, another recent mass communication graduate, was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year, while “Southern Nights” was honored with the Program of the Year award.

Juniors Raeann Garrison-Law and Dillon Noblett were announced as winners of the Ruth I. Kolpin Broadcast Scholarship.

The endowed scholarship was established in 2008 and is awarded to mass communication students who will be a junior or senior in the fall semester.

HUNDREDS GATHER FOR TECHNOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE Missouri Southern was home to more than 800 middle- and high-school students this spring during the 2019 Missouri TSA (Technology Student Association) State Conference.

LITERATURE LIVES DURING ROBINSON CRUSOE WEEK

The three-day event – held April 14-16 – featured more than 60 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competitions.

The classic tale of a castaway who spends nearly three decades on a desert island was the focus of the spring semester’s Literature Lives celebration, presented by the English & Philosophy Department.

“Many of our professors and students – as well as those in other departments – committed their time to participate as judges, provide demonstrations and conduct tours,” said Dr. Elke Howe, chair of the Engineering Technology Department.

This year marked the 300th anniversary of Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe.” A variety of activities were offered to mark the occasion – including film screenings, a visit by a pair of friendly goats, a pottery pit firing and a discussion examining the novel in a modern context. “‘Robinson Crusoe’ has a lot of adventure, which makes it a fun thing to build a week around,” said Dr. Amy Gates, assistant professor of English. “But it’s also

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MADISON

ABIGAIL

problematic. (Issues such as) slavery and colonialism complicate the narrative. We want to talk about those issues, not just paper over them.”

The novel, which has never been out of print, almost immediately became engrained in popular culture, said Dr. Zak Watson, chair of the English & Philosophy Department.

In addition to sequels penned by Defoe, there were abridgements, unofficial adaptations and numerous films.

“Crusoe was showing up in the popular culture of the time,” said Watson. “It’s everybody’s story … you can imagine you’re the one out there living in that space. Everybody owns it, in a way.”

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The university has been involved with TSA since 2013, and has hosted the regional conference numerous times. This was the first year the university hosted the state competition, however.

The Technology Student Association is recognized as the Career and Technology Student Association exclusively dedicated to students interested in STEM fields. TSA allows students to demonstrate and expand their hightech knowledge and skills. It also offers students opportunities to participate in leadership activities that will prepare them for the high tech, science or engineering workplace.

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CDECA MEMBERS RECOGNIZED IN STATE, NATIONAL COMPETITIONS Several Missouri Southern students were honored during the 2019 Collegiate DECA Missouri State Career Development Conference, held this spring in Lake of the Ozarks.

Senior Zach Nichols, of Joplin, took second place in the Fashion Merchandising and Marketing category.

Nathan Teeter, ’19, of Joplin, took third in Marketing Management.

Sarah Schultz, a senior from Baxter Springs, Kan., and Teeter took fourth in Marketing Communication.

DONORS EASE COST OF STUDENT TRAVEL

Bailey Grant, a junior from Joplin, and Nichols took sixth in event planning.

Nichols’ second-place finish qualified him to attend the national CDECA competition. Held in April in Orlando, Fla., he finished in the top 15 in the Fashion Merchandising category.

Collegiate DECA is a postsecondary student business organization for students preparing for careers in the business world. The international organization has more than 15,000 members from 250 campuses around the world.

Students who participated in study abroad trips to Germany and Czechia this summer were aided in part by the generosity of donors.

Classroom and business visits as well as cultural experiences helped put Czechia’s integration efforts toward adoption of the Euro, while engineering technology students learned about aspects of German manufacturing during the department’s first study abroad trip.

GAME THEORY AMONG NEW FACULTY MEMBER’S INTERESTS The business world is continually changing, which makes research a vital requirement, according to Dr. Huaqing (Mike) Wang, assistant professor of management.

Dr. Jeffrey Zimmerman, dean of the School of Business, said that generous contributions by donors helped defray the costs for students traveling overseas.

ZIMMERMAN

Game theory, its application and operations management are among the areas Wang has addressed in publications such as Production and Operations Management.

“Through their support, the Plaster School of Business was able to help 19 of our students get the opportunity to explore the world beyond Southwest Missouri,” he said. “These kinds of opportunities can be life changing for our students and I am deeply grateful to our donors who help make these experiences possible.”

“I’ve had some (papers) published and others that I’m still working on,” said Wang. “Game theory is about the strategic behavior between different ‘players.’ You have to adjust your strategy based on your competitor’s strategy.”

“It’s not (a new approach), but it has a lot of application for areas such as operations management and marketing.”

It’s an area he has continued to focus on as part of his research over the years.

“Research and teaching go hand in hand,” he said. “We’re in the classroom, but we need to know what’s going on in the frontier of our area and other areas of business.”

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AUBREY DOSS, ‘09, TEACHES ‘FIRST AID’ APPROACH TO YOUTH IN CRISIS Mental health is an issue that tends to be talked about in negative terms, says Aubrey Doss.

“We know that youth and even adults in this area don’t always seek out mental health treatment,” she says. “We tend to talk about people being ‘crazy,’ but not in terms of the positive things. One in five adults experience a mental health challenge in life. But they’re productive members of society and we just don’t talk about any of that.”

CARTHAGE EDUCATORS HONORED AS OUTSTANDING BEGINNING TEACHERS

RENKEN

Two recent graduates from the School of Education at Missouri Southern State University were recognized this spring as Outstanding Beginning Teachers.

the junior-high level thought I’d be a good teacher. I took their advice (and got my degree) and I did love it, even more than I thought I would.”

Nicole Renken, ’18, a math teacher at Carthage Junior High, and Stacy Smith, ’17, a special education teacher at Carthage High School, were among those honored during the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) conference in Columbia, Mo.

Smith said working with children also sparked her interest in becoming a teacher.

MACTE is a state affiliate of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Every two years, the organization accepts nominations from member institutions around Missouri for up to two first- or second-year teachers.

“I don’t think anyone expects to get this kind of award for their first year of teaching,” said Renken. “I was surprised and very honored.

“I was the assistant director at a daycare for a couple of years. I loved kids, but I also loved math. I did some substituting, and friends who taught at

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SMITH

“Working in a preschool, I saw all different kinds of learners,” she said. “I really enjoyed the challenge of trying to find out what their needs were and developing strategies to help meet those needs.

“That led me to go to Missouri Southern and get my degree.”

Doss, who graduated from Missouri Southern in ’09 with a degree in psychology, returned to campus in April to help lead Youth Mental Health First Aid, a one-day training seminar sponsored by the Psychology Department.

Those attending learned the basic skills needed to help a young person in crisis. Topics covered included issues such anxiety, depression, substance abuse and disruptive behavior disorders.

“The idea is to teach people to recognize the signs and

symptoms of youth having a mental health challenge and

what to do if they see those signs,” says Doss, who works as a project coordinator for Joplin’s Ozark Center. “We teach participants how to handle that situation. Even if

you’re not a mental health provider, you can handle it until someone can help you out.”

Dr. Susan Craig, associate professor of teacher education at MSSU, said the two recent graduates were very deserving of the award.

The next steps are to follow the ALGEE plan – Assess for risk of suicide or harm; Listen non-judgmentally; Give reassurance and information; Encourage appropriate professional help; Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

“They were both tremendous students and are now tremendous teachers,” said Craig. “I couldn’t be more excited for them.”

Doss says she enjoys the chance to come back to campus to help others address a serious issue.

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“I enjoyed my experience at Southern immensely,” she says. “It’s nice to come back and feel like I’m giving back to the students. It’s practical information I would have wanted before going into the field.”

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MIESELER

HOLLAND

KERBS

LANKFORD

ALUMNI RECOGNIZED DURING MOSO MONDAY Four School of Education alumni were recognized during this spring’s MOSO Monday event.

been instrumental in the creation of a number of local health initiatives, including the Cardiac Kids program.

“Nominations come from our community partners, such as schools or businesses that employ our graduates,” said Lorinda Hackett, interim dean of the School of Education. “Each department then selects the recipients of the awards.”

Cory Kerbs, ’17, was one of two recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Educator Award. He is a thirdgrade teacher in Carl Junction. His nomination from the school says Kerbs “is creative, prepared, keeps students engaged, makes learning fun … and goes above and beyond.”

Vicky Lynn Mieseler, ’81, received the Professional Achievement in Psychology Award. She is currently the chief administrative officer for Ozark Center, and was instrumental in bringing autism treatment to Joplin.

Lauren Holland, ’03, was the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award in Kinesiology. She is a community educator for Cox Monett Hospital and has

Leanna Lankford, ’82, received the other Outstanding Teacher Educator Award. She spent 35 years in public education in Missouri before joining Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in 2017 as a first-grade teacher. Her nomination letter notes that she “is such a natural educator that everyone from a first-year teacher to a 30-year veteran have come (to her) for advice.”

YOUNG ARCHERS GATHER FOR QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT For the third year, the Kinesiology Department at Missouri Southern served as co-host for the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program’s State Qualifying Tournament.

Held on March 2 in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center, more than 700 archers in fourth through 12th grade gathered for the Academy Sports & Outdoor Shootout. In addition to the competition, more than 200 participants were recognized as Academic Archers for maintaining a high grade point average.

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NEW CENTER FOR HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP TAKING SHAPE Construction is underway to transform space in the Julio S. León Health Sciences building into the Gipson Center for Healthcare Leadership.

people who keep up day to day with what’s going on in the healthcare field – it’s the real world, not just teaching out of a book.”

“We’re creating two classrooms, a conference room and faculty offices,” says Melinda Brown, who recently joined Missouri Southern as the center’s director. “Classes will start in the fall.”

Brown, who came to MSSU from Freeman Health System as the director of durable medical equipment, says local hospitals see the value and potential of the new program.

The program is designed to meet the growing demand for nonclinical management and leadership roles within in the healthcare field.

According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth in that area will be up 22 percent by 2026.

“They’re excited because they’ll be getting our students in as interns,” she says.

Brown says that the growth areas include midlevel or entry management positions in different sectors such as physician clinic administrator, health insurance specialist, healthcare marketing, IT and pharmaceuticals.

“Many of the upper-level classes for the Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Administration will be taught by local healthcare business professionals,” she says. “They’re

A ribbon-cutting for the center was held last fall, with university officials recognizing the support of Bill and Tracy Gipson, who made a $1 million gift to the center.

BROWN

“The generous donation from

the Gipsons means we’ll be able

to offer competitive scholarships to our students,” says Brown.

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BILL & TRACY GIPSON

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HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS PROVIDE CARE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS Students and faculty from the dental hygiene, respiratory therapy and nursing programs offered education resources, screenings and other services to a group of residents this spring.

Joined by their counterparts in the social work and kinesiology departments, they spent an afternoon in April working with residents of Redwood Garden Estates in Webb City.

“In the healthcare world, we know that elderly residents have a higher hospitalization rate,” said Caleb Lewis, coordinator of the university’s Simulation Center.

“We know it’s important to try to decrease (that number). We want to help them live on their own more efficiently so they don’t have to go to the hospital.”

The activities also offered students a multidisciplinary view of healthcare.

DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY CLINIC

“Our students worked together even though they’re trained in different areas of the school,” said Lewis. “They get a chance to see what everyone else does while providing a service to our community members.”

Through a partnership between the dental hygiene program and the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri, area children’s smiles got a bit brighter this spring.

Stephanee Davidson, who recently graduated with her degree in nursing, said she appreciated the chance to take what she learned in the classroom and help others.

“My family is from this area so to be able to give back to the community is really special,” she said.

The clinic received a grant to provide sealants free of charge to approximately 150 children who receive free and reduced lunches, said Kim Rogers, chair of the Dental Hygiene Department. On March 29, a group of nearly 20 children visited Missouri Southern to receive the preventative treatment.

“We’re very glad we’re able to do it,” said Rogers. “It enhances our students’ education and really promotes service learning and giving back to the community.

“It’s also a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate with the Community Clinic. Today was just the first step. We look forward to collaborating again with them to help them fulfill the grant.”

Recent graduate Loren Lay said she and her fellow students were happy for the chance to gain more practical experience.

FAMILY DAY ALLOWS KIDS TO EXPLORE WORLD OF HEALTHCARE A morning of fun and informative activities for children ages 5 and up were just what the doctor ordered during the Health Sciences Family Day on April 27.

Participants had the opportunity to see what it is like to be a patient and a healthcare professional. The event featured fun activities in five different areas – respiratory therapy,

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radiology, Simulation Center, dental hygiene, and the EMS ambulance simulators.

“We’ve seen patients on our own, but an extra day to get hands-on experience is great for us,” she said.

The first ever event was presented in conjunction with the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations.

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BASEBALL QUALIFIES FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT

LANTZ

CAMPBELL

RUTLEDGE

TURNER

2019 HALL OF FAME CLASS ANNOUNCED The Missouri Southern Athletic Department has announced its 2019 Hall of Fame class.

The list of inductees includes one former coach, three track and field athletes, and two basketball teams, who will be honored as part of Hall of Fame Weekend.

Coach Jon Lantz (football, 1989-97) led the Lions through their most successful period as an NCAA Division II program. He led the team to a winning record in all but two seasons, including a 9-1-1 record in 1993 when the team went undefeated through the MIAA and advanced to the NCAA tournament.

TRACK AND FIELD SENDS RECORD NUMBER TO CHAMPIONSHIPS Missouri Southern’s outdoor track and field team qualified a record-high 19 student-athletes for the 2019 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Kingsville, Texas, in late May. The Lions came away with 12 All-American performances, led by a national championship in the women’s javelin by junior Morgan Ash, of White City, Kan.; as well as a pair of All-American performances in the women’s shot put and discus by junior Desirea Buerge, of Webb City, Mo. Buerge was the national runner-up in the shot put, while senior Emily Presley, St. Clair, Mo., was the national runnerup in the pole vault.

The women finished in sixth place in the team standings, the highest ever for Missouri Southern in the women’s Outdoor 38

Championships. Buerge and assistant coach Brian Allen were named the Central Region Field Athlete and Assistant Coach of the Year.

The Southern men finished 24th at the championships. That, along with strong finishes in the indoor season and cross country, led the Lions to finish eighth in the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Program of the Year standings.

Matt Campbell (2003-06), Kyle Rutledge (2003-06) and Chris Turner (2000-05) will be remembered as one of the most dominant groups of pole vaulters the NCAA Division II has ever seen. During the 2005 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Campbell won the national title,

The Lions were the top MIAA team for the fifth time in the last six years.

‘81-’82 BASKETBALL

with Turner finishing second and Rutledge third.

Also honored in the 2019 class will be the 1981-82 women’s basketball team, which was the NAIA national runner-up, and the 1999-00 men’s basketball team, which advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four.

The newest class will be present at a social the evening of Friday, Oct. 18, at the North End Zone Facility.

They will be inducted at a brunch on Saturday, Oct. 19, and recognized during halftime as the Lions face Washburn.

Those wishing to attend the social Friday will need to RSVP prior to event with the Athletic Department.

Cost to attend the brunch is $15.

Registration and a social will take place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the North End Zone Facility.

The MSSU baseball team was picked to finish sixth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches’ Poll, but the Lions finished just one game out of first place and qualified for the team’s third NCAA Tournament in the past seven seasons.

Head coach Bryce Darnell was named the MIAA Coach of the Year, while junior pitcher Zach Parish, of Tahlequah, Okla., was the MIAA Pitcher of the Year.

Freshman Dexter Swims, from St. Louis, was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year.

The Lions had 12 student-athletes named to the All-MIAA team led by three first-team selections in Parish, Swims and senior Freddie Landers, of Grayslake, Ill. Parish was a consensus pick on all three All-American teams, and he and Landers both earned multiple All-Region and All-American Honors.

“We had a season that we are proud of,” said Coach Bryce Darnell. “It was an honor to coach this group and they will always be special to me.”

Fans wishing to attend either event should call 417-625-9317.

‘99-’00 BASKETBALL

“I am proud of our coaching staff and student-athletes,” said Bryan Schiding, director of cross country/track and field. “They all worked tirelessly throughout the year, which culminated in a successful campaign.”

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L E T U S K N O W W H AT ’ S G O I N G O N I N Y O U R L I F E ! E M A I L U S AT A L U M N I A S S O C @ M S S U . E D U

1960s Ron Richard, ‘69, was named the Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

1980s David Hubbard, ‘81, works at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis as a senior manager-applications.

Vicky Mieseler, ‘81, was the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award in Psychology from the Missouri Southern School of Education.

Leanna Lankford, ‘82, received the Outstanding Teacher Educator Award from the Missouri Southern School of Education.

Christine “Chriss” (Brune) Cudney, ‘84, is the director of tax, legislation and innovation, and assistant treasurer for Ameren in St. Louis. She is also an adjunct professor for St. Louis University and teaches the Master Tax Program.

Jenny Brust, ‘99, was recognized as the Emerging Leader of the Year by the Carthage Chamber of Commerce.

Heather Lesmeister, ‘99, is the director University Relations & Marketing at Missouri Southern State University.

2000s Lauren Holland, ‘03, received the Professional Achievement Award in Kinesiology from the Missouri Southern School of Education.

Lindsey Mason, ‘03, is the director of IT strategy and enablement at DaVita, Inc. Lacey Messick, ‘03, is the national account specialist for the Springfield/Joplin territories for Neurocrine Biosciences in San Diego, Calif.

Tom Grisham, ‘84, is a principal network architect for Acxiom.

Heather Van Otterloo, ’05, was named the 2019 Golden Apple Award recipient for 6th-8th grades by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

1990s

Sarah Mwangi, ‘06, was named the Joplin Assistant Superintendent of Learning by the Joplin School Board.

Abi (Putnam) Almandinger, ‘96, was given the Athena Award by the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes someone who supports, develops and honors women leaders.

Tonya (Graham) Reither, ‘96, is the director of membership and sales at Millennium Family Fitness in Joplin.

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DaLana (Lofland) Rutledge, ‘98, is the accounting manager for the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma.

Russell Ellis, ‘08, is a teacher and coach for the Sarcoxie School District.

Kelly O’Toole, ‘08, is an occupational therapist for the Children’s Therapy Team in Fayetteville, Ark.

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2010s Jacob Williams, ‘10, is the middle school athletic director for Joplin Schools.

Jennifer Murphy, ‘11, was honored as one of the 2019 Las Vegas Top 100 Women of Influence by MYVEGAS Magazine.

Lindsay (Anderson) Watts, ‘11, was elected to serve on the city council in Elkins, Ark. Victoria (Kline) White, ‘11, is a physical therapy student at Missouri State University.

Ashley Eriksen, ’12, received her Masters of Science and Management from Missouri Southern State University in May. Chris Scruggs, ‘12, graduated from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Ill. Zach Brasher, ’13, is an enterprise account executive for Alteryx, Inc. Jessica (Bashaw) Cox, ‘13, is a senior financial analyst for Tyson Foods in Springdale, Ark. Shannon (Green) Henry, ‘13, is a physical therapy assistant for Therapy Time Pediatrics in Tulsa, Okla.

Elbert Fulgham III, ‘15, is a district manager for Waffle House, Inc. Chloe (Spears) McMain, ‘15, is the director of creative services and branding for Missouri Southern State University.

Desmond Williams, ‘16, is the director of player development at Demize Soccer Academy in Joplin.

Cory Kerbs, ‘17, was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Educator Award by the Missouri Southern School of Education.

Sarah (Millet) Aggus, ‘18, won an American Advertising Award at the Heartland Chapter of the American Ad Federation’s American Advertising Awards.

Stacy Gamble, ‘18, is enrolled in Oklahoma University’s Master of Science in Environmental Science: Hydrology and Water Security program.

Kendall Gilstrap, ‘18, is a lab technician assistant at Charles River Labs in Reno, Nev. Jocelyn Lechuga, ‘18, had three works chosen for display in the “Latinos Unidos” art exhibit in Hot Springs, Ark.

Shonté Clay-Fulgham, ‘14, is the athletic sales and sponsorship coordinator for Missouri Southern State University.

Ellen (Rogers) Smith, ‘18, won five student category awards, including Best of Show, at the Heartland Chapter of the American Ad Federation’s American Advertising Awards.

Kalief Steele, ‘15, won an award during the Heartland Chapter of the American Ad Federation’s American Advertising Awards.

Kristen (Petitt) Bartz, ‘19, is a child welfare specialist with the Department of Human Services in Miami, Okla.

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Dates as of May 29, 2019

ALUMNI Gretchen (Kissel) Adamczyk, ‘79 August 15, 2018 Verba Allen, ‘82 April 21, 2019 Bill Baulche, ‘76 April 24, 2019

William, ‘10, and Katherine Honeywell-Lynch, ‘10, welcomed Millicent Drew and Winnifred Chase on November 12, 2018.

Kelom and Sara (Ayres) Kennard, ’08, welcomed Harper Montana on February 27, 2019.

Luke, ‘09, and Stacy (Bulcock) McCarty, ‘10, welcomed Jack Reed on March 13, 2019.

FRIENDS Mark L. Rogers, ‘85 January 1, 2019 Jane J. Ross, ‘40 March 1, 2019 Mary P. Scott, ‘06 March 17, 2019

Wayne “Chuck” Elgin Lion-Hearted Awardee April 17, 2019 Jane Garrison March 6, 2019 Barbara Goodknight April 26, 2019

Suzanne Daniel, ‘76 March 17, 2019

Pamela (McDaniel) Sells, ‘68, ’70 April 16, 2019

Peggy Finley, ‘99 March 15, 2019

Robert Snodgrass, ‘72 April 7, 2019

Roy Murphy January 12, 2019

Mary Glover, ‘91 March 7, 2019

Dr. Timothy Sprenkle, ‘84 May 17, 2019

Earl Goddard, ‘04, ‘07 April 30, 2019

Kathryn (Cox) Teaford, ‘72 February 27, 2019

Dr. Donald Patterson Board of Trustees May 20, 2019

Barbara M. Hughes, ‘91 April 2, 2019

Kevin Trahin, ‘96 May 1, 2019

Marcia McCullough, ‘65 May 9, 2019

Wilda Wilson, ‘68, ‘70 March 19, 2019

Nina (Geisert) Morris, ‘44 April 3, 2019 Ranum Nils, ‘65 May 23, 2019

Dr. William “Bill” Michel March 5, 2019

RETIRED FA C U LT Y / S TA F F Dr. John Cragin, ‘73, Computer Sciences March 25, 2019 Dr. Glenn Dolence Administration, Lion-Hearted Awardee May 24, 2019 Richard Massa Communication, Lion-Hearted Awardee March 17, 2019 Dr. Nanette Philibert Business May 20, 2019

Doyle Price March 9, 2019

Dr. James Sandrin Teacher Education December 27, 2018

Ruth I. Kolpin Rubison Lion-Hearted Awardee April 27, 2019

Dr. Bob Steere Sciences April 18, 2019

Roberta Simpson May 6, 2019 Betty Yates May 5, 2019

Cliff, ‘04, and Katie Erwin welcomed William “Will” Therin on March 4, 2019.

The Spring 2019 edition of Crossroads incorrectly noted the death of Gregg Whitsett, ’82, in the In Memorium section.

His father, Gregg O. Whitsett, a Joplin Junior College student, passed away on Aug. 25, 2018.

Brett and Blair (Cummins) Dance, ‘11, welcomed Tucker Austin on May 11, 2019.

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picture this

Travel and lifestyle photos submitted by our Lion students and alumni To submit a photo for consideration, please email Crossroads@mssu.edu

1 ST - MORGAN McLEES, ‘13

2ND - DILLON WORD , ‘10

B

ob Kelly still remembers homecoming dances in Young Gymnasium, cheering on the football team from the stands of Fred Hughes Stadium and enjoying live music and comedy acts in Taylor Auditorium during his years at Missouri Southern.

3RD - ERIN SINCLAIR MARSTON, CURRENT STUDENT

“I had a wonderful experience at Missouri Southern as an undergrad,” says Kelly. “A lot of it had to do with my fraternity – the Kappa Alpha Order. It kept me in school during my formative years.”

He has remained involved with the university and KA over the decades since he graduated in 1977. He is a past president of the Alumni Board of Directors and has been involved with the Missouri Southern Foundation and the Lionbacker booster club. He currently serves as the secretary for KA’s Joplin-area alumni chapter.

Kelly, who recently retired as an insurance agent with State Farm, says it was important that he and his wife, Candy, consider the future when it came to their estate planning.

“Buds that hay together, stay together.”

This picture is of my 3-year-old son, Greyland, who loves everything Toy Story and farming. Even on the days where there is work to do on the farm, it’s much easier and more fun with a friend. Sometimes, you need that reminder that good friends will have your back and will walk with you through every season.

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First and foremost was ensuring the continued care of their son, Brennan Shea, who they adopted 22 years ago from Russia and has special needs.

“We created a family trust that will take care of him for the rest of his life,” says Kelly. “What’s special about this trust is that it has to self-liquidate when he passes on.

The value can’t be sent to anyone else.

“Candy has her 50 percent going to (her alma mater).

Thirty percent of mine will go to the fraternity and the other 20 percent to Missouri Southern.”

For Kelly, giving back is a way to ensure future students have the same positive experience as a member of the Lion family as he did.

“Whatever we’ve done for Missouri Southern, it’s always been to help students have a good time,” he says. “If all you do is to class and then graduate, you’re not going to remember it. If you enjoy your time there and remember it with fondness, you’re going to come back and support it.”

The Kelly family’s planned gift has earned them inclusion in the Lantern Society’s Legacy Club.

To discuss a planned gift with the Missouri Southern Foundation, please call 417-625-3104.

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3950 East Newman Road Joplin, Missouri 64801

If you are a parent of an alum and they no longer live with you, please call 417-659-LION or visit www.mssu.edu/alumnicontact to update their contact information!