Thanksgiving Special Edition
University of Central Missouri Publication Since 1878
New Hough Counseling Center Provides Opportunities and Resources to Students
LINDA ALVIAR Managing Editor
On Oct. 24, the University of Central Missouri’s College of Education and the UCM Alumni Foundation celebrated the dedication of the Hough Education and Counseling Center. Formerly a gymnasium in the Lovinger Building, the space has been renovated into a large meeting room, small classrooms and several rooms dedicated to individual and group counseling sessions.
In January 2022, alumnus Greg Thurman donated $1 million to the College of Education to renovate the former Lovinger gymnasium into this space.
“This school opened me up to the possibilities of life that I didn’t know existed. So that’s why I felt we should give back here,” said Thurman. Thurman graduated from UCM in 1974 and attributes his success in life to factors outside of his control.
“I know you have to work hard, you have to be halfway smart, but there’s a lot of things that go beyond your own personal powers to make things happen,” Thurman said. “I got very lucky in all of that somehow. I know that’s luck, so I feel like giving back and helping others to have the same opportunity that I once had.”
The donation was made in honor of Thurman’s nephew, Michael Hough, who earned three bachelor’s degrees and a Master of Science in Education in Secondary School Administration from UCM. Hough is now the superintendent of the Holden R-III School District. JUMP TO PG 2.
Election Season Impacts Warrensburg
Like the rest of the country, Johnson County experienced the full swing of election season as it came to a head on Nov. 5. Voters, both nationally and locally, made their voices heard on a number of races, the biggest being the presidential contest. For Johnson County and Missouri voters, candidates included Denny Hoskins’ bid for Secretary of State and Brandon Phelps’ run for State Representative of District 54. Several amendments to the Missouri Constitution were on the ballot, including Amendments 2 and 3. Amendment 2 is a proposal to legalize sports betting in Missouri, while Amendment 3 is a move towards overturning Missouri’s current ban on abortion Denny Hoskins, a former state senator, held a watch party event with supporters at Players, a restaurant in Warrensburg. Throughout the night, they awaited both local results and results of the presidential race.
Hoskins mingled with supporters and outlined the work that went into the campaign. When results returned, showing his victory against Democrat Barbara Phifer, Hoskins finished with 57.7 percent of the vote compared to Phifer’s 39.7 percent. Hoskins expressed excitement in response to his win.
“It’s very humbling to see all the support that’s come across this great
“When the majority have a chance to speak, you need to listen,”
54th District State Representative, Brandon Phelps said.
state,” said Hoskins. “The future is really bright here in Missouri.”
Likewise, Phelps and his supporters gathered for a similar watch at Old Barney’s, a restaurant in downtown Warrensburg. When final results poured in, showing a victory of 70.3 percent against democrat Eric Stevens’ 29.7 percent, Phelps was also enthusiastic about the future. He highlighted, in particular, a sense of humility in regards to winning.
“You know, it affirms that the message that I had, that I expressed to the voters, was a message that they liked and received. So, that’s humbling,” said Phelps.
After the Associated Press called the presidential race on Nov. 6, Phelps said,“I think the message is that Americans from one coast to the next, and especially in the Midwest, clearly stated that they weren’t happy with the way things were.”
Grant Meyer, a University of Central Missouri graduate student, attended the Hoskins’ watch party and offered his thoughts.
“It’s important to exercise that right [voting], because we had people fight and die for that,” said Meyer.
Both Amendment 2 and Amendment 3 also passed, legalizing sports betting in Missouri and overturning Missouri’s current ban on abortion
“It is hard to second guess the will of the people. When the majority have a chance to speak, you need to listen,” said Phelps.
(From left to right) University of Central Missouri President Roger Best, Rachel Wesly, Nancy Fourth, Greg Thurman, Michael Hough, Courtney Goddard and Matt Thomas celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Hough Counseling Center in the Warren C. Lovinger Education Building on Oct. 24. During the ceremony, Thurman and Hough thanked UCM for providing them various opportunities they believed to have strongly impacted their lives. Photo by Braeden Sholes.
Warrensburg citizens celebrate at Players as the 2024 election unfolds. Denny Hoskins, secretary of state, hosted a watch party for members of the community.
Photo by Nick Crowder.
NICK CROWDER Staff Reporter
2 NEWS Muleskinner
HOUGH COUNCELING CENTER FROM PAGE 1.
“I’m so grateful to my uncle who thought of me when he thought of donating to UCM,” Hough said. “I’m a former graduate, I have four degrees from here, so it just means a lot.”
Hough believes that students’ mental health is an important factor in their educational success.
“As an educator, I’ve discovered over the last part of my career how important mental health is and that it can either make or break a student,” Hough said. “To make sure that we have a center that’s providing good quality education for future mental health professionals, it was very important.” Current students seeking counseling can request services at no cost.
“It’s free, and that means a whole lot to me, that [students] can come when they need help and get that help without any cost,” Hough said. Students have already been able to utilize the newly renovated space.
Rachel Wesly, a fourth-year graduate student in the Master’s of Science in Counseling Program has had the opportunity to use the space. Wesly works directly with students in UCM’s THRIVE program, an organization aimed at helping students with disabilities transition to more independent living and employment options.
“It’s been incredible to have this space to learn, to work with students seeking services,” Wesly said. “I work specifically with the THRIVE students. I’ve grown so much in the past. It’s been ten weeks so far getting to work directly with students in THRIVE.”
Throughout the Master’s of Science in Counseling Program, students are required to gain 240 hours of experience directly counseling clients. The Hough Counseling Center provides access to another avenue for students to complete this requirement.
“This program has helped me discover what I want to do with my life, which is a great thing. With the counseling program, I feel so prepared, and it helps you discover who you are as a person, who you are as a counselor, and it’s just wonderful,” Wesly said.
Scholarships Open Opportunities for Students
LINDA
ALVIAR, SREE MEGHANA REDDY CHINTALA Managing Editor, Staff Reporter
Many students at the University of Central Missouri receive collegiate financial support through various types of scholarships. Prospective and current students can find a variety of scholarships through UCM Scholarship Finder, an online portal available to prospective and current UCM students. The portal provides filters applicants can use to find scholarships for which they are eligible.
“We have roughly 640 scholarships in Scholarship Finder,” Jen Skidmore, Fund Management Coordinator for the UCM Alumni Foundation, said. She further explains that out of these 640, some scholarships are awarded to multiple students at a time, whereas other scholarships may only have one recipient.
“While there are 640 scholarships, that actually is typically given out to well over one thousand students,” Skidmore said. Skidmore explains that in fiscal year 2024, the Alumni Foundation awarded $1.6 million in scholarships.
cases, it can also connect you with the donors of these scholarships or other people that have received that scholarship and have networking potential.”
Students have the chance to secure financial support that makes their educational journey more affordable at UCM. Finding scholarships may seem overwhelming, but one student found it worth it.
“There are others [scholarships] that you have to fill out the general application to be eligible for, and if you don’t fill out that general application, you aren’t even considered for them,”
Fund
Management Coordinator
for
the UCM Alumni Foundation Jen Skidmore said.
“There are some scholarships that require students to apply to them directly. There are some scholarships that are just based on things like GPA, major and that sort of thing. There are others that you have to fill out the general application to be eligible for, and if you don’t fill out that general application, you aren’t even considered for them,” Skidmore said. In previous years, only a small percentage of all UCM students completed the general application.
“On our best years, roughly ten percent of the [UCM student] population fill out the general application,” Skidmore said. Skidmore believes students have the opportunity to benefit in a variety of ways from receiving scholarships.
“Not only are you getting that money to pay for college, which hopefully will take a lot of stress off a lot of students, but hopefully, you can work less and pay more attention to your academics,” Skidmore said. “In some
Sadie Staker , Editor-in-Chief
Braeden Sholes , Multimedia Manager
Linda Alviar , Managing Editor
Darby Mostaffa , Design Editor
Aaron Bax , Spot News Editor
Kaia Trujillo , Opinions Editor
MaLynn Pierce , News Editor
Riley King , Features Editor
Dr. Julie Lewis , Faculty Adviser
Fidelia Chioma Agwuncha is a graduate student at UCM’s College of Education. She received the Duane R. Sterling Scholarship - Rotary Program, which is awarded to one qualified international student per year. According to UCM Scholarship Finder, the scholarship is awarded by the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation in partnership with The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The scholarship is intended to cover two semesters of the total cost of study for the selected student, along with housing and food.
Agwuncha believes the scholarship made an impact on her. She has been able to put more time into doing other things that she feels passionate about. She is currently working in the University Health Center, Office of Health Promotion with the Care to Act program.
She believes all future applicants should dig deep and draw on their past experiences when completing the application.
“It does not have to be something great or mighty,” Awuncha said. “In order to achieve something first we need to dream about it. You also need to be focused and believe that nothing is too big. I believe nothing is impossible.”
The Muleskinner is a student-led news lab in the communication department at the University of Central Missouri and operates in association with the digital media production program. All text, photography and other content are property of the Muleskinner and may not be reproduced without permission. The Muleskinner reserves the right to edit any submitted material or refuse to print such material. Letters to the editor are encouraged from students, faculty and alumni. Typed or legibly written letters can be submitted by email at muleskinner@ ucmo.edu or can be mailed or handdelivered to the Muleskinner newsroom at 203 East Clark Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093, which is in Wood building, room 312. Include your legal name and phone number for verification. Letters should be brief, self-edited and must be received by Monday the week before publication. The Muleskinner prints once a month.
(From left to right) University of Central Missouri alumni Michael Hough and Greg Thurman pose for a
photo during the dedication to the new Hough Counseling Center in the Lovinger Building on Oct. 24.
Thruman’s nephew, Hough, graduated from UCM with three bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree and is currently the superintendent of the Holden R-III School District. Photo by Braeden Sholes.
Native American Storyteller Eric Hernandez Visits UCM
AARON BAX
Spot News Editor
The University of Central Missouri hosted Native American Storyteller Eric Hernandez as part of its celebration of Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 13.
Eric Hernandez is a former Cirque du Soleil performer and current Hoop Dancer. He is a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. Hernandez is also a filmmaker, currently directing a short film named “Courage.”
The Native American storyteller came to UCM to both perform the Hoop Dance and speak to students, faculty, staff and Warrensburg community members in the UCM Elliott Student Union Ballroom at 4 p.m. After the activities, Hernandez dined with students in the Elliott Student Union. For Hernandez, the decision to visit UCM was simple. He wanted to tell his story and make a difference, and felt that trips to schools like UCM help him make that difference.
“Sometimes I do big stadiums. You know, sometimes you get asked to do sports, sports arenas and halftime shows,” Hernandez said. “And next year, I am doing a residency in Las Vegas with the Black Eyed Peas and performing in front of Las Vegas arenas. But, these places, these more intimate settings in these smaller communities, I feel like sometimes I have the biggest impact. So whenever an opportunity pops up to come somewhere that maybe not a lot of people come to, I’m always happy to go.“
Sophomore roommates Gwyndolyn McTamney and Molly Suthoff decided to attend because they saw the poster for the event. For them, one of the coolest things about the event was getting to see it in person.
“I liked being able to learn more about his culture,” Suthoff said, referring to Hernandez. “I feel like that’s something I don’t always have access to. How do you learn more about Native American culture besides going online and looking it up and
watching videos? It’s being able to sit here in person and see him and see his pride in what he does.”
The University decided to invite Hernandez to UCM alongside the Trading Moon Powwow to help promote cultural exposure for students. This was evident from Beth Rutt, Director of Student Activities and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center who also spoke on some other factors that made Hernandez a good choice.
“Well, the last two years, we had actually brought in a gentleman called Superman, and the students really, really enjoyed him. Both he and Eric Hernandez have a cultural educational program, as well as entertainment,” said Rutt. “It’s just another way for us to give the students a different perspective.”
Former Cirque du Soleil performer Eric Hernandez performs a Native American Hoop Dance in the Elliot Student Union on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. After Hernandez performed, he spoke to audiences about his life story and how he got to where he is today. Photo by Braeden Sholes.
Alumni Reflect on College Experience
UCM alumni thrive after graduation, going into different fields and experiencing different parts of life when at one point they were all in the same place. Alumni look back on their time at UCM and reflect on their experiences, growth and how it affected their future.
Tracy Beebe-Palmer attended UCM from 1989 to 1994. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and business administration. Palmer works for T-Mobile and serves as the Vice President for T-Studios, the inhouse production studio that Palmer founded in 2016.
Brian Thomas Smith attended the University of Central Missouri from 1995 to 2000. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film and broadcasting. Smith has been an actor for the last 20 years in Los Angeles. One of his most notable roles is the character Zach on the popular sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory.”
Brett Ginn attended UCM from 2007 to 2012, earning his master’s degree and MBA, both in finance. Currently, Ginn is a financial advisor and has resided in Texas for the last 10 years.
The alumni participated in a variety of activities during their time at UCM that pushed them toward their goals, whether it was a job or the life skills they gained.
Palmer was an active member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and was a cheerleader for the Central Missouri State University Cheer Team.
“The thing that I loved about cheerleading was actually leading the crowd. Being at a game, getting people to yell ‘defense’ or getting the crowd to say ‘go Mules’ when we were cheering on our team,” Palmer said.
Smith developed an interest in acting while in high school. At UCM, Smith did many one-act plays and one main stage play, and enjoyed every single one.
“My favorite role was a main stage play called ‘Stanton’s Garage’ where I played Denny, a mechanic with vertigo,” Smith said. Smith loved playing Denny because it offered a comedic style.
Ginn was the president of the Student Finance Association, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the Central Missouri Mules Football team.
“Being the president of SFA, we started the student management investment fund and overall the finance curriculum was done really well. It was a lot of real-world experience, stuff I do on a daily basis as an advisor,” Ginn said.
After all these years, the alumni recall what UCM means to them now.
“UCM provided a platform for me to be on my own and I learned how to study, get a job, get involved. When I was at college, I felt like there was a genuine desire from everyone around me to help me be successful and to give me the confidence to be successful,” Palmer said.
“I’m thankful for going to Central Missouri, where my acting journey began at the Highlander Theatre,” Smith said. “Taking acting classes and minoring in theater made me fall in love with acting. I am incredibly grateful that Central Missouri was the start of this journey.”
“UCM means the world to me, especially with having all the connections with football alumni. My biggest accomplishment of my time in Warrensburg was meeting my other half, my wife,” Ginn said.
History Thrives in Sedalia
LINDA ALVIAR, SADIE STAKER, BRAEDEN SHOLES Managing Editor, Editor-in-Chief, Multimedia Manager
The University of Central Missouri’s Muleskinner student news outlet has relaunched the Backpack Journalism Project. Over the upcoming academic year, the Muleskinner will travel to cities across Missouri using Amtrak’s “Missouri River Runner” route, spanning from Kansas City to St. Louis. The student journalists aim to showcase the state’s attractions, history and perspectives.
The Muleskinner’s coverage continued along the “Missouri River Runner” in Sedalia. The Downtown Sedalia Historic District is home to many businesses and historical sites. Many buildings in downtown Sedalia are a part of the Department of Interior Register of Historic Places, including the Lamy’s building, Hotel Bothwell and the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
To read more and watch video coverage of Sedalia, visit www. muleskinnernews.com or scan the QR code.
RILEY KING, CARLON JENNINGS
Features Editor, Staff Reporter
Former Mules cheerleader Tracy Palmer (top left) entertains the crowd during a Mules Football game. Palmer enjoyed cheerleading during high school and joined the Mules Cheer Team during the basketball season her freshman year at UCM. Photo Submitted by Tracy Palmer.
University of Central Missouri alumni Brian Thomas Smith poses for a photo for a Christmas alumni event. Smith graduated from UCM with a bachelor of science in film and broadcasting and would later take on an acting role in the show “The Big Bang Theory.” Photo submitted by the UCM Alumni Foundation.
Former Mules Football player Brett Grinn prepares for the snap during a game at Audrey J. Walton Stadium in 2012. Grinn attended UCM from 2007 to 2012, earning a MBA in finance. Photo submitted by Andrew Mather.
UCM Hosts Largest-Ever Trading Moon Powwow
AARON BAX
Spot News Editor
The University of Central Missouri hosted the Trading Moon Powwow for the 11th time on Nov. 9 from noon to 9 p.m. in the lower courts of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The event was the largest powwow UCM has had to this date, with the event hosting 76 dancers of various ages. Alongside a central arena where dancers and drummers perform, the event also hosted a Fry Bread stand as well as several vendors selling a variety of arts, crafts and food.
For Leslie Aguilar, a UCM alumna who graduated in 2002 and 2022, this was more than just a normal powwow. Aguilar was one of the planners of the event and she dances Southern Cloth, a form of Native American dance. As the daughter of Jesse Lee, who first brought the Trading Moon Powwow to UCM, this event means a lot to Aguilar each year. For her, this event is in part about honoring her father.
“We refer to this powwow in my family as ‘dad’s powwow,’” Aguilar said. “This is something he worked hard to get here. And so we are very fortunate that he did that. And so we, like I said, refer to this as ‘dad’s powwow.’ We dance in his honor. We actually have a table set up with some mementos of his. He was just super excited that this was happening. And so we’re just, we’re proud. We’re proud to be a part of it.”
For others, this was a way to connect to their heritage. Evan Birdno, a junior at UCM, called the event “exceptional.” Birdno, who is the UCM marching band Drum Major and 20 % Cherokee, enjoyed feeling the music and believes that the most important part of the event was the arena at the center.
“I thought it was the best thing ever, that they encouraged everybody to get out there. And everybody went out there. They were dancing in a big old circle and you felt part of it. You felt intrigued,” said Birdno.
Finally, for Beth Rutt, Director of Student Activities and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, bringing the Trading Moon Powwow back was a way to educate students about the world. Alongside hosting Eric Hernandez on Nov. 13, the powwow was a key part in the university’s celebration of National Native American Heritage Month. Through events like the powwow, students were able to better explore the many cultures of the world.
“What we really are trying to do in bringing in speakers of other cultures, whether it is the astronaut that we brought in earlier, or Eric Hernandez
Opportunity Grants Fund Initiatives
KAIA TRUJILLO Opinions Editor
In 2013, the University of Central Missouri’s Alumni Foundation launched the Opportunity Grant Program. This program serves as a resource for staff and faculty to apply for grants to support student-centered initiatives. The grants are funded by donors who wish to support the furtherance of facilities and opportunities on campus.
“The Opportunity Grant Program is unique to UCM and enables big dreams from our faculty and staff to become a reality,” Page Shinn, Graduate Assistant of Annual Giving, said. “It’s our way of fulfilling our mission to transform the lives of our students. Having benefited from several of these grants like the Campus Cupboard and Professional Clothing Studio, I know firsthand how impactful they can be.”
Opportunity Grants are made possible by donor contributions to the Central Annual Fund. The Central Annual Fund allows alumni and other donors to donate to support UCM, through their online form. These funds go on to help finance student experience and facilities on campus.
Applicants are staff and faculty bringing forward the initiatives to help students. Applicants are able to submit proposals for up to a maximum possible award of $20,000 for grants. This allows for opportunities to make changes on campus that benefit students.
Sarah Ray Rodot, Director of Gender and Sexuality Studies, spoke on her Opportunity Grant experience.
“The Opportunity Grant allowed me to provide 32 boxes across the UCM campus with free menstrual products for students,” Rondot said. “Over the course of 6 months, we filled and refilled these boxes for a total of more than 8,000 pads and more than 6,000 tampons… This grant impacted assignedfemale-at-birth students greatly; many reported having been “saved” by the boxes on a number of occasions when they otherwise would have been forced to leave campus to pick up a period product. This project expanded access for AFAB students on our campus and raised awareness about the notion of ‘period poverty.’”
Further, not every grant has to go towards social programs. There are also educational uses for the grants. Another recipient of a grant, Corey Werner, Associate Professor in Geography, explains the impact of Opportunity Grants.
“I was able to use the Opportunity Grant to begin launching weather balloons,” Werner said. “Students in my Weather and Climate class helped with the inaugural balloon launch in September. That balloon’s payload included an instrument package to measure atmospheric properties, which my students looked at in the lab the following week. In addition, it included a VR camera and a GoPro camera.”
If you want to learn more about Opportunity Grants, visit the Alumni Foundation website page by scanning the QR code to the right.
and the powwow, is that we want our students who are attending a state rural education system to realize that there are opportunities and there are people that perhaps they’ve never had any exposure to before, and to broaden their experiences into other cultures,” said Rutt.
Rutt also worked hard to get this powwow to be the biggest one yet, as she advertised it on a variety of platforms. Seeing the lower courts so full at the event brought her a lot of joy.
“We’ve done a lot of publicity this year, more than in the past,” Rutt said. “We did a radio show with the local radio station, 1450 KOKO with [Radio Host] Marion Woods. We also put posters out in the community. We have hit Facebook and Instagram really hard with our publicity, we’ve taken ads out in the Muleskinner, we’ve put it in the UCM daily and sent it in the RSO newsletter, hoping to broaden our audience. And I think, from the success of the powwow, that definitely we were reaping the rewards of that.”
The host drum group performs at the Trading Moon Powwow on Nov. 9. The Powwow was part of UCM’s 11th annual Trading Moon Native American Arts Festival hosted on the lower courts of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Photo by Linda Alviar.
OPINIONS
Mulechella Memories Make Lasting Impact
GRACIE HEATH
Graduating Senior
My freshman year was during 2020, amid the pandemic. At the time, acting classes on Zoom and dance concerts on the football field seemed like a nightmare. But I quickly found that I was not alone in these struggles. Oddly enough, the bonds I built during my freshman year were some of the strongest bonds I have to this day.
During a time of rampant loneliness and uncertainty, it was comforting to know I wasn’t alone. Slowly, things began to return to normal, but the community I found during the pandemic persisted.
One of my favorite memories was the very first MuleFest, formerly known as Mulechella. It was the end of the 2020-21 school year, so morale was at an all-time low due to the pandemic.
The Student Activities Committee did not give away hundreds of tye-dye shirts as they do now. Instead, they made only a few (I believe 25) that they hid around campus. One shirt was hidden every hour and every hour they would release a hint on Instagram as to where it was located.
“At its core, college is a group of people, all with different career paths and interests, taking a moment to be a kid again in the midst of their transition to adulthood,”
said.
My friend group created a giant group chat and we stationed ourselves across different locations on campus as we waited for the hint. We weren’t the only ones who did this. People turned on their notifications for the Student Activities account. Teams and alliances formed. Almost every community had representation - fraternities, sororities, theater students, church groups and anyone else who wanted a shirt. I remember standing by my post outside the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, waiting for the hint. Once the notification went off, people sprinted to that location like it was life or death. When someone found the shirt, you would’ve thought they found the first water bottle in the desert.
This particular memory encapsulates what is so special about college to me.
At its core, college is a group of people, all with different career paths and interests, taking a moment to be a kid again in the midst of their transition to adulthood. There have been many times that I have been frustrated or angry at this school, but every time, I find myself overcoming difficult situations through community.
How UCM Changed My Life and Why I Give Back
I graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 2011 and I’ve always cherished the memories from my time on campus. Thirteen years later, my appreciation for UCM continues to grow. I’m honored to be serving my fifth consecutive year on the Alumni Foundation Board of Directors, where I can give back my time, talent and treasures to the community and university that shaped me. Staying connected and involved with the university after graduation has taught me the power of the alumni community, which is over 100,000 strong, worldwide. The most impactful way I can
“Wherever you are after your time at UCM, stay connected. There’s no better way to do that than through the Alumni Foundation,”
demonstrate that is by sharing three gifts UCM and the alumni network have given me personally and why I remain committed to giving back. First, my wife! We met our sophomore year at UCM in 2008. Fast forward to June 2024, and our first child was born. What a gift! I am forever grateful for my family and that never would have happened without UCM. Joining the Alumni Foundation and proudly serving today is the least I can do to reciprocate.
2011 alumnus Cory Bittner said.
Second, my business, Falcon Wealth Advisors. I was contacted by an alumnus I had never met in 2010 during my junior year on campus. His friend at a large global investment firm was seeking an intern and I landed the gig that year working for his friend, Jake. Today, Jake and I are business partners and we co-founded Falcon Wealth Advisors in 2016. Now, we have 17 employees (and growing) and over $800 million in assets under management for more than 800 families (and growing) in 35 states and Australia. That never would have happened without UCM. The university paved the way for my career and that’s why my wife, Cassie, and I made a planned gift to the Central Annual Fund in 2021. This gift will ultimately be invested in UCM and benefit students who will join the same alumni community decades from now.
Third, my people—my team and clients. I work with many amazing clients who are UCM alumni and we share the same bond and connection. The alumni community continues to provide and none of this happens without UCM. That’s why I’ve stepped into an officer role on the Alumni Foundation Board and remain committed to giving back for years to come. Wherever you are after your time at UCM, stay connected. There’s no better way to do that than through the Alumni Foundation. Join your regional MuleNation chapter, volunteer your time, attend events, update your contact info, stay connected on social media and donate to your favorite program or the Central Annual Fund. The opportunities to stay engaged are endless. You’re an important part of the UCM story and it doesn’t end at graduation!
(From left to right) Katie Kaminski and Gracie Heath smile together in the Highlander Theatre. The two friends met at UCM. Heath will graduate from UCM in December 2024 with a bachelor’s in theater. Photo submitted by Gracie Heath.
CORY BITTNER
2011 Alumnus
Cory Bittner, UCM alumnus and Secretary of the Alumni Foundation Board of Directors, speaks at the 2024 spring commencement. Bittner graduated from UCM in 2011 and met his wife and current business partner through UCM. Photo submitted by Cory Bittner.
2025 graduate Gracie Heath
Thanksgrieving
WYATT ZIRKLE Illustrator
Teacher Gives Thanks to UCM
“I’m thankful I’m not Geoffery. Smells like they burnt him to a crisp.”
WYATT ZIRKLE Illustrator
2. A kind of stew or side dish that is cooked slowly in an oven.
6. To prepare food.
8. Prized as food, a large domesticated game bird from North America.
9. You may do this after your meal.
11. The last Thursday of November.
12. The third meal of the day, often a major meal. DOWN
1. A day of festivity or recreation.
2. Leavened without yeast, made with a grain other than wheat.
3. Often bread crumbs, onions and herbs used as a filling or side dish.
4. A symbol of plenty consisting of a goat’s horn overflowing with flowers, fruit and corn.
5. A sauce primarily from meat juices, mixed with stock and other ingredients.
7. An open dessert pastry with a filling often made with spiced custard.
10. A group born into or found, those you cherish.
JOANNA
CURLESS
2024 Alumnae
I graduated from the University of Central Missouri in May 2024 and I am beyond grateful for my time there. My goal since kindergarten was to be a teacher - there was no doubt about it. When I was accepted into the college of education, I was so excited. This program pushed me to become the best version of me, as a person and as a teacher. While at UCM, I participated in various professional development programs hosted by the education department, where I had enough hours to fill an entire page on my resume.
Growing up, math was my worst subject. I would cry any time math was mentioned. But because of an opportunity that UCM gave me called “Math Connections,” where we were given the opportunities to create connections through math while developing our skills teaching math, I was able to learn to love it. This program and the facilitator, Associate Instructor in Elementary Education; Elementary Math Specialist Meredith Beggs, helped deepen my understanding of teaching elementary math and made math my strongest subject to teach.
I took one semester to finish up some classes before I started student teaching. During that semester, I held a long-term substitute position in kindergarten and if it wasn’t for Associate Professor in Elementary Education Karen Lomen, I would not have been as successful during that time. The class I was taking from her taught me how to teach children to learn. Everything I was learning in that class, I was able to directly implement into my kindergarten classroom. I was able to fully help these students as a teacher and not just as a substitute.
UCM gave me more than just amazing professional development opportunities. The program itself and the classes I took were amazing. The classes felt like a family and the relationships will last a lifetime. One of my best friends is someone I met sitting in the classroom on the first day of our Young Learner Block. I was able to make these deep connections with my instructors and my classmates, and now I am making those deep connections with my students.
Crossword
Joanna Curless celebrates her graduation from UCM in May of 2024 in front of the Lovinger Building. Curless earned her bachelor’s of science in education and participated in student teaching during her time at UCM. Photo submitted by Joanna Curless.
Former Coach Leaves Impact on Players
BRAEDEN SHOLES
Multimedia Manager
Former Mules Football Head Coach Terry Noland leaves a lasting impact on the lives of his many former players. Noland led the Mules to four Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championships during his 13year coaching career and won MIAA Coach of the Year in 1986. However, throughout his career, Noland focused on more than just developing his players’ football skills.
“He became a sort of father figure to us,” said Jason Evans, a former Mules Football player.
“I think it’s a unique thing about college athletics, you take risks on people and there are no guarantees. He’s willing to put his livelihood on a bunch of 18 to 21 year olds,”
Mark Hulet, former Mules Football player and coach, said.
“I tried to do everything that I could to enhance, not just the development of the football program, but every person that would come into the program and what that would mean once they were done playing football at Central,” said Noland. Former Mules Football player and coach Mark Hulet believes Noland had a lasting impact on his life.
“I would not be standing here today without the guy who believed in me through every step and major action after I graduated high school,” said Hulet. Hulet joined Noland’s coaching staff in 1988 after his career as a player.
“When I finally became a coach, I was able to see behind the curtain and see [Noland’s] genuine passion, sometimes heated, sometimes caring,” said Hulet. It was this passion for his team and players that would cause Noland to risk himself for his players.
“I think it’s a unique thing about college athletics, you take risks on people and there are no guarantees. He’s willing to put his livelihood on a bunch of 18 to 21-year-olds,” said Hulet. It was this risk Noland was taking that would lead him to create lasting connections with his players.
“I just remember Terry being interested in people’s lives, and not just their athletic lives, but school and family as well,” said Hulet. Because of Noland’s commitment to his players both on and off the field, some believe he was more than just a coach.
It was this relationship with his players and staff that Noland valued the most throughout his career. Noland explains that he was proud of his teams’ wins but even more so of their accomplishments after they graduated and the connections he made with them.
“I loved winning, I loved winning championships,” Noland said. “But the better part is the relationship that was developed between the players, the coaches and myself.”
Left: Former Mules Football Head Coach Terry Noland looks on as his team celebrates becoming the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Champions after defeating Lincoln 56-9. During his 13-year career, Noland led the Mules to four MIAA championships.
Photo Submitted by UCM McClure Archives.
Right: Former Mules Football Defensive Back Coach Mark Hulet supports his players during a game. Hulet started his college foot ball career as a defensive safety under Coach Terry Noland before joining Noland’s coaching staff. Photo submitted by Mark Hulet.
Home Game Highlights Photo Gallery
(From left to right) Senior guard KJ Lee, freshman guard Jake Fritz and senior guard and forward Jack Chapman jump to recover the ball after a missed shot. During the Nov. 13 game at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center, the Mules defeated the Maryville Saints 67-55. Photo by Braeden Sholes.
Freshman guard Kyran Tilley drives down the court during the Nov. 13 game against the Maryville Saints at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center. During the game, Tilley scored a total of 10 points and stole the ball twice. Photo by Braeden Sholes.
Junior guard and forward Reese Schaaf prepares to score one of her six goals and help the Jennies in their 76-49 victory over the Henderson State University Reddies’ on Nov. 8 at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletic Center. Schaaf currently leads the Jennies in points per game with an average of 16.2 points per game this season.
Photo by Braeden Sholes.
Senior forward Nicole Davis prepares to pass the ball to her teammate, helping ensure the Jennies’ 76-49 victory over Henderson State University. During the Nov. 8 game at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletic Center, Davis was responsible for six points, which is her season high. Photo by Braeden Sholes.
(From left to right) Senior setter Regan Willms, senior defensive specialist and libero Arley Anderson and junior middle blocker Rachel Ziesman leave the team huddle and prepare to play. During the Nov. 15 game at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletic Center, the Jennies blocked a total of 9 times, while the Newman Jets blocked seven times. Photo by Anthony Rey.
(From left to right) Senior outside hitter Tiffany Little, sophomore middle blocker Elinor Engel and senior setter Regan Willms celebrate a 3-0 victory over the Newman Jets. During the Nov. 15 game at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletic Center, the Jennies scored a total of 66 points against the Jets’ 34.5. Photo by Anthony Rey.
Freshman running back LaAngelo Bell celebrates after scoring his only touchdown during the game on Nov. 16 at the Audrey J. Walton Stadium. During the game, Bell was responsible for 59 yards, bringing his season total to 509 yards gained.
Photo by Anthony Rey.
Top: Freshman forward Izzy Joyce takes control of the ball and helps the Jennies in their 3-2 victory over the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. It was announced Friday, Nov. 8 that Joyce won 2024 MIAA Freshman of the Year, along with being included in the All-MIAA First Team.
Photo By Braeden Sholes.
Bottom: Junior guard and forward Reese Schaaf prepares to score one of her six goals and help the Jennies in their 76-49 victory over the Henderson State University Reddies’ on Nov. 8 at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletic Center. Schaaf currently leads the Jennies in points per game with an average of 16.2 points per game this season. Photo by Braeden Sholes
(From left to right) Senior defensive backs Reyjon Williams and Anthony Wilson return to position and prepare for another defensive play. During the game on Nov. 16 at the Audrey J. Walton Stadium, the Mules beat Missouri Southern 62-47. Photo by Anthony Rey.