The magazine for Northwest Missouri State University alumni and friends
2014 Homecoming
Brian Weaver ’95
Alumni Awards
Fall Classic
alumni magazine
Northwest Fall 2014
People just like you
PHOTO BY DAVID W.
PRESTON
It’s because of the volunteer support of countless alumni and friends – spirited people like Sue Hockensmith – that Northwest continues to thrive. “Very special parts of the Northwest experience for me have been the opportunity to serve on the Northwest Alumni Board of Directors. I enjoy giving back to my alma mater, and with the help of so many others through the years, I work very hard to help our attendance grow. Giving back to my alma mater is a good fit, as I enjoy people and learning about others. Along with that, the St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter is truly a family affair for the Hockensmiths. Both my husband, Dana, and daughter, Laura, have supported it and participated throughout the years, and of course my grandsons, Noah and Luke, sport Bearcat apparel even when they live in San Antonio, Texas.” Sue Johnson Hockensmith ’72 St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter Co-President Manchester, Mo. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at Northwest, contact the Office of University Advancement at alumni@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248.
alumni magazine
Northwest Fall 2014
Volume 47 Issue 1
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The magazine for Northwest Missouri State University alumni and friends
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Missouri Arboretum turns 20 Through the years, Northwest has earned a reputation for having a beautiful and serene campus. Its designation as the Missouri Arboretum is a big reason for that, and Northwest commemorated the anniversary last spring by planting 20 new trees.
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Shaping success Brian Weaver ’95 turned a marketing opportunity into a fast-growing company and committed himself to fitness during the process. While his company connects with some of the best-known brands in the world, Weaver is known as one of the fittest CEOs.
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Finding her niche Anna Jordan-Douglass ’01 is vice president of digital development and interactive media at The Jim Henson Company, which has her contributing to the famed company’s legacy in a new era of children’s programming and web applications.
In every issue
Editor Mark Hornickel ’01, ’13 mhorn@nwmissouri.edu
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Dear Friends
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Northwest News
Designer Melinda Kelsey mkelsey@nwmissouri.edu
10 Cover Story 14 Alumni Connections 21 Advancing Northwest 25 Bearcat Sports 31 Class Notes
Photographer Darren Whitley whitley@nwmissouri.edu Photography Assistants Taylor Allan ’12 Raylynn Myers Stephanie Nachtrab
Editorial Assistants Gina Peterson Bradley ’87 Samantha Cole ’14 Mitzi Craft ’91, ’09 Teresa Darrah Gustafson ’97, ’05 Mike Johnson ’85 Elisa Lanter ’14 Laurie Drummond Long ’92 Summer Lowe Rhonda Mannasmith Bob Machovsky Scott Nielson ’01 Lonelle Rathje ’97 ’03 Rachel Sielaff ’14 Lori McLemore Steiner ’85 Steve Sutton ’71 Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09
The Northwest Alumni Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of University Relations, the Office of University Advancement, Northwest Missouri State University and the Northwest Foundation Inc., 800 University Dr., Maryville, MO 64468-6001. The mission of the Northwest Alumni Magazine is to foster connections between alumni, friends and Northwest Missouri State University. The University strives to inform readers of the accomplishments of Northwest’s alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students and to positively position the University in the hearts of its many constituents to increase public and private support. Northwest Missouri State University is an equal-opportunity, co-educational university and does not discriminate based on race, sex, disability, age, national origin or religion.
Printed in the USA.
Fall 2014
Northwest Alumni Magazine
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Dear Friends
Students learn from opportunities fostered by alumni “Experience is the best teacher.” How many times have we heard this? A Google search for this quote returns more than 600,000 results. The quote is so popular because it is true, even if it is a hard lesson. I like to think the quote can be rearranged and still provide valuable insights. “The best teachers use experience.” And that is why there are so many opportunities at Northwest for students to learn by doing. Many activities sound straightforward when outlined in a textbook, but, as we all know, it can be much more difficult in practice. Alumni can be excellent partners in experiential learning because of the amazing amount of experiences they can share and the opportunities they can provide to current Bearcats. Brian Weaver ’95, featured in this issue, shared his experiences with current Bearcat business students as the keynote speaker of the Northwest New Venture Pitch Competition in 2013. Brian serves as a great example that there is no limit to the successful future Bearcats can achieve, and he shared some of the secrets to his success. He saw an excellent business opportunity, creating custom media products for NASCAR tracks, and his initiative and determination led to the development of Anthem Media Group. Successful Bearcats have
provided the keynote presentation for every Northwest New Venture Pitch Competition; Melvin Booth ’67 and Carl Hughes ’76 also shared how they learned from experience and passed their knowledge to students in attendance. The New Venture Pitch Competition provides students the opportunity to experience what it is like to present their ideas for a new business venture to judges with a variety of professional backgrounds. Even if a student in the competition later decides being an entrepreneur isn’t for him or her, the experience gained from having to express and defend a new idea is invaluable for whatever path the student chooses after graduation. Many of these judges are alumni who make the contest, and the associated learning, possible by providing their time and expertise. Opportunities for students to learn from experience abound across the Northwest campus. They range from the integrated digital marketing communications agency, Knacktive, to the many possibilities on the R.T. Wright University Laboratory Farm. Experiential learning isn’t limited to the classroom either, as student organizations and student employment are both excellent learning opportunities for Bearcats. Thank you to all Bearcats who have
Northwest Foundation Inc. ’14-’15 Board of Directors President Mark Doll ’80, Des Moines, Iowa
Immediate Past President Holly Murphy-Barstow ’81, Omaha, Neb.
Karen Daniel ’80, Overland Park, Kan. Terry Day ’65, Kansas City, Mo. Ken DeBaene ’81, Long Branch, N.J. Myra Evans ’77, Tarkio, Mo. Mike Faust ’74, Omaha, Neb. Don Foley ’78, Ames, Iowa
Board Members Mike Abildtrup ’68, Ft. Dodge, Iowa Virgil Albertini, Fairway, Kan. John Baker, Maryville Jeff Borchardt ’82, Olathe, Kan. Bob Burrell ’70, Denver, Colo. Betty Johnson Bush ’60, West Des Moines, Iowa John Cline ’75, Overland Park, Kan.
Troy Greenfield ’90, Kansas City, Mo. Jerry Haag, Dearborn, Mo. Carl Hughes ’76, Kansas City, Mo. Paul Jennings ’75, West Des Moines, Iowa Marilou Joyner ’75, ’78, ’82, Kansas City, Mo. Lisa Lehnus ’83, Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Vice President Arnold Johnson ’77, Houston, Texas
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Jennifer Dawson Nicholson ’71, Kansas City, Mo. Mary Hamilton Purdy ’72, Davidsonville, Md. Jayma Elmore Sandquist ’90, Indianola, Iowa Paul Schieber ’81, Overland Park, Kan. Kory Schramm ’95, Johnston, Iowa Brad Stephens ’96, Butler, Mo. Owen Straub ’86, Kansas City, Mo. John Teale ’73, Maryville Stan Zeamer ’70, Huntingdon, Pa. Ex-Officio Directors Dean L. Hubbard, President Emeritus, Kansas City John Jasinski, University President Mike Johnson ’85, Executive Director
The New Venture Pitch Competition, coordinated by Assistant Professor Dr. Ben Blackford, challenges students to present their business plans for original product ideas and services to a panel of professionals.
shaped these opportunities through their participation, either as students or alumni. Bearcats supporting Bearcats in their educational endeavors is a great learning experience for everyone. Sincerely,
Dr. Ben Blackford ’99, ’01 Assistant Professor Department of Business
B.D. Owens ’59, President Emeritus, West Des Moines, Iowa University Advancement Mike Johnson ’85, Vice President mikej@nwmissouri.edu Brooke Weldon Bowles ’02, Accounting Specialist and Scholarship Coordinator bbowles@nwmissouri.edu Mitzi Craft ’91, ’09, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations mitzi@nwmissouri.edu Teresa Darrah Gustafson ’97, ’05, Development Officer, teresa@nwmissouri.edu Carma Greene Kinman ’85, Executive Assistant, ckinman@ nwmissouri.edu Laurie Drummond Long ’92, Development Officer laurie@nwmissouri.edu
Bob Machovsky, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving rmachov@nwmissouri.edu Scott Nielson ’01, Associate Athletic Director/External Affairs and Development scottn@nwmissouri.edu Lonelle Rathje ’97, ’03, Director of Development and Campaign Coordinator lonelle@nwmissouri.edu Lori McLemore Steiner ’85, Finance Officer and Executive Director of Advancement Services steiner@nwmissouri.edu Steve Sutton ’71, Senior Development Officer ssutton@nwmissouri.edu Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09, Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications Specialist brenda@nwmissouri.edu
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Northwest celebrates Foster legacy, plans fitness center Northwest’s former aquatic center will soon undergo a dramatic transformation to become a state-of-the-art fitness facility that is scheduled to be ready for the fall of 2015. The building, previously known as the Robert P. Foster Aquatic Center, was renamed as the Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center during a May 31 ceremony that honored the lives and legacies of Northwest’s seventh president and first lady. The ceremony featured Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski talking with the Fosters’ sons, Robert Foster III ’69 and Doug Foster, before the unveiling of a sign with renderings of the new facility. Jasinski reflected on the love Robert and Virginia Foster shared for each other and the strong connections they had with students and staff of the University. Dr. Robert Foster served as Northwest’s
president from 1964 to 1977. Dr. Foster died in 2008 at the age of 90. Mrs. Foster died May 8 at age 97. “I think the greatest pleasure for us is the fact that this fitness center is going to carry not only Dad’s name but Mom’s name, too,” Robert Foster III said. “I saw Mom working hand in hand with Dad throughout his administration, and that’s something that we appreciate very much.” Members of the Foster family said the new building will be a tribute to the types of programs and qualities Robert and Virginia Foster valued as well as their leadership of the University. Although architectural plans are not yet finalized, early designs for the Foster Fitness Center include glass windows overlooking Colden Pond and the Joyce and Harvey White International Plaza. In addition to weight-lifting machines and a variety of other fitness equipment, the facility will include classrooms and labs. n
(Top) Doug Foster and Robert Foster III ’69, the sons of former Northwest President Dr. Robert Foster and first lady Virginia Foster, share reflections of their parents with a crowd gathered during a ceremony in May to mark the renaming of the Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center. The new fitness center (shown in renderings) is expected be open for the fall 2015 trimester.
Maryville begins work on Fourth Street Improvement Project Construction is underway on the first phase of a project that will functionally and aesthetically improve the Fourth Street corridor connecting Maryville’s downtown with the Northwest campus. When complete, the Fourth Street Improvement Project will include a Northwest-branded gateway entry feature at the intersection of Fourth and Buchanan streets, branded medallions on new decorative light poles and Bearcat paw print pavement markings. The project also will include landscape improvements such as 10-foot wide sidewalks, trees, decorative
light poles and brick pillars to match the downtown landscape, benches, trash receptacles and public art pedestals. The project is made possible through funding partnerships with Northwest, the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and Capital Improvement Sales Tax Funds. n
This rendering shows how a new gateway entry feature may appear at the intersection of Fourth and Buchanan streets. The feature is among several enhancements that are part of the planned Fourth Street Improvement Project.
Fall 2014
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Northwest News
Northwest unveils ‘Bearcats Connect’ marketing slogan This fall, Northwest has adopted two simple but powerful words to portray the advantages of being part of the University community. Those words, “Bearcats Connect,” are the pillar of a comprehensive marketing campaign designed to drive Northwest recruitment efforts and advertising strategies. “The new slogan personifies what it means to be a Bearcat, not only for students who begin making connections as soon as they arrive on campus, but it also acknowledges the lifelong connections made through the network of Northwest alumni and friends,” said Brandon Stanley The Bearcat family spans mul’01, Northwest’s chief officer of tiple generations and connects marketing and design. in a variety of settings every day. Northwest is emphasizing that The slogan will enhance idea in its new marketing slogan, Northwest’s marketing of its “Bearcats Connect.” successes on and off the field, such as its 14 national titles – in athletic and academic contests – during the last five years. The strategy also highlights
students’ connections to the Maryville community, with 25,000 volunteer hours in the last year. And it ties to the comprehensive education that allows Northwest students to stay connected with more of their dollars, providing them with laptops and textbooks within one of the lowest tuition increases in the country during the last five years. Northwest’s Office of University Relations developed the slogan after identifying descriptors of the University in four key areas: feelings about the Northwest, successes, facilities, and the academic environment. Staff members also studied competitor slogans throughout the Midwest in a variety of industries. The new slogan was tested during the spring with current Northwest students and employees as well as Maryville High School students, and the reaction was positive among the test groups “Bearcats Connect” is now being incorporated into the University’s marketing materials, including television, radio and print advertisements. Followers of Northwest’s social media accounts are encouraged to use the #bearcatsconnect hashtag to connect with other Bearcats and see what is happening throughout Bearcat Nation. n
Northwest celebrates 20 years as Missouri Arboretum Twenty newly planted trees now comprise a grove on the north portion of the Northwest campus in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the campus’ designation as the Missouri Arboretum. The Missouri Arboretum is part of Northwest’s DNA, Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said during the April 21 anniversary commemoration and tree-planting ceremony. The Arboretum, Jasinski said, has helped shape Northwest’s reputation as a beautiful, serene and safe campus. “The Arboretum is not just a name. It’s not just a designation. It is part of who we have been, who we are today, who we will be in the future,” Jasinski said. “It also represents student success. Planting those roots and getting that value system rooted within. Learning, nurturing, growing, shaping, reshaping – that’s what we do at Northwest.” The Missouri State Legislature designated the Northwest campus as the Missouri Arboretum in 1993. Today, the
Northwest Alumni Magazine
campus is home to more than 1,700 trees and more than 130 species cultivated throughout the world. The treeplanting ceremony followed an anniversary luncheon at which Dr. Jean Brennan delivered a keynote address. Northwest students, current and retired employees, alumni and friends gathered April 21 to plant 20 trees in commemoration of the Missouri Brennan, who Arboretum’s 20th anniversary on the Northwest campus. Planting the first shared the 2007 tree were, left to right, Missouri Arboretum Director Travis Stokes ’04, ’10, Nobel Peace Prize President Emeritus Dr. Dean Hubbard, former first lady Aleta Hubbard, with Al Gore and Student Senate President Cody Uhing, Matt Berry in representation of Congressman Sam Graves, Faculty Emeritus Dr. Johanne Wynne Fairchild, members of the first lady Denise Jasinski, Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski and speIntergovernmental cial guest Dr. Jean Brennan. Panel on Climate Change, is a landboretum is not extra,” Brennan said. “It’s scape conservation coordinator for the become essential, and it’s become part of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. your life and your quality of life and the “What you’re doing here today in quality of life you offer your students, planting trees and in preserving the Aralumni, faculty.” n
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Northwest’s career placement rate rises to 97.5 percent Northwest graduates continue to have success not just in the classroom but beyond. The latest proof is in the results of the University’s career placement rate, which shows 97.5 percent of undergraduate degree earners are securing jobs or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The most recent percentage is based on 2012-2013 data gathered by Northwest Career Services and shows a slight increase from Northwest’s 2011-2012 rate of 97.4 percent among bachelor’s degree recipients. Additionally, 99 percent of Northwest students who have completed master’s degrees for the same period are in a job or continuing their education. “Northwest’s high placement rate is really a reflection of the students we have at Northwest and the faculty’s collaboration with employers and professional advisory groups to mold the coursework and internship experiences that prepare students for careers,” said Joan Ensminger Schneider ’79, director of Career Services at Northwest. “It also represents the strong support services
we offer at the University and the fact that students understand the value of a strategic job search.” According to the survey results, the most recent Northwest graduates are working or obtained internships in 33 states and abroad in a range of roles at companies of all sizes and types. Northwest prides itself on preparing its graduates for successful careers by offering a comprehensive college experience that includes a variety of hands-on experiences, networking opportunities and coursework taught by faculty members who have professional experience in their respective fields. At Northwest, 57 percent of students participate in at least one internship, according to the career placement data. Students are using Northwest Career Services to their advantage, meeting with the office’s personable and knowledgeable staff to strengthen their resumes and receive interviewing advice. Northwest students also participate in multiple career fairs and mock interview days sponsored by Career Services.
Grace Horvath, a computer science major from St. Louis, shakes the hand of a company representative attending a Career Day at Northwest. With the success of events like Career Day and career advising, Northwest boasts a career placement rate of 97.5 percent.
The annual career placement survey seeks information from Northwest graduates during the previous academic year to provide Northwest stakeholders with a near accurate view of “first destination” employment and continuing education statistics. n
Northwest CIE ranked No. 21 among business incubators worldwide The Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Northwest is among the top business incubators at universities worldwide, according to a new ranking. The list, produced by University Business Incubator Index, ranks the CIE at 21st in the University Global Top 25 Rankings, a survey of more than 300 incubators in 67 countries. The CIE, located on the north edge of the Northwest campus, is a mixed-use incubator with emphasis on technology-based start-up companies. It also provides assistance to existing small businesses and encourages development of new small businesses. The 46,679 square-foot facility includes three lab
analysis research areas, a shared scienHubbard’s vision to provide unparaltific instrument room and 9,000 square leled learning and research opportunifeet of tenant office space, while the acaties for Northwest students and faculty demic wing contains more than 16,000 in a wide range of disciplines. n square feet of highly specialized teaching and research labs and offices. On Sept. 20, Northwest will formally celebrate the renaming of the CIE in honor of Hubbard, the University’s ninth president who led Northwest from 1984 until his retirement Northwest’s Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation and Entreprein 2009. The CIE, which neurship, which opened in 2009, is ranked 21st in the University the University dedicated Global Top 25 Rankings produced by University Business Incubator in September 2009, was Index.
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Northwest News
Film festival showcases students’ filmmaking, acting talents Northwest students walked a red carpet and posed for photos to the sounds of memorable movie theme music April 29 before the screenings of 36 short films at the University’s Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. The scene played out during a film festival, sponsored by Northwest’s Department of Communication and Mass Media in collaboration with the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, to celebrate the work of students in television production and cinematography courses. “We had so many amazing short films that our students made this year that I felt the need to design some sort of a showcase to be able to share them, not just with each other but with the public,” said Justin Ross ’03, who is head of development for Main Line Pictures and taught courses at Northwest during the spring trimester. “It also provided us an opportunity to say thank you to the community, to Northwest and Maryville
for all that they do to help get these short films made.” The films, ranging from five to 15 minutes in length, spanned genres of comedy, horror and science fiction while exploring themes of love, loss, relationships and the supernatural. In addition to directing and producing the films, the students were charged with writing scripts and casting as well as securing locations, props and equipment for their productions. Many of the films featured local locations and unknown actors, while some included familiar locations on the Northwest campus with student actors. Kellen Burgess, a sophomore from Liberty majoring in mass media with a broadcasting emphasis, received awards for Best Picture, Best Cinematography and Best Director for his film “Unspoken,” which featured members of Northwest’s Tower choir among its cast. Burgess entered Northwest with some filmmaking experience but said
Justin Ross ’03 addresses the audience gathered at the Northwest Film Festival. The event featured 36 short films written, acted and produced by Northwest students.
the television production course greatly enhanced his skills. “As someone who’s wanting to get into the industry, filmmaking or just anything related to video production, it was huge to learn from Justin,” Burgess said. “The class is designed to take people, no matter what level they are – beginning, advanced, whatever – and see what they can create.” n
Bearcat fans help set a new record with Mustangs
Northwest forensics team claims four national titles
Northwest alumni and friends filled Phil Welch Stadium for the fourth annual Northwest Night at the St. Joseph Mustangs and set a new attendance record in the process. The 4,427 people who St. Joseph Mustangs players take time passed through the stato sign autographs for some young dium gates June 21 were fans during the fourth annual Northwest Night at the St. Joseph Mustangs. the most to ever attend a Mustangs game. During a pregame tailgate, fans received baseballs with the Northwest paw logo and had a chance to collect autographs from Mustangs players. The Mustangs wore green jerseys as they went on to defeat the Sedalia Bombers, 1-0, and the Bearcat Steppers provided entertainment between innings. n
The Northwest Speaking Bearcats forensics team capped another successful season in March at the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament in Indianapolis, where each of the team’s 13 individual competitors earned an award, including three national champion distinctions. Hugh Slaton, a freshman zoology major from DeSoto, Ga., was crowned the national champion in Legislative Debate; Nick Van Ross, a freshman marketing major from Lee’s Summit, Mo., earned the
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national championship in Novice Public Forum debate; and TyQuan Baskin, a freshman speech and theater education major from Kansas City, Mo., and Emily Meyers, a freshman public relations major from Maryville, are national champions in Improv Duet Acting Team. The Speaking Bearcats’ earned a total of four national championships during the 2013-14 season. Meyers and Van Ross also won a national championship in Public Forum and Debate in February. n
Northwest News Mottet returns to Northwest as next chief academic officer Dr. Timothy Mottet has joined Northwest, where he completed some of his undergraduate studies, to serve as the University’s provost. “Tim is a proven leader who has produced positive results through his strong teaching, research, service and fundraising skills,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “His student-centeredness, classroom experience, academic planning and knowledge of academe’s pending environmental changes complement his ongoing use of metrics and willingness to be bold and work collaboratively to achieve ever-increasing expectations.” Mottet returns to Northwest from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where he had served as dean of fine arts and communication since 2011. Mottet has more than 15 years of experience in higher education that also includes teaching and extensive scholarship and research activities. “I’m truly honored to be given this wonderful opportunity to return to Northwest,” Mottet said. “I look forward to partnering with faculty and staff in academic affairs and across the other units of the University to align and elevate academic programs and services to meet the needs of students, employers and communities.” He added, “Higher education is going through a transformation, and it’s important to me that faculty and staff play a role in how higher education evolves. I’m committed to facilitating this process and creating new opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.” Mottet began his undergraduate education at Northwest, attending from 1980 to 1981, before completing his bachelor’s degree in communication at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. Mottet also has a master’s degree in mass communication from Boston University in Boston, and his education doctorate in communication and learning/higher education from West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.V. n
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Bearcat Advantage scholarship continues to assist first-year students Northwest’s Bearcat Advantage scholarship program is making a college education more affordable for firstyear students who come to the University from outside Missouri. The Bearcat Advantage scholarship, which Northwest implemented in the fall of 2013, reduces tuition rates for qualifying students, when combined with other out-of-state awards, by more than $6,000, equating to in-state Missouri rates for recipients. “The Bearcat Advantage scholarship is just one example of how Northwest has worked to make a college education an affordable and attractive option for out-of-state students,” Northwest Dean of Enrollment Management Bev Orme Schenkel ’90, ’92 said. “Because of the University’s location in northwest Missouri and the comprehensive educational experience we offer, residents of surrounding states have long viewed Northwest as a quality option to pursuing their degrees. In addition to Northwest keeping tuition increases at a minimum over the last five years, which have been the lowest in the country, the
Bearcat Advantage scholarship is another key to keeping college affordable.” The Bearcat Advantage scholarship, when combined with the Midwest Student Exchange Program or the Outof-State Award, waives the difference between Northwest’s in-state and outof-state tuition rates for the first year. All non-resident, continuing undergraduate students are eligible to receive the Bearcat Advantage for a full waiver of the out-of-state portion of tuition by passing a minimum of 24 credit hours per year with a Northwest cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship is available to freshmen and transfer students who live outside Missouri. To qualify for the instate tuition rate, freshmen must have scored a 23 or above on the ACT or an Admissions Index of 140 or higher, and have at least a 2.0 high school cumulative grade-point average. Transfer students are also eligible for the Bearcat Advantage scholarship with a college cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher and at least 24 transferable credit hours. n
Veterans share leadership experiences during symposium Brig. Gen. Christopher Hughes ’83 joined a panel of servicemen at Northwest last spring to share his leadership experiences and perspectives with students and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets. Hughes emphasized the advantages of being a lifelong learner and the importance of taking risks to become a stronger leader. He encouraged students to take courses that are not required or join organizations that expand their knowledge and ability to adapt. “The more tricks you have to deal with the unknown, the more innovative, the more adaptive and the more agile you make yourself as a human being,” Hughes said. Hughes serves as the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center–Leader Development and Education and
the deputy commandant at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. The panel also included Maj. Jared Britz ’03 and Capt. Colin Crowley ’05. The symposium was coordinated collaboratively by Northwest’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Northwest Alumni Association and the ROTC led by Lt. Colonel Shay Howard. n
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Northwest Alumni Magazine
How Brian Weaver ’95 turned an opportunity into a fast-growing company by applying lessons learned from a delayed athletic career By Mark Hornickel
• Photography by Darren Whitley
• Design by Melinda Kelsey
It’s around 10 in the morning on a Thursday in May at a park in Johnson County, Kan. The ripples on the lake are sparkling under the bright sunlight. And Brian Weaver ’95 is pushing through the wind on a racing bike worth almost as much as the average new American car. He’s in the middle of his racing season, during which he will compete at more than a dozen Ironman triathlon events including a national championship and the world championship. As he laps the lake during a grueling 4-hour interval workout, he’s thinking about things like pace, hydration and the elevation change. He’s also considering customer issues and business strategy for next year. He is driven by a curiosity to do things efficiently and a knack for problemsolving.
When Weaver’s former employer reprimanded him for accepting a product request from Kansas Speedway, Weaver quit his job and launched Anthem, retaining the racing track as his first client. Anthem has been named to Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest-growing companies four times.
Weaver discusses strategy for a product launch with Anthem’s Chief Operating Officer Don Ransdell (left) and Chief Financial Officer Ed Place at the company’s Leawood, Kan., office. Weaver attributes part of Anthem’s success to hiring people with skillsets and networks to help the company diversify.
Weaver crosses the finish line of an Ironman competition in Arizona. While family is a top priority for Weaver, his wife and father have been instrumental in motivating him to work toward his fitness goals.
Weaver’s office attire usually consists of sneakers and jeans. He also gave up a large corner office and prefers instead to pull up a chair to any available “hot desk� and work among other Anthem employees.
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Alumni Connections
Alumni Chapter News Get involved today!
For more information about getting involved in a Northwest Alumni Association chapter, call 660.562.1248 or email alumni@nwmissouri.edu. There currently are 19 alumni chapters, and more are being formed. 1. Betty Meyn ’71, Faith Spark, Dennis Spark ’73, Judy Bunch and Dennis Bunch ’69, ’76 of the Central Iowa Alumni and Friends Chapter assisted at the Championship Trophy Tour in February at the Hy-Vee Corporate Office. 2. Members of the Central Iowa Alumni and Friends Chapter attended an Iowa Wild Hockey game in January. 3. Members of the Central Iowa Alumni and Friends Chapter pose for a photo during the Iowa Wild Hockey game. 4. Jodi Gnader, Joan Lynch Jackson ’65, Scott Giles ’87, Karon Giles, Larry Giles ’64, ’69, ’89 and Dennis Bunch ’69, ’76 presented a T-shirt quilt at a Southern Iowa Chapter event.
CENTRAL IOWA CHAPTER The Central Iowa Alumni and Friends Chapter meets monthly for its First Thursday Social at Overtime Sports Hub in Urbandale. In June, the chapter hosted its annual day at the Iowa Cubs game in Des Moines with 45 members in attendance. This past holiday season, the chapter donated food items to the local food bank and it continues to look for ways to give back to the community. n SOUTHERN IOWA CHAPTER The Annual Anniversary Social for the Southern Iowa Chapter was May 10 at the Fireside Grill in Diagonal. Rod Barr ’87, ’95, ’09, chair of the Northwest Department of Agricultural Sciences, and Bob Machovsky, Northwest’s director of alumni relations and annual gifts, were special guests for the evening. During the summer, the chapter participated in several parades to promote Northwest. Bearcats who want to connect with other Southern Iowa alumni may contact
Darin Goins at drn_goins@yahoo.com. n ST. JOSEPH CHAPTER The St. Joseph Chapter started the year with a holiday dinner in January at the Ground Round. Members re-gifted unwanted holiday gifts during an exchange. In February, the annual Mardi Gras dinner was at Boudreaux’s. St. Joseph Beverage hosted a March Madness pizza party, which is the chapter’s most popular event of the year. April’s gathering included dinner at Bandana’s with the chapter favorite, LRC game. The chapter concluded its season with a luau at the home of Dave ’69 and Ann Eilers ’76 Newman. The chapter also enjoyed partnering with the Northwest Alumni Association on the Championship Trophy Tour in February and the June 21 Northwest Night at the St. Joseph Mustangs. For more information about the chapter, email Anitra Germer Clark ’05, ’07 at nwbearcat05_07@yahoo.com or find the chapter on Facebook. n ST. LOUIS CHAPTER
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Alumni Connections The sixth anniversary of the St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter in May featured a Board of Regents member, drawings for golf and St. Louis Cardinals games, and Northwest trivia. Also during 2013-14, the St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter played bocce ball in August, visited Wine Country Gardens in October, attended a Northwest-Lindenwood basketball game in November, gathered for a watch party for the NCAA Division II National Championship football game in December, supported the Championship Trophy Tour in February, bowled in March and hosted a St. Louis Cardinals-Pittsburgh Pirates watch party in April. In July, the chapter attended a River City Rascals-Windy City ThunderBolts baseball game, and in August it hosted a bike ride on the Katy Trail. The group invites all St. Louis area alumni to join them for fall activities, including a September winery event, the Alumni Awards banquet and family weekend in Maryville
Sept. 19-21, the Northwest-Lindenwood football game Oct. 11 and Northwest Homecoming in Maryville Oct. 18. Elected officers for the coming year are Aaron Bunch ’04, and Susan Johnson Hockensmith ’72, co-presidents; Barbara Bosch Alexander ’82, ’86, secretary; Valerie Byrn ’01, social chair; and Anne Alexander Gross ’90, networking and membership chair. More information about the group can be found on the NW Alumni St. Louis Facebook page. Northwest alumni and friends interested in joining the chapter and participating in activities may contact one of the officers, attend a function, check the chapter Facebook page or contact the Northwest Alumni Association at alumni@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248. St. Louis alumni and friends also may purchase signature T-shirts by contacting Jane Alexander ’87 at jalexchi@yahoo. com. n
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1. The St. Joseph Alumni and Friends Chapter hosted its Sixth Annual Barn Party last November. 2. The St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter celebrated its sixth anniversary in May. Attending were, front row from left: Mason King, Pat Haynes ’96, Valerie Byrn ’01, Caroline and Hayden, Barbara Bosch Alexander ’82, ’86. Second row: Cameron King ’00, Debbie Lehman ’79, James Lehman, Erin Funk ’13, Katie Harrison ’96, Pat Roddy ’75, Betty Baker ’58, Anne Alexander Gross ’90. Third row: Bob Machovsky, Northwest director of alumni relations and annual gifts; Amber King; Jack Cromley; Brandon Deets ’04; Aaron Bunch ’01; Mark Cromley ’94; Laura Hockensmith; David Hockensmith; Susan Johnson Hockensmith ’72.
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Northwest Alumni Association Social Media Network
/nwmissourialumni
@NorthwestAlumni
For a complete listing of all Northwest social media networks, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/media/social.htm.
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Northwest Alumni Magazine
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Alumni Connections
Alumni Chapter News
(continued)
KANSAS CITY CHAPTER The Kansas City Chapter hosted its annual happy hour Feb. 7 at The Landing in Liberty. As always, the Kansas City Bearcats came out in full force for a fun night of laughs and reconnecting. A good-sized contingency of chapter members also cheered the Bearcats on to victory at the Northwest-Missouri Western basketball game and alumni event Feb. 22. Then, to keep the energy going, on Feb. 28, chapter members attended the Championship Trophy Tour at Sporting Park. During its 11th Annual Snake Saturday Parade Celebration March 15, the chapter raised $230 for its scholarship fund and showed its Irish (and Northwest) spirit with a tailgate that rivaled game day in Maryville. Elections for the chapter were April 10. Jessica Peak ’08 was elected president. Bob Stalder ’88 was elected vice president. Wesley Miller ’08 was elected secretary. During the summer, the chapter attended the BluesFest in Gladstone, hosted a happy hour, a T-Bones outing and a coaches event. As the chapter approaches its busy season for gatherings, visit www.facebook.com/ NorthwestAlumKC for upcoming fall events. n
1. Wesley Miller ’08 enjoyed the Kansas City Alumni and Friends Chapter’s 11th annual Snake Saturday Parade Celebration. 2. Bob Stalder ’88 of the Kansas City Alumni and Friends Chapter poses with the national championship football trophies at the Championship Trophy Tour. 3. Anthony Belcher ’09 and Kristin Hilde Belcher ’09 pose with Bobby Bearcat at the Championship Trophy Tour at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. 4. Reed Jorgenson ’02 and Jessica Peak ’08, planning cochairs of the Snake Saturday Parade at the Kansas City Alumni and Friends Chapter’s 11th annual Snake Saturday Parade Celebration. 5. The Northwest Band Alumni Board of Directors are, left to right, Mark Reinig ’74, president; Stacy Baier Lendt ’00, past president; Samantha Baier ’08, board member; Laura Voss ’08, secretary; Gavin Lendt ’99, ’02, incoming president; and Jessica Nance Holtzscher ’09, ’11, board member. Not pictured: Diana Shineflew White ’76, ’88, board member.
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BAND ALUMNI CHAPTER The Band Alumni Board of Directors met at Cheddars June 13 for fellowship and to make plans for the upcoming year, including growing the chapter. Its primary purpose is to support the band program, but performing and having fun is also a goal of the chapter. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Bearcat football team’s home game, will be the chapter’s first performance of the season. First-time attendees receive free registration, lunch and an alumni band T-shirt. Alumni band members also are invited to ride and play on the alumni float in the Homecoming parade; meet at the Alumni House at 9 a.m. Concert band alumni are invited to participate in a performance at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015. Money has been raised by the chapter to help fund music scholarships, and plans are being made to contribute in other ways. The Band Alumni Chapter is open to any alumni who spent any part of their college careers as a member of the Bearcat Marching Band or concert band. n
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Homecoming 2014 October 17-18
Alumni Connections
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A Trip Down Bearcat Lane Variety Show Thursday, Oct. 16, and Friday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. n Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts n Free n Tickets are required, call Student Services Center at 660.562.1212 to reserve a ticket; tickets may be acquired the night of the performance if seats are available n
Homecoming 5K Run Friday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. start time (8:30 a.m. registration) n Raymond J. Courter College Park Pavilion n To receive a T-shirt, registration and payment are due to the Office of Campus Activities by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3 n Proceeds benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Nodaway County n For more information or to register, email Homemg@nwmissouri. edu COST: $25 n
Homecoming Golf Classic
Homecoming Parade
Friday, Oct. 17, noon n Two-person scramble n Mozingo Lake Golf Course n Call 660.562.1248 or visit www.nwmissouri. edu/alumni/events to register COST: $45 per person
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Flag-Raising Ceremony Friday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m. Joyce and Harvey White International Flag Plaza n Free n n
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. Parade route to be determined; watch www.nwmissouri.edu for an announcement this fall.
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Hy-Vee Bearcat Zone Pregame Festivities Saturday, Oct. 18, noon n College Park n Free n
Hy-Vee Bearcat Zone Homecoming Barbecue Saturday, Oct. 18, noon Raymond J. Courter College Park Pavilion COST: $6.75 n n
M-Club Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony Friday, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom n Tickets can be purchased through Michele Steinmeyer at 660.562.1977 COST: $20 n n
Homecoming Welcome Saturday, Oct. 18, 8 a.m. Alumni House n Free refreshments n n
bearcatsports.com by choosing the Tickets tab at the top of the page or in person at the Student Services Center in the Administration Building.
Football vs. Pittsburg State University
Places to Stay MARYVILLE
Comfort Inn 660.562.2002 Holiday Inn Express 660.562.9949 Super 8 660.582.8088 ST. JOSEPH
Register/Order Tickets n
Tickets will not be mailed; they must be picked up at the event. n Seats are assigned on a best-available basis. n All ticket sales are final. n Ticket prices include Missouri sales tax.
America’s Best Value Inn 816.364.3031 Days Inn 816.279.1671 Drury Inn 816.364.4700 Hampton Inn 816.390.9300 Holiday Inn 816.279.8000 Ramada Inn 816.233.6192 Stoney Creek Inn 816.901.9600 Events are subject to change/ cancellation
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2 p.m. n Bearcat Stadium COST: $20 reserved, $12 adult general admission (standing room only), $10 K-12 standing room only or visiting students; Homecoming football tickets available to the general public beginning Sept. 17, tickets can be purchased online via n
Queen Sandy Kelly receives the crown from Student Senate President Jim Sanders. – 1964 Tower Yearbook
Honoring the Class of 1964 The Golden Years Society Reunion welcomes all classmates from 1964 and before to attend Homecoming. Mark your calendars for Oct. 17-18 and make plans to return to campus. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 660.562.1248 or alumni@ nwmissouri.edu.
FRIDAY, OCT. 17
9 a.m. Welcome reception, Alumni House 10 a.m. Campus bus tour 11 a.m. Reunion photo, Kissing Bridge 11:30 a.m. Luncheon, J.W. Jones Student Union 2 p.m. Flag-raising ceremony, Joyce and Harvey White International Flag Plaza 5 p.m. Golden Years social, Alumni House 6:30 p.m. M-Club Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony, J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom*
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SATURDAY, OCT. 18
8 a.m. Homecoming Welcome, Alumni House 9 a.m. Parade with VIP seating 11:30 a.m. Hy-Vee Bearcat Zone pregame festivities, College Park* 2 p.m. Football vs. Pittsburg State, Bearcat Stadium*
REUNION COST: $35
*optional activity, additional cost
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Alumni Connections
Congratulations!
2014 Alumni Association Award recipients You’re Invited The Northwest Alumni Association honors individuals who have given their time, talent and service to Northwest. All Northwest alumni and friends are invited to attend the Alumni Awards Banquet. It’s a great way to start Family Weekend and salute these deserving individuals. n
Friday, Sept. 19
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J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom
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6 p.m., social
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6:45 p.m., dinner
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8 p.m., awards presentation
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$30 per person
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$200 for a table of eight
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/events/ awards/registration. htm or contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri. edu.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
DISTINGUISHED FACULTY EMERITUS AWARD
Brig. Gen. Christopher Hughes Brig. Gen. Christopher Hughes ’83 serves as a special assistant to the deputy commanding general of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. He was commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Northwest and has received many awards and recognitions throughout his time with the Army including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal, among others. Hughes resides in Leavenworth, Kan.
Dr. Robert “Bob” Bush Dr. Robert “Bob” Bush ’57 retired from Northwest in 2006, having served the institution since 1968 in various roles, including dean of admissions and later as the assistant to Presidents Dr. B.D. Owens and Dr. Dean Hubbard. Bush has remained deeply connected to the University, often mentoring students involved in grant writing and community projects. He also has been an active member of the Northwest Alumni Association, often assisting with social gatherings and fundraising events. He lives in West Des Moines, Iowa.
DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD
Dr. Ben Blackford Dr. Ben Blackford ’99, ’01, who joined the Northwest faculty in 2009, is assistant professor in the Department of Business. Blackford coordinates Northwest’s New Venture Pitch business plan competition and regularly represents his department at Green and White Days, Distinguished Scholar Days, Exploring Majors, Career Day and commencement. Blackford was awarded the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs’ 2014 International Teaching Excellence Award. DISTINGUISHED FACULTY EMERITUS AWARD
Dr. Betty Johnson Bush Dr. Betty Johnson Bush ’60 retired in 2002 as professor in Northwest’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction after 17 years but continued to serve as an adviser to student teachers. She received several honors throughout her professional career, including the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education in 1992 and the College of Education and Human Services Lifetime Achievement Award for Service in 2007. She also served on the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors. She lives in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Northwest Alumni Magazine
Fall 2014
HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD
Steve Bratt Steve Bratt is vice president and plant manager at Kawasaki in Maryville. With his leadership and management abilities, he has championed the business to financially support Northwest programming and areas that include study abroad, a proposed agricultural learning center, the Visiting Writers Series, Promoting Reasoning and Inquiry in Science and Math, and the Northwest Fund, in addition to covering half of tuition for Kawasaki employees. Bratt resides in Maryville. PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Mike Thomson Mike Thomson ’68, ’71 has provided leadership for all in the northwest Missouri region during many years of public service, first as a classroom teacher and coach in public school systems, then as a faculty and staff member at Northwest. For the last eight years, Thomson dedicated his career to representing the region in the Missouri House of Representatives and has given his experience and time to strengthening the state’s education system. Thomson resides in Maryville.
Alumni Connections TURRET SERVICE AWARD
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD
Ken Scribner Ken Scribner ’87 is vice president of production at Cerner Corporation and has made significant contributions to Northwest and to the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems. Scribner participates in department visit days, Career Services’ Mock Interview Day and sponsors student trips to Cerner. He has played an instrumental role in helping Northwest students gain valuable knowledge and advice that prepares them for careers. He lives in Kansas City, Mo.
Brad Elliott Brad Elliott ’04 is co-owner of Podium Ink and works with high profile clients such as Sherwin Williams and Blake Shelton. While earning his graphic design degree at Northwest, Elliott participated on the men’s cross country team and the men’s track and field team, and was an intern in the Office of University Relations. In addition to managing his business, Elliott volunteers and coaches track at Mount Ayr Community School. He resides in Mount Ayr, Iowa. n
2015 Alumni Awards call for nominations The Northwest Alumni Association annually recognizes alumni, faculty, retired faculty and friends who have brought distinction upon themselves, their profession and Northwest, and nominations are now being sought for the 2015 Alumni Association Awards.
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Award nomination deadline: March 1, 2015
Nominations must be submitted on the forms provided by the Northwest Alumni Association. Contact Brenda Untiedt for a nomination form at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu or complete the appropriate online form at www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/events/awards/nominations.htm. Nominations will not be considered unless the entire nomination form is complete. The Northwest Alumni Association Board of Directors will make final selections at its 2015 spring meeting.
Distinguished Alumni Award Recognizes Northwest alumni for exceptional professional and personal achievement and extraordinary distinction in their chosen field
Public Service Award Recognizes outstanding service-minded alumni or friends of Northwest who have devoted their time and energy to public service or the advancement of higher education
Distinguished Faculty Emeritus Award Recognizes former faculty members for their outstanding teaching, service and/or research contributions at Northwest
Turret Service Award Acknowledges graduates or former students whose significant contributions of time and talents benefit and promote the University and the Northwest Alumni Association
Distinguished Faculty Award Recognizes present faculty members for their outstanding teaching, service and/or research contributions at Northwest Honorary Alumni Award Honors Northwest friends who have served, promoted and loved the University in the tradition of a loyal graduate
Young Alumni Award Honors graduates of the last decade for their exceptional achievements in career, public service and/or volunteerism that bring honor to the University
Celebrate 100 years of The Missourian Oct. 25 Alumni of The Northwest Missourian are invited to gather on the Northwest campus Saturday, Oct. 25, to celebrate the centennial of the University’s student newspaper. The anniversary celebration will be highlighted by a banquet and festivities from 6 to 10 p.m. in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom with remarks by former advisors Laura Widmer ’79 and
Linda Puntney and other distinguished guests. Cost to attend the banquet is $20 per person, and a cash bar will be available. Due to limited seating in the Ballroom, the banquet will be a first-come, first-served event. Alumni and their families may register at www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/events/ missourian.htm. n
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Alumni Connections
Northwest Foundation board adds 15 new members The Northwest Foundation Board welcomed 15 new members during its summer meeting on the University campus. The Northwest Foundation, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation, is responsible for receiving, investing, stewarding and disbursing private support on behalf of the donors of Northwest for the benefit of the University, its students, faculty, staff and alumni. The 2014-2015 Foundation Board is led by President Mark Doll ’80, of Des Moines, Iowa; Vice President Arnold Johnson ’77, of Houston, Texas; and Immediate Past President Holly Murphy-Barstow ’81, of Omaha, Neb. Board members may serve up to two three-year terms. Dr. Robert (Bob) Burrell ’70 Executive vice president, Cardtronics; Denver, Colo.
NORTHWEST
ALUMNI MISSION: The Northwest Alumni Association fosters lifelong relationships through initiatives and opportunities that advance the University and its alumni, future alumni and friends.
Ken DeBaene ’81 Supervisor of sales, Matrix Inc.; Long Branch, N.J.
2014-2015 Alumni Association Board of Directors President Kory Schramm ’95, Johnston, Iowa
The Foundation, governed by a 30-member volunteer board, is staffed by members of Northwest’s Office of University Advancement. It has about 6,800 donors and awarded more than 1,000 scholarships last year, with an average value of $641 per student. “We are excited to welcome such a large, talented and diverse group of board members to the Northwest Foundation,” Vice President of University Advancement Mike Johnson ’85 said. “This class exemplifies a wealth of leadership, passion and philanthropic partnership that will strengthen our financial position in growing private support to Northwest. The sky is the limit in what these individual alumni donors are capable of in inspiring themselves and others to invest in our future.” n John Cline ’75
Karen Daniel ’80
Owner, Cline Wood Agency; Overland Park, Kan.
Finance division and inframanagement group president and chief financial officer, Black & Veatch; Overland Park, Kan.
Myra Evans ’77
Mike Faust ’74
Former chief executive officer, Community Hospital Association; Tarkio, Mo.
Assistant to chairman, Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc.; Omaha, Neb.
Carl Hughes ’76
Paul Jennings ’75
Retired as senior vice president of Inergy; Kansas City, Mo.
Certified public accountant and financial planning president, Financial Decisions Group; West Des Moines, Iowa
Lisa Lehnus ’83
Jayma Elmore Sandquist ’90
Vice President Linda Nichols Place ’72, Albany, Mo. Past President Amy Willits Harlin ’95, Smithville, Mo.
Jerry Hagg, attd. 1963-1965
Members Karen Logullo Bader ’86, ’95, Aurora, Mo. Bill Brooks ’91, Dearborn, Mo. Dennis Bunch ’69, ’76, Johnston, Iowa Anitra Germer Clark ’04, ’07, St. Joseph, Mo. Paula Rector Davis ’91, Lee’s Summit, Mo. Mark DeVore ’71, Branson, Mo. Chrissy Beck Jolley ’02, Jefferson City, Mo. Marsha Alsbury Leopard ’71, ’76, Chillicothe, Mo. Jay Liebenguth ’80, Louisburg, Kan. Joyce Seals Roddy ’75, St. Peters, Mo. Faith Spark, Des Moines, Iowa Bob Stalder ’88, Kansas City, Mo. Abby Stephens ’06, ’08, Diagonal, Iowa Rich Tohkeim ’82, Omaha, Neb. Jeremy Waldeier ’97, ’09, Maryville
Retired as president and co-chief executive officer, Platte Valley Bank of Missouri; Dearborn, Mo.
Dr. Marilou Joyner ’75, ’78, ’82
Ex-Officio Board Members Mike Johnson ’85, Vice President of University Advancement Mark Doll ’80, President, Northwest Foundation, Des Moines, Iowa Lori McLemore Steiner ’85, Finance Officer and Executive Director of Advancement Services Bob Machovsky, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09, Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications Specialist
Northwest Alumni Magazine
Fall 2014
Owner and chief executive officer, Cameron Group Care Inc.; Kansas City, Mo.
Director of retirement plan operations, Trust Company of America; Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Kory Schramm ’95
W. Brad Stephens ’96
Stanley (Stan) Zeamer ’70
Manager of sales operations, ITA Group; Johnston, Iowa
Senior financial services representative, Principal Financial Group; Butler, Mo.
President and owner, Utility/Keystone Trailer Sales Inc.; Huntingdon, Pa.
Vice president of marketing, John Deere Financial; Indianola, Iowa
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Former administrator’s gift establishes scholarship for ambassadors Roger Pugh left an imprint on Northwest as the institution’s dean of enrollment management from 1994 to 2000. Now, he’s showing his appreciation for Northwest and assisting its student ambassadors by naming the University as a partial beneficiary of his estate. The bequest will fund an endowment that will pay an annual student ambassador scholarship, worth $1,000, with additional funding for unrestricted use. At Northwest, Pugh oversaw the University’s offices of Admissions, Financial Assistance and Career Services. During the course of a 36-year career, he also worked in secondary education and spent time at institutions in Montana, Washington, California and Missouri. “I’ve been lucky to work with student ambassadors at each of those places, and Northwest has a unique program,” Pugh said. “The campus tour is one of, if not, the most critical things you can do, and we had really good buy-in from students who were active at Northwest. Having a University student talk with a high school student and a parent, helping to make a decision, is something I feel is very important.”
Northwest student ambassadors embody the friendly campus by conducting tours with about 2,700 families per year, help facilitate Green and White Visit Days, assist with scholarship and department open house days, and actively participate in Northwest online chats and student blogs. Applicants are selected after a twopart interview process and selected students must go through a trimesterlong training program before they are approved to conduct tours on their own. These campus representatives also must maintain a 2.9 grade-point average and may serve as student ambassadors for the duration of their enrollment. Pugh’s gift will play an important role in the continued success of Northwest’s student ambassador program, Associate Director of Admissions Jeremy Waldeier ’97, ’09 said. “Roger’s generosity will be well received and means a lot to our program and students,” Waldeier said. “Helping our students pay for their education is one way to say thank you, and Roger has made that easier with his generous gift.” Pugh recently purchased a house in
Roger Pugh, a former Northwest dean of enrollment management, will assist the University and its student ambassadors by naming Northwest a partial beneficiary of his estate.
Maryville and maintains a strong connection with Northwest and his former colleagues. He also continues to consult with higher education institutions regarding their processes. “I had six good years at Northwest and stayed in contact with a lot of people there over the years,” said Pugh, who regularly attends Bearcat athletic games. “I grew up in Montana, but I’m not sure I’ve found any better people than those I know in Maryville.” n
Alumnus shows appreciation of agricultural sciences program Don Foley ’78 (master’s) has long had an affinity for agriculture and Northwest Missouri State University. Now he’s giving back through a $100,000 testamentary gift to support agricultural sciences students and programming at the University. By earning a master’s degree from Northwest, Foley says he realized more opportunities that may not have been afforded him otherwise. “What the master’s did was give me the opportunity to look at some jobs for which I might not have qualified,” Foley said, adding that earning his master’s degree also was a personal goal. After earning his master’s degree, Foley went to work as a lender for Mu-
tual Benefit Life Insurance Company’s agricultural division in Ames, Iowa. In 1990, he joined the Iowa Bankers Association and the Iowa Bankers Mortgage Corporation in Ames as director of agriculture, and he remains there today. “The professors I had at Northwest seemed extremely concerned about helping you get to where you could get a job,” Foley said. “They wanted you to be employed when you graduated, and I always appreciated that.” In addition to joining the Northwest Foundation Board, Foley hopes his gift to Northwest’s Department of Agricultural Sciences will support future students through financial assistance, programming and equipment. n
Don Foley ’78 (master’s) says the agricultural education he received at Northwest played a vital role in helping him advance in his career, and he’s giving back through a $100,000 testamentary gift to support agriculture students and programming at the University.
Fall 2014
Northwest Alumni Magazine
Lasting Legacies “We both came from poor roots, and we would not have grown to where we are today without Northwest. The school will always have a warm spot in my heart.” Ruth Collins McQuerry ’45 Ruth Collins McQuerry ’45 and her late husband, Wayne H. McQuerry ’49, always remembered their humble beginnings at Northwest. Now Ruth hopes to provide opportunities to younger generations by establishing an endowed scholarship in memory and honor of Wayne. The Ruth (Collins) McQuerry and Wayne H. McQuerry Memorial Scholarship is available to students who have declared a major in a natural sciences or mathematics program and maintain a 2.75 grade-point average. Preference will be given to students who major in nanoscale-physics or mathematics and have graduated from a Missouri high school. Ruth and Wayne grew up on small farms in rural Atchison and Harrison counties, and neither of their parents could afford to send them to college, which they both desired. Still, Ruth and Wayne made necessary sacrifices to attend Northwest, which was the closest and most viable university for them at the time. Ruth worked part-time as a student, taking classes year-round to stay on
track. She graduated with a degree in vocational home economics. Wayne enlisted in the Navy V-5 program, allowing him to finish two years of college prior to entering the NAVCAD program in August 1943. He received a commission as ensign and was designated a naval aviator. In December 1947, he returned to Northwest to complete his degree in math and physics. Some of the couple’s fondest memories of Northwest include attending campus activities and events. They went to concerts, picnics, ball games and other forms of entertainment on campus. A trip to the Methodist church for Sunday night supper was a normal social outing for the couple. After Ruth’s graduation, she taught high school in Hopkins, Mo. The two were married in December 1945 but lived separately due to Wayne’s stationing in Florida. Ruth eventually resigned from teaching to join Wayne while he continued training at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla. The McQuerrys lived together for
more than 60 years, mostly in California. Wayne worked with North American Aviation near Los Angeles Airport and was later employed at Rockwell International in Downey, Calif., with its Space Division from 1963 to 1990. With diligence, Wayne supported all Apollo and shuttle programs until his retirement, and Northwest honored him in 1986 with its Distinguished Alumni Award. Wayne passed away April 21, 2006. Ruth celebrated her 90th birthday last November with her children, extended family and friends. Together, the couple raised four children: Thomas, Patricia, Samuel and Bruce.
One of easiest planned gifts to create and implement is a bequest in your will or living trust. It allows you to give any percentage of your estate as a charitable gift when a current gift of real estate or cash might not otherwise be feasible. Consider these advantages: n It’s simple to set up. n You’re able to maintain control of your assets. n It provides a gift to Northwest in an amount you believe is appropriate, and you can still provide for your loved ones. n It provides an estate tax deduction.
n It provides for a cause you deem worthy at Northwest. n It includes membership in the Northwest Foundation’s James H. Lemon Heritage Society. n Leaves a lasting legacy at Northwest
Contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or advance@nwmissouri.edu to find out about the many advantages of providing an estate provision.
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Alumna‘s gift to assist music, accounting programs Northwest alumna Kathy Carlson Stracuzzi ’82 provided a deferred gift of $100,000 to benefit the University’s music and accounting programs. “I look forward to giving back to the University, and I am thankful for my ability to financially assist the students,” Stracuzzi said. “I feel that today it is as important as ever to get a college education considering the difficulties of entering the job market.” As a Northwest student, Stracuzzi played the clarinet in the Bearcat Marching Band and concert band. She developed a strong connection to Northwest through her involvement in the music programs and business courses before graduating from the University with a degree in accounting. “I wasn’t challenged academically in high school, but at Northwest that was not the case,” Stracuzzi said. “I accepted the challenges of the difficult course load and put in the effort to be successful academically.” Stracuzzi says her business machines course
was among those that helped her prepare for her first job after college. It focused on skills needed to operate various calculators, and Stracuzzi utilized those lessons at her first job with an accounting firm in Omaha, Neb. “It is the small things sometimes that can make a huge difference in business and life,” Stracuzzi said. “Northwest taught me to have confidence in myself and my abilities to be successful in my career and life in general.” Today, Stracuzzi resides in Florida, where she and her husband, Charles, Kathy Carlson Stracuzzi ’82, with her husband, Charles, are supporting the music moved after his retirement in 2001. and accounting programs at Northwest Stracuzzi works as an accountant through a $100,000 deferred gift. for the city of Port St. Lucie, and her husband is actively involved with various charities. The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in May. n
Faculty member brings Reach Out and Read to Maryville Thanks to the dedication and persistence of one faculty member, Northwest and the Maryville community are partnering on a literacy awareness program that is spreading across the country. Reach Out and Read is a non-profit organization of medical providers who promote early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by offering new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. Dr. Pradnya Patet, assistant professor in the Department of Professional Education, worked as a training specialist for Southwest Human Development in Arizona before coming to Northwest in 2009 and saw the program’s benefits first-
hand. “After coming to Maryville I saw the potential the program had and wanted to get started immediately,” Patet said. “It’s such an amazing program that makes a difference in the lives of children who might not get this opportunity otherwise.” During “well child checkups” at St. Francis Hospital and Health Services, children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old receive a book to take home that is tailored to their age. Parents of the children also receive information about literacy awareness and recommendations for daily family book sessions. Patet works with Dr. J. Michael Feuerbacher, a family practitioner at St. Francis Hospital and Health Ser-
vices, to coordinate the program. One hundred percent of St. Francis physicians who conduct well child checkups are participating in the program. “We’ve worked really hard to gain sponsors for the program and the support of the community,” Patet Assistant Professor Dr. Pradnya Patet has said. “The communiled an effort to bring Reach Out and Read, a ty’s response has been non-profit organization working to promote early literacy and school readiness in pediatabsolutely amazing. It ric exam rooms, to Maryville. seems like everyone is jumping on board and we’ve even received Foundation, Friends of the personal donations as well as Maryville Public Library, sponsorships from multiple Maryville First United local organizations.” Methodist Church and the The initiative received doAmerican Association of nations and support from St. University Women. Francis Family Health Care, To learn more about the the Rotary Club of Maryville program visit www. and the Rotary International reachoutandread.org/. n
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Northwest Alumni Magazine
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Advancing Northwest
Teacher training leads alumna to make lifelong impact Mary Eulalah Johnson Adwell ’48 has not forgotten the training she received to prepare her for a library science and teaching career that spanned five decades. “Not every girl got to go to school, but my parents were all for education,” said Adwell, who grew up on a farm near Ravenwood, Mary Eulalah Johnson Mo., during the Adwell ’48 supports education majors by Great Deprescontributing annually sion. “Luckily, to a scholarship my parents preestablished in her pared me, and honor. we lived about 18 miles from Maryville, so the college was an opportunity. Northwest prepared me for a wonderful career.”
Adwell, who turns 94 in November, has made a sizable contribution annually to increase the award amount of a scholarship in her name. Jerry ’72, ’80 and Lynn Petty ’73 Adwell, her son and daughter-in-law, started an endowment, the Mary Eulalah Adwell Scholarship, in 2000 in honor of her 80th birthday. Recipients of the scholarship must be enrolled in Northwest’s elementary and early childhood program and be graduates of a Missouri high school located in Gentry or Nodaway counties. The scholarship assists one Northwest junior, senior or graduate student annually. Adwell began attending Northwest in 1938 when tuition was $18 per quarter, but she put her studies on hold after two years to teach in rural schools. During World War II, she taught a class of 45 first graders in Norfolk, Va. “The reason they all learned to read is because we wrote our own material from our experiences,” she said, noting
she learned the skill at Northwest. Eventually, she returned to Missouri and married Don Adwell in 1946. With his support and encouragement, Adwell continued teaching while completing her Bachelor of Education degree in elementary education at Northwest. She earned an associate degree in library science in 1956, and the Adwell family moved to Oak Lawn, Ill. There, she helped set up libraries in six elementary schools and later supervised all of the school district’s 10 libraries. She worked there for the next 24 years before returning to northwest Missouri to teach at Jefferson C-123 in Conception Junction. She retired from teaching in 1996 at age 75 and now resides in Austin, Minn. “The University prepared me for a job that I really enjoyed,” Adwell said. “I worked in the Chicago suburbs with many people from different colleges and universities, and I never ever had a moment of doubt that I wasn’t well trained.” n
Academic celebration recognizes student achievements, donor support Northwest celebrated the academic achievements of its students and the gratitude of its donors April 6 during the University’s second annual Academic Recognition and Celebration Ceremony. About 125 Northwest students were recognized at the ceremony alongside many of the donors who support them through scholarships. The celebration is a collaborative event that brings together students, faculty representing each of the University’s three academic colleges and its graduate school, as well as students’ friends and families. “Getting an education at the university level is a difficult thing,” said Mike Zech ’86, speaking on behalf of Northwest alumni and donors. “Nearly everyone needs additional support whether mentally or financially in
Northwest Alumni Magazine
The Northwest Academic Recognition and Celebration Ceremony in April gave students like Brett Goligoski a chance to thank the donors who support them through scholarships. Goligoski is the inaugural recipient of the Charles R. Derstler Scholarship and is pictured with Derstler’s widow, LaVon.
order to accomplish this goal. That was true when I went to school, but much more so now. I was fortunate to have help through a scholarship program and realize how important that was.” n
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Northwest at RAGBRAI John Bowen ’01 and Kent Pierpoint ’04 sport their Northwest cycling jerseys during RAGBRAI, a week-long cycling tour across Iowa, July 24 in Nora Springs, Iowa. The Northwest Alumni Association also handed out Northwest bandanas and greeted alumni in Greene, Iowa.
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5 student-athletes, 2 coaches, teams to enter athletics M-Club Hall of Fame Five outstanding former student-athletes, two longtime head coaches, a top-ranked men’s basketball team and a collection of dominant women’s cross country and track and field teams make up this year’s M-Club Hall of Fame class. This year’s banquet and induction ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom. Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased by contacting Michele Steinmeyer at 660.562.1977 or msteinm@nwmissouri.edu by Friday, Oct. 3. Inductees also will be recognized during the Homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 18. Richard Alsup ’73
Cross country and track and field head coach, 1977-2008; coached five individual NCAA Division II National Champions; was a six-time MIAA Coach of the Year (1987, 1989, 1991, 1997, 2001, 2006); coached 1992 MIAA indoor track and field team champions Aaron Crowe ’99
Football, 1995-1998; Firstteam AP Little All-American and Daktronics/CoSIDA first-team All-American in 1998; Named to Football Gazette All-American first team in 1998 and to the second team in 1997. Sandy Cummings Henshaw ’90, ’03
Women’s basketball, 19861988; MIAA all-time leader in career steals (406); second all-time at Northwest in career assists (598); ranks 14th on Northwest’s alltime scoring list (1,234). Diann Davis Thorne ’99
Volleyball, 1994-1997; MIAA all-time leader in career blocks (748); Northwest all-time leader in career points (2,340.5); Northwest all-time leader in career kills (1,740). Eduardo Jarolim ’95
Men’s tennis, 1994-95; was MIAA champion in No. 1 doubles in 1995 and MIAA singles and doubles runnerup in 1994; ranked No. 32 in NCAA fall rankings in
1994; helped the Bearcats to the MIAA championship and a 21-3 record in 1995. Steve Tappmeyer
Men’s basketball head coach, 1989–2009; Northwest’s all-time leader in wins with a career record of 408-208; his teams won three regular season titles and four tournament titles for a total of seven MIAA championships; led Bearcats to 10 NCAA tournament appearances, including two trips to the Elite Eight. Greg Teale ’97
Football, 1992-1996; named to All-MIAA first team in 1996; sixth all-time at Northwest in career pass completions (467) and touchdown passes (52); twice threw for a school record of five touchdown passes in one game, a record he shares with five other players.
1997 and 1998. Those track teams earned no fewer than four MIAA individual titles and produced at least three All-Americans; the 1997 indoor track team earned five individual championships and the 1997 outdoor team produced five All-Americans. The 1997 cross country team finished fifth in the NCAA.
Richard Alsup ’73
2003-04 Men’s Basketball Team
Started season 13-0; reached a No. 1 national ranking for the first time in school history; finished with 29-5 overall record while going 14-1 at home; won MIAA tournament; advanced to NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the second time in school history. n
Greg Teale ’97
1995, 1996-97, 1997-98 Women’s Cross Country and Track teams
The women’s cross country and track teams captured seven MIAA championships between 1995 and 1998, winning three consecutive cross country titles from 1995 to 1997 as well as back-toback championships in both indoor and outdoor track in
Steve Tappmeyer
(From left) Austin Meyer ’07, ’10 (#34) and Jesse Shaw ’05 embrace after Northwest beat Drury University with a game-winning basket to advance to the Elite Eight round of the 2004 NCAA Division II basketball tournament.
Fall 2014
Northwest Alumni Magazine
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Bearcat Sports
Bearcat athletes finish successful spring seasons Tennis The Bearcat men’s tennis team completed its season with a 19-4 record and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the ninth straight season. The men were ranked No. 1 in the Central Region rankings and advanced to the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. In addition to the team ranking, the doubles team of sophomore Sergio De Vilchez and senior Lluis Altimires were the MIAA No. 1 doubles champions. Romain Boissinot was named MIAA Freshman of the Year, and five Bearcats earned first-team honors. Head coach Mark Rosewell also was named MIAA Coach of the Year and Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year in the Central Region, and Calvin Patterson was named ITA Assistant Coach of the Year in the Central Region. The Bearcat women finished their season ranked No. 8 in the Central Region. Lorena Rivas Jarolim finished the Lluis Altimires year ranked No. 12 in the Central Region, and Alexis Bartek was ranked No. 18 regionally. The duo also finished the year ranked No. 5 in the region.
Softball
PHOTO BY KIM MORRIS
The Bearcat softball team ended its season with a 20-30 overall record and headed to the MIAA conference tournament for the fifth consecutive season. Chantel Adams was named to the NCAA Division II All-Central Region second team and was MIAA Freshman of the Year after leading the conference in batting and RBIs. Adams and Torri Blythe were named to the All-MIAA second team, and Jordan Ereth and Steph Mark earned honChantel Adams orable mentions.
Golf The Bearcat golf team captured one first-place finish and three second-place finishes before finishing third at the MIAA championships to match the program’s best finish. Senior Cassie Lowell placed ninth overall, Taylor Gard was 16th and Ashley Powers placed 22nd. Lowell went on to finish in a tie for 18th overall at the NCAA Central Region Super Regional, finishing her career with eight all-time tournament victories and six Northwest individual records. Lowell, Gard and
Northwest Alumni Magazine
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sophomore Brooke Byland were named Women’s Collegiate Golf AllAmerican Scholars by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association.
Baseball The Bearcat baseball team closed its season with a 23-23 overall record. Pitcher Ryker Fox and outfielder Jon Pomatto earned All-MIAA baseball honors. Fox was named to the MIAA third team after making 12 starts, earning a 3.77 ERA and striking out 57 batters. Pomatto was named honorable mention with a .329 average, 47 runs scored, 24 RBI and two home runs. Fourteen Bearcats also were named to the MIAA academic honor roll.
Track and Field Track and field teams sent five individuals and one relay team to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Grand Valley State University. Lekiesha McKnight was the Bearcats’ top finisher, earning All-America honors and placing eighth in the shot put. Joining her at the national championships were two-time MIAA champion Anne Herbert in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, John Petroff in the shot put, Will Haer in the pole vault and Ashton Nibert in the 400-meter dash. The Bearcats also qualified their Lekiesha McKnight women’s 4x400 meter relay team of Nibert, Alexis Boyd, Haley Manning and Audrey Bolinger. n
Basketball wrap-up Northwest men’s basketball finished the season at 24-9, the highest win total in the five-year tenure of head coach Ben McCollum ’03, ’05. The Bearcats defeated Winona State and Minnesota State-Mankato in the NCAA Division II basketball tournament before suffering an overtime loss in the Sweet 16 to eventual national champion Central Missouri. DeShaun Cooper was named a fourth-team All-American and Zach Schnedier was selected for the All-Freshman team. The women’s basketball team finished at 10-17 overall and earned a spot in the MIAA tournament in its first season with head coach Michael Smith ’96. Ariel Easton was named to the All-MIAA third team and Annie Mathews earned an honorable mention. The men’s and women’s basketball programs placed a combined 13 student-athletes on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. n
Follow Bearcat athletic teams all year long at bearcatsports.com
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Founding golf coach McLaughlin announces retirement Northwest golf head coach Dr. Pat McLaughlin, who had been with the Bearcat golf program since its inception in 2006, announced his retirement at the conclusion of the spring season. “As I retire from the coaching ranks, I want to give a sincere thanks for the honor and
privilege of being the inaugural head coach of the Bearcat women’s golf team,” McLaughlin said. “I want to thank the athletic department, our Northwest family and the community as a whole for their support, not only of our golf team, but also for me individually. Best wishes to the team and their continued future success!” During his nine seasons with the Bearcats, McLaughlin coached Northwest to 57 total top-five finishes, including 16 tournament victories and 16 runner-up finishes. Northwest finished in the top five in 81 percent of the 70 tournaments in which he coached. In addition, the Bearcats
New high-definition videoboard arrives at Bearcat Stadium Northwest fans have a new way to watch Bearcat games this season after a new scoreboard and video board were installed at Bearcat Stadium in July. The completed structure, which stands 65 feet wide and 46 feet tall on the south end of the stadium, features a high-definition video display and an all-new audio, camera and control system. Its brick pillars match the brickwork throughout the stadium, and a 7-foot tall Bearcat paw adorn the front and back panels. The new scoreboard and video board were made possible with the support of a gift from Nodaway Valley Bank. n
By the numbers:
22- by-37-foot video 580,608 LEDs
display
3000:1 contrast ratio
finished in the Central Region top 12 the past two seasons and were in the top five of the MIAA standings every year under McLaughlin. He was named the 2012 MIAA Coach of the Year and led the Bearcats to three consecutive top-three finishes at the MIAA Championships. Cassie Lowell and Steph Charteris were each named the MIAA Freshman of the Year and both advanced to NCAA championship play during their careers at Northwest. Andy Peterson ’07, ’10 has been named head golf coach for the Bearcats while retaining his roles as assistant director of athletics for facilities and assistant men’s basketball coach. n
Northwest athletics launches bearcatsports.com The Northwest athletics department unveiled a new look for its online home this summer and changed its web address to BearcatSports.com in an effort to provide consistent branding across its multimedia platforms. The website will continue to serve as the most comprehensive and up-todate resource for all 14 varsity athletic programs. In addition, the athletics department maintains BearcatSports profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and encourages its loyal followers to use the hashtag #OABAAB, an acronym for “once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.” n
281 trillion colors (Above) A crane lowers the second of three video panels July 18 onto a structure supporting the new videoboard and scoreboard at Bearcat Stadium. (Right) Panels to cover the sound system and brickwork remained to be completed at the end of July.
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Northwest Alumni Magazine
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Bearcat Sports
Adams named MIAA’s top male student-athlete of year Northwest football player Trevor Adams was named the Ken B. Jones Award winner on June 5 during the MIAA Award Ceremony at the Kansas City Public Library, making him the conference’s top male student-athlete. While helping Northwest to its fourth NCAA Division II Football National Championship in December, Adams was a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete and was the CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year for football. He set a program record and led the nation with a 72.5 pass completion percentage. He was the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and was named an honorable mention All-American by Don Hansen.
Adams, a native of Odessa, Texas, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology and psychology in December, graduating with a 3.94 grade-point average. He is currently attending chiropractic school in Dallas. Adams is the sixth Ken B. Jones Award winner for Northwest. Past Bearcats to win the award include: Tucker Woolsey (200102), Clint Prange (2004-05), Josh Lamberson (2005-06), Myles Burnside (2009-10) and Jake Soy (2010-11). The award, which is in its 21st year, is named in honor of the MIAA’s first full-time commissioner. Jones retired in 1997 and passed away in May 2004. He was inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame with its inaugural Class of 2010. n
The tradition of the Fall Classic at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., is continuing but the Bearcats’ opponent is changing. Gone are the Pittsburg Gorillas, in are the Washburn Ichabods, who are coming off an 8-3 campaign and were ranked as high as No. 8 in the nation during 2013. The Bearcats are 9-3 all time at Arrowhead and have averaged more than 29 points per game. Northwest also has helped attract seven crowds of more than 20,000. “Getting a chance to continue playing at Arrowhead was extremely important to our players, our program and our fans,” said Head Football Coach Adam Dorrel ’98. “The entire Chiefs organization has been very good to our program for the past 13 seasons. There are so many positives from our end to continue playing in Kansas City that we made it a priority during the off season to return this year.”
Saturday, Nov. 15 Arrowhead Stadium 2 p.m. kickoff Parking lots open at 11 a.m. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. Field-level tickets: $25 for adults; $10, ages 3 to 18 and Northwest students with ID Club level tickets: $37, all ages
To order tickets, call 660.562.1212 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or purchase online anytime at www.nwmissouri.edu/tickets.
Family package: $60, includes admission for two adults and two children
Bearcat fans are encouraged to join the Northwest Alumni Association for a pregame gathering at the stadium. Details are forthcoming.
Children 2 and under sitting on an adult’s lap are admitted free *Details subject to change. Check bearcatsports.com for updated information.
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Bearcat Sports 2014 BEARCAT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 4, 7 p.m. vs. University of Nebraska at Kearney (MIAA TV game) Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. at Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, Mo.) Sept. 20, 1 p.m. vs. University of Central Missouri (Family Weekend) Sept. 27, 1 p.m. at University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, Okla.) Oct. 4, 1 p.m. vs. Northeastern State University Oct. 11, 1:30 p.m. at Lindenwood (St. Charles, Mo.) Oct. 18, 2 p.m. vs. Pittsburg State University (Homecoming)
Whether you’re in Omaha, Dallas, Kansas City, Phoenix or beyond...
Tune in to the Bearcat Radio Network Listen on the radio n
KXCV, 90.5 FM Maryville
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KCXL, 102.9 FM Kansas City
Nov. 1, 1 p.m. vs. Missouri Western State University
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KRNW, 88.9 FM Chillicothe
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KCXL, 1140 AM Liberty
Nov. 8, 2 p.m. at Emporia State University (Emporia, Kan.) (MIAA TV game)
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KKWK, 100.1 FM Cameron
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KMA, 960 AM Shenandoah*
Oct. 25, 2 p.m. at Fort Hays State University (Hays, Kan.)
Nov. 15, 2 p.m. vs. Washburn University (Kansas City, Mo., Fall Classic at Arrowhead)
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*select games
Listen on the web n
www.kxcv.org
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www.bearcatsports.com
Home games bolded MIAA TV games will be broadcast on KSMO-TV in Kansas City, Cox Communications KS 22 and several other outlets across the MIAA footprint.
The Hy-Vee Bearcat Zone opens two hours prior to kickoff in College Park (across the street from the west entrance to Bearcat Stadium) before all home games. Admission is free, food is available for purchase, and don’t miss the pep rally featuring the Bearcat Marching Band, Bearcat Steppers and cheerleaders. There’s no need to pack the grill for Bearcat road games. Food and beverages are sold by Countryside Bistro prior to all regular-season road games, excluding the Fall Classic at Arrowhead.
Notes regarding tailgating/alcohol To ensure the safety and enjoyment of Northwest fans as well as all individuals on campus, please observe the following regulations on Bearcat football game days: n
Campus parking lots used for tailgating open four hours prior to kickoff and must be cleared within 90 minutes of the end of game.
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Possession and/or consumption of alcohol may take place only in parking lots 60, 62 and 63.
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No possession and/or consumption of alcohol is allowed in College Park.
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Possession and/or consumption of alcohol must cease no later than the start of third quarter.
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Kegs and glass containers are not allowed.
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No one under the age of 21 is permitted to consume or possess alcohol.
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Anyone possessing and/or consuming alcohol shall possess valid photo identification establishing that he/she is 21 years of age or older and comply with a request to show such identification when requested by law enforcement, game security personnel or a University official upon request.
Listen on your phone or tablet Download the NPR or TuneIn Radio apps (via KXCV)
Don't miss a single play! As it has since 1999, KXCV 90.5 FM – the most powerful FM station in the region – serves as the flagship station and provider of all Bearcat sports broadcasts. KXCV is the 100,000-watt FM public radio station that broadcasts from the Northwest campus. The professional broadcast team of John Coffey ’82 and Matt Gaarder ’97 provide the play-by-play and color commentary for all Bearcat football and basketball games. Coffey began in 1985 as the “Voice of the Bearcats” while Gaarder joined the broadcast team prior to the 1999 season. BEARCAT FLAGSHIP STATION
To view additional rules and regulations for tailgating at Northwest as well as the latest schedule and ticket information, visit www.bearcatsports.com.
Fall 2014
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Alumni Profile
Jordan-Douglass finds her niche at The Jim Henson Company There are days Anna JordanDouglass ’01 pinches herself as she navigates her office building and the surrounding lot. Walls are decorated with archival photographs of Jim Henson and his famous Muppets. Colorful toys, figurines and props occupy the tops of desks and file cabinets. As vice president of digital development and interactive media at The Jim Henson Company, Jordan-Douglass works daily with show creators, puppeteers, writers and the children of Jim and Jane Henson, who run the company today. “I don’t take for granted that I work for a place called The Jim Henson Company,” she said. “This lot is, thankfully, a nice oasis in the middle of Hollywood. It’s a special place to come to every day and it has so much historic meaning.” In 2003, while finishing her master’s degree in journalism at Emerson College in Boston, she moved to Los Angeles to complete an internship program – and be closer to then-boyfriend Dave Douglass ’00. The couple eventually married and are raising their three children in suburban Los Angeles. Two years later, in the midst of “a really intensive job search,” the couple moved into a downtown loft and had no cable television. Before long, the only television they were watching was PBS and Jordan-Douglass found herself daydreaming of working at the local affiliate. “I really fell in love with the idea of PBS and the kind of programming it offered,” she said. “I applied for a somewhat random job, and the HR person contacted me and said ‘Well, that’s not really a good fit for you, but I have another position that might be.’ I really wanted to work there, and it turned out the job was the perfect fit.” KCET, then a Los Angeles PBS member station, hired her as an assistant to the vice president and
Northwest Alumni Magazine
associate producer in its new media department. Over time, she worked her way up to manager of the department and eventually was producer and project manager on a variety of local and national projects. In 2007, another door opened. The Jim Henson Company and KCET teamed to develop and co-produce a new children’s program, “Sid the Anna Jordan-Douglass ’01 has made the most of seizing opportuniScience Kid.” KCET was ties during her career and now works at The Jim Henson Company as tasked with creating a vice president of digital development and interactive media. In her role, website for the series and Jordan-Douglass oversees development of mobile apps and websites. Jordan-Douglass was appointed producer, having oversight of the “Sid” website. California connections From there, her relationship with Go to www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/magazine to read The Jim Henson Company grew as about two more alumni who took their talents to Hollywood and turned the experiences they gained at she was appointed website producer Northwest into careers in the entertainment industry. for “Dinosaur Train” and “Wilson & Ditch: Digging America.” By the end of 2010, she joined The Jim Henson Company full-time as an interactive producer. Today, in addition to her online work, JordanDouglass oversees the development of The Jim Henson Company’s mobile apps, which now number more than a dozen. Whether she’s watching a child Kazadi Katambwa ’98 has made a career of helping play one of the games she helped proto market some blockbuster films, and today he is a duce or watching kids react to a live producer at Buddha Jones trailer company. appearance by Sid the Science Kid, Jordan-Douglass takes great pride in having a part in the legacy The Jim Henson Company, now more than 50 years old, continues to leave. “It’s really powerful to witness kids responding to the properties I work on with sheer joy,” she said, recalling a “Sid” event she attended. “There were so many kids there, and they were freaking out like he was a major rock Scott Jones ’99 is applying the lessons and handsstar. It made me emotional. To work on approach he learned at Northwest as a writer and on something that has that kind of efproducer for on-air marketing at Disney Channel. fect on kids means a lot to me.” n
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Class Notes
1971
Tim Vuagniaux is a psychologist for Mefford, Vuagniaux and Associates, PC, in Sedalia, Mo. He and his wife, Sherry Barnes Vuagniaux ’72, a retired teacher, have two grown children. Their son, Corey,
is a school counselor for Grain Valley Schools, is married and has an infant daughter, Aubrey. Their daughter, Dr. Anne Vuagniaux-Zurweller, is an associate professor of art history at Bronx Community College in New York, is married and has an infant son, Jonah.
1974
Steve Blazek (master’s ’89) was inducted into the Iowa Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in March. His career record is 541-271, which is 20th on the all-time win list. Steve spent the last 29 years at Atlantic (Iowa)
High School, retiring in May 2013 after 39 years in education and 37 years as a head basketball coach. He also coached in Newtown-Harris, Fox Valley (Iowa) High School and Sutherland (Iowa) High School. Steve and his wife, Amanda, now live in Lee’s Summit, Mo., where she is a dental office manager.
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They have two daughters, Amanda and Cortney, and two granddaughters, Mackenzie and Baylea. Jack (master’s ’90) and Sheri Buseman ’75, ’90 Williams live in Waukee, Iowa. Sheri retired in June after teaching 39 years in Iowa schools. Jack is the Wyoming District learning manager for TIC.
Fox uses business experience to create non-profit for orphans Northwest alumnus Mike Fox ’78 was successful and thriving in the corporate world. He was the vice president of business development for an energy company. But after taking service trips to China, Thailand, Cambodia and Haiti during 2003 and 2004, Fox embraced a new path of championing children who need families. Mike and his wife, Beth, who worked in the pharmaceutical industry, founded and now chair The Global Orphan Project Inc., headquartered in Parkville, Mo. The organization began as a small family venture in 2004 and has expanded to a global orphan care and orphan prevention ministry. Today, GO Project is a Christian non-profit that provides care, job opportunities, education and financial assistance to orphaned and abandoned children in 21 countries. “If you find a career or opportunity that truly means something to you, you realize that the dollar value of your income isn’t a big factor in your happiness,” Fox said. “I find ministry work very rewarding.” Each year, GO Project hosts about 45 service trips to Haiti and Uganda with close to 750 volunteers participating. Mike and Beth have led many of these “vision trips” personally. The group partners with local churches to care for homeless and neglected children in their own communities. “During the visits, volunteers have the opportunity to experience our ministry model, worship with the local churches, interact with the children and learn about job-creating businesses,” Fox said. While GO Project specializes in orphan care, it also incorporates orphan prevention through vocational training, agricultural development and business development. By providing train-
ing and job opportunities for orphans who age out of the care system at 18 years old, GO Project also helps create a pathway to independence and success. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a child succeed and go on to higher education,” Fox said. “One of the most memorable moments for me is when I heard that Moses, one of the first orphans I cared for, was now attending college.” Fox graduated from Northwest early with a degree in business management, which remains important in his latest line of work. “People would think that working with non-profits calls for individuals solely interested in ministry and volunteer work, but you must have business knowledge as well, which Northwest exceptionally prepared me for,” Fox said. In addition to hosting vision trips and accepting charitable gifts, GO Project offers multiple ways to get involved. The organization hosts a variety of annual events in Kansas City, including a 5K Family run, its Build Invest and Grow Event, and GO Exchanges, which invite individuals to purchase high-quality items made by local workers throughout the world in an effort to support Go Project. To learn more about GO Project visit goproject.org. n
Fall 2014
Mike Fox ’78, and his wife, Beth (top photo), have bonded with children in Haiti and other countries during multiple service trips. Together they founded The Global Orphan Project, which provides care, jobs, education and financial assistance to orphaned or abandoned children.
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Class Notes
1977
Steven Wallach was inducted into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Hall of Fame. He works as an independent consultant for NGA.
1980
Jeff Cook was appointed scouting coordinator for the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church by Bishop Robert Schnase on April 10. He will be responsible for building the foundation for the relationship between the 800-plus United Meth-
odist churches in Missouri and the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts USA, Camp Fire USA, 4-H, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Amachi. Jeff had previously served as the North Central Region scouting coordinator since 1999. He was recently hired as the vice president for client relations for The Purple Guys in Kansas
City, Kan. Jeff and his wife, Jill Mitchell Cook ’82, live in Gladstone, Mo.
1986
is a farmer, and the couple lives in Ravenwood, Mo.
1989
Sandy Wolbert Seipel ’92, ’08 recently was named principal of the Horace Mann Laboratory School at Northwest. Her husband, Chris Seipel ’81,
Kevin Daniel (master’s ’95, spec. ’97) was named the associate superintendent for instruction and leadership in the Lee’s Summit (Mo.) School District. He has spent
Lord turns geology experiences into award-winning teaching career An unintentional teaching career that began for Denece Lord ’83, ’85 on the first floor of the Garrett-Strong Science Building has now spanned 28 years and earned her accolades as one of the top geology educators in the state of Montana. “It all started (at Northwest), and that’s an important thing,” said Lord, while visiting the Northwest campus last spring to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Northwest’s chapter of the Sigma Gamma Epsilon Earth science honor society. Lord’s impressive teaching career has earned her recognition as Rocky Mountain Section Earth Science Teacher of the Year by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Outstanding Earth Science Teacher of the Year by the Montana Geological Society. She also is a recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Award and a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. “I think kids need to experience their education as much as possible,” Lord said. “With Earth science, I really want the kids to understand and appreciate where we live. I teach it from a local perspective and once they understand the local perspective, we can extrapolate.” Lord honed that teaching philosophy at Northwest, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in geology. Lord’s husband, Russell, joined the University’s psychology faculty in August 1979, which brought her and the couple’s three then-small children to Maryville. Lord took advantage of the opportunity
Northwest Alumni Magazine
to complete her bachelor’s degree, doing so 10 years after earning her high school diploma. As a founding member of Northwest’s Sigma Gamma Epsilon chapter and its first president, Lord reflects fondly on her time at the University and the opportunities the geology program provides for men and women. Lord had been one of just two female geology students at a time when women were discouraged from exploring geology careers. Lord hadn’t planned on teaching with her degree, but her academic advisor, Dr. Dwight Maxwell, pressed her to give it a try. Initially she resisted, but a medical issue forced Maxwell to take a leave from the classroom and Lord agreed to cover one of his introductory courses and a lab. “I found out that I just really loved it,” she said. “As I got my feet wet, I decided that was what I wanted to do, and I got my master’s degree in science education. I really love sharing my excitement for the Earth with kids and getting them excited about the Earth’s processes.” Lord recognizes she likely would not have had that opportunity without Maxwell’s encouragement and confidence in her abilities. “Dwight Maxwell impressed on me that we need good geologists, but just as importantly and, in some ways more importantly, we need good geology teachers,” she said. “He was just so influential in me being the teacher I am today.” In 1985, the Lords moved to Billings,
Fall 2014
Denece Lord ’83, ’85, pictured with husband and former Northwest faculty member Russell Lord during a visit to the Northwest campus last spring, credits experiences she had at Northwest for helping her shape a successful teaching career.
Mont., when Russell accepted a faculty position at Montana State University. Lord’s teaching career flourished as an Earth science and geology teacher at Billings West High School, where she places emphasis on taking students outside the classroom to explore the stories behind their environment. She continues to use the fossil collection she compiled as a Northwest student to supplement her teaching today. She also takes students to explore Yellowstone National Park and Pictograph Cave, both of which are near Billings. “It’s important for them to know and understand and read the landscape around them,” Lord said. “If they can do that where they live, then when they go other places they have a background and a basis for reading those stories in the other places as well.” n
# Photo submitted (see pg. 33)
Class Notes
33
Northwest alumnus recognized for outstanding teaching James Hardy ’90, ’00, a high school history teacher at East Union Community School in Afton, Iowa, has been named the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s 2014 Iowa History Teacher of the Year. Hardy was selected for the award by a panel of teachers, administrators and academics from Iowa for his use of primary documents in the classroom as well as the level of inspiration he provides to his students and his career achievements in education. Last year, Hardy also was recognized with the Daughters of American Revolution American History Teacher of the Year 2013 in Iowa. “One of the most rewarding experiences in life is teaching,” Hardy said. “It is without a doubt that I refer to teaching as an experience due to the fact that I believe in being a lifetime learner.” Hardy says Northwest provided him with a solid foundation for teaching and the tools necessary to develop into a skilled instructor. He appreciated the ways Northwest faculty challenged him, and their lessons continue to influence his teaching today. “As an instructor, I have appreciated the ability to develop strong relationships in order to find avenues of interest to challenge and motivate students intellectually,” Hardy said. “It has been extremely important to formatively assess where the students are at in a learning progression so that I may differentiate properly to meet their learning needs.” Hardy has taught for 17 years at East Union Community School, in addition to coaching high school girls basketball, volleyball and high school boys football and track. For the past 14 years, he also has taught at the college level at Southwestern Community college in Creston, Iowa. n
1 1. Lori Johnson Robinson ’91, ’93 2. Stephanie Spencer Richter ’03
3
3. Patrick ’11 and Diana Guerrero ’10 Hughes
2 the last 12 years in the Raymore-Peculiar (Mo.) School District as the assistant superintendent of academic services. Kevin is also founder, president and lead consultant for Fired UP Presentations. He and his wife, Maureen Shelly Dike Daniel ’90, ’00, and children, Micah and Sophie, have lived in Lee’s Summit since 2002.
1990
Sunil Ahuja is vice president for accreditation relations at the Higher Learning Commission. Before this appointment, Sunil was dean of the Division of Social Sciences and Human Services at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. He was a professor of political science at Youngstown State University, where he also served as acting chair of the Department of History. He has also held faculty positions at Seton Hall University and at the University of Louisiana
at Lafayette. Sunil was a fellow in the Academy for Advanced Leadership of The Chair Academy, an American Council on Education Fellow, and an Ohio Academic Leadership Academy Fellow. Among his other leadership experiences, he has served as Chair of the Academic Senate at Youngstown State University, as President of the Northeastern Political Science Association, and as coeditor of Legislative Studies Quarterly. Sunil has published eight books on American legislative politics, policies and elections, and taught widely in these fields. His most recent book is titled “Congress Behaving Badly: The Rise of Partisanship and Incivility and the Death of Public Trust.” Eric Kellar has coached football for 14 years, the last 13 years as head coach, at EddyvilleBlakesburg-Fremont School District in Iowa. This fall, he becomes head
Fall 2014
varsity football coach and physical education teacher at Knoxville (Iowa) High School. Eric and his wife, Michelle McKnight ’93 Kellar, have two children, Molly and Jay. The family lives in Pella, Iowa, where Michelle is employed as a counseling director at Central College.
1991
1 Lori Johnson Robinson (master’s ’93) is a member of the team at MRIGlobal, which has concluded a five-year program to produce a mannequin robot and high-containment chamber to test protective clothing under a range of conditions for the U.S. Department of Defense. The program, called the Individual Protection Ensemble Mannequin System (IPEMS), was awarded to MRIGlobal in November 2008. When the IPEMS project is fully completed, the military will be able to test a soldier’s IPE on an advanced robotic mannequin with a full range of motion, capable of simulating human movement while exposed to various chemical warfare agents.
Northwest Alumni Magazine
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Class Notes
1996
What’s new with you? New job? New child? New spouse? New address? Send your latest news to the Northwest Alumni Association at alumni@nwmissouri. edu, use the enclosed envelope or complete the online class notes form at www. nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/magazine/ classnotes.htm. You may also submit a photograph. Please include a selfaddressed envelope for the photo to be returned, or email it, in high resolution, to alumni@nwmissouri. edu. n
Denise Hopf Ackerlund and her husband, Aaron, welcomed their second son, Andrew David, on April 9, 2013. He joins Anthony, 3½. Denise works as a psychology assistant at Woodward Resource Center in Woodward, Iowa. Aaron works for Beneventi Chevrolet in Granger, Iowa, as a service advisor. They live in Granger.
1998
Sam Anselm is assistant city manager in Joplin, Mo. Jill Heisterkamp is a senior writer for the marketing and communications department at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Dan Lentz received his Ph.D. in instructional management and leadership from Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pa. His dissertation topic was “Using the Principles of Differentiated Instruction to Improve Professional Development.” Andrea Cline Wilson and her husband, Troy, were married Nov. 12, 2011. They welcomed a son, Knox Alexander, on Aug. 5, 2013. Andrea has worked for the Kansas City Ballet since January 2007, where she is the marketing manager. Troy owns MerchantGuy.com and serves as president and CEO.
2000
Kirsten Anderzhon Anderson is a communications specialist for Businesssolver in Des Moines, Iowa.
2001
Neal Aiken is a geospatial analyst for T-Kartor USA in St Louis. Tommy and Angie Ashley ’02 Leslie welcomed their second son, Brody James, on May 9. He joins Spencer, 3. Tommy owns Elite Barter Group, LLC, and Angie is an internal audit director for the Government Employees Health Association. They live in Lee’s Summit, Mo.
2002
Abdul Abdullah is a community development specialist with the Affordable Housing Commission of the city of St. Louis.
2003
2 Stephanie Spencer Richter and her husband, Andrew, welcomed their second child, Simon Gehard, on Feb. 13. Simon joins a sister, Lucy. Stephanie is a marketing data analyst for Thompson Coburn LLP in St. Louis and was recognized by the Legal Marketing Asso-
Julie Randolph ’97, Stephanie Howard ’95 and Robin Bybee Rowland ’94 represented the Junior League of Kansas City and traveled to Jefferson City to advocate for Children’s Nutrition and Fitness issues on Feb. 19. n ciation’s Midwest Chapter with a 2014 Rising Star Award. The family lives in St. Louis.
2004
Tyler Tapps (masters ’06) received the 2014 Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award for being an active contributor to the field of recreation and leisure. This fall, Tyler joins the Northwest faculty as assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Services.
2006
Ryan and Jaclyn Steele ’08 Harris welcomed their son, Avery, in November 2012. Jaclyn received a
Master of Arts in Teaching degree in May 2013 and works for Elkhorn (Neb.) South High School as a language arts teacher. Ryan is an asset manager with Midwest Housing Equity Group Inc., where he has been employed for seven years. They live in Bennington, Neb. Jason Wedgbury (master’s) assumed the role of high school principal in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on July 1. He joined the Cedar Falls School District in 2010, most recently serving as the principal at Peet Junior High School. Before coming to Cedar Falls, he was assistant principal and principal in Mason City, Iowa. He and his wife, Tish, have three children.
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Northwest Alumni Magazine
Fall 2014
Class Notes
35
Williams dedicates himself to diner, bettering community After a decade of teaching high school English, Derek Williams ’01 has a new calling that is feeding his desire to help people in his community. Derek and his wife, Amanda, own D-Dub’s Draggin’ Dragon, a coffee shop and diner located in downtown Cameron, Mo., that opened in 2012, and the couple donates a portion of their profits from D-Dub’s to various community causes, including a local women’s shelter, cancer patients, college scholarships and after-prom activities for the high school students. “The biggest reward I find with D-Dubs is being able to give back to the community,” Williams said. “The diner helps provide jobs in the area and gives me a means to donate to those who need help.” Volunteer work and monetary giving has always been a part of Williams’ life. He annually works with Camp Quality, a summer camp for children fighting cancer, and he often volunteers at his local church. Williams is a board member for the Cameron Educational Foundation, and he represents the northwest region of the state on the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board. Williams also finds time to continue his teaching involvement by directing and organizing musical and play productions at Cameron High School. While the academic degree Williams received at Northwest did not directly
2008
Joni Amthor is a northwest area representative for the Missouri Museum Association and is working in Jefferson City, Mo. Rustin Snyder and his wife, Carla, announced the birth of their daughter, Harper Jill, on Dec. 15, 2013. Rustin is a self-
prepare him for a career in the food and management industry, his experiences as a resident assistant at Northwest did. He was a member of National Residence Hall Honorary, which is comprised of the top 1 percent of student leaders in the residence halls. “The skills I learned as an R.A. included how to juggle multiple events and how to work effectively with peers,” Williams said. “Even though my degree was not in business, I am flourishing and have Northwest to thank for a wellrounded education that gave me Derek Williams ’01 shows his hometown pride and his knowledge applicable to many desire to help others through his restaurant D-Dub’s Dragsituations.” gin’ Dragon, which he established in 2012 in downtown Cameron, Mo. Williams regularly gives a portion of his profits Patrons visiting the diner are to support educational activities, cancer patients and other immediately met with a Wilcauses. liams’ passion for Northwest and a sense of hometown pride. of the two universities, which makes for Cameron High School yearbooks dating a fun environment.” back to the 1930s adorn the walls along The diner offers unique options for with Northwest flags and memorabilia. guests, such as a build-your-own-burger, During the lunch rush, Williams often where guests are offered standard burger works alongside servers and socializes ingredients with non-traditional topwith customers. pings such as caramel or peanut butter. “I find it enjoyable to support and Other menu items include breakfast represent Northwest, especially since the choices, signature coffee drinks, lunch diner is located closer to a rival universiitems and dinner plates. ty,” Williams said, referring to Missouri For more information about Western State University. “There is often D-Dub’s Draggin’ Dragon, visit a playful banter exchanged between fans www.draggindragon.com. n
employed cattle farmer in Winigan and Carla works as a medical coder for Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan, Mo. They live in Green Castle, Mo.
2009
Ashley Heckman Myers and her husband, Ian, welcomed Ainslee Elizabeth
# Photo submitted (see pg. 33)
on March 19. Ashley teaches kindergarten at South Holt Elementary in Oregon, Mo., and Ian is a Nodaway County Sheriff’s deputy. The family lives in Maryville.
Patrick is a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He and Diana live in Columbus, Ga.
2011
Jared and Brianne Kiger ’02, ’07 Hunter announce the arrival of Wade Everett on March 3, 2013. Wade joins brothers
3 Patrick and Diana Guerrero ’10 Hughes were married in May 2013.
2012
Fall 2014
Wyatt and Will. The Hunters live in Maryville where Brianne teaches fifth grade social studies and Jared is the sign design/ fabricator at Northwest. Eric Mizener lives in Cameron, Mo., and is a programmer and sports talk radio host at KKWK 100.1FM-KMRN 1360AM radio in Cameron.
Northwest Alumni Magazine
36
Class Notes/In Memoriam
Five Minutes Can Make A Difference For A Lifetime Northwest students will start the annual calling this fall. They want to hear about your Northwest experience and will encourage your support to the Northwest Fund. Your generosity allows the University to award scholarships, retain talented faculty, upgrade technology and provide outstanding student support services.
Answer the call
Support Northwest with a gift to the Northwest Fund at www.nwmissouri.edu/ giveonline or contact Bob Machovsky, director of alumni relations and annual giving, at 660.562.1248 or rmachov@nwmissouri.edu.
Bearcats Connect
In Memoriam ✚ Marolyn Hilton
Alloway 70, of Graham, Mo., died March 3 at home. She was employed in Northwest’s data processing office for more than 45 years before retiring in 2012. Robert Alpert ’42 92, of Peru, Ill., died Feb. 9. He was a coach and teacher at Peru Washington Junior High School from 1951-1981. Robert was a founding member of the Peru Educator’s Association, and he coached basketball for 19 years at Peru Washington, now known as Peru Parkside School. He was a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1982 and
received the IBCA Buzzy O’Connor Award in 1994. He also was president of the Illinois Valley Officials Association, which he helped establish in 1975. He was inducted into Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame in 1991 as a member of the 1939-40 basketball team. Stanley Barton ’72 64, died March 22 in Oklahoma City. After a short period of teaching driver’s education, he began a long career with the Red Bridge YMCA in Kansas City, Mo. He was involved with the YMCA in Beaumont, Houston and Plano, Texas; Pittsburg, Kan.; and Oklahoma City. Stan was student body president at Northwest during the 1971-72 school year.
Northwest Alumni Magazine
Fall 2014
Barbara Browne Bernard died June 11, 2014. She taught physical education at Northwest from 1966 until her retirement in 1992. Barbara was a member of Delta Zeta sorority, faculty advisor to the Sigma Phi Dolphins synchronized swimming club at Northwest and was an avid bowler. Margaret Hanna Bogle ’42 96, of Overland Park, Kan., died April 27. She taught first grade at Somerset Elementary in Shawnee Mission, Kan., for many years. John Boley ’67 69, of Scottsdale, Ariz., died March 18 at his home. He lived and
worked in Kansas City and Springfield, Mo., and Springfield, Ill., settling in Scottsdale in 1977. Bill Corken ’53 82, died April 27 at Village House Hospice in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Bill taught school in Rock Port, Mo., from 1954 to 1956, then worked at Citizens Bank in Rock Port for 14 months. In May of 1957 Bill was employed by the Bank of Atchison County, also in Rock Port, acquiring an ownership interest in the bank during the 1970s. He served actively until his retirement in 1992. Bill was chairman of the Community Hospital Board in Fairfax, Mo., during its expansion in 1981 and was instrumental in the
organization of Missouri Beef Packers, which funneled thousands of jobs and millions of dollars into the area. Leland Corley ’76 59, of Overland Park, Kan., died March 3. He was an attorney for the Missouri Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court, and the firm of Lewis, Rice & Fingersh. LaVeta McQueen Daniel ’42 93, died May 9 at Hickory Pointe Care Center in Oskaloosa, Kan. She taught school for 26 years at Prairie Village, Kan., and was principal for two years. She also taught for 14 years at Franklin School in Atchison, Kan.
✚ A scholarship has been established at Northwest in memory of this individual. To make a contribution, call 660.562.1248.
In Memoriam Patricia Plummer Downey ’68 69, of Lathrop, Mo., died Feb. 11. She taught for 30 years at Lathrop Elementary School, retiring in 1998. Ellen Rose Drake Findley ’61, ‘68 82, formerly of Grant City, Mo., died April 5 in Savannah, Mo. She began teaching in rural schools in Iowa during the early 1950s and moved to the Worth County (Mo.) School District in 1959. She taught nearly every elementary grade as well as remedial reading and special education. She finished her teaching career as an elementary principal and retired in 1988.
City, Mo., in 1989 and worked for the Jefferson City Bone & Joint Clinic, then Capital Region Medical Center, and with St. Mary’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he served as coordinator of sports medicine. Pat was inducted into the Missouri Athletic Trainer’s Association Hall of Fame, the Mid-America Athletic Trainer’s Association Hall of Fame and received the Service Award from the National Association of Athletic Trainers.
✚ Virginia Mutz Foster
✚ Dick Flanagan ’58
84, of Maryville, died June 19. He coached at King City, Mo., and Savannah, Mo., before returning to Northwest to coach and later became the athletic director. He was inducted into Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame in 1996 and into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. Pat Forbis ’78 58, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Feb. 12. For 10 years Pat worked at Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie, Texas, as a teacher and athletic trainer, spending summers working in an orthopedic clinic, working with the Texas Rangers baseball team and with the professional rodeo. He returned to Jefferson
97, of Maryville and Kansas City, Mo., died May 8 at her home in Bishop Spencer Place in Kansas City. Virginia taught in elementary schools in Carrollton, Mo., from 1940 to 1942 and in Clarinda, Iowa, during the 1942-43 school year. She served Northwest as first lady for 13 years during the presidency of her husband, Dr. Robert Foster. Virginia’s involvement in her community included PEO, the United Methodist Church, Northwest’s Faculty Dames and as a patroness for Sigma Sigma Sigma social sorority. Jasper “Jack” Grantham ’75 90, died March 4, 2013, at his daughter’s home in Milledgeville, Ga. He served as a weatherman with the U.S. Army Air Corps/Air Force for more than 21 years. Following
his retirement in 1963, he was a financial planner and securities broker, and taught classes in finance at Pensacola Junior College and the University of West Florida. James Gromer ’58 79, died June 7. Jim taught science, marching band and music in Gower before moving to Maryland to work at Allegany Ballistics. Jim and his wife, Barb, eventually settled in Overland Park, Kan., where he worked for Sunflower Munitions. Jim completed his career as the plastics plant manager for Marley Cooling Tower Company. He played the clarinet and saxophone with The Rhythm Rockers throughout high school, college and in retirement. Darrell Haer ’50 89, of Springfield, Mo., died March 14. Darrell taught school in Craig and Gower, Mo., and worked as an engineer for AT&T in Kansas City, Mo., retiring in 1980. Mary Lee Botkin Hall ’51 84, of Kirksville, Mo., died May 17. She taught elementary school for 18 years. James Hoepker ’73 63, of Urbandale, Iowa, died Feb. 2. He worked for many years at Massey Ferguson and Bridgestone/Firestone and retired in April 2010, after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Phylis Murphy Howard 70, of Graham, Mo., died March 8 at her son’s home in Amazonia, Mo. Phylis retired from Northwest as an environmental services supervisor in 2004. Mike Johns ’84 61, of Van Wert, Iowa, died March 9 in Kalamazoo, Mich. He worked as an over-the-road truck driver,
37
driving recently for Big and Small in Osceola, Iowa. Charles Juvenal ’50 87, died Sept. 23, 2012, in Weatherford, Texas. He worked as an educator, retiring after 40 years. Ralph Kieser ‘49 91, of St. Joseph, Mo., died June 15. He was a retired special agent for the Internal Revenue Service and supervisor of criminal investigation in Kansas City, Mo. He and his wife, Mary, would have celebrated their 70th anniversary in August. William “Perry” Langer ’51 85, died April 26 at his home in Longmont, Colo. Perry taught high school English and coached basketball, baseball and tennis. After ending his teaching career in Fort Morgan, Colo., Perry spent 41 years as an agent for Allstate Insurance, retiring in Wheat Ridge, Colo. Joyce Langley (Horace Mann graduate ’59) 72, of Maryville, died May 20 at Village Care Center. Faye Stevens Long ’51 84, died Jan. 1 in Colleyville, Texas. She taught elementary school for many years. Norma Hawkins Mackenzie ’57 83, of Overland Park, Kan., died May 10. She taught in Shenandoah, Iowa. Roger Mathias ’74 (master’s) 77, died May 16 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. Roger taught physical science in the Atlantic (Iowa) Community School District for 23 years, retiring in 1993.
✚ Paul Moyer ’50
87, died April 17. Paul worked at Lloyd Chain Manufacturing Company in Maryville where he was the production manager and purchasing agent from 1949 through 1956. In 1954, he purchased Superior Cleaners, growing the business to include laundry and rental supply. After 20 successful years, he sold his business and pursued his love of farming, raising Black Angus cattle and crops. In 1979, he received the Commercial Beef Producer Award for the state and county and hosted the Missouri Cattle Feeders Tour. In 1980, Paul sold most of his land and began working for Mid-America Forming, traveling across several southern states managing a company that manufactured sucker rods for oil rigs. In 1985, he went to work for the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the University of Missouri, helping financially depressed farmers get back on their feet. In 1987, he started Moyer Farm Management Inc., where he managed about 3,000 acres until his retirement at age 81. In 2001, he was inducted into the Nodaway County Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Leon Mitchell ’42 93, of St. Joseph, Mo., died June 20 at Heartland Regional Medical Center. He retired from Farmland Industries.
Fall 2014
Northwest Alumni Magazine
38
In Memoriam
LeRoy “Mark” Oelschlager ’78 62, of Towne Lake Hills in Woodstock, Ga., died April 25 after a year-long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Mark worked for more than 30 years in healthcare benefits and in life and health insurance. Robert Osburn ’51 88, died Sept. 21, 2013, at Point Lookout Nursing and Rehab in Hollister, Mo. He coached at several schools in northern Missouri for seven years, serving one year as an administrator. In 1957, he went to work at the School of the Ozarks as coach in the high school and then in the college. He was Cross Country District 16 Coach of the Year nine times, and he was voted Coach of the Year by Missouri colleges and universities two times. He coached 11 All-Americans and 50 students to All-District honors. Bob retired after 41 years of coaching and teaching, 34 of those years at College of the Ozarks. Chester Parks ’46 90, died Dec. 12, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. He taught at the State Teachers College in St. Cloud, Minn., then was an industrial arts specialist with the Institute of Inter-American Affairs Division of Education
Point-4 program in La Paz, Bolivia, South America. Chester later taught industrial arts and drafting at Tucson High School and Catalina High School in Tucson. He later became a counselor at Catalina High School, where he remained until his retirement in 1984. Chester also organized and helped build a Methodist church and two medical clinics in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. Norman Pearson ’55 87, of Weston, Mo., died May 12 at the Twin Oaks Nursing Facility in Lansing, Kan. He taught music in Maitland, Jamesport and Burlington Junction, Mo., and was a principal in Maysville, Mo. Norman later became superintendent of schools in Weston, Jamestown and DeKalb, Mo. Nancy Cleveland Peterson ’84 54, of Ames, Iowa, died Jan. 20 at home. Nancy taught 30 years in Gilbert, Iowa, and in 1992 was awarded the Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award. In 2013, Nancy was recognized with the National American Civic Education Teacher Award for her role in preparing students to become informed and engaged citizens.
Upcoming events For up-to-date campus events, visit www.nwmissouri.edu and click on the calendar icon.
Sept. 2014
4
Thursday
For more information on alumni events, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni or call 660.562.1248. For complete sports schedules and the latest information on Bearcat athletics, visit www.bearcatsports.com. Call the Student Services Center at 660.562.1212 for ticket information.
Northwest Alumni Magazine
Fall 2014
Charles Price ’57 84, died Feb. 10 at his home in Independence, Mo. He retired from the Independence Public School District in 1989 after 32 years in education. Gary Reed ’71 71, died March 18 in Wasilla, Alaska. Gary taught wood shop at Papillion Junior High School in Papillion, Neb., then relocated to Kodiak, Alaska, where he became a teacher in the Kodiak High School system, teaching auto shop, wood shop, fisheries and small engine repair. Gary retired in 1997 and moved to Soldotna, Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula, then moved to Wasilla in 2003 to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Gary Schnack ’69 66, of Austin, Texas, died March 9. Anita Williams Shell (Horace Mann grad) 78, of Maryville, died Jan. 3, 2013. She worked at the family service station as a bookkeeper for 56 years. Gary Shields ’66 69, of Marion, Iowa, died Nov. 13, 2013, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He taught high school biology at North Tama High School in Traer, Iowa, and enjoyed 26 years as a biology professor at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was recognized by Kirkwood for excellence and attainment in education for his long career and caring approach to teaching. Wayne Taylor (attd.) 94, of rural Gower, Mo., died Feb. 23. Wayne flew for TWA for 33 years, retiring in 1979, and enjoyed farming and ranching for the next 35 years.
Brenda Walker Timberlake ’67 68, of Kansas City, Mo., died Jan. 25 at University of Kansas Medical Center. She was a member of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and played the flute for many occasions. Galen Vogel ’60 75, died March 9. He taught music for 35 years in Fort Dodge, Iowa, at Raney Junior High School in Corona, Calif., and at Huntington Beach High School and Westminster High School in Huntington Beach, Calif. Galen retired from teaching in 1996 and began a second career as a handyman for several property management firms, working until August 2013. ✚ Theodore “Ted”
Weichinger Jr. ’48 88, of Maryville, died April 23 at Parkdale Manor. He taught at Northwest for more than 40 years. John Weipert ’92 47, of St. Joseph, Mo., died March 10. John was a farmer and owned and operated John Weipert Backhoe Services. Ronald Wheeler ’80 55, of Glenwood, Iowa, died March 22. Ron was employed with Mutual of Omaha for 26 years and then worked at Central States of Omaha.
Jason White ’91 45, of Maryville, died Feb. 27. He was an associate professor at Northwest, a principal/director of
investments at the Family Investment Center in St. Joseph, Mo., and was formerly the city financial analyst for Kansas City, Mo. Jason had many articles published in financial magazines, including Business Week. He received the 2009 Sam Walton Free Enterprise Fellow, 2009 Kauffman Foundation Global Entrepreneurship Week Partner, the 2007 Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2006 Northwest Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award, 2005 Booth College of Business and Professional Studies Dean’s Faculty Award for Research Excellence and the 2003 Southern Economics Association Teaching Excellence (Ken Elzinga) Award. Peggy Freer White ’77 58, of Independence, Mo., died April 18 at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, Mo. Peggy was a homemaker.
Let us know If you learn of the death of a Northwest graduate, please submit in writing or via news clipping the name of the deceased (and maiden name, if appropriate), year(s) of graduation from Northwest, date of death, age, city of death, city of residence and a brief listing of career accomplishments. In addition, submit your relationship to the deceased and your daytime telephone number to the Office of University Advancement, 800 University Dr., Maryville, MO 64468-6001, fax to 660.562.1990 or email alumni@nwmissouri. edu. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. n
✚ A scholarship has been established at Northwest in memory of this individual. To make a contribution, call 660.562.1248.
Now Then and
Alumni, current members and friends of Northwest’s Delta Nu chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity gathered to celebrate 60 years with a reunion weekend May 29-31.
A Military Awards Ceremony at the TKE house also honored 81 living members throughout the chapter’s history who have served in the military.
The weekend’s highlights included the 19th Annual Delta Nu Memorial Scramble and a reunion banquet that featured remarks by TKE alumni including President Emeritus Dr. B.D. Owens ’59 and Robert Foster III ’69, and emcees Ryan Stadlman ’97 and Chris Stigall ’99. More than 275 TKE members and alumni, ranging in age from 18 to 85 attended the reunion.
The Delta Nu chapter was established May 15, 1954, with 37 members, making it the third fraternity at Northwest. In 1986, it was recognized as the youngest chapter to initiate 1,000 men – a number that stands at 1,632 today. The Delta Nu chapter’s roster consists of 56 active members.
“The TKE chapter at Northwest has had a role in preparing almost 1,700 men for success through leadership and the firsthand opportunity that being a member the fraternity and operating a house offers, while forming the bond of lifelong friendships,” said Tony Dorrel ’86, who helped coordinate the weekend.
(Clockwise from top left) Tom Burson ’87 presents pins to TKE alumni who served in the military; TKE alumni, families and friends gather at the TKE house for the Military Awards Ceremony; TKE members eat in the dining room of their former house in 1962; TKE members pose in front of their former house during the 1980s.
The chapter’s rich history includes a fire that destroyed its former home at 222 W. Cooper on the night of Nov. 16, 1996. While no members were injured and the fire was ruled accidental, the chapter’s members and alumni banded together to build a new home adjacent to the Northwest campus. The home, which was the first built specifically to house a Northwest fraternity, was completed in 1999 and remains the chapter’s present location.
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Stay in touch with us: www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni 660.562.1248 Contact us by email: Address changes: alumni@nwmissouri.edu Class notes: alumni@nwmissouri.edu Letter to the editor: mhorn@nwmissouri.edu
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