SPRING 2014
‘MY FELLOW BEARS…’ John Goodman returns to his alma mater to receive an honorary doctorate
All profits are reinvested in Missouri State University to support students.
Publisher: Missouri State University, Office of Publications Editors: Stacey Funderburk, Michelle S. Rose Designer: Amy Schuldt Class Notes Editors: Debbie Branson, Candice Wolf Photographers: Brittany Lancaster, Bob Linder, John Wall, Kevin White Writers: Debbie Branson, Jessica Clements, Nicki Donnelson, Vickie Driskell, Don Hendricks, Paul Kincaid, Rick Kindhart, Mandy Morgan, Andrea Mostyn, Don Payton, Michelle S. Rose, Clif Smart, Mark Stillwell, Courtney Wendel-Stevenson, Caitlin West
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OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Lori Winters Fan, Executive Director of Alumni Relations Wendy Ferguson, Executive Director of Development Denise Kettering, Director of Advancement Services Melanie Earl, Director of Annual Funds Jenny Crews, Director of Prospect Management and Research Stephanie Lashley, Director of Donor Relations Debbie Branson, Associate Director of Alumni Relations Candice Wolf, Assistant Director of Alumni Activities Angela Pinegar, Assistant Director of Advancement Services Cheryl Burnett, Director of Development Jacqui Coones, Director of Development Dick Laird, Director of Development Keri McKee, Director of Development Sophie Pierpoint, Director of Development Michael Whitley, Director of Development Kevin Greim, Senior Director of Athletics Development Austin Schilling, Assistant Director of Athletics Development Andrew Garton, Foundation Scholarship Coordinator Phone: 417-836-4143 Fax: 417-836-6886 Email: Foundation@missouristate.edu Email: Alumni@missouristate.edu Joe Kammerer, Director of Development, Missouri State-West Plains Melody Hubbell, Assistant Director of Development, Missouri State-West Plains Phone: 417-255-7240 Fax: 417-255-7241 Email: Development@wp.missouristate.edu ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeremiah Mee, President, ’93, Springfield Marilyn Bueker, ’76, Springfield Jim Cantrell, ’62, Springfield Kim Carlos, ’94, Kansas City, Mo. Al Ellison, ’57, Springfield Mary Kay Frazier, ’83, Springfield Brent Hanks, ’89, Ozark, Mo. Beverly Miller, ’73, Lebanon, Mo. Tyler Durham, student, Nixa, Mo. Taylor Juenger, student, Liberty, Mo. MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Richard F. Young, chair, Arlington, Mass. Robert A. (Tony) Foster, Springfield Robert C. Fulp, Springfield Billy E. Hixon, immediate past chair, ex officio, Springfield Karen L. Horny, Springfield Michael H. Ingram, vice chair, Springfield Gordon Kinne, Springfield Mary McQueary, secretary, Springfield Timothy B. O’Reilly, Springfield Patricia L. Sechler, Springfield Clifton M. Smart III, president, Missouri State University, ex officio, Springfield Joseph Carmichael, Board of Governors, Missouri State University, ex officio, Springfield Stephen C. Foucart, treasurer, ex-officio, Springfield W. Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State University Foundation, ex-officio, Springfield Cindy R. Busby, assistant secretary, Springfield
DR. JOHN GOODMAN, IN HIS OWN WORDS Acclaimed actor John Goodman, a 1975 graduate, was on campus Aug. 18, 2013, to accept an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the New Student Convocation.
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HOMECOMING HONOREES Meet the five winners of the Missouri State University Alumni Association Awards, honored at Homecoming last October.
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MAROONATION BALL The Missouri State University Foundation held its first-ever MarooNation Ball, a black-tie optional event, in November in St. Louis.
Phone: 417-836-4143 Fax: 417-836-6886 Email: Foundation@missouristate.edu Missouri State is published three times a year by Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897. Postmaster: Send address changes to Missouri State, Office of Alumni Relations, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897 Missouri State University adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability or veteran status in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Prohibited sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence. In addition, the University does not discriminate on any basis (including, but not limited to, political affiliation and sexual orientation) not related to the applicable educational requirements for students or the applicable job requirements for employees. Printed with soy ink. ALM 038 14
Take the alumni survey! We want to know what you think! The Alumni Association will soon be emailing a short survey about Missouri State magazine and other alumni communications. When you complete the survey, you get a coupon code from the Missouri State Bookstore! Update your info with the Alumni Association to make sure you will have access to the survey and receive invitations to MarooNation events near you:
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Join us for Public Affairs Conference The 2013-14 Public Affairs Conference will be held April 8-11, 2014. This year’s theme is “Global Perspective: Why It Matters.” Topics on the schedule include global nutrition, humanitarian aid, violence against women, health care, refugees, world energy needs, immigration and the eradication of poverty. All events are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. If you don’t live near campus, you can still check out some speeches. We stream many plenary speakers live, and those videos will also be available on our YouTube channel. Conference website: publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/conference
Past President Mallory recognized with Bronze Bear Former Missouri State President Arthur Mallory received the 2013 Bronze Bear Award as part of the Dec. 13 commencement ceremonies at JQH Arena.
Mallory is the 15th recipient of the Bronze Bear, the highest nonacademic award from the University. Mallory, an MSU alumnus, became the fifth president of Missouri State University in 1964 and served until 1971. He was the
Former Missouri State University President Arthur Mallory and his wife, Joann, were the recipients of the 2013 Bronze Bear Award. The award includes a framed resolution and an 18-inch tall Bronze Bear that weighs 45 pounds. Former Missouri State art professor Dr. Jim Hill designed the Bronze Bear award, and a 14-foot statue version of the Bear is located just north of Plaster Student Union. BOB LINDER
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youngest president in University history, beginning his tenure at age 31. He left the presidency to become the Commissioner of Education in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, a position he held from 1971-87.
Following his stint as commissioner, Mallory returned to Missouri State as the dean of the College of Education, a role he held from 1991-94. Mallory currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc.
Mallory was president of what was then Southwest Missouri State College from 1964 until 1971. During his administration the campus grew in almost every way, with enrollment going from 4,317 to 9,930 students. A graduate program was started and the evening program was expanded. New facilities were constructed, including Craig Hall, Temple Hall, Taylor Health Center, Baker Bookstore, Woods House and Blair-Shannon House. 1968 OZARKO YEARBOOK
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear alumni and friends: In my last message to you in this magazine, I outlined our eight goals for the 2013-14 school year. As we approach the mid-year mark, I wanted to provide updates of significant progress on several of these.
GOAL ONE: Modest annual growth of enrollment For fall 2013, Missouri State University set a system record. System-wide: 23,838 students (topping previous high of 23,092) Springfield campus: 21,798 students (up by 739 students, with increases in almost every category including transfer and graduate students) West Plains campus: 2,123 (up 21 from a year ago)
GOAL FOUR: Improve diversity on campus At its October meeting, the Board of Governors had an in-depth discussion of diversity among our domestic students. To summarize, while we have much yet to do to accomplish our goals, we have made significant progress in recent years. We provided the Board with background materials in preparation for this discussion, which I invite you to review online: www.missouristate.edu/bog/ diversityoctober2013.htm
DIVERSITY IS UP:
18%
Historically underrepresented students and international students made up 18 percent of the MSU student body in fall 2013
GOAL SIX: Upgrade or
Keep up with President Smart on Twitter: @ClifSmart
build priority facilities with an emphasis on sustainability We are proceeding with our plans to upgrade facilities. ACADEMICS We are moving forward to renovate Pummill Hall for the hospitality and restaurant administration department and the School of Social Work. We are continuing plans for an addition to Glass Hall and renovation of its public spaces.
online site. The B.E.A.R. Fee also will support goal seven, which is an athletics program that is competitive, compliant and successful in the classroom.
STUDENT LIFE We will refresh our residence halls, starting with Sunvilla Tower and Kentwood Hall. We plan to have the new Welcome Center, which will be used for student admissions and success, completed in fall 2015.
We continue to make progress on this goal, but I wanted to draw particular attention to the first-ever MarooNation Ball, held Nov. 2 in St. Louis. The black-tie optional event featured entertainment, dining and dancing. All proceeds support future Missouri State University Bears from the St. Louis area. It was a magnificent event that will now be a tradition, and we plan to hold a similar event in Kansas City. I want to thank those who attended and invite others to attend in future years. To get a flavor of the evening, see the story in this magazine on page 30.
ATHLETICS In October, students overwhelmingly passed a student fee of $50 per semester, known as the Bear Experience and Recreation (B.E.A.R.) Fee. Thanks to this positive vote — 2,948 in favor, 726 opposed and 232 abstentions — we will be able to bond to expand and enhance the recreation and athletics facilities for our students. The fee’s passage will allow us to move forward on four projects: Construction of new student seating at Plaster Sports Complex; A sand volleyball complex just southwest of Hammons Student Center; A soccer, track and field complex north of Glass Hall; and A field hockey and lacrosse complex where the current softball field is located. I invite you to see artist’s renderings of some of these projects at this magazine’s
GOAL EIGHT: Raising the profile of Missouri State
I want you to know that we put much thought into our annual goals, and then work diligently to accomplish them. I am very pleased with the progress so far this year, and I hope you are, too. Very truly yours,
Clif Smart President
Great things are happening at Missouri State! See a video showing “What’s New at MSU,” hosted by two students. Learn about impressive new facilities, new degrees and recent achievements • WWW.MAGA Z IN E.MISSOUR ISTAT E.EDU
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Plaster Center now open A grand opening and dedication ceremony for The Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development was held Oct. 3. Robert Plaster’s son Steve Plaster and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon were among those who spoke at the event. Visitors were able to tour the downtown building, a renovated space that is now home to affiliates that focus on entrepreneurship and business growth. It is also the home to some MSU programs and services, including the cooperative engineering program between the Missouri University of Science and Technology and Missouri State.
NEWS IN BRIEF Gen. Colin Powell to speak on campus
Powell
The Honorable Colin L. Powell, a retired general and the former U.S. Secretary of State, will visit campus
March 20. Powell has held military and diplomatic positions during four presidential administrations. He is currently in partnerships or on advisory boards of venture capital, energy and private equity companies, and is involved with many nonprofits and leadership organizations. Powell will speak at 8 p.m. March 20 at a Public Affairs Convocation Lecture in JQH Arena. The lecture is free and open to the public, but tickets are required to attend. Tickets may be picked up at the Hammons Hall, JQH Arena or Plaster Student Union ticket offices. Tickets may also be ordered by calling 417-836-7678 or (toll-free) 888-476-7849, but a $5 shipping and handling fee will apply. More info: www. publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/ PublicAffairsConvocation 6
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New members join Board of Governors Springfield attorney Virginia L. Fry and Kansas City attorney James Kendall Seal Fry were appointed in October to the Missouri State University Board of Governors by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. Seal The Board of Governors is a nine-member board that governs Missouri State University. Fry, an MSU alumna, is a partner at Husch Blackwell. Nixon appointed her for a term ending Jan. 1, 2019. Seal, an MSU alumnus, is a supervising attorney and director of medical-legal partnerships at Legal Aid of Western Missouri. Nixon appointed him for a term ending Jan. 1, 2019.
Public invited to diversity conference Registration is now open for Missouri State’s second Collaborative Diversity Conference.
The conference, which will be held April 24-25 on campus, is open to professionals and students from any discipline. The two days will feature presentations by leading thinkers from the region and around the nation. Conference attendees will learn about creating positive and diverse academic or work environments. Topics that could be discussed include diversity research, professional development, integrative activities and best practices. There is a cost associated with registration. To register or learn more: www.diversity.
missouristate.edu/conference
Chief of Staff Kincaid to retire after 28 years Paul Kincaid, Missouri State University’s chief of staff and assistant to the Kincaid president for university relations, announced plans to retire Oct. 1, 2014. Kincaid came to Missouri State University in 1986 as chief
public relations officer, serving as the first full-time director of university relations. University relations currently includes 27 people working in five units: university communications, publications, Web and new media, photographic services and athletics communications. Kincaid also oversees marketing efforts for Missouri State, including serving as the chairman of the University’s marketing council. In 1993, Kincaid was assigned the added role of coordinator of governmental relations. He has coordinated state initiatives since 1993 and federal initiatives since 2003. In 2005, Kincaid was also named chief of staff to the president. Among his professional distinctions, Kincaid is accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America and is a Fellow in PRSA. A search is under way for one or more professionals to fulfill Kincaid’s responsibilities, starting on or about July 1, 2014. To learn more: www. missouristate.edu/kincaid
Art and design department officially in new home Brick City, which comprises four renovated buildings downtown, has classrooms, studio spaces and more. A packed house celebrated the arts at Missouri State during the Sept. 17 ribbon-cutting for Brick City, the home of all of the programs in the art and design department.
‘We have created some of the best art space anywhere’ Brick City comprises four buildings, each about 100 years old. Renovations began in 2007, and these former industrial facilities now have about 85,000 square feet to meet the needs of students in disciplines such as animation, art history, ceramics, digital arts, drawing, graphic design and illustration, metals and jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. The buildings have offices, classrooms, studios and galleries. “This is truly a win-win project,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart. “A tired, worn-out part of downtown has been improved and, in the process, we have created some of the best art space anywhere.” Governor Jay Nixon and other officials spoke at the ceremony held at the Brick City West Gallery, 215 W. Mill St. Members of the public were invited, and everyone could tour the complex. Ceramics student Tawn Dickison spoke to those gathered at the ribbon-cutting about making the move from her program’s former space in the basement of Hill Hall. “In this beautiful new facility, we are located in closer proximity to our professors, giving us the opportunity to have more communication about our work. We are now just a short walk down the hall from the main studios and kilns. … We even have a room designated for glazing, which
The public was invited to tour Brick City and see some of the art and design classrooms in use during the Sept. 17 ribbon-cutting event. KEVIN WHITE
is something not every ceramic program has. Our studio spaces are brightly lit, clean and now we have multiple new sparkling sinks. Thank you for bringing us out of the dark and into a bright, nurturing facility.” The complex brings all of the art and design programs next to each other for the first time in decades. “We have dreamed about the day when everyone from the department of art and design could be located in one place and benefit from the creative spark that close proximity produces — and now that day is here,” said Dr. Gloria Galanes, dean of the College of Arts and Letters.
Brick City space will be used in other ways as well Brick City is part of Missouri State University’s IDEA Commons, which is an acronym that stands for Innovation,
Design, Entrepreneurship and Arts. Brick City has space that may be used by private businesses; for example, the Marlin Company Advertising Agency leases the third floor of Building 3. Students have already gained advantages from this public-private partnership by having access to internships with Marlin, and the advertising company has recently hired MSU graduates. In addition, renovations in Building 1 will make it the home of the new Doctor of Pharmacy program, a cooperative endeavor between the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Missouri State. The first class is scheduled to enroll this fall. “We hope a synergy will develop by having creative and technical people together in the same space,” Galanes said. “We know that Missouri State students will benefit greatly from this.”
Watch a video of remarks by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, MSU representatives and other dignitaries at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. • WWW.MAGA Z IN E.MISSOUR ISTATE.EDU
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MSU contributes to shoe drive More than 10,000 pairs of shoes were presented to Sole Food, a Springfield-based nonprofit, at the end of the Stomp Out Hunger All-Collegiate Shoe Drive. An event celebrating the drive’s conclusion was held Oct. 26 at Hammons Field. The collaborative service project was conducted by Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College, Drury University, Evangel University and Southwest Baptist University. Sole Food partners with Shoeman Water Projects to sell these shoes to distributors in impoverished countries. A portion of the proceeds goes to Friends Against Hunger, a Springfield-based nonprofit that packages and distributes meals. The remainder of the proceeds purchase supplies that bring clean, fresh water to those who need it. BOB LINDER
State increases appropriations, releases funds for health programs Special funding will create new health programs and enhance existing ones on Springfield and West Plains campuses. It took until mid-September to confirm, but for the current fiscal year (Fiscal Year 2014) Missouri State University received a 3.1 percent increase in core state appropriations, plus $1,325,000 to expand and enhance funding for health initiatives.
University’s budget was uncertain for part of the year When the budget was first approved by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Governor Jay Nixon this summer, Nixon immediately restricted $3.1 million of the core funding and the new health funding. He said the action was necessary in case his veto of House Bill 253, a tax-reform bill, was overturned. The governor said the bill would lead to a reduction in funding for education at all levels. In mid-September, the attempt to override the veto failed in the House, with 94 voting to override and 67 voting to sustain the veto. To override, however, it takes two-thirds (109 of 182) of the members. The governor released the funds to all higher education institutions the following day. The 3.1 percent increase for Missouri State means a total increase of $2,457,827 in the core budget, which now stands at $81,007,290. 8
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Much of the increase funds a 2 percent increase in compensation for faculty and staff, which was effective July 1, 2013.
Funding will establish new programs, expand others The special funding of $1,325,000 from the Missouri General Assembly will allow Missouri State to expand its health programs. On the Springfield campus, $825,000 is being used to establish a master’s degree program in occupational therapy. On the West Plains campus, $500,000 will enhance the nursing and respiratory care programs, add a certified nursing assistant degree and expand other health programs.
Occupational therapy degree fulfills state, national need Occupational therapists plan and direct treatment and programs that help disabled people become self-sufficient, allowing them to fully participate at home, school, work and play. This graduate program was proposed after a task force of representatives from Missouri State, area hospitals and the occupational therapy profession determined the need for such a program in the southern part of Missouri.
Students who pursue Missouri State’s new master’s degree in occupational therapy may have undergraduate degrees in related areas such as sports medicine (shown), biology, cell and molecular biology, exercise science or psychology. The new master’s degree is addressing a statewide and nationwide shortage of occupational therapists. KEVIN WHITE
There is a shortage of occupational therapists around the region, state and nation. The task force found that only a handful of institutions in Missouri offered graduate-level programs in occupational therapy, and all were located in the northern half of the state. Missouri State’s program will be the state’s first of its kind south of I-70. The first class of 24 students is expected to begin in fall 2015. By fall 2016, a total of 48 students is expected to be enrolled in the two-year program.
West Plains campus celebrates 50th anniversary University has grown from one building into a 23-acre campus with more than 2,000 students. Missouri State University President Clif Smart (center), Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (right) and West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett (left) were among other dignitaries, faculty, staff, students and the public at the celebration. They also signed a banner commemorating the anniversary (below). BOB LINDER
More than 700 people, including Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, gathered Sept. 16 at Missouri State University-West Plains to mark the day 50 years ago that the campus first opened its doors to students.
seven certificate programs and a variety of other credit and noncredit courses.
‘A campus of opportunity’
Nixon said Missouri State University-West Plains fills a unique role in the state An event held on campus included a because of its relationship with Missouri ceremony, lunch, photos and a giant cake. State in Springfield and its status as an A+ eligible institution. The A+ program allows Growth since 1963 students from qualifying high schools to Missouri State-West Plains opened Sept. 16, receive funds that apply toward the cost of 1963, as the West Plains Residence Center tuition and fees at community colleges. at the West Plains High School campus. A West Plains area residents have the total of 111 students enrolled for classes opportunity to obtain a quality education during that first semester. at an affordable price. Since then, the University has grown “This school is leading the way … to into a 23-acre campus in the heart of West make sure that education is the best Plains with an average enrollment of 2,200 economic choice for area residents,” Nixon students. It offers 15 associate degrees, said. “It’s a beacon of higher education for a wide swath of south-central Missouri. It will continue to be a campus of opportunity, and it will continue to rise to meet the challenges of the next 50 years.” Nixon praised campus and community members for the national recognitions Missouri State-West Plains has received in the past few years, including the campus’ recent sixth-place ranking in the Best Community Colleges category of the 2013 Washington Monthly College Kellett Hall was the first permanent home for the Rankings, saying such West Plains campus, and the new facility allowed recognitions only come in a the campus to begin offering classes during the community where education is day. The Kellett family donated the four-story a priority. home in 1973. WEST PLAINS ARCHIVES
Education has changed lives Missouri State University President Clif Smart also spoke at the event. Smart said the opening of Missouri State-West Plains marked the beginning of efforts to break the cycle of poverty that hovered over south-central Missouri. “The impact of this campus can be seen in this county and surrounding counties,” Smart said, referring to local residents who were able to become doctors, nurses, business professionals, teachers, bankers and more because of the education the campus has provided. “I want to thank everyone here for everything you’ve done to make Missouri State-West Plains a reality.” Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett discussed how the campus has grown in the last 50 years, from 111 students on that first day of class to more than 2,100 students this fall. “We owe our progress,” Bennett said, “to those who came before.” MISS OU RI STAT E
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DR GOODMAN He’s been Dan Conner. Walter Sobchak. James P. “Sulley” Sullivan. And now acclaimed actor John Goodman holds an honorary doctorate from his alma mater. Story by Michelle S. Rose Photos by Bob Linder
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J
ohn Goodman, in person, is less goofy than super-dad Dan Conner from “Roseanne.” He’s not as imposing (or weapons-happy, thankfully) as Walter Sobchak from “The Big Lebowski,” Gale Snoats from “Raising Arizona,” or Big Dan from “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” He’s far more self-effacing than Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.” In fact, the man known for creating big personalities as one of this generation’s best character actors was humble and soft-spoken during a visit to his alma mater.
Doctorate bestowed for work both on- and off-screen John Goodman, a native of Affton, Mo., came to Missouri State in the 1970s to play football. An injury cut his sports career short. “That was the bad news,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart. “The good news for all of us was that he changed his major to drama.” Goodman, a 1975 graduate, was on campus Aug. 18 to accept an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the New Student Convocation. He also held a meet-and-greet lunch and a Q&A with dozens of theatre and dance students. At convocation, Smart introduced him as an actor with “a great work ethic and incredible range of roles.” But he’s about more than fame, Smart said. “We honor John today not only for his acting career but for his willingness to use his celebrity status to help others. He has appeared in public service announcements about several important causes, including the oil spill near his home in New Orleans. Maybe most notably, he has been one of the leading voices and major contributors to rebuilding New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.”
Goodman has also supported the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (he has a cocker spaniel and a golden retriever) and has contributed to athletics and theatre programs at MSU and his high school alma mater.
“That’s what I came here for: I wanted to say thank you” Goodman’s convocation speech was candid, encouraging and funny. Among his first words: “Does this doctorate make my butt look fat?” But he quickly became introspective. “My fellow Bears, faculty members, leaders — thank you. That’s what I came here for. I wanted to say thank you because I owe this school so very much. Huh, I’m a big-shot doctor. I don’t feel like a big shot. I’m more scared right now than I was when I came down here in 1971.” That year, he loaded up his buddy’s 1957 Chevy clunker and they “barreled down (Route) 66 from St. Louis.” After the injury his first semester that kept him off the football field, “I kind of spun my wheels. Didn’t look good. … I didn’t know how lucky I was because I was in the right place.” The next semester, he was cast in a small role in a play. “I was smitten. The next year, I lost myself in a passion that I didn’t know I had. And I was so fortunate to find that passion here, where there were great, caring people to teach and guide me, to open doors for me, to unlock secrets and guide me to open my eyes and ears and observe life, to awaken and really have an honest look about what was going on around me so I could apply it to my craft, and, later, my life. “And I’m so very grateful for the friends that I made at this school. Friendships that were forged through endless hours of rehearsals, study and work — except it really didn’t feel like hard work because we were having so much fun.”
“I wish you everything… I wish you the future” Goodman didn’t shy away from discussing the difficulty of making it as an actor. “When I went to New York City, all I wanted in the world was to be able to make a living at what I love to do. That’s not asking much, is it?” He came to realize “that’s the lottery, man! That’s the Powerball. That’s asking for everything.” He also didn’t hesitate to talk about the problems, such as alcoholism, that followed on the heels of his success. “I got what I wanted. And it wasn’t good enough. I wanted more. I wanted more. And it was about this time that my brain started to try to kill me. My brain and I had never gotten along. … And what my brain has done to me is better documented elsewhere, and it’s subject to a whole different kind of meeting than we’re having here.” He described drinking to fill a hole that could not be filled, feed a hunger that could not be sated. “Maybe that’s because I had been given so very much and it felt like it came too easy. It doesn’t really matter what happened. But it was comfort and a relief to face that hunger for what it was, and know that it could never be fed, and to realize how much easier life was to be grateful — to say thank you for what I already had.” He got sober in 2007 and has been practicing gratitude ever since. “Be thankful for the small blessings we are given every day. Be grateful for the tender mercies that we are shown.” He ended as he began, again urging the students to appreciate each day and each positive person in their lives. “I wish you everything. I wish you fun. I wish you love with each other. And I wish you the future. And thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Watch John Goodman’s entire speech from the New Student Convocation. • WWW.MAGA Z IN E.MISSOUR ISTATE.EDU
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During Goodman’s Aug. 18 visit to campus, he held a Q&A with current students and accepted an honorary doctorate at the New Student Convocation (which featured a New Orleans-style parade in his honor). He also attended a reception where he was able to meet up with theatre friends and faculty from his past.
A few of Goodman’s many memorable roles FILM 1984: “Revenge of the Nerds” (Coach Harris) 1987: “Raising Arizona” (Gale Snoats) 1991: “Barton Fink” (Charlie Meadows) 1992: “The Babe” (Babe Ruth) 1994: “The Flintstones” (Fred Flintstone) 1998: “The Big Lebowski” (Walter Sobchak) 2000: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (Big Dan Teague) 2001: “Monsters, Inc.” (James P. “Sulley” Sullivan) 2011: “The Artist,” 2012 Academy Award winner for Best Picture (Al Zimmer) 2011: “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” 2012 Academy Award nominee for Best Picture (Stan the Doorman) 2012: “Argo,” 2013 Academy Award winner for Best Picture (John Chambers) 2013: “Monsters University” (James P. “Sulley” Sullivan) TELEVISION 1988-’97: “Roseanne” (Dan Conner); Emmy-nominated seven times for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series; 1993 Golden Globe winner for Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Series–Comedy/Musical 1998-’99: “Saturday Night Live” (guest appearances) 2003-’04: “The West Wing” (Glenallen Walken) 2007: “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (Judge Robert Bebe) Emmy winner for Outstanding Guest Actor 2010-’11: “Treme” (Creighton Bernette) 2011: “Damages” (Howard T. Erickson) 2011-’12: “Community” (Vice Dean Laybourne)
“Indians” — 1972
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
PHOTOS FROM MSU LIBRARY ARCHIVES
GOODMAN at A golden era of theatre John Goodman credits Tent Theatre and the late Howard R. Orms, longtime theatre faculty member, as feeding his passion for his future career. Goodman was on campus during a thriving era in MSU theatre. Many of his classmates and friends went on to successful careers in film, television and stage, including actor Kathleen Turner; actor Tess Harper, ’72; actor Jack Laufer, ’76; Fox Network Senior Vice President Monte Kuklenski, ’75; playwright and combat choreographer Craig Handel, ’77; and Broadway performer Dale Hensley, ’76.
Goodman was able to catch up with friends during his visit. Here, he talks with former teacher Dr. Michael McEhlaney (seated) and classmates Dr. Haven Miller (left) and George Cron. Goodman, Miller and Cron were in McEhlaney’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
— 1973
“George M” — 1974
“Destry Rides Again” — 1975
MISSOURI STATE Some of Goodman’s work on campus “Indians,” 1972 (Sitting Bull)
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 1973 (Nick Bottom) From the Standard’s Oct. 12, 1973 issue: “Stealing the spotlight was John Goodman and his portrayal of Nick Bottom, one of the peasants involved in the ‘play within a play.’ The audience loved it as he strode pompously across the stage, showing how he could portray each part in ‘Pyramus and Thisbe,’ the play the group of amateur performers were producing. But, perhaps, best of all was his death scene in this old Greek tragedy. The audience’s laughter and applause nearly broke up the show at this point; this scene alone was worth the admission price.” “Everyman” opera, 1974 (Worldly Goods)
TENT THEATRE 1974: “George M” (Ventriloquist) “Summer and Smoke” (John Buchanan Jr.) “The Fantasticks” (The Narrator) TENT THEATRE 1975: “Scapino!” (Argante) “Destry Rides Again” (Tom Destry)
Goodman’s recent, upcoming work “Alpha House,” a political comedy about four senators from around the U.S. who rent a house together in D.C.; it is the first original show produced by Amazon.com. (“I don’t know how they’re going to show it,” Goodman said while he was here on campus. “I guess on the computer, which is above my learning curve.”) “Inside Llewyn Davis,” a Coen brothers’ film that follows a young singer in the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. “The Monuments Men” — A George Clooney-directed film based on the true story of a World War II platoon that rescued art masterpieces from the Nazis. Also stars Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon and Bill Murray.
From Coen brothers to Tent Theatre, paparazzi to MSU mentors‌
IN HIS OWN WORDS John Goodman held a press conference with Missouri State and local media following his speech. This is an edited excerpt.
On Tent Theatre: The nights in Springfield, in the summer, they are unmatched anywhere else on Earth. It’s just heaven. Best thing about MSU: The friends that I made. We just shared a passion together while I was here. You can’t just throw that away. I had a lot of friends; we had a lot of fun together. Favorite role of all time: The one I mention the most is “The Big Lebowski.” And the one on “Roseanne” was a pretty good deal. About Joel and Ethan Coen, with whom he has done six films: I went to audition for them in 1985 for “Raising Arizona,” and I walked into the room and we just started cutting up. We just started goofing on resume pictures that were there and just really having a good time. … I had such a great time with these guys. They’re just two wiseacres from Minnesota — incredibly brilliant wiseacres. … These are the same kind of guys who would hole up in a room and read Mad magazines and drink sody pop and crack wise. On how he became successful: I don’t know. Boy, I wish I had the answer to that; I’d open a school. I have no idea. I’m just lucky. Getting recognized: Sometimes it’s weird. I’d just rather they say hi instead of (exaggerated drawl) “you know who you look like?” Yeah, yeah — Tom Arnold. But yeah, it’s nicer if they just say hello. I walked into a Panera (Bread) this morning and everybody’s heads turned, and I freaked out and walked right back out. I get nervous. Lack of privacy as a celebrity: It’s hard for me to talk about, because it’s like I’m whining about something. But it’s really impossible. And it’s become more prevalent since I started (acting). There’s an entertainment show on every channel now, and they can only cover the same thing so many times and there’s intrusive
ones that get in your face and try to get you to react. They become a part of the story. There are paparazzi who try to get you to misbehave. And it’s a part of the deal. I don’t have to like it, but it’s there and you have to deal with it (shrugging). Sometimes I just don’t go anywhere. On working on “Treme” in New Orleans, where he lives: I think that “Treme” exposed America to the culture of music in New Orleans. I think that’s the most important thing “Treme” did. It gave a lot of these musicians a stage and a voice and it was great to meet them. I mean, it was such a thrill. … Oh, man, these cats made great music. And they’re still making it. I liked that role, because I got to play a teacher. I always wanted to teach, but I don’t know how. What he would teach: Acting, but I wouldn’t know how to do it — “do this, do that.” If he weren’t an actor: I’d be sunk. I don’t know. Whatever I was doing, I hope I’d be happy at it. I’m so grateful for what happened to me here, because this is where I got to find what I wanted. On one of his favorite professors, Howard Orms (who passed away in 2001): I think what happened with me was, I grew up without a father (his father, Leslie, died of a heart attack when Goodman was about 2). And Howard had a lot of answers to a lot of questions, and if he didn’t have the answers we’d both look into it together. He was kind of a father figure to me. And at the end of his ... (becomes emotional) he told me he considered me to be a son. So we had a very good relationship and we worked very well together. Reuniting with Tent alumni: We do, every once in a while. Last year we all got together (on campus) to celebrate the Tent anniversary for 50 years. It was the coolest thing because we
got to drive around. Downtown hadn’t been developed yet when we were here. And there are so many cool restaurants and bars down there. And we just bummed around like we were in high school, just cruisin’. … It was just great to see so many people out; it was so lively, and Springfield’s gotten so big. It’s great to come back and discover it again and explore. I got up early this morning and just rode around. Got a cup of joe and just motored around town. I just love it here. It’s such a great place. It really is. Somebody gave me a great picture, it was in my hotel room when I got here … it was Kathleen Turner sprawled on top of me and I had a donkey’s head on, from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” I’d never seen it before and it’s a fabulous picture; it’s just beautiful. And I was so happy to receive it. On “The Big Lebowski” as a social media meme: I don’t think about it. I don’t know what a meme is. I don’t want to know what a meme is. I’ve lived 61 years without knowing — maybe I’ll make it another 10 or 20 without it. Advice to Missouri State students who want to act: (In New York at the beginning of his career) I couldn’t get arrested. I couldn’t get a job. I couldn’t even get a job as a waiter. Have a fallback job — learn to type, learn computers. Read, read, read, read everything. You can’t work unless you know the world. And, outside of living in the world, the best way to learn about the world is to read about it. Because you’re an actor, you’re going to play many different time periods. You’ve got to know your history. You have to know a little bit about everything — which I don’t. But it’s good advice! Do as I say, not as I do. Learn anything you can just to help you make it through when it’s difficult, because it is going to be difficult. Keep that attitude: “This is me.” You’ve just got to have belief in yourself. Faith.
2013 ALUMNI AWARDS MEET THE FIVE WINNERS OF THE M I S S O U R I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N AWA R D S , H O N O R E D AT H O M E C O M I N G L A S T O C TO B E R . Stories by Michelle S. Rose and Mandy Morgan Photos by Bob Linder
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L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D
GENERAL FRANK J. GRASS, ’97 CAREER: Chief, National Guard Bureau • LIVES IN: Washington, D.C. • FAMILY: Wife, Patricia; five children
Four-star General Frank J. Grass works in the Pentagon and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He advises federal leaders, such as President Barack Obama and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, on matters such as homeland security and natural-disaster response. He communicates the positions of the more than 460,000 men and women in the National Guard, and is responsible for ensuring they are ready to mobilize. Grass, who is from Arnold, Mo., enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1969 at age 18. He earned an associate’s degree in 1975, then went to work for the Army Corps of Engineers in St. Louis. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1985 in Minnesota, and was next assigned to Missouri State’s ROTC program. From 1988-91 he was a military science instructor here. “I loved teaching at MSU.” At night, he took classes for a master’s degree in resource planning. He completed his thesis in 1997. On Sept. 11, 2001, he was a colonel working just three miles from the Pentagon attack. The experience of handling operations that day, combined with his advanced degrees, started him on a path toward the highest levels of military leadership. He took over the National Guard Bureau in September 2012. How did your time at Missouri State help you succeed? I would not be wearing this uniform today, as a four-star, without the master’s degree. Without it, I wouldn’t have gotten into the National War College, which pushed my career forward. The master’s program also changed the way I think about things. You have to start making decisions, then justifying those decisions, and being able to fight for your decisions. Doing the research, taking a position and fighting for the position is a lot of what I do now. This year’s Homecoming theme was “Bears Forever!” Besides a Bear, what will you be forever? I will be a father, a grandfather and a husband forever.
O U T S TA N D I N G A L U M N I AWA R D
BARRY E. JOHNSON, ’74 CAREER: President and CEO, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce • LIVES IN: Coral Springs, Fla. FAMILY: Wife, Cathy; two grown children and three grandchildren; brother, Chris, is also a Bear!
Barry E. Johnson is a leader in Miami, presiding over the largest business organization in South Florida. He wasn’t always in the habit of meeting with Fortune 500 moguls. He earned a broadcasting degree at MSU, and still has the resonant voice to prove it. At 23, he was one of the youngest TV anchors in the nation at Springfield station KMTC 27, then an ABC-affiliate owned by long-time MSU supporters Jane and Ken Meyer. He also worked for their KTXR radio station, then for radio stations KTTS in Springfield and WIL in St. Louis. He shifted into corporate work, building a career at AT&T. For more than 25 years, he moved up the ladder — and eventually moved to Miami as vice president of AT&T Corporate Affairs. About seven years ago, he was chosen to lead the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. You attend Florida alumni gatherings, and helped re-establish Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at MSU. Why is it important to stay involved in your alma mater? Your undergraduate work is a defining part of your life — that common thread can be powerful. Life is a lot like Legos. You build on the base and make wonderful things happen. For me, life started when I came to college in Springfield. My base was, and is, Missouri State. What tips do you have for alumni who visit Miami? Miami is what the U.S. is going to look like in the future. The community is a minority-majority area, with Hispanics, African-Americans and people from Caribbean countries leading the demographics. Sure, you should see beaches, the Miami Heat, the luxury areas with Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bentleys — but the real Miami is the neighborhoods. Go to Little Haiti, try a Cuban restaurant, explore the Everglades or visit the Freedom Tower (our version of Ellis Island where tens of thousands of Cubans were processed into the U.S. in the 1960s). Come with an open mind and enjoy the diversity!
O U T S TA N D I N G YO U N G A L U M N I AWA R D
GLORIA COHEN SHOMO, ’08 CAREER: Freelance coordinator in the film industry; member of the Producers Guild of America • LIVES IN: Honolulu FAMILY: Spouse, Chris Shomo; parents, Phil and Gina Cohen; eight siblings
When you’ve worked on blockbuster movies, married someone you’re crazy about and overcome cancer, what’s next? Move to paradise, of course, and work in Hawaii’s growing film and television industry. It’s interesting that Gloria Cohen Shomo pursued an electronic arts degree, since she didn’t see any movies as a child in a large Mennonite family. It wasn’t until college that she discovered a passion for film that inspired her to move to Los Angeles after graduation. Her first film job was serving as a production assistant on Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.” She went on to assist on “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol,” and has since worked as a visual effects coordinator on “Moneyball,” “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” and “Little Fockers.” She was part of the company that won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects in “Life of Pi.” In her most recent projects, she was on production teams as a liaison between creative types (artists who animate characters, create models, light scenes, etc.) and supervisors who oversee a film’s artistic direction. Why is Missouri State special to you? It was in college that I found my love for technology and film, and I grew by leaps and bounds because of a well-rounded program and professors who encouraged creativity. You moved to Hawaii to explore work opportunities and have a fresh start after beating breast cancer in 2012. What would you say to alumni fighting cancer? Remember that this will pass and you CAN beat it. When you’re in the middle of treatments and surgeries, it seems like it is never going to end. But it will. Keep a positive outlook. Keep close with family and friends, because they are your biggest support system and they will help you get through this. This year’s Homecoming theme was “Bears Forever.” Besides a Bear, what will you be forever? True to my beliefs and my values — faith, integrity and honesty. That’s my core.
E XC E L L E N C E I N P U B L I C A F FA I R S
JUDITH ROWLAND, ’11 CAREER: Global campaigns coordinator, Global Poverty Project • LIVES IN: New York City FAMILY: Parents, Mark and Laura (MSU alumna) live in Springfield; siblings, Samuel and Olivia
This is not likely the last time you hear of Judith Rowland. Some day she may be acknowledged as one of the people who helped eradicate polio, or she may be on a ballot near you — her long-term goal is to run for a Missouri office. She’s only been in the workforce a few years, after earning a bachelor’s degree in political science at MSU and a master’s at the London School of Economics, but she’s already connecting with national and global policymakers as the manager of a campaign called The End of Polio, part of the Global Poverty Project. In 2012, there were only 223 worldwide cases of polio, a highly contagious disease that attacks the nerves and may cripple or kill. It is prevented by vaccine and is currently endemic only in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan, but was recently confirmed in war-torn Syria. Polio spreads rapidly among those who have not been immunized — so any outbreaks cause concern that the tremendous progress made against the disease might be rolled back. Rowland was recently part of the largest international meeting about polio since 1988, in which heads of state pledged to increase commitments to global initiatives and finally rid the world of the disease by 2018.
ROWLAND TO SPEAK ON CAMPUS Judith Rowland will be a member of several panels at the Public Affairs Conference, held on campus April 8-11. She is slated to talk about poverty, global nutrition and online advocacy. Conference website: www.publicaffairs. missouristate.edu/conference
What do you do during your time off? I love to travel; I have been to 68 countries. I come home every month or so — I love my parents! I also like to check in with campus and my sorority (Gamma Phi Beta). In New York, I study dance for fun at the Joffrey Ballet School. And this is an odd one, but I am a really passionate kayaker! I have done trips and races in New York and the U.K. This year’s Homecoming theme was “Bears Forever!” Besides a Bear, what will you be forever? I will forever be optimistic about the prospect of ending extreme poverty. I have been able to meet the most incredible people, entrepreneurs and community leaders. I see inspiration, I see love, I see compassion.
AWA R D O F A P P R E C I AT I O N
IVAN MILTON
CAREER: Emeritus professor of Missouri State athletic training • LIVES IN: Springfield • FAMILY: Wife, Janet (who worked for MSU as an administrative assistant); three children including daughter, Heidi Duff, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from MSU
Ivan Milton retired from Missouri State in 2009 after 33 years of service, with the distinction of being the longest-tenured athletic trainer MSU has ever had. Milton established the curriculum for athletics training at MSU. In his first year at Missouri State, he opened and supplied the athletics training room in the then-new Hammons Student Center. Four years later, he opened another training room in the Forsythe Athletics Center. Milton was the driving force behind a bill passed by the Missouri General Assembly that requires all Missouri athletic teams to have a licensed certified athletic trainer available. He also played an instrumental part in the establishment of a regional sports medicine clinic at the University for the treatment and rehabilitation of athletics injuries. He partnered with southwest Missouri physicians to establish a consulting physicians program in which some 30 doctors are available to MSU athletes in many specialties. He was inducted into the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame in 1992. What are your favorite MSU memories? Taking care of the student athletes on a daily basis. Seeing them recover and get back to what they like doing was incredible. Why is Missouri State special to you? The University administration, the coaches and the athletes in sports medicine gave me such a great opportunity. I was allowed to do what I wanted to do personally, and that was the most satisfying. Their willingness to let me take the program and run with it was outstanding. They let me bring together the opportunities that were in Springfield and really develop the combination of sports and health care. This year’s Homecoming theme was “Bears Forever.” Besides a Bear, what will you be forever? I think I’ll be an athletic trainer forever. But there’s that old saying “Proud to be a Bear,” and I will be a Bear forever as well — and I’m proud to be.
THE FACULTY A look at teaching, research, scholarly activities or service at Missouri State
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Dr. Shannon R. Wooden, ’93 and ’95 Associate professor of English <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Story by Michelle S. Rose Photo by Kevin White
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Upcoming book analyzes masculinity in Pixar films Dr. Shannon Wooden wants you to feel sorry for Sid Phillips, the alleged “bad kid” in “Toy Story.”
“What does Sid do? He hangs out in his playroom by himself with no parental supervision and no friends at all, taking apart toys and building robots. He might be seen as this misunderstood genius kid. He can’t possibly know the toys he breaks are alive, and once he does, he is horrified and scared. … Are we telling our kids that to break their toys is akin to sociopathology?!” Wooden isn’t just taking an interest in “Toy Story” because she has two sons, Oscar, 9, and Archie, 5, who have watched it, in her estimation, about 1,000 times. She and her husband, Dr. Ken Gillam, an assistant professor in MSU’s English department, have finished a book expected to be out in April about the images of boys in Pixar films such as “A Bug’s Life,” “Cars” and “The Incredibles.” “My husband and I were on a road trip and our sons were watching a DVD, and we started chatting about the ways masculinity seems to be represented. I pulled out my laptop and started taking notes.” They wrote an article for The Journal of Popular Film and Television and presented their findings at conferences, where discussions were lively. “At first, we argued that Pixar films seem to present a kinder, gentler model of masculinity … They are showing men with the values that have been historically coded as feminine: community-orientation, nurturing children. That can offer boys a
Wooden’s book recommendations CLASSIC
CONTEMPORARY
“Jane Eyre,” Charlotte Brontë
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” Mark Haddon
“The Mill on the Floss,” George Eliot “Mrs. Dalloway,” Virginia Woolf Any Charles Dickens
“The Illumination,” Kevin Brockmeier, ’95 MSU alumnus “Room,” Emma Donoghue “Tenth of December,” George Saunders
healthy model of being a man, but at the same time it can limit what boys are told to view as success. It’s interesting, for instance, that none of the little boys get to win. Lightning in ‘Cars’ purposely loses, and Dash in ‘The Incredibles’ also has to come in second.” They also examined bullying and the stereotype that smart, skinny or small boys such as Mike Wazowski, Flik or Buddy Pine (aka Syndrome) must always be nerds or villains. Wooden and her students often analyze messages in advertising, movies, television shows and music. She became interested in gender and culture studies during bachelor’s and master’s studies in English at Missouri State. She lived around the U.S. during her PhD studies and first faculty positions, and returned in 2009 to teach. “I always loved it here! … When the opportunity arose to teach here, we grabbed it. And now I live a mile from my grandmother; my kids live within a couple of hours of many of their grandparents and aunts and uncles.” Wooden’s next research project isn’t likely to involve Woody or Nemo. She likes to dive into ethical dilemmas of all kinds, and her graduate studies centered on Victorian literature, evolution and 19th-century ideas of race. Recently, she’s been teaching about how health, medicine and illness are represented in classic and contemporary texts. “Our attitudes toward the physical body affect not only the way we construct our society and relationships, but also the way we perceive our own identities. I look at someone else’s body and see what I expect to see, which means I already limit what that person can become. … Literary analysis can expose the way we take narratives and silently, invisibly apply them to the world. We filter the world through these constructs that we may not even be conscious of. Becoming conscious of the way we build stories and hear stories can really help us to manipulate and change the stories that are present and prevalent in our culture.” MISS OU RI STAT E
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SPORTS
Six inducted into Athletics Hall of Fame Former standout student-athletes were inducted into the Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame during events held the weekend of Jan. 31-Feb. 1. This marks the 40th
anniversary of the Hall.
HALL OF FAME SEARCHABLE WEBSITE: www.missouristate.edu/halloffame
Michael Fox
Yves-Rose Jerome Stewart
The 2014 Hall of Fame class: Football player Michael Fox (1989-90) Track and field athlete Yves-Rose Jerome Stewart (1992-96) Baseball player Matt Cepicky (1997-99) Soccer player Mark Modersohn (1997-00) Basketball player Tara Mitchem Glassgold (1998-01)
Matt Cepicky
Mark Modersohn
Volleyball player Sabrina
Apker Scifres (2002-05) The six new inductees bring the total membership in the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame to 353 former athletes, coaches and administrators. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on campus and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see the entire membership of the Hall of Fame, visit the Legacy of Competition display in the east entry lobby of JQH Arena.
Tara Mitchem Glassgold
Sabrina Apker Scifres
Score tickets to a softball game The Softball Bears are scheduled to play 56 games in 2014.
All games at Killian Softball Stadium, 2141 E. Pythian St. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville March 15 and 16:
Bradley University* March 18:
Six starters from last season will return to the Softball Bears. The team is scheduled to play more than 50 games in 2014. KEVIN WHITE
University of Northern Colorado
Feb. 8 and 9:
Georgia Institute of Technology
HOME SCHEDULE
March 12:
AWAY SCHEDULE
March 29 and 30:
Southern Illinois University* April 12 and 13:
Indiana State University* April 22: Wichita
State University* April 26 and 27:
Illinois State University*
March 26:
University of Tulsa
Feb. 14, 15 and
16: UTA Maverick Invitational in Arlington, Texas Feb. 21, 22 and
23: Blues City Classic in Memphis, Tenn. March 1 and 2:
Missouri Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament in Cape Girardeau, Mo. March 5:
*Missouri Valley Conference opponents
FOR GAME TIMES, TEAM NEWS AND MORE INFO:
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University of Central Arkansas March 7, 8 and 9:
Oklahoma State Mizuno Classic in Stillwater, Okla.
March 19:
University of Missouri-Kansas City March 22 and 23:
Loyola University* April 1: University
of Arkansas April 5 and 6:
Drake University* April 16: Wichita
State University* April 18 and 19:
University of Northern Iowa* April 23:
University of Missouri May 3 and 4:
University of Evansville* May 8, 9 and 10:
Missouri Valley Conference championship in Normal, Ill.
Bears, Lady Bears ready to hoop it up in postseason Basketball teams will compete in MVC tournaments in March in the St. Louis area. Men’s tournament The MVC Men’s Basketball Tournament will be March 6-9 at the Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave., St. Louis.
Bears fans can gather at The Hangout in Union Station from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on MSU game days. During MSU games, The Hangout closes its doors for fans to experience the Bears playing live. The Hangout is near the South Plaza entrance of Union Station, 1820 Market St. Arch Madness website, with hotel information, ticket discounts and more: www.archmadness.com
Women’s tournament The MVC Women’s Basketball Tournament will be March 13-16 at the Family Arena, 2002 Arena Pkwy., St. Charles.
Bears fans are invited to pep rallies that will be held during both the men’s and women’s MVC tournaments. Rallies may include MSU BearWear and souvenir shopping, pep bands, the Sugar Bears, cheerleaders and mascots, as well as free snacks, soft drinks and spirit items.
Join fellow Lady Bears fans at the official team hotel, the Sheraton Westport Plaza, 900 Westport Plaza. Tournament website, with hotel information, ticket discounts and more: www.mvcstcharles.com
KEVIN WHITE
Get ready to “love” a new Bears team:
Women’s tennis returning to Missouri State Missouri State University plans to have a women’s tennis team for the first time since 2006 beginning in the 2014-15 academic year.
Women’s tennis will become the 11th women’s NCAA Division I level sport, and 17th sport overall, at MSU. The addition of the team was recommended by a task force called in 2013 to ensure MSU’s long-term compliance with federal Title IX regulations. These regulations say the percentage of female intercollegiate athletes at a school must closely resemble the percentage of female undergraduates at the school. The task force examined several
options, including sand volleyball, lacrosse and bowling. Tennis won the deciding point because it is a highly popular campus recreation offering and was among the top sports identified in a student survey. In addition, the Springfield community has a history of supporting tennis. The other sports considered could be added in the future. A national search for the tennis program’s head coach is under way. MSU Director of Athletics Kyle Moats said bringing back women’s tennis is a good move. “We have a long tennis tradition at Missouri State, an active tennis community and great facilities in Springfield.”
TENNIS PROGRAM’S HISTORY The University began sponsoring women’s tennis in 1958, and legendary athletics supporter Dr. Mary Jo Wynn was the program’s first coach. The team finished first in its conference eight times from 1971 to 2006, most recently in 2002. In 2006, the entire MSU athletics program was restructured. Women’s tennis was cut as the number of Bears teams was reduced from 21 to 16. Men’s cross-country, men’s indoor and outdoor track and field, and men’s tennis were also discontinued.
MISS OU RI STAT E
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SPORTS
1963 Football Bears reunite 50 years after perfect regular season Story by Mark Stillwell
One of the best teams in Missouri State Bears football history came back to campus in September to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school’s last undefeated gridiron season.
IN THE
The 1963 Bears turned in a perfect 9-0 regular season, which included a Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship. The team went on to play in the Mineral Water Bowl game, losing to Northern Illinois. The reunion signified what a close-knit group the ’63 Bears had been. More than 40 of the living members of the team returned for the event, including assistant coaches Bill Rowe, George Simpson and Alex Trombetta. Head Coach Orville Pottenger and assistant Jim Mentis are deceased. After the ’63 season, Mentis would later become the Bears’ head coach and guide the team to
FACES CR
another league title in 1966. Team members Chris George, Dennis Scott and Larry Sidwell were the primary organizers of the event. The 1963 Bears chalked up five shutouts and allowed just 40 points in their nine regular season games. “When you look back, you realize just how dominating this team was on defense,” said two-way tackle Rich Johanningmeier, an All-America selection in 1963 who later became the Bears’ head coach and guided the team to its final MIAA championship in 1978. Both the Bears and Truman State Bulldogs were 4-0 in the MIAA when the Bulldogs came to Springfield for what would be the league title game. MSU prevailed in a defensive battle. The Bears then turned back potent University of Akron by one point the following week to preserve their perfect regular season.
WD
Mark Stillwell is a former sports information director for Missouri State. Now retired, Stillwell continues to write about Bears athletics in various publications.
MissouriStateBears.com
Heather Duckworth
Joey Johnson
Softball
Golf
Senior
Sunnyvale, Texas
Duckworth, who plays third base, is one of three returning all-conference selections from 2013. She earned second-team honors after playing in 48 games and setting career-bests with a .415 slugging percentage and a .382 on-base percentage. Duckworth is not only successful at getting on base (18 walks, second on the team), but she was seventh in the league with a .579 (44 of 76) percent success rate at moving runners already aboard.
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Halfback Cornelius Perry joined Johanningmeier on the All-America list. Both those two, as well as end Jerry Boyer, guard Eldo Perry and center Wally Dawson, were all-MIAA first-team selections. Larry Ayres, Paul Krebs, Ed Willard and Ron Young made the second all-MIAA team, and Charlie Wade won the MIAA Sportsmanship Award. C. Perry, E. Perry, Johanningmeier, Dawson, Scott, Bill Douglass, Bill Stringer, Pat Hogan, Ardie McCoy and George Sample of that era, along with coaches Pottenger, Mentis, Simpson and Rowe, would later be inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
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Sophomore
Ozark, Mo.
It was quite a year on the golf course for Johnson in 2013. He was the Bears’ top player in the spring semester, leading the team in all six tournaments and posting four top-10 finishes as a freshman. He led the team with a 74.39 scoring average while earning all-conference honors and being named Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year. Johnson kept on going once the summer came along, winning the prestigious Missouri Amateur golf title.
Catch an MSU baseball game The Baseball Bears start the 2014 season Feb. 14 and are scheduled to have 23 home games and 31 away games. HOME SCHEDULE
AWAY SCHEDULE
All games at Hammons Field, 955 E. Trafficway St. Feb. 28, March 1
and 2: Purdue University March 4 and 5:
Arkansas State University March 14, 15 and
16: Dallas Baptist University March 18:
Oklahoma State University Members of the 1963 MIAA champion Football Bears gathered on campus Sept. 21, 2013. Front row, from left: Bill Jones, Gary Barnett, Ralph Hagemann, Larry Ayres, Chris George, Eddie Willard, Ron Bloom, John Burkey, Paul Solscheid. Back row: Cornelius Perry, Ron Young, Frank Forcelli, assistant coach George Simpson, Eldo Perry, Bill Stringer, Jerry Boyer, assistant coach Bill Rowe, Dennis Scott, Pete Bruggeman, Sam Winn, Mike Bisceglia, Jack Steiger, Rich Johanningmeier, Wally Dawson, Larry Sidwell, Paul Krebs, Jerry Sitton, assistant coach Alex Trombetta. Also attending the reunion but not pictured: Jay Cummings, Bill Endres, Mike Howell, Bob Journagan, Tom Marty, Rudy Rinker, Stan Rinker, Pat Talburt, Rick Wilson, Dan Young, Tom Young, Jim Glass, Tim Warden and Gene Douglass. KEVIN WHITE
March 28, 29
and 30: Southern Illinois University* April 1: Saint
Sophomore
University of Missouri
Feb. 21, 22 and
23: Lobo Invite in Albuquerque, N.M.
April 18, 19 and
20: Illinois State University*
Feb. 25:
May 6:
Oral Roberts University May 7: University
of Kansas May 15, 16 and
17: University of Evansville*
*Missouri Valley Conference opponents
March 7, 8 and 9: UTA Hilton Invitational in Arlington, Texas March 11: Southeast Missouri State University
April 8: University of Missouri April 11, 12 and
April 23: University of Kansas April 25, 26 and 27: University of Tennessee-Martin May 2, 3 and 4:
March 21, 22 and 23: Wichita State University* March 25:
Oklahoma State University
2014 SEASON
Oral Roberts University
13: Bradley University*
Oral Roberts University
April 29:
University of Arkansas
April 2:
and 16: University of Central Arkansas
April 15:
Louis University
Dallas Baptist University* May 9, 10 and 11:
Indiana State University* May 20-24:
MVC Baseball Championship in Terre Haute, Ind.
The team has 21 letter winners returning in 2014, and Keith Guttin, Missouri State’s all-time winningest coach, will begin his 32nd year as head coach. In November, Missouri State announced that seven high school standouts had already committed to MSU during the NCAA’s early signing period.
FOR GAME TIMES, TEAM NEWS AND MORE INFO:
www.MissouriStateBears.com/baseball
Oarabile Babolayi Track and field
Feb. 14, 15
Tate Matheny Mosetse, Botswana
Babolayi was one of four track and field returners to claim All-MVC honors in 2012-13. She was all-conference in the 400 meters during the indoor season, and was all-conference in the 400-meter hurdles and 4x400meter relay during outdoor season. She qualified to compete in the 4x400 for Botswana in the 2013 International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Moscow. Babolayi was the first MSU student-athlete in the World Championships since 1999.
Baseball
Sophomore
St. Louis, Mo.
Matheny wasted little time in establishing himself as one of the Bears’ top all-around performers last spring in his first season in maroon and white. He was the MVC’s Freshman of the Year, and hit a club-best .336 to go along with team highs of 37 runs scored, four home runs and 103 total bases. He brought home Second-Team All-MVC honors and was named a Freshman AllAmerican for the Bears, who finished fourth in the Valley and 31-23 overall.
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
The Missouri State University Foundation held the first-ever MarooNation Ball, a black-tie optional event, last fall in St. Louis.
The Nov. 2 event featured live performances, dining and dancing. The event’s proceeds support future Missouri State Bears from the St. Louis area, and a MarooNation Ball scholarship has been started to benefit full-time Missouri State students from the St. Louis area who have financial need and embody the University’s public affairs mission. “With such a great turnout, great
camaraderie and lots of fun, the MarooNation Ball was a success by any standard,” said John F. Eilermann, Jr., ’86, the CEO and chairman of the board for McBride & Son Homes, the Ball’s presenting sponsor. The MarooNation Ball was such a success that the 2014 St. Louis event is already being planned, and a similar event is being arranged for Kansas City. “We will most assuredly be back next year,” said attendee Rebekah Schmerber, ’12. “Everything was wonderful and planned beautifully.”
PHOTOS BY KEVIN WHITE
FOUNDATION
Fire twirlers at the front door. Bears on the dance floor. Boomer in white tie. It’s the FIRST-EVER
1 A fire twirler greets guests 2 Clif and Gail Smart ready to dance 3 Spirit groups pump up the crowd 4 Dinner at the Palladium Saint Louis 5 St. Louis Cardinals manager
Mike Matheny speaks (his son Tate, a Baseball Bear, is featured on page 29)
6 Funk band FatPocket gets the
crowd grooving
7 MSU students and friends get down 8 Boomer and friends, all dressed up 9 FatPocket lead singer Rochelle
“Cocosoul” Walker belts it out
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Basketball complex officially open
MAROONATION BALL SPONSORS
The first-ever MarooNation Ball would not have been possible without the support of these businesses and individuals.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
McBride & Son Homes Saint Louis, Missouri • November 2, 2013 MAROON AND WHITE SPONSORS:
Ameren BKD CPAs & Advisors Dr. H. Douglas Adams and Hilda Chaski Adams, MPH Missouri State University College of Business
The Missouri Valley Conference SSM Health Care Unigroup Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Wells Fargo Advisors
The Jim D. Morris Basketball Complex in JQH Arena was dedicated Dec. 20.
The two-level complex includes locker rooms for both the Bears and Lady Bears basketball teams, coaches’ offices, an athletic training facility, an academic study area, a state-of-the-art team video room and more. When JQH Arena opened in 2008, the area for this complex was left empty with the anticipation it would be completed at a later date through private gifts.
The Bears and Lady Bears teams have new locker rooms, a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, lounge areas, offices and more in the Jim D. Morris Basketball Complex. KEVIN WHITE
A lead gift from Morris, a Springfield philanthropist and long-time supporter of the University, allowed Missouri State to start construction in summer 2013. The $3.7 million project was funded entirely through private contributions.
PARTIAL SPONSOR: Liberty Mutual Insurance, Don Swift, personal sales representative
Want to go to the 2014 MarooNation Ball? When: Evening of Nov. 15 Where: Palladium Saint Louis, 1400 Park Place, St. Louis, Mo. Contact the Foundation:
www.missouristate foundation.org Foundation@missouristate.edu
417-836-4143
Missouri State supports education event in St. Louis The Missouri State University Foundation was a sponsor of the 2013 St. Louis American Foundation’s 2013 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala.
The St. Louis American is a weekly newspaper serving the African-American community of St. Louis. Nearly 1,500 people attended the 26th annual gala. About $314,000 in scholarships and community grants were awarded at the September event. At the gala, Missouri State celebrated
two scholarships that were established for the 2013-14 academic year: The James H. Buford Multicultural Leadership Scholarship: Buford is the retired CEO of Urban League of Greater St. Louis, a former member of the Missouri State Board of Governors and a current member of the Missouri State Foundation Board of Trustees. The Dr. Donald M. Suggs Multicultural Leadership Scholarship: Suggs is the publisher of the St. Louis American and is a Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame honoree (learn more on page 43). MI SS OU RI STAT E
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MarooNation events spread the spirit of maroon and white around the state and nation. At these Alumni Association events, Bears can catch up with friends, network with new contacts, win Missouri State prizes and learn about what’s new at MSU. We hope to see you soon!
EMBA RECEPTION July 16 Missouri State campus
BOLIVAR, MO. July 25 Citizens Memorial Hospital Community Room Julian Pace, faculty emeritus; Elizabeth Pace, ’81
NEVADA, MO. July 30 Gobblers Roost Ben and Courtney Poirot, both ’10; daughter, Lucy
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DENVER, COLO.
July 20
LAKE OF THE OZARKS Aug. 17 Bears, Boats and Barbecue, H. Toad’s Bar & Grill Allison DeWitt, ’83; Robin Smith, ’78; Shelly Harden, ’88; Sandy Wyly
Home of Rob MaCoy
KANSAS CITY, MO. Sept. 19 Waldo Pizza in Lee’s Summit Brett Gaines, ’09, Ashley Grogan, ’08, Mark Grogan, ’10
Join us at events around the nation Feb. 20 March 5 Maryland Heights, Legacy of Mo. Learning reception for Feb. 20 St. Louis area Kansas City, Mo. educators Feb. 20 Naples, Fla.
March 10 New York City
April 9 Atlanta
Feb. 21 Orlando, Fla.
March 12 Washington, D.C.
April 12 St. Charles, Mo.
Feb. 22 Bradenton, Fla.
March 20 Overland Park, Kan.
April 15 Alumni Night at Hammons Field, Springfield
Feb. 27 Marshfield, Mo.
ROGERS, ARK. Sept. 20 Pinnacle Country Club Mary Ann Barton, ’92; Dave Fleetwood, ’62; Laura Fleetwood, ’62; Bruce Barton, ’77
April 4 Legacy of Learning reception for Kansas City area educators
April 2 Jefferson City, Mo.
BRANSON, MO. Oct. 7 Chateau on the Lake Joan Powers, ’50, Bob Powers, ’51, Dora Meikle, ’50
April 29 Rolla, Mo. May 1 West Plains, Mo. May 18 Family Day at the Zoo, St. Louis, Mo.
June 30 Golf tournament, dinner, auction Lebanon, Mo. July 19 Missouri State Day at Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Mo. Oct. 17-18 Homecoming
SEE EVENT TIMES AND LOCATIONS, OR REGISTER TO ATTEND: www.maroonation.missouristate.edu
HOUSTON Oct. 11 The Houstonian Hotel Beth Fox; Dave Fox, ’89; Bonnalie Campbell, ’55; Sarah Elsea, ’90
ST. LOUIS, MO. Sept. 26 J. Buck’s Myra Lewis, ’08; Stephanie Lashley, MSU director of donor relations, ’04 & ’06; Brittany Root, ’11; Lee Wilber, ’12
LEGACY DAY LUNCHEON Sept. 28 Missouri State campus Strope family: Ross, ’90; Kelsie, student; Allison; Gail, ’90; Nate; Camryn
KANSAS CITY, MO. Oct. 10 Hereford House Amy Kille, ’03; Katie Lewis, ’02
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See tons more photos of these events and more, and find an upcoming MarooNation event near you! • WWW.MAGA Z IN E.MISSOURI STAT E.EDU
DALLAS Oct. 12 Embassy Suites Dallas-DFW Airport North Outdoor World Stephen Johnson, ’12; David Ingram, ’12
ST. LOUIS, MO. Oct. 27 Mathew’s Kitchen Roger Bettlach, ’84; Cheri Bettlach
CHICAGO Oct. 30 Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Jeff Maggi, ’87; Karen Stebbins; Katie and Matt Wolniewicz, both ’88
TULSA, OKLA. Nov. 5 Southern Hills Country Club Jenny Ness-Hunkin, ’07; Gerald Ness-Hunkin, ’06
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. Nov. 7 Fionn MacCool’s
KANSAS CITY, MO. Nov. 12 Granite City Food & Brewery Sharon Fitzgerald, ’06; Ashley Miller, ’06
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BEARFEST VILLAGE TENT AT HOMECOMING Missouri State campus
MONETT, MO. Nov. 18 Monett Park Casino Scott Beckwith, ’81; Margaret Arnaud, ’83; Kent Arnaud, ’83; Randy Witt, ’83
Oct. 19
WASHINGTON, D.C. Dec. 1 Clyde’s of Gallery Place
CONTINUE the TRADITION SON:
DAD:
Adam Eggerman
Mike Eggerman
YEAR:
DEGREE:
Sophomore
Bachelor’s in agriculture economics, 1981
MAJOR: Criminology
JOB TITLE: County Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency in Clinton County, Ill.
HOMETOWN: Carlyle, Ill.
CAREER GOAL: Be part of the U.S. Marshals Service
LIVES IN: MSU ALUMNI AND STUDENTS IN THEIR FAMILY: 9
Carlyle, Ill.
Adam
Mike
Missouri State has the feel of a big college and a small college at the same time. The classes are small, so it makes it easy to get a lot of one-on-one time with your professors.
He visited the campus with his brother when he was a freshman in high school. I think he really got into the college mindset then and started thinking about Missouri State.
What is your favorite part of being a Bear?
What is your best Missouri State memory?
Residence life. I loved living in the halls. I was able to meet a lot of really nice people, and that’s how I got involved in campus ministries and ROTC. The organizations come to you and make you want to get involved.
All the time I spent in the agriculture department. We were our own family, and the friends I made there are the friends I still have today.
What are Missouri State’s best characteristics?
When did you know your son wanted to attend Missouri State?
Why would you recommend MSU to out-of-state students?
Why would you recommend Missouri State to the children of other out-of-state alumni?
If you want to go to a school where you get the full college experience while staying close with your friends and professors, go to MSU. Everything you want in a college is right here.
I would say the school offers everything and there are so many things to do on campus. But the University still keeps the small-school feel, and is really the better economic option.
CONTINUE the TRADITION is an out-of-state fee waiver program for the children and grandchildren of Missouri State graduates. To qualify, students must be classified as nonresidents for fee purposes, must be enrolled full-time and must have at least one parent or grandparent who is a graduate of Missouri State. Learn more: www.alumni.missouristate.edu/ContinueTheTradition.htm
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ALUMNI
ClassNotes 1963 Lyle Noblitt, BS, Carrollton, Mo., won the Carrollton Country Club golf championship for Super Seniors.
1965 Larry Fletcher, BSED, Lake Ozark, Mo., has written a book titled “Charlie Chasers: History of USAF AC-119 ‘Shadow’ Gunships in the Vietnam War.” The book was published by Hellgate Press in September 2013.
1967
1963
CLASS REUNION The class of 1963 gathered at Homecoming in October for a 50th reunion. They are the newest Golden Bears, alumni who graduated from or attended Missouri State 50 or more years ago. In the 1962-63 school year: Enrollment was about 3,700 students total (now 23,000+)
Springfield campus was on about 40 acres (now about 225)
The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra played at Homecoming
315 seniors graduated in May (more than 2,400 graduated in May 2013)
Tent Theatre had its first-ever season, in summer 1963
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra played at the winter formal
Row 1 (left to right): Karolyn Schmitt Kime, Carolyn Wickiser English, Patricia K. Scott, Billy Hayter, Alvin Tinsley, Martha Carr Lundh, Lueda Eiffert Lucas Row 2: Geneva Divine Leach, Donna Bond Evans, Jerry Combs, Leland Gannaway, Robert “Bob” Ball, Carol Christiansen Bormann, John Ed Miller Row 3: Lorene Marie Robinson Gott, Harold Rex Potter, Lyle Noblitt, Robert “Bob” Coambes, Jill Carol Splitter Katzfey, Rosemary Lillian Taft McLaren, Cleo Robinson Jr. PHOTO BY BRITTANY LANCASTER
36
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Robert Shepherd, BSED and MSED, Hampton, Va., an actor, has appeared in TV shows and films including “Lincoln,” “Homicide,” “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Evan Almighty” and “The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith.” His production company is currently developing a faith-based film titled “Road to Amazing Grace.”
1971 Fred Fulton, BS, Dallas, was recognized for corporate law by Woodward/White, Inc., in The Best Lawyers in America 2014.
1975 Lynn Morrow, BSED and MA, ’80, Jefferson City, Mo., retired from the Missouri State Archives, part of the Secretary of State’s office, where he established the Missouri Local Records Preservation Program. The University of Missouri Press published his fourth book, “The Ozarks in Missouri History: Discoveries in an American Region,” in fall 2013.
Travel with
FELLOW BEARS! 1976 Dr. Camille Consolvo, BS and MS, ’78, Great Falls, Mont., accepted a position as chief student affairs officer at Great Falls College-Montana State University. She previously served as vice president for student affairs at Eastern Oregon University. Michael Madden, BS, Overland Park, Kan., accepted a position as senior vice president for AdvantMed in Santa Ana, Calif. He will help health insurance companies acclimate their plans to meet Affordable Care Act requirements. Thomas Waldrup, BSED and MSED, Flippin, Ark., is the author of a book titled “Mud,” released by Tate Publishing.
1980 Craig Minegar, BS, Winter Park, Fla., spoke about commercial real estate at a monthly Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce meeting. His topic of interest concerned real estate as it applies to buying, selling, leasing and developing property. Joseph Dow Sheppard III, BS, Springfield, a lawyer, was named vice chair of the Ozarks Technical Community College Foundation Board of Directors.
1981 Derrel Craig, BS, MSAS, ’04, Moorpark, Calif., is now a fraud investigator for DirecTV. Craig retired from the FBI in 2008. He is also ordained in the Sacred Order of Deacon
and serves the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles in the Santa Barbara Pastoral Region. Len Eagleburger, BS, Springfield, was sworn in as a member-at-large for a second two-year term on the Landmarks Board for the City of Springfield.
1983 David Rush, BSED, Springfield, was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court, Western District of Missouri. He previously served as assistant United States attorney for the Western District of Missouri and federal prosecutor with the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office.
1986 Jane Krahn Ballenger, BS, Springfield, was promoted to accounting outsourcing services senior associate at BKD CPAs and Advisors.
1987 Teresa Bumgarner Bledsoe, BS, Springfield, was named director of communications for Springfield Public Schools. She manages the marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement initiatives of Missouri’s largest fully accredited school district.
1990 Dr. Robert Woodward, BS, Pleasanton, Calif., accepted a position as senior director of research and development at XDx, a manufacturing and biotechnology company in California. He also serves on XDx’s advisory board.
1991 Sarah Freeman Odom, BS and BSED, Springfield, was named principal of Hickory Hills School, a K-8 school in the Springfield public school system. She also serves on the MSU volleyball booster organization. Previously, Odom was assistant principal of Kickapoo High School.
1993 Shannah Alloway Hayley, BS and MA, Plano, Texas, was selected as a Fellow of the Society for Marketing Professional Services, representing experience in marketing within the design and building industry.
1994 Martin Boyd, BS, Arlington, Texas, was sworn-in in front of the United States Supreme Court, thereby admitting him to practice as a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. Ricardo Salinas, BS, St. Louis, Mo., received a master’s in business administration degree from Webster University.
1995 David McGehee, MSED and EDS, ’99, Lee’s Summit, Mo., was named Missouri Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators. He will receive a $500 scholarship for a Lee’s Summit student and a commemorative ring. He is the superintendent of Lee’s Summit R-7 School District.
(continued on page 38)
Friends and alumni have several special opportunities.
APRIL 9-12
2014 Masters Tournament Experience a major golf championship thanks to an exclusive travel package to the 2014 Masters Tournament. > To reserve your spot:
www.alumni. missouristate.edu 417-836-5654
JUNE 11-19
Tuscany Explore this region in central Italy thanks to a special travel package just for Bears. > To reserve your spot:
www.alumni. missouristate.edu 417-836-5654
ALUMNI
ClassNotes
1996
2002
Brian Heine, BS, St. Louis, Mo., has been hired by Bayer Material Science as the western regional manager for Makrolon polycarbonate sheet products. He will support the sales and marketing team with a focus on customer relations and business development.
Dr. Douglas Aubrey, BS and MS, ’04, Bloomingdale, Ga., is an assistant professor of biology at the University of Southern Georgia. Aubrey was recently awarded a USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Sustainable Bioenergy grant for $1 million.
1999 Phillip Gould, BS, Savannah, Mo., was promoted to director at the BKD CPAs and Advisors office in Kansas City. Dana Powell, BFA, Los Angeles, played Cameron Tucker’s sister in the 100th episode of ABC’s “Modern Family.” Powell has also appeared in “The Office,” “Arrested Development,” “Suburgatory” and “Bridesmaids.” Timothy Roth, MS, Pequea, Pa., is an assistant professor of psychology at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. His current areas of research are the neurology of learning in birds and spatial ecology of turtles.
2000 Brian Parker, BS, Harker Heights, Texas, released his first fiction novel, “Gnash.” He is currently writing a second novel, and the artwork is being drawn for the release of his upcoming children’s book. Donna Hardcastle Trower, BS, Springfield, has been promoted to career marketing coordinator at Evangel University.
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Melissa Brubaker Jagears, BSED, Independence, Kan., has released her first Christian romance novel through Bethany House Publishers. The contracted series will consist of an e-book novella and three novels.
2004 Scott Callicott, MS, Normal, Ill., accepted a leadership development opportunity to manage a writing and web development team in the public affairs department of State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, Ill. Brian Durham, MBA, and Joleen Senter Durham, MS, 2007, Bucyrus, Mo., are the founders of Piney River Brewing Company, a brewery they opened in 2011 in Bucyrus. A recipe they developed for Old Tom Porter English-style ale won a gold medal at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival competition. Dr. Sylvia Monika Feeney, MS, Springfield, the director of the Missouri State University School of Nurse Anesthesia, received the inaugural Excellence in Service Alumni Award in recognition of her dedication, perseverance, service and leadership.
WWW.MAG A ZIN E . M ISSO U RISTATE.EDU
Dr. Noah Lelek, BSED and MA, ’08, Kansas City, Mo., received a PhD in theatre and performance studies from the University of Missouri. Dr. Kimberly Medley, MS, St. Louis, Mo., earned her PhD at the University of Central Florida, and is now the assistant director at Tyson Research Center at Washington University.
2005 Dr. David Dupy, BS, Salina, Kan., has completed a residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in the Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Smoky Hill in Salina. Jamie Evangelista Hall, BA, John Hall, BA, and Andrew McMurtrey, BS, 2006, Springfield, created “The New Uncle Gregory Horror Hour,” a comedy/horror television show hosted by a down-onhis-luck ghoul named Uncle Gregory. The show began airing on Springfield’s KOZL 27 in late September 2013. Amber Popek, BS and MAcc, Springfield, was promoted to manager at BKD CPAs and Advisors. Amy Bauer Puleo, BSED, and Joseph Puleo, St. Louis, Mo., announce the birth of their first child, a boy, Max Joseph, who was born May 26, 2013.
2006 Rachel Elsberry, MAcc, Nixa, Mo., was promoted to manager at BKD CPAs and Advisors. Khristi Ferguson, MBA, Bahamas, has received a 20
Under 30 award from Internal Auditor Magazine. Ferguson serves as the director of internal audit for the Bahamian government’s Ministry of Finance. Kristin Frevert, BS, Normal, Ill., a staff psychologist and athletics liaison for Illinois State University’s student counseling services, was designated a certified consultant by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, the international professional organization of sport and exercise psychology.
2008 Edward Del Conte, BS and MAcc, ’09, Springfield, was promoted to senior associate II at BKD CPAs and Advisors. Dr. Jamie Hoelscher, BS and MAcc, ’09, Lake St. Louis, Mo., completed a PhD in accounting at the University of Nebraska and has since accepted a position at Southern Illinois University. Morgan Presley, MS, Columbia, Mo., serves as a biology instructor at Drury University in Springfield while she finishes her PhD in science education from the University of Missouri.
2009 Lyndi Baldwin, BS and MAcc, ’10, Hopkins, Mo., and Eric Bird, BS, GRCT and MAcc, ’10, Springfield, were promoted to senior associates II at BKD CPAs and Advisors. Jessica Fontana, BS, Atlanta, is on the public relations team at the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest aquarium. She works with producers and
reporters from around the world and has appeared on multiple TV shows and national news segments.
2010 Rebecca Barrientos, BS and MAcc, ’11, Butterfield, Mo.; Michael Holth, BS and MAcc, ’11; Satyam Sthapit, BS, GRCT and MAcc, ’11; and Laura Robb, BS, GRCT and MAcc, ’11, Springfield, were promoted to senior consultants at BKD CPAs and Advisors. Kathryn Lightner Holmes, BS, GRCT and MAcc, ’11, Tyler Smithson, BS, MAcc and MBA, ’10, and Springfield, were promoted to senior associates at BKD CPAs and Advisors. Jeff Sletto, BS, Blue Eye, Mo., was accepted into dental school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
2011 Jared Alexander, BS, Springfield, was promoted to special projects director at Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America in Springfield. Angela Fisher, BS and MAcc, ’12, Springfield, was promoted to senior associate at BKD CPAs and Advisors.
2012 Andrew Hoffman, MS, Richmond, Ind., has been accepted into a PhD program at Indiana State University. He will study amphibian conservation biology.
2013 Charles Tucker, GRCT and MS, St. Paul, Minn., accepted a position as assistant manager at Norris Camp State Game Refuge in northern Minnesota.
S P OT L I G H T : 1 9 6 3
A trailblazer in women’s history Dr. Hilda Smith, ’63, a Springfield native from a working-class family with no college graduates, never dreamed she’d go on to help shape a field of history that hadn’t existed before.
Missouri State provided her with the platform to become a founder in the field of women’s history. “(MSU professors) taught us how to question things. My education didn’t merely train me to do well, it also gave me the encouragement to believe that I could.” Smith attended the University of Chicago for PhD studies in the 1970s, a pivotal time in the women’s movement. “I tend to be a person who speaks up; I’m not passive in any way,” Smith said. “I would watch in the classroom, and I would see that men spoke more, were called on more, and their ideas were allowed to direct what was happening, and it wasn’t the same for women.” She had an epiphany before a lecture series on British literature. “I looked at the pictures of everyone presenting, and they were all men. And it really struck me how much men were honored and dominated academia more than women.” A passion was sparked for finding out more about women throughout history.
Smith went on to document and share some previously unknown incredible things women have done. Her research has a strong focus on British women in the 17th and 18th centuries, and she has written about her findings that many women actually worked in professions once thought to be made up only of men, such as laborers, blacksmiths and shop owners. After graduate studies she went on to a career in academia, eventually teaching at the University of Cincinnati. Smith, now a professor emerita, has been retired for about two years but still travels to England regularly for research. Smith came back to her alma mater about a year ago to speak about her research and career after an invitation from Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, head of the history department. “She means so much to the University,” Kennedy said. “She’s a role model for a number of our students who may not initially envision themselves going on to become one of the best historians in their field. She was someone who was able to do that as a first-generation college student. “We wanted to honor her at the end of her career and to say as an institution: ‘We are proud of you.’ ”
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S P OT L I G H T : 1910s, ’30s, ’90, 2013
Four generations, one campus When the late Lois Cline Crews, her granddaughter Sandy Glenn Coy and Sandy’s daughter Erin Coy were on campus in September for the first-ever Legacy Luncheon, they were indeed celebrating a legacy.
Women from four out of the last five generations of their family have attended Missouri State, in a time frame spanning 100 years. Relatives have started classes in 1913, 1933, 1983 and 2013. Lois Cline Crews’ aunt, Susie Comins Sandy Glenn Coy, the late Lois Cline Crews and freshman Erin Coy, in September 2013 Harder, was a student in the 1910s at Fourth District Normal School (the first Sandy, an accounting major, lived in living, feels comfortable on the campus name of the University). Wells and was great friends with her where her parents met. She remembers Lois, who passed away in November roommate. She attended Lady Bears games Lois’ stories about the people for whom 2013, grew up in Ava. She followed her aunt and met her husband, anesthesiologist many of the buildings are named. to then-Southwest Missouri Dr. Daniel Coy, ’85, on campus. “I know one time (history professor State Teachers College and Lois, who lived in Branson, James) Shannon called on her for a attended for a year and a half. would fetch Sandy for weekend question — she was shy and wanted to “I loved it,” she said in an visits. Sandy definitely looked up to hide under her desk!” interview before she passed Lois, who was one of the first Sandy has three children and didn’t away. “I thought the school was welfare workers in Missouri and push any of them to attend MSU, but she’s the most beautiful place I had later ran a sewing and alteration glad Erin made the choice on her own. ever seen.” In her time, business from her home until the Erin thinks her younger sister might also Lois Cline in the Dr. Virginia Craig was a time of her death. be interested in becoming a Bear. 1933 Ozarko professor and the ladies in gym “I think it’s amazing that my “It’s so wonderful that Erin can feel class wore bloomers. There were only three grandmother, in her day and age, and the family ties there,” Sandy said. campus buildings and no residence halls. being from a tiny little town, decided she’d “We’re confident MSU is there to help Things were very different when go to college.” her succeed.” her granddaughter Sandy Glenn Coy, Now Sandy’s daughter, Erin, is a Lois had said she was also glad to have ’90, attended then-Southwest Missouri freshman. Erin, a business major who another female Bear in the family. “I think State University. hopes to rescue and rehab horses for a it’s great — I am so proud of her.”
IN MEMORIAM 1930s Lois Cline Crews, ’33 Branson, Mo.
1940s Charles R. Fraser, ’40 Bolivar, Mo. Sue Grantham Jones, ’42 Mountain Grove, Mo. Jerry F. French, ’47 Springfield
40
William H. Long, ’47 Springfield
Frances L. Turner, ’51 Springfield
Raymond E. Ellingsworth, ’64 Springfield
1950s
Alice V. Pearce, ’53 Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Menford L. Cale II, ’69 Kansas City, Mo.
Kenton L. Stockton, ’50 Tulsa, Okla.
William M. Lines, ’59 Springfield
Ronald M. Dickens, ’69 Liberal, Mo.
Dorothy Garrison Busiek, ’51 Springfield
1960s
1970s
Donald L. Cloud, ’51 Billings, Mo.
Gene C. Johnson, ’60 Springfield
Leroy Wilheim, ’70 Long Island City, N.Y.
Ruth H. Freeman, ’51 Springfield
Mary J. Tharp Pigg, ’61 Springfield
Richard P. Price, ’73 Springfield
WWW.MAG A ZIN E . M ISSO U RISTATE.EDU
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Former Boomer tests Google Glass Nope, that’s not a cyborg you see on campus.
It’s Jeff Thomas, ’10, an early adopter of Google Glass, the wearable computer by the Silicon Valley superpower. Thomas, a web systems analyst at MSU, has been one of about 10,000 people able to test this technology since attending a Google conference in 2012 and signing up to become a “Glass Explorer.” Google expects to release a version of Glass to the public in 2014. “It’s been really neat being ahead of the curve as far as technology goes,” Thomas said. “I love being at the front of the line.” Thomas provides feedback to Google about how he is using his Glass, which — among other things — can provide him with traffic updates and tell him the quickest routes home. “Basically, I get to help Google learn about uses they didn’t think of and design the best applications for the public.” Thomas, who has a bachelor’s in computer science, always knew he liked to figure out how things are built, then make them better. “When I was little, I attempted to take apart the refrigerator and also took a stab at the thermostat in the middle of winter (which shut off the heat).” At Missouri State, he quickly found his niche in computer science. But he also had a passion for campus life — he was even the
Paul E. Rorvig, ’74 Columbia, Mo. Robert N. White, ’74 Sioux Falls, S.D. John P. Bradford, ’75 Springfield Rick S. Parks, ’78 Springfield Mary A. McAvoy, ’79 Creve Coeur, Mo.
Watch a video of Jeff Thomas explaining how to use Google Glass. WWW.MAGA Z IN E.MISSOUR ISTATE.EDU
man in the Boomer costume one year. He was a resident assistant and was in Maroon Madness, Student Government Association and other groups. But his most meaningful experience was being a University ambassador. “There was something awesome about giving tours to hundreds and hundreds of kids. Several years later students would recognize me on campus and say, ‘Hey, you gave me my tour and you’re the reason I came to Missouri State.’ It was amazing to get to see all of the things they were doing and know that you led them here.” He has worked at MSU in computer services since 2011. His professors had a hunch he would
1980s Deana L. Gold Benton, ’82 Battlefield, Mo. Loretta M. Jackson, ’89 Springfield Shelly J. Wiehe, ’89 Republic, Mo.
1990s Russell “Todd” Johnson, ’90 Monett, Mo.
thrive. “I first met Jeff when he enrolled in the programming class in the computer science curriculum,” said Richard Martin, faculty emeritus. They later worked as colleagues while designing a phone app. “His work was exceptional,” Martin said. “I have been privileged to work with Jeff and I expect him to accomplish much during his career.” Thomas loves Missouri State and wants to spend his career here. “Not only did MSU teach the computer science stuff and development work flows, but it taught me the real-world skills, too. Being involved as a student in campus life allowed me to build the social interactions necessary for success.”
LeeAnn King, ’90 Kansas City, Mo. Donald W. Freeman, ’91 Springfield Beverly M. Tadeja, ’93 Springfield Dean Agnew, ’99 Ozark, Mo.
Faculty/Staff Dr. Larry W. Burt, faculty Springfield
Aileen White (Cloud) Ege, ’46, faculty Springfield John “Brad” Ferguson, staff Springfield Alton C. Manning, ’60, staff emeritus Springfield Fred Marty, ’63, staff emeritus Springfield Rebecca S. Quinn, ’72, staff Stafford, Mo.
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ALUMNI
By Don Payton
Campus has had several ‘front doors’ News that Missouri State will soon build a welcome center leads Don Payton to ponder past locations where visitors and friends were greeted. At this year’s Homecoming, I was once again reminded of an oft-quoted line from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”: “What’s past is prologue.”
The quote popped to mind as I chatted with members of this year’s 50-year class, the class of 1963, at their Golden Bears luncheon in Kentwood Hall. The 1962-63 year was pivotal in the history of the University as then-SMS was evolving from “what was” to “what is.” “We were caught smack in the middle of it,” as one returnee put it, “and most of us didn’t have an inkling of what was going on.” In July 1961, Dr. Leland Traywick replaced Dr. Roy Ellis as president as Ellis retired after 35 years. In the ensuing 15 months, the “old,” such as the term system, the August term, those popular “off hours,” many courses, a number of academic programs and long-standing traditions were gone, replaced by the “new,” such as the semester system, revised academic courses, a totally redone catalog and even the school’s official Christmas tree. The tree had adorned the main hall of the Administration Building since “aught five, I guess,” as someone put it. Also in 1962-63, the administration and Board of Regents pondered one of the most crucial and controversial decisions in the history of the college. That fall, the federal government offered the school 39 acres of land on North Glenstone Avenue. It was the site of O’Reilly General Hospital, which the feds were closing. If the college accepted the offer, it would be for the express purpose of moving all athletic facilities to the Glenstone site. Heated debate ensued. Finally, a number of Regents said they 42
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The Missouri State University campus will have an official “front door” in fall 2015 when the welcome center opens. This rendering shows the building, which will be a gathering place for prospective students and will have recruitment-themed information about the University.
would not vote, under any circumstances, to split the campus. Ultimately, the offer from the feds was turned down and the Regents voted to continue expanding the campus “piece by piece and parcel by parcel.” Fifty years later, one only can speculate what the University’s lay of the land would look like today if the Board had accepted the offer. Or where the new welcome center would be located. Ditto Bear Boulevard, newly named and located between National Avenue and Kimbrough Avenue on what we all knew as Monroe Street. Back in “our day,” of course, there was no welcome center. We were simply welcomed from all angles and directions. Even then, there was a question as to where the school’s front door was located. Without a doubt, President Ellis considered
the front door to be the main entrance on the east side of the A building, off National. I’m told that President Carrington, the school’s first leader, preferred that building’s back door. Early photos show his horse and buggy awaiting him there. Students of earlier days had their own ideas of a front door to the campus. I recall someone at the reunion of the 1936 class remarking that she considered the College Inn, at the corner of Lombard Street and Kings Avenue, to be the front door, “Because that’s where the street car stops.” Which it did — until 1937.
Don Payton, ’50, is former information services director at Missouri State University. Now retired, Payton continues to write for the University and area publications.
First Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame inauguration will take place in April Late United States President Harry Truman, former Sen. John Danforth and newspaper publisher Dr. Donald Suggs will be the inaugural inductees into the new Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame honors those who improve the lives of others through their academic, personal or professional achievements. Honorees must have a connection to the state of Missouri and be examples of global citizens who act consistently for the benefit of others. Missouri State University created the Hall of Fame in 2013 as part of the University’s statewide public affairs mission; however, honorees are not required to have a tie to MSU.
The first-ever recipients will be inducted during a banquet and ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. April 11 in a ballroom at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave. Danforth and Suggs will be at the ceremony. Clifton Truman Daniel, Truman’s grandson, will be present to accept the award on behalf of his grandfather. Jennifer Davidson, senior reporter for Missouri State public radio station KSMU, will emcee the dinner.
HARRY S. TRUMAN
JOHN C. “JACK” DANFORTH
DR. DONALD M. SUGGS
Truman is the first recipient of the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame legacy award.
Danforth, born in St. Louis, was attorney general of Missouri from 1969 to 1976.
Truman was born in Lamar in 1884 and grew up in Independence.
He was a United States senator from Missouri from 1976 to 1995.
He was a politician who served as president of the United States from April 12, 1945, until January 1953, when he returned to live in Missouri.
He served as a United States ambassador to the United Nations in the 2000s.
Suggs is the publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American, Missouri’s largest weekly newspaper targeted to African-Americans. The American publishes 70,000 copies every Thursday, and distributes them, free, at more than 845 locations in St. Louis.
He is now a partner with the international law firm of Bryan Cave, which was founded in St. Louis.
Want to go? The Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame induction ceremonies include a black-tie optional dinner open to the public. WHEN: 5-8 p.m. April 11 WHERE: Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave.
TICKETS: $35 at www.publicaffairs. missouristate.edu/ halloffame
PRESENTING SPONSOR: Strong-Garner-Bauer Law Firm
Suggs is a dentist who served as chief of oral surgery at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. He was the first African-American to serve as an associate clinical professor at the St. Louis University Dental School. He has long been active in the civil-rights movement.
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So tweeted the bronze Bear statue in front of Plaster Student Union on Oct. 17. Missouri State fashion merchandising and design students and their professor Sandy Bailey designed and made a maroon jersey for the 14-foot-tall statue as part of Homecoming festivities. Now that the measurements have been taken, we hope the Bear is decked out in more MSU couture in the future!
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