Missouri State Magazine - Summer 2012 by Missouri State University Office of Editorial and Design Services

SUMMER 2012

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 2

Meet couples who found each other on campus and hear from experts about how and why we fall in love.

PLUS: Meet the Fan of the Year Help us connect with international alumni Read about new gifts to the Our Promise campaign

You can show off your Missouri State pride with our great selection of professional wear available for men and women as well as office accessories. Also, by shopping at the MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE all profits are reinvested in Missouri State University to support the students.

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FEATURES

Publisher: Missouri State University, Office of Publications Editors: Stacey Funderburk, Michelle S. Rose Designers: Amy Schuldt, Teri Poindexter Alumni Notes Editors: Debbie Branson, Julie Ebersold, Stephanie Matthews Photographers: Elena Bravo, Jesse Scheve, John Wall, Kevin White Writers: Ben Adamson, Aaron Baker, Jessica Clements, Eric Doennig, Don Hendricks, Paul Kincaid, Rick Kindhart, Jeida Mitchell, Andrea Mostyn, Don Payton, Clif Smart Office of Development and Alumni Relations Julie Ebersold, Executive Director of Alumni Relations Denise Kettering, Director of Advancement Services Melanie Earl, Director of Annual Funds Jenny Crews, Director of Prospect Management and Research Wendy Ferguson, Director of Planned & Corporate Giving Stephanie Lashley, Director of Donor Relations Debbie Branson, Assistant Director of Alumni Activities Angela Pinegar, Assistant Director of Advancement Services Cheryl Burnett, Director of Development Dick Laird, Director of Development Marie Murphree, Director of Development Don Swift, Director of Development Jaimie Trussell, Director of Development Michael Whitley, Director of Development Daniel Heflin, 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 Elizabeth Grisham, Director of Development, Missouri State-West Plains Campus Joe Kammerer, Assistant Director of Development, Missouri State-West Plains Campus 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, ’58, Springfield Mary Kay Frazier, ’83, Springfield Brent Hanks, ’89, Ozark, Mo. Beverly Miller, ’73, Lebanon, Mo. Amanda Morgan, Student, Wildwood, Mo. Zach Porting, Student, Jefferson City, Mo. Foundation Board of Trustees Officers Bill E. Hixon, Chair, Springfield Rich Young, Vice Chair, Arlington, Mass. Mary McQueary, Secretary, Springfield Steve Foucart, Treasurer (ex-officio) Executive Committee Ethel Curbow, Springfield Robert Fulp, Springfield Mike Ingram, Springfield Tim O’Reilly, Springfield Pat Sechler, Springfield Scott Tarwater, Springfield Ex-Officio Clif Smart, Interim President, Missouri State University Gordon Elliott, Member, Board of Governors, Missouri State University Executive Director Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement Phone: 417-836-4143 Fax: 417-836-6886 Email: Foundation@missouristate.edu Missouri State is published three times a year by the Missouri State University Alumni Association, 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 086 12

MEET THE BEARS FAN OF THE YEAR

Student super-fans vied for votes in MSU’s second-annual contest. You may have noticed the winner at basketball games (he’s not exactly low-key): He leads his signature cheer by drumming on a trash can while wearing a shiny gold jacket, face paint and tube socks.

10 & 32 LOVE STORIES

Meet couples who met on campus in our feature story, then read about the academic side of love with Missouri State experts. Continuing the love theme, you’ll find spotlight stories on alumni couples in the Class Notes section as well!

HELP US FIND ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD

Missouri State has 100,000 alumni who live and work around the globe, and we are stepping up efforts to reconnect with and serve those graduates. Read about benefits for international alumni and meet a graduate living and working in Hong Kong.

IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE A PERFECT VISIT: Alumni give tips for a great long weekend around Missouri State and Springfield Maybe you’re planning a trip for Homecoming festivities. Maybe you’re going to take in a football game on a crisp fall day. Or maybe we’re putting on a performing arts event you just can’t miss. We’ve got tips for you from alumni about fun things to do on and around campus.

Look for the fall 2012 issue of Missouri State Magazine in your mailbox this autumn!

ON THE COVER: Alumni couple Amy (White) Schuldt, ’94, and Richard Schuldt, ’93, who are both employed at Missouri State, join their hands to make a heart sign over Carrington Hall. PHOTOGRAPH BY KEVIN WHITE

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

A R O U N D T H E Q UA D C A M P U S N E W S

Search committee members announced; goal is to name 11th president by Dec. 15 A 20-member search committee was named to help find the next president of Missouri State University. The goal is to have the University’s 11th president named by Dec. 15 with a start date in the first part of 2013, according to Board of Governors Chair Gordon Elliott of Springfield. “I have described this committee as a ‘blue-ribbon’ group and I truly believe that is the case,” Elliott said. “Each of the individual members is outstanding in his/her right and each brings value to the

group. It is a balanced and diverse group, with the common denominator being that all members have deep feelings for Missouri State University.” The search committee includes five representatives from the community, alumni and donors. It will be chaired by Joe Turner, who is the president and CEO of Great Southern Bank, a former member of the Missouri State Board of Governors and a current member of the Missouri State University Foundation Board of Trustees.

Jim Anderson, MSU alumnus and president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, will serve as vice chair. Alumni and friends are invited to visit the presidential search website and consider nominating outstanding individuals for consideration. The job description, presidential competencies, information on the search committee, timeline to fill the presidential position and other information may be found at www. missouristate.edu/presidentialsearch/. n

Chocolatier Shawn Askinosie receives honorary doctorate Missouri State granted its 14th honorary doctorate to Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate, during spring commencement. Askinosie received the Doctor of Public Affairs to recognize his contributions as a community leader, an entrepreneur, a role model and an inspiration to students and others. Following a career as a successful lawyer, Askinosie founded Askinosie Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturer that sources 100 percent of its beans directly from farmers in places including Ecuador, the Philippines and Tanzania. Askinosie’s factory is on Commercial Street in Springfield. Askinosie Chocolate has several

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outreach programs, including Cocoa Honors, an 18-month-long cooperative learning project for high school juniors who learn about the bean-to-bar philosophy and gain exposure to different cultures and global business experiences. In addition, women from the Victory Mission Women’s Shelter, a shelter and educational program housing women in need, are employed by Askinosie Chocolate. They use the money for field trips and projects to help others in need. n

Shawn Askinosie (right) is the founder of Askinosie Chocolate and the co-founder of Lost & Found Grief Center in Springfield, which helps families who have lost loved ones. He received an honorary Doctor of Public Affairs degree at spring commencement ceremonies.

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Shawn Askinosie was a commencement speaker in fall 2011, prior to his honorary doctorate. Watch his speech to the MSU graduates.

University to begin offering Doctor of Nursing Practice degree First of two ways to achieve the degree begins this summer Slide show The Higher Learning Commission granted approval for Missouri State to begin offering the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. Missouri State will add the degree and two curricular pathways to achieve it — one for baccalaureate nurses and one for nurses who already have a master’s

movie

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degree in an advanced practice area. The nurse educator specialization will remain at the master’s level. The all-online post-master’s DNP program will be implemented this summer, and the Bachelor of Nursing Science to DNP will begin in the summer of 2013.

“Missouri State University has been educating family nurse practitioners for 16 years,” said Dr. Kathryn Hope, nursing department head. “The DNP will build on that foundation of primary care by preparing graduates to function in health settings as leaders, managers and consultants.” n

Tent Theatre, an Ozarks tradition, celebrates 50th season 50 events scheduled to mark the occasion

The iconic tent has gone up behind Craig Hall, marking the start of the 50th season of Tent Theatre. Events scheduled through July will celebrate the 50th All-Star Season. This year’s show lineup honors the history of Tent by featuring “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon, who is also the author of the first play ever performed on Tent Theatre’s stage — “Come Blow Your Horn.” The lineup is completed by two musicals: “9 to 5: The Musical” and “42nd Street.”

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Tent Theatre is the longest continuously running outdoor theatre company in the Midwest, and is an Ozarks tradition that has helped launch the careers of current Hollywood and Broadway stars. Tent alumni will return throughout this anniversary season to attend events, perform in shows and assist with choreography. “We are so excited to embark on this

special anniversary season. So many patrons, performers and technicians have made this a truly remarkable institution,” said Mark Templeton, managing director. “We are honored that the community has made the Tent a landmark and tradition of their summer plans.” To learn more about the 50 events scheduled throughout the season, visit www.tenttheatre.missouristate.edu/. n

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See a photo slideshow of Tent Theatre through the years.

Slide show

Do you know someone who would like to earn a degree but is busy with work, family and other commitments? Evening College Plus may be the answer! Adult-friendly plan for earning a degree.

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Full- or part-time scheduling options. Courses offered two nights per week for eight weeks, online and/or through iCourses. Convenient student services, including individual tutoring, offered after hours. Return-to-Learn scholarships available for qualified students. Your life. Your schedule. Evening College Plus.

www.missouristate.edu/EveningCollegePlus 417-836-6660

Audio

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A R O U N D T H E Q UA D C A M P U S N E W S

PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE Dear Alumni and Friends: Marketing Missouri State University is constantly on our minds, and now more than ever. Our marketing efforts are broad-based and include all members of the University community. Of course, marketing begins with our product. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our current programs, expand existing programs when there is need and demand, and add new programs that make sense. We work hard to maintain our price and our competitive advantage when it comes to the value proposition of “quality plus cost.” This is important to our students and to the goal of access. Another part of marketing is place — where and how we offer our programs. That is why we are reinvigorating our Evening College and working to offer even more courses and complete degrees online and via interactive television. Finally comes promotion. That takes many forms and requires many people to succeed. How can alumni help? I would offer these four ways. 1) Encourage any college-age student you know — family, friend, other — to take a serious look at what Missouri State has to offer. The University truly is a great value.

2) Buy and wear BearWear. It is the easiest way to strike up a conversation about the University. Consider giving BearWear year-round for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. When it comes to BearWear, the more, the better. 3) Say “yes” when you are asked to be a professional contact for a potential Missouri State student. Your success with your Missouri State degree can inspire others in their career search. 4) Stay involved with Missouri State. Your attendance at events in your area, your travel back for Homecoming, being included in the alumni directory and other contact with the University makes us better — and keeps you better informed about the University. When we talk about marketing, we must use the plural “we,” because it will take all of us working together to achieve our goals of making Missouri State a top-of-mind University. Thank you for all you continue to do for Missouri State University. Very truly yours,

Clif Smart Interim President

Since its inception in 2005, the public affairs conference has tackled the big issues of cultural competence, ethical leadership and community engagement – the pillars on which the mission for the University was founded. The 2012 conference examined the theme of the “Culture of Connectivity” and featured speakers such as author, social critic and political activist Naomi Wolf. n

ELENA BRAVO

Public affairs conference examined the “Culture of Connectivity”

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Many panels and presentations held during the conference were caught on video. Watch prominent speakers and learn more about topics such as autism, bullying, civility, democracy and marketing.

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R A E Y N A F he Meet t

of the

. last fall he Year t s f o a n f a per n er F dent su cond-ev u t e s s t d e t e h e t e he r uir earch fo test req voted. M s n y s o it c it n ’s n u r a a e eg k comm ) him! 1, this y i State b Faceboo t in 201 r, heard ’s e u Missour e t h b t a e t a d r S s i r, on it issour seen (o Building hotos. Next, M ht have ig m u p o y it where to subm find out d n a r e winn

Why he does this: Pottg en has been a fan of the Bears ever sin ce the men’s basketball team made a run to the Sweet 16 when he was a kid in the late 1990s. “I’d shoot hoops out in my driveway, SCA N AND WAT CH acting like I was a Bears player making the last shot to win the gam e.” Pottgen Favorite Bears player: developed his fan style du Kyle Weems. ring the course “He’s bee n my staple throughout of his college career. His my freshman year, college career,” he said. We he got the tube socks. Hi em s eve n s sophomore tweeted some shout-outs year, he added face paint to the Fan of . His junior the Year. “For a player wit year, he got the sunglasse h so much s. This year, he on his shoulders and so added the gold jacket an many decisions, d his trademark he really is a very genuine gu cheer. He got the inspirati y,” on for Boom Pottgen said. Boom Clap by watching YouTube videos of fans of the Seattle Soun Who he is: David Pottgen, ders soccer an accounting team. What will he do to supp His gold-clad alter ego allo ort the major from Arnold, Mo., ws has a super-fan Be ars after graduation? Pottgen to bang his trash Pottgen alter ego. When he’s imme can without rsed in it, he will graduate in December res tra int . 2012, so “I do n’t sports white-and-maroon have to feel like a tube socks, face norm he gets a bit more time in al the stu den student t. I can go absolutely paint, sunglasses and a shi ny gold jacket section. Someday, he hope crazy without everyone rec s to become while he cheers on the Be ognizing me ars basketball an accountant for Walt Di outside of JQH Arena.” sney World team. He also leads the stu dent section in Resorts. “It’s always been a dream of the Boom Boom Clap, his signature cheer What mine, since I was a kid.” Un he til that wo n: His prize package that incorporates drumm ing on a trash happens, he plans to mo inc lud ve ed back to the recognition during halfti can. “For me, there’s definit me ely excitement at the St. Louis area for work. As Feb. 12 men’s basketball lon g as he is when we start the Boom game, a Boom Clap in the Lou, he will be at $5 00 gift Ar ch cer Ma tifi dness cat cheer,” said Allie Kline, vic e to the Missouri State e president to cheer on the Bears. Bo ok sto re, fou r passes to the Prime of Maroon Madness studen t spirit Overtime Club at JQH Ar organization. “It kicks off ena, four food the Maroon What will happen to the vouchers and the opportu trash can? Madness pre-game cheers nit y to sta r in and gets us He plans to pass it down a Missouri State video on ! “I will most pumped up for the game. YouTube (scan likely ” have to take the new dru the QR code to watch!). mmer under my wing and show him the ways. He’s going to need to lea Where MSU alumni an rn the swagger d friends that comes with banging might see him: Pottgen the drum; you also received got to make it a show, no tickets to a Bears baseba t just a beat.” n ll game, special seating opportunit ies during By Jeida Mitchell, studen an upcoming football gam t writer in the office e and the of University Communication opportunity to drop an ho s, and Jessica norary puck Clements, new media spe during a hockey game ne cialist in the office xt season. of University Communica tion s

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

MAROON AND WHITE SPORTS

Fast-paced offense to headline Football Bears’ 2012 season Sept. 1 TBA at Kansas State University Sept. 8 TBA at University of Louisville Sept. 15 7 p.m. vs. Murray State University

Sept. 22 1 p.m. vs. Southern Illinois University* (Family Weekend)

Oct. 13 1 p.m. vs. University of South Dakota* (Showcase)

Nov. 3 1 p.m. vs. North Dakota State University*

Sept. 29 6 p.m. at South Dakota State University*

Oct. 20 1 p.m. at Illinois State University*

Nov. 17 4 p.m. at University of Northern Iowa*

Oct. 27 1 p.m. vs. Western Illinois University* (Homecoming)

* Conference games

Oct. 6 2 p.m. at Indiana State University*

After ranking 14th nationally in pass efficiency and 27th in total offense last season, junior Trevor Wooden will engineer the MSU offense again this fall. Wooden, who earned All-MVFC honorable mention, will lead the Bears to a faster-tempo offense this fall.

For ticket information, call 417-836-7678. All games are broadcast on KTXR (101.3 FM) in Springfield and on the Missouri State Football Radio Network. Follow online at www.MissouriStateBears.com/.

Bears stats crew works at NCAA Midwest Regional

IN THE

The Missouri State basketball statistics crew was selected to work the 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, with North Carolina, Kansas, Ohio and North Carolina State headlining the competition. From left are: Rick Martin, ’70, MSU computer sciences instructor; Everett Hayes, MSU staff emeritus; Rick Kindhart, ’91, MSU athletics communications director; Dale Moore, ’82 & ’90, director of university support services; and Jared Brockman, ’91.

Emily Beaver Cross Country

Senior

Diamond, Mo.

Along with earning All-MVC honors at the State Farm MVC Cross Country Championships, Emily Beaver received the Women’s Elite 18 Award, given to the highest performer in both athletics and academics. As a senior, Beaver will be pegged as one of the Bears’ top returning runners. Also highlighting the upcoming season is the 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional Championships on Nov. 10, in which Missouri State University is serving as the host institution.

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Reiann Stoute Field Hockey n Senior

Bridgetown, Barbados

Reiann Stoute looks to lead the field hockey Bears into action this fall after she earned All-Mid-American Conference second-team honors last season. The Bridgetown, Barbados, native was a force on the Bears’ defense, racking up 10 defensive saves a year ago, which ranked first in the MAC and third among all Division I programs. She was a one-time Mid-American Conference defensive player of the week in 2011 and will lead a group of five seniors poised for a breakthrough campaign.

After seven NCAA Tournament appearances in the last nine seasons and going 22-9 overall and 15-3 in the MVC in 2011, Missouri State’s volleyball team has its sights set on nothing less than the Big Dance in 2012 in their 17th season under Melissa Stokes, the MVC’s all-time winningest coach in league matches. While the Bears lose four-time all-MVC selection Calli Norman and 2010 All-American Kelley Michnowicz, they return nearly everyone else, including the 2010 and 2011 MVC Freshman of the Year selections in outside hitters Christine McCartney and Olivia Brand, a pair of USA Volleyball A2 Program participants in setter Carly Thomas and libero Ashley Mason, as well as transfer Andrea Beaty, who was a first-team all-Atlantic 10 pick with Saint Louis University in 2011. Throw in the return of 2011 kill leader Karen Rivatto, MVC all-freshman choice Kaitlin Jaeger and the team’s active leader in career digs in Shelby Strang, and the Bears look just as formidable for the 2012 campaign. The Bears host the annual Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at Hammons Student Center, play an always-tough 18-match MVC schedule (the league sent three teams to the NCAA Tournament in 2011), and travel to two more yet-to-be determined nonconference tournaments early in the 2012 season. n

KEVIN WHITE

Volleyball Bears set for another NCAA Tournament run

Ashley Mason, libero on the Volleyball Bears team, will compete in the 2012 U.S. Women’s National A2 Program this summer in Columbus, Ohio, including play at the USA Volleyball Open National Championships.

Catch the action at Hammons Field as MSU hosts MVC postseason baseball tournament The Missouri Valley Conference’s postseason baseball tournament will return to Springfield this year as Missouri State hosts the 2012 State Farm MVC Baseball Championship. This year’s tournament is May 22-26 at Hammons Field and features an eight-team, double-elimination format. The Bears previously hosted the Valley championship in 2004 and 2007. The champion of the tournament receives an automatic berth in the 2012 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament. Ticket information for the 2012 State Farm MVC Baseball Championship is available through the Chevy Pickup Window at 417-836-7678 or toll-free at 1-888-476-7849. n

missouristatebears.com Casey Garrison Women’s Basketball

Senior

Bolivar, Mo.

Casey Garrison completed her illustrious Lady Bear career as one of six players in Missouri Valley Conference history to earn first-team all-conference honors four times, along with placing herself on 15 separate career top-10 lists at Missouri State. Garrison’s 2,271 career points placed her third in MVC history in scoring, and her 118 career games of scoring at least 10 points ranks 13th in NCAA history. Garrison’s career culminated with MSU winning the MVC title in 2012.

Kyle Weems Men’s Basketball

Senior

Topeka, Kan.

Kyle Weems ended his MSU basketball career as the program’s all-time leader in games played (134) and double-figure scoring games (110) while ranking as the Bears’ No. 2 career scorer with 1,868 points. Weems also earned All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team honors and NABC All-District 16 distinction for the second straight season. He finished his tenure at MSU ranked among the program’s all-time top five in minutes, rebounds, field goals, field goal attempts, three-pointers, three-point attempts, blocked shots and steals. M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

Love Stories Stories by Michelle S. Rose Photos by Kevin White

We put out a call for couples who

fell for each other on campus, and

you responded with plenty of stories

about love in the time of Carrington. We chose a handful of couples from different decades to profile, then

asked University experts to weigh in

on the academic side of love. We hope you adore this glimpse into the lives of some besotted Bears.

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Read quotes from other couples who wrote in, see more photos of our profiled couples, watch a video of MSU instructors discussing love and add your own love story in the comments section.

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

Carolyn and Ken Wills

LIVE IN:

Estes Park, Colo.

HOMETOWN FOR BOTH: Springfield

FAMILY:

Children Mark, Sheri and Mike; five grandchildren

CAROLYN’S DEGREES:

Bachelor’s in elementary education, 1959; master’s in divinity, 1987, and doctorate in ministry, 1993, both Nazarene Theological Seminary

KEN’S DEGREES:

Bachelor’s in mathematics, 1960; master’s of business administration, 1976, University of MissouriKansas City; five-year ministerial course of study, Saint Paul School of Theology, 2002

PORTRAIT TAKEN IN DECEMBER 2011 IN McDONALD ARENA

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The first time freshman Carolyn Phillips, a Central High grad, saw freshman Kenny Wills, a Greenwood grad, in Mareta Williams’ English class in 1956, her heart flipped. However, she was dating someone else and thought it would pass — until she caught herself doing something odd. “I started hiding (my boyfriend’s class ring) in the palm of my hand when Kenny would walk by. I just had a little talk with myself and I said this is not right.” She and her boyfriend soon decided to break up amicably — so amicably, in fact, he is still friends with the Willses today. “There was no question about what move I was going to make next,” Carolyn said. She invited Ken to an Alpha Delta Pi sorority dance in February 1957. They became serious quickly. “It was fun to be around her. I felt very comfortable with her,” Ken said. Many dates took place in McDonald Arena, since Ken was a basketball player his first year and a statistician the next three. They also went to football games, movies and Greek events — Ken is one of the founders of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Missouri State. She watched him play tennis (he was a doubles champion), and he watched her play bass with the city’s symphony. They went to sock hops in the Bears Den and occasionally ate at the College Inn or with Carolyn’s family in their house just blocks from campus. But the big romantic moments came at dances in the former Student Center. “There was a big hallway with double doors and you could walk out on a balcony,” Carolyn said. “That warm spring air just wafted across.” They were pinned in August 1957, announced their engagement Christmas Eve 1958 and were married June 12, 1959. Ken was in U.S. Navy Reserve Officer Candidate School, so each summer during college he would travel to Newport, R.I.,

for training. Carolyn stayed in Springfield, taking summer classes. She graduated in August 1959. “I got a job at Eugene Field elementary,” Carolyn said. “I was the very first second-grade teacher there.” Ken finished his degree then waited for his Navy orders — which came July 4, 1960, the same day he won a city tennis tournament. Within two weeks, the couple reported to Rhode Island. Weeks after that, Ken was on a destroyer as a communications officer. Carolyn took a job teaching, until: “Ken called me one morning from Denmark and said, ‘Do you mind if we move to Washington, D.C.?’” Ken, laughing, said: “She couldn’t mind it too much, because the Navy was going to send me there either way!” After the move, they had three children in three years and Carolyn became a stay-at-home mom. Ken was discharged as a lieutenant in 1966. He had a series of jobs in the D.C. area, including one at the Department of Defense. They then moved to New Jersey, where Ken ran a New York office for a research and development company and was involved with NASA. Kansas City was their next move, and Ken earned an MBA and worked for several companies. Carolyn was a substitute teacher seeking a master’s in special education. But “one day, it was as though God said, ‘This is not what I want you to do. I want you to go to seminary.’ I waited a whole year because I was sure God did not know what he was talking about! … But finally, one day, Ken was out mowing the yard. I went out and I made him turn off the mower. I said: ‘I need to go to seminary.’ And he said: ‘I know.’” Ken would later feel a calling of his own: He left a job in the late 1980s to form the nonprofit Happening Ecumenical, a peer ministry for teens, after seeing the

“There was no question about what move I was going to make next.”

Describe your loved one to someone who had never met him or her. Ken: Full of grace. Intelligent. Caring. Very positive person. Very loving. Carolyn: He’s still attractive to me. Absolutely. He’s very forgiving and quick to do that. If we get mad at each other — which can happen, you know — he may just walk outside for a few minutes and when he comes back it’s all over. But he doesn’t slam doors; he doesn’t have a temper. He’s easy to live with. I remember a good friend of my parents, right before our wedding, took me aside and said: “Kenny will wear well.” He could see that between the two of us.

profound change a similar program made in his own family. He later decided to complete seminary as well. Carolyn and Ken were each appointed to minister at United Methodist churches around Kansas, but they are now retired in Estes Park, Colo. — although both still perform weddings and fill in for other ministers when needed. Otherwise, they spend their time reading and hiking (they live just a block from Rocky Mountain National Park). Ken still plays tennis and likes to fly-fish. Carolyn plays the harp and likes genealogy — she’s tracked family roots back to 832. They love to travel, especially to Europe. Carolyn’s family hosted exchange students in the 1950s, and the couple are enjoying reunions made possible by the Internet. They often come back to Springfield for MSU or Greenwood events since they have so many ties to campus — in fact, Ken’s mother was also an alumna. They are both glad they heeded their instincts about each other decades ago. “I just thought he was amazing. I never looked back,” Carolyn said. “I wasn’t going to let him get away.” “Well,” Ken said, “I wasn’t going to let her get away either!” n M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

Carrie and Ron Sharp

LIVE IN: Aurora, Colo. CARRIE’S HOMETOWN: Independence, Mo.

RON’S HOMETOWN: Springfield

FAMILY:

Children Paige and Scott; three grandchildren

CARRIE’S DEGREE: Bachelor’s in elementary education, 1969

RON’S DEGREE:

Bachelor’s in business/organizational management, 1965

PORTRAIT TAKEN IN NOVEMBER 2011 AT THE SHARPS’ HOME

For Ron Sharp, it was not exactly love at first sight. “I thought, how ridiculous and typical — these stupid little freshmen!” he said, still laughing decades later. He is talking about Carrie and Cathie Arnold, twins who made a faux pas at the start of the 1963 school year. Carrie and Cathie were fresh off a summer teaching at cheerleading camps and wanted to check out their college 14

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squad (which both of them would eventually join). “One of the first campus activities was a maroon-and-white intersquad football game,” Carrie said. It was August, it was hot… and after the first half, the twins got an idea. “We saw a drinking fountain on the field. That should have been our first clue it wasn’t for the public. But, being freshmen, we said, ‘Let’s go!’ The very moment

we were getting a drink, the team came charging back onto the field! Ron said he looked over to see two pony-tailed girls drinking out of the team fountain. It was the first time I ever laid eyes on him. He was the star halfback and very good-looking.” Around Homecoming, their paths crossed again. Sam Claxton, a teammate of Ron’s, was dating Cathie. He asked his buddy to take her sister to the dance.

Ron, a senior, drug his feet — he was seeing someone else. Finally, he told Sam to set it up. “He probably rues that day,” Carrie said with a laugh, “but we’re together now more than 40 years later!” That’s despite another tiny little gaffe. “I decided to be appropriate and meet her a little before Homecoming,” he said. “We went out, and she promptly spilled her Coke in my car!” But the couple, who both describe themselves as gregarious extroverts, were able to see each other’s personalities in those moments. “She was a lot of fun, and she was a very pretty young thing — I would be amiss if I didn’t say that,” Ron said. “I had a number of other dates while dating her. But over time, I got more and more interested in this young lady. She just made me laugh.” When they were dating, they went to events hosted by S Club (athletic lettermen’s group), Kappa Alpha fraternity and Alpha Delta Pi sorority. They hung out at the Sycamore Inn, College Inn, Student Union and Steak ‘n Shake. Carrie got the campus honor of being named Miss Cranberry Sauce one year: “I got to dance with a guy dressed as a turkey.” By winter break, Ron decided to break off dates with anyone except Carrie. “I had to work hard to be his shining star,” she said. Ron agreed: “She was hell bent for leather. Her father told me after we were married, ‘She came home that first Christmas and was talking about you. You didn’t have a chance.’” Ron gave Carrie his lavalier before summer break 1964, signaling he was serious about her. In spring 1965, Ron, who was in ROTC, knew military orders would be coming shortly after his graduation. One night, he took Carrie to Springfield institution The Shady Inn. With him was

an engagement ring his parents had helped him choose. “He said: ‘I am leaving to go to my assignment; I want you to go with me,’” Carrie said. “I didn’t think ‘I need to finish college or stay with my sister’ … I just said yes before he even had the question done, practically! But he’ll tell the story differently!” In one of the couple’s long-running jokes, “I always tell everybody she proposed to me,” Ron said. They married Sept. 26, 1965, and moved to Texas. Ron was a lieutenant in the Army and Carrie was a substitute teacher on base. After Ron was discharged, the couple moved back to Springfield and Carrie finished her degree. Ron, who had worked for the local Sears store throughout college, was asked to be part of the company’s leadership-training program. After his Army service, he re-entered the program. That led to a 38-year-long career as an executive at Sears stores around the country. Carrie worked as a teacher and as a stay-at-home mom to their two children (who are now both doctors). The couple retired in Colorado, and both of their adult children have made homes there as well. Carrie and Ron both like golf and live in a community with a course (“I am basically a fanatic,” said Ron, who plays at least three times a week). Carrie plays tennis in national leagues for seniors, and has won state and regional competitions. They’re also both involved in their church. And they admit having an adventurous streak — they have traveled extensively and want to do more (Alaska and Italy are up next). “My wife just helped me cross something else off my bucket list: She bought me a skydive trip last year,” Ron

“She was a lot of fun, and she was a very pretty young thing...”

How would you describe Ron to someone who had never met him? Carrie: From the first time I met him, I thought he was such a fantastic guy — and he still is. He was church-going, close to his family and well-loved on campus. He was outgoing and fun. I was 18 and my eyes were like diamonds, sparkling. He was interesting, athletic, active — just the whole package. I was smitten. Ron is telling me to also say adventurous. And, of course, very good-looking. But I would not say romantic — I tell everyone I did not marry him for his money, car or dancing skills!

How would you describe Carrie? Ron: I always call her Super Mom. She was very involved with the kids. She loved being home with children, but also loved being a part of the teaching community, too. You’re talking to a nonromantic, as she said, but I have to say Carrie is my best friend. I tell all young people — including my children — when you choose a mate, make sure you don’t just love them. Make sure you like them and how they make you feel.

said. “It was one of greatest thrills I’ve ever had.” They also continue to support Missouri State. Ron, who was part of the undefeated 1963 regular-season football team that played for a national championship in the Mineral Water Bowl, has been a part of team reunions. The couple also goes to University alumni events with neighbors Dan (’67) and Carol Johnson. “We went to orientation in our neighborhood, and they said they were from Springfield,” Carrie said. “I said, ‘Ron is from Springfield.’ They said, ‘Where did you go to college?’ I said, ‘MSU.’ They said: ‘Oh my gosh, you’re one of the Arnold twins!’ So now we go to Denver-area alumni things together. We put on our Missouri State garb. We love it!” n M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

Lisa and Joe Lochner

LIVE IN: Sullivan, Mo. LISA’S HOMETOWN: Sullivan, Mo.

JOE’S HOMETOWN: Morton Grove, Ill.

CHILDREN: Jenna, 13

Joey, 17; Jake, 15;

LISA’S DEGREES:

Bachelor’s in consumer and family studies/ hospitality, 1990; master’s in business administration, Webster University, 2008

JOE’S DEGREE:

Bachelor’s in parks and recreation, 1990

PORTRAIT TAKEN IN NOVEMBER 2011 AT THE LOCHNERS’ HOME

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Fitness brought Joe and Lisa Lochner together — and remains a huge part of their lives. The two first locked eyes in the late 1980s during PED 100, the Fitness for Living class all students take. The professor had girls sit on one side of the class and guys on the other. “We would look across the room at each other when something funny happened, and I could just tell we had the same thought process — before we even talked we were on the same wavelength,” Joe said. (Turns out he was right: The two were even born on the exact same day in the same year.) When an assignment was given that required a partner, Joe approached Lisa Rodgers. “We played racquetball at Hammons,” she said. “It was a hopeful beginning,” Joe said, which led to weeks of getting to know each other. Or so Joe thought. “Even before that,” Lisa said, “I did my own checking up on him. He played baseball, and I lived with some girls near Meador Park where he played. I was a big sports fan and we would go watch him pitch. I asked around to find out what he was all about. There was a girl in my sorority who was friends with him. She knew he was from the Chicago area and came from a family of 10 … she knew enough to pique my interest.” They became serious shortly after meeting, around October of their sophomore year. Their dates were “pretty competitive,” they both said: “We ran a lot,” Lisa said, since Joe needed to train for baseball. They could often be found at McDonald Arena or Hammons Student Center. They also hung out at events put on by Lisa’s sorority,

Alpha Chi Omega. When they ventured off campus, they had dates at Olive Garden or McSalty’s Pizza Cafe, or went to area lakes. After college, they both moved to Chicago. He was working for parks departments; she was working in human resources for Hyatt hotels. She had just been transferred to Colorado when he popped the question. “We were having Chinese food for a picnic in the park. I put a note in a fortune cookie,” Joe said. Lisa was completely surprised (but pleased) by the proposal: She had already accepted the out-of-state job, so they were apart for almost two years until Lisa was transferred back to Chicago. “That was a test, for sure,” Lisa said. If so, they passed: They were married in April 1992. In 1994, a business in Lisa’s family — Wallis Oil Company — gave the couple a chance to move back to her hometown. Joe worked for Wallis in several capacities until he had the chance to buy his own Mobil station in Union, Mo., where he does everything from manage nine employees to stock shelves. “My favorite is waiting on the customers. … If they’re local, I know them.” Lisa took a job at Missouri Baptist Hospital, where she has worked ever since and is now in administration; about 10 departments report to her. Outside of work, they stay busy with —you guessed it — sports. All three of their children are involved in teams: football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball and cheerleading. “We go from game to game to game to game to game to game!” Joe said. But that’s not a problem: “I would rather be on a bleacher watching my kids play than doing just about anything else,” Lisa said.

“We were having Chinese food for a picnic in the park. I put a note in a fortune cookie.”

Describe your loved one to someone who had never met him or her. Lisa: He is a genuine, caring person who puts others before himself. He’s definitely someone you can call a friend, because if you tell him something he would never repeat it. He’s a great dad — you couldn’t ask for a better dad. Joe (joking): I think I’m gonna cry! No, really. We believe in God, then others, then self. I would say she’s the epitome of that. And she is quite hot; she is super-attractive to me even today! L: Oh, even today, after all these years! (laughing) J: And she’s driven, like 100 percent. She is super-organized. … She is really a true friend. We can talk about anything. At the end of the day, no matter how bad a day it was, we stand together.

They also golf. Every October, Joe comes to Springfield for a golf outing for Missouri State baseball alumni. “I play with four guys from my former team. We catch up on each others’ lives.” Speaking of Missouri State graduates, it was Lisa’s co-worker Maggie (Mason) Head — an alumna from the class of ’03 — who urged the Lochners to tell their love story. But as soon as Lisa sent us her email, she had a slight moment of regret: “What have I done?!” That’s because Joe and Lisa are fairly reserved — they don’t do Facebook or otherwise tell their business to the world. In college, they even had a conversation about how Joe just didn’t like to hold hands on campus. “You won’t run across anyone more private than me,” Joe said. But he explains why he agreed to put his affection on public display: “I love Lisa and Missouri State.” n

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LaShawn and Mark Walker

LIVE IN:

Lee’s Summit, Mo.

LASHAWN’S HOMETOWN: Kansas City, Mo.

MARK’S HOMETOWN: Tulsa, Okla.

CHILDREN:

Mark Jr., 12

LASHAWN’S DEGREE:

Bachelor’s in communication management/public relations, 1992

MARK’S DEGREE:

Bachelor’s in industrial engineering with an emphasis in printing and minor in management, 1992

PORTRAIT TAKEN IN MARCH 2012 IN THE WALKERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD

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Mark Walker didn’t pursue LaShawn Long aggressively, though he was captivated the first time he saw her. It was before the start of fall classes, and freshman LaShawn was among a group of new students socializing on the tennis courts when Mark, a sophomore football player, joined the gathering. “I saw her and said, hmm, she’s looking pretty good!” he said, laughing and glancing at her slyly all these years later. LaShawn noticed him too: “He was staring at me and I thought, oh, he’s kind of cute.” Though the whole group was talking, the two of them spoke just a bit more to each other. Mark started a strategy he would use until they got together. “He said if I ever needed him to show me around campus, then he would be there to help me out,” LaShawn said. Mark continued to see her — they would run into each other around meal times or between classes. “She played hard to get,” he said, and he didn’t ask her out. Instead, “I would ease my way over to her. I always put a few words in her ear about ‘if she needs help’… that’s what my whole thing was, to try to be more friendly than come on to her.” It worked. “He was just so sweet,” LaShawn said. It didn’t hurt that he was a cute outside linebacker — “I’m just being honest!” she said with a laugh. That autumn, the two friends decided to go on an official date. They dressed to the nines and headed to (drum roll, please): Bass Pro. “I came up with Bass Pro!” Mark said. “You see, I’m from Oklahoma where we’re used to fishing.” LaShawn, a city girl, had never been to the outdoors store. Mark’s friendly strategy worked — they were a solid couple from that first date. Their bond intensified during winter break when they were both home with

their families. LaShawn was faced with a medical issue that turned out fine, but it made them realize how much they mattered to each other. “I thought I was not going to be able to come back to school,” she said. “I told him, you need to move on. But he was like, no. I thought, oh my goodness — he does really care about me.” Over a long-distance line, Mark told her he loved her for the first time. LaShawn got good news and was able to come back to Springfield. They became a typical college couple, going to parties with friends, hanging out in the union and shopping at the bookstore. One of their special places was Blair-Shannon, where she lived for three years: Their first kiss was on the steps. He proposed when he was a senior and she was a junior, which took her completely by surprise. “He had a ring and I was like (blustering) how did — how did you — you can’t afford this! But he had saved up the whole summer when he was working part time.” And “at first she was like, aren’t we too young?!” Mark said. But she was also excited and said yes right away. They both agreed to graduate before the wedding. Mark finished school in spring 1992 and moved to Oklahoma for a job. LaShawn graduated that winter. They married June 12, 1993, in Kansas City. She was planning to go to Oklahoma to be with him, but got a great job offer. He decided to come to her instead, and they have lived in the area ever since. Mark works in the printing industry at Fine Line Graphics, a company that does prepress work — including tasks related to making cookie bags for Keebler. LaShawn has a career in sales and has worked for banking and pharmaceutical companies. She now works as a national sales manager for the commercial division of satellite company Dish Network.

“He was staring at me and I thought, oh, he’s kind of cute.”

Tell us why your spouse is the right person for you. Mark: She’s really supportive of me. She makes me feel like I am Superman. LaShawn: Awwww. M: She does! No matter what I do, she always has something good to say, or if I mess up on something, she says, aw, you’ll figure it out. When something of my son’s breaks, she says, “Well, your daddy can figure it out.” I like that about her. It makes her special to me. L: One thing I like about Mark: He listens when you don’t think he’s listening. If I say “I really need this fixed,” or “I really want the bathroom painted,” he can be sitting there saying, “OK, OK, all right.” But then two weeks later I go out of town, and I come back, and the bathroom’s painted. He’s caring and very thoughtful. M: You’re thoughtful, too. L: And sweet. And he’s a great dad, too.

They both dote on son Mark Jr., who displayed his dad’s talent for sports pretty much from the time he was born. He was featured in a Reebok commercial when he was 3, shooting hoops in their garage — he made 18 in a row. That exposure led to television appearances on talk shows around the nation; the family even flew to Japan to do a show about talented kids. “It was amazing; we couldn’t believe it,” LaShawn said. Now that the excitement has died down, Mark Jr. is focused on school. He is an honor roll student who still loves basketball but has branched out to baseball. The family likes to travel (Mark takes fishing trips back to Oklahoma), watch sports and be outdoors. Mark and LaShawn will be married 19 years this June. LaShawn’s goal for their future: “To continue to support each other, to live a long life together and continue to carry out our purpose.” n

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

Becky and Ben Gabriel

LIVE IN: Springfield

BECKY’S HOMETOWN: Kansas City, Mo.

BEN’S HOMETOWN:

Blooming Prairie, Minn.

CHILDREN:

Mary Grace (Gracie), 5; Kai Espen, 2

BECKY’S DEGREE:

Bachelor’s in clothing, textiles and merchandising, 2003

BEN’S DEGREE: Bachelor’s in finance, insurance and risk management, 2002

PORTRAIT TAKEN IN JANUARY 2012 IN THE ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA HOUSE

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For Becky and Ben, love really was blind — a blind date, that is. Becky Wilkerson had gone out on a “kind-of date” with Ben’s friend Brian Hofmeister, and the whole night he kept telling her: “You should date my friend, Ben. You should really go out with Ben. You and my friend Ben have so much in common.” Another friend thought so as well: Ben’s roommate, Greg Hronick, set them up for Becky’s Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority dance in 2000. “They set up two couples that night, and the other couple they set up is also married now,” Ben said. The couple originally found common ground based on pop culture. “I think the first thing we talked about was probably Aerosmith or ‘Animal House,’” Becky said. “It was probably ‘Animal House’ because we had the poster,” Ben said. Their friends were right — they “hit it off really well, pretty quick,” Becky said. “We haven’t been apart for more than a few days since that first day.” During college they went out to eat, to parks, to movies and to events with Theta Chi fraternity and Alpha Sig sorority. They also have special memories of meeting up in the vending-machine area in Glass Hall and at restaurants in Plaster Student Union. When Ben graduated, he moved to Kansas City for work and began planning the next phase in their relationship. “It was the week of Homecoming 2002,” Becky said. “When they paired sororities with fraternities, mine was paired with Theta Chi. That week, you do things with the fraternity every night.” On Wednesday, the men were coming to serenade the women. “I had worked pretty hard to make you think I was in Kansas City and I wasn’t

going to be able to come down,” Ben said to Becky. But the fraternity members asked Becky to sit at the bottom of the stairs at the Alpha Sig house. “They were singing ‘Dream Girl of Theta Chi,’ and as they’re singing, one of his friends handed me a dozen roses.” Ben snuck in from behind — with an engagement ring. Continuing the MSU vibe, they took engagement photos at the fountain at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. They were married Sept. 13, 2003, at the Madrid Theatre in Kansas City, a renovated venue with a history that appealed to the two fans of “The Godfather” movies. “It was built during Prohibition,” Ben said, adding Al Capone was rumored to be a patron. “In the back room, where some of us got ready, there were bullet holes.” “There’s a big stage,” Becky said, “and we got married on stage and had our reception there.” After the wedding they moved to Minneapolis for work, then back to Springfield. Now they both work at Jack Henry, providing technical support for banks. Outside of work, they go to movies and concerts when they can get baby-sitters (“Last summer we went to see Poison and Mötley Crüe. It. Was. Awesome,” Becky said.) Ben also follows the Minnesota Vikings. But their main focus is their young family — Becky uses her textiles background to sew children’s clothing and diaper bags under the name LulaBug Designs on Facebook. Many of their Missouri State friends have entered the same phase as they start their own families. “Homecoming is a big time of year for

“I think the first thing we talked about was Aerosmith or ‘Animal House.’”

Describe Ben to someone who had never met him. Becky: He’s funny and has a really good sense of humor. Just … ornery. Ben: I thought you were gonna say devilishly handsome. Becky: He doesn’t take anything too seriously; he’s pretty laid-back. He’s a laid-back kinda guy who’s devilishly handsome.

And Becky? Ben (joking): Grumpy? Becky: I AM here! Ben: Very caring and very, very detail-oriented. Very considerate, and she always thinks about the little things. Like making appointments with a calendar, keeping track of all the stuff the kids have going on. … She’s much more of a planner and I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of person. Becky: I’m a multitasker!

us because we have a ton of friends who come back to town,” Becky said. “When everyone first started coming back, it was like, yes, party weekend! And now everybody has kids, so we all meet at the parade and everybody’s got strollers.” Their daughter Gracie starts school this fall, and the Gabriels will have another reason to love campus. “We’ve signed her up for Greenwood,” Becky said. They found out in March she was accepted to the laboratory school. It’s also likely they’ll be hosting Homecoming guests for a while. They hope to buy a house near campus or build one in an outlying town. Also in the future plans: “I’d like to retire wealthy and young,” Ben said. Becky’s response is typical for this light-hearted couple always ribbing each another: “Oh, geez.” n

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

The theories, science behind love The course of true love might not run smooth — at least, according to Shakespeare — but courses about love and relationships taught by academic authorities sure can reveal interesting things. We asked two Missouri State experts, psychologist Dr. Tanya Whipple and communication associate professor Dr. Kelly S. Wood, about why and how people fall in love. (Want to learn more? There’s a video with both professors on the magazine’s website).

Why do people want to fall in love? Humans have basic needs for affection and connections, Wood said, and healthy romantic relationships can meet those needs. Whipple thinks love has a basis both in science and in cultural norms. Theories about love in evolutionary psychology focus mainly on biology and propagation of the species, Whipple said, while other theories look at cultural expectations and socialization.

Why may people have lifelong committed relationships when many other species do not? Whipple said an area of the brain called the frontal lobe is more evolved in humans than in many other species. This area allows us to have a wide spectrum of emotions and allows us to bond deeply, plan things and understand social behavior — all parts of dating and romance.

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Why is college a common time to fall in love? Proximity — Both experts say we’re more likely to fall for someone we see on a regular basis, and college throws lots of people together. Similarity — Both say “birds of a feather flock together” rings more true than “opposites attract” when it comes to lasting love. People in college can easily find others with similar ambitions, values, interests, etc., due to classes, clubs and social gatherings. Developmental aspects — Wood says college students are constructing their own identities, and relationships help them clarify and confirm those identities. College is also a time when people may be more willing to disclose intimate information, a bonding activity that can lead to love. Whipple also said college students are at an age when some of them just naturally think about dating in a more serious way. Intensity — College is a time of heightened experiences, which can bond people whether they are dating, friends, roommates, etc.

SCAN AND WATCH

What happens in our brains and bodies when we fall in love? Whipple said parts of the brain get fired up during the early stage — the same parts that fire when people are addicted to other substances. You get a rush of “feel-good” hormones including dopamine, vasopressin, adrenaline and oxytocin, making you almost “addicted” to your partner. During this phase, your body is more able to deal with missed sleep and the worries that can come from dating. Wood said it’s also common to see couples at the start of a relationship unconsciously begin to match each other’s body language — if one person leans in or tilts his or her head, the other might as well. “That means they’re really engaged with one another.” n

CONTINUE the TRADITION THE FATHER:

THE DAUGHTER:

Robert Foster

Sarah Foster

HIS DEGREE:

HER DEGREE:

Bachelor’s in agricultural business, ’87

Bachelor’s in elementary education, ’11

JOB TITLE:

Global planning manager for Walmart

Teacher

HOMETOWN:

LIVES IN:

Bentonville, Ark.

Robert

Sarah

What did you enjoy during your time at Missouri State? I enjoyed the classes, especially because they helped me to broaden my way of thinking about the world. I also enjoyed watching our men’s basketball team go to the NCAA tournament.

When did you know that you wanted to come to Missouri State? It was when I came to Missouri State in high school to perform in band competitions. I stepped off the school bus and was instantly stunned at seeing this beautiful campus! Then, when I was doing a campus tour deciding if I really wanted to come to Missouri State, a random student smiled at me as I walked on campus. It was then I realized Missouri State was my home.

What are some of the best characteristics of Missouri State? It is one of the best schools in the state. It’s a great campus; you hear nothing but good things about it. You can get whatever degree you want at a reasonable price, and as a manager who hires people from Missouri State and elsewhere, I believe a degree from Missouri State is as meaningful as a degree from any other university. The Continue the Tradition program waives all out-of-state fees. How did this program affect your decision to send your daughter to Missouri State? Honestly, it didn’t really affect my decision either way. It was a happy bonus, but I wanted her to be able to go to Missouri State either way. I was happy to help her get her education without the pressure of wondering how she would pay for it.

What makes Missouri State unique to you? Its public affairs mission. It allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself, something that will change the world, as well as having one of the best education programs anywhere. The students are friendly, the campus is beautiful and I love the sense of home and community here.

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 non-residents 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 at www.alumni.missouristate.edu/ContinueTheTradition.htm/.

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

CO R N E R S TO N E F R O M T H E F O U N D AT I O N

Missouri State University-West Plains students will soon benefit from the largest gift in the campus’ history — a $4 million gift that will endow and expand the Corps of Opportunity program and two athletics scholarships. The gift to the Missouri State University Foundation is from the Lorene Thompson Brooks estate. In recognition, the Corps of Opportunity Program will be renamed the Ed and Lorene Thompson Brooks Corps of Opportunity Program. “Mrs. Brooks has left a lasting legacy with this magnificent estate gift,” said Dr. Drew Bennett, Missouri State University-West Plains chancellor. “She was passionate about helping students with financial need achieve a college education. This historical gift will do just that by allowing us to endow and fully fund our Corps of Opportunity program, which will double the number of students benefiting from this program. “The gift also will fully cover the cost of two Grizzly Athletics scholarships, which is very fitting since Mrs. Brooks was a real fan of collegiate athletics. “A gift of this magnitude is both humbling and inspiring.” The Corps of Opportunity Program combines scholarships and on-campus work opportunities for qualified students who need financial help to pay for their college education. Although federal and state financial aid programs provide assistance to students who have the greatest financial need, the Corps of Opportunity Program targets students who have unmet financial need. “As we focus on access to higher education for all students, financial aid becomes increasingly important,” said Missouri State Interim President Clif Smart. “The need-based scholarships this fund will provide for West Plains

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KEVIN WHITE

Impressive scholarship gift to benefit West Plains students $4 million gift largest ever given to this campus

Bob Thompson, (left), Lorene Thompson Brooks’ brother, and Dr. Drew Bennett, Missouri State University-West Plains chancellor, unveil a photo of Brooks at a news conference announcing her gift. Her estate will provide the largest scholarship gift in the Foundation’s history.

students may very well mean the difference between a student getting a college degree and not. That is the significance of this gift. It will have a positive impact on students’ lives.” In addition to providing much-needed financial assistance to students, the Corps of Opportunity program provides students with on-campus jobs that enable them to fund their education. “We so much appreciate that Mrs. Brooks included Missouri StateWest Plains in her estate plan,” said Brent Dunn, vice president of university advancement. “Her family will now have a lasting legacy in helping the education process at West Plains. “We are celebrating not just the largest single scholarship gift to Missouri State, but we are celebrating the numbers of students whose lives will change because of education. “She is making a difference and will continue to make a difference in the future.” n

ABOUT LORENE THOMPSON BROOKS Lorene Thompson Brooks was born Feb. 27, 1930, in Stotesbury, Mo. Her family moved to Koshkonong, Mo., in 1941. She graduated from Koshkonong High School in 1948 and attended Draughon Business University in Springfield. Brooks died Dec. 20, 2010, in Austin, Texas. Her older brother, Bob Thompson, and his wife, Eva, are her survivors and live in West Plains. When Brooks’ only child, Diedre, died of cancer in the late 1990s, a relative suggested the daughter’s collection of books be given to the Garnett Library at Missouri State University-West Plains. This began a long-lasting relationship that spawned a continued interest in the campus and its students, resulting in this bequest to the University for need-based scholarships.

Thanks to a major gift from Springfield philanthropist and long-time Missouri State University supporter Jim D. Morris, work will begin this year on the basketball locker rooms and team facilities in JQH Arena. In recognition of the gift, it will be named the Jim D. Morris Basketball Complex. With a target of completion during fall 2013, the two-level complex, located on the south side of the arena floor, will include locker rooms for both the Bears and Lady Bears basketball teams, coaches’ offices, an athletic training facility, an academic study area, a stateof-the-art team video room and other support areas. When JQH Arena opened in 2008, the area for the complex was

left as shell space with the anticipation it would be completed at a later date through private gifts. “We are extremely grateful for this gift and Mr. Morris’ commitment to the future of MSU athletics. It helps many aspects of our athletics program and improves the front porch of the University,” said Kyle Moats, director of intercollegiate athletics. “The impact on our basketball teams and their recruiting efforts is tremendous. But the success of our basketball programs also affects every student-athlete and every intercollegiate program financially. The broad scope of this project and the commitment it takes to make this dream come true is certainly very special to everyone who wears maroon and white.” n

KEVIN WHITE

Gift will fund two-level basketball complex in JQH Arena

Members of the Lady Bears team express their gratitude to philanthropist Jim D. Morris following the announcement that his gift to the University will fund construction of locker rooms in JQH Arena.

McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall dedicated Health-related programs at Missouri State gained a boost from the McQueary family’s significant gift, which helped fund the expansion of the building on the corner of Kimbrough Avenue and Cherry Street. The 5,000 square foot second-wing expansion houses a state-of-the-art anatomy laboratory, high-tech classrooms and offices for various programs. The enhanced facilities will strengthen teaching and learning and enable more students to have access to Missouri State’s highly competitive health programs.

Students will have even more to look forward to when the Bill R. Foster and Family Recreation Center opens, thanks to a significant gift from philanthropist and businessman Bobby Allison. The $500,000 gift will support the construction of the center and endow a portion of the intramural sports program. In recognition of the gift, the basketball courts inside the Foster The Betty and Bobby Allison Courts in the new recreation center, as well as the Betty and Bobby Recreation Center will be named Allison Intramural Fields on campus, will now be the Betty and Bobby Allison Courts named in honor of philanthropist Bobby Allison and the intramural field at Cherry and his late mother. Street and National Avenue will be named the Betty and Bobby Allison Intramural Fields (Betty is the late mother of Bobby Allison). “I am so pleased to assist the University in its effort to help with student projects,” Allison said. “The youth of today are so important to our future and I am pleased to do my part in helping make a great educational college experience.” The center, slated to open this fall, will have a climbing wall, an aquatics area, an indoor track, a cardio-fitness center, locker rooms and rooms for fitness assessment, dance and other activities. The center will have a modern, environmentally friendly design and is meant to meet the recreation, wellness and social needs of students for generations. n ELENA BRAVO

KEVIN WHITE

Gift will benefit construction of Foster Family Recreation Center, endow part of intramural sports program

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

CO R N E R S TO N E F R O M T H E F O U N D AT I O N

A message for all who give:

Your gifts are appreciated! From $5 to $4 million, those gifts have an incredible impact on students and programs at Missouri State University. Your generosity each year is important to the ongoing success of our University and our students.

On behalf of students and the whole Missouri State University community, we thank you! www.missouristatefoundation.org

Alumni, other professionals share insights, advice with students at second-annual speed-networking event Dan Cogswell, ’07, talks with a student during a speed-networking event held Feb. 23 on Missouri State’s campus. The event, part of a conference called “Life After Missouri State,” was co-sponsored by the Missouri State Alumni Association and the Career Center. It offered students an opportunity to learn more about networking and practice their skills with about 50 local professionals from a variety of backgrounds. If you would be willing to participate in a future networking event, please contact the Alumni Association at alumni@missouristate.edu or 417-836-5654.

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MarooNation is Missouri State Alumni Association’s version of the ultimate road trip. By hosting events around the state and across the nation, the Alumni Association takes the spirit of maroon and white on the road to ensure alumni and friends stay informed, connected and involved with Missouri State University. Events are planned throughout the year.

[Naples] (Right) Anne Wampler, Steven Jones, ’65, Cheryl Jones, ’67, Joe Post, Marilyn Post, Pat Ellison and Al Ellison, ’57, were among alumni and friends gathered Feb. 2 at the Hilton-Naples Hotel in Naples, Fla. Guests including (far right) Scott Blyze, ’80, and Carl Dickey, ’56, enjoyed dinner and casual conversation with Interim President Clif Smart.

[Tampa] (Above) Adam Brack, ’03, and Nicole Brack, ’04, joined other Missouri State alumni and friends Feb. 3 at the Embassy Suites Hotel gathering in Tampa, Fla. (Above right) Bob James and Dawn James, ’87, visited with Athletics Director Kyle Moates. (Right) Doug Peterson, ’90, left, is pictured with Jim Moore, ’66, and Gayla Moore, ’67.

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See more photos and find the next MarooNation event near you. M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

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[Jacksonville] Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant in Jacksonville, Fla., was the gathering place Feb. 4 for Missouri State alumni and friends to enjoy catching up with fellow Bears. (Above) Linda and Hugh McLean, ’69, standing, with Adam Szabo, ’03, and Andrea Andrews, enjoyed an evening of great food and camaraderie. (Above right) LaVel Heintz, ’04, left, Kim Dossey, ’81, Michael Diebold, ’94, and David Breshears, ’00, were among the alumni in attendance.

[San Diego] Debbie Malloy, (back row,

[St. Louis] Missouri State fans gathered

from left) and Ed Chapin, ’64, welcomed alumni and friends from the San Diego area into their home Jan. 20. Also standing are Mike Collier, ’63, Carolin Hixon, ’85, Bill Hixon, ’69, Linda Collier, Scott Meadows, ’92, and Leslie Franson, ’85. In the front row seated from left are Virginia Mellon, ’40, Paula Caplin, Gwen Jones-Lurvey and John Lurvey, ’64.

March 2 at The Hangout in St. Louis Union Station to show their Bear spirit before the men’s basketball team tipped off against Evansville. The Missouri State Pep Band, Cheer Squad and Sugar Bears were on hand to rally the crowd. Melissa Albart Coy and Brad Coy, both graduates in ’04 & ’06, were among the guests who enjoyed food, giveaways and the opportunity to shop for BearWear.

[St. Charles] Missouri State fans met March 10 at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel for a pre-game pep rally before the Lady Bears challenged the Creighton Blue Jays at the women’s basketball Missouri Valley Conference tournament. The Missouri State Pep Band, Cheer Squad, and Sugar Bears provided entertainment. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, giveaways and the opportunity to shop for BearWear.

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[New York] (Far left) Actress Nancy McDoniel, ’66, (third from left) visited with Missouri State students on March 18 at Trattoria Dopo Teatro in New York. (Left) Emily Graves, ’05, and Ryan Culbertson, ’04, were among the alumni and friends from the New York area who enjoyed the Sunday brunch.

[Chicago] (Above) Megan Hamlin, ‘07, Adam Maxwell, ‘05, and Kelli Moles, ‘06, attended the March 31 event at the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in Chicago. (Above right) Justin ”JT“ Thompson, ‘05, (front row, left) Alexis Stormo, ‘05, Katie Madden, ‘97, Steven Ward, ’05, and Jami Youmans, ‘09, hung out with Kevin Niederwimmer, ‘85, (back row, left) Annie Roberts, ‘06, and Kyle Moles, ‘06. (Right) Elena Claiborne and David Smith, ‘06, enjoyed the spring event.

Visit www.alumni.missouristate.edu for details.

…coming to an area near you! June 2 Missouri State Day at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City

June 16 Missouri State Day at Busch Stadium in St. Louis

June 25 Lebanon, Mo.

July 28

October 26-27

Kansas City Send-Off Belton, Mo.

Homecoming weekend

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

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JANUARY

The 2012 season of 3rd Thursdays in Kansas City kicked off Jan. 19 for Missouri State alumni and friends who gathered at Wil Jenny’s in Overland Park, Kan. Jim Griggs, ’74, (standing) and Chuck Champion, ’75, are joined by Tammy Bearden, ’94, and John Coleman, ’11.

Kansas City FEBRUARY

3rd Thursdays

FEBRUARY

MARCH

It was Missouri State Bingo Night for the Feb. 16 event at the Fox and Hound in Overland Park, Kan. Betty and Carroll Iorg, both class of ’70, joined other alumni and friends to compete for a chance to win Bear prizes.

MARCH

Alumni in the Kansas City area mixed a little green with their maroon as they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on March 15 at Brio Tuscan Grille on the Country Club Plaza. Erin Cobb, Stephanie Harris, ’07, Beth Glasbrenner, ’06, Laura Glasbrenner, ’10, and Paula Schwach, ’72, were among those in attendance.

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APRIL

Tony Fiorello, ’11, left, Taylor Cox, ’10, Isabella JacksonKuofie, ’06, Becky Margason, ’03, Mike Hanover, ’66, and Karen Hanover, ’64 & ’66, were among the alumni and friends who gathered April 19 for the final 3rd Thursday of the season at Granite City Food and Brewery in the Zona Rosa area in Kansas City.

APRIL

JANUARY

St. Louis

3rd Thursdays

JANUARY

Missouri State alumni and friends in St. Louis started the new year right with 3rd Thursday at Mike Duffy’s in Kirkwood, Mo., on Jan. 19. Included in attendance are, from left, Julie Pohlman Eaker, ’08, Blake Eaker, ’08, Lindsey Early, ’07, Scott Fisher, ’05, Jason Venverloh, ’07, Beth Kirby, ’07, and Christina Evans, ’07. FEBRUARY

Darren Harralson, ’93, back row, from left, is joined by Austin Todd, ‘10, Ben Smith, ’11, Boomer, Alex Schaeffer, ’10, Chelsea Clark, ‘10, Abbe Ehlers and Rachel Karadja, ‘09, at the the Feb. 16 event at Syberg’s in Maryland Heights, Mo. Hayli Schmitz, seated at left, Melanie Grand, ’93, and Danelle Sumpter Baxter, ‘09, were among the alumni and friends competing for Bear prizes by playing Missouri State Bingo.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Theresa Nickolaus, ’09, Christina Caratenuto, ’09, Dana Snyder, ’11, and Christine Taylor, ’09, celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness on March 15 at Llwelyn’s Pub in Webster Groves, Mo.

APRIL

MARCH

APRIL

St. Louis-area alumni and friends gathered for a 3rd Thursday wrap-up party April 19 at Mike Duffy’s in Kirkwood, Mo. Pictured from left are: Kevin Dickey, ’79, Beverly Palmer, ‘73, Carl Dickey, ’56, Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement, Joe Danklef, ’56, Bill Donegan, ’76, and Sharon Mueller, ’80.

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ClassNotes ZACH AND MANDY LEWIS PAGE 33

JAKE AND KATHY HILGENDORF PAGE 34

1949

Bill Coleman, BSE, was recently honored for his 55 years of service to New York Life Insurance during a special dinner held at the Intercontinental Hotel on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. Coleman, who joined the U.S. Navy at age 18, served as an aviation radioman and radar gunner on TBF torpedo bombers. In December 2011, he traveled to Hawaii for the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Coleman resides in Leawood, Kan.

1978

WILLIAM AND STEFANIE BUSCHER PAGE 35

Susan Ahlf Pepple, BS, Carlisle, Mass., is vice president of marketing and business development for Barry Libman, Inc., a health-information management coding, audit and education company, a post she has held since its founding in 1998. Pepple was honored with the Champion Award from the Massachusetts Health Information Management Association. She oversees her company’s expansion of services to include online education for the health information management professional.

1979 ZACH SWARTZ AND LINDSEY HALL PAGE 35

Judy Pierce, BS, retired from Kraft Foods, Inc., in January after a 36-year career. Pierce married Michael Tascher in September 2011 in Sullivan’s Island, S.C. The couple resides in Lake Bluff, Ill.

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1981

Emily Busiek Johns, BSE, Springfield, is the team leader for Cry Africa and is serving in Cape Town, Africa. The mission of Cry Africa is to empower African Assembly of God churches and missionaries to minister in the area of HIV/AIDS. Johns also teaches at South Africa Seminary in Cape Town.

1982

Tristan Atkins, BS, Yelm, Wash., accepted the position as director of aviation at the Washington State Department of Transportation in Arlington, Wash. Atkins was formerly employed at Washington State Patrol as the aviation section commander in Olympia, Wash., and retired as a captain after his 25-year career with the state patrol. He also retired from the Washington Army National Guard as a colonel and helicopter pilot. Shelly Sullivan Nuessle, BS, Washington, D.C., is the information security manager for the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. The organization was named No. 7 for Transportation/ Logistics on Security magazine’s Security 500 list. After 30 years with the Camdenton School District as an administrator/teacher, Sidney (Joe) Schwandt, BS,

Osage Beach, Mo., will retire his position as assistant director at Lake Career and Technical Center in June 2012. Schwandt plans to enjoy time with his family and the outdoors.

1984

Brian Camey, BS, Springfield, is president and chief operating officer of The Traditional Bakery, Inc., and Oklahoma City Bakery, Inc.

1986

Robert L. McQueen, BS, is employed with AT&T and recently gained certification as Business Certified Sales Representative. McQueen resides in Leavenworth, Kan.

1987

Kimberly Markle Blevins, BS, Mt. Vernon, Mo., is a language arts teacher at Mt. Vernon High School and was named Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Missouri State Teachers Convention in St. Louis. A published writer, she has presented workshops at Write to Learn and has been active with the National Writing Project through the local division of the Ozarks Writing Project at Missouri State. In addition, Blevins has been involved with the Teaching American History grant program and is an active leader in the Missouri State Teachers Association.

2001

Missouri State activities brought Zach and Mandy Lewis together — becoming friends as part of the leadership teams of Alpha Delta Pi and Theta Chi, hanging out at Icthus (a student-led Christian group) and competing in intramurals. In fact, you could even say the school paid for her engagement ring. At Homecoming 2000, “A Hollywood Homecoming,” Zach won a prize: A trip for two to Los Angeles to see a taping of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Instead of traveling to L.A., he opted to take the cash value, and with it, he purchased a ring for Mandy Lichtenberg, whom he’d been

1989

Richard Ollis, BS, Springfield, advisor of Ollis & Co., accepted appointment to the Wellness Council of America’s National Board of Directors. Ollis offers a unique expertise in the area of benefits and delivering workplace wellness programs to small businesses.

1990

John Wilcox, BS, Overland Park, Kan., was elected managing director of the Kansas City, Mo., law firm of Dysart Taylor Cotter McMonigle & Montemore, P.C. Wilcox is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the firm and continues his full-time practice in the areas of trucking and transportation, personal injury, employment and criminal litigation.

dating for more than two years. He popped the question about six months later. Mandy remembers an instant connection, becoming best friends with Zach almost the minute they met in 1998. She was introduced to him thanks to the fraternity and sorority life office, but they had many other things in common. She soon became his confidante, and they often talked over frozen yogurt. However, he was dating someone else. “I finally asked Zach — as friends — to the Alpha Delta Pi formal in April,” Mandy said. “He said yes and broke up with his girlfriend the next day.” Even then, they occasionally fought their attraction. “Once we realized that we were meant to be together, we decided to take a break. No matter how hard we tried to ignore each other and stay apart, we always ended up at the same place, in the same room and together.” One of Mandy’s favorite memories was when Zach, a member of the men’s a cappela group the Beartones, announced to a concert crowd he was engaged. “There were a lot of upset girls,” she said. After their engagement, they

1992

Melissa Green Dereberry, BA & MA, ’92 & ’94, published her novel, “Somewhere Like Here,” as a Kindle edition on Amazon. The novel is a mystery set in and around Devil’s Elbow, Mo. Dereberry resides in Rolla, Mo.

1994

Jeff Madden, BS, Lee’s Summit, Mo., was promoted to account supervisor at Trozzolo Communications Group, an advertising, public relations and branding firm in Kansas City, Mo. Madden also received several awards at the Kansas City Public Relations Society of America PRISM gala and Nonprofit Connect banquet.

graduated, (Mandy with a bachelor’s in middle school education and Zach with a bachelor’s in religious studies), got married and went to graduate school. They spent the first two years of their marriage living in an undergraduate residence hall in Tennessee until Zach earned a master’s in college student personnel in 2004. Mandy received her master’s in secondary school administration from another Missouri university in 2009. Now they’ve settled down in the St. Louis area with their children — Ansley, 6, Grady, 3, and a baby on the way. Mandy is the assistant principal for the freshmen class at Lafayette High School, and Zach is a corporate trainer for KnowledgeLake, Inc., where he uses his skills in leadership to train executives. They look back fondly on their time at Missouri State. “We have memories of so many different places — the Theta Chi house, the ADPi house, the soccer fields for intramurals, the Greek life office in the union,” Mandy said. “We covered almost every inch of the campus, making memories everywhere we went.” n

1996

Michael Whitley, BS, St. Louis, Mo., director of development in the office of development and alumni relations at Missouri State, received a 2012 Young Leader Award by the St. Louis American Foundation. The awards are presented to 20 African-American professionals age 40 and younger from the St. Louis region for their professional performance and community involvement.

Share your good news

2002

You also may write us at: Missouri State University Alumni Association Attention: Julie Ebersold 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897

Doug Aubrey, BS & MS, ’02 & ’04, Athens, Ga., accepted a tenure-track position as assistant professor at the University of Southern Georgia. He is completing a post-doc at the University of Georgia, where he also obtained a PhD.

Go to www.alumni.missouristate. edu and select the “Class Notes” link. You may update your alumni record and drop us a line about your most recent personal and professional accomplishments.

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

2005 & 2006

The old adage goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and after graduating from Missouri State University, Jake Hilgendorf and Kathy (Murphy) Hilgendorf realized it was certainly true for them. Although Jake and Kathy never dated while on campus – they actually only had one official date before getting engaged – they attribute their love story to their times as Bears. Jake was a Baseball Bear who often missed their mutual dance class due to travel, and Kathy struck up a friendship with him and took notes for him during a performance he missed. When Jake competed in the College World Series, Kathy was completing an internship in Washington, D.C. She

2003

Don’t miss out Make sure you don’t miss an alumni event in your area, the monthly newsletter or timely updates from your alma mater. Send your email address to alumni@missouristate. edu or visit alumni.missouristate. edu/ to update your address, and we’ll ensure you receive regular announcements that are only available online.

remembers placing a picture of Jake playing in the tournament in her internship scrapbook with a caption that said “I had dance (class) with him!” It all grew from there. They began to run in the same social circles, and quickly became the best of friends. “He would make me come over early to pick out his outfit before people showed up to hang out,” she said with a laugh. “He’s going to be so mad that I just said that!” After Kathy graduated with a bachelor’s in entertainment management in December 2005, she moved to Alabama to pursue a graduate degree. While there, their relationship grew stronger through hours on the phone and Internet chat. Jake graduated in December 2006 with a bachelor’s in criminology and settled in St. Louis, where he now serves as the sports marketing coordinator at Rawlings Sporting Goods. “After a wedding weekend together and a Cardinals versus Cubs weekend in Chicago, we both knew we couldn’t just be friends,” she said. “In September 2007, we met in Memphis two weekends in a row to figure out what we wanted. When we left each other the second weekend, I knew that he was the one.”

The Board of Directors of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Inc., named Mike Kromrey, BS & MS, ’03 & ’06, Springfield, as the organization’s new executive director. Kromrey has been with the organization for the past six years, formerly serving as the education/ outreach coordinator. In addition, he has been the co-chair of the Natural Environment Committee for the City of Springfield’s Strategic Plan and has also served on the Springfield/Greene County Environmental Advisory Board.

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In December 2007, Kathy moved to St. Louis to join Jake. The couple got engaged six days later. “Our friendship is the base of our relationship, which I think is the most unique quality of our marriage. It started as a friendship for the first four years of knowing each other, but people laugh when they hear our story because everything seemed to pick up and move so quickly,” she said. “Our friends claimed they knew we would always be together, but we kept our secret Memphis getaways to ourselves – until now.” They had a little piece of Missouri State with them on their wedding day, Dec. 27, 2008. Kathy’s father fashioned a cake cutter from a bat that was given away at opening day of Hammons Field in 2004. Athletics continues to be a big part of their lives. In addition to Jake’s job with Rawlings, Kathy is the premium services manager with Sportservice at Busch Stadium. She manages suites and special-events catering. They also enjoy visiting campus as often as possible and keeping up with Missouri State sports teams. “This past winter we came back for a men’s basketball game and bought matching sweatshirts,” said Kathy. “Yes, we’re totally ‘that’ couple!” n

2007

Tamara Moore, MS, and her husband have been selected as one of six finalists in a national eHarmony “Love of a Lifetime” contest. The couple’s story can be viewed on eHarmony’s facebook page. They reside in Boise, Idaho.

2008

Elisabeth Lancaster Kinmartin, BS, and Timothy Kinmartin, BA, ’09, are happy to announce their marriage on Nov. 12, 2011, in St. Cecilia’s, St. Louis, Mo. The couple honeymooned in Guatemala and Belize. They reside in St. Louis.

2010

Duke Nguyen, MBA, St. Louis, Mo., opened a New York-style Vietnamese sandwich truck in St. Louis. The company seeks to introduce Vietnamese sandwiches (known as “Banh mi”) to the masses. Nguyen is aided by fellow Missouri State graduate, Andrew Fallert, BS & MBA, ’09 & ’11.

2011

Megan Bradley, MS, Roanoke, Va., is the new southwest Virginia freshwater mussel recovery coordinator for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, stationed in Marion, Va., at the Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center.

2008

William and Stefanie (Duncan) Buscher lived 15 minutes from each other while growing up near St. Louis. But it wasn’t until the two became Missouri State Bears that their paths finally crossed. When they were students, William and Stefanie’s school spirit ran deep. William

was on the Missouri State cheer squad, and Stefanie was a drum major for the Pride Band. It was their love for Missouri State — and some mutual friends — that brought the couple together. “As a member of the cheer squad and a member of the Pride Band, we used football and basketball games as our dates,” Stefanie said. In fact, sporting events played such an important role in their relationship that Plaster Field tops the list of their favorite spots on campus. On their first Valentine’s Day together, the couple spent the evening at a Bears basketball game. William made the day memorable by asking a police officer to call Stefanie out of

the bleachers. Instead of being in trouble like she feared, William gave her flowers in front of the crowd at Hammons Student Center. The couple notes that the Bears did go on to win that night, defeating Evansville 71 to 50. After graduating, William and Stefanie moved to the St. Louis area. He works as a certified public accountant with KPMG, and she is a music teacher for Meramec Valley R-III schools. The couple wed in June 2010 after five years of dating. They plan to pass their love for Missouri State down to the next generation. “I see a great career in teaching,” Stefanie said of her goals, “with little Bears running around in the not-too-far future.” n

The melodic tones of the carillon bells provide the backdrop for much of the hustle and bustle of campus life. But for Lindsey Hall, they also provide a reminder of the love she shares with fiancé Zach Swartz. Lindsey and Zach met when they shared a booth with friends during a post-party stop at Hardee’s near campus. For Zach, it was love at first sight: “I knew from the moment I met her. True story; ask some of my fraternity brothers.” Lindsey admits she was smitten from the beginning, too. “From the moment we met, he was a complete gentleman, and I knew he would always look out for me and take care of me. I’m lucky to have a love as unconditional as his.” Zach asked Lindsey to his fraternity’s formal after hanging out a few times. They both agree — somewhat — on why they started dating. “Shortly after the formal, he asked me to be his girlfriend because of how awesome I am,” Lindsey said. Zach contends it is his awesomeness that sealed the deal: “I’m awesome, and she wanted to hang out with me.” Zach and Lindsey built their lives

together as a couple during the next six years, sharing adventures such as skydiving. They also grew as professionals, graduating in 2008 and finding jobs. Lindsey works as a special education teacher for Springfield Public Schools; Zach works as a portfolio manager for BKD Wealth Advisors (and was named to the 2012 class of 20 Under 30 young business professionals by 417 Magazine). In March 2011, Zach decided it was time to take their relationship to the next level. He bought a ring and left it with the jeweler while he decided on the perfect way to propose. “There isn’t a specific memory that drew me to the fountain and bells. I just knew that MSU was a special place for both of us in general and that it would make sense to use campus for that special moment,” Zach said. With the help of Thomas Lane, the assistant vice president for student life, and Jeremy Chesman, the University’s carillonist, Zach put his plan in motion. In October, he took Lindsey for a walk through campus. They ended at the fountains as the carillon played their song, “Collide” by Howie Day.

ANDREW BOWSER PHOTOGRAPHY

2008

“I made the comment that I missed the bells playing while I walked around campus, not knowing they were playing especially for me this time,” Lindsey said. Zach and Lindsey will marry in December. The couple plans to make a photo stop at campus to remember the school that brought them together. “When I think about the proposal, I just can’t help but smile from ear to ear,” Lindsey said. “It felt surreal, especially because I had been waiting for that moment for nearly six years.” n

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In Memoriam 1930s Rayetta Cantrell Beyer, ’38 Billings, Mo. Virginia M. Chranford Shean, ’38 Springfield

1970s

Verna M. Miller Nations, ’52 Cassville, Mo. Geneve Swearengin Marlin, ’54 Springfield Jerry M. Beersman, ’55 Marshfield, Mo.

1940s

Robert Hight Jr., ’55 Palm Desert, Calif.

Almon H. Maus, ’41 Springfield

Edward D. O’Neill, ’55 Springfield

Robert W. Towe, ’70 & ’87 Rogers, Ark. Cody A. Hanna, ’71 Buffalo, Mo. Helen R. Spencer Johnson, ’73 Joplin, Mo. Candace L. Affolter French, ’79 Willard, Mo.

Kathryn D. Thompson-Adema Burnett, ’82, staff Springfield Randy L. Francka, ’00 Republic, Mo. Ralph G. Hawkins, professor emeritus of curriculum and instruction Springfield

Karen A. Gordon Pippins, ’79 Dexter, Mo.

Marilyn L. Bartles Johnson, staff emeritus Springfield Sarada Kotamraju, professor emeritus of library science Springfield

Dr. Emasue Snow, ’44 Springfield

Don E. Clinkenbeard, ’56 Springfield

Betty J. Ellison McDonald, ’46 Springfield

Lila L. Boyd, ’57 Joplin, Mo.

1980s

A.L. O’Neal, ’46 Springfield

Jerold J. Thomas, ’57 Crestline, Calif.

John C. Parris, ’80 & ’82 Springfield

John J. Creson, ’48 Springfield

Merlin R. Hutsell, ’58 Independence, Mo.

Virginia Farmer Ross, ’81 Springfield

Neal W. Grubaugh, ’48 Ozark, Mo.

Raymond R. Jones, ’58 Republic, Mo.

Barbara A. Scheperle Walker, ’83 Springfield

Claude M. Holbert, ’48 Springfield

Lawrence L. Thomas, ’58 Peculiar, Mo.

2000s

1960s

Thomas A. Lindgren, ’01 Springfield

Jack L. Davidson, ’60 Forsyth, Mo.

Daniel A. Littleton, ’02 Tupelo, Miss.

Charles G. Spoonhour, former staff Chapel Hill, N.C.

Joe M. Jackson, ’61 Marshfield, Mo.

Faculty/Staff

Max A. Wood, staff emeritus Springfield

Jay H. Adams, professor emeritus of jewelry and metalsmithing Springfield

James R. Woodward Jr., professor emeritus of modern and classical languages Springfield

Berniece Medlin, ’48 Monett, Mo. Robert C. Fahl, ’49 Springfield Guy E. Farrar, ’49 Springfield

1950s

Edward F. Pierce Jr., ’62 Sun City, Ariz.

William N. Stephens, ’51 Galena, Mo.

Herschel J. Freeman, ’63 Springfield

Jean C. Reilly Dobyns, ’52 Chula Vista, Calif.

Margaret D. Dickey Newton, ’65 Springfield

Betty L. Nelson Horn, ’52 Springfield

Mary C. McNerney, staff emeritus Springfield Mary E. Douglass Reid, professor emeritus of library science Shreveport, La. Karen A. Royster, staff emeritus Everton, Mo.

Herbert J. Arkebauer, professor emeritus of communication sciences and disorders Springfield

Pummill legacy continues thanks to family member’s gift of securities

Arch Pummill as a student at Missouri State in 1939.

Arch E. Pummill, the nephew of the late Dr. Lawrence Pummill (for whom Pummill Hall is named), was deeply influenced by his uncle’s passion for Missouri State University. This connection brought him to campus, where he would meet his future wife, Gertrude, a 1941 graduate.

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Arch worked at Southwestern Bell and AT&T for more than 40 years, while Gertrude had a successful career as a teacher. The couple spent most of their lives in Springfield. During this time, they observed how the Pummill legacy shaped student experiences at Missouri

State University. Following the passing of Gertrude in the spring of 2010, Arch took steps to ensure the legacy of the Pummill name would live on at Missouri State by making a gift of appreciated securities to the Lawrence E. and Crystal Pummill Scholarship.

By Don Payton

Someone asked me if I remember Maggie Crighton. Indeed I do. How could anyone from my era at then-SMS, or a decade before, or after, not remember Maggie Crighton? You remember her as surely as you remember Virginia Craig or President Ellis or Professor Shannon. Especially if you were a guy interested in sneaking a glimpse of the cutest girls on campus, or a female student unopposed to being glimpsed — or if you were among the erudite young ladies or dapper guys who scurried to the library every evening. Maggie had the title of assistant professor of library science, but to the student body she was guardian of the gates of both libraries: the North and the South Library, located at opposite ends of the main floor of the Administration Building (now Carrington Hall).

Arch’s gift ensures the Pummill Scholarship, which has assisted mathematics students for nearly 30 years, will continue to provide the financial assistance needed to mold the futures of bright young minds at Missouri State University for generations to come. n

At that time, the college had no Student Union — hence, no central locale for boy-meets-girl. Which some claimed was exactly the way the dean of women, Bertha Wells, preferred. Over the course of time and tide (some estimates say it took as long as 24 hours), the two libraries took on that role. As far as library personnel were concerned, the purpose of the library was restricted to the pursuit of knowledge and the printed word — nothing more and nothing less. For generations of SMS students, however, the main purpose (though clandestine and surreptitious) was otherwise. Maggie Crighton, as everyone knew, was the library watchdog, or bird dog, or even greyhound, as she raced from north to south as the situation flexed and fluxed. There were student “Paul Reveres” to warn that “Maggie is coming.” Hence, throats cleared, books opened, pages turned and misty eyes quickly focused on the Dred Scott case and other philosophies too numerous to mention. Thus, during the course of an afternoon or evening or a week or a term, boy met girl and romances ebbed and flowed. An upperclassman once confided to me that he met the love of his life in the South Library every day at 3:05 on the dot, except when she went to the North Library to do research. One day, he grew weary of waiting for her, wandered in to the North Library, and learned the awful truth: “She was huddled with some guy from Ash Grove,” he lamented. “You might say I was in the war between the North and the South, and lost.” The two libraries existed for more

than five decades, and Maggie and her associates were well aware of the situation. In President Roy Ellis’ “Shrine of the Ozarks: A history of Southwest Missouri State College 1905-1965,” he writes: “To further complicate the maximum utilization of the limited library facilities, some students were there for purposes alien to those which the library was dedicated.” And the Standard newspaper of June 23, 1933, had an item that said, “The College dates having their derivation in the library are very amusing to observe. Every night we may observe a surplus of the fairer sex spending much time trying to catch the attention of one of the less numerous date possibilities that occasionally wander through the library.” In retrospect, Maggie was to SMS what actress Eve Arden was to “Our Miss Brooks,” a popular radio show in the ’40s and ’50s. When construction of a new Library Building was completed in 1955 (and the North and South Libraries ceased to exist), Maggie had little trouble recruiting a crew of students to help with the move. By that time, the two libraries contained more than 80,000 volumes, but the move was completed in one weekend. “It was a great adventure,” Maggie said to me some years later. But she didn’t say if she meant the move to the new facility, or her years as gatekeeper of the North and South Libraries. n

Don Payton, ’50, is former information services director at Missouri State University. Now retired, Payton continues to write for the University and area publications. Send him messages at Don_Payton@missouristatealumni.org.

Consider making a gift with increased tax benefits If you currently donate to the Missouri State University Foundation or have considered making a contribution to benefit the University, consider making a gift of appreciated stock or securities. In addition to the gratification of supporting a worthy cause, the transfer of appreciated stock or securities will provide increased tax benefits, giving more to the University at less of a cost to you. For more information about making gifts of appreciated stocks or securities, please call the MSU Foundation at 417-836-4143 or visit our website at www.missouristategiftplan.org/. M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

WE WANT TO KNOW: Where in the world are our globe-trotting alumni? Wherever your plane lands — from Rome to Rio, Marrakech to Moscow, Shanghai to Sydney — you can almost bet a Bear is somewhere nearby. Missouri State has 100,000 alumni who live and work all around the world, and we are stepping up efforts to reconnect with and serve those graduates. Benefits available to international alumni Notification of alumni gatherings and other Missouri State events around the world; Free membership in the Missouri State Online Community, a social-networking site just for Bears; Regular communication from Missouri State about campus news, Homecoming, reunions, alumni privileges, athletics and more; Notification emails about Missouri State magazine each time the publication goes live online, allowing you to access all stories and extra online-only content. Are you a graduate living outside the U.S.? We’d love to hear from you! As soon as we know where you are, we can start giving you all the benefits received by international Missouri State graduates. Here’s how: Go to www.alumni.missouristate.edu to update your contact information and tell us about your career and professional accomplishments; or Email us at alumni@missouristate.edu. Do you know a graduate living outside the United States? Maybe you have friends living in London, Cape Town, Tokyo or other destinations worldwide. We want to be sure they receive communication from Missouri State. You can help us reach out to them! Just ask them to visit www.alumni.missouristate.edu to get back in touch. n

Help us map out maroon-and-white spirit around the world!

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Meet an alumnus living in Hong Kong Roy T. Tan, a 1969 graduate born in Indonesia who is a founder of Union Group — a manufacturing company in Hong Kong — always knew he wanted a career in business. His parents were both businesspeople, so he grew up around commerce. After high school in Melbourne, Australia, he decided to go to college in the United States. He started his studies at Evangel University. He then attended Missouri State, where he graduated with a bachelor’s. He went on to Drury University and graduated with an MBA. “How many people can say they have attended three different colleges in Springfield, Missouri?” he said with a laugh. He also mentioned there was only one Chinese restaurant in Springfield when he was at Missouri State — and they charged him for the use of chopsticks. (Of course, the city is now known for its width and breadth of Asian restaurants.) After Springfield, he headed to the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He graduated in 1979 with a master’s in international business. He said his time at Missouri State helped him in his career because he was able to admire and appreciate the American culture. This allows him to now work successfully with American clients. “I lived on campus so that I could experience what American life was. I at times wondered how learning American history and things like that would help me be an entrepreneur. Now, I realize that in understanding American history, I understand Americans.” He also met people who became mentors. “I got to know Dr. (James) Snapp, one of my professors, on a personal level. He actually offered to help me go to the law school he graduated from with scholarships, but I eventually decided that I was to be a businessman. I measured my strengths and consistently found that being an entrepreneur was the path for me.” Outside of work, he has a growing family. He is married with two children and four grandchildren. He enjoyed his time in the Midwest and is glad he studied abroad at Missouri State. “I feel there is something valuable that RECONNECT WITH ROY students gain by living on a college campus, particularly Roy hopes this story helps him find college friends. If you knew international students. Roy, feel free to email him at Living on campus immerses tanroyt@yahoo.com. us in the culture we are learning about.” n

P U B L I C A F FA I R S E S S AY

MSU professional strives to shatter false assumptions about disability

Katheryne Staeger-Wilson is the director of the Disability Resource Center, part of the Division for Diversity and Inclusion at Missouri State. She serves on numerous state and national professional advisory boards. In 2012, she earned both the Missouri State Excellence in Community Service Award and the Staff Excellence in University Service Award. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology from Drury University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri.

ARE YOU A DISABLED ALUMNUS? The Disability Resource Center welcomes contact from disabled alumni who want to tell us what they’re up to now, mentor disabled students or work with us to change how others perceive disability. Email DRC@ MissouriState.edu, call 1-417-836-4192 or call the TTY-line, 1-417-836-6792.

I became disabled in 1971 at 16 months old us to think proactively about all users. when my family’s boat on Table Rock Lake In a perfect world, universal design would be exploded due to a gas leak, causing thirdimplemented in everything everyone does. People degree burns on 45 percent of my body. would go beyond what is just legally required. I hadn’t planned on working in the disability Disability would be valued as part of our rich profession. I was going to be a forensic diversity. I have seen definite improvement psychologist. I had a graduate practicum lined up regarding this goal, but we’re not there yet. with a prison. Then the flood of ’93 came and the This is my passion because it’s personal. When inmates had to move — so I had no practicum. I was young, I came up against barriers that just The only option for didn’t need to be there. Those a new practicum was barriers were typically based working with children on attitudes deeply rooted WHAT IS A DISABILITY? with disabilities. I in the myths and stereotypes Traditionally, the medical almost quit my graduate of disability. They weren’t community defines “disability” as program because the way limitations I had physically. They any physical or mental condition I had been treated by were limitations of how others that significantly limits an area of medical and educational thought about disability and major life activity. This includes professionals was their assumptions about me that using a wheelchair or being negative, and I wasn’t weren’t accurate. That kind of blind or deaf. It also covers going to project the thinking is still going on today. conditions others can’t see — myth and stereotypes of You, as Missouri State such as having multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, HIV, cancer, severe disabilities onto children. alumni and friends, can be a arthritis, diabetes and more. But I chose to finish, and part of a shift in our thinking. that practicum turned out The biggest barriers for disabled to be the best job I could people are false assumptions. imagine. I think that’s Employers might think a because I looked at things differently. I understood disabled person can’t do a job or a task. disability culture from my own experience. Co-workers or clients with disabilities might not Now I work with others to shift their be invited to lunch or asked to go on that golf perceptions as well. I have been at Missouri State trip, because people assume they wouldn’t be in this job title for 11 years. My job was originally interested or can’t participate. to provide accommodations for students — make But in my experience, most people with sure we have Braille textbooks or sign-language disabilities can do the same things as nondisabled interpreters, for instance. peers; they just might do it differently. For However, I wanted to move away from this example, someone who is blind can be an “medical model” of disability. That’s where you accountant. They may use screen-reading see the disability as a medical condition a person software to complete their work. It is simply a has —so you have to have a professional like me matter of accepting that others might complete come in and “fix things” for the person. the same tasks in different ways. Now I want to reinforce a shift toward There is value in being different! Focus on designing inclusive buildings, programs and each person’s strengths and what is possible. Do policies so those who are disabled don’t have to things to break down social constructs and the use delayed or segregated accommodations. This barriers people have unknowingly created. is called universal design, which is the design Universal design and disability pride benefit of products and environments to be used by all people of all ages and experiences. You can be people, to the greatest extent possible, without the a part of the momentum as society shifts from need for adaptation or specialized design. This “separate but equal” to full inclusion. I think that’s model challenges how we see disability, and asks just the way it should be! n

M I S S O U R I S TAT E S U M M E R 2012

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Homecoming 2012 October 26-27 DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26

5K WALK/RUN

6 a.m. registration, 7 a.m. race Saturday, Oct. 27

PARADE

9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27

BEARFEST VILLAGE

10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27

BEARS vs. WESTERN ILLINOIS LEATHERNECKS

1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27