Missouri State University alumni magazine

SUMMER 2015

THE MAGAZINE PUBLISHED FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

THE MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

DECADE: 10 years, 10 accomplishments

n

VOL. 10 ISSUE 2

Our historic name change happened in 2005. Since then, the University has striven Ñ even more than ever Ñ to be better and bolder, and to truly become an institution where students follow their passion and find their place.

Publisher: Missouri State University office of publications Publications director: Stacey Funderburk Magazine managing editor: Michelle S. Rose Magazine art director and designer: Amy Schuldt Class Notes editors: Debbie Branson, Caitlin West, Candice Wolf Photographers: Brandon Carry, Bob Linder, Andrew Petersen, Jesse Scheve, John Wall, Kevin White Writers: Nicki Donnelson, Don Hendricks, Trysta Herzog, Rick Kindhart, Stephanie Matthews, Andrea Mostyn, Michelle S. Rose 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, Senior Director of Donor Relations and Special Events Debbie Branson, Associate Director of Alumni Relations Candice Wolf, Assistant Director of Alumni Activities Angela Pinegar, Assistant Director of Advancement Services Jacqui Coones, Director of Development Andrew Garton, Director of Development Patty Ingle, Director of Development Keri McKee, Director of Development Sophie Pierpoint, Director of Development Karl Schmidt, Director of Development Lisa Clark, Director of Planned Giving Kevin Greim, Senior Director of Athletics Development 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 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 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. 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 118 15

Correction: In the spring 2015 issue, we reported that the Bears football team won Sept. 13, 2014, against North Dakota State. That should have read "the University of North Dakota."

Missouri State regrets the error.

FEATURES 10 THE MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY DECADE: 10 YEARS, 10 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Our historic name change happened in 2005. Since then, the University has striven — even more than ever — to be better and bolder, and to truly become an institution where students follow their passion and find their place.

4 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RESTRUCTURING Learn about plans to expand and enhance alumni programs, and meet the association's new board of directors.

24 THE FACULTY Geology professor Dr. Kevin Mickus has been to Antarctica to study Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano in the world.

CAMPUS NEWS

2015-16 MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS:

KEVIN WHITE

Jim Anderson, Õ71, co-chair, Springfield

A message from Lori Fan, executive director of alumni relations

Alumni Association restructuring; meet your new board of directors ÒOn Nov. 2, 1941, 35 alumni of Southwest Missouri State Teachers College gathered in the auditorium of the College.Ó So began the minutes of the first-ever alumni meeting. With the election of Dr. W. Virgil Cheek, ’23, as its first president, your Alumni Association was born, and it has been serving the institution proudly ever since.

Fan Today, Missouri State University is enjoying a period of tremendous growth and opportunity, and the Alumni Association must grow with it if we are to ensure a bright future for the institution and its students.

In 2013, the office of alumni relations was asked to recommend strategies that would take us to the next level. With the help of dozens of alumni, students, faculty and staff who worked tirelessly for many months, we have developed the foundation for building a new Alumni Association.

“We’re in the restructuring On Jan. 30 this year, 22 alumni and one student phase, and it’s exciting. gathered in the Meyer Alumni Center to officially launch It’s fun to be part of a the new association. Throughout the course of the ‘startup’ in many ways. upcoming year, we will be working to expand and enhance We will have a strategic alumni programs and activities to better serve you. plan by October. Our first For more information, contact us any time. areas of emphasis will likely be some additions Sincerely, to Homecoming and Lori Fan, executive director of alumni relations creating ways to reach out alumni@missouristate.edu to both young alumni and alumni of all ages who live in other areas of the country.”

— Jim Anderson, ’71, Alumni Association board of directors co-chair; vice president of marketing and public affairs for CoxHealth

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHANGES

We will be updating you in this magazine, in the monthly Bear Bulletin and online:

www.alumni.missouristate.edu

Lori (Clifton) Matthews, Õ88 and Õ93, co-chair, Springfield Dan Cogswell, Õ07, chair-elect, Springfield Tina (Chasteen) Stillwell, Õ72 and Õ80, vice chair, Springfield Bradley Coy, Õ04 and Õ06, secretary, Springfield

DIRECTORS: Gib Adkins, Õ79, Lebanon, Missouri Frank Burkybile, Õ08, Atlanta Tara (Hamann) Calton, Õ03, Springfield Sam Clifton, Õ92, Springfield Justin Ellis, Õ02, St. Louis Hollie Elliott, Õ08 and Õ13, Springfield Derek Fraley, Õ01, Springfield Mark Grogan, Õ09, Kansas City, Missouri Rachel Henady, student expected to graduate in Õ17, Southwest City, Missouri Barry Johnson, Õ74, Miami (not in photo) Brian Mahaffey, Õ88, St. Louis Jami (Goodwin) Medina, Õ03, St. Louis Marcus Morgan, Õ98 and Õ01, Chicago Michelle (Nahon) Moulder, Õ86, Springfield Sidney Rone Jr., Õ07, Springfield (not in photo) Brandt Shields, Õ11 and Õ13, Branson, Missouri Joseph Schiermann II, Õ01 and Õ03, St. Louis Jon Straw, Õ99 and Õ01, McLean, Virginia

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS: This has been a spring of milestones and reflection: Missouri State University turned 110, and we celebrated 10 years since our name change.

All of this looking back has us excited about the future and the direction in which the University is now headed. We want to let you know about the great things we’re working on that will be happening this fall.

You’re invited to visit any time, so be sure to come back to campus as the University begins its next amazing phase.

NEW BUILDINGS It’s getting to be a fall tradition: For at least the second year in a row, students are going to be greeted by a new facility or two when they come back to campus. The following will be dedicated this summer or fall: The Davis-Harrington Welcome Center, Missouri State’s new “front door,” will be the designated starting place for tours and give us a place to hold admissions presentations.

The O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center will serve health-related academic programs, including occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, nursing and nurse anesthesia. It will include a clinic, laboratories, offices, classrooms and group study spaces.

NEW FOOTBALL COACH There’s a great deal of excitement on campus about football this year.

In December, Dave Steckel was named our new head coach. Steckel, who was the University of Missouri associate head coach and defensive coordinator, saw success with the Tigers — including back-to-back divisional championships in 2013 and 2014.

As Athletics Director Kyle Moats puts it: “His reputation within the industry is impeccable, and he has a proven track record of success. … With him, a new attitude and culture begins today.”

Get your tailgating gear ready: It’s going to be a must-watch season.

NEW ACTIVITIES AT HOMECOMING Our Alumni Association is working on some innovative new events for Homecoming, while keeping many of the great traditions.

Last year, we tried an evening event downtown called Bears on the Square, complete with a live band.

Expect us to try more new activities and events as we listen to what you’d like to see.

NEW STUDENTS We’re anticipating a record enrollment for the fall 2015 semester.

This is especially noteworthy given that

Keep up with President Smart: @ClifSmart

the competition to recruit and retain students has only become tougher for schools nationwide.

The numbers mean that, for both students and parents, Missouri State is truly becoming recognized as the University you choose when you want to follow your passion and find your place.

We have the inspiring academics, friendly campus, meaningful mission and unbeatable value students are seeking.

This fall would be a great time to reconnect with campus, whether you want to feel the spirit on football game days with a new coach in a renovated stadium, hear a public affairs convocation lecture, see a Broadway-caliber show at Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts or a concert at JQH Arena.

You’re welcome back to school along with all the rest of the Bears!

Very truly yours,

Clif Smart President

New degrees focus on cybersecurity, teaching and more Missouri State will offer these new undergraduate and graduate degrees starting this fall.

UNDERGRADUATE

Bachelor of Science in General Studies This is a great option for nontraditional students. It is ideal for adult learners who have a number of college credits and would like to complete a four-year degree, and for currently employed people who seek a bachelor’s degree to advance in their careers.

Bachelor of Science in Theatre; Bachelor of Science in Dance MSU already offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre and dance. These new options make it easier for transfer students to meet the required number of hours to major in these areas.

GRADUATE

Master of Science in Cybersecurity This degree, housed in the College of Business, will address the nationwide shortage of cybersecurity professionals.

Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning / Specialist in Education, Teaching Leadership These two new programs in the College of Education are meant to create “teacher leaders.” Both will be delivered on-site in a public school setting — a unique format meant to address the needs of local teachers. The two groups of students (MATL and SETL) will sometimes meet to have conversations. The goal is to give these teachers tools, skills and strategies to make them leading educators.

MIS S OU RI S T AT E

SUMMER 2015

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Second class inducted into

Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame The honorees are a legendary scientist, an award-winning veteran who is a globally known humanitarian and a recent college graduate who started a national nonprofit.

T

hree people were inducted into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame during a dinner and ceremony held April 17 in Springfield.

Missouri State University created the Hall of Fame in 2013 as part of the UniversityÕs statewide

public affairs mission. Honorees are not required to have a tie to the University. They must have a connection to the state of Missouri, and have served as examples of global citizens who acted consistently for the benefit of others.

IMAGE COURTESY OF IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

THIS YEAR'S HONOREES: GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

ERIC GREITENS

SIMONE BERNSTEIN

George Washington Carver, best known for his work with peanuts, was a scientist, educator and humanitarian who mastered chemistry, botany, mycology (the study of fungi), music, herbalism, art, cooking and massage.

George Washington Carver National Monument, in Diamond, Missouri, was the first national park to honor an African-American.

Eric Greitens was recently recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 50 greatest leaders in the world.

Greitens served as a United States Navy SEAL officer and won many military honors. He is the founder of The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit that challenges veterans to serve in communities across America. In 2013, Time magazine named him to its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Greitens is also a photographer and writer.

He is the author of three books and teaches as a senior fellow at the Truman School of Public Affairs in Columbia, Missouri.

Simone Bernstein, who is from St. Louis, has been an active volunteer since she was 12. When she was 17, she and her brother, Jake, launched VolunTEEN Nation, a national nonprofit that helps teens and young adults find volunteer opportunities.

She has been a 2010 L’Oreal Paris Woman of Worth, on the 2012 Forbes 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneur list, one of Glamour’s 2013 Top 10 College Women and a 2014 Traditional Home Magazine Classic Woman.



LEGACY AWARD 

NOMINEES ARE NOW SOUGHT FOR THE NEXT GROUP OF INDUCTEES. See full criteria or make a nomination:

www.publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/halloffame 6

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Let’s Get It Started: The MarooNation Ball in Kansas City would not have been possible without the support of these businesses and individuals.

arrives in Kansas City!

MAROON AND WHITE SPONSORS: BKD LLP CPAs and Advisors

Unforgettable.

Unbelievable.

UNMISSABLE. The Missouri State University Foundation held the MarooNation Ball, a black-tie optional event, April 25 in Kansas City. This was the first MarooNation Ball held outside of St. Louis. The event featured live entertainment, mingling, dining and dancing.

Judge Stephen and Andrea Bough Greg and Jennifer Spears John and Diana Mullen Chris Waters and Mike Armentrout Missouri State University College of Arts and Letters Missouri State University College of Business Missouri State University College of Education Missouri State University College of Health and Human Services

T I C K ET S A N D SP ON SOR SHI PS

THIS WINTER IN ST. LOUIS! WHEN: Dec. 5, 2015 WHERE: Palladium Saint Louis, 1400 Park Place

Individual tickets: $150 each Sponsorships: $2,500-$5,000 Sponsors are guaranteed a table for 10 at the ball, and will receive gifts and recognition More info: 417-836-4143 or www.missouristatefoundation.org

2016 IN KANSAS CITY! WHEN: April 2, 2016 WHERE: The Gallery, Power & Light District, 61 E. 14th St.

Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox, the first openly transgender woman of color to have a large role on a mainstream scripted television show, spoke Jan. 20 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall.

Cox plays Sophia Burset on the Netflix prison drama “Orange is the New Black.” Time magazine named Burset the fourth most influential fictional character of 2013.

Cox talked to the crowd of approximately 2,000 about her early struggles with being transgender, overcoming her misconceptions of transgenderism and being able to fulfill her dream of acting.

The event was sponsored by MSU’s Student Activities Council, the MSU LGBT Resource Center, Springfield Pride, GLO Center and One Springfield.

Missouri State completes diversity climate study, plans next steps Missouri State is taking a leading role in examining and supporting diversity. In March, the University announced the results of a 19-month campus and community climate study.

More than 3,000 students, staff and community members were included in focus groups and research.

DEFINING DIVERSITY Missouri State has a broad definition of diversity that includes race, gender identity, disability status, sexual orientation, language differences, veteran status, age, socioeconomic standing, religious affiliation, political beliefs and more.

The University has focused on creating a healthy campus climate for many years because students and staff thrive only when their environment is free from negativity and discrimination.

VIEW THE REPORT: Read either the full report or an overview:

www.diversity. missouristate.edu

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STUDYÕS FINDINGS The vast majority of respondents in the study, about 90 percent, indicated they had not experienced any discrimination of any kind at the University. However, there is room for improvement in “microaggressions,” a term for forms of discrimination such as insensitive remarks and acts of exclusion. In addition, sizable percentages of participants believed that the Springfield community was less welcoming for some individuals.

NEXT STEPS The University has taken steps to address diversity needs through curriculum, student resources, hiring, employee training, campus events and more.

Next, a committee of faculty, administrators, staff and community members will develop recommendations based on the report. These will be addressed as part of the long-range planning process, which starts this fall.

The campus climate will be an ongoing, long-term priority, said Missouri State President Clif Smart: “We want all of our students, our faculty and our staff to feel equally welcome and included in our University community.”

Bear couple shares their love on national TV Missouri State history student Marshall Phelan surprised his girlfriend, elementary education student Rebecca Pearcey, by proposing to her on NBCÕs ÒToday ShowÓ on ValentineÕs Day. Missouri State staff helped Phelan’s ruse: He convinced Pearcey they would be talking about making the transition to Missouri State after transferring from a community college. “We’re not here to talk about college, Rebecca,” he admitted on air.

“I love you. I love you so much. … I know that our lives are just starting to take off, but there’s no one that I’d rather take off with than you.” Calling her “the greatest girl in the world,” he asked her to marry him.

She said yes!

JESSE SCHEVE

CAMPUS NEWS

Actress speaks about transgender issues

A shyster, a Sherlock and a socially aware teen are coming to Tent Theatre For its 53rd season, Tent Theatre will present ÒLeap of Faith,Ó ÒSherlock Holmes: The Final AdventureÓ and ÒHairspray.Ó “We were looking for a fun, exciting season with shows to please both longtime and new friends of Tent,” said Dr. Christopher Herr, theatre and dance department head. “We found two fantastic, high-energy musicals and a compelling new drama about a well-beloved character.”

ÒSHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTUREÓ Dates: June 25-July 3 This four-act play features the adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous protagonist. The world’s greatest detective has seemingly reached the end of his career when a case brings him — and his cohort John Watson — back to the game to outsmart nemesis Professor Moriarty.

ÒLEAP OF FAITHÓ Dates: June 10-13, 15-20 This musical, based on the 1992 Steve Martin movie of the same name, follows con artist Jonas Nightengale as his traveling ministry breaks down in a small Kansas town. Sheriff Marla McGowan attempts to thwart his efforts to scam money from the townspeople.

ÒHAIRSPRAYÓ Dates: July 8-11, 13-19 This international hit brings 1960s Baltimore to life through music and social commentary. When a teenage girl’s dreams of starring on a local TV dance program come to life, she takes the opportunity to fight for integration in this comedic musical.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

MSU gets into crowdfunding with new site Have you ever wanted to back student art projects, contribute to MSU research or support student volunteers?

Now you can, with just a few clicks.

MSU Crowdfunding, a privately branded crowdfunding portal just for MSU, was recently launched.

Students, faculty, staff and programs use the site to raise money and generate support for academics and student life.

Examples of projects have included a short film (which was fully funded!) and travel or material expenses for competitions, conferences and service projects around the U.S. Backers may give any amount, no matter how small — with crowdfunding, it all adds up to help MSU!

IN PERSON: Visit any Missouri State box office PHONE: 417-836-7678 or toll-free 888-476-7849 WEB: missouristatetix.com

See all of the amazing projects you may support:

www.missouristate crowdfunding.org

Your support keeps

MISSOURI STATE moving forward.

WHY MAKE A GIFT BY JUNE 30?

To receive an active alumni card and alumni benefits with a qualifying gift of at least $25.

To direct your gift to any area of the University that helped you follow your passion and find your place.

STATE FUNDING

To help Missouri State bridge the gap between the declining funds provided by the state and our operating needs.

WANT TO GIVE? HAVE QUESTIONS? Return the envelope next to this ad

Email us: annualfunds@missouristate.edu

Give online: www.missouristate.edu/giving

Call us: 417-836-4143

68% 37% 1990

2014

THE MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

DECADE:

10 years, 10 accomplishments Our historic name change happened in 2005. Since then, the University has striven Ñ even more than ever Ñ to be better and bolder, and to truly become an institution where students follow their passion and find their place. Here are some of our major successes and areas of emphasis since we officially became MSU.

Story by Michelle S. Rose Photos from Missouri State University office of photo services

Sources: Interviews with those quoted • Archive issues of The Standard student newspaper and official University publications • Missouri State University Office of Institutional Research

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Increased prominence and prestige change process. Smart agreed: The name change has definitely reshaped how people in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C., perceive us.

The name ÒMissouri State UniversityÓ raised the profile of the University in all aspects, from academics to athletics and beyond. “It has clearly elevated us to be a leader in the state,” said Missouri State University President Clif Smart. “I see evidence of that every day.” Some examples: Attracting talent: From faculty to administrators to coaching personnel, we’re now more likely to attract a larger pool from around the U.S., Smart said.

“I think there’s a significant positive difference there.”

Standing out to legislators: “It’s easier for all elected officials, no matter

2

their location, to advocate on behalf of a statewide institution, such as Missouri State, rather than a regional institution, such as SMS,” said Paul Kincaid, who worked in University relations for 28 years and was the coordinator of governmental relations during the name

Partnering with business: “The name change benefited the business community, there’s absolutely no question about it,” said MSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Co-Chair Jim Anderson, ’71. Anderson was the president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce from 1988 to 2014 and is now vice president of marketing and public affairs for CoxHealth. “The University is a major magnet for business attraction, retention and growth.”

Continued growth of undergraduate enrollment

In the early and mid-1990s, the Springfield campus phased in a selective admissions policy instead of open admissions, meaning that potential students had to meet a minimum combination of class rank and ACT or SAT test scores. The new standards were meant to attract motivated students who had a good chance of success

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+

AVERAGE ACT SCORE FOR MISSOURI STATE FRESHMEN, well above state and national averages

in college and lead to higher graduation rates. They also signaled to everyone that SMS intended to become one of the premier institutions in the Midwest. Now, “our enrollment continues to grow even at a time when college enrollment’s not growing statewide, it’s shrinking,” said University President Clif Smart. “Students sense that something good is happening here. They want to be here.” Since the name change, we are attracting more students from St. Louis, Kansas City and outside Missouri.

“When you see students who come in to interview for scholarships, they come in from 10, 12, 15 other states,” Smart said. In addition, our number of transfer students from two- and four-year colleges continues to rise — a highly courted constituency in recent years. In the last decade, Smart said, we have built close and complementary partnerships with regional and state community colleges: “We want to be the upper-division provider that allows those students to complete four-year degrees.”

2,000+ STUDENTS TRANSFER TO MSU EACH YEAR

MI S S OU RI S T AT E

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3

Enhanced academics

Dr. John H. Keiser was president of the University from 1993 to 2005. During his tenure, “the faculty spent a lot of time on quality,” Keiser said.

“We really got everybody talking about what an educated person could be.” Since then, there has been even more emphasis on superior academics. A few highlights: New and expanded areas: University Provost Dr. Frank Einhellig said creating undergraduate and graduate health care and technology programs has been a priority. In addition, the agriculture department became the Darr School of Agriculture in 2009 to acknowledge the depth and breadth of our agriculture programs.

Educational partnerships: MSU has partnered with the University of

UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

190+ bachelorÕs degree options 10+ certificate programs ONLINE PROGRAMS May be completed entirely online:

10 bachelorÕs degrees 2 undergraduate certificates 14 masterÕs degrees 14 graduate certificates

400

PUBLICATIONS OR CREATIVE WORKS PRODUCED BY MSU FACULTY EACH YEAR

Missouri on a doctoral pharmacy program and with Missouri S&T for undergraduate engineering programs.

MSU is also working closely with the MU system to train health care professionals in southwest Missouri: The University of Missouri School of Medicine is partnering with Ozarks hospitals to increase the medical student class size and create a clinical campus in Springfield. “The concern that there would be bitter rivalry with MU did not develop,” said Ken McClure, the University’s vice president for administrative and information services. “We have an excellent working relationship with them, and our cooperative programs wouldn’t have happened without the name change.”

Research: Our research centers, such as the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, have helped our faculty’s scholarly efforts.

“The faculty who have applied here in the last 10 years are very interested in having a good balance between teaching and research — and research that involves students,” Einhellig said.

Accreditations: The entire University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but some areas also earn specialized accreditations. “We have 33

An epic stretching from Normal School to Missouri State:

HISTORY of the NAME CHANGE 14

W W W .M A GA ZIN E . MISSO U RISTATE.EDU

accreditations now,” Einhellig said. “If you went back 10 years, that number was definitely lower. Just in the last three years, we’ve added four new areas.”

Online education: MSU was recognized by Affordable Colleges Foundation, a national independent organization, for being in their Best Online Colleges for 2015. The number of credits earned online continues to rise: At this point, about 11 percent of all MSU credit hours are online.

20+

CENTERS AND INSTITUTES IN WHICH RESEARCH TAKES PLACE AT MSU

MARCH 17, 1905 The Missouri General Assembly authorizes the creation of the Fourth District Normal School in Springfield. The institutionÕs main purpose is preparing teachers for local schools.

1919 The Fourth District Normal School changes its name to Southwest Missouri State Teachers College.

4

Expanded graduate programs

Missouri State Provost Dr. Frank Einhellig came to Missouri State in 1992 as associate vice president for graduate studies and research.

“Southwest Missouri State, at that time, was primarily an undergraduate operation, with good faculty and plenty of capability to serve graduate education needs in the region and beyond,” he said.

“That just hadn’t been a focus of the institution yet. We knew if Southwest Missouri was to become Missouri State, it had to strengthen its position in graduate education and its commitment to research.” Support from the state helped: In 1995, the Missouri legislature passed a law that gave additional funding to public higher education institutions. This “mission enhancement” money, which the University received until about 2000, allowed MSU to create new undergraduate and graduate programs, hire faculty, pay for graduate assistantships and more. The University’s

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+

ACCELERATED MASTERÕS PROGRAMS, which allow qualified students to earn credit toward a graduate degree starting in their junior year of college

1945 Southwest Missouri State Teachers College changes its name to Southwest Missouri State College, displaying the schoolÕs expansion beyond teacher education.

first doctorate, in audiology, was started in 2002. Since the name change, graduate enrollment is on the rise.

“This last year,” said President Clif Smart, “we had the biggest graduate student body we’ve ever had.”

3,420 GRADUATE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN FALL 2014 (up 2.6 percent from 2013)

GROWTH OF GRADUATE PROGRAMS

1992:

2015:

About 20 masterÕs degree options

50+ masterÕs degree options 30+ graduate certificate programs 2 specialist degree programs 4 doctoral degree programs 2 cooperative doctoral programs

0 graduate certificate programs 0 specialist degree programs 0 doctoral degree programs 0 cooperative doctoral programs

1972 Southwest Missouri State College changes its name to Southwest Missouri State University in recognition of the diversity of undergraduate programs and the start of graduate programs.

1973 Enrollment exceeds 10,000 for the first time.

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1979 Students circulate petitions advocating for a name change to Missouri State University.

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1985 Students again circulate petitions advocating for a name change to Missouri State University.

W W W .M A GA ZIN E . MISSO U RISTATE.EDU

JAN. 11, 1986 University President Marshall Gordon hosts a breakfast and news conference to kick off efforts to support Missouri Senate Bill 662, introduced that month to change the schoolﾃ不 name to Missouri State University.

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Even deeper commitment to diversity and inclusion

One of Missouri StateÕs top priorities is to become more diverse. A college education must be available to a student of any race, gender, religion, disability or socioeconomic background, because an education is the passport to personal and professional opportunities. Increasing diversity at MSU is also a sound business decision: The nation’s demographics have been changing

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PEOPLE ATTENDED THIS YEARÕS STATEWIDE COLLABORATIVE DIVERSITY CONFERENCE

dramatically for some time, and if MSU is to continue to grow, we must be attractive to many different people. In 2011, Missouri State created the Division for Diversity and Inclusion, a resource for the entire campus.

Dr. Ken Coopwood has been the vice president for that division from the start. “I conducted more than 130 interviews to find out what people were interested in, what the presence of the division meant to them, and areas of concern versus points of pride.

I talked to students, administrators, faculty, staff and the community. I wrote a three- or four-page plan of action.” The division has started personal and professional development activities, academic initiatives, mentoring programs, social events and more for students and employees on campus. The division also has community outreach, such as the annual Statewide Collaborative Diversity Conference that is open to the public. Up next: MSU has just

50 MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS, worth $5,000 a year, available at MSU

received data from a study that explored the climate of diversity on campus. The goal, Coopwood said, is to become a flexible, multicultural organization. As he puts it, we’re “building an experience that ultimately makes all people say, ‘OK, I chose the right institution.’ ”

2009

FEBRUARY 1986 Bill 662 dies in the Senate Education Committee.

2010

1988 Bills for the name change are introduced in both the Missouri House and Senate; neither passes.

2011

2012

2013

1990 Enrollment exceeds 20,000 for the first time.

2,631

2,413

2,241

1,976

1,900

1,595

NUMBER OF STUDENTS OF UNDERREPRESENTED RACE/ETHNICITY* RISING EACH FALL

* Since 2009, underrepresented race/ethnicity includes American Indian, Alaskan native, Asian, African-American or black, Hispanic or Latino, native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander, and those of more than one race

2014

1995 The Missouri General Assembly gives the University a statewide mission in public affairs.

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7

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

1,655

1,312

1,136

831

INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT TRIPLED

2014

New facilities and infrastructure

ItÕs incredible how many landmark buildings have become part of campus since 2005: JQH Arena. The Foster Recreation Center. The IDEA Commons, which expanded Missouri State’s footprint in downtown Springfield with Brick City, the Jordan Valley Innovation Center and the Plaster Center for Free Enterprise.

All of these have changed academics and athletics on campus. Other projects since 2005 include: Nearly $22 million worth of construction and renovation dedicated to athletics and recreation, including the renovation of Plaster Stadium and new facilities for

2002 State legislators introduce a bill to change the name; it passes in the House but dies in the Senate.

18

universities, and say we are Southwest Missouri State, they would look at me one way. When I was able to say it was Missouri State, they would look at me a little bit differently.” International enrollment from all corners of the globe has been going up since 2005. “The name change has been very beneficial in our recruiting,” Baker said. “We’ll probably be up to maybe 2,000 or so international students in the next few years. I think the growth will be pretty steady for the next 10 years — not dramatic, but steady. That’s what we plan for.”

551

Dr. Jim Baker, vice president for research, economic development and international programs, has been at MSU since 1993. “The biggest impact I’ve seen since the name change is in our international programs. The change was a huge deal, because international students tend to look at names and rankings of universities.” Baker has made many trips to our branch campus in Dalian, China, and has been instrumental in making other academic partnerships in that country. “When I would go to China and talk to students or potential partner

496

6

More international students

field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, track and sand volleyball A high-tech makeover for Siceluff Hall, making it one of the most state-of-the-art buildings on campus Changes to agricultural facilities, including completion of the Christopher S. Bond Learning Center and a renovation of Pinegar Arena at the William H. Darr Agricultural Center The renaming of a section of Monroe Street to Bear Boulevard

EARLY JANUARY 2004 Students and community leaders travel to Jefferson City to lobby for yet another name-change bill.

W W W .MA G A ZIN E . M ISSO U RISTATE.EDU

New state-of-the-art science labs at Greenwood Laboratory School A new student recreation center on the West Plains campus Renovation of Gohn Hall on the West Plains campus And we’re not done. Soon we will dedicate two new buildings: the DavisHarrington Welcome Center and the O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center.

We also have plans to renovate Pummill Hall, renovate and expand Glass Hall, and renovate Ellis Hall — and some work has already started in several of those buildings.

MID-JANUARY 2004 The name-change bill passes a Senate committee.

FEBRUARY 2004 The bill fails in the House.

LATE 2004 State Sen. Norma Champion and state Rep. B.J. Marsh both file bills to get the name changed. Ă’We can deliver a name change by your birthday on March 17,Ă“ Champion vowed at a press conference held on campus.

EARLY 2005 Busloads of students and community leaders travel to the state Capitol several times to testify for the name change.

FEBRUARY 2005 The state Senate passes the bill.

MIS S OU RI S T AT E

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8

Gains in private giving

State funding for higher education continues to decrease.

Many of our accomplishments, such as new buildings and larger numbers of high-achieving students, simply would not have happened without generous philanthropic support. Since 2005, the endowment of the Missouri State University Foundation — the private fundraising arm of the University — has grown by more than $35 million. This support can partially be tied to our name change. “The fundraising success shows the commitment to making Missouri State University an education institution of national caliber,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for University advancement.

Foundation success stories include: Campaigns: On Aug. 27, 2005, the day before the name change, the Foundation closed “The Campaign for SMS: Imagine the Possibilities,” the University’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign. It began in 2001, and raised more than its goal of $50 million. Less than a decade later, the Foundation far exceeded that once-ambitious figure with “Our Promise: The Campaign for Missouri State University,” which began with a silent phase in 2005. It was publicly announced Aug. 28, 2009 and concluded Dec. 31, 2012. During that time,

MarooNation Ball Ñ St. Louis

donors gave $167,000,783 in gifts and commitments, supported 29 capital projects and helped us create 375 new scholarships and 17 endowed faculty positions.

Awards: Since 2005, the Foundation has won numerous consecutive Educational Fundraising Awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, known as CASE.

Major gifts: The largest gifts in University history — including $30 million from late developer John Q. Hammons to build JQH Arena — were all pledged after the name change.

ANNUAL GIVING TO THE FOUNDATION $18 MILLION

MarooNation Ball: The Foundation began hosting annual black-tie optional events in St. Louis and Kansas City to raise money for scholarships. $9 MILLION

THE FOUNDATION RAISES, ON AVERAGE,

more than $1 million EACH MONTH 2005

MARCH 1, 2005 The state House passes the bill.

20

MARCH 17, 2005 (University's 100th birthday!)

At 4 p.m. in PSU Theater, then-Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt signs Senate Bill 98, which officially authorizes Southwest Missouri State University to change its name to Missouri State University.

It also changes the names of several other state universities.

W W W . M A GA ZIN E . MISSO U RISTATE.EDU

2015

AUG. 28, 2005 The name change becomes official; students, faculty and staff celebrate with fireworks, live music, food and more.

9

Exploration of public affairs UNIVERSITY PROVIDES

On June 15, 1995, then-Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan signed into law Senate Bill 340. It gave then-SMS a statewide mission in public affairs. Though we now had a commitment to leading the state in higher education related to community engagement, cultural competence and ethical leadership, our institution name “did not reflect that — we were still a regional university,” said MSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Co-Chair

70+

COUNTRIES IN WHICH STUDENTS MAY PARTICIPATE IN SHORT-TERM OR LONG-TERM STUDY AWAY PROGRAMS

10

Jim Anderson, ’71. “I think the name change was a natural evolution of the statewide mission.” Since 2005, public affairs topics have been deeply integrated into MSU’s general education curriculum.

We have also identified seven signature public affairs events to help Missouri State put the mission into practice: New Student Convocation: Held in August. Welcomes freshmen to campus and kicks off the year’s public affairs theme.

Public Affairs Week: Held in September. This event is organized and hosted by students; the week’s activities focus on the year’s public affairs theme.

Community Engagement Project: A community-wide, collaborative service project held in fall.

Public Affairs Convocations: Free community lectures. Recent speakers include baseball star Cal Ripken Jr., statesman Colin Powell and former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens.

420,000

HOURS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES EACH YEAR

Public Affairs Conference: Held in spring. A multiple-day conference that features nationally and internationally recognized speakers; all events are free and open to the public.

Statewide Collaborative Diversity Conference: Held in spring. Professionals gather to share ideas about how to create thriving, diverse academic and professional environments.

Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame: Inauguration held in spring.

Hall of Fame inductees, who have a tie to the state of Missouri, are honored for their civic engagement and efforts to improve the lives of others.

More Bear pride

From Aug. 27-29, 2005, MSU's Baker Bookstore sold more than $125,000 in BearWear, said Jeff Grevillius, the clothing and soft goods manager at the store.

2010 The Springfield Business Journal ranks the name change 12th on a list of 30 major moments that have shaped business in the Ozarks.

“It was without a doubt the busiest we’ve ever been,” Grevillius said. The demand for BearWear remains high. Jim Baker, a University vice president who has worked at MSU since 1993, says the number of students sporting MSU gear on campus and in town continues to rise: “There’s a pride that comes with that name. I think becoming MSU had a huge impact on the psyche of the people who attend the University. Now it’s getting the feel of a major University, which it is. We’re on a great trajectory.” The growth isn’t over.

“We’ve not reached our peak,” President Clif Smart said. “We’ll see more growth in

academic programs, the physical campus and enrollment. We’re in a visioning process now with all the stakeholders who love and care for the University, so as we work on our long-range plan, we’ll flesh out the details of lots of those kinds of things.

I think the future is very bright for us.”

MI S S OU RI S T AT E

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Lobbying and late nights HOW THE NAME CHANGE FINALLY GOT DONE It had been the dream of more than one University administration to drop the ÒsouthwestÓ designation from Missouri State University. But it took just the right blend of people and circumstances to get it done.

The process, in the words of those who were there: THE GROUNDWORK President John Keiser often talked about making sure the contents of the can matched the label on the can. “We spent 12 years — from 1993 to 2005 — focused on the programs and quality of the University so detractors couldn’t point out that the substance needed to earn a new name didn’t exist.” Then-SMS emphasized its new selective admissions

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process, the statewide public affairs mandate, new graduate programs and the fact that it was considered a metropolitan University. “Once the contents were changed, there was just political opposition from other parts of the state to overcome.”

Paul Kincaid worked in University relations for 28 years and was the coordinator of governmental relations from 1993-2014. “We started what turned out to be the final effort in 2002. Until then, any time you asked government leadership they said the timing’s not right.

But we had experienced a maturing of the University in all areas: We had become the second-largest institution in the state, located in the third-largest city in the fastest-growing region of Missouri, and the new name more accurately reflected that new reality.”

Jim Anderson, ’71, was the president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce from 1988 to 2014. “It was not without a lot of controversy. I literally worked almost 17 years on it personally and testified numerous times in Jeff City.”

THE SUPPORT Ken McClure, now the University’s vice president for administrative and information services, was then the chief of staff for Gov. Matt Blunt. “Blunt had made the name change a priority. He directed his staff, which came down through me, to get this done.” Blunt’s father, Roy, was a proud MSU alum, and the governor was from the Springfield area and knew the name change “just needed to happen. We finally had the right mix of a governor that pushed it and a legislature that supported it.”

THE DAY (AND NIGHT, AND DAY) IT HAPPENED

Then-Gov. Matt Blunt signs the name change into law March 17, 2005 in PSU Theater as supporters look on.

PHOTO BY JOHN WALL

Jim Baker, vice president for research and economic development and international programs: “I think if we had missed that date, then it could have been another 20 years.”

Anderson: “I give Matt Blunt and Ken McClure all the credit in the world for the name change, I really do.”

McClure: “I have degrees from both MU and MSU, so that helped me walk in both camps during the legislative negotiations.”

The main obstacle for the legislation was a potential filibuster in the state Senate, so the strategy was to get a bill passed first in the Senate. Next, it would go to the House.

The legislation came to the Senate floor on Valentine’s Day 2005. “The Senate came in at 4 p.m.,” McClure said.

“The floor leader was Sen. Charles Shields, a strong supporter. He said, ‘we’re not going to quit until it’s done.’ ” Soon, “someone came to get me and said: ‘They’re going to need you up there.’ ” It was early evening, about 7:30. The rest of the night passed in conferences with lawmakers, talks in the back galleries of the Senate and discussions with MSU representatives Paul Kincaid and Jerry Burch about proposed changes to the bill’s language.

About 3:30 in the morning, one Senator in opposition to the bill said he would not give up the floor unless asked to by the president of the University of Missouri — so McClure called President Elson Floyd. Floyd in turn called the MU board. Eventually, he did ask the Senator to stand down. About 5:30 a.m., the same Senator met with McClure: He wanted to take some wording about MU from the state constitution and add it to the bill.

“We were offered an amendment, and we took it,” McClure said. “About 7 in the morning, Senators passed the bill. It had to go to the House after that with the message that it cannot change at all, because any changes would have to go back to the Senate, and we didn’t know if we’d get a second approval. The Springfield delegation in the House was strong. They got it passed without changes, and it went to the governor.”

Ultimately, Kincaid said, “the name change happened because of the work of many legislators, alumni, donors and friends.”

Celebrating 110 years for 110 hours Missouri State University celebrated its 110th birthday, and the 10-year anniversary of the name change, for 110 hours from March 17-21. There were opportunities for Bears to celebrate at special events, show how they make a difference in their communities and give back to the University.

Birthday events included: A 110th birthday bash, with cake, to kick off the week.

A living history luncheon in which faculty portrayed William Carrington and Virginia Craig.

110 mini-profiles posted online, tagged as #CitizenBears.

The Bears Backing Bears Student Challenge. Students were encouraged to give $11 to the Emergency Scholarship Fund. Those who participated received a #BirthdayBears T-shirt and were eligible to win the use of President Clif Smart’s parking space for a week.

A birthday-gift drive.

The MSU community was asked to give $11, $110 or $1,100. The names of those who made gifts were added to a birthday card displayed on campus, then placed in University archives.

A live music competition sponsored by Student Activities Council. Student musicians and local artists competed.

Spring Family Day 2015, hosted by the Family Association.

John H. Keiser

Paul Kincaid

Ken McClure

Jim Baker

Jim Anderson

THE FACULTY A look at teaching, research, scholarly activities or service at Missouri State <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Dr. Kevin Mickus Geology professor >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Story by Nicki Donnelson Portrait by Bob Linder Photos from Antarctica courtesy of Dr. Mickus

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Flying south to study the heat in a very cold spot Cold and sunburned, Missouri State geology professor Dr. Kevin Mickus trudged with his fellow scientists through the snow and ice to study Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano in the world.

It’s a long way from his home in Missouri, but the opportunity to apply his knowledge of geophysics in Antarctica was unique and exciting — even if the conditions were extreme.

“This is one of maybe three or four volcanoes in the whole world that, when you go up to the crater, you can see lava. This one you get to the top and you look down, and yep, there’s a lava lake down there — you can see it bubbling,” Mickus said. “Recently, the floor of the crater has risen 30 feet and there has been stuff shooting out of the volcano.”

Mount Erebus is classified as active due to its frequent Strombolian eruptions — eruptions of light, magma and rocks that happen after bubbles form due to a buildup of gas — but it has infrequent ash eruptions and historically rare lava flows. Actually, the lava flow for decades has been confined to the inner crater.

Mickus said studying it is thrilling work, but he hasn’t really been concerned about a destructive eruption.

That all may change, though. The volcano is near two scientific research bases (McMurdo Station and Scott Base), so it is monitored regularly for safety precautions.

Another research team conducted seismic research of Mount Erebus a few years ago and found some regions that indicated it was hot. So Dr. Phil Kyle, a scientist from New Mexico Institute of Mining and

Technology who has studied in the region for approximately 40 years, invited Mickus to join the team in 2012.

Using a gravity meter on loan from the Department of Defense, Mickus’ primary focus in Antarctica is conducting gravity readings on Mount Erebus to determine any changes in the magma levels and confirm the seismic results.

“We want to understand more about the whole volcanic system,” Mickus said. “We’re looking to understand the subsurface-type things and trying to understand the magma system underneath … Different rocks have different densities, and we can determine that to get an idea what’s underneath the surface.”

Approximately six miles deep inside the crater lies a mass of magma, Mickus said. With the gravity meter, he hopes to determine the movement pattern of that magma or definitively say whether there is heat conducting near the surface. This heat source has caused a unique and dangerous geological feature to form: ice caves.

In order to more fully understand the magma sources and movement on the island containing Mount Erebus, Mickus has expanded his research by gathering gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic readings there. The electromagnetic study is in conjunction with Graham Hill from the New Zealand Geological Survey, another international expert in the field.

During the 2014-15 academic year, Mickus has been analyzing the gravity and magnetic data of the East African Rift, and he’s also received grant funding for two other projects.

He has contracted with the Department of Defense to collect gravity data in Bhutan to study the evolution of the Himalaya Mountains, and been funded by the government of Saudi Arabia to conduct gravity and electromagnetic readings to investigate the evolution of the Red Sea.

Dr. Kevin Mickus has studied Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano in the world. It hasn't erupted since 2011, but it's near two scientific research bases so it is monitored regularly. It is one of just a few volcanoes in the whole world that offers views of a lava lake bubbling inside (image at lower right).

MIS S OU RI S T AT E

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Both the womenÕs and menÕs teams end their 2015 seasons with a splash.

Left: The womenÕs team won the MVC championship.

WOMEN'S TEAM CAPTURES EIGHTH-STRAIGHT MVC TITLE The women’s swimming and diving team won its eighth-straight Missouri Valley Conference championship, and 12th title in the last 13 years, during competition Feb. 18-21 on the campus of Southern Illinois.

This championship puts the Bears in a tie with the University of Virginia for the second-longest active streak in NCAA Division I women’s swimming and diving.

In addition, four MSU women won gold medals and MSU sophomore Lauren Pavel was named the Missouri Valley Conference Swimmer of the Year.

KEVIN WHITE

ANDREW PETERSEN

SPORTS

Swimming and diving teams show the water whoÕs boss

MEN'S TEAM TAKES SECOND AT MAC CHAMPIONSHIP The men’s swimming and diving team finished as runner-up at the 2015 Mid-American Conference championship, held March 4-7 in Geneva, Ohio, at the SPIRE Institute, one of the largest indoor multisport-competition complexes in the world.

The Bears also won 10 titles overall during the four-day championships.

The runner-up finish was the second for the Bears in the previous three years.

MSU won the title last season and placed second in 2013.

Right: Paul Le, Garrett Nevels and Uvis Kalnins all qualified for the NCAA championships.

THREE MEN QUALIFY FOR NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS A school-record three athletes — swimmers Paul Le and Uvis Kalnins, and diver Garrett Nevels — represented MSU at the 2015 NCAA Division I Championships. Kalnins placed 21st in the 400-yard IM with a school-record time of 3:45.00 and was just 0.84 seconds from All-America status. He also placed 23rd in the 200-yard IM and 41st in the 100-yard freestyle. Le finished 29th in the 100-yard backstroke and 35th in the 200-yard backstroke, while Nevels finished 47th on the one-meter board and 41st on the three-meter.

COMING SOON:

THE AUCTION BENEFITING ATHLETICS

IN THE

FACES CR

WHEN: Starts at 6 p.m. Aug. 7 WHERE: Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St.

Sophomore

Molly Brewer St. Joseph, Missouri

Cecil Bratton started all 12 games and registered an overall grade of 88 percent with 3 quarterback hurries as a redshirt freshman in 2014 while earning FCS Freshman All-America and MVFC All-Newcomer Team honors. He tallied 42 total tackles with a sack and a fumble recovery for a touchdown during his first season with the grid Bears and was a two-time MSU Defensive Player of the Week.

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GET TICKETS! 417-836-4143

WD

Cecil Bratton Football

COST: Individual tickets, $30; reserved tables for 10, $500 KEVIN WHITE

Be part of the largest annual fundraiser for Missouri StateÕs intercollegiate athletic programs!

Bid on one-of-a-kind experiences, eat great food and see your fellow Bears fans at this event.

WomenÕs soccer

Senior

Springfield

Molly Brewer is a two-time all-MVC second-team selection who has led the Bears in either goals or assists in each of her first three seasons. She enters her senior season already in the top five in school history in assists (14) and total points (40). She has been named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete first team twice, was a Capital One Academic All-District VI first teamer in 2014 and a member of the MVC All-Freshman Team in 2012.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES

Lady Bears win 10 in a row, then enter postseason for first time since 2012 The Lady Bears went on a hot streak at the end of their season Ñ they won 10 games in a row, finished third in the Missouri Valley Conference and advanced to the championship game of the league tournament.

These wins propelled the women’s basketball team to the postseason for the first time since 2012. In mid-March, the Lady Bears received an at-large bid to be part of the 2015 Women’s National

Tyonna Snow

Invitation Tournament, or WNIT. This was MSU’s 19th postseason appearance in women’s basketball and the team’s sixth WNIT appearance.

“Our team has been on a terrific journey this year and earned the right to play in the postseason,” said Head Coach Kellie Harper.

The Lady Bears hosted the University of Tulsa in a game March 20 at JQH Arena.

That night they had their first home loss since early January, losing 78-72 to Tulsa.

The Lady Bears ended their season with an 18-15 record.

Six inducted into Athletics Hall of Fame JOHN WALL

The 2015 class includes five student-athletes and one coach whose competitive careers were dotted with postseason honors and NCAA action.

A six-member class joined the elite honor roll of Bears greats on Feb. 15 when they were inducted into the Missouri State University Athletics Hall of Fame.

VISIT THE HALL OF FAME The six new inductees will bring the total membership in the Hall of Fame to 359. If you’re on campus and you’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.

2015 MSU HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CLASS

Garrett

Hurst

Robinson

Trudi Garrett, track and field, 1997-2000 Rolly Hurst, golf, 1989-93; golf coach, 2000-01

Shores

Lynnette Robinson, assistant womenÕs basketball coach, 1987-2002 Diedre Shores, softball, 1995-98

Tideman

Walter

LEARN MORE ABOUT INDUCTEES, MEMBERS

John Tideman, cross country/track, 1973-78

Search for bios on any of the members of the Missouri State University Athletics Hall of Fame: MISSOURISTATEBEARS.COM

Bill Walter, football, 1988-91

MissouriStateBears.com Emmerich Hoegg MenÕs soccer

Senior

Lily Johnson Crestview, Florida

Emmerich Hoegg will be returning for his senior season this fall after leading the Bears to consecutive MVC titles. He scored seven goals, leading the team in goals and points for the second straight year. Hoegg was recognized as a first team all-conference performer in 2014, after being an honorable mention selection in 2013. His 10 career game-winners are third all-time and just two away from tying the program record.

Volleyball

Sophomore

Wildwood, Missouri

Lily Johnson is MSUÕs sixth volleyball All-American, the first freshman to achieve that status and the 2014 Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year.

She led the conference in total kills (495), kills per set (3.99), points per set (4.50) and aces per set (0.31).

Johnson had at least 20 kills in seven matches and ranked third nationally among freshmen in total kills and sixth in average.

MIS S OU RI S T AT 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 whatÕs new at MSU. We hope to see you soon!

DEC. 7 WASHINGTON, D.C. Tracy Hammond, Õ99, Natasha Durant, Kathy Hammond

JAN. 10 DENVER Bryce Shields, Õ14, Allison Swett, Õ14

JAN. 22 ORLANDO, FLORIDA Kate Alexander, Õ09, Brandon Alexander, Õ07, Rob Strange, Õ06

DEC. 11 ST. LOUIS Cheryl Ralston, Õ96, Amanda Stegeman, Õ08, Missouri State Executive Director of Alumni Relations Lori Fan, Bob Nelson, Õ02

DEC. 18 KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Greg Freese, Õ95, Julie Shea, Abeaku Jackson-Kuofie, Õ12, Kristin White, Õ12

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JAN. 24 ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA Joyce Torris, Bob Torris, Curt Grogan, Õ96, Nikole Grogan, Õ96

Join us for upcoming events MAY 28

MAY 30

JUNE 4

Monett, Missouri

Northwest Arkansas

Mountain Grove, Missouri

JUNE 13

JUNE 18

JUNE 21

Alumni Day at Busch Stadium

Columbia, Missouri

Alumni Day at Kauffman Stadium

St. Louis

Kansas City, Missouri

JUNE 29

JULY 7

JULY 23

Lebanon, Missouri

Bolivar, Missouri

Joplin, Missouri

AUG. 4

SEPT. 12

SEPT. 12

Marshfield, Missouri

Pride Band reunion

Legacy family event

On campus

Part of Family Weekend on campus

SEPT. 18

OCT. 6

OCT. 16-17

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Rolla, Missouri

Homecoming

Annual golf tournament, dinner and auction JAN. 25 NAPLES, FLORIDA Jan Dickey, Cathy Smith, Õ69, Susie Duggan, Õ74

FEB. 12 ST. LOUIS Scott Lynam, Õ93, Paul Vogt, Õ11, Josh Stegemann, Õ09

More cities added all the time!

Check with us online to see times and dates in venues near you, or to register to attend an event:

www.maroonation. missouristate.edu FEB. 19 KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI MSU Football Coach David Steckel; Crystal and Clayton Ernsbarger, both Õ86

FEB. 19

PHOENIX

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SUMMER 2015

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FEB. 27 CHICAGO Bruce Redding, Õ96, Toni Riccardi, Õ70

MARCH 4 ST. LOUIS LEGACY OF LEARNING EVENT FOR EDUCATORS Carrie Pulliam, Õ99, Lori Kitrel, Õ94

MARCH 12 ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI MVC WOMENÕS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

See more photos of these events and more, and find an upcoming MarooNation event near you!

WWW.MAGAZINE.MISSOURISTATE.EDU

Pride Marching Band and Color Guard reunion Remember the practice times, traveling and unique camaraderie? Return to the scene of it all this fall and reconnect with fellow alumni while meeting the Pride Band of today and seeing them in action!

When: Sept. 11-12 Where: Missouri State University campus What: Social events, a chance to perform in a Reunion Alumni Band, a football game with BearFest Village and more!

To receive reunion news, either: Update your contact info online: alumni.missouristate.edu (indicate that you were part of the Pride Brand in the organizations and activities portion)

Call the alumni office: 417-836-5654

More info: www.missouristate.edu/pridebandreunion

MarooNation, football style The Alumni Association will host MarooNation tents at ALL home football games starting this fall! Visit us and get a full dose of maroon and white spirit before you watch the Bears take the field.

Football schedule:

www.missouristatebears.com

MISSOURI STATE

HOMECOMING OCT. 16--17, 2015

New events and activities will join the events you already love, including the parade, football game, tailgating and more.

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend!

Check the Homecoming website this summer for all the details!

WWW.MISSOURISTATE.EDU/ HOMECOMING

ALUMNI

ClassNotes 1955 Margery Neely, BA, Manhattan, Kansas, published her first work of fiction, ÒShivaree,Ó a historical novel about life in the Ozarks.

1978 Dr. Therese Eyermann, BS, Thousand Oaks, California, a distinguished faculty fellow at California Lutheran University, accepted a position as chairwoman of the Educational Leadership Program in the Graduate School of Education.

She earned a bachelorÕs degree in psychology at MSU and graduated with a masterÕs and doctorate in higher education from the University of California, Los Angeles. One of her research interests is leadership identity development in college students.

1983 James Lance, BS, San Diego, was named a 2015 San Diego Super Lawyer in business litigation, which includes commercial law and contract disputes. Lance is a partner of Kirby Noonan Lance & Hoge, LLP. He was among the top 5 percent of attorneys selected in the state of California to be recognized by his peers for professional performance and accomplishments.

1985 Rocky Killion, BSEd, West Lafayette, Indiana, was named IndianaÕs Superintendent of the Year for 2015 by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents. He also recently produced a documentary called ÒRise Above the Mark,Ó which examines issues confronting

32

public education in the United States.

1992 Joseph Passanise, BS and MA, Springfield, was named a 2015 select attorney in Super Lawyers magazine in the area of criminal defense for a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. He is currently a partner at The Law Offices of Dee Wampler and Joseph S. Passanise.

1996 William Belko, MA, St. Louis, accepted a position as the executive director of the Missouri Humanities Council. He previously served as associate professor of history and director of the graduate program in early American studies at the University of West Florida.

1998 Dr. Michael Scholz, BS, Winona, Minnesota, earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in geography from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

1999 Michael Stratton, BS, Golden, Colorado, published a book titled ÒThe Effective Project Manager: How to Manage Yourself and Manage Others in Order to Be an Effective Project Manager.Ó Peter Tsahiridis, BA, Branson, Missouri, and his wife, Kristine, announce the birth of a baby girl, Gwendolyn Kristine, born Dec. 16, 2014, in Branson.

W W W .M A GA ZIN E . MISSO U RISTATE.EDU

2003 Kate Heideman, BSEd, St. Louis, an attorney, was promoted to partnership with Husch BlackwellÕs health care, life sciences and pharmaceuticals industry team in St. Louis. She focuses her practice on labor and employment affairs and has obtained favorable resolutions in employment-related litigations filed in numerous state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

2004 Kyle Dean Massey, BFA, New York, has been cast on the television drama ÒNashvilleÓ as a recurring character. He plays Kevin Bicks, a successful singer-songwriter who is openly gay. Massey most recently played the lead in the Broadway company of ÒPippin.Ó His other theater credits include ÒWicked,Ó ÒNext to Normal,Ó ÒXanadu,Ó ÒLucky GuyÓ and ÒAltar Boyz.Ó Massey has appeared on television on the shows ÒInside Amy Schumer,Ó ÒUp All Night,Ó ÒHart of Dixie,Ó ÒCupidÓ and ÒThe Good Wife.Ó

2008 and 2012 Ashley Neels, BS, 2012, Ballwin, Missouri, and Jessica Woody, BS, 2008, Forsyth, Missouri, both graduate students in Missouri State education programs, presented a breakout session called ÒMindfulness in the

ClassroomÓ at the 2014 Missouri School Counselor Association State Conference.

2009 Austyn Sanders, BS, Miami, an attorney, was accepted to participate in Justice AmeriCorps, a federal pilot program in which he will represent unaccompanied immigrant children younger than age 16 in the U.S. Sanders attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law and spent 2014 volunteering with the American Civil Liberties Union in Florida.

2010 Luke Henson, BS, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, a law student at the Mississippi College School of Law who expects to graduate this year, was awarded the American Jurisprudence Best Paper award in the categories of secured transactions, white-collar crime and business fraud, pre-trial practice and expert witness seminar.

2011 Molly Beck, BA and BSEd, St. Louis, received the Board of Governors Award from the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri. The award recognizes excellence in teaching for an association member who has taught for more than five years. Beck teaches social studies and serves as the head coach of the speech and debate team at Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis.

Lachelle Clemons, BSEd, Fair Play, Missouri, and Alexandra Beckman, BSEd, Springfield, both graduate students in Continued on page 34

2002 SPOTLIGHT

D

Alumnus builds the brand of the Missouri Valley Conference KEVIN WHITE

errick Docket took a leap of faith on the first college to send him an acceptance letter.

“I applied, I got in and decided: I think I’ll go to school here!” He wanted a change from his hometown of St. Louis. The first time he ever stepped onto Missouri State’s campus was on move-in weekend in the late 1990s, just days before classes would begin.

“Obviously, you wouldn’t advise everyone to start their college career that way, but luckily for me, I really enjoyed it and it was a perfect fit,” Docket said.

He ended up not only getting a great education, but falling in love with Bears athletics — a passion that foreshadowed his current career.

Docket, who earned a bachelor’s in art and design and a minor in advertising and promotion, is now the associate commissioner of new media and technology for the Missouri Valley Conference, the athletic conference in which the Bears and nine other schools compete. His duties include developing MVC’s brand on social media, doing graphic and web design, and producing videos.

“I think most folks don’t realize how much goes into make sporting events happen — not just on the field, but behind the scenes.”

Because he went to Missouri State, he was familiar with Valley teams.

“I’ve gone to the men’s basketball tournament for a number of years, and hadn’t missed it since moving back to St. Louis after graduation.”

As a student, Docket made an attempt to be at nearly all Bears sporting events, especially as Lady Bears legend Jackie Stiles rose to women’s basketball fame.

One particular Lady Bears story piqued the interest of his MVC interviewers in 2010. During his senior year, Docket had been to all the Lady Bears’ home games, but was in danger of breaking that streak because tickets were sold out. A classmate who worked at Hammons Student Center

snuck him and a friend into the game.

“As they came around checking for the standing-room-only tickets, we just walked around to the other side. Pretty much we spent the evening just walking from spot to spot. That’s how we got in to watch Jackie Stiles’ record-breaking game.”

Luckily, MVC interviewers viewed Docket’s mild deviancy as a testament to his love for college sports and offered him the job. Now, he has branched out to support not just the Bears, but all of the MVC.

He credits Missouri State’s art and design and advertising programs with giving him the skill sets needed to succeed, something he pays back in pride, from his MSU license plate to the alumni events he attends.

“My time at Missouri State was filled with many positive moments, and that’s why I like to give back when I can.”

— By Trysta Herzog, graduate assistant, office of publications MIS S OU RI S T AT E

SUMMER 2015

33

ALUMNI

ClassNotes Continued from page 32

the Missouri State UniversityDalian branch campus.

Missouri State education programs, presented a poster titled ÒThe Effects of I-Connect on Student Engagement with Two Students with Autism in a Public School SettingÓ at the annual Autism Conference in Las Vegas.

Erin Wilson, BSEd, Springfield, a graduate student in a Missouri State education program, presented a poster on ÒThe Use of CW-FIT in an Elementary Resource Room for Students with AutismÓ at the annual Autism Conference in Las Vegas.

Kristin Frisella, BS, Valley Park, Missouri, a biologist, is a co-partner in a company called Doctor Eco Systems, an organization meant to help consumers develop thriving marine aquariums. Frisella also serves as a contract marine biologist/scuba diver for Bass Pro Shops in St. Charles, Missouri.

Aaron Kruse, BS and MGS, Dalian, China, was selected to serve as a member of the United States youth delegation at an Asia-Pacific economic cooperation meeting in Beijing, China. He was interviewed on China Central Television. Kruse is a geography instructor for

2012 and 2013 Jordan C. Politte, BSEd, 2013, Springfield, and M.E. Daniels, BSED, 2012, Springfield, presented two peer-reviewed posters at the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders in Kansas City, Missouri, and the ninth annual Autism Conference in Las Vegas, including ÒIncreasing Rates of Specific Praise and OTR Provided by

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Update your email and mailing addresses with the Missouri State Alumni Association to get all the latest University news, as well as info about alumni events near you.

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Para-educators in Special Education ClassroomsÓ and ÒCreating a Positive Classroom Environment

by Increasing Opportunities to Respond and Praise During Small-Group Reading.Ó They are both graduate students in Missouri State education programs.

2013 Olivia Parks, BA, Springfield, a graduate student in MSUÕs student affairs in higher education program, was accepted to give a peer-reviewed presentation titled ÒTrans and Title IX: Moving from Mandates to Equitable InclusionÓ at the 2015 College Student Educators International conference.

2014 Donald Thomas McKnight, MS, Springfield, a biological sciences researcher and instructor, was accepted to a PhD program at James Cooke University in Australia.

McKnight has several publications from his masterÕs research at Missouri State University and has presented at multiple conferences.

GROW MORE BEARS ON YOUR FAMILY TREE Minus the out-of-state fee!

Are your children or grandchildren ready to continue the family tradition at Missouri State University? If they live outside of Missouri, they are eligible for CONTINUE the TRADITION, an out-of-state fee waiver program exclusively for the children and grandchildren of Missouri State graduates.

Learn more or apply:

www.missouristate.edu/ContinueTheTradition

2004 SPOTLIGHT

TRYSTA HERZOG

Electronic arts alumnus jumps to next level in video-game industry

T

he beeps and bleeps of AtariÕs ÒMegamaniaÓ first ignited Matt RaithelÕs passion for video games in the 1980s.

Next, he saw Nintendo’s combination of music, art, action and story. He started to understand the full possibilities of video game design — and started thinking of a future career.

“Back then, saying you wanted to design video games was like saying you wanted to be a surfer when you grew up,” Raithel, studio director for Graphite Lab in St. Louis, told a group of students and community members gathered for a recent Missouri State master class. “Even now when I tell people that’s what I do, they say, ‘Oh, that’s cute.’ ” GAMES INCLUDE PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY AND MORE Raithel has had an impressive career in game development since graduating in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in electronic arts.

After college, he was one of eight original employees at Black Lantern Studios, a Springfield-based game development company that has had continued success since 2004. In the beginning, Black Lantern developed an industry reputation for being fast.

Nickelodeon approached them in 2006 about quickly creating a “Dora the Explorer” game — among the fastest builds ever heard of in the industry. They pulled it off, and that brought them into the niche market of early childhood games.

Raithel has worked on more than 50 titles, and his company has grown to include more than 50 professionals.

He has worked with companies including Disney, Nickelodeon and Hasbro, producing educational games and apps such as “Play-Doh Create ABCs.” When Raithel, a St. Charles native, moved back to the St. Louis area in 2009, he opened Graphite Lab under the Black Lantern umbrella. Recently, he helped develop the mobile game app “My Little

Pony: Party of One,” which reached the No. 1 ranking in 73 countries. It sold more than one million downloads the week of Aug. 3-10, 2014.

BEFORE MSU: ÒTHE $7,500 MISTAKEÓ OF PLAYING IT SAFE Raithel’s enthusiasm for gaming tempered in high school, when teachers encouraged a “more sensible” route. But a year into studying computer science at a different college, he knew it was not his path.

“I call it ‘the $7,500 mistake,’ but it was an important lesson,” he said. It taught him to trust his gut … and his girlfriend, Jennie.

Now his wife, and mother to their three daughters, she encouraged him to explore his original interest in game development with Missouri State’s electronic arts program.

“Follow that passion early and exhaust yourself! Don’t sleep through it, man. Try lots of things and take risks when you’re young.”

— By Trysta Herzog, graduate assistant, office of publications

MI S S OU RI S T AT E

SUMMER 2015

35

IN MEMORIAM 1930s

1960s

Cleo R. George Hampton, Õ33 Springfield

James G. Soapes Sr., Õ60 Stone Mountain, Georgia

Wilma J. Herbert Reynolds, Õ38 Ava, Missouri

Nancy M. Hembree Dougherty, Õ62 Springfield

1940s Jean Wheeler Wright, Õ40 Powder Springs, Georgia Ann Brown Davis, Õ42 Alexandria, Virginia Gerald H. Lowther, Õ43 Burbank, California

James E. Salyers, Õ65 Ashmore, Illinois Eulala Bray Grant, Õ67 Bolivar, Missouri

Carolyn J. Gates Bradley, Õ44 Springfield

Karen S. McCain Ledgerwood, Õ68 Midlothian, Virginia

Leonard O. Rader, Õ49 Springfield

Randall K. Sutton, Õ69 Chesterfield, Missouri

1950s Selbia C. Brooks, Õ53 Springfield

Patrick Talburt, Õ69 Kimberling City, Missouri

1970s

Rodney ÒPatÓ McGraw, Õ76 Caruthersville, Missouri Gregory A. Ruble, Õ79 Springfield

1980s

2010s Wesley A. Dowler, Õ12 Springfield

Faculty/Staff Dr. Elton E. Burgstahler, faculty emeritus Springfield

Fay Gene Spitzer, Õ80 Nashville, Tennessee

Richard M. Cochran, faculty emeritus West Plains, Missouri

Thomas A. Matthews, Õ81 Springfield

Betty S. Forrest, staff Springfield

Cheryl Marchant Abney, Õ82 Springfield

Stella Kaye Hendershott, staff emeritus Springfield

Jerry R. Whitesel, Õ85 Springfield

Agness F. Hill, staff emeritus West Plains, Missouri

Donna M. Boese Dickenson, Õ87 Rogersville, Missouri

Marsha K. Ingram, staff emeritus Springfield

James F. ÒRickÓ Schmitt, Õ88 Springfield

Esther J. King, Õ56, faculty Rogersville, Missouri

Jesse L. Eldred, Õ53 Springfield

Eva M. Davis Black, Õ70 Springfield

Emma M. Mullings Korell, Õ55 Springfield

Dr. Michael N. Compton, Õ70 Fayetteville, Arkansas

Kenneth R. Ault, Õ90 Nixa, Missouri

Doris J. Long McSpadden, Õ55 Springfield

Robert L. Foster, Õ70 Billings, Montana

Steven D. Gooch, Õ90 Sedalia, Missouri

Dr. Harold L. Jones, Õ56 Springfield

Norma L. Brumley Ramsey, Õ70 Springfield

Frederick W. Haegg, Õ96 Springfield

David L. Walling, Õ70 Springfield

Stephen K. Biermann, Õ00 Ozark, Missouri

Delmer W. Maberry, staff Strafford, Missouri

Stephen W. Branstetter, Õ71 Branson, Missouri

Julia A. Moses Teel, Õ00 Marshfield, Missouri

Orlin D. Newman, staff Springfield

Joel R. Patrick, Õ71 St. Louis

Alison M. Coats, Õ02 Fort Wayne, Indiana

Darrell D. Shriver, Õ71 Tyrone, Missouri

Mark A. Blevins, Õ03 Springfield

Dr. Richard L. Stovall, Õ66, faculty emeritus Springfield

Sandra L. Sanders Westphal, Õ71 Springfield

Brian K. Dougan, Õ07 Raymore, Missouri

Esther J. Wright King, Õ56 Rogersville, Missouri Jimmie R. Powers, Õ57 Independence, Missouri Charles M. Tuck Jr., Õ57 Springfield Pamela C. Greer Ashley, Õ58 Kansas City, Missouri Ida Gifford Cook, Õ59 Plato, Missouri Fred R. Coppinger, Õ59 Ozark, Missouri Dr. Bennat C. Mullen, Õ59 Nacagdoches, Texas 36

William G. Lucas, Õ64 Springfield

Russell A. Hamilton, Õ75 Albuquerque, New Mexico

Michael K. Fortner, Õ75 Springfield

W W W .MA GA ZIN E . MISSO U RISTATE.EDU

1990s

2000s

Ted C. Clark, Õ08 Marshfield, Missouri

Dr. EvaLee Combs Lasater, Õ69, faculty Ozark, Missouri Lucy Elliott Linegar, staff emeritus Springfield David J. Mackay, Õ70, staff Auburn, Kansas

Dr. Maurice Tate Sr., faculty Springfield

2009 SPOTLIGHT

Owner of award-winning boutique credits MSU for business acumen a business loan if this were a real scenario.

“We had to put in every aspect you can think of, from finding a location down to ordering price tags.”

Now, she takes advantage of opportunities to give back to Missouri State — not just through monetary donations, but also in time and advice.

“I still keep in touch with (assistant professor) Jenifer Roberts. I felt like she was my professor and also my mentor. I speak to some of her classes, and last spring I was

KEVIN WHITE

A

ndrea Pena imagined she would spend years working her way up the corporate ladder at a fashion giant like Nordstrom. In 2011, however, a hard-to-beat opportunity presented itself and she took it, resulting in the creation of an award-winning Springfield boutique that focuses on contemporary, casual fashions.

Pena, who graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s in fashion merchandising, bought an existing boutique on south Campbell Avenue in 2011 and renamed it Modern Society.

In 2014, the retail store won the Downtown Springfield Association’s Downtown Business of the Year award.

Since then, Modern Society has expanded to a larger space in south Springfield.

Pena wasn’t planning to run her own business when she was a student — her goal was to be a buyer for an established fashion firm.

After graduation, she worked as an assistant women’s buyer with Bass Pro at its corporate offices. At that time, she was a customer of the boutique that became Modern Society. She became friends with the owner of that store, who needed to sell because she was moving.

Within a month of hearing that news, Pena became a boutique owner.

“It happened really fast. It was just from me shopping here and getting to know her, and her knowing what my passion was.”

Her education prepared her for the quick change. As a marketing minor, she took advertising classes that continue to help her grow the business.

The class that resonates the most with her, however, is entrepreneurship.

“It was basically starting a business from the ground up; it was very real-world.

Once the business plan was put together, we actually had to take it to a bank.”

The bank then told the students whether or not they would be approved for

on a panel for prospective students who were thinking about the fashion program.”

Modern Society boutique was also planning to be a part of the University’s spring 2015 Association of Fashion and Design fashion show.

“Any way that I can, I still try to stay connected.”

— By Trysta Herzog, graduate assistant, office of publications

MIS S OU RI S T AT E

SUMMER 2015

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Travel with FELLOW BEARS! AUG. 19-27, 2015

Scotland Enjoy seven nights at the first-class Stirling Highland Hotel.

Visit the historic cities of St. Andrews and Edinburgh. Daily excursions allow travelers to witness the famed Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an army drum performance, and leave their footprints along the Òbonnie banks of Loch LomondÓ as local experts provide regional insights to enhance the trip. The cost of this trip is $3,245 (not including airfare). An extensive meal program is included.

NOVEMBER 2015

JUNE 14-22, 2016

Basketball events in Puerto Rico and Florida The Bears will play in the 2015 Puerto Rico Tip-Off, a preseason tournament that will be held Nov. 19, 20 and 22 in San Juan. Tickets and travel packages: puertoricotipoff.com The Lady Bears will be in Fort Meyers, Florida from Nov. 27-29 for the Gulf Coast Showdown. Email jda@ bdglobalsports.com to receive tournament fan info.

France Provence region Spend seven nights in the city of Aix-en-Provence at the first-class Grand H tel Roi Ren . Provence is known for dazzling scenery and fine food.

Activities include walking tours and visits to ancient Roman sites, a 12th-century cathedral, the studio of famous painter Paul C zanne, a village market, wineries, restaurants and more.

SEPT. 4-13, 2016

Spain Barcelona and San Sebastian Spend four nights in Barcelona and four nights in San Sebasti n. This trip is dripping with delights for those who love art, architecture, wine and food. See where the bulls run in Pamplona, stroll near the works of famed architect Antoni Gaud , take in the masterpieces at the Guggenheim Museum and much more.

Learn more about all MSU alumni trips from Associate Director of Alumni Relations Debbie Branson: Email: DebbieBranson@missouristate.edu ¥ Phone: 417-836-5654 ¥ Web: www.alumni.missouristate.edu

2014

SPOTLIGHT

E

Beartones vocalist makes it to top 48 on ÒAmerican IdolÓ following me. The love and support has been amazing!”

Kaltenbach earned a spot among the top 48 contestants, but his journey on “Idol” came to an end following the showcase round at the House of Blues in Hollywood, California.

Kaltenbach is currently back in the Kansas City area, focusing his time on writing and recording original music. His ultimate goal is to move to Los Angeles and

HOWE CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

ach year, tens of thousands of hopefuls vie for a spot on ÒAmerican Idol.Ó Recent Missouri State Beartone Zack Kaltenbach was chosen out of those thousands to get some airtime on the iconic television series.

Kaltenbach, who has a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship, auditioned for season 14 in Kansas City after being selected by producers when the show’s audition bus was in Branson last summer.

He appeared before celebrity panelists Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban with a rendition of pop star Bruno Mars’ “Grenade,” and secured his spot in the next round of Hollywood Week auditions, along with 217 others who received the famous golden ticket.

Music has been a part of Kaltenbach’s life as long as he can remember.

“I used to dance and sing all around the house as a kid, and I’ve been a part of choir since fifth grade.”

It was his senior year of high school before Kaltenbach got the nerve to sing solo.

“That was the first time my friends and family heard my actual voice. From that point on, I realized how much joy I got out of performing and I never looked back.”

Being a member of the Beartones, Missouri State’s all-male a cappella group, further shaped Kaltenbach as a performer.

The 22-year-old Lee’s Summit, Missouri, native had some “American Idol” ties even before the show: He went to the same high school as season seven champion David Cook.

“When I realized a hometown kid could win a show like that, I started thinking maybe I could, too.”

The “Idol” appearance brought Kaltenbach instant recognition.

“When my audition initially aired, all my social media sites instantly blew up. I had people from all over the country

pursue a career in entertainment. The “Idol” experience, he said, has been life-changing.

“It was surreal to see myself on national television. To make it that far has made me realize that I am on the right path, and I should be pursuing music. I got to perform for huge names in the music industry, and that was a dream come true for me.”

— By Stephanie Matthews, alumni relations

MI S S OU RI S T AT E

SUMMER 2015

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OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

JESSE SCHEVE

Parents: If this issue of Missouri State is addressed to your daughter or son who has established a separate permanent address, please notify us of the new address: 417-836-5654 or alumni@missouristate.edu

Last Look

A snapshot of traditions and student life at Missouri State

Pancakes and the president, doughnuts and deans Students line up from about 10 p.m. to midnight for free breakfast food, served by their favorite University administrators, during the most recent Presidentﾃ不 Breakfast. This twice-yearly campus tradition is held during finals week every fall and spring semester to give students a chance to take a break and fill up on late-night study fuel.