The Magazine for Alumni and Friends • Fall 2004

Alums Discover Western Gold! page 2

In the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark page 10

The Magazine for Alumni and Friends • Fall 2004

WesternWesternMissouriMissouri

Dear Alumni and Friends,

By its mission, Western iscommitted to excellence outcomesfor students - - to high quality aca-demic and social results. Western

focuses on students as individual learners and as members of societyas it builds these results. In the process, we prepare students to beleaders in their work and in the communities where they live. Ouralumni are eloquent testimony to the effectiveness of our mission.

In the past, I have written about the academic quality of Westernand the outstanding academic results that are achieved by its studentsacross many programs. I have also written about the strong profileWestern is developing for its excellence at the multi-state regionallevel and the national level. Western is emerging as a first-rateundergraduate institution that, because of its focus on students,develops excellent programs and produces excellent results forstudents.

Western intends, however, to do more than help its students toachieve academically. We prepare students for their role as citizensin the larger society. We do this in two ways. First, Western’s facultyand staff are themselves active in their communities. Last year, forexample, they gave more than 56,000 hours in service to their localcommunities. About 100 of our employees served on the boards ofcivic and service organizations in their communities. They arethemselves leaders and active volunteers in their communities. Theyare excellent role models for our students.

Second, equally important, we encourage students to becomeinvolved in their communities. In fact, last year, students offeredmore than 28,800 hours of service to the community. Theyvolunteered at food kitchens and at the Food Bank. They mentoredstudents in the public schools. They assisted in building projects forHabitat for Humanity. They raised funds to help the homeless. Theyworked to improve the appearance of their communities. Theybecame involved in support of local ballot initiatives. Often theywere leaders in these efforts, organizing groups to become involvedin improving the lives of individuals and in improving life generallyin their communities.

At Western, we celebrate the achievement of our students. Wecheer when they are recognized for the quality of their academicwork at the regional and national level. We are proud also of theirdeveloping sense of citizenship. We applaud our students forunderstanding their obligation as citizens to a good greater than theirown. We know that in encouraging them to become involved in theircommunities, we are preparing them to be excellent representativesof the Western tradition - - to be excellent alumni.

Yours sincerely,

James J. Scanlon

President’sPerspective

Contents

Features

On the cover: Colonel Stephen Cotter

is one of the alumsfeatured in Western’s

new ad campaign. See story on page 2.

2 Alums discover Western gold!Alumni shared their stories about their goldenexperiences at Western and became part of thecollege’s new image campaign – “Discover Gold.”

10 In the footsteps of Lewis and ClarkA faculty member may be the only person alive totruly follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark.

24 Alumna author survives and thrivesLynn Tolson, ’03, published her book about achildhood of abuse and addiction the same monthshe graduated from Western, and she is now workingon two other books.

Fall 2004 • Volume 2 Number 2

EditorDiane Holtz

Design EditorKendy Jones

Director of Public Relations and MarketingKristy Hill

Director of Alumni ServicesJulie Fiedler

Photo CreditsEric Callow

Alumni Board Kris Smith, President

Larry Andrews, Vice PresidentRobin Hammond, Treasurer

Jason Horn, Secretary

Charlie Burri, Taylor Crouse, Jeanne Daffron, PeggyEvans, Mary Ann Fenner, David Gall, Catherine Gann,Laurel Goforth, Dan Heckman, Rita Houston, PeggyIffert, James Jeffers, David Jordan, Dan Kellogg,Linda Kerner, David Lau, Tony Luke, Jill Miller,Kendell Misemer, Nancy Pilgram, Edna Pumphrey,Ralph Schank, Kim Sigrist, Patsy Smith, Mary SuppleBish, Greg VerMulm, Art Warner, Chad Welch.

Foundation BoardStan Hall, President

Emil Sechter, Vice PresidentDick Rochambeau, TreasurerGeorge Richmond, Secretary

David Bahner, Cheryl Bilby, Michelle Cebulko, Dan Colgan, Stephen Cotter, Steve Culver, EstherGeorge, Karen Graves, Peter Gray, Rick Hatten,Judith Hausman, Sherry Hausman, Cort Hegarty,Heidi Hornaday, Geraldine Lawhon, WallaceMcDonald, Vern Middleton, Carol Moya, LeeSawyer, James Scanlon, Kevin Schinze, LewisSeiter, Kris Smith, Loah Stallard, Robert Thedinger,Bette Tolbert, Thomas Watkins, Dan Nicoson,executive director.

Board of RegentsDirck Clark, Susan Colgan, William Hurley,

president; Janet Leachman, Patt Lilly, Carol Moya,vice president; Robert Hughs, student regent.

Western Magazine 4525 Downs Drive, MC 106

St. Joseph, MO 64507(816) 271-5651 • email: holtz@mwsc.edu

Missouri Western State College is an equal opportunity institution.

The Missouri Western Magazineis a publication of the InstitutionalAdvancement Office for alumni and

friends of Missouri Western State Collegeand the St. Joseph Junior College.

Departments5 Campus News

13 Sports14 Stewardship News17 Alumni News 21 Alumnotes25 Honor Roll of Donors

510

13

“I think it’simportant for

an alumnusto get

involvedbecause

of theopportunities

to have animpact, to

make adifference

and to shareopinions.”

Kris Smith, Class of 1996

2

Western alums, from left toright, Nicholas Saccaro,

class of 2001; Kris Smith,class of 1996; Dr. Michelle

Cebulko, class of 1993;Colonel Stephen Cotter,

class of 1978; Esther George, class of

1980; Marc Lewis, class of 1991

f e a t u r e f e a t u r e

“Our successful alums are truly‘Western gold,’” said Kristy Hill,director of Western public relations

and marketing. “They point the way to futureachievements that can be realized by succeedinggenerations of students who follow in theirfootsteps.”

That was why Kristy wanted alumni to berepresented in the new image campaign,“Discover Gold,” and they played key roles inthe new campaign from the beginning. One ofthe first projects was to create large, framedposters featuring alumni telling about their“golden” experiences at Western, and those nowhang on the second floor of the Nelle BlumStudent Union.

Alumni were also used in the advertisingcampaign, and in the college’s new video.

“We wanted to feature alumni who believedWestern had made a difference in their lives, intheir careers and in the decisions they havemade since graduating from Western,” she said.Six of those alums featured at left tell theirstories:

“I am a huge supporter of Missouri Westernbecause I know firsthand the high quality ofeducation it offers. I honestly appreciated theopportunity to assist in the promotion of what Iknow to be a tremendous educationalinstitution. Never underestimate the value of aWestern education,”said Stephen Cotter, ’78.

Stephen, the commander of the 139th AirliftWing of the Missouri Air National Guard inSt. Joseph, is a Foundation Board member.

The St. Joseph native took command of theAir National Guard unit in August 2003. He isthe father of two children, and his son currentlyattends Western.

“I think it’ s important for an alumnus toget involved because of the opportunities tohave an impact, to make a difference and to

share opinions,”said Kris Smith, ’96, vicepresident of commercial lending at USBank ofSt. Joseph, who was featured on a poster, inprint advertising, in the college video and intelevision commercials.

“It’ s always my pleasure to help MissouriWestern wheneverI am asked,” said Kris, who ispresident of the Alumni Association Board.

She noted that she enjoysgetting her husband and sonsinvolved in college events, andwas happy they could be in thecommercial. “It’s very excitingfor me. I think it’s a wonderfulthing to pass on to the nextgeneration.”

Originally from Cameron,Mo., she earned an associatedegree in mid-management,returned to Western andearned a bachelor’s degree inaccounting in 1996. She alsoearned her master’s in businessadministration. Kris said sheappreciated the encouragementand support of the Westernfaculty to help her meether goals.

Esther George, ’80, a native of Faucett,Mo., who was featured on a poster and in thevideo, believes her study abroad trip to theEuropean Common Market Countries in 1978 atWestern was a strong foundation for her careeras a senior vice president for the FederalReserve Bank in Kansas City.

“My ‘golden experience’was theinternational study program. The facultyencouraged me to leverage my foreign language

Alums discover Western

“I am a hugesupporter ofMissouriWesternbecause I knowfirsthand thehigh quality ofeducation it offers.”

Stephen Cotter, Class of 1978

studies and business curriculum with studyabroad,”she said. “It was an outstandingexperience. Looking back, I have to

acknowledge the faculty’sforward-thinking approach to arich learning experience thathas benefited me in a businessenvironment that has grownincreasingly global.”

After graduating fromWestern, Estherearned amaster’s degree in businessadministration. She and herhusband, Kevin, ’80, have twochildren, and reside inWeatherby.

Dr. Michelle Cebulko, ’93,a pediatrician in St. Joseph,said she has a lot of goodmemories of her days as astudent at Western. “I am verygrateful for my education atMissouri Western and reflectback upon that time in my lifefondly. I try to do anything Ican to help the college.” She

and her husband, Craig, ’93, reside in St.Joseph. Michelle is also a member of Western’sFoundation Board, and was featured on a poster.

Mar c Lewis, ’91, is the region sales

manager for Wire Rope Corporation of Americaof St. Joseph. The Columbia, Mo. native playedprofessional football for six years aftergraduating from Western. Marc and his wife,Allison, reside in St. Joseph, and he has adaughter and two stepsons.

“I take pride in saying that Igraduated fromMissouri Western,” Marc said. “The personalrelationships that I developed as a student havelasted through all these years.” He is a memberof the Athletic Department’s Hall of Famecommittee.

Nicholas Saccaro, ’01, is the director of theSecond Harvest Food Bank in St. Joseph andwas featured on a poster and in the video. Heand his wife, Leslie, ’01, are natives ofHamilton, Mo.

Nicholas, a former Western golfer, creditsthe unique experience as a student athlete andhis internship as a student as important factorsin landing his current position at SecondHarvest. Today, he works closely with theBusiness Department in offering studentsinternship and service opportunties.

“While I was at Western I think I took forgranted the number of quality people who werethere. There are so many thoughtful, sincere,intelligent people at Western who are trulycommitted to their profession and to thestudents. They are the gold there.”

Gold discovered on Western’s campus“Discover Gold.” St. Joseph and the surrounding region have been seeing and hearing that phrase lately, as that is the new

theme, or brand, for communicating Western’s quality to its audiences. “Discover Gold” can be seen on Western publications,advertising, television commercials, stationery and business cards to enhance Western’s image.

“The brand focuses on conveying the quality experience that Western offers to all our various audiences,” said Kristy Hill,director of public relations and marketing. “We want everyone in the region to recognize how Western enriches the lives ofstudents, faculty, staff, alumni and the communities it serves. We want them to recognize the excellent, high quality education weoffer students.”

The college worked with branding consultants for almost a year to create the theme and develop an implementation strategy,and ads featuring students and alumni telling how they discoveredgold at Western began appearing last May.

If you know an alumnus who has a great story to share abouttheir “golden” experiences at Western, contact Kristy at (816) 271-5649 or hillk@mwsc.edu.

campus news

• Senior Melissa Taylor was the only undergraduate student to present at an international economicconference in Miami.

• The yearbook earned an All-American rating, the highest possible, for the 15th time in 16 years. • At a national criminal justice conference, studentsJael Haecker, Lisa Roberts and Shelly Fritz,

along withJill Miller , professor of criminal justice, earned firsts in their competitions. • Dr. Victoria Wacek,assistant professor of teacher education, along with her collaborator,

received the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the National Association for Developmental Education.

assistant professor ofbiology and Western’scoordinator of theagreements.

When the agreementswere signed, Western wasone of seven schools andthe only public institutionin Missouri to enter into thepartnership with KCUMB,and only the second publicinstitution nationwide.KCOM had agreementswith 11 institutions.

Christopher Buckles ofSt. Joseph and Doni Walkerof Garden City, Kan. wereselected for the KCUMBprogram, and Katie Barkmanof Blue Springs, Mo. wasselected for admission atKCOM.

Christopher said aftermedical school he plans toreturn to St. Joseph and jointhe medical practice of hisfather Randy, ’91, and hisuncle Steven.

In fact, it was his father,

Western is one of a handfulof schools in the nation to

enter into partnership agree-ments with two medicalschools, offering an outstandingbenefit to students.

An agreement with theKirksville (Mo.) College ofOsteopathic Medicine (KCOM)allows two sophomores peryear a guaranteed seat upongraduation from Western.

In an agreement with theKansas City University ofMedicine and Biosciences(KCUMB), formerly Universityof Health Sciences, up to twosophomores each year may beselected to matriculate therefollowing their junior year.Students simultaneouslycomplete their first year ofmedical school and earn abachelor’s degree fromWestern.

“These two programsrecognize the fact that Westernturns out quality educatedstudents eligible for medicalschool,” said Dr. Jason Baker,

Medical school agreementsbenefit students

a graduate of KCUMB andWestern, who initiated theconversations between thatmedical school and Westernregarding the agreement.

“Missouri Western’s scienceprogram is one of the best forpreparing students forKCUMB,” he said. “It reallyprepares students well for whatthey face in medical school.”

Student Christopher Buckles talks with Dr. Jason Baker, who recently coordinated agreements with two medical schools.

Campus KUDOS

Fall 2004 Western Magazine 5

f e a t u r e

4 Western Magazine Fall 2004

“I take pride insaying that I graduated

from Western. The personalrelationships

that I developedas a studenthave lastedthrough all

these years.”

Marc Lewis, Class of 1991

The new Western Institute opened its doors this summer,encompassing all educationaland research outreach activities of

the college, including Continuing Educationand Special Programs.

“The Institute is a one-stop shop foranyone in the community who needseducational or research services. If we can’tprovide it, we will find a source that does.We take great pride in making that expertiseavailable to the community, ” said Dr. J. DavidArnold, vice president of academic andstudent affairs.

The Institute will develop a variety ofcenters according to the needs of thecommunity and the region. Examples of typesof centers could include life science, economicresearch, or arts development. The programsalready in place in Continuing Education willcontinue, he said.

David said the creation of the Institute is part of the college’sfive-year strategic plan, which calls for greater service to the region.

“The Institute is aone-stop shop for

anyone in thecommunity who

needs educational orresearch services.

If we can’t provide it,we will find a source

that does.”

Dr. J. David Arnold, vicepresident of academic and

student affairs

campus news campus news

New Western Institute developed to offergreater service to region

Dr. Ed Gorsky

Fall 2004 Western Magazine 76 Western Magazine Fall 2004

The 10th annual WesternAmbassadors’“Caribbean

Cruise Night at the Ritz” raisedover $16,500 for scholarshipsfor nontraditional students.Almost 300 attended this year’sNight at the Ritz, the bestattendance ever.

Also, a new Enright FamilyScholarship for nontraditionalstudents was announced thatevening. As trustee, USBankcreated the new scholarshipon behalf of the fundingcommittee of the W. FairleighEnright Charitable Trust.

Since 1989, the WesternAmbassadors have raised over$153,000 for nontraditionalstudent scholarships.

Caribbean Ritz a hit!

Bob Woodward, author of theNew York Times bestseller,

“Plan of Attack,” andWashington journalist whohelped expose the Watergatescandal, will speak at the 11thannual Convocation on CriticalIssues. His topic is “Plan ofAttack:President Bush and theWar on Terrorism.”

Bob will speak at 9:30 a.m.Tuesday, Sept. 14 in the M.O.Looney fieldhouse. The eventis free and open to the public.

He will also speak at adinner Monday evening oncampus. For more information,call 816-271-5646.

Iranian-American Society in1979 when she was takenhostage by studentrevolutionaries who supportedthe Ayatollah Khomeini.

“One of themost importantthings we need tolearn and tounderstand is thatthings don’toperate the waywe think theyought to in therest of the world.It doesn’t matterwhat the facts are.We’re dealingwith perceptions.

“My parents taught me thatdifferent was just that - notbetter, not worse, just different.We have to make our childrenunderstand that.”

Kathryn Koob, guest speakerat an Eggs and Issues in

June, said that as a hostage inIran for 444 days, there weretimes when “the intent wasjust to make itthrough theday.” But then,there were othertimes when shewould say, “Justget me throughthe next 15minutes, Lord.”

“I am sosorry I wasthere (in Iran)in thosecircumstances.I know I could have fallenin love with Iran,” she said.“I can’t imagine a countrymore welcoming than Iran.”

She was director of the

Stephanie van Reigersberg, who was chief interpreter of the White House and StateDepartment, recently visited Western to share her experiences of diplomacy and workingwith seven presidents. She is pictured with faculty members Dr. John Tapia and DeniseBartles Tapia, who arranged her visit, and President James Scanlon.

Author BobWoodward to speak

Kathryn Koob with Dr. Jim Roever

Former Iran hostage speaks at Western

Founding director hired for Institute

Dr. Christopher Shove was namedfounding director of the Western

Institute in July. He was formerly thedirector of the Center for GeographicInformation Science and AppliedGeographics at the University of Toledo,Ohio, and a consultant for Space DataSystems, Inc. of Houston, where he hadserved as president of the company.

Christopher had also served as anassociate professor in the regional and cityplanning division at the University ofOklahoma for 10 years.

He began his duties with the InstituteJuly 26.

Dr. Christopher ShoveDirector, Western Institute

Dean of ContinuingEducation to retire

As he prepares to retire inJanuary, Dr. Ed Gorsky,

dean of Continuing Educationand Special Programs, says helikes to wander over to the FredEder Building and peek intowhat had been his first office18 years ago. There was justenough space for his secretaryand him, and they were theentire Continuing EducationDepartment.

When he was hired, fewerthan 1,000 students wereenrolled in a smattering ofnoncredit courses. He had a$37,000 budget, and was given$10,000 seed money to developthe department.

Ed, who announced hisretirement last January, saidthat today, there are over40,000 enrollments each year incontinuing education courses,there are 55 employees and a$3.5 to $5 million budget for theself-supporting department.

Eight employees werehonored recently at

Western’s annual employeeawards ceremony.

Dr. Ken Rosenauer,associate professor ofjournalism, received theDr. James V. Mehl OutstandingFaculty Scholarship Award,given annually to a facultymember who has shownunusually significant andmeritorious achievement inprofessional scholarship.

Three faculty memberswere recipients of the Jesse LeeMyers Excellence in TeachingAward: Dr. Cindy Heider,assistant professor of teachereducation; Dr. Mitchell Haney,assistant professor ofphilosophy; and Dr. SharonVestal, assistant professor ofmathematics. The Myers awardis given annually to facultymembers who demonstrateextraordinary teaching abilityand make outstandingcontributions in their fields.

Four staff membersreceived Presidential Citationsfor their outstandingcontributions to the collegethrough their performance:Mar y Beth Alpers, Health,Physical Education andRecreation Department; LindaGarlinger , director of CareerDevelopment; Wayne Krause,mechanic; and JerryPartridge, head football coach.

Congratulations!

Employees honoredat ceremony

The new residential hall commons building, shown here in June, opened this fall. Itfeatures a lounge, coffee shop, convenience store and 24-hour service desk. Thecommons area, along with a 400-bed residence hall currently under construction, arethe cornerstones of a learning communities initiative at Western.

campus news

Dr. Robert Bergland,associate professor of

English, was selected as aFulbright Scholar to teach atthe Luts’k Liberal ArtsUniversity in Ukraine for thespring 2005 semester.

“It’ s a very selectiveprocess, so to be chosen isquite an honor,” said Robert.“This is an incredible learningopportunity for me.”

He said he first becameinterested in Ukraine whenjournalists from that countryvisited Western in 1999. “Iwas intrigued by the strugglesof the press in an emerging

democracy, especially a placewhich had been underCommunist rule.”

Along with teaching, Robert,who is Western’s studentnewspaper advisor, hopes toconduct research to compare thestudent press at the Ukranianuniversity to U.S. colleges. Hesaid that is what he will missthe most during his semesterin Ukraine - working withthe Western students on thenewspaper.

Professor toUkraine on Fulbright

campus news

Students in science classes at several northwest Missouri highschools and middle schools benefited from a $117,111 grant

received by Western from the Missouri Department of HigherEducation. The grant funded a two-week workshop for 13 areascience teachers, and included the purchase of laboratoryequipment for each of the schools.

Teachers at the workshop developed labs and investigativeprograms to help students learn about the elements of scientificinvestigation. Dr. Martin Johnson, dean of the school of liberal artsand sciences, was the principal investigator of the grant.

$117,111 grant aids area high schools

earned his bachelor’s degreein management from Western,and a master’s in healthcareadministration from theUniversity of Missouri.

Prior to joining Heartland,he served as special assistantto U.S. Sen. Christopher“Kit” Bond.

He also serves as a boardmember on the MissouriChamber of Commerce.

Student Robert Hughs ofSt. Joseph was sworn in asstudent regent at the Maymeeting. He is majoring ineconomics and finance.

Dirck Clark, ’85, was nameda member of the Board of

Regents at its April meeting.He will replace Lynn Watkins,whose term expired in October,and will serve a six-year term.

Dirck, chief businessdevelopment officer atHeartland Health in St. Joseph,

Do you know Poland’s topexport commodity? Or the

country’s major manufacturingproducts?Students who enrollin Western’s Global Viewpointcourse this spring will find outthose answers firsthand.

Global Viewpoint is asemester-long study of acountry’s economy and culturethat culminates with a trip tothat country to tour businessesand manufacturing facilities.This spring, AssistantProfessor of Business MatreseBenkofske will teach thePoland class.

“It’ s a unique class. It givesstudents an up-close view ofinternational operations,”saidCarol Roever, associateprofessor of business and pastcoordinator of the program.“They better understand thatwe are part of the globalbusiness community.”

The biannual course hasincluded visits to England,Scotland, Sweden, Finland,Germany and New Zealand.

Students gain “a-broad” education

Fall 2004 Western Magazine 98 Western Magazine

Dr. Robert Bergland

Andre Burns and Chanel Hansen try out one of the attractions at a campus carnivalsponsored by several student organizations last spring. The carnival, open to thecommunity, benefited St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Alumnus joins Western Board of Regents

10 Western Magazine Fall 2004 Fall 2004 Western Magazine 11

f e a t u r e f e a t u r e

Mark Hamilton, instructor of English, has been

studying the journals of Meriwether Lewis and

William Clark since 1985, and in 2000, became the only living person to travel the entire trail by boat and pack mule on the explorers’

timetable. Below are excerpts from the journals of his unique journey along the Lewis and Clark trail (see “In the footsteps of Lewis and

Clark”) alongside excerpts from Clark’s journals. More can be found on his website, www.lewisandclarkandmark.com.

Mark April 29, 2000Steve Plucker, a Walla Walla onion farmer and local historian welcomes us. He has two horses and private owners’ permissions for our

trek over the Celio Falls Indian Trail. It will save us 80 miles.

Clark April 27, 1806while here we were met by the principal Cheif of the Wal lah wal lah Nation and Several of his nation...the Indians informed us that

there was a good road Which passed from the Columbia opposit to this Village to the enterance of Kooskooske on the S. Side of

Lewis’s river,...it would Shorten the rout at least 80 miles....

Mark May 11, 2000A blustery, chilly day. There is snow and slush up at higher elevations. Sandi and Gayle stop to talk. They invite us to stay the night

out of the rain. It is windy; hail and overcast skies.

Clark May 9, 1806we precured Some pounded roots of which a Supe was made thick on which we Suped. the wind blew hard from the

S.W. accompanied with rain untill from 7 oClock untill 9 P.M. when it began to Snow and Continued all night.

Mark August 26, 2000Encamped with two outboards and five fisherman, I’m offered some walleye and hash browns, good cheer around an open fire.

29.5 miles today.

Clark 1st of September 1806

..those indians informed me they were Yanktons, .... I invited them down to the boats to Smoke. when we arived at the

Canoes they alleagerly Saluted the Mandan Chief, and we all Set and Smoked Several pipes. we came 52 miles to day only

with a head wind.

The journals of Lewis and Clark and Mark

8,000-mile journey from Pittsburgh, Pa. tothe Pacific and back. He did it by boat and packmule using no motorized transportation, and hefollowed the explorers’timetable.

“The world gets very big when you giveup your car and travel two to three miles perhour,” Mark said. “Fifty miles seems like a longway.” The westward journey was mostlyupriver, and Mark paddled eight or nine hourson an average day.

His interest in the Expedition began with aliterature class at San Diego State University in1985. The professor spoke often of the multi-volume journals of Lewis and Clark, and Markbegan to study them.

In the footsteps of Lewis and Clark

“I wanted to experience it (the Expedition)for myself to enhance my ability to express itappropriately. I’m trying to sense the poetry inthe journals,”Mark said. “I think I am nowmore sensitive to what they’re writing. I can fillin the gaps.”

Lewis and Clark’s lengthy journals of whatthey witnessed along the Missouri River did notinclude barges, factories, dams, railroad tracks,refineries and highways as Mark’s journals did,but Mark said he still experienced the beautyand awe of the wilderness.

M any have dreamed of the adventure and many have attempted it, but only one livingman has achieved it. Western’s instructor of English Mark Hamilton is the only personalive today to truly follow the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.

In 2000, almost 200 years after the Corps of Discovery, Mark traversed Lewis and Clark’s entire

“The elements were still out there just asLewis and Clark had written so many years ago.I occasionally caught a glimpse of what theymust have seen.”

The longer he traveled, the more he felt akindred spirit with wildlife and the naturalworld. “New doors were opened to me as Ifound myself in a relationship with theenvironment.When I did the route, I connectedin very important and significant ways to theenvironment.

“For me, the entire journey was anopportunity in learning how to love the earth.”

Western Magazine 13

Adventure awaits OutdoorSemester Students

“I journeyed to communicate our heritage, celebratemulticulturalism and to honor the Native American,” saysWestern’s instructor of English Mark Hamilton about his trekalong the Lewis and Clark trail (see “In the Footstepsof Lewis and Clark,” p. 10).

That is exactly what he hopes to pass on to the studentswho are enrolled in Western’s fourth Outdoor Semester thisfall. As part of the program, Mark will join students andfellow faculty members on a two-week journey whichincludes a three-day canoe trip on the upper Missouri Riverin Montana that follows Lewis and Clark’s path.

“It is one of the most exoticplaces on the entire 8,000-mileroute,” said Mark. “The amazingscenery is almost unbelievable.”

Outdoor Semester is a programwhere students spend 12 weeks inthe classroom and 12 to 14 daystraveling. The multidisciplinaryprogram includes integratedcourses in writing, music, literature,geography and outdoor education.A common thread throughout eachcourse is Native American studies.

The Lewis and Clarkcomponent was added this year incommemoration of the 200thanniversary of their journey. Alsonew this year is a Perspectives inMusic course, taught by Dr.Deborah Freeman, associateprofessor of music. In that course,participants study Native American

music including flute, drumming and fiddle playing.Students earn 16 hours credit for the Outdoor Semester,

but Dr. Elizabeth Sawin, professor of English and programdirector, said they gain a lot more than college credit.

“We give them a whole range of experiences out there,”said Elizabeth. “Our students have experiences with thenatural world that helps them become good citizens. Theylearn to care for our planet.”

Elizabeth noted that when students leave behind theirtelevisions, cell phones and CD players, they become moreopen to appreciate the natural world around them. “OnOutdoor Semester, magical things always happen.”

griffon sports • campus news

Josh Keister was named thenew head basketball coach

after the resignation of DaveSlifer last spring. Josh hasserved as assistant coach atWestern for seven years.

This past season, thewomen’s basketball teamadvanced to the NCAA

Congratulations to golfer Taira Roth of St. Joseph and footballplayer Eric McDowell of Savannah, Mo.! They were named

Female and Male Student-Athlete of the Year (pictured below).

Coach Tom Smith has noteworthy season

Athletes honored

Western men’s head basketball coach Tom Smith reached acoaching milestone in 2003-04, becoming the ninth active head

coach in the NCAADivision II to win 500 games. Tom, a 29-yearcoaching veteran with 16 years at Western, won the noteworthy gamewith a home win over Southwest Baptist.

He was also inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall ofFame in Springfield, Mo. in July.

Division II NationalChampionships for the eighthstraight season. Western'sDanielle McKinley ofEvanston, Ill. and Eldra Paixaoof San Paulo, Brazil werenamed first-team, All-MIAA.Eldra was also the MIAA’sDefensive Player of the Year.

Spring sports rockWomen’s hoops names new coach

Thank you, Gold Coat supporters!

The Griffon Gold Coat FundDrive eclipsed the

$400,000 goal for the 2004 Drive.

“We givethem a whole

range ofexperiences out there.

On OutdoorSemester,

magical thingsalways happen.”

Dr. Elizabeth Sawin, Professor of English

Athletic Department Hall ofFame Class of 2004 announced

Jack Burgess, ’73Jack played football as a defensive back from1970-72. He held all Western interceptionrecords until the mid-1990s.

Nick Finn, ’75 Nick, a baseball pitcher from 1972-75, wasnamed NAIAAll-District and All-Area in1974, and was a member of the 1975 NAIAWorld Series team. He won eight games inboth 1974 and 1975, and holds a careerrecord of 27-15.

Chris Sumrell, ’80 Chris played volleyball, basketball and tennisfrom 1976-80. She participated in two nationaltournaments during the same season forvolleyball and tennis. Chris was named all-CSIC in volleyball and basketball.

Darrell Van Lengen, ’80 Darrell, a four-year letterwinner, playedfootball from 1976-79. He was a two-timeNAIA All-District offensive lineman, teamcaptain one season, and was named All-Central States Intercollegiate Conferencein 1979.

Hillyard Inc., Bob and J.R. Roth, Jim Carolus and Scott HillyardHillyard Inc. has been a vital part of theAthletic Department, especially the men’s andwomen’s basketball teams, for over 25 years.Hillyard is a key corporate member of GriffonAthletics and the St. Joseph community.

The Athletic Department recently announcedthe Hall of Fame inductees for 2004. The

Hall of Fame banquet will be Friday, Sept. 17at the St. Joseph Ramada Inn, and the honoreeswill be inducted at halftime of the football gameSept. 18. For more information or to makereservations for the banquet, call 816-271-4481.

12 Western Magazine Fall 2004

The baseball team had anotheroutstanding season with a 33-

18 record. Senior catcher BrianDesch, Olathe, Kan., made 1st-Team All-MIAA.

The Griffon softball teamalso had an outstanding season,posting a 31-19 overall record.Head coach Jen Bagley wasnamed the Wilson/MIAA Coachof the Year.

The men’s golf teamadvanced to the NCAAnationaltournament in 2004, led bysophomore Brice Garnett. Bricebecame the first individual men’sgolfer from Western to play inthe NCAADivision II NationalGolf Championships. He wonthe NCAADivision IICentral/Great Lakes SuperRegional Tournament - anotherGriffon first - after takingmedalist honors at the MIAAChampionships a week earlier.

Coach Tom Smith

A message from the Foundation President

Dear Friends,Every time I drive onto the Western

campus, I feel an overwhelming sense ofpride when I think how Western offersstudents so many excellent opportunitiesfor success.

Now, more than ever before, I senseWestern coming into its own and emergingas a leader in higher education. Thecollege’s focus on applied learning,

community service and academic excellence has it poised forgreatness. And the best part is, you can help us get there!

As president of the Foundation, I call upon you, our loyalalumni and friends, to demonstrate your pride in Western. Withyour financial support, we can face the opportunities andchallenges that await us with confidence and a tremendous amountof momentum.

Stan Hall

14 Western Magazine Fall 2004 Fall 2004 Western Magazine 15

stewardship newsstewardship news

As an accountant, LoriEngland, ’91, has traveled

from New Mexico to Alaska.She is a successful businessowner and has garnered awealth of stories from hertravels.

However, she rememberswhat a financial strugglecollege was for her, so Lori,president of HTA Solutions,Inc., of Omaha, Neb.,established an annualscholarship recently foraccounting students.

“I relied on grants,scholarships and jobs to getthrough school. I wanted tohelp others because we needstudents who work hard andstick by their ethics.”

Alum sets up accounting scholarship

Groundbreaking for the Fulkerson Center, set to open next spring, was held in March.Pictured are Ralph Schank, Alumni Association; Susan Colgan, Board of Regents; Dr. JamesScanlon, Western’s president; Dr. Ed Gorsky, then dean of Continuing Education; Stan Hall,Foundation; and Dr. James Roever, then vice president for Institutional Advancement.

Thank you! Your contributions make adifference!Below are just afew examples of programsfunded this past year by yoursupport of the collegeFoundation: Student publication -“Canvas,”a new studentliterary journal, provides aforum for the writings andphotography of students,alumni and faculty. Thejournal is produced byWestern students. Chemathon and ScienceFair - Hundreds of highschool students visitedcampus last year throughFoundation-funded eventssuch as the Chemathon and ascience and engineering fair. Student Excellence Fund -Thanks to this fund,studentsreceived financial assistanceto attend conferences andpresent their research acrossthe country.Travel and Study Abroad -Several students receivedmonetary assistance to helpwith Travel and StudyAbroad expenses. Almost170 students took advantageof travel opportunities offeredby the college last year. Lecture Series- Severaldepartments hosted speakersthis past year, including aprofessor of philosophy andenvironmental studies fromVermont, and a historicpreservation consultant.

As a freshman at Western,Lori worked for Helen Taylor,a former instructor. “I learnedso much more than accountingfrom Helen. She taught me howto treat clients and employees,run an office, and how to striveto be the best person that I canbe. She made accounting fun.”

To this day, Lori says shefinds accounting fun, and herclients tell her she is not a“typical” accountant.

“I would encourageaccounting students to be openminded when it comes tomaking choices in theirindustry. Today, accountantsdo not just have to work inaccounting firms.”

Welsh Trust benefits college

The Western Foundation received $25,000 recently from theClare Reeder Welsh Trust. Clare, an active community

volunteer, died March 31, 2003 at the age of 92. From 1946 untilher retirement in 1978, she worked for the city of St. Joseph’sfinance department. Her husband, Walter, who died in 1989,worked at City Hall for 52 years.

Lori England, ’91, and her husband, Jesse

Creating goldenopportunities

You have the chance to creategolden opportunities for

students by contributing toWestern. Jerry Pickman, directorof development, recently spokeabout giving to Western, andwhat it means to studentsand donors:How are contributions used?Donor gifts provide ourstudents with opportunities thatset Western apart from othercolleges and universities. Thesegifts support scholarships,Study Abroad programs,internships, library materialsand a variety of outstandingexperiences for students. Why would a person want to give to Western? At Western, our students comefirst. Gifts make it possiblefor us to set the standardfor excellence in studentdevelopment and communityleadership. Many times, ascholarship means thedifference in whether astudent can meet his or hereducational goals.When can I make a gift toWestern?We rely on unrestricted orrestricted gifts from alumni andfriends each year. Gifts can bemade anytime throughout theyear. Many donors determinetheir gift at the end of thecalendar year to coincide withtax benefits.

Changing of the guard for Institutional Advancement

alumninew

s & events

Fall 2004

stewardship news

Bob and Jennifer, ’03, Hughs attend the alumni networking social that was held lastspring at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Over 75 alumni and business leadersgathered for the event. Bob is currently a student at Western.

Telefund ’04 calleda success

Morgan Cobb is teased by “Joe” at the secondannual Alum Night at the Saints in June. Her mom is Teresa Cobb, ’93. Area alums were also invited to the city’s Parties on theParkway event in June.

Would you like to receive amonthly E-Newsletter for

alumni? If so, please click on the newsletter link at

www.mwsc.edu/alumni, fill out the short form, and we will

add you to our list!

Dan Nicosonbecame thenew vice president for

institutional advancementJuly 1, bringing 31 yearsof advancement experienceto Western.

As vicepresident, Danoversees theoffices ofdevelopment,alumni services,publicationsand publicrelations andmarketing. Heserves as amember ofthe president’scabinet and asexecutive director of theWestern Foundation.

“Dan brings to Westernclear expertise and extensiveexperience in the area ofdevelopment,” said PresidentJames Scanlon. “He knowshow to lead a team of profes-sionals in the best interest of theinstitution he serves.”

“I am excited to be here,”Dan said. “The mission ofWestern is right in line with mypersonality and beliefs.”

In his new role, he hasvisited with several Westernalumni.

“The alumni I have metexpressed great pride inWestern. I hope we can developthat same feeling on a wide-spread basis.”

He noted that Westernhas a strong commitment toindividual student success,and that helps build alumniloyalty. “Where there is that

commitment, thereis usually a strongtradition of alumnihelping thosestudents whofollow them.”

He has alsobeen meetingwith communityleaders and friendsof Western. “Ihope constituentswill be comfort-able talking withme about the work

and needs of Western, and howthe college can match theirpersonal interests.”

Dan was the president ofVincennes UniversityFoundation in Vincennes, Ind.since 1990. Prior to that he wasassistant to the president foradvancement at Marian Collegein Indianapolis. Dan also servedas the director of developmentat the University ofIndianapolis and has taught atthe Indiana University Centeron Philanthropy since 1982.

He received his bacc-alaureatedegree in secondaryeducation from University ofIndianapolis and his master’sdegree in secondary educationfrom Indiana State University.

“I have been impressed

Dan Nicoson

Jim said he feels fortunateto have had two careers atWestern, and he enjoyed closingout his service to the college ininstitutional advancement.

“It was a real pleasure toend a 19-year career at Westernwith such a great team. We puttogether a team of spirited anddedicated individuals whoassumed the responsibility ofputting forward to the public thestrengths of Western.”

He said one of his proudestaccomplishments in academicaffairs was to have served onthe design team that producedthe Leah Spratt MultipurposeClassroom Building. He notedthat when it opened in 1998, itwas the only building oncampus with the advancedteaching technology. Now, allcampus buildings have beenupgraded.

Jim, a native of Wisconsin,said he and his wife, Carol,associate professor of businessat Western, plan to stay inSt. Joseph.

with the enthusiasm andprofessionalism of the entireadvancement team and lookforward to furthering the workof the college.”

Jim Roever, vice presidentfor institutional advancement

and executive director of theWestern Foundation, retiredJune 30 after a 19-year careerwith Western. He was hired asvice president for academicaffairs and assumed theinstitutional advancementrole in 2002.

“I am pleased to havebeen granted the opportunityto participate in an institutionthat is so dedicated to students,”said Jim. “It’s been a privilegeto work with students who arelearning, developing andmaturing, and to participatein the growth of the facultyand staff.”

Jim Roever retiresas vice president

Show your Western pridewhen you drive! A $25

donation to the collegeallows you to purchase aspecial Western licenseplate. All you need is a

verification letter from us.Call 816-271-5651

for details.Dr. Jim Roever

16 Western Magazine Fall 2004

Telefund 2004 was a success,according to Julie Fiedler,

director of alumni services.Almost $64,000 was raised overthe five weeks of calling.

“We really appreciate thesupport of our alumni,” saidJulie. “The success of theTelefund is due to theirunfailing generosity.”

As in years past, CingularWireless donated cell phonesand free long distance for thestudent callers.

Dan Nicoson named new vice president

Julie FiedlerDirector of Alumni Services

A t Western, Homecominghas been a tradition since

1970 - that is 34 years offloats, football, and festivities!

Alumni are alwayswelcome to “come home” toWestern, but Homecomingweekend is a great time to seethe campus alive with energyand enjoy the festivities withthe students. This year, we areencouraging all of our alumnito visit to see how the college

has grown and changed. Evenwith all the changes, we havemaintained the qualityeducation that was createdwhen it was a Junior College.

Western continues to growand change today. Severalconstruction projects are under-way on campus - the FulkersonCenter, whichwill have abanquetfacility for500; a new400-bedresidencehall, and acommonsbuilding for students to gather.

Alumni Services is growingand changing, too. Our officeand other InstitutionalAdvancement staff areplanning to take Western on the

road this year to reconnectalumni to the college throughevents and programs. A surveywas mailed this summer toseveral geographical areas thathave a concentration of alumni.

The survey response wasvery positive and has helpedus plan events outside of the

St. Josephcommunity. Italso gave us theopportunity tofind out howalumni wanted tobe reconnected orinvolved withWestern, whether

it was mentoring students,assisting with admissionsefforts or servingon a campuscommittee.

With this information, weare developing new programsand initiatives.

In an effort to reach out tomore alumni, we have createdan online survey. If youwould like to give us yourinput, please go towww.mwsc.edu/alumniand click on Online InterestSurvey. We appreciate yourfeedback!

alum

nine

ws

& e

vent

s alumninew

s & events

“Homecoming is agreat time to seethe campus alivewith energy.”

A new name!Congratulations to Julie (Lawrence)Fiedler, director of Alumni Services! Julieand Travis Fiedler were married May 1 inSt. Joseph. Her new e-mail address isfiedler@mwsc.edu. The phone number isthe same - 816-271-5650.

The Alumni Associationwelcomed eight new board

members at their annualmeeting in April, and theybegan their terms July 1:

Dr. Jeanne Daffr on, ’75,is the assistant vice presidentof Academic and StudentAffairs at Western.

David Lau, ’89, is thedevelopment and specialevents coordinator for theAthletic Department.

Charlie Burri, ’55, is thecommissioner of the Heart ofAmerica Athletic Conference.

Taylor Crouse, ’01,is thevice president and generalmanager of the Breit &Hawkins Funeral Home inSavannah, Mo.

David Gall, ’94, is anaccounting coordinator for theSt. Joseph News-Press.

Rita Houston, ’84, isproduct manager at WireRope Corporation of Americain St. Joseph.

Nancy Pilgram, ’99, is aloan processor for NovastarHome Mortgage in St. Joseph.

Ar t Warner, ’75, is withIDE Capitol Realty in St.Joseph.

Thank you to the outgoingboard members whose termsexpired in June - DeniseBartles Tapia, ’74, and LonFarrow, ’73.

Welcome, newAlumni Boardmembers!

Warren Chelline, professor emeritus of English, and Ralph Schank, AlumniAssociation Board, rest on a new bench on campus dedicated to the memory of Bob Berger. Bob was the financial aid director for 31 years and a member of theAlumni Association Board for 20 years.

Do you have a great story ormemories to share aboutyour favorite Western or

Junior College professor?I am looking for your storiesfor upcoming issues! E-mailme at holtz@mwsc.edu, or write Diane Holtz, Missouri

Western, MC106, 4525 Downs Drive,

St. Joseph, MO 64507

If you ordered an AlumniDirectory, they will be arriv-

ing in your mailbox in October!If you would still like to

order a directory, it’s not toolate!You may do so by callingHarris Publishing Co. at800-877-6554. However,please note that quantitiesare limited.

Happy 35!

Alumni Directoriesare on their way!

Thirty-five years ago this fall, students began attending classeson the new campus of what was then called Missouri Western

College. When the first four-year class graduated in May 1970, theAlumni Association celebrated the accomplishments of the 46graduates with the first annual Commencement Breakfast.

The Alumni Association was established in early 1970 withJohn P. Beihl, ’57, serving as the first president.

In a 1970 newsletter, John wrote, “Our prime goal is to assistMissouri Western in becoming one of the finest four-year collegesin the nation.”

Thanks to those who laid a great foundation!

Fall 2004 Fall 2004 Western Magazine 19

Alumni and friends gathered at Harpos Restaurant and Bar in Kansas City to kick off theMIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament in March.

Friday, October 8 Campus Tours & Open Houses 4-6 p.m. Wondering what has changed on campus? Take acampus tour with a Western V.I.P. or attend the openhouses across campus.

Alumni Awards Banquet Reception - 5:30 p.m.; Banquet - 6:30 p.m.Join us in honoring the Alumni Association Scholarship

recipients and the 2004 Distinguished Alumni and Faculty Awardees. The 2004 Distinguished Alumni areDan Kampen, ’81, Sean Nash, ’91, ThomasSchneider, ’64, and Nannette Wolford, ’73.The 2004 Distinguished Faculty member is Dr. StevenGreiert, professor of history. Cost is $18 per person.

Spirit Rally and Bonfire Get pepped up withstudents at the Spirit Rally and the Homecoming Bonfire!

alum

nine

ws

& e

vent

s alumninew

s & events

AlumnotesMar y Ann (McCar thy)Fenner, ’40, wrote that she hasbeen “active in one way oranother in the college sincegroundbreaking day.” Herhusband, George, ’35, nowdeceased, was president of theAlumni Association twice, andMary Ann currently serves onthe board. The retired realestate broker said she has evenattended classes as a non- traditional student. She residesin St. Joseph.

Earl Riddle, ’40, and EttaKathr yn “Kitty”(McGauhey), ’40, Riddlereside in Portland, Ore. Theyboth earned bachelor’s degreesin 1942, and Earl earned amaster’s in divinity and adoctor of ministry. Kittyrecently retired from 60 yearsof private piano teaching, andEarl served as a minister orexecutive in the UnitedMethodist Church in Oregonand Idaho for 54 years. “Thosewere happy days at the JC,”Earl said.

Helen Cassanos, ’41, and herhusband, Peter, of Clearwater,Fla., have 10 grandchildrenunder eight years of age.Their oldest son, Peter, wasrecently inducted into HanoverCollege’s Athletes’Hallof Fame.

Judith (Matthews) Geer, ’55,and her husband, Bill, havelived in Galesburg, Ill. since1963. Judith is a retired pre-school teacher and Bill retiredfrom the Biology Departmentat Knox College in Galesburg.They have three grownchildren.

Chuck Haskins, ’71, ofWoodbury, Minn., retired after30 years with 3M.

Doug L. Hedrick, ’76, issuperintendent for two schooldistricts, Appleton City R-IIand Adrian R-III. He and hisfamily reside in Adrian, Mo.

Pam Kent, ’79, was namedprincipal at Mark TwainElementary School in St.Joseph. She was principal inthe Craig, Mo. School Districtfor 19 years.

20 Western Magazine Fall 2004 Fall 2004 Western Magazine 21

JC alum honoredEdward “Norman” Peterson, ’48,

was selected as the 2004Distinguished Teacher at theUniversity of Wisconsin - River Falls,the highest award the university canbestow on a faculty member. Selectionis through polling of graduating sen-iors and recent graduates.

Norman has taught at the collegesince 1954 and has not missed a dayof teaching. He is recognized as a pre-eminent scholar on Nazi Germany andthe Russian occupation of EastGermany and Poland following WWII.

Lee Bush, ’84, accepted anappointment as assistantprofessor of communication atElon University in NorthCarolina. He was previouslysenior vice president ofKetchum PR in Chicago.

Jackie Dix, ’86, ofStewartsville, Mo., is the artdirector of St. Joseph’s newestmagazine, Josephine.

Melissa (Steele)Moran, ’86,joined Reece &Nichols RealEstate in Kansas City, Mo. andwas named Rookie of theQuarter for three quarters.

Susan (Kneib)Schank, ’86,received the FOX 4 CrystalApple for Excellence inTeaching and was named Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. Sheis the library media specialistfor the Park Hill School Districtand resides in Parkville, Mo.

Brent Skinner, ’86, was hiredas principal of Central Schoolin Chillicothe, Mo.

Tammie (Trouba) Noonan,’91, and husband, Kevin,announce the birth of twinsons, Joshua Thomas and RyanJoseph, born Dec. 19, 2003.They also have a daughterCatherine. The family residesin Lincoln, Neb.

Corey Sloan, ’91, was namedpolice chief of Cameron, Mo.

Alumni Banquet Reservation FormPlease complete this form and return it with your payment by September 29 to:

Missouri Western State College, Alumni Services Office, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507

Enclosed is $______ ($18 each) for _____ reservations to the Awards Banquet. I cannot attend the Banquet. Enclosed is $______ ($18 each) to pay for scholarship recipients.

Please bill my Visa Mastercard Discover Card # ______________________________________

Exp. Date __________ Signature ________________________________________ Make checks payable to Missouri Western State College.

Name ____________________________ Address ____________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________________

Please list names of banquet guests on a separate paper and include with your reservation. You may register online at www.mwsc.edu/alumni.

Saturday, October 9Homecoming Parade 9:30 a.m.Join Western and the community for a parade to seedecorative floats, area marching bands, and a horde ofblack and gold! The parade begins at City Hall and goesthrough downtown.

Tailgate Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Join your friends for a great lunch at the Alumni Pavilion.

Go Griffons! 2 p.m.Cheer on the football team as they take on the TrumanState University Bulldogs. Don’t forget to wear your blackand gold! Cost: $6 per adult, $2 per child - age 7 tohigh school; children under 7 are free. Tickets available at the gate.

Post-game Party 30 minutes after the game.

Join us for Homecoming “gold Rush ’04!”

Check out our website at www.mwsc.edu/alumni

alum

nine

ws

& e

vent

s alumninew

s & events

S. Craig Hufford, ’93, is alicensed professional counselorwith the Missouri Dept. ofCorrections, and has joined thefaculty of the St. Louis campusof the University of Phoenix.He resides in St. Louis.

Steve Swymeler, Jr., ’94,joined First Horizon HomeLoans in St. Joseph as arelationship manager.

Marnie Trimble, ’95, andKevin Johnson were marriedDec. 13, 2003. She is a nursingsupervisor with the AndrewCo. Health Dept. The coupleresides in Savannah, Mo.

Susan (Hayden) Mead, ’96,became licensed to practicetherapeutic massage and isassociated with JC’s Health andEnergy in St. Joseph.

at St. Francis Academy, Inc.of Atchison, Kan. She and herhusband, Steve, reside inAtchison.

Melissa Vlasis, ’00, graduat-ed from Lincoln University,Jefferson City, Mo., with anassociate of science innursing. She accepted an RNposition at North Kansas CityHospital in the ICU.

Aaron Edwards, ’02, is theinstrumental music director atAtchison High School,Atchison, Kan.

Lindsay Fiscus, ’03, is aKansas City Chiefscheerleader. She residesin St. Joseph.

Jessie Holeman, ’03, andBrent Homerding, ’04, weremarried Jan. 3, 2004.

Nancy Horton, ’03, wasnamed librarian at theBen Ferrel Museum in PlatteCity, Mo.

Kim Kelley, ’03, waspromoted to senior accountantin the small businessaccounting and advisory areaat Clifton Gunderson ofSt. Joseph.

Tammy Wedlock, ’03, passedher examination to become aregistered health informationtechnician.

Fall 2004 Western Magazine 23

Christina S. Smith, ’96,joined the law firm of Cadyand Campbell, LLC, of PlatteCity, Mo.

Nicholas Muller, ’97, earned amaster’s degree in nurseanesthesia and received thedistinguished graduate awardfor the class of 2004.

Taira Hepburn, ’98, waspromoted to senior associate inthe assurance area at CliftonGunderson in St. Joseph.

Michael Ir eland, ’98, waspromoted to small-businessbanking specialist at CommerceBank in Columbia, Mo.

Kellie Bogie, ’99, andBenjamin Austene, announcethe birth of a son, Alan John,born Dec. 22, 2003. Kellie isworking on her master’sdegree in high schoolcounseling. She is currently ahigh school Spanish teacher inAshland, Mo.

Kimberley Evans, ’99, andMatthew Rodriguez weremarried in January 2004. Thecouple resides in Brookfield,Mo., where she teacheselementary special education.

Dotty Dobbs, ’00, earned amaster’s degree in socialwelfare from the University ofKansas, Lawrence, and alsopassed her state licensureexam. She is employed as anLMSW mental health therapist

Alumnus surgeonreturns to Vietnam

“After 40 years, the character ofthe people was the same, but mosteverything else had changed,” said Dr.William Gondring, ’56, after volunteeringas a surgeon in Vietnam almost 40 yearsafter he had served there as a U.S. Navalsurgeon in 1965-66.

In 2003, Dr. Gondring, who has hispractice in St. Joseph, returned toVietnam with the Prosthetics OutreachFoundation and the AmericanOrthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society toperform operations on disabled childrenand amputees.

“This is a great program,” he said.“I intend to go over again when theopportunity arises. It has changed mylife beyond measure.”

22 Western Magazine Fall 2004

In Memory ...We honor those alums whohave recently passed away. If you want us to includesomeone in this listing, pleasecall (816) 271-5651, e-mail holtz@mwsc.edu ormail to Alumni ServicesOffice, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507.

Dena G. Bachman, ’81, St.Joseph, May 7, 2004. Billie J. Barclay, St. Joseph,Dec. 15, 2003. Billie was aformer member of theFoundation Board. Kenneth W. Castle, ’34, St.Joseph, Dec. 19, 2003. Glen L. Crawford, ’48, St.Joseph, Jan. 12, 2004. Lucile Ellington EvansDonovan, ’30, Gower, Mo.,June 27, 2003.Margar et A. Earhart, ’49,Stockton, Mo., Jan. 30, 2004. Donald E. Farris, JuniorCollege, Plattsburg, Mo., Jan.26, 2004. Barbara Potter Fox, St.Joseph, Jan. 5, 2004. Barbara

was the widow of Thompson E.Potter, for whom Western’s FineArts Building is named. John Gabbert, ’75, Grain Valley,Mo., Dec. 14, 2003. Col. Edward L. Grace, ’71, St.Joseph, April 27, 2004. Frederick C. Hunt, JuniorCollege, St. Joseph, Dec. 17, 2003. Jack R. Kessberger, ’42, St.Joseph, Jan. 6, 2004.Gregory F. Knapp, ’87,Savannah, Mo., Jan. 31, 2004. Charles E. Listrom, Parkville,Mo., March 21, 2004. Virginia E. Maxey, ’27, St.Joseph, Feb. 22, 2004. Dr. Bir t McClur e, ’42,St. Joseph,Dec. 21, 2003.Robert D. McCoppin, ’58, NorthOgden, Utah, March 16, 2004. Mar y Catherine McDonald,Junior College, St. Joseph, Dec.14, 2003. John P. Nerney, Junior College,St. Joseph, Dec. 13, 2003. Paul M. Quinn, Junior College,St. Joseph, Feb. 23, 2004. Joseph L. Roe, JuniorCollege,St. Joseph, April 13, 2004. Helen Roth, ’77, St. Joseph, Jan.18, 2004.

Kar en (Hoffman) Rounds,St. Joseph, Dec. 9, 2003.Roy E. Schaefer, JuniorCollege, San Antonio, Dec. 1,2003. Alan Schilling, ’68, Rea,Mo., Feb. 5, 2004. Kermit “W ayne” Smith, ’80,St. Joseph, Nov. 16, 2003. John A. Swanson, Sr.,Junior College, St. Joseph,Dec. 19, 2003. John K. Ward, ’83, ofTopeka, Kan., Feb. 24, 2004.Dana L. (Sewell) Williams,’85, Beatrice, Neb., Feb. 18,2004.Jeffr ey E. Yeakley, ’78, St. Joseph, Feb. 12, 2004.

Tell us what’s new! Name Maiden

Spouse Graduation Year(s)

Address City, State Zip

Phone e-mail

What’s New

Return to:WesternAlumni Office, MC106, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO64507, or email holtz@mwsc.edu

Dr. Judith Martin, KansasCity, died May 22. She washired at Western as a profes-sor of English in 1991. Shelater developed and directedWestern’s Center forExcellence in Teaching.

Dr. Judith Martin dies

alum

nine

ws

& e

vent

s

“It was ironic,” she said. “The bookI waswriting began with a suicide attempt, and by thetime it was published I was fighting very hardfor my life.”

Lynn is grateful for the support she receivedfrom Dr. Martha Ellison, assistant professor ofsocial work, and the YWCA to help hercomplete her practicum while enduringchemotherapy treatments.

“They made every effort possible to beflexible, to support me and to see me through.I am so pro-Missouri Western, and so gratefulfor my nontraditional education. My MissouriWestern experience was very enriching.”

Today, Lynn is working on a memoir of her breast cancer experiences, co-writing a bookwith Martha, who is a breast cancer survivor,also. They both had very different experienceswith their cancers and treatments, Lynn said,and the book will compare and contrast thoseexperiences.

A third book is also in the works, one thatdeals with creating lasting relationships andlearning to trust again. Lynn’s working title is

“Beyond the Fears.”Since graduating, she also

has made several presentationsto a variety of groups. Today,when readers of her book relatethat they had similar childhoodexperiences, Lynn says she isable to direct them to the rightcommunity resources for help,thanks to her degree.

“By bringing my darksecrets to light, it is my hopethat others who have had similarexperiences will know they arenot alone. Readers may exploretheir own emotions to openlines of communication,eliminate shame and experiencehealing.”

f e a t u r e

“I thought about what it meant to be

a survivor. I had overcome adversity and

endured dysfunction. I lived through

ordeals, faced demons and death, and

reconstructed myself. I was a survivor.”

Those are the words of Lynn Tolson, ’03, inher book, “Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor’sStory,” that was published the same month she

graduated with a degree insocial work.

In the book, Lynn, whoenrolled at Western at age 47,tells the story of a childhood ofsexual and emotional abuse and amentally ill parent. It begins withher suicide attempt at age 25,and goes on to relate how hercommitment to counseling madeher realize the value of living.

“I wasn’t writing for myself.I was writing for all women whohave suffered

oppression. I hope my bookpromotes understanding of theissues that cause individualsuffering and plague oursociety,” said Lynn. “Sexualassault, addiction and suicideare social problems that carrystigmas. Those stigmas cast acode of silence that do not solveproblems.”

Lynn is a survivor in anotherway, too. With her book in itsfinal stages, she was about tobegin her semester-long socialwork practicum at the localYWCA when she wasdiagnosed with breast cancer.

Lynn Tolson, Class of 2003

Fall 2004 Western Magazine 25

Alumna author survives and thrives

24 Western Magazine Fall 2004Lynn’s book is available for sale at www.1stbooks.com.

Gerald AbbottJanet AbbottLori AckermanLarry AckleyJeffery AdamsMarc AdamsErnest AdwellKaren AkersKathleen AlberLila AlbertsonErika AlbinJennie AlbrightJames AllamanFreda AllenMarwood AllenKristine AlleyNorman AlleyRaydena AllisonBrian AlmanzaDavid AlvarezBeatrice AndersonCarol AndersonMorgan AndersonLarry AndrewsLeonard ArcherRonald ArmstrongGregory ArnoldKirk ArnoldMirium ArnoldNancy ArnoldLesa ArthaudTimothy AshworthGregory AtchityGail AtkinsLori AtkinsShelley AtkinsDavid AtkinsonKellie AustenePaul BaackCharles BabcockJames BabichScott BachmanPaul BagnarolAndrew BakerDan BakerKaren BakerMarilyn BakerJames BallShirley BallJoel BallyCarol BaltezorMichael BaltezorWilliam BangerterAmber Banks

Jamie BanksSara BaratiKeenan BarkerJamie BarnardKaren BarnesChristy BarronElna BarronKelly BarrowsBarbara BartonFranklin BartonBozica BartulicaAlice Batson-StepanekRay BaurAngela BeamLorrie BeckSusan BeckerPaula BeeryBonnie BehrmanBarbara BeinBrian BellFred BellGary BellShelly BellKarol BembrickRoy BennerPatricia BennettFrieda BensingSandra BergerTod BergerJohn BermondJack BiddingMonty BiggerstaffRichard BighamKimberly BillesbachJim BirnbaumGeorge BishopBart BjustromJanice BlairBrian BlakeKit BlakeDeborah BlakelyLeslie BlakleySusan BlakleyChristy BlaneyLinda BlankLinda BlankenshipRebecca BledsoeVirgie BledsoeLloyd BoatrightGail BoddeStephen BodenhausenMary BoehnerMickey BohartGene Bollman

Charles BondJenny BonhamDon BorngesserVernon BoswellKim BowmasterJennifer BoydstonDonna BoyerRex BoyerShelly BoyleJobeth BradburyDavid BradshawJanet BradshawMabel BrahlerMichael BrayMary BreitDavid BrentanoMichael BrickeyRandall BrickeyDiane BringusSondra BrintonHarry BroadheadKathy BrockTerence BrockKylee BrockmannJames BrookeDebbie BroonerBarbara BrownCathleen BrownCathy BrownHarold BrownJennifer BrownMarsha BrownByron BrowneEric BrumbackCecilia BrunnerJohn BrunoFred BrunsSusan BrushNelda BryanKernan BryantMarshall BucherJennifer BuckCarol BucklesGail BucklesBarbara BuckleyRandy BuckmanMarion BuczekStephen BuhmanCheryl BundyTricia BurchBrenda BurgessRonald BurgessRoger BurnhamDorothy Burns

Nina BurnsJeffrey BurressKaren BurrisChristopher BurwellBetty BushLee BushJoanne BussingerLori ButcherKathleen ButlerStacy ByePhyllis ByersChristy CallawayMarvin CampbellCatherine CarltonRichard CarrollBarbara CarsonDebra CarverMatthew CarverHelen CassanosJanice CassellRonald CassellJoseph CastellaniJoseph CastilloRichard CatesCraig CebulkoMichelle CebulkoMeredith CecilAnita ChanceyAngela ChmidlingKenneth ChristgenRita ChristgenEllen ChurchEugene ClarkJennifer ClarkRichard ClarkSarah ClarkGerald ClarkeMaxine ClinkenbeardCheryl CluckMary CobbRichard CobbTeresa CobbWesley CofferHarold ColbochWilliam Cole JrAshley CollingsMary ColvinTimothy ConardFrank ConnettRita ConnettC ConoverSheri ConradKellie ConradyThomas Consodine

Patrick ConwayDavid CookJoseph CoonsArley CordonierLori CordonnierWilma CorkinsCindy CorneliusRobert CornettVicky CossDonald CotterBetty CoulterDonald CoulterBetty CourterLarry CourtneyAgnes CovaultScott CovaultDeborah CoxStormy CoxJohn CraftPaul CrawfordM Lorraine CrewsJeffrey CrockettDavid CrookStacy CrookMelody CrowderDavid CrowlTeresa CrowlYvonne CrowleyDavid CrownoverPeter CulverKevin CummingsJames CunninghamDonna CurranJanis CurranElaine CurtisJoseph CusackChristine DaffronJeannetta DanfordClyde DanielsRomme DarrahGwendolyn DavisCorla DawsonKaren DayShirley DaySteven DeatonMichael DebenitoAvanell DedmanMargaret DegenhardtJudy DenneyBarbara DennyDoris DeVaultLarry DialRoberta DiasDonald Dick

Honor Roll of DonorsThe following is a list of those who donated to the Western Alumni AssociationbetweenJanuary 1 and June 30, 2004.

Fall 2004 Western Magazine 2726 Western Magazine Fall 2004

Honor Roll of DonorsHonor Roll of DonorsMargaret DillonPansy DinwiddieJohn DitmarsMark DittemoreMichael DittemoreRhonda DittmarJoan DixonDorothy DobbsSandra DoddFrancis DombrowskiRuth DoorninkDiana DorrellLily DorseyMeredith DotyHeidi DownerJerome DownsJeffrey DozierJames DrakeWalter DrannanKatharine DrathTheresa DreherShelly DreierTimothy DreierRuth DrimmelAnthony DudikMary DudikDavid DuekerAudrey DuganLogan DukeRobert DukeSue DukeCynthia DuMontierJoel DunbarChristine DuncanKristi DuncanRuby DunhamGrant DuniganMarjorie DworshakVenita DycusLaura DyeThomas EarleyShelley EatonCatherine EchterlingDaniel EckhoffRonald EdelmanSusan EdsonWalter EisMary ElamCraig ElfordRoss ElfordKatherine ElkinsMark EltingLori EnglandRobert EngnellJolene ErranteCordelia EsryKyle EstesVickie EstesJoel EulerMargaret EulerPeggy Evans

Rhonda EvansPeggy Evans-CunningPhilip EveloffCharla EwartNancy FaaborgLawrence FaganGerald FankhauserRick FankhauserGeraldine FarleyMark FarleyEmerita FarnanKenneth FarnanPatrick FarnanTina FarrellCarol FarrisMelissa FeldhausEugene FellingSylvia FennMary Ann FennerElette FergusonMelissa FergusonPaula FesslerLorie FickessLori FiegenbaumNicholas FinnCarolyn FinniganKevin FisherRonald FisherSean FitzgeraldMatilda FitzpatrickMarcus FizerJohn FleckMarjorie FletcherBill FoddyJohn FoleyDonald FolksDorthy FordNancy FordJudith ForsseJoyce FowlerLois FoxBillie FrancisJoely FrancisLeAnn FrancisJana FranklinKaren FranklinTralucia FranklinHarley FreemanJames FreemanDouglas FridellJoe FriedmanCraig FuchsGarla FullerJohn FulmerRoy FuquaGregory FusonTerri GabbardKristina GabrielKaye GachOscar GaddyCharlene Gaffney

Diane GagnonLinda GarlingerDayan GarstMary GarveyAlberta GaunttJudith GeerJoanie GeesingRobert GeissertThomas GentryEsther GeorgeTara GeorgeLinda GerhardtM Frances GeroRichard GeroVincent GiannettaDonna GibsonTravis GipsonNikie GlasbrennerKaren GlauserAndrew GlazeJeannine GliseDonald GnuschkeAlfred GnuthakeLaurel GoforthAngela GoinSherry GoldenC GomelWilliam GondringAnnette GonzalesRonald GoodmanSharon GraeffJoyce GraemeMichael GraftonHelen GrahamDavid GrahlJeanie GrahlKaren GravesJoseph GraySharon GraySuzanne GrayDeborah GrazdaMary GreenMichael GreenEileen GregoryMartha GregoryRebecca GriffinHelen GriffithJerilyn GriffithCurtis GrimmTracy GrimmVirginia GrimmRandy GrosdidierKathy GroveNancy GuinnBarbara GulickHeidi GummigSherry Gust-WolfromLiann GustafsonJacqueline GuthalsKarla GuthalsRobert Haberle

John HaeberleEdward HaffeyChristine HaganBradley HaggardEileen HahnCheryl HaleGlenda HaleySuann HalterDixie HamJarrel HamAdam HamiltonGlenda HamiltonSandra HamiltonKaren HamletGeorge HammerRobin HammondWilliam HammondJulie HansbroughThomas HansenLaura HansonEddie HarbordKarla HardinMonica HargensKathryn HarpenauGregory HarperPamela HarperJamie HarrelDavid HarrisonBonnie HartiganKena HartiganCharles HaskinsHarlan HassenKirby HatcherSharon HatcherMitchell HausmanAmy HavensJanice HawmanNellie HawmanGeorge HaywardLinda HaywardCharles HazelwoodLowell HeathKimberly HeckerDaniel HeckmanJill HeckmanLois HeimsothLewis HelmBrian HelmichRalph HendersonJohn HenkeDeborah HenningsenSusan HenryAnn HenselBennie HensleyKerry HerkelmanEddie HerndonDesdi HernerIvan HerpelMary HerringMary HerzogSusan Heumader

Danielle HewittLeila HicksJoan HillKristy HillRodney HillMary HillixJ HinckleySharaon HinderksKenneth HinesFritz HirterGottfried HirterStephanie HoeckerJames HoeneHoward HoerathJoseph HolderMarie Holding TurnerJoy HolemanMark HolmesDiane HoltzDiane HookNeal HookAndrew HopeRachael HopeGeorge HopkinsGordon HopkinsWanda HopkinsElijah HornJason HornTara HornRhonda HoseltonTimothy HoufekPhilip HoughtonRonda HoughtonRobert HoushJudith HoveyHayley HowardStacey HowieKelly HudginsKaren HudsonJudy HuettnerPatty HuffLeslie HufferJosephine HuffmanStuart HughesMarjorie Hughes-YountJennifer HughsStephanie HundleyKaren HuntOlga HunterGary HurstStacie HurstMary HutchcraftBarbara IdeJennifer IdekerHerbert IffertPeggy IffertElizabeth IrelandDavid JacksonEleanor JacksonGary JacksonGrant Jackson

Janda JacksonJohn JacksonLouella JacksonShelley JacksonKimberly JacobsMargery JacobsSandra JacobsWilliam JacobsBruce JacobsonAmy JamesSusan JamesVernon JamesLynda JanesDavid JeffersEtta JeffersJack JeffersJames JeffersJames JenkinsDenise JenningsLinda JenningsRoy JenningsJerry JensenLucille JewettDennis JohnsonDouglas JohnsonJames JohnsonLinda JohnsonMichael JohnsonPamela JohnsonPeggy JohnsonTracy JohnsonAnita JollyBryan JonesJames JonesKendy JonesLarry JonesRachel JonesRobert JonesDavid JordanDonna JuhlJeffrey KalcicDorothy KalinThomas KalinTamara KarrJacquelyn KeckGreg KeeganDonna KeithWarren KeithJennifer KelloggRobert KelloggBilly KellyConnie KellyDennis KellyGlenda KellyEvelyn KelmelKrystal KempChristopher KendrickHeather KennellLinda KernerChristy KerrAlicia Kershaw

Katherine KetchemCharlaine KeyKevin KilroySharon KimbleNorma KingRetha KingShawna KirbyEllen KiskerPamela KlausAlbert KlawuhnNorma KleinGregory KlineSusan KlingensmithDavid KneibAngela KnightonKyla KobzejCarrie KochLarry KochTeri KogerSean KolegaKeith KonicyMilenda KonicyRonald KoozerEvelyn KopulosMary KornemanKathy KountzWilliam KountzPamela KramerSusan KramerDarcy KruseAnna KuhrMichael KunzJodie KurtzLaurel LafolletteGregory LammersMarilyn LarsonMichael LarsonBradley LauGerald LauCarol LaurentLu LawhonRoxanna LawingKirk LawrenceJoan LawsonKeith LehmanJohn LeidyMartha LeivanFrank LeoneSusan LeslieJacqueline LewinJean LewinJerry LewinGary LewisRobin LewisRichard LiermanFrances LileRick LilesKelli LinchJoyce LindElaine LippoldAudie Littlewood

Anna LitvakColleen LitvakWalter LoebleinJoseph LogsdonJerry LogstonArlene LongGeneva LongVicki LongJames LorenzPamela LotzBarbara LoubeyJoyce LoughrigeMark LovelaceBruce LovelessRitchey LoweStephen LowerAnthony LukeJohn LutzAnita LyonChrista LyonSheldon LyonAmelia MachettaRebecca MacKoyDorothy MaganaShawn MaloneLarry MalsonMariella ManvillePamela MarktChristel MarquardtMarjorie MarquartJean MarsolaJulie MartinL MartinNancy MartinCandice MartinezPaul MasonMerrill MastersTony MastersMichael MastioBradley MathersAnnie MathesJulie MathewsDon MatthewsElizabeth MatthewsMarilyn MatthewsTerri MatthewsNancy MattinglyJennifer MauerBeverly MaughBarbara MaxwellMarilyn MaxwellJohn MayfieldBarry McArdleLori McClainEvelyn McClureVicky McCoySuzanne McCreaLisa McCrearyHeather McCreeryRonald McCrereyBarry McCullough

Roger McCushLeona McDanielEleanor McDonaldMargaret McDonaldMark McDonaldMary McDonaldWallace McDonaldDena McDonellCarl McDowellRamona McEnaneyHervey McGaughDonnette McGinnessDavid McKayDavid McKeeVirginia McKenzieJohn McLaughlinWilliam McLaughlinJeffrey McMillianWilliam McMurrayBeverly McQueenPatrick McRaeLarry McWilliamsDavid MeadeKaren MeadeKenneth MeidingerEric MengLinda MerklingWilliam MerrittIngrid MertenByran MeyerJeanne MeyerShirley MeyerCarol MeyersJudith MeyersDonald MichelHal MiddletonBarbara MillerGary MillerGerald MillerGlenn MillerJill MillerKristina MillerM Carlene MillerMichael MillerNancy MillerSherry MillerTracy MillerWilliam MillerHugh MinerDennis MinschkeKendell MisemerLinda MitchellRobin ModisRamona MoeckMark MollusKenneth MonachGary MonaghanIreene MooneySteven MooreDennis MoreyMarian Morin

Barbara MorrisRuth MorrisonEunice MorrowKathleen MorrowCarol MoyaJames MoyerJudy MullinsNancy MulvaneyAnthony MurawskiJohn MurawskiRon MurawskiTami MurdockDeena MurphyShirley MurphyCharles MurrilKevin MurrilMary MuseBernard NapierHerbert NechemiasCindy NeelyNeta NeffDebbie NeilBarry NelsonCheri NelsonKaren NelsonLucille NelsonMichael NelsonSonya NelsonPeter NewboldJohn NewhartKirby NickellLinda NickellDan NicosonRuth NiehussGregory NikesPamela NinemireGloria NixonRonald NixonKaren NoldTammy NorrisThomas NortonRobert NowerDustan NullKim O'BrienThomas O'BrienDaniel O'RourkeRachel OberlanderWilliam OberleDennis OberlingDiane OliverMarjorie OlsonSusan OnkobaSondra OsbornKristine OstdiekDan OusleyEdward OwenBrenda OxleyKenneth PadenA PaivaMarjorie PalmerMark Pankau

Honor Roll of DonorsThomas PankiewiczBertha ParkerGary ParkerChris ParkhurstMichelle ParlettManisha PatelJean PawlowskiBeverly PayneJudy PayneKaren PayneMary PejsaWilliam PennistonMark PenrosePamela PerksJames PerryPatricia PerryVincent PerryJane PertainSusan PettigrewEthel PettijohnLisa PhillipsKaren PickettKenneth PikeShannon PikeHenry PilgramNancy PilgramKaran PittsenbargerRandy PiveralKarl PloegerKristina PloegerRandy PoggemillerPatricia PoloskiDouglas PorterEllen PorterDiane PowersStephanie PratherAngela PrawlStacy PrawlTim PrawlBarbara PrebleLayne PrengerH PrentissJennifer PrestonLinda PrewittPaula PriceDeborah PriesmeyerAmelia PriorCharles PurserDaniel RadkeZachary RamsayMichael RamseyLucile RandlemanJoann RanesMyrna RansdellJames RaoLinda RappMary RauthBeth ReamJennifer RedmanBruce ReedSheri Reineke

Jerry ReschkeLillian ResnickM Jane ReynoldsMichelle ReynoldsKathryn RhoadKelli RichardsonPeter RichieAmy RiddleMary RiddleJolie RileyRandy RileyRonald RitterCharlotte RoachWilliam RoachLinda RobbinsCarolyn RobertsonThomas RobertsonCharles RobisonJodie RochaJoyce RochambeauRichard RochambeauElizabeth RoderickJudy RoderickCarol RoeverDeborah RoeverJames RoeverDawn RogersLee RohrerRoger RohrerJacky RomansDavid RoseberryJanet RosenauerKenneth RosenauerGary RossMarla RossGreg RostGeorge RothMarilyn RothRichard RothRobert RothSusan RothAnn Rueter-AdamsCindy RumpfHawley RumpfRegina RumpfAlveda RussellSheri RuttenRhonda RyanVicki RyanJoseph SalankyLinda SaligaFrances SampleVictoria SampleCarolyn SampsonCarol SandersJennifer SandersRegina SandersNancy SandyMichael SansomPatricia SauerDeborah Schaaf

Robert SchaafJenny SchaefferRalph SchankKelley SchenkTeyoni ScheveMatthew SchieslJ Dennis SchildknechtBrenda SchindlerWayne SchleicherDavid SchmidtDavid SchmittLeo SchmitzJulia SchneiderLaura SchneiderLee SchneiderThomas SchneiderShelly SchoeneckElizabeth SchoenlaubBetty SchowalterJanice SchroerYvonne SchultzJoyce SchusterBob ScottCarol ScottMichael ScottThomas ScottWanda ScottJeanette SeitzRickey ShackelfordWilliam ShanksRobert SharpRuth SharpBetty SheltonWoodrow ShepherdJames SigristJoyce SimpsonRobert SimpsonLorraine SiskMildred SitesDavid SlaterFrederick SlaterCynthia SlavinJulie SmallAndrew SmithAnita SmithJudy SmithLinda SmithMatthew SmithPatsy SmithRichard SmithRoger SmithRonald SmithSusan SmithTerry SmithThomas SmithWillard SmithFloyd SmitherJustin Snead

Jill TamboriniJulie TaylorLelania TaylorNaomi TaylorStacy TaylorNancy TeschnerKendal TharpDorothy ThatchLinda TheeChristopher ThomasJoyce ThomasRandy ThomasDavid ThompsonDennis ThompsonGary ThompsonGeorge ThompsonJames ThompsonJohn ThompsonMary ThompsonRoger ThompsonWilliam ThompsonKimberly ThormanAllison ThorneSally ThorpSharon ThorpeJoe TillisonDonald TiltonBette TolbertFrances TownsendArthur TreuWilliam TreuChristine TurnerJulie TurnerKaren TurnerLeslie TurnerLillian TurnerMargery TurnerNellie TurnerMark TwomblyEdwin TylerMarcus TyrrellRobert UrquhartJohn VanderpoolDean VanwinkleCynthia VealeDenise VeraguthDarren VerbickPeggy VerbickGregory VerMulmClarence VetterKarla VeyRebecca ViebrockJohn ViewDiana VogelMaureen VogelSusan VolnerRobert Von KaenelJohn VossEugenia WagersLanny Wake

Delbert SniderCheryl SnodgrassDavid SnodgrassLynn SnodgrassNorma SnowEric SollarsLisa SollarsWayman SpanglerJulia SparksNeal SpencerAlison SperryDixie SpikingTraci SpillmanGita SpragueLisa SpragueAngelia SpringsNancy SpringsAmy StantonDorothy StarnesCharlene SteadmanMatthew SteeleRamona SteeleTammy SteinkampGretchen StevensDavid StevensonKerri StevensonDina StewartMarcia StewartLori StickenRobert SticklerNancy StilgenbauerPatricia StillmanRobin StimacSue StinsonLarry StollDenise StottlemyreDavid StoufferJerry StrongJanice StropMelissa StuartTara StuartJolene StubblefieldBarbara StubbsMary StuberChristina SturmDonald SullwoldPatricia SullwoldJanis SunderlandTerrie SunderlandWilda SwalePatricia SwartzLinda SweeneyDavid SwingTerri SwopesMaxine SwyhartRobert SyataTimothy Talbot

Sept. 14 Convocation on Critical Issues. Speaker Bob Woodward – “Plan of Attack: President Bush and the War on Terrorism,” 9:30 a.m.M.O. Looney Fieldhouse.

Sept. 30- “Blithe Spirit,” by Noel Coward. 8 p.m. Oct. 3 Sept. 30, Oct. 1 & 2; 2 p.m. Oct. 3,

Potter Fine Arts Theater.Oct. 8 Alumni Awards Banquet, Nelle Blum

Student Union, 5:30 p.m. reception; 6:30 p.m. dinner. Oct. 9 Homecoming: Parade-9:30 a.m.

Tailgate Lunch-11:30 a.m. Game - 2 p.m. vs. Truman State University.

Nov. 14 Concert Chorale Fall Concert. 3 p.m., Potter Fine Arts Theater.

Nov. 18-21 “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” by Tennessee Williams. 8 p.m. Nov. 18 – 20; 2 p.m. Nov. 21, Potter Fine Arts Black Box Theater.

Nov. 20 Young Artists Piano Competition, Potter Fine Arts Theater. Nov. 21 Jazz Ensemble Concert. 7:30 p.m.,

Potter Fine Arts Theater. Dec. 4 Concert Chorale performs with St. Joseph

Symphony, Missouri Theatre. Dec. 5 Symphonic Winds and Concert Band Concerts,

3:30 p.m., Potter Fine Arts Theater. Dec. 6 Orchestra Concert. 7:30 p.m., Potter Fine Arts Theater. Dec. 18 Commencement.Jan. 17 Campus closed – Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.Jan. 18 Spring 2005 classes begin. Feb. 21 Campus closed – Presidents Day holiday.March 3-6 “Romeo and Juliet,” by William Shakespeare. 8 p.m.

March 3 – 5; 2 p.m. March 6, Potter Fine Arts Theater.

March 10 Concert Band and Chamber Ensemble Concerts. 7:30 p.m., Potter Fine Arts Theater.

March 13-20 Spring Break – no classes.

For more information, call 816-271-5651 or visit our website at

www.mwsc.edu/news.html

Patrick WakemanRobert WaldropClarence WalkerWanda WalkerThelma WalkupAnn Marie WallnerLola WardWesley WardRobert WardenArthur WarnerMary WarrenWilliam WasserkrugHerbert WatsonMolly WattsJoseph WaymanCecil WeaverMarvin WebbEdward WeberKimberly WeddleTim WeddleRebecca WehrmanLisa WeilStacy WelterDawn WestWilliam WestJohn WestphelingLinda WeyerConstance WheelerPeggy WheelerDeanna WhitfordSteven WhitlockJennifer WhitsonGlen WhittenJo WhittingtonTerry WickhamAlbert WiedmaierGary WilbasCharles WilcoxWilliam WileyJim WilkersonCathy WilkinsonMary WilleVonda WillerAaron WilliamsClint WilliamsDiane WilliamsMargaret WilliamsRhea WilliamsSally WilliamsDonald WillisLavon WilsonMichael WilsonPatricia WilsonRichard WilsonTruman WilsonValerie WilsonRose WindhamLisa WindleBruce WindsorHal WingerMarilyn Winger

Roberta WingerJoyce WinstonLisa Wisdom-StrayerMichael WolfeRichard WolfeNannette WolfordLinda WolkenConnie WollenmanCheryl WoodKerry WoodNigel WoodRonald WoodRuby WoodJulie WoodsBret WorleyAshley WorrellJennifer WrightRoger WrightSharon WrightFranklin WyattKristi WyattEva YagerBlaine YarringtonSusan YeagerLisa YocumNathan YorkJudy YoungerChan YuMarcia ZankoDeborah ZaroorTheresa Zawodny WalkupRichard ZebeleanVernon ZelchMichael ZeorlinMelanie ZimmermanRita Zimmerman

28 Western Magazine Western Magazine 29

If we have inadvertently omitted or incorrectly listed aname, please bring it to our attention by calling theInstitutionalAdvancement Office at (816) 271-5647.

Calendar of Events

Thirty-five years ago, the firstclasses were held on the new

334-acre campus of MissouriWestern State College. InFrances Flanagan’s history ofthe college, she describedWestern’s new location as“three not-quite-completebuildings surrounded bygrassless and treeless groundsbroken now and again byparallel two-by-fours slippinginto the mud.” In the first year,2,536 students enrolled in thenew four-year college.

Today, both the enrollmentand acreage have doubled, andthere are now 11 buildings, fiveresidence halls, several pondsand a nature trail on campus.A commons building for theresidence halls opened this fall,

1. Fred Eder Student Services/Classroom Bldg (SS/C) - 1975

2. Janet Gorman Murphy Academic Center (JGM) - 2000

3. Frank Popplewell Classroom & Administration Bldg (A) - 1969

4. Thompson E. Potter Fine Arts Bldg (FA) - 1969

5. M.O. Looney Health, Physical Education & Recreation Bldg (PE) - 1969

6. Truman E. Wilson Professional Studies Bldg (PS) - 1969

7. Glenn E. Marion Memorial Clock Tower - 1997

8. Evan R. Agenstein Science & Math Bldg (SM) - 1969

a new 400-bed residence halland the Fulkerson Center,adjacent to the Leah SprattMultipurpose ClassroomBuilding are currently underconstruction.

To commemorate thecampus’35th anniversary, thecampus illustration belowshows the dates each buildingwas constructed.

Happy 35th anniversary, Western campus!

9. Nelle Blum Student Union (SU) - 197010. Leah Spratt Multipurpose

Classroom Bldg (MC) - 199711. Warren E. Hearnes Learning

Resources Center (LRC) - 196912. Spratt Memorial

Stadium Complex -197813. Baker Family Fitness

Center (FC) - 199614. Suite-Style Housing Complex

A. Beshears Hall - 1971 B. Logan Hall - 1971C. Juda Hall - 1971

15. Leaverton Hall - 199116. Vaselakos Hall - 1994