UCM Magazine | VOL. 16, NO. 4

® UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS This issue will entertain you with its mix of articles, especially our cover story about the launch of a new children’s literature line, carrying on UCM’s rich reading tradition nearing half a century. Read about an alum’s attitude in hiring 38 students for the summer or about a retired professor known for his humor but steadfast expectations. We welcome your ideas. Simply email us at ucmmagazine@ucmo.edu.

COVE R STORY

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A CHILDHOOD STORY “I love you, Sun,” Moon smiled, as she turned and made her leap in the opposite direction. She was welcomed by each and every star. “We will share the sky,” she thought to herself, just like her dream. A childhood story comes alive as part of a new children’s literature line, SeedStar Books, launched by UCM’s award-winning Pleiades Press.

FE AT URE S

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A MAESTRO’S OOM POPPA MOW MOW The impact and influence of professor emeritus Conan Castle was celebrated this spring, marking his music and legacy of uncompromising distinction while especially remembering the fun.

20 SPACE EXPERT ADMIRES STUDENTS’ INGENUITY

Ever think about driving a vehicle on Mars with all its craters, boulders, ridges, inclines, crevasses and depressions? An invention on the UCM team’s vehicle earned praise from NASA.

S ECT I O N S

2 CAMPUS CURRENTS 10 CENTRAL YESTERDAY 18 PHILANTHROPY 26 CLASS NOTES 29 AWARDS & HONORS 30 IN MEMORIAM

FIND US ONLINE AT UCMO.EDU/UCMMAGAZINE EMAIL US AT UCMMAGAZINE@UCMO.EDU OR CALL 660-543-4545 FOR OUR LATEST NEWS AND EVENT PHOTOS, JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AT UCMALUMNIFOUNDATION

22 THE POWER OF PERFORMANCE

Give Grant Lesher and Erich Mueller an audience to see them at their best. Decades separate the two but they share a common bond, a scholarship that helps theatre students. One received, one gave.

24 38 MULES STRONGER

Courtney and Patrick Nussbeck’s story is typical of many UCM alumni. Yet, they are doing something far bigger than most graduates ever attempt.

ARE YOU A VIETNAM VET? For our upcoming issue, we are seeking alumni who served in Vietnam, especially women. If you are willing to share your story, please email ucmmagazine@ucmo.edu.

P R ES I D ENT ’S M ES S AG E

MAGAZINE Vol. 16 No. 4, Spring/Summer 2017

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Dalene Abner ’09 CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Steven Spears ’16 DESIGNER

Julie Babcock PHOTOGRAPHER

Bryan Tebbenkamp ’15 ILLUSTRATORS

Brady Stoehr ’16 David Babcock

Our Commitment Only Grows Stronger

C

ommencement this spring was very special as the students represented the University of Central Missouri’s commitment to increase the number of college graduates equipped to make a difference for our future. That collective commitment is allowing things to happen across our campus that set a positive example for public colleges and universities across the nation.

Throughout our students’ experience, we have made efforts to strengthen the value of their degrees in ways that prepare them to be successful in their career choices.

Our first commitment is to open the door of access and keep college affordable. Our next commitment is to provide students the support needed to finish their degrees and achieve their college goals. The third commitment is to help students take their UCM degree and make a difference in their lives and careers. Our efforts have focused around: We have seen the campus grow with 27 percent more students from where we were five years ago. A new strategic governance model provided the platform for Learning to a Greater Degree and the new student Contract for Completion.

ACCESS. Published by UCM Alumni Foundation. © 2017 by University of Central Missouri.

All rights reserved.

Find us online: ucmo.edu/ucmmagazine Contact the editor at ucmmagazine@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4545. Submit your address updates online to http://tinyurl.com/j73dgxy, by email to alumni@ucmo.edu or telephone, 660-543-8000.

UCM Magazine (USPS 019-888) is published quarterly by the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Printed by Lane Press, 87 Meadowland Drive, South Burlington, VT. Periodicals postage paid at Warrensburg, MO, and additional offices.

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to: UCM Magazine PO Box 800 University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO 64093

AFFORDABILITY. With an emphasis on student success and keeping college affordable, we have held tuition increases below the rate of inflation, requiring our entire campus to work together to ensure their education is an exceptional value proposition.

We have helped more students stay on track and graduate on time, including 423 students who received Missouri’s first 15-to-Finish Scholarships.

COMPLETION.

LESS DEBT. As of this fall, we have helped students eliminate $12.5 million over the past three years that they borrowed to pay for college.

As we congratulate our newest alumni, some 2,336 of them, we take pride in knowing that we have prepared them to become part of the institution’s fabric that produces leaders who can serve and build communities around the globe.

Joining you in service,

Chuck Ambrose PRESIDENT

University of Central Missouri Magazine

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C AM P US C UR R E NT S

Top Faculty Award Honors History Scholar History professor Dan Crews, renowned as one of the world’s foremost experts on the Spanish Renaissance, received the 2017 Byler Distinguished Faculty Award, an annual honor recognizing the university’s top faculty member.

Department chair Eric Tenbus noted that Crews is a popular teacher known for his approachable style yet demanding requirements.

“I have known Dan since my arrival at UCM 16 years ago, and I have a great deal of respect for his legacy of accomplishments.

He represents what the Byler Award is designed to celebrate: dedication to his teaching craft and scholarship, academic professionalism and personal integrity,” he said.

Crews has dedicated 30 years to UCM. He joined the faculty in 1987 after working at Oklahoma Baptist University. His responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on Imperial Spain, Modern Latin America, History of Mexico, the Renaissance and Age of Exploration, as well as Historiography and World Civilization surveys.

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CO MMI TTED TO DI VERS I T Y, EQ U I T Y A N D I N CLU S I O N

St. Louis ‘Degrees with Less Debt’ Study Recognizes UCM for Aiding At-Risk Students

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he University of Central Missouri is doing things right to help students who are underrepresented in higher education.

A recent St. Louis area study attributes the university’s success to several student support programs, peer coaching and the innovative “15 to Finish” initiative.

UCM President Charles Ambrose noted, “All of these initiatives come together under UCM’s Learning to a Greater Degree Contract for Completion and contribute to our campus commitment to access and affordability, college completion and student success for all students.”

The study, “Degrees with Less Debt: Effective Higher Education Strategies for Underrepresented Student Populations,” was commissioned by the Illinois Education Research Council. Central Missouri was one of five universities selected in a process that considered 20 four-year institutions where St. Louis area high school graduates were likely to pursue their higher education.

“One of the key findings of the report is the importance of university leadership committed to diversity, equity and inclusion,” noted principal investigator Janet K. Holt, executive director of the IERC. “Presidents lead in creating a campus culture that values, supports and engages underrepresented students. Through interactions with their campus presidents and other campus leaders, students at these institutions were forming a stronger bond to their universities.”

The report pointed to UCM’s goal to “be proactive, rather than reactive so students get support early on, before ending up on academic probation or suspension.”

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The university’s long-standing suspension waiver program, which has twice been awarded a Lee Noel-Randi Levitz Retention Excellence Award, also was recognized. In this program, the university waives suspension each semester of 30 to 40 students who have demonstrated ability but whose performance would have led to suspension.

A recovery plan is initiated and weekly meetings are held with the student to help them get back on track academically.

UCM is committed to helping students cross the education finish line faster and with less debt.

While Complete College America was reporting that only half of the students at four-year institutions are taking 15 or more credits per fall and spring semester, the amount needed to stay on track to graduate in four years, UCM in 2013 was the first institution in the state to announce the innovative 15-to-Finish program.

To incentivize graduation in four years, the university awards $1,000 to eligible students who take 15 credit hours per semester to apply to their senior year of courses. This initiative has led to an increase in students’ average semester course hours since its inception.

“Being recognized as one of the top five schools in this study demonstrates our campus commitment to access, affordability and student success for all students,” said Mike Godard, vice president for enrollment management. “UCM’s contract for completion is successfully leading students to degrees with less debt. Our goal is to ensure students have an opportunity to receive a quality education from a campus community who truly cares about their success.”

CAM P US CUR R ENT S

“ We have a chance with our language, with the form and focus of our art to begin delineating the truth of our lives as it is and to start imagining on paper and space the differences we hope to enact.”

— KAZIM ALI, PLEIADES VISITING LECTURER

PA RT NE R SHIP FO CUSED

GLO BAL RECO G N I T I O N

STA MP O F A PPROVA L

New Education Dean Succeeds Retiring Wright

Tutoring Services Earns International Certification

NACEP Accredits University Dual Credit Program

Illinois educator Robert E. Lee is succeeding Michael Wright as dean of the UCM College of Education. He comes to Warrensburg from Chicago and Illinois State University where he founded and directs the National Center for Urban Education. He holds degrees from Pepperdine, Harvard and DePaul universities.

Provost Deborah Curtis noted, “Dr. Lee’s knowledge, experience and leadership skills, along with his ability to create new partnerships, will help the college and UCM continue its forward momentum.”

Lee takes over from Wright, who came to UCM in 1999 as an associate professor of technology education. He was appointed the first dean of the new College of Education in 2007. Among his many career achievements was acquiring $1 million in external funding to create the Missouri Center for Career Education.

The College Reading and Learning Association, the most recognized organization in the tutoring field, has given Level One international certification to UCM’s Tutoring Services Program. With the recognition, UCM joins more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. and world with ITTPCcertified programs.

During the 2016-17 academic year, the program provided more than 4,400 hours of tutoring in more than 2,900 visits.

Located on the third floor of the Kirkpatrick Library, the program offers free peer tutoring and assistance for more than 70 academic courses in a variety of majors and minors.

“Increased use of the center is a clear indicator that our tutor training is working and students are able to access the academic support they need,” said program coordinator Kimberly Courtwright.

The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships has accredited the university’s concurrent enrollment programs for high school students.

The programs that received accreditation had to meet established best practices in providing oversight of college courses taught by high school instructors. UCM became one of 19 colleges and universities nationwide to achieve this distinction.

“Our dual credit program has a stamp of approval as a quality program,” said director Sandy Cruz. “Collaboration and support from academic departments was key in meeting these standards and in helping us to achieve this goal.”

MEET ECHO Now on evening campus patrol is Echo, a German Shepherd imported from Germany and trained at the K9 Working Dogs International.

Number Fifteen For any team, 15 consecutive national titles would be an unparalleled legacy. That was the achievement when the UCM chapter of Lambda Alpha Epsilon – Gamma Epsilon Delta again won sweepstakes this spring. And just think, their members change every year.

ANOTHER CHAMPION Graphic technology students are making UCM known at the Phoenix Challenge Competition in Arizona.

In nine years competing, UCM has won 12 first place awards, more than any program in the U.S. or Canada.

Add 3 more in 2017!

TO P

20 FINISH

For the 13th straight year, UCM has finished in the top 20 of the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, a joint effort by the National Association of Directors of Athletics and USA Today. UCM earned the 20th overall spot aided by 10 NCAA postseason appearances and 24 All-American awards.

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Just as some Hollywood films are based on novels, children’s books often come to life on the stage.

T

WO UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

students were given the opportunity to turn plays into children’s books this spring. Their work, published

by SeedStar Books, an imprint of Pleiades Press, was

released during the annual Children’s Literature Festival on UCM’s Warrensburg campus.

“I never imagined writing a children’s book,” said senior English major Allina Robie, adding that she didn’t hesitate to accept the offer. “It ended up being a very amusing experience and was certainly a highlight of my college career.”

And We Shall Share the Sky is Robie’s first contribution to SeedStar Books and the second student-produced piece through the publication. Illustrated by 2016 alumnus Brady Stoehr, the book is based on the award-winning play of the same name and tells the story of how the sun and moon came to share the sky.

Pleiades Press Director Kathryn Nuernberger hand-picked Robie to write the book based on her compatibility with the source material, writing ability and work ethic. “She’s one of our rock star students because she’s launching a career as a writer so quickly and in so many ways,” Nuernberger said.

B Y S T E P H E N S P E A R S • I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y B R A DY S T O E H R

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“For kids, they go to the library and the books are there. They don’t necessarily have an understanding of all of the work and all of the different people who play parts in how a book is produced.”

And We Shall Share the Sky was adapted from a play provided by the UCM Department of Theatre and Dance and is based on a folktale from West Africa. Robie changed the setting of the book to a place she was more familiar with, the Rocky Mountains in her home state of Colorado.

“I wanted to maintain the theme of the original play while still making the book my own,” Robie explained. “I also had to be very conscientious of how I handled the cultural setting of the original play.”

Robie said she thought about how she could tell the story in a way that wouldn’t seem appropriative but would still pay homage to the folktale’s African roots. She sought to maintain some of the African heritage so prevalent in the source material by referencing different names that the sun and moon have been called across cultures.

“I wanted my book to be an addition to the sun and moon discourse, not simply a retelling,” she said.

Nuernberger said Robie’s ability to stay faithful to the source material, while not being constricted by it, shaped the finished product. She explained that Robie’s decision to move the setting to Colorado helped the book feel more authentic.

“She could talk about the landscape, write descriptive passages about it, and

BIG

Business The market for children’s books is huge with consumers buying $3.1 billion children’s books annually. In addition, e-books and apps provide opportunities to turn traditional story books into interactive experiences.

characterize the flora and fauna in a way that make these appearances in the story convincing and authentic,” Nuernberger said. “And she drew on her life experience to do that well, but there’s also a number of references to the original story.”

Robie’s hard work seems to have paid off. And We Shall Share the Sky was one of the two titles released by SeedStar Books this spring during the literature festival.

SeedStar Books was created in 2016 as a way to offer students a hands-on learning experience in the publishing industry while building their portfolios and developing new skills. It releases two titles each year: one illustrated and written by students and another by professionals.

The other children’s book released this year was Sophia and the Boy Who Fell. Written

by Traci Brimhall and illustrated by Sarah Nguyen, the book was SeedStar’s first publication developed by professionals.

It tells the story of a budding friendship between a girl and a ghost.

Nguyen, art editor for Pleiades Press, said she kept the audience in mind when illustrating Sophia and the Boy Who Fell.

She said color, design and content of the illustrations tend to be most important when children are the intended audience.

“For example, in Sophia and the Boy Who Fell, the boy is a ghost,” she said. “It was really important to depict him as relatable and not scary. I used pastel colors and a light blue hue to surround him, so that he had a softer and impressionistic feel.”

SeedStar Books gives its writers and illustrators a lot of freedom. As Nguyen explained, illustrators are given quite a bit continued page 8

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A NEW WORLD FOR THE SUN AND MOON

When a repetitive stress injury ended Brady Stoehr’s music career, he turned to his other passion. Art. “I’ve been an artist in one form or another all my life,” he said. “So, when the one was no longer an option, it was an easy decision to pursue the other.”

Stoehr came to the University of

Stoehr learned that illustrating a

“I am now

Central Missouri to pursue a career as

book is different from other projects

confident

a professional artist and graduated in

in not only scope but also in the

that I can

December with a bachelor of fine arts

need to tell a cohesive story that falls

handle a

degree. Being selected to illustrate

in line with the words on the page.

large project.

And We Shall Share the Sky was his

His challenge was to tell a story in

I have an amazing

first book as well as biggest project

pieces versus a single illustration

showpiece for my

to date. It wasn’t easy.

encompassing an entire idea.

portfolio and I’ve opened a

With the sun and moon acting as

Using rough drafts of And We

door to a field of illustration that is

the main characters, Stoehr had to

Shall Share the Sky as a starting

quite difficult to get started in.”

figure out how to illustrate the two

point, Stoehr and writer Allina Robie

Stoehr credits his college work

glowing spheres in a way that would

discussed everything from color

for preparing him professionally.

both engage the reader and stay true

palettes and aesthetic feel, to pace and

“The faculty, staff and other

to the myth on which it was based.

characterization of the primary players.

students have prepared me to enter

He first thought about giving the sun

“Illustration is always a rewarding

the world as a strong illustrator,

and moon facial expressions and limbs

experience in the beginning and

artist and just as a caring

but decided visually that could get into

the end. The middle part is mostly

supportive person.”

diversity issues. “We were determined

stress,” Stoehr said. “The beginning

This summer, Stoehr said he’s

to keep the book as universal as the

is all possibility and creativity. The

“traveling the country selling prints

myth itself, making it accessible to

end all reward and satisfaction at

of his artwork at comic cons and the

a wide audience, while avoiding any

the accomplishment of the finished

like. I’ve taught some classes and

pratfalls of being culturally insensitive

work. The middle is elbow grease and

am trying to get my products into

to the origin of the myth. It was quite

sweat [and] an occasional tear.”

stores and galleries. All while trying

a challenge to create an engaging

Despite the tears, Stoehr said he

to find time to make art in there

and effective narrative with my two

would do it all over again if given the

somewhere.” His goal within two to

circles but, overall, I feel the solutions

chance, as he’s always looking for

four years is to pursue an MFA in

were effective both visually and as a

ways to improve himself as an artist

illustration and eventually teach at a

storytelling device.”

and expand awareness for his work.

university level. n

University of Central Missouri Magazine

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“I think a lot of people always have a little fantasy about writing a children’s book.”

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Mollenkamp, then performed by UCM of room to explore their own ideas and students. It was based on the tornado that hit concepts relating to the text.

Joplin, MO, in 2011, killing 158 people and “I decided to create oil paintings for the injuring another 1,150. illustrations for Traci’s book because I felt The tornado was personal for Smith the colors of the rainforest, the time and who has family in Joplin. place of the story, and For Nuernberger, that close the style of the characters connection made her the would be best portrayed right fit to adapt the play. in oil paintings,” Nguyen “I knew [Smith] was a added.

Activities really talented writer who A loose adaptation In addition to the awardwould do a good job and was comes in handy from winning Pleiades: very reliable. It seemed like stage to page. Last year, A Journal of New a perfect fit to have her write SeedStar’s first book, Gust, Writing, the press about this sensitive subject

by Georgianna Smith, publishes several books of poetry and prose that [was] so close to home successfully deconstructed through the Lena-Miles for her,” Nuernberger said. silent choreography and Wever Todd poetry With Gust and We Shall put it in a literary context prize, the Pleiades Press Share the Sky, Nuernberger for children.

Editors Prize for Poetry, personally selected the “With Gust, it was the Robert C. Jones Prize for Short Prose and the student writers. Given even more extreme of an Visual Poetry Series.

SeedStar Books’ infancy, she adaptation because it was a Learn more at has other ideas for choosing dance with no words. It was www.pleiadespress.org. the ideal writing candidates, all gestures,” Nuernberger hoping to make the process explained. “Georgie was more democratic and opening kind of building in a plot it to more students. and building in characters based on more of SeedStar Books hosted an aspiring authors the figurative movements of the dancers.” workshop before this year’s Children’s Gust was inspired by a modern dance Literature Festival. About 10 students conceived and choreographed by participated in the two-day workshop where faculty members Ashley Miller and Julie

PUBLISHING

ALLI NA RO BI E

they were introduced to techniques related to writing specifically for children. Nuernberger hopes the workshop will produce the writer for the next student-produced book. If it works out, she’ll carry the practice over for each book.

“When we do the next book, I’ll reach out to the people who participated in that workshop and ask them to send some of the materials they generated for that workshop as the way we select,” she said. “Children’s literature is a little different from writing fiction or poetry or something for adults.

[The participants] were developing a new skill they’d be able to deploy.”

Ultimately, after getting published, the students’ work is showcased at the children’s festival where the writers do a reading for authors and attendees at the welcome event.

“People get very excited about children’s books in general, and I think they’re particularly supportive of this idea of seeing a new writer coming into their own,” Nuernberger said.

For nearly 50 years, the Children’s Literature Festival has brought nationally recognized children’s authors and illustrators from across the United States to Warrensburg to speak about their work.

What started with five authors and fewer than 500 children has turned into a 2 1/2 day event drawing as many as 6,000 children and 30 speakers in a given year.

Maya Kucij, festival director, said integrating the release of the SeedStar Books into the event gives the titles more exposure to children, parents and other authors.

“SeedStar is an unusual project in that it’s not easy to enter the children’s publishing world and you have to have a niche, a need that you’re meeting,” Kucij said. “It’s an unusual learning experience, and it’s one that

I think a lot of people always have a little fantasy about writing a children’s book.”

Visiting authors at the festival spend a lot of time educating children about what it means to write a book. Kucij said understanding the full process of what it takes to get a book published is important for both readers and aspiring writers.

“For kids, they go to the library and the books are there,” she said. “They don’t necessarily have an understanding of all of the work and all of the different people who play parts in how a book is produced.”

Kucij also emphasized the educational benefits for students who experience the publishing process through SeedStar.

Before writing And We Shall Share the Sky, Robie wasn’t sure what all went into getting a book published, or even if she had the ability to write one. But, as she explained, this experience helped her grow as a writer and accomplish goals she thought were a long way off.

“To have my own published work as an undergraduate is incredible,” Robie said.

“I am so humbled that I was chosen to be a part of this book and am even more thrilled that children seem to really enjoy the book. This has opened my eyes to other genres outside of poetry, and I have a few ideas for other children’s books in the back of my mind now.” n

Pleiades

BEGINNINGS SeedStar books is the latest literature line by Pleiades Press, which was founded on campus in 1981 by a group of undergraduate students under the faculty advisement of Bob Jones. In 1991, English professor Rose Marie Kinder turned the staple-bound publication into a nationally distributed literary journal.

About the

FESTIVAL

on youtube Watch a video about the creative process that launched SeedStar books at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=GKqqo8nD_AQ

For nearly 50 years, the Children’s Literature Festival has brought nationally recognized children’s authors and illustrators from across the United States to Warrensburg to speak about their work. What started with five authors and fewer than 500 children has turned into a 2 1/2 day event drawing as many as 6,000 children and 30 speakers in a given year.

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C EN TR A L Y E S T E R D AY

A WOMAN AND HER ROOM

by Dalene Abner

THE LATE OPHELIA GILBERT, LONG-TIME LAB SCHOOL LIBRARIAN, IS KNOWN FOR RESCUING BOOKS AND MEMORIES. HER LEGACY IS A STORY WORTH REPEATING.

I

Remember Little Golden Books, classic stories first published in 1942 at a price that families could afford?

The university’s collection contains more than 1,000 volumes.

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t seems appropriate that the woman whose name officially represents the formal children’s literature reading room at the University of Central Missouri’s Kirkpatrick Library literally translates to “help.”

The late Ophelia Gilbert, long-time lab school librarian, is known for rescuing books and memories. Her legacy is a story worth repeating.

Gilbert’s grandfather moved to Warrensburg in 1914 and started a tradition, generations of family members who earned degrees from UCM, including herself, her parents, aunts, uncles, husband and two sons.

She graduated in 1939 as a history major with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Marriage ended her first job as librarian at Warrensburg High School. “In those days, married women didn’t work, so when I got married the next year, I had to quit my job,” she said.

Her unemployment didn’t last long, given the work demands of World War II. Following the war, she taught grammar and military correspondence to Air Force recruits stationed on campus, but she wanted to be a librarian. The university had positions but required a master’s degree, so she went back to school. Then head librarian William Stanton said she could choose from openings in reference, reserves and the children’s collection. “I really knew nothing about children’s books other than that I had read all my life. But I thought it would be fun and so I took that job.”

That started Gilbert’s 45-year legacy at Central Missouri, first directing the laboratory elementary and high school libraries, then when those closed moving to the university as its children’s literature specialist.

“When I first started out, we had room libraries, where each room had its own library, which was customary. But that was universal, and teachers were very possessive of the books. So, when the trend began toward centralizing libraries, we decided to centralize which was early in the movement because we always tried to be on the cutting L EF T:

Ophelia Gilbert’s family legacy of UCM graduates began with her grandfather in 1914.

edge of everything. It wasn’t long before the teachers could see the advantage of having access to all the books,” she said.

When the lab school closed in 1980, Gilbert had many fond memories, but she was most proud of the contributions to students’ lives. “A lot of children were introduced to books there and will remember

CENT R AL Y ES T ER D AY

The Ophelia Gilbert Reading Room offers researchers access to one-of-a-kind books and historic collections, many of them gifts to the university.

An infinite world comes alive in the special children’s collection inside the library’s Ophelia Gilbert Reading Room.

A B OVE : A formal portrait keeps Gilbert’s memory alive in the room.

R IGHT: Libraries underwent several changes in Gilbert’s 45 years with the university.

TOP :

that they learned to read there, which was our whole idea, to get children interested.”

When Gilbert retired, she was surprised at a general faculty meeting when they announced “they were naming this room for me. It was a complete surprise.”

The children’s collection in that room is considered one of the best in the Midwest.

With children’s books dating from 1799 to the present, the collection’s 26,000 volumes include Missouri authors and illustrators, adolescent novels, Mother Goose, alphabet and counting books, toy and movable books, foreign language and Victorian series books.

The collection houses a complete collection of books honoring Missouri’s Mark Twain Reading Award with 465 titles, of which 288 are first editions and 133 autographed. There also are several thousand first editions and autographed books as well as correspondence, photographs and original interviews from 200 contemporary writers.

In addition, there are the complete works of authors and illustrators, such as that of prolific and beloved writer Clyde Bulla donated by the late Phil Sadler, who with Gilbert, started another campus tradition, the Children’s Literature Festival. The annual event draws renowned authors

and illustrators to campus and introduces thousands of children to the thrill of reading and owning books.

From her student days when the Ward Edwards building actually was the library to the legacy of a special room with a more than special collection, Ophelia Gilbert continues to exude her influence. n Special appreciation to Vivian Richardson in the University Archives and Museum for help providing this information.

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“

Sometimes the most wonderful moments are five minutes in practice when everything clicks and everyone is together.”

— CONAN CASTLE

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A MAESTRO’S OOM POPPA MOW MOW

A MAN, HIS MUSIC AND LEGACY OF UNCOMPROMISING DISTINCTION BUT DON’T FORGET THE FUN

F

by Dalene Abner

or a university choir director whose musical tastes run to classic madrigal love songs, it seems incongruent that two former students remember him best for pop tunes. Bud Clark ’71 recalls attempting to imitate the thundering baritone of singer Robert Goulet when he met Conan Castle for the first time to audition for voice lessons.

Mary Welch Rogers ’72 describes a bus trip to perform in Washington, D.C., when Castle sang the chorus to the Oak Ridge Boy’s hit song, Elvira, especially its “giddy up oom poppa oom poppa mow mow.”

These and other memories of Castle’s impact and influence were part of a concert celebration bringing together students, alumni, emeriti, family and friends this spring in Hart Recital Hall in the Utt Music Building.

Many of his former students teased and serenaded Castle, who turned 90 years old June 19, for the profound impact he had on their lives as well as on the hundreds of students who gained an appreciation of music and went on to celebrated careers in performance and education.

“This guy is so scary, no, intense, he demanded perfection (and got it every once in a while), and His sense of got admiration, respect and love,” said former humor may have student Jeff Imboden, currently UCM director started with of performing arts. Additional compliments his first name, came from UCM Provost Deborah Curtis and College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Conan. He traces Sciences Dean Gersham Nelson. the name to

either Conan the Barbarian or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

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AB OVE : The musical impact and influence of professor emeritus Conan Castle was celebrated this spring in a performance featuring the UCM Concert Choir and UCM Alumni Choir.

For the finale, former student and alumnus Rick Weymuth ’76, a member of the Missouri Music Hall of Fame, directed the combined group of about 100 musicians in Joseph Martin’s The Awakening.

The event also included special recognition by the Missouri State Legislature proclaiming April 1 Conan Castle Day as well as special citations of recognition by the university.

“It was a memorable day that acknowledged Dr. a downtown campus choir to sing the baritone Castle’s inspiration of hundreds of music educators solo at a holiday performance. Next the president of Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, and professionals and his impact on choral music SD, visited Northwestern to hire an interim choral regionally and nationally,” Nelson said. director. Castle auditioned and was hired. The From 1959 to 1989, Castle left an indelible two names will sound familiar to UCM alumni; impression on the campus and community music scene. His journey to Warrensburg from his native the doctoral student was Ralph E. Hart; the Nebraska hinged upon a few of life’s random president was Warren Lovinger. circumstances, including assignment to an Army Castle describes his 15 months in Aberdeen as base camp in Maryland, an invitation to perform an “emotional roller coaster.” His wife, pregnant in Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols, with their first child, contracted polio, spent and a vocal audition for an interim choral director a month in the hospital and emerged without position at a university in South Dakota. paralysis. Their son, Randy, was born healthy. And Castle notes, he started his first madrigal ensemble.

Castle credits three teachers at North Platte High School in Nebraska for starting his musical When the interim position ended, he returned odyssey. “The war was on when I graduated in to Doane and started work on a Ph.D. in 1945 but by the time I got to basic training, it was musicology at the University of Michigan. He over.” He played trombone for two Army bands, recalled his father, a banker, commenting that his one in Arkansas and the other in Maryland. “It $3,500 salary was “so low that I could qualify for was my first visit to the East Coast, and concerts an FHA loan only on a two-car garage.” by major orchestras – Philadelphia, Boston, Attending a Music Teachers National the National and NBC – made me a lover of Association convention in Kansas City, he again symphonic music.” encountered Ralph Hart, now chair of the After his discharge in 1947, he enrolled at CMSC music department, who was looking for a second choral director.

Doane College, a family tradition shared with his Realizing that Castle grandfather, his parents (who met there) and his was available, Hart sister. “Most important, it’s where I met Patricia “ Madrigal was called Lovinger, now Roop.” Two years later, they transferred to Dr. Castle. university president, Northwestern; Conan was studying for a master’s We learned to for approval. The degree in vocal music and Patricia, elementary make sounds circle of coincidences education. They married in 1951. you didn’t complete; the Northwestern, their next adventure, produced know you Castles had begun several of life’s coincidences for Castle. First, he could make their journey to was invited by a doctoral student who conducted

and had fun.”

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Warrensburg. “We thought it would be a stepping stone to something wonderful,” he said. “Instead when we got to Warrensburg we realized that we had found something wonderful. I am still here!”

The next 30 years is history. Castle became the eighth member of the music faculty in 1959, moving into a “brand new office” in the just opened Utt Building, with its 23 new soundproof recital rooms, rehearsal rooms, listening rooms, recording booths and a recital hall, eventually named for Hart.

Castle directed the University Choir, taught two classes of music appreciation and started a madrigal ensemble. “Enrollment that year was 3,000, a big change from the school I came from with 400 students. My salary increased $1,100, and I thought that was hog heaven! It was a great time to be in the profession because everything was growing.”

Among Castle’s early duties was leading the singing at the annual freshman convocation. He taught students to sing the alma mater and was actually involved in selecting the current song, a blind

RIGH T:

Conan Castle with former students, from left, Mary Ann Hart, Anne Patterson-Scott and Mary Welch Rogers.

BELOW:

Annual madrigal dinners, authentic to the period, were “serious but lots of fun.”

committee decision that ended up being a composition by then faculty member William Stoney. When Hart retired and Castle succeeded him as director of choral organizations, he started producing annual Madrigal dinners, complete with Lords and Ladyes of the Courte, Servyng Wenches and Knaves. “It was serious music but lots of fun,” he said.

Asked about his best memories, he replied, “There are an awful lot of good ones.

Individual performances stick out. Music is an interesting thing with choirs because they are living breathing entities. They change from day to day. Sometimes the most wonderful moments are five minutes in practice when everything clicks and everyone is together. You don’t always get that in formal performances.”

Two commissioned works, one by alumna Emma Lou Diemer and another by Theron Kirk, are among his special memories. He especially holds dear the Concert Choir bus tours that he led to Mexico and to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. He doesn’t own up to the Oak Ridge Boys’ Elvira chorus but

he does recall how patriotic the group felt during that D.C. trip.

That trip is what Mary Welch Rogers described when she stood on stage at the celebration concert. It had been 45 years since she last saw the choral director.

“It all started here in this room, on this stage. The beginning of a dream, a dream that came true because of this place and all the teachers who prepared me. You opened up a new world of music for me. I had never heard classical music that much, and it became alive because of your enthusiasm and love. It became something I wanted to do. Your love was contagious, and it became a thrill to sing madrigal. I learned to make sounds I didn’t know I could make and had fun doing it.”

Fun is an underlying theme for this retired professor. His sense of humor may have started with his first name, Conan, which he traces to either Conan the Barbarian or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. That juxtaposition reflects his life’s work, always focused on the best. “You want to do your best and if you do that, your performance will be the best.” n

“

My music odyssey was enabled by the many students who blessed my life. Mine has been a life of rich rewards.”

— CONAN CASTLE

University of Central Missouri Magazine

15

AARON MESSICK • Silhouetted Giants

ANDREW MATHER • A Brief Rest

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NICOLE SCHARTZ • Another Day Under the Banyan Tree

What made a difference for you?

PHOTOGRAPHERS HAVE A WAY of showing us a world we typically never see, such

as these images from the 35th Annual UCM Photographers Expo. Their work, both as students and professionals, reveals perspectives that make us look and question.

For the expo, 2007 photography alumnus Robert Breshears made a gift to create an award for best of show, won this year by Nicole Schartz for the above entry. Breshears started the annual award, realizing that the $500 prize could help students finance the expense to acquire professional grade equipment needed to succeed in an intensely competitive career. His generosity is making a difference. So could yours.

S E E T HE IMPAC T. B E T H E I M PAC T. Make a gift conveniently at ucmfoundation.org/give or simply mail us the envelope inserted into this magazine. On behalf of our students, thank you.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

17

PHIL ANT H R O P Y

Scholarships Help Students Earn Highest Honor Jennifer Hermanson uses the word potential to talk about her UCM experience. “If I were to open up the UCM homepage, I would see a photo of a girl holding a diploma with the words, ‘discover your potential’ next to her. I always knew I had that potential.”

In contrast, computer information systems major Robert Hilvert uses such words as “leadership, organization and skills.”

The two students received this year’s Charno Award.

Foundation scholarships helped both earn the highest honor given to UCM’s top male and female graduating student.

Several scholarships helped Hermanson, active as a student and alumni ambassador and orientation leader.

Among her many transformative moments is IBE and selling water bottles to help build wells in Africa.

Hilvert’s experience as a Steward Scholar provided him internships and networking opportunities with World Wide Technology. The St. Louis-based company was founded by alumnus David Steward ’73 whose gift established the one-of-a-kind academic experience.

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REAL DEAL HANDS-O N L E A RN I N G

UCM Aviation Benefits from Southwest Airlines’ Gift of Boeing 737 Engine

L

earning on a jet engine, especially one considered the world’s bestseller, became extremely real this year for University of Central Missouri aviation students, thanks to a gift to the UCM Alumni Foundation from Southwest Airlines of a CFM International CFM36. The engine, removed from service on Southwest’s fleet of Boeing 737 airliners, will become a valuable tool in hands-on instruction for students in UCM’s aviation maintenance program, as well as all other aspects of UCM aviation program.

The engine was delivered from Dallas aboard a flatbed truck. With assistance from Richter Excavating in Warrensburg, the 4-ton “ Most higher engine and the cradle dolly education on which it rests were lifted aviation from the truck and moved programs don’t into a hangar at UCM’s Max B. have jet engines Swisher Skyhaven Airport. aaAccording to Tony Monetti, to use for executive director of aviation instruction.” and Skyhaven Airport, UCM alumnus Rod Blake, a veteran in the airline industry currently working in engine development for Southwest Airlines, contacted UCM aircraft maintenance director Steve Quick, offering the engine.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to learn hands-on about jet engines,” Monetti said. “It’s important that they understand the functions of a jet engine as they graduate and enter the world of aviation. Most higher education aviation programs don’t have jet engines to use for instruction.”

Quick noted that the jet engine is a significant component in the training provided by UCM with

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the Boeing 737 training simulator owned by the UCM aviation program.

“Students, whether they plan on a career in the cockpit or in maintenance, can get a full understanding of the systems that they can’t get from textbooks and lecture,” Quick said. “For our students in our aircraft maintenance program, it is a definite significant advantage.”

There was more good news this spring for the airport and aviation department when the UCM Board of Governors authorized the application for a federal grant of a proposed $7 million infrastructure improvement project. The grant would cover 90 percent of the cost with a 10 percent match from UCM. The grant is made possible through the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program, and UCM applied through the Missouri Department of Transportation. Project components include $2.7 million to relocate the existing taxiway and $4 million for runway rehabilitation. The new taxiway location will meet the FAA recommended separation distance and enable the airport to better accommodate small corporate jet aircraft. The second component of the project entails resurfacing runway 1/19. Moving the taxiway will require demolition of the existing terminal building with private gifts expected to help fund the construction of a new facility.

UCM is the only public university in Missouri to own and operate a community-use airport. Aviation programs, which attract students nationwide, are housed in the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies.

P HI LANT HR OP Y

“As I engage with students every day, I see how much philanthropy makes a difference. At a time when state funding is declining, the support of our alumni and friends is critical to ensure we continue to provide access to affordable education.”

— UCM PRESIDENT CHARLES AMBROSE

BEYO ND THE CL ASS RO O M

BU S I N E SS CO N N ECT I O N S

Grant-Supported Technology Boosts Career Skills

Biology Students Gain by Microscopes, Anatomy Models

BowFit Gym Wins Competition as Biggest Idea

A Smart TV and multiple Microsoft Surface Pros are helping Central Missouri students with career development appointments, walk-in resume assistance, presentations, webinars and employer interviews, thanks to an Alumni Foundation Opportunity Grant awarded to Career Development Services.

“With the TV, we are able to Skype and have Google hangouts for our students and employers, said Joni Porter, operations coordinator. “Digital interviewing is something new that our students need to be ready for.”

Porter noted that they have been future-focused and anticipating upcoming needs. “We reached out to employers and are mirroring our efforts to their hiring practices, not simply the practices of other institutions. We are educating and empowering UCM students to enter a workforce in a way that other institutions are looking at us to replicate.”

Microscopes and human anatomy models, purchased through a UCM Alumni Foundation Opportunity Grant, are helping students have a more engaged learning experience in several essential biology courses. The classes are gateways to such other academic areas as athletic training, dietetics, exercise science, health studies and nursing.

Students value the investment, commenting “extremely helpful in learning different structures,” “hands-on experience outside of class,” “models have helped my grade in anatomy significantly,” “really reinforces structures and locations,” “invaluable,” “gave me a better understanding of anatomical structures.”

Adult literacy instructor Phillis Aaberg said, “Having access to digital learning objects is essential for a more realistic experience that increases students learning and improves their grades.”

Senior Steven McBee’s athletic training option for outdoor enthusiasts, BowFit Gym, won first place and a $3,000 cash award in the Big Idea Competition, a project funded through an Opportunity Grant this past spring.

Second place prizes, a tie, went to juniors Kraig Sumpter for a consulting company idea, 21 Venture Social, and to Cody Brill for his Brilliant Grafix, a custom race car vinyl wrap business.

“We had a great response from business leaders, many of them UCM alumni, who saw this as an opportunity to meet talented young entrepreneurs and support them through membership and encouragement,” said Dan Jensen, assistant professor. The competition allowed students to gain advice, gain contacts in their industries and seek investment opportunities.

GROWTH SPURT

ST UDE N T FOC U SED

With approval of a $1.4 million endowment payout for FY18, the UCM Alumni Foundation has nearly tripled its academic and student support in the past seven years.

Have You Made Plans for Your Future?

If you are thinking about creating or updating a will or trust, we can help. If you are considering ways to save on taxes, we can help. If you are interested in a charitable bequest, we can help. There are many ways you can make a gift to further our mission and benefit UCM students.

$ Are You Looking for Secure, Future Income?

When you make a gift of cash or appreciated property for a charitable gift annuity, we will pay you fixed payments for life (with rates based on your age). You will receive a charitable deduction for making the gift and a portion of your payments could be tax-free!

Thinking About Selling Your Business?

Do you know you can minimize taxes, maximize a gift to UCM and take home more money from the sale of your business?

Contact Joy Mistele, UCM Alumni Foundation, about any of these giving opportunities at 660-543-8000 or at mistele@ucmo.edu.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

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ACHIEVEMENTS AT

EARTH’S LARGEST

SPACEFLIGHT MUSEUM

Team members of the UCM NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge are, front row from left, drivers Zadac Lankford, Callie Gieselman, Brittany Kallenberger and Casey Philpot; back row from left, Brad Sodano, John Randazzo, Clayton Rockers, Advisor Shelby Scott, Caleb Thomas, Joseph Dunavant, Mackenzie Lewin, Kevin Scott and Ryan Sassman.

Propulsion system for space shuttle Rockets that put first U.S. satellite into orbit Modules for international space station and upcoming: Direct drive transmission for Mars vehicle courtesy UCM students

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W

hile many consider U.S. roads rough and bumpy, think about the conditions on Mars with its craters, boulders, ridges, inclines, crevasses and depressions. First, though, how would you even get a vehicle to a planet that could be anywhere from 34 to 49 million miles away?

It’s not that Mars travel is possible, but engineering a vehicle that can work there has been the focus of a global high school and college student challenge for several years. Central Missouri has sent teams the past three years to the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, considered the earth’s largest spaceflight museum.

An opportunity grant from the UCM Alumni Foundation has provided needed financial support to help the teams design, build, test and race human-powered rovers.

The rules for construction and operation are quite specific. For example, wheels must be large enough to navigate over obstacles such as large rocks and sandy terrain, but pneumatic tires are not allowed. Fenders are required to control dust. The disassembled vehicle must fit into a 5x5x5foot box. In addition, drivers must be able to carry it at least 20 feet and assemble it.

In the 2017 competition, UCM’s team and their two lunar rover prototypes placed fourth and

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sixth out of 50 teams around the world. More importantly their direct drive transmission placed first in the race’s new optional feature, the Direct Train Technology Challenge.

The team’s innovative transmission concept drew the attention of Debra Barnhart, chief executive officer and executive director of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. She visited with the UCM team and complimented them on their ingenuity.

Team advisor, instructor Shelby Scott, explains the teams must strategize technical knowledge with problem-solving skills and teamwork. For instance, the weight of the vehicle and the twoperson team piloting “It’s about it are carefully teaching them evaluated to to work as a minimize weight and maximize human team and solve power, resulting in problems.” increased speed and maneuverability.

“Everybody on the team has something to offer,” said team member Callie Gieselman. “A lot of our final decisions were the result of trial and error, but everyone had ideas and everyone was part of the discussion. That variety of ideas and skills were important.”

Plans for vehicle design changes for the 2018 competition already are underway.

“It’s about teaching them to work as a team and solve problems,” Scott said. “They have to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom, analyze what went wrong and what went right.

Each year, the students have made improvements based upon what they learned along the way and passed those on to the next year’s team. We just keep getting better.” n

ISTOC KPH OTO.CO M/3 QUAR KS

ABOVE:

Birth of America’s space program

SPACE EXPERT ADMIRES STUDENTS’ INGENUITY Transmission Concept Earns NASA Praise

The nearly threequarter-mile course boasts 17 grueling obstacles that simulate terrain found on Mars as well as other planets, moons and asteroids in our solar system.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

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“ THEATRE IS IMMERSIVE, FOR THE AUDIENCE AND THE PERFORMER, AND I HOPE TO KEEP IT THAT WAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.” – Grant Lesher

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OF

G

ive Grant Lesher and Erich Mueller an audience to see them at their best. Decades separate the two but they share a common bond, the University of Central Missouri, plus Lesher, a current student, is receiving a scholarship that Mueller, more prominently known as Mancow, funded through a gift to the UCM Alumni Foundation to help theatre students.

“I wanted to assist a theatre student with a rebel spirit similar to mine,” said the 1988 alumnus. The nationally syndicated radio host is known for his shock-jock image. He currently leads the Mancow Morning Show on Chicago’s 97.9 The Loop. As a student, Mueller was active in theatre and credits emeriti professor Ed See for being a huge influence in his life.

From small-town Missouri to Kansas City, then to Chicago by way of California, Muller has always drawn big radio ratings. He has described himself as a “conservative, Bible-thumping radical

MANCE

who curses.” For all his controversy, there’s no denying his affection for his alma mater and his desire to pay it forward for current students.

“Erich has a tremendous sense of loyalty. He always stays in touch; we’re a part of his life,” said See, who recalled one of Mancow’s favorite stories. “He called to tell me he had left school, had gone home to New Jersey and couldn’t afford to come back. I told him to come back to school and we would find a way to finance it.” A scholarship made it possible for Muller to finish his degree.

“He’s definitely one of our most unique graduates,” See said. “He always had this incredible work ethic and was very goal oriented. He appears to be very spontaneous on the air but I know it takes a lot of work for his level of success.” In addition to funding a scholarship, Mueller also gifted the university its current mule mascot.

I STO CKP HOTO.CO M/JOS HB LAKE

THE

R E W O P PERFOR

“ I WANTED TO ASSIST A THEATRE STUDENT WITH A REBEL SPIRIT SIMILAR TO MINE.” – Erich Mueller

Whether Lesher will be as successful as Mancow is unknown, but he’s embraced some controversial roles as an actor, most recently when he portrayed Daniel Reeves in the production of the psychological thriller, 9 Circles. Reeves served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was dishonorably discharged due to war crimes overseas.

In a review of the play, digitalBURG editor Lauren Koske observed, “We are shown a character who has no remorse for what he has done… By the play’s end, we are shown a character pleading for his life in a haunting final monologue.”

Lesher said he was drawn to the role “because he’s so opposite of me. Reeves lacks empathy and the ability to see simple joy in day-to-day life, which is drastically different than the way I try to live.” The music theatre major received the department’s best actor award for his 9 Circles performance.

Dance and theatre are Lesher’s passions. “I believe in the power of theatre to tell stories that stir the souls of audience members and gives them new perspectives on the world they live in,” he said. “Theatre is immersive, for the audience and the performer, and I hope to

keep it that way for the rest of my life.”

Lesher’s goal is to gain the knowledge, skills and training to succeed when he graduates with a BFA. Lasting friendships and working relationships are also important to him. His post-graduation plan is to “audition for cruise line positions and travel the world while singing and dancing for a living.” Next, he plans to find a position with a theatre company so “I can stay in one place and have a family someday.” n

University of Central Missouri Magazine

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C

ourtney and Patrick Nussbeck’s story is typical of many University of Central Missouri alumni. Yet for the second consecutive summer, they are doing something far bigger than most UCM graduates ever attempt. They’ve employed 38 students, all members of the Mules Football team, to intern at their company, Aspen Contracting.

“The university is close to our home and business, and it just seemed like a perfect fit to give back to the program that gave us our education while teaching these athletes some real-world business experience,” said Courtney, marketing and events coordinator.

The couple describe themselves as “college sweethearts,” having met as students in the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. Courtney was majoring in marketing

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and Pat in management. They graduated in 2003 with bachelor of science degrees in business administration and married in 2005.

The way their company started also has a familiar ring. To help finance college, Pat worked summers in a sales position in the roofing industry, thanks to an introduction by his older brother. Once he graduated, he worked as a project consultant for a variety of roofing contractors, gaining valuable insider knowledge. Realizing he wanted to pursue his own venture, Pat together with his brother started their own company in 2006.

This summer, the Nussbecks created internships for 38 UCM football players, roughly one-third of the football team. The students represent a variety of academic programs, including business, engineering

DAV ID BAB CO C K

by Steven Spears

“It just seemed like a perfect fit to give back to the program that gave us our education.”

— COURTNEY AND PATRICK NUSSBECK

technology, criminal justice, sports management, aviation, construction management and industrial engineering.

“We probably have an intern in every aspect of our business,” Pat said. “We are matching the individual’s major the best we can with the department that best fits them.”

Those areas include accounting, marketing, commercial sales, quality control, customer service and more.

When they were thinking about how to incorporate an internship program into their business, Pat said the goal was always to hire football players. Having played Mules football all four years of his college career, he considered his decision as a pay-itforward situation.

“There were not a lot of these opportunities available for work while I was in school,” he said. “If I can help contribute to UCM, the football team, the community and the student-athletes to help better their lives, then that is certainly a win in our books.”

Courtney added that the hard work mentality that comes with being studentathletes only increases the benefits of having some as interns. Last year, the company hired 25 players, some of whom liked the experience so much, they decided to return. One such student-athlete is Michael Tannehill, a sophomore occupational safety and health major.

“This summer I have more responsibilities and am trusted to keep the train rolling,” he said. “I get to visit job sites and talk to homeowners and monitor crews, which gives me practice for real-world situations in my field.”

For Pat, offering practical experience is essential. “Learning real-world business experience at the collegiate level is extremely valuable to starting

and maintaining a successful career path. This program is important to me, as it provides student-athletes like I was, opportunities outside of sports for their future.”

The Nussbecks intend to enhance these opportunities in the future by expanding the internship program to all UCM students.

“There is a great need for the younger generation to get into the workforce and experience what happens on a daily basis,” Pat said. “Aspen is always trying to hire hard-working individuals, and we continue to look for graduates to join our great team in one of our many departments.”

Courtney added, “We hope that we give them a valuable work experience for their future and, if it is meant to be, they will join our team for years to come.”

In the meantime, whether it’s Pat’s background as an athlete or Courtney’s natural openness, these 38 interns are treated like more than employees. They are family.

“Working for Aspen is very much like working with family or teammates,” said Josh Terry, a freshman social enterprise major. “Everyone looks out for one another, and everyone works as a team in striving for the same goal, which is to be the best roofing company in the United States.” n Some of Aspen’s 38 UCM summer interns.

L E FT: College sweethearts Courtney and Pat Nussbeck met as students in Harmon College.

A BOV E :

University of Central Missouri Magazine

25

C L AS S NO T E S

1970–1979 Dan Huggins ’70 has retired after 40 years in the lawn care industry.

He and his wife, Mary, are enjoying travel and time with their four grandchildren.

Bill Brown ’71, ’78 has retired after serving nearly 40 years as a child, crisis intervention and drug and alcohol abuse counselor with Family Guidance Center in St. Joseph, MO, helping people through crisis and mental and emotional pain.

Mark Wehrle ’71, ’72 has made a gift to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a doctoral degree in 1982, to create an endowed scholarship that will benefit sociology doctoral students with annual support of dissertation research related to social or economic injustice.

Wehrle also is a UCM professor emeritus and established a similar scholarship here for undergraduate sociology and social work majors. He joined the UCM faculty in 1972 and served as department chair for 20 years before retiring in 2003.

Carl Camden ’77 stepped down in May as president and chief executive officer of the Michiganbased Kelly Services to become a finalist for the presidency at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. Camden joined Kelly Services in 1995 and in 2006 was named CEO. He was instrumental in securing Kelly’s first centralized large account and establishing the company as a world leader in scientific staffing. Camden’s career includes serving as strategic vice president of marketing at KeyCorp and president of Wyse Advertising.

He co-founded the North Coast Behavioral Research Group and chaired the communication department at Cleveland State University in Ohio. He has served on the Board of Trustees at The

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A MAJOR LEAGUE JOB AS A STUDENT at the University of Central Missouri, Trevor Vance ’00 knew what he didn’t want as a career, but a summer job with the Kansas City Royals set his course for life. Today, he’s in charge of a major league baseball field that many consider the best looking one in sports.

He took over from his mentor and summer boss, groundskeeping legend George Toma, in 1994.

A typical day at Kauffman Stadium averages 16 hours.

He and his two assistants start work at 8 in the morning with the day crew and stay with the night crew until an hour and a half after the game ends.

“We’ll turn 100 hours in a seven-game homestand,” he said. “If the weather’s good, we might come in at 9, just to get a little sleep. You lose your effectiveness when you’re worn out. But also, I want my guys to spend time with their families. This is a grind, so I’ll tell them, ‘You know what? Get up, have breakfast with your kids and come in a little later.’”

He watches all the home games from his office in the groundskeeper shop. “I want to see the replay; I want to see how the field is playing. Then another reason I watch it from my office is so many times there’s a threat of weather.”

That’s kind of a running joke: If you watch enough Royals broadcasts, you know when you see Vance on the field, you’re about to hear the six saddest words in baseball: The tarp is on the field. “When I come out, you might as well take cover, because it’s fixing to rain,” he said.

He loves the job. Sure, he has seen some bad baseball — some really bad baseball. And, like the players and managers say, it’s a grind, especially working outside in the summer.

“I mean, we’re the armpit of America when it comes to heat and the humidity in the summertime,” he said.

“And there’s days when you feel sorry for yourself, like, ‘God, why am I doing this?’ But then comes first pitch, you know exactly why you’re doing it.”

While his mentor Toma is remembered for “and then some,” Vance said he hopes when his time with the Royals is over people remember him by realizing that they never had to worry about the field.

“We want a family to walk into the stadium and we want the wife to elbow the husband and say, ‘Why doesn’t our yard look like that?’” he said. “And then we want the field to be forgotten.”

Editor’s note: excerpted from the Kansas City Star “The Legend of Trevor Vance, ‘The Best Groundskeeper in Baseball Today.’”

VANCE’S TOP TEN MAJOR LEAGUE LAWN CARE TIPS

10.

Always monitor weather 9.

Sodding can be a safe alternative to bare areas 8.

Keep mower blades sharp 7.

Gradually increase lawn’s height of cut 6.

Run water in early morning hours 5.

Overwatering can cause disease 4.

Correct watering practice is key, no how much water you are using 3.

Do not fertilize after June 15; wait until fall 2.

In early summer remove grubs, insects and fungus 1.

Don’t do too much in the summer Get more details about Vance’s tips, then watch the next video to learn how to make those infield grass patterns at https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lbJcWeN0nhc

CLAS S NOT ES

HAVE NEWS? Conference Board and in various aspects with the Committee for Economic Development, all in Washington D.C. He also has served as chair of the Board of Directors of the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Joseph Dandurand ’77, a former judge on appellate and circuit courts and a former deputy attorney general, will head the Kansas City Office of Legal Aid of Western Missouri. As executive director, he will lead more than 50 attorneys and 100 total

THE LITTLE SNAKE THAT COULD

Have news that you want to share with other UCM alumni?

Submit your class note at https://ucmfoundation.org/ get-connected/alumniupdates---class-notes employees who provide legal assistance to people with low income. Dandurand was a deputy attorney general in Missouri from 2009 until earlier this year.

Before that, he was a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, and before that, a circuit judge in Cass and Johnson counties in Missouri. He holds a law degree from the University of MissouriKansas City School of Law and practiced law for six years in Warrensburg.

Eric Halen ’77, co-concertmaster of the Houston Symphony,

returned to campus this spring to perform in a violin concert featuring the works of Aaron Copland, Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin and J.S. Bach. Halen has performed in major concert halls and music festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad, including Carnegie Hall with soprano Barbara Bonney and conductor Hans Graf, the Aspen Music Festival, the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan, and Cascade Head Festival in Oregon. His discography includes recordings for Koch International, for whom he has recorded Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, Mozart’s Adagio for Violin, and the Chamber Concerto’s clarinet and piano scores.

1980–1989 David Witte ’81 notes that when he left campus his senior year to backpack and live in Europe, it led him to a research library outside Stuttgart, Germany. What

SNAKES RULE in David Penning’s world. The UCM biology alumnus ’10, ’12 made news around the globe last year when his research revealed the humble rat snake can strike faster than a viper. This spring, it’s his research on the kingsnake.

His breakthrough findings debuted in the Journal of Experimental Biology and has since been picked up by media around the world, including The New York Times, Nature, National Geographic, Science News, The Atlantic, The Science Times, Live Science, the United Kingdom’s DailyMail, Germany’s Wissenschaftaktuell, Belgium’s De Standaard, Spain’s Ciencia, Canada’s Yahoo News, MSN, China’s Best China News, Discovery Channel and more.

What drew such attention? Penning’s research explored how a little kingsnake, only a few feet long, could feast on snakes 120 percent its size. The answer appears to be the efficiency of its coils. “The kingsnakes are little brutes,” said Penning, now an assistant professor of biology and environmental health at Missouri Southern State University. “They’re just stronger than other snakes. They use that elegant and simplified parallel body loop.”

he appreciates most about his degree is that “it gave me the ability to think outside the box and to go on and learn about ethnic cleansing in Europe. Even at my age, I would have never changed a thing about my time at CMSU.” Sam Dyer ’85, a tenured associate professor of communication at Missouri State University in Springfield, guided a workshop, “Trends in Issues Management,” for the Marshall (MO) Writers’ Guild. Dyer teaches senior and graduate level public relations courses and has published in Public Relations Quarterly, Public Relations Review, Journal of Public Relations and more. He also is an artist specializing in pen and ink, watercolor and traditional music arts.

Todd Forman ’87, campus pastor at the Baptist Home in Chillicothe, MO, and his wife, Kim ’91, are part of a Christian music

Snakes have fascinated Penning since he was a kid. “I never really had a true passion for anything else.

It was honestly during my time at UCM that I really started to think of it as a tangible career option. I was working through project ideas in the biology department when I realized this is what I wanted to focus on.

My master’s degree at UCM with Dr. Stefan Cairns really set the stage for the rest of my career. I am not even just shamelessly plugging UCM; I really see that as my jumping off point.”

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C L AS S NO T E S

group, the Redeemed Trio. They are former pastors at Hickory Hills Baptist Mission.

1990–1999 Traci Via ’91, ’15 has accepted a position as director of development and communication with Agriculture Future of America, a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization founded in 1996 by Crosby Kemper Jr. AFA partners with universities throughout the U.S. to provide college students and young professionals with leadership and professional development experiences preparing them to become leaders in the agriculture and food industries. Via was

previously director of alumni and constituent relations for UCM. Melissa Cooper ’97, ’06 has become manager of the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport in Kansas City. She is responsible for its overall operation and management, including safety and security initiatives, financial planning and regulatory requirements. Previously she was manager of field maintenance at Kansas City International Airport. She also was deputy director of the Johnson County Airport Commission in 2014 and assistant manager at the Downtown Airport from 20062014. Before moving into airport management, she was a contractor with the Federal

A RARE HONOR FOR INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE ALUMNUS AND PROFESSOR WHEN YOU TEACH at your alma mater in a subject area that you once studied, the circle is fairly complete. John Zey has taught safety and industrial hygiene courses at UCM for 21 years but first he received undergraduate degrees from here in biology in 1975 and industrial hygiene in 1976. Add to that a 20-year career as a commissioned officer with the U.S. Public Health Service, assigned to the National Institute of Safety and Health, and you begin to understand his most recent honor.

The UCM alumnus and professor of safety sciences has been named an AIHA Fellow by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. He joins his peers in receiving an honor bestowed upon only five percent of the group’s membership. He received the recognition during the AIHA Fellow Special Interest Group meeting June 6 in Seattle.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my peers and join others, including more than 40 UCM alumni who also have taught and served on the advisory board for the UCM program, in receiving this recognition,” Zey said.

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Aviation Administration, a system controller for Vanguard Airlines and a route scheduler for Executive Beechcraft. She holds a commercial pilot’s license.

2000–2009 David Mitchell ’00, ’02, currently principal at Raymore-Peculiar Middle School, has been named the new principal for Summit Lakes Middle School. He previously was middle school principal and assistant principal in the Independence School District. Before becoming a school administrator, he taught at the elementary and middle school levels in Independence and Columbia.

In addition to teaching and serving as program coordinator for the master of science degree in industrial hygiene, Zey has served on various college committees, the promotion and tenure committee for two academic colleges, and in the UCM Faculty Senate. He also has a doctorate degree from the University of Missouri Columbia.

He joined the faculty of UCM in 1996 following a 20-year career at NIOSH where he conducted industry-wide studies evaluating employee health outcomes from exposure to cotton dust, acrylonitrile and asphalt fumes. He worked in the NIOSH Education and Information Division, developing and directing three NIOSH courses and serving as project officer for 20 training grants.

Zey served as chair of the Communication and Training Methods Committee for AIHA, chair of the AIHA Academic Sig, and president of the Mid-America Chapter of AIHA. Founded in 1939, AIHA is considered the premier association of occupational and environmental health and safety professionals. Its 10,000 members represent a cross-section of industry, private business, labor, government and academia; they play a crucial role on the front line of worker health and safety.

“John is always willing to put in extra time and effort to help students reach their academic and career goals,” said Leigh Ann Blunt, chair of the School of Environmental, Physical and Applied Sciences. “He takes the initiative to really get to know his students and genuinely cares about their success.” Students who have had him in class praise his thorough knowledge and sense of humor.

ARE YOU A VIETNAM VET? For our upcoming issue, we are seeking alumni who served in Vietnam, especially women. If you are willing to share your story, please email ucmmagazine@ucmo.edu.

Jimmy Musgrove ’01 has been promoted from director of cultural affairs to deputy city manager in Columbia, MO. He will oversee the departments of information technology; law, parks and recreation; human resources; and public health and human services.

Melissa Tebbenkamp ’01, ’04, director of instructional technology for Raytown Quality Schools, was keynote speaker for the Seventh Grade Girls STEAM event for western Missouri in March. Tebbenkamp is one of 46 professionals in the nation and one of three in Missouri certified as an educational technology leader by the Consortium for School Networking. She serves on the CoSN national board of directors and was founding member and past chair of CoSN’s Missouri state chapter. She was honored in 2014 as recipient of the UCM Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Kevin Stensberg ’03 has accepted the position of graduate services manager at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. He will oversee residence life, orientation and the Student Center. Stensberg served as the lead author for the chapter, “International Employment in Student Affairs and Services” in the book, Supporting Students Globally in Higher Education, published by NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education in October.

CLAS S NOT ES

Matthew Groves ’04 has joined Castle Contracting as project director. He will help lead solar project pursuits and assist with the national expansion of the company’s Castle GPS service providing industry-leading subsurface utility investigation and mapping to construction projects. Groves previously served in management roles at Byrne & Jones and St. Louis University.

Chad Hertzog ’06 has been named the new principal for Lee’s Summit (MO) West High School.

He currently serves as assistant principal and activities director at Lee’s Summit High School.

In 2012, he was honored as Assistant Principal of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Missouri Principal’s Association.

Michael Wright ’06 decided the classroom was his strength and has returned to teach Project Lead the Way engineering courses, machining and robots at Smith-Cotton High School in the Sedalia School District. He also will serve as head coach of the S-C Team’s SCREAM robotics programs. In 2013, he was named the Sedalia Community Educators Association Outstanding Educator and in 2015 was honored as Coach Mentor of the Year at the inaugural Missouri Robotics State Championship.

2010–2019 Bonita Benson ’10 has become principal at Derby Ridge Elementary School starting with the 2017-18 school year. She currently is assistant principal at Paxton Keeley Elementary School. Her education career includes teaching English, social studies and reading and serving as an instructional coach. She also did administrative work for eight years at several schools in Kansas City.

Awards & Honors David Steward ’73, founder and chair of World Wide Technology, received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Washington University in St. Louis during their 156th commencement exercises in May. WWT is the largest African-American owned company in the United States.

Steward, widely respected as a civic and philanthropic leader, is funding a signature scholarship program at UCM, the Steward Scholars. One of these scholars is Robert Hilvert, who received the 2017 Charno Award as the university’s top male graduating student.

Deborah Orr ’74, ’89, ’01, retired Warrensburg R-6 superintendent of schools, received the Outstanding Emeritus Educator Award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators. The award recognizes retired administrators based upon length of service, participation in MASA while active members, significant accomplishments during education careers, and continued interest in public education after retirement.

Beth Rutt ’78, ’83, a member of the Warrensburg R-6 Board of Education and current director of student activities at UCM, received the Friend of Education Award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators. The award recognizes community members for their contribution to education, locally or statewide. Rutt has served 26 years on the Warrensburg school board.

Scott Patrick ’88, ’91, ’99, superintendent of the Warrensburg R-6 School

District, received the Robert L. Pearce Award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators. The award honors excellence in education and community leadership.

Eric Yazell ’90, ’92, theatre arts program coordinator at State Fair Community College for 17 years, was honored by the UCM Department of Theatre and Dance as its Ed See Outstanding Theatre Alumnus. Before State Fair, Yazell directed theatre at Crowder College. He has played more than 25 roles on stage and directed more than 60 productions. He has designed season ticket promotions and was responsible for bringing back children’s theatre at both Crowder and State Fair, generating annual audiences of 4,500 students, parents, teachers and patrons. The award was established through a gift from Ed See to the UCM Alumni Foundation when he retired as a longtime theatre department chair and professor.

Alexandr Alexin ’98, ’01 has been inducted into the 2017 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Hall of Fame. In a career cut short by injury, he is considered one of the finest distance runners in UCM history, having won four individual national championships. He was a seven-time All-American and won UCM’s only cross country NCAA Division II championship in 1996.

David Hayes ’02 has earned the designation of Certified Healthcare Constructor, a national credential from the American Hospital Association that distinguishes an

individual as being among the elite of the profession. Hayes is a project manager for Kelly Construction Group, an awardwinning general contracting firm in Overland Park, and is responsible for the overall coordination, management and administrative functions for projects from their development stage through completion.

Glenda Carmack ’09 received an honorary FFA degree at the 89th Missouri Future Farmers of America Convention.

Allie Huffman ’12, ’14 has been inducted into the 2017 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Hall of Fame. She is the only fourtime All-American in Jennies’ volleyball history. She ranks third in kills (1,686), second in career attacks (4,666), second in career matches with double figure kills (105), third in points (1,819), fourth in attacks per set (9.46), seventh in points per set (3.68) and eighth in kills per set (3.41) Lindsay Lettow ’12, the most decorated female track and field athlete in UCM history, has been inducted into the 2017 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Hall of Fame. She is a four-time national champion and a 16-time All-American. She won the 2011 and 2012 pentathlon and heptathlon national titles and nine indoor and seven outdoor All-American honors.

She is a four-time U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Field Athlete of the Year and was the 2011-12 NCAA D-II Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

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IN M E MO R I A M

1940–1949

1970–1979

1990–1999

Former Students

Willa “Sue” Higgins Snider ’40 Lynette Fickas Wilson ’46

Charles Key ’71 Dale Jones ’72 Hywanah “Hy” Robinson ’73 Keith Ware ’73 Steven Hon ’74 Stephen Pence ’74 Debra Love Clark ’77 Richard Clark ’77 Nils Magelssen ’77 John Crabill ’78

Megan McNally Little ’94 Treeca Davenport Powell ’95

Edward “Bob” Carr Jeanette Davis King Betty Duncan Lee Kathryn Thurston Masterson Deborah Smith

1980–1989

Spencer Ward ’10 Antoinette McDowell ’12

1950–1959 Sidney Davis ’50 Alice “Virginia” O’Neill Anderson ’51 David Fullhart ’54 Margaret Alter ’55

1960–1969 James Cash ’60 Joyce Jeffries Huffman ’60 Nancy Hitt Rutherford ’60, ’69 Ronald Stratton ’62 Gerald “Jerry” Jennison ’64 Edward Teague ’64 Lee “Ernie” Dow ’66 Hank Schreiber ’66 Charlie Leighter ’69

Mitch Atherton ’83 Scott Dolasky ’86 Gregory Vest ’88

Elizabeth Berry

Elizabeth Berry, a 1941 alumna and nationally recognized scholar in the college counseling career field, active in the 1970s and 1980s to secure equal employment opportunities for female professors in higher education, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016.

She was a former college counselor and director of pre-education at the Junior College of Kansas City and the Metropolitan Community College. She began her teaching career in Cass County and was teacher and chair of the social science department at Independence (MO) Junior High School before continuing her education career in New Mexico public schools.

She lectured in Europe for two years and then held professorships at the University of Maryland, City University of New York and Louisiana State University. Following retirement in 1987, she spent time on research and public service in the U.S., Mexico and Central America.

Frances Cleary

Frances “Frannie” Cleary, 84, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, in Las Cruses, NM. She earned a degree in 1954 from the University of Central Missouri, followed by a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York.

She taught school in Independence, MO, raised her family, then returned to teaching at James B. Rolle Elementary School in Yuma, AZ.

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2000–2009 Shelley Zinn Offield ’03 Frank Reiter ’03 Jeremy Dark ’06 Jason Barnes ’09

2010-2019

College High

Ralph Meyers Allene Bills Jon Soldanels Dale Heeren Harvey Strothmann Michael Wagner Ann Walters

Clyde Brookshier ’55

She and her husband, Edward, who survives, established a scholarship at UCM in memory of their son, Timothy, who was severely disabled at 10 months old by spinal meningitis.

Memorials are suggested to the Edward J. and Frances Allen Cleary Scholarship that they established in memory of their son to help students pursuing special education teaching careers. Gifts may be sent to the UCM Alumni Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or made online at ucmfoundation.org/give.

Ed Curtis

Friends

Edgar “Ed” Curtis, 70, of Sunrise Beach, MO, died Monday, March 13, 2017. He was manager of the University Union Facilities and Operations for 30 years before he retired in 1998.

He was born in 1946 in Hamilton, MO, to Orson and Vesta McCrary Curtis. He graduated in 1964 from Hamilton Penney High School where he competed in golf, basketball and football and was a member of the 1962 conference championship team.

Curtis earned a bachelor’s degree from UCM in 1968 followed by a master’s in 1975.

He was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma and lettered in football as the student equipment manager.

He was an avid sports fan and supporter of anything UCM. His community involvement included Warrensburg and Missouri Jaycees

where he held numerous local chapter offices and served as both Region IV vice president and director. He was the founder of the Old Drum Quail Unlimited Chapter and was a member and starting pitcher for the CMSU Fossils slow pitch softball team for 23 years.

Following retirement, he became an executive vice president for the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma in Warrensburg. He was a member of the UCM Football Chain Gang for 42 years and was inducted into the UCM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.

Memorials are suggested to UCM Athletics through the UCM Alumni Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or online at ucmfoundation.org/give.

Edward W. Davenport

Edward W. Davenport, 72, professor emeritus of mathematics, died Saturday, April 8, 2017, from a tractor accident at his home.

He was born in 1944, in Bowie, TX, to Guy Norwood and Polly (Gilliland) Davenport. He graduated from Amarillo (TX) High School then earned a bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University, a master’s from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.

He came to Central Missouri in 1972 as a professor of mathematics, becoming chair of the department in 1982. During his 29 years’ service, numerous new programs were developed, student organizations flourished, middle and high school math relays were

I N M EM OR I AM

encouraged, and the Missouri Journal of Mathematical Sciences was established and supported. After retiring in 2011, he served as an adjunct professor for five years.

He was a member of Rotary International, serving as Warrensburg’s Noon Club secretary, treasurer, vice president, and president; chair of the committee for foreign Rotary Club Members Exchange visits, and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Survivors include his wife Sonya, daughters Bethany Johnston and Holly Davenport, brothers Charles and James Davenport, and four grandchildren.

Memorial contributions are suggested toward the establishment of the Edward Davenport Memorial Scholarship Fund through the UCM Alumni Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or online at ucmfoundation.org/give.

Matthew Gibson

Matthew Gibson, 38, employed as a plumber in Facilities, Planning and Operations, died Saturday, March 18, 2017, in a motorcycle accident.

He was born in 1978 in Jonesboro, AR, to Jeffrey and Teresa (Dillahunt) Gibson. He graduated from Warrensburg High School where he excelled in academics and athletics, lettering in football. He attended the University of Missouri where he studied engineering before transferring to UCM to major in aviation. He joined the UCM staff in 2016.

John Gieringer

John Gieringer, 86, a 1952 Central Missouri alumnus, former president of the Missouri State Teachers Association and a national advocate for educators’ rights, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2017.

He was born in 1930 to Charles and Margaret Gieringer of Kansas City. During

BLOCK THE SUN WHEN HITTING THE ROAD!

his extensive education career, he organized workshops, sent out mass mailings and was a leading voice for the unionization of teachers.

His education career included Center School District and the Metro Christian Academy. He also traveled nationally to lobby with leading city and state officials as well as prominent Christian leaders for religion in public schools.

Memorials are suggested to the Counselor Education Scholarship through the UCM Alumni Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or online at ucmfoundation.org/give.

Jim King

Jimmie Lane King, 70, prominent Missouri educator and administrator, died Sunday, April 9, 2017.

He was born in 1946 in Preston, MO, to Morris Samuel “Tuck” and Wilma (McKenzie) King. In 1964, he graduated from Skyline High School and started undergraduate study in English, French, and Education at several universities, concluding with degrees from Central Missouri State in 1967 and 1968.

He taught at Branson High School, both before and after his three-year service in the U.S. Army Security Agency, where he served as a translator of intercepted Chinese radio messages. In 1974, he pursued further studies at the University of MissouriColumbia, earning a master’s in 1975, an education specialist in 1977 and education doctorate in 1978.

He was assistant principal, then principal at Rock Bridge Senior High School in Columbia, MO. From 1998 to 2014, he was director of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals.

His parents and brother, Kent King, a 1964 UCM alumnus, preceded him in death.

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Visit libertymutual.com/ucmo or call 1-800-981-2372

Aileen Luehrman

Aileen Hulda Luehrman, wife of art professor emeritus Richard Luehrman and mother of current art department chair Mick Luehrman, died Thursday, March 2, 2017.

She was born March 21, 1928, to Emil and Hulda (Schnakenberg) Heimsoth. She married Richard Luehrman in 1950 in Higginsville.

The family moved to Warrensburg in 1965 when Richard accepted a faculty position at UCM. For many years, she worked at UCM Textbook Services.

Their three children, Mick, Jane Hillhouse and Jill Redlinger, attended University High and two, Mick and Jane, also are UCM art graduates.

Memorials are suggested to the Richard A. Luehrman Art Scholarship through the UCM Alumni Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or at ucmfoundation.org/give.

Tom F. Maidment

Thomas Maidment, 74, a 1964 alumnus, former Mule and Tau Kappa Epsilon member, died Saturday, April 22, 2017.

He was born Oct. 29, 1942, in Excelsior Springs, MO, to Frank and Mary (Brown) Maidment. He earned a bachelor of science in business administration degree in 1961 from UCM. His fondest college memories were meeting his wife, Ann Achauer, who survives; making the Mules basketball team as a walk-on; being football and basketball color analyst on KCMW-FM; and serving as TKE president.

Following graduation from UCM, he enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard, initially assigned to a NIKE Missile Unit and later to a military police unit.

In 1965, he began a 37-year business career with Allstate Insurance Co. in Kansas City.

He received various career promotions and honors, including the Honor Ring, National Champion, Key Manager and Distinguished Leader Award. He retired in 2002.

Memorials are suggested toward the nursing department through the UCM Alumni Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or online at ucmfoundation.org/give.

Dick Myers

Richard Frey “Dick” Myers, 85, former assistant professor of zoology, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at his home near Protem, MO. He was born Feb. 1, 1931, in Hammond, IN. He earned a bachelor degree at Earlham College in Richmond, IN, followed by a

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IN M E MO R I A M

master’s degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Two years after serving in the U.S. Army as a preventative medicine technician, he began pursuit of a Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Missouri, Columbia.

He joined the UCM faculty in 1959, leaving in 1967 to become an associate biology professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City. In 1973, he became director of the National Weather Service Technical Training Center in Kansas City.

Following his retirement in 1991, he moved to a 640-acre farm in Taney County, MO. The last 25 years he spent landscaping the farm with native flora, raising beef cattle, tree farming and lease hunting.

Sam Overfelt

Sam Overfelt, 87, a 1951 alumnus and prominent Missouri attorney, died Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Jefferson City, MO. When he was born Sept. 27, 1929, his parents, native Missourians, Samuel and Agnea (Bradshaw) Overfelt, soon moved to the newly formed Lake of the Ozarks.

He graduated in 1947 from School of the Osage, then came to UCM. Next, he earned a law degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was assigned to the Central Intelligence Agency. He was married in 1957 to Gloria Lucas, who survives.

He had a private law practice in Springfield, MO, and served as an assistant attorney general under Attorney General John M. Dalton prior to being a lobbyist and chief legal counsel to Dalton as governor. Later, Overfelt was an attorney for Standard Oil Company in Chicago and general counsel for the Missouri Bankers Association. From 1971 until his retirement in 2005, he was president and chief legal counsel for the Missouri Retailers Association.

He was former president of the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society, past member and chair of the Missouri Counsel of Economic Education, former member and past president of the Jefferson City Country Club, past chair of the Jefferson City Area United Way, and a former member of the B.P.O of Elks in Springfield.

Among his many achievements was serving as co-chair in 1973 for the area vocational school bond issue that resulted in the Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City.

Caroline Rosser

Caroline Rosser, former home economics professor and director of the university’s Workshop on Wheels, died Saturday,

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March 12, 2016. She was the wife of the late Art Rosser, dean emeritus of the College of Applied Sciences and Technology.

Rosser held academic degrees from Wilmington College in Ohio and Southeast Missouri State. She wrote the original grant to establish UCM’s Workshop on Wheels, an in-service training project for child care providers, early childhood professionals and parents affiliated with the Department of Human Environmental Sciences. She directed the UCM program for 14 years and later guided a similar program at SEMO. Her career included several awards including Friend of Children Award from ALPA, the Missouri Distinguished Community Education Service Award from the Adult and Community Education Conference, the Early Childhood and Parent Education Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Distinguished Educator Award from the Missouri House of Representatives.

Survivors include a son, Art Rosser Jr., a 1992 alumnus and 2001 Outstanding Recent Alumnus.

Marion Ulrich

Marion J. (Owen) Ulrich, wife of the late Robert Ulrich, professor emeritus of safety, died Friday, April 21, 2017.

She was born March 15, 1930, and raised in Buffalo, NY. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State Teachers College and a master’s at Michigan State, then moved to Warrensburg with her husband, Robert, where she became a speech therapist in the Knob Noster public schools and Whiteman Air Force Base.

She loved the arts and theatre, both performing and directing. She sang in her church choir and was active in many organizations, including AAUW, PEO, Delta Zeta and Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

Memorials are suggested to the Barbara Ulrich Mathematics Scholarship or the Janet Ulrich Technical Theatre Scholarship, that the couple established through gifts to honor their daughters, Barbara ’77 and Janet ’79. Gifts may be mailed to the UCM Alumni Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or made online at ucmfoundation.org/give.

Judy Widener

Judy (Foltz) Widener, 58, a certified life coach and Kansas City community activist, died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017.

She was born Jan. 13, 1959, in New York and graduated from Springboro (OH) High School in 1977. After pursuing a broadcast career at KCTV 5, she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1997 and a master’s degree in 1998 from UCM. She became a certified life coach and authored the book, Power for a Lifetime. She became president of the Volker Neighborhood Association, co-organized Dance in the Park and worked with Bridging the Gap in conjunction with Kansas City’s energy conservation program. She was honored by the UCM speech pathology and audiology department as its Undergraduate Clinician of the Year. She also received the Board President and Leadership Award from Neighborworks America.

Rod Yeager

Col. Rod Yeager, a 1960 College High graduate and 1964 alumnus, died Friday, Feb. 17, 2017.

He was born in 1942 to Dr. and Mrs. Randolph O. Yeager in Princeton, IN. He attended K-12 schools in New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas before the family moved to Warrensburg in 1957.

He graduated from UCM with a degree in geography, history and economics, after which he joined the U.S. Air Force.

During his 24-year military career, he served as an ICBM combat crew member, intelligence officer, military assistant and aide de camp, and director of protocol in several states and abroad. He also competed in many amateur golf tournaments, becoming a four-times USAF Worldwide Senior (40+) champion and twice Inter-Service Senior (40+) Champion.

After retiring from the air force in 1989, the family moved to Kansas City where he became a PGA assistant at Hallbrook Country Club. He earned PGA membership in 1994 and worked as director of golf for the Kansas City Parks Department and executive director of the KC Golf Association. In 2003, he incorporated Yeager Golf Tours LLC and enjoyed taking clients on golf excursions to Hawaii and Ireland.

Among survivors are his wife, Nancy Jo Lacy. They met as students at UCM and were married in 1966.

Memorials are suggested either to the Hibdon-Vogel Geography Scholarship Endowment or to the Mules Golf Team.

Gifts may be mailed to the UCM Alumni Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or made online at ucmfoundation.org/give.

L U M N I F O U N D AT I O N B E Q U E ST S UCM A

e

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way Voncile Huffman died in 2002 but her teaching legacy survives. Through a will bequest she made to the UCM Alumni Foundation, she found a way to continue her love of teaching through an endowed scholarship that has helped hundreds of students follow in her footsteps.

Now is an excellent time to create or review your will.

Have you considered including a charitable bequest that will create a lasting legacy and directly benefit UCM students?

Contact Joy Mistele at 660-543-8000 or mistele@ucmo.edu to discuss this and other estate giving options that can benefit both you and UCM.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

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P.O. BOX 8 0 0 WA RRE N SB U R G , M O 6 4093- 5 038

Stay connected with us through your favorite social media platform at ucmo.edu/social

Q&A with

Emma Meloy RECIPIENT OF THE RUDOLPH & FLORENTINE GROTHER A N D B E U L A H M C FA R L A N D T E A C H E R E D U C AT I O N S C H O L A R S H I P S

“I’m so thankful for scholarships because they are helping me to continue my education at UCM, making it possible to reach my goals and dreams.”

— EMMA MELOY

What is your passion in life?

What do you love most about UCM?

All children deserve to learn and have the best chance to succeed. As a teacher, I can give them a better future by being a good influence and giving them a good foundation for learning.

I have loved every minute of my experiences in the elementary education department. In Sigma Kappa sorority, I found a nationwide family of sisters, and with the Mulekickers Dance Team, I have found a real challenge.

Last year we placed ninth in the nation!

How have scholarships helped you?

I am financing my education through scholarships, by splitting the costs with my parents and by working part time in Warrensburg. I’m so thankful for scholarships because they are helping me to continue my education at UCM, making it possible to reach my goals and dreams.

What are your plans for the future?

As an elementary education major, I am preparing to enter my senior level classes this fall. I am very excited to be able to pursue the career I have always wanted to do. Being able to help children and watch them grow is the most rewarding thing I can think of.

SE E T HE IM PAC T. B E T H E I M PACT. Make a gift toward scholarships at ucmfoundation.org