Webster World Spring 2009

W RLD Volume 14

Number 3

The Magazine of Webster University

Webster Selects Dr. Elizabeth Stroble as New President and Dr. Neil J. George as Chancellor

Spring 2009

Board of Trustees

George H. Walker III Chairman of the Board Chairman Emeritus, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Neil J. George, Ph.D.* President

Message from the Donna K. Martin Sr. Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Ameren Corporation

David Garafola* Treasurer of the Board Vice President for Finance and Administration

P. Joseph McKee III President, Paric Corporation

Karen M. Luebbert, Ph.D.* Secretary of the Board Vice President and Executive Assistant to the President

Joseph J. Mokwa ’92, MA ’98 Chief of Police, retired, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

Gen. Sheila Baxter, MA ’86 Commander, Madigan Army Medical Center, retired, Western Regional Medical Command

Michael Neidorff Chairman and CEO, Centene Corporation

Amelia Bond Managing Director, Head of Public Finance Wachovia Securities Mark Burkhart President and CEO, Colliers Turley Martin Tucker Dale Cammon President, Bryant Group, Inc. John R. Capps President and CEO, Plaza Motor Company A. Bayard Clark III Executive VP & CFO, Commerce Bancshares, Inc Thomas Cornwell President, DRS Sustainment Systems Darryl Davis President, Advanced Systems Integrated Defense Systems Michael DeHaven Senior Vice President General Counsel, BJC HealthCare Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin ’63 Executive in Charge of Productions, retired, Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc. Steven L. Finerty Principal, Argent Capital Management Marilyn Fox Civic Leader Edward L. Glotzbach Vice Chairman, ISG

Sue Neumann Senior VP, Communications & Public Affairs, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation Brenda Newberry Chairman and CEO, The Newberry Group, Inc Jerry E. Ritter Civic Leader Elizabeth T. Robb ’65 CEO Robb Partners John R. Roberts Executive Director, retired, Civic Progress George Roman Vice President, Government Relations, Regional Executive Integrated Defense Systems, The Boeing Company George Scherer Executive Vice President & CFO, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Donald M. Suggs Editor, The St. Louis American Steven O. Swyers Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Donna Vandiver, MA ’80 President and CEO, The Vandiver Group, Inc. James D. Weddle Managing Partner, Edward Jones Julie Reese ’68 President, Alumni Association

Life Trustee Douglas E. Hill Senior Partner, Edward Jones

Laurance L. Browning Jr. Vice Chairman, retired, Emerson

Tom Irwin Executive Director, Civic Progress

George H. Walker III Chairman of the Board Chairman Emeritus, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.

Philip J. Koen CEO and Director, Savvis Communications Corporation Ronald J. Kruszewski Chairman, President & CEO, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Paul Lee President, Delta Energy LLC

President

Richard A. Liddy Chairman & CEO, retired, GenAmerica Corporation

Emeriti

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lease join me in welcoming Dr. Elizabeth Stroble to our Webster University community. While she will officially begin her role as the 11th president on July 1, Dr. Stroble has visited the St. Louis campus several times this spring for meetings with faculty and staff, and, of course, to find a home in our community. I am honored to have been named chancellor of the University and look forward to working with Dr. Stroble to advance the international mission and vision of Webster. Neil J. George In the spirit of community, I am proud to announce two new scholarship programs to benefit our alumni. In response to the recent economic downturn in the global markets, we have crafted the “Professional Enrichment Scholarship for Alumni” (PESA) to encourage those alumni who have been deterred from graduate studies because of finances. Webster is offering a 50 percent discount on tuition for up to six classes in the summer, fall 1 and fall 2 terms of 2009.

The University is also guaranteeing a minimum of $6000 in scholarship grants for sons and daughters of Webster alumni who wish to pursue undergraduate studies at the St. Louis campus. Both programs are outlined on the inside back cover of this magazine and online at www.webster.edu.

This spring brings the start of a new season of one of America’s favorite pastimes: baseball. Whether you are cheering for the Cardinals or the Marlins, the Padres or the Cubs, you may be interested to learn that one of Webster’s professors, John Aleshunas, uses the sport to teach data mining to Webster students. John is a perfect example of what is happening inside Webster classrooms around the network: creativity and innovation in teaching.

Webster is very proud to have recently received specialized accreditation for its School of Business & Technology from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). For our alumni, institutional and specialized accreditations increase the recognized value of your Webster degree.

Above all, I am so pleased with the progress of our Strategic Plan, which guides our distinctive international mission. Best wishes for a happy and healthy spring and summer.

Warmest regards,

Jane B. Hart Margaret Bush Wilson

Honorary Trustee Robert Q. Costas Frank Jacobs David Steward

* Ex-Officio

Neil J. George President, Webster University

Mission

Contents

Webster University, a worldwide institution, ensures high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

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Vision Our vision is to be a premier U.S.-based international university setting a distinct standard for global education. This vision is built on a foundation of excellence in teaching and enhanced by an international perspective that fosters dialogue, respect and understanding across boundaries and between peoples. The educational endeavors in support of this vision are meeting the needs and enriching a global mix of learners within an ever increasing network of students desiring a U.S. education in multiple parts of the world. The institution is committed to offering these students a distinct personal experience and building the resources required to achieve this vision.

The actions of the institution are shaped by our core values. At Webster University we value students, learning, diversity and global citizenship.

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A New Era for Webster University Webster Selects Dr. Elizabeth Stroble as New President and Dr. Neil J. George as Chancellor

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Connecting Cultures The Webster University Confucius Institute Opens as an Educational and Cultural Resource for the Community

Claudia Burris Senior Editor/Photojournalist Casey Conroy Graphic Designer Breanna Herschelman Dominik Jansky Marianne Kirk Billy Ratz Joe Schuster Jim Staley Contributing Writers Rebecca Barr Harry Bean VI Karen Burch Tim Parker Dave Preston Additional Photography

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Accreditation How it Helps Students, Alumni and Friends of Webster University

10 Data Mining Class Leads Students to Use Critical Thinking Skills to Analyze Data and Solve Problems

May, 2009 Volume 14, Number 3 Webster University is an independent, coeducational, multi-campus and international university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees through the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business and Technology, the School of Communications, the School of Education and the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. It is dedicated to academic excellence and innovation in higher education. Founded in 1915 in St. Louis, Webster University now offers its programs to more than 20,000 students at locations throughout the United States, and in Austria, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the People’s Republic of China, Thailand and Switzerland.

14 Homecoming Weekend Webster Alumni Gather in St. Louis for Homecoming 2008

For more information, please visit www.webster.edu.

Webster World, the magazine of Webster University, is published three times a year for alumni, students, parents, faculty and friends.

POSTMASTER: send corrections to Webster World, Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63119-3194, USA.

16 News Around Webster 17 Webster Worldwide People 34 AlumNews 40 In Memoriam

Webster World is printed with soy inks on partially recycled paper.

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AFOR WEBSTER NEWUNIVERSITY ERA Webster Selects Dr. Elizabeth Stroble as New President and Dr. Neil J. George as Chancellor

Dr. Elizabeth Stroble will become President of Webster University on July 1, 2009.

ebster University is poised for a new beginning with the recent announcement of the institution’s new President and Chancellor.

Webster’s Board of Trustees has chosen Elizabeth Stroble, PhD, as the University’s President and Chief Executive, effective July 1, 2009.

Stroble is currently Senior Vice

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President, Provost and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Akron in Ohio. The Board also named interim President Neil J. George, PhD, to the newly created position of Chancellor.

“Webster University is heading to a new level of global growth, and this is a critical time for our future,” says George H. Walker III, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. “Dr. Stroble’s sterling credentials and demonstrated abilities as an academic leader, administrator and educator are a great match for Webster.

“Her outstanding and extensive experience includes recent accomplishments such as transforming the Akron campus, achieving the 2008 ‘Engaged University’ designation by Carnegie Foundation for The Advancement of Teaching, and obtaining research funding consistent with Carnegie research status,” Walker adds.

“Concurrently, Webster has expanded to a multi-campus, international University where the role of Chancellor will help us maintain the momentum we have achieved,” says Walker. “Neil George’s 30 plus years at Webster are a major reason for that momentum.”

Stroble, who will become the 11th President of Webster University, brings 35 years of diverse experience as an educator and academic leader to her new position at Webster University.

“Elizabeth Stroble possesses the qualities we sought,” says Ed Glotzbach, chair of the University’s presidential search committee. “She shares the University’s values, has a strong appreciation for our liberal arts tradition, is committed to our mission of global education, and has a proven management style that empowers and motivates others.”

Stroble says she is excited by the new opportunities at Webster. “I am Dr. Elizabeth Stroble and Dr. Neil George look forward to leading the institution into a new era of excellence.

Stroble and George discuss future plans for Webster University.

inspired by what I have learned about Webster University. It is an honor to serve and lead an institution with a singular tradition of innovation and accomplishment, in Webster Groves and around the world.

“I admire the diversity and complexity of Webster’s community— ranging from vibrant programs in the liberal arts and robust professional programs to entrepreneurial uses of technology and the worldwide campus sites,” Stroble adds. “I look forward to working with the Board, Chancellor George, and the rest of the Webster community to advance partnerships that extend the reach, the recognition, and the impact of a great University. A world of opportunity awaits Webster, and I welcome collaborations that help us realize Webster’s vision to put students first as we set the standard for global education.”

Stroble holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia, two master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. As Chancellor, George will provide continuity in the University’s strategic direction, while assisting with Stroble’s

transition to working with administrators, faculty, students, donors and the communities around the world where the University has a presence.

George will become the first Chancellor in the University’s 94-year history. In that role, he will provide counsel to the President on matters of educational excellence, major capital projects, fundraising and the general development and welfare of the University.

“Neil George is one of the most committed, talented leaders I know,” Walker says. “We are proud of his decades of service to Webster University, and he has been instrumental in making Webster global and highly accredited. As Chancellor, Neil will play an active role in our continued growth.”

George points to the Board of Trustees’ leadership in ensuring a thoughtful, strategic management team. “Webster University today has a great deal of momentum as we continue delivering on our commitment to global education excellence,” he says.

“I am gratified for the opportunity to continue advising on the strategic vision of this multi-campus, international University and our commitment to global citizenship and individual excellence.”

George holds a bachelor’s degree from King’s College, a master’s from Georgetown University, and a PhD in political science from Case Western Reserve University. He completed postdoctoral studies at Harvard University.

Since joining the Webster University faculty in 1972, he has served in a number of leadership positions.

George was named Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1995.

“In making these appointments, our search committee and the Trustees recognize that Beth Stroble brings an extraordinary set of educational leadership skills to Webster University,” says Bill Lynch, president of the University’s Faculty Senate and member of the presidential search committee. “Neil George’s wealth of experience will continue to help us with development and growth.”

“Dr. Elizabeth Stroble is a prototype for the 21st century University President,” says Benjamin Ola. Akande, Dean of the School of Business and Technology and a member of the presidential search committee. “Her passion for education, collaborative style of leadership, and commitment to academic excellence are assets that she brings to Webster University.

Dr. Neil George is a respected leader in global education with a strong affection for learning. Webster University is well positioned to continue its leading role in global education.” ■

“Webster University is well positioned to continue its leading role in global education.”

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Webster University Confucius Institute opens as an educational and cultural resource for the community

istorians and pundits have long forecast the 21st century to be “China’s century.” China’s growing population, opening markets and increasingly active role in international affairs have positioned this historic culture to become a dominant influence in the direction of the planet.

China’s re-emergence was not news to the People’s Republic of China. In anticipation of its renaissance, its government sought ways to reach out to societies around the world to help them better understand this no-longer-sleeping tiger.

As part of this outreach, China established an expanding network of non-profit Confucius Institutes to teach Chinese language and culture

Cutting the ribbon at the grand opening celebration of Webster’s Confucius Institute at the Old Post Office campus are, from left, Consul General Huang Ping, Vice President of Beijing Language and Culture University Zhao Min, and University President Neil George.

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in major cities throughout the world. The first institute was established in 2004 in Seoul, South Korea, and now there are already some 300 institutes in 78 different countries — including at least one in most U.S. states. For its newest Confucius Institute — and the only one in Missouri — China selected Webster University and its downtown campus in St. Louis. Webster’s is the 38th Confucius Institute in the United States and only the fourth private U.S. university to be selected as a host.

That China and Webster University should meet once again seems inevitable. Webster has been a pioneer in establishing Western university teaching in China. Webster’s China MBA program, launched in Shanghai in 1997 and now offered in Shenzhen and Chengdu, was the first to be fully accredited by China’s Ministry of Education. Just as Webster’s steady international expansion in Europe and Asia inevitably included China, the spread of Confucius Institutes into the American Midwest inevitably included Webster.

“The University’s mission to ensure high quality learning experiences that transform Webster University associate professor Quinn Shao and Barb Ehnes, director of community relations, look at historic Chinese furniture brought to St. Louis for the 1904 World’s Fair, on display at the Confucius Institute.

do for the community, in a way that fits Webster’s international mission very well.”

Webster’s Confucius Institute has already reached out to Chinese “Sunday schools” — groups of students who traditionally gather on Sundays to learn Chinese language and culture — in the area to facilitate cooperation and resource sharing among St. Louis’ Chinese educational community. “We’ve already hosted teacher’s workshops, bringing in instructors from Boston and Chicago to share their methodology,” Pierce says.

A Resource for K-12 Education, for Business—for the Whole Community

In addition to Tai Chi demonstrations, pictured here, the Confucius Institute celebration featured calligraphy, a tea ceremony, a children’s table, a language table and a table focusing on Chinese business etiquette.

“One of the ways our Confucius Institute will help is by providing Chinese instruction and resources for K-12 schools,” Pierce says. “In the state of Missouri, you currently cannot be certified to teach Chinese in public schools, so we are working with the Missouri Department

A guest at the Confucius Institute’s grand opening celebration looks through some books at the library.

Debbie Pierce, director of Webster’s Center for International Education and the Confucius Institute, welcomes guests to the grand opening ceremony while U.S. Congressmen William “Lacy” Clay and Russ Carnahan listen.

students for global citizenship and individual excellence is manifested in this partnership with China,” says Dr. Neil J. George, president of Webster University. “In order to be productive and contributing members of this global society it is critical that we pursue and achieve a greater knowledge of customs and conventions of our fellow global citizens.”

Debbie Pierce, director of Webster’s Center for International Education, says the establishment of the Confucius Institute at Webster University will also help Webster strengthen its ties to the international and educational communities in the St. Louis area.

“We’re honored to host the Confucius Institute. It is a good form of outreach for Webster,” Pierce says. “It is something we can W E B S T E R

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of Elementary and Secondary Education to help establish that.”

To help equip the Confucius Institute at Webster’s downtown campus, HANBAN (the Office of Chinese Language Council International) provided Webster with 3,000 books, CDs, DVDs and other learning resources. The library’s volumes are open to the public, but they will also complement the Institute’s non-credit adult and children’s courses in beginning and intermediate Chinese (Mandarin), as well as cultural classes such as Chinese for Business; Calligraphy; Chinese History and Religion; and Tai Chi. “We hope it will be a resource for teachers, for students, and for any citizens seeking language skills,” Pierce says. “But also for businesses that will do business in China — not just for their language skills but for their understanding of Chinese etiquette. For all of these needs, we have resources and experts who can help.”

As China increasingly looks at the Midwest and St. Louis as a potential U.S. transport and air hub, the Confucius Institute at Webster can serve an important role in helping the businesses and suppliers that sprout from that hub.

In fact, it was former Missouri Governor and current Webster lecturer Bob Holden who

Musician Tabitha Mui plays the guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, at the Confucius Institute grand opening. The modern-day guzheng is a plucked, half-tube zither with moveable bridges and 21 strings.

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From left, Consul General Huang Ping, his wife Consul Aiping Zhang, and Debbie Pierce, director of the Confucius Institute, admire an ornate 250-year-old kimono from the Ming Dynasty, on display in the Confucius Institute’s museum.

helped initiate the idea of Webster hosting a Confucius Institute after a trip to China as a political figure and economic liaison.

“Governor Holden learned about the Confucius Institutes and encouraged the University to look into it,” Pierce said. “He was instrumental in getting the right grant writers to help make this happen.”

Holden was among the guests for the Confucius Institute’s February grand opening at St. Louis’ historic Old Post Office, which is home to Webster’s downtown campus. Other distinguished guests included Huang Ping, consul general for the People’s Republic of China; Zhao Ming, vice president of the Beijing Language and Culture University; and U.S. Congressmen William “Lacy” Clay and Russ Carnahan.

Webster’s Confucius Institute was already offering classes soon after China selected Webster as host in 2008. But the grand opening celebrated a number of new initiatives as the Institute formally opened its doors.

Between language classes and trips, as well as lectures on Chinese culture, business and philosophy presented by the Institute’s two visiting professors from the Beijing Language and Culture University, the Institute always has something happening.

This summer the Institute will take a group of 20 ninth-to-twelfth graders on a three-week trip to China to study Chinese language and curriculum. Through scholarships provided by the Chinese Ministry of Education and

arranged through the Webster University Confucius Institute, the students will be responsible only for their own airfare. Also this summer, the Institute will lead a 10-day trip to China for local K-12 administrators who are looking to create Chinese programs in their schools. The trip is funded by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Closer to “home,” the Confucius Institute will organize children’s camps that focus on Chinese cultural themes such as history and calligraphy. Pierce adds that the Institute is working on bringing over popular children’s television hosts from China to help present cultural themes in an engaging way. For adults, the Institute will host two Chinese art shows and initiate a Chinese film week through the Webster University Film Series.

an ornate 250-year-old tunic, or kimono, from “ In order to be productive and the Ming Dynasty, which the Chinese emperor had contributing members of this presented to one of his global society it is critical that high-ranking officials.

Nearly three centuries we pursue and achieve a after the tunic was last greater knowledge of customs worn by its owner, his descendents seek to conand conventions of our vey his culture’s history fellow global citizens.” to a world anticipating a new “China’s century.”

Webster University has opened the Confucius Institute to encourage this multicultural understanding throughout the St. Louis region and the University at large.

The grand opening cere“We hope people will bring children and mony of the Confucius school groups to the gallery — not just for the Institute featured the artistic beauty of these pieces, but for their culChinese Lion dance, tural and historical relevance,” Pierce says. which expresses joy and “We’re very grateful to the Chinese governhappiness. The ancient Chinese Lion dance ment for funding this program,” Dr. George plays an important role adds. “We were truly honored to have Zhao in the consecration of Min, vice president of the Beijing Language and temples and other Culture University, and Huang Ping, consul buildings, at business general of the People’s Republic of China, at openings, plantings and the grand opening. Their presence signifies the harvest times, official importance of this Institute to China and to celebrations and Webster University.” ■ religious rites.

Confucius Institute program director Li Fang demonstrates Chinese calligraphy during a children’s camp hosted by the Institute.

A Historic Gallery Of particular interest to the general public is the opening of a special gallery of Chinese art and artifacts donated by the Jack and June Young estate. The Youngs were Webster Groves residents, and the executor of their estate, Jill Knight, is a Webster alumna. Knight helped arrange for some of the Young estate’s historic furniture and art to be donated to the Confucius Institute.

Some of the artifacts have interesting stories: pieces of Chinese furniture first brought to St. Louis for the 1904 World’s Fair were taken back to Vietnam, where Jack Young found them in the 1970s and brought them back to St. Louis once again. The gallery also includes W E B S T E R

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ACCREDITATION How it helps students, alumni and friends of Webster ebster University is an international learning organization. Our core business is learning, and we invest heavily in continuous improvement of student learning and in quality assurance.

According to the U.S. Department of Education: “Accreditation is the recognition that a university maintains standards requisite for its graduates to

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gain admission to other reputable institutions or to achieve credentials for professional practice. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by the institution provides acceptable levels of quality.”

Webster University maintains institutional accreditation — of all its programs at all campus locations — with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. HLC institutional accreditation assesses Webster’s formal educational activities. It also evaluates governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student services, institutional resources, student learning, institutional effectiveness, integrity, federal compliance, and relationships with internal and external constituencies.

In September 2008, University President Neil George received formal notification that the HLC Board of Trustees had taken final action to authorize the re-accreditation of Webster University for a period of ten years (2008-2018). This validation brought closure to a three-year process of self-study, reports and data collection, peer reviews, multiple campus visits and analysis by external evaluators. “Our entire University network was mobilized to support our HLC reaccreditation process,” according to Dr. James Staley, academic vice president and HLC coordinator. “In the end, we received numerous accolades and commendations from our evaluators, as well as encouragement for us to continue to invest in the strategic

and distinctive priorities of Webster University.”

Accreditation is important for Webster stakeholders — students, alumni, faculty, trustees — because it provides both the assurance of a quality education, and the commitment to advance continuous improvements in the future. Alumni will see the prestige and value of their degree continuously improve. Students are assured of continued access to federal and state financial aid, and the recognition that their future degree will be recognized by potential employers, graduate schools, and professional certifications.

Friends and donors of the university have the assurance that their commitments and support are directed at a high-quality and effective institution.

Faculty and administrators have the benefit of a rigorous review process that provides them with ample feedback and recommendations for

Webster University’s Accreditations and Approvals ■

The Higher Learning Commission (North Central Association)

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Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia (COA)

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Recognition by Ministry of Education in China

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Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Agency (NVAO)

continuous improvement. These two on Education (ACE). “We aggressively aspects of the accreditation process — pursue and engage in all these types of assurance and advancement — are what external quality assurance initiatives provide value to the University. because they provide us with imporIn addition to its comprehensive tant information for improvement, and institutional accreditation by HLC, they increase the prominence and Webster University also holds a numstature of our educational programs,” ber of specialized or according to Staley. “programmatic” accrediPresident Neil tations. Last year, George pointed out “We received Webster secured new that there are emergspecialized accrediing international numerous tations in the fields quality assurance accolades and of teacher educainitiatives in commendations tion (National Europe, and elseCouncil for where, and that from our Accreditation of Webster University evaluators …”

Teacher Education/ will engage in these NCATE) and most activities when it prorecently in business vides value to our students (Association of Collegiate Business and alumni. “Webster currently has Schools and Programs/ACBSP). These national recognition in Austria, the recognitions, achieved through the Netherlands, Thailand and China,” Dr. leadership of the academic deans and George said. “And we want to contintheir faculty and staff, provide further ue to play a leadership role in the benefits to students and graduates in ongoing international dialogue about these disciplines. Dr. Benjamin Ola. quality higher education.”

Akande, dean of the School of Business In summary, Dr. George noted that and Technology, said, “The ACBSP Webster University “embraces award followed a strenuous accreditaaccountability, believes that accreditation process that touched every one of tion benefits the institution, and our extended campuses across the provides increased value to our stucountry and throughout the world.” dents and alumni.” ■ Dr. Brenda Fyfe, dean of the School of Education, noted that NCATE For more information on Higher approval meant Webster’s program Education Accreditation see the fol“met rigorous standards set by the prolowing professional websites and fession, and helps us prepare new publications: quality teachers for our nation’s • Informing the Public About children.”

Accreditation (Council for Higher In addition to the institutional Education Accreditation) (HLC) and new specialized accreditawww.chea.org tions (ACBSP, NCATE), Webster • Overview of Accreditation (The annually completes licensure and Higher Learning Commission) approval processes in 21 states and the www.ncahlc District of Columbia, and voluntarily • For a comprehensive list of Webster’s participates each year in a number of accreditations, licensures, approvals, educational reviews at military installaand recognitions see Academic Affairs tions (MIVER). These MIVER reviews Website at: www.webster.edu are conducted by The America Council

Webster’s Business, Management Programs Receive Prestigious ACBSP Accreditation Webster University’s School of Business and Technology recently received a 10-year accreditation for its business and management programs from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). “This news affirms the academic quality of Webster’s business and management programs,” says Webster University President Neil J. George. “The ACBSP award follows a strenuous accreditation process that touched each and every one of our 100-plus campuses across the country and throughout the world.” The ACBSP accreditation team rated the School’s quality assurance and academic assessment initiatives “Best in Class,” according to Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the School of Business and Technology. “I believe that the real strength of ACBSP accreditation is that it validates Webster’s School of Business and Technology by peer institutions who have recognized the academic rigor and quality of our programs. I’m very proud that our peer reviewers named us best in class for academic assessment and the consistency project—meaning that we deliver the same quality program across Webster’s campuses worldwide. I congratulate our entire faculty and staff worldwide on this important accomplishment and for their leadership and teamwork in advancing the academic mission of Webster University’s School of Business and Technology.”

ACBSP’s accreditation standards are modeled on the Baldrige National Quality Program and its Criteria for Educational Performance Excellence. This program is widely recognized by business and government, two important constituents of business schools. Founded in 1989 to create an accreditation process that fits the needs of business programs that focus on teaching and learning, ACBSP is one of only two accrediting bodies of collegiate business schools recognized by the Council of Higher Education.

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DATA MINING I n one of the first exercises John Aleshunas uses in his Data Mining Foundations class, he asks his students to consider a dilemma from one of the most popular game shows in TV history: “It’s the Monty Hall paradox from ‘Let’s Make a Deal,’” Aleshunas, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, says. “You have three doors and you have to pick one. After you choose, Monty says, ‘Let’s take a look at one you didn’t pick,’ and shows you the goats behind door number one. Then he says, ‘Before I open your door, I’m going to give you an option. You can keep it or pick the other one.’ The problem I present to my students: Do you stay with your first choice or switch to the other one? I warn them there is only one correct solution but it’s not 100 percent.”

Aleshunas assigns the problem at the end of one class, charging students to research it, come up with an answer, and return to the next class, not only with the answer, but with an explanation of why they believe the answer they found is correct. He knows the problem is a popular one in internet chatter — and that some of the processes and answers others have offered are not correct. When his students return to class, Aleshunas asks them what they’ve found and if the responses differ, he asks the students to explain and justify the answers they propose.

While Aleshunas is interested in the answer his students derive, he’s far more concerned about two other aspects of the problem: the method they choose to arrive at their answer and their ability to explain and justify their reasoning.

“It’s not enough for them to say, ‘It’s my opinion’ or ‘It just feels right,’” Aleshunas says.

“I want my students to be good analysts who

Data mining has been used to help statisticians study everything from America’s favorite pastime to when to retire a car from a rental fleet.

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can clearly communicate their findings.”

That is, in fact, the goal of the course and a companion class, Methods of Data Mining — to lead students to be able to look at increasingly complex sets of data, to find relationships within the data, and, using critical thinking, to analyze the data to offer solutions to a range of problems centered in multiple disciplines.

In data mining, mathematicians enter hundreds or thousands of pieces of data into a computer program that, employing a variety of algorithms, separates the data into groupings that allow the person using the system to draw conclusions about the groupings, whether it’s a researcher trying to determine if there is a correlation between weight and blood pressure as risk factors for diabetes or a major retail chain searching for the optimal inventory for one of its stores in a specific zip code.

In Aleshunas’ classes, his students have used data mining to look at such questions as the common characteristics among championship baseball teams, the most appropriate toe shoe for a ballerina depending on the structure and length of her feet, to a mathematical demonstration of the relationships between chords in a piece of music by jazz composer John Coltrane.

Some of Aleshunas’ students have gone on to use these methods in graduate school while others have taken them into industry. One former student uses data mining methods in advertising while another, who works for an HMO, uses them to detect insurance fraud.

Aleshunas created the two classes five years ago after a conversation with Edward Sakauri, who was then chair of the Webster University Mathematics and Computers Science Department.

“At the time, he saw a gap [in the department’s offerings] for our students,” Aleshunas says. “The math program originally began as a support program for math education but Ed was concerned that there was a piece missing for students who didn’t go into teaching, but who went into industry.”

“John never gave us the answer to a problem. He led us to it by asking questions and giving suggestions.”

John Aleshunas, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, teaches students in his Data Mining class to be good analysts who can clearly communicate their findings.

“I want my students to be good analysts who can clearly communicate their findings.”

Sakauri was interested in tapping Aleshunas’ extensive experience in industry and the military before Aleshunas became a member of the full-time faculty at Webster University in 2001 and using that experience to benefit Webster math students.

Aleshunas, who holds a BS in Mathematics from Carnegie-Mellon, an MS in Computer Science from Missouri University of Science and Technology and is completing a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, first began using data mining techniques while he was an officer in the United States Army. He was involved in recruitment, trying to define appropriate territories for

Data mining can be used to determine the most appropriate toe shoe for a ballerina depending on the structure and length of her feet. It can also be used to analyze the chemical properties of grapes used to make wine.

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military recruiters based on the relative propensity for young men and women in a particular region to elect military service.

Later, as manager of the Data Mining Department for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, he used data mining to help the company define the optimal point at which it should retire a car from its rental fleet and move it into its sales inventory. (The partial answer is that minvans sell best in the summer, then plateau after that, while it’s better to sell SUVs in the winter.)

Aleshunas has also used data mining to help statisticians in the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) study America’s pastime and is even working on a project in which he uses data mining to examine some of the sport’s most common strategic decisions. His most recent project looks at the practice that managers have of ordering intentional walks in certain game situations; his preliminary findings are that intentional walks lead to the offense scoring a run 36 percent of the time. “That’s a pretty good rate — for the offensive team. I’m convinced the intentional walk doesn’t make sense.” As he continues this project — which he plans to present to SABR when he’s finished — he is using data mining to analyze statistics according to specific teams and stadiums.

Because he wants, as much as possible, to bring a “real world” flavor to his classes, Aleshunas uses data from actual research projects. In one, he uses chemical properties of several varieties of grapes used to make wine; in another, he uses information from a health study of Pima Indian women.

In the data he presents his students from the latter project, he especially values the fact that the study has some incomplete records, as well as some data that doesn’t make sense and is, therefore, most likely incorrect. “I like that data set because it’s real and because it has a lot of ‘noise’ in it,” Aleshunas says.

He uses the noise to lead his students to understand that they need to question the data they receive but also to question any results they derive from the data. “There are four steps in any process of solving a problem,” he says.

“First, you have to define the problem. Next,

you need to gather the tools and then solve the problem. Lastly, you need to analyze your results: Do they make sense? You can have an extremely elegant solution but if it doesn’t make sense, then you need to recast your problem.”

Beyond the work the students do with the data, Aleshunas has created a suite of computer programs that run some of the algorithms the students need to mine the data. As with every aspect of the class, he did that intentionally to allow the students to become even more involved in the entire process.

“The class ends up as a mixture of math and computer science students,” he says. “For the computer science students, the fact that I’ve written these programs means they can dig in, take a look at the code and even make changes if they want to look at the data in different ways.”

“I loved the class,” says Clint Tomer ’07, who took both of Aleshunas’ data mining classes. “I especially appreciated that he wouldn’t give any of the answers away but would pose the question and then not say anything until someone offered a response and then we’d look at it from every angle.”

Tara Webb ’07, who graduated with a dual major in dance and mathematics, and who combined her two passions into the project that used data mining to determine the proper toe shoe for a dancer, agrees with Tomer. “John never gave us the answer to a problem,” she says. “He led us to it by asking questions and giving suggestions. I left the class feeling much

more competent about my math abilities but also with an understanding that math was more than just a-plus-b-equals-c but that it was a way to frame problems.”

That, Aleshunas says, is entirely the point.

“From my own personal experiences, I know information gives an individual power and that critical thinking, problem-solving skills and communication skills are essential for the success of an individual working in a technical area,” he says. “I know these are applicable to all career fields, but it’s good to reinforce clarity of thought and voice as core competencies.

“I want my students to be good analysts who can clearly communicate their findings to individuals who can use their analysis. That’s where the value occurs.” ■

Aleshunas teaches his students to look at complex sets of data, find relationships within that data and use critical thinking to analyze the data and offer solutions to a range of problems.

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R AT Z

Homecoming Weekend ebster University welcomed more than 850 alumni, parents, students and guests back to campus Sept. 26-28, 2008 for Fallfest: Homecoming & Parents Weekend. Alumni chair Chris Desilets ’94 and student chair Sandy Busken, along with members of the Homecoming committee, planned the fun-filled weekend.

The festivities began on Friday afternoon with the Alumni & Faculty Authors Meet & Greet. Published alumni were invited back to Webster to share their work with each other and the entire Webster community.

Some of the authors present included Bryan Alaspa ’93 and Karen Glines, MA ’97. Other receptions were held

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Members of the class of 1958 enjoy the Blue & Gold brunch. il night cockta at the Friday n fu ve ha ni Young alum

The Class of 1958 celebrates their 50 th Reunion at the Golden Circle luncheon.

on Friday by Student Affairs and the May Gallery, featuring the artwork of Chad Schneider ’98.

The party continued into Friday evening with cocktail receptions for both alumni and parents. The alumni gathered at the Love Foundation Alumni House to enjoy the music of current student Drew Mantia. The Community Music School hosted a reception for parents of current students where President Neil George and the Deans of all the schools and colleges were present to discuss issues that students may have throughout the year. The night concluded with a concert from internationally known Australian artist Ben Lee.

Saturday was filled with events for all ages. The Golden Circle held its annual luncheon and welcomed the class of 1958 into the fold by presenting them with Golden Circle pins.

While the ladies lunched, students took on alumni in the fourth annual Student vs. Alumni Flag Football game. This year, the students took control and defeated the alumni 85 to 12.

Saturday also included the AfricanAmerican Alumni Chapter’s Jazz Reception at the Alumni House and a 1960s Alumni Happy Hour. Saturday evening had alumni from the 1970s snapping their fingers to poetry, clapping their hands and stomping their feet as fellow alumni rocked the

reception.

Alumni Authors share their work during a special reception at the Emerson Library.

1940s alumni get together during homecoming weekend.

Members of the Studen t Alumni Ass

ociation pos e for a

photo at the Blue & Gold brunch.

Harry Staley ’98 and Dean Benjamin Akande enjoy the fun.

Thompson Music Building until the early hours of the morning. The St. Louis Alumni Chapter hosted its annual Trivia Challenge in the Grant Gymnasium as 20 tables battled for cash prizes.

Fallfest concluded on Sunday with the Reunion Mass and Service of the Spirit. All participants came together to honor the Mary Elizabeth Newell Loyalty Award winner Keith Lanier ’91 at the Blue & Gold brunch and to say goodbye until next year. ■ Save the Date: Fallfest: Homecoming & Parents Weekend Oct. 9-11, 2009.

Honor class alumni celebrate being back on campus.

Alumni, students and parents came together at Fallfest.

Members of the alumni and student flag football teams pose for a group photo after the students’ big win.

Alumni Association President Julie Reese ’68 presents Keith Lanier ’91 with the Mary Elizabeth Newell Loyalty award.

Alumni, faculty and staff take part in the festivities.

Members of African-American Alumni Chapter enjoy the Saturday afternoon jazz reception.

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News Around Webster

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright discusses foreign policy to a standing-room-only crowd.

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Madeleine Albright Speaks on Foreign Policy at Webster’s St. Louis Campus Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright spoke to a standing-room-only crowd in the Winifred Moore Auditorium on Sept. 18, 2008. Representing the Barack Obama presidential campaign, Albright discussed foreign policy at a town hall meeting as part of the Holden Public Policy Forum’s “Issues for the 21st Century” speaker series. During her talk, Albright outlined several issues she felt needed to be addressed by the next U.S. president.

These include dealing with terrorism, handling the increasing number of nuclear weapons, restoring the good name of democracy and tackling globalization. The presentation was followed by a Q-and-A session.

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South African Activist Named 2009 Des Lee Visiting Scholar in Global Awareness Human rights activist, academic and lawyer Rashida Manjoo has been named Webster University’s 2009 Des Lee Visiting Scholar in Global Awareness. Manjoo, based in Webster’s Center for International Studies, serves as a resource for each of the University’s five schools and colleges. In keeping with Webster University’s celebration of the Year of International Human Rights, Manjoo, an advocate of the High Court of South Africa and a research associate in the Faculty of Law of the University of Cape Town, is teaching three courses on human rights, will give numerous community presentations on human rights issues and will lead the University’s spring conference on American exceptionalism, May 1-2, 2009. The conference will focus on the International Criminal Court and the UN Human Rights Council and will feature an International Criminal Court judge and prosecutor. “I am honored to be the first African recipient of the Des Lee award,” Manjoo says.

“I am thrilled to be here during this historic and challenging time. Such times afford us greater opportunities to engage more deeply on issues that impact us on a global level. In this regard, I envision some lively discussions, particularly with students, through the courses that I teach here at Webster University.” Philanthropist E. Desmond Lee established the annual lectureship at Webster University in 2000 to help foster international understanding.

Des Lee Visiting Scholar Rashida Manjoo talks with University President Neil George during a reception welcoming her to campus.

and Shanghai and Shenzhen in China during his 14 years with Webster.

Dean Benjamin Akande, left, presented Timothy Olagbemiro with more than 500 business, computer and math books for the Bowen University library. edited by Marianne Kirk

Webster Donates Hundreds of Business Books to Nigerian University Benjamin Akande, dean of Webster’s School of Business and Technology, presented Timothy Olagbemiro, vice chancellor of Bowen University in Iwo, Nigeria, with more than 500 business, computer and math books for the Bowen University library on Dec. 22, 2008.

“Our hope is that these books will help further the education of young men and women at Bowen University and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” says Akande.

Named after the Reverend Thomas Jefferson Bowen, who pioneered Baptist work in Nigeria in 1850, Bowen University is a private institution owned by the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

Bowen University was founded in 2002 and has grown to a current student population of 4,200.

Vice chancellor Olagbemiro says the muchneeded donation will go toward filling Bowen’s library. Webster’s donation of books reinforces its commitment to deliver high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

Orlando Alumni Chapter Learns Investment Strategies The Orlando Alumni Chapter gathered in late January to hear financial advisor Brian B. Fucile speak on “The Economic Crisis and Your Investments: A Historical Perspective.” Alumni met at the Hilton Hotel located in Walt Disney World, enjoyed the fun “Martini Mashed Potato Bar” and learned about investment strategies in this tough economic climate.

LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS ■ Chelsea Fullilove, undergraduate student and student council president, is the first recipient of the newly established Chris Devries Memorial Scholarship, founded in honor of the School of Business & Technology advisory board member who passed away last year.

■ Danielle Van Herk, a senior in the media program, won a place in the Master’s Directing Programme at the Sydney International Film School.

■ Simon Pummell, head of media communications, received a 2008–09 Harvard University Film Study Centre Fellowship to support research and development of digital drawing techniques to be used in an animated section of his new feature documentary film, Shock Head Soul.

■ Julian Scaff, adjunct professor, has had her video and digital media work shown at the Tanzquartier and the Museum of Modern Art in Vienna, Austria, and the Natural History Museum Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

LOS ANGELES AFB, CALIF. ■ Mayer Nudell, adjunct professor, security management, appeared Feb. 24 on CNN discussing security issues regarding Americans traveling in Mexico for spring break.

LUKE AFB, ARIZ. ■ Judy Skeen, adjunct professor, who is part of the Wizards-56th Operating Support Squadron, was inducted on Oct. 25, 2008, into the two-year Fighter Country Partnership Program as an honorary commander. The position recognizes a community or business leader who enthusiastically supports the base’s mission, is willing to find the resources to accomplish the program’s objectives and invest the time and effort required.

The program is a joint venture of Luke Air Force Base and Fighter Country Partnership Inc. MCCONNELL AFB, KANS. ■ Fred Heismeyer, adjunct professor, was honored with the National Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. In addition to McConnell AFB, Heismeyer has taught at Fort Chafee and Fayetteville in Arkansas W E B S T E R

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MEMPHIS, TENN. ■ Danny Kail, adjunct professor, Memphis Naval Support Activity, facilitated training sessions this fall for Shelby County government managers on the Tennessee State mandated ethics ordinance, sexual harassment policies and prevention and discipline and discharge procedures.

He also presented an overview of the legal system for newly promoted paramilitary staff at the base and trained the Ben Jones African American Chapter of the Memphis Bar Association on representing clients in ethics investigations.

■ Students, staff and alumni at the Memphis Naval Support Activity raised $1,265 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, their Webster Works Worldwide community service project.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. ■ Orlo Strunk, adjunct professor, Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Campus, had his third novel, Satan’s Angels, published by PublishAmerica (1/09).

Strunk is a Boston University emeritus professor of psychology and managing editor emeritus of the Journal of Pastoral Care Publications Inc. He has taught at the Myrtle Beach campus for 13 years.

ST. LOUIS, MO. ■ Benjamin Akande, dean, School of Business & Technology, was named one of St. Louis’ Ten Most Interesting People in the Jan. 29, 2009, issue of Ladue News magazine.

Akande was also recognized as one of the city’s

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News Around Webster Film Director Jason Reitman Visits Webster University Jason Reitman, director of such popular films as “Thank You for Smoking” and “Juno,” spoke at Webster’s St. Louis campus on Feb. 13, 2009, in the Winifred Moore Auditorium.

Reitman shared stories about growing up in Hollywood as the son of two directors, Ivan Reitman (“Ghostbuster” and “Twins”) and Geneviève Robert (“Casual Sex”). He talked about being a child actor in his father’s films, such as “Kindergarten Cop,” his college education and reluctance to become a director and his approach to writing and directing. Reitman answered questions ranging from the status of his current film, “Up in the Air” starring George Clooney, which is being shot in St. Louis, to his favorite color — brown.

Associate professor Jorge Oliver, chairperson of Webster’s electronic and photographic media department, hosted the event and introduced Reitman’s short films and commercials.

Jason Reitman

Alumni Leaders Conference Goes Dutch Alumni Chapters from Albuquerque to Vienna were represented at the eighth annual Alumni Leaders Conference in mid-October when 41 alumni and guests gathered at the Webster campus in Leiden, the Netherlands. The conference Webster University alumni chapter leaders brought together alumni meet in Leiden for the eighth annual Alumni chapter leaders from around Leaders conference. the world to learn what is new with the Alumni Association and to share best practices with one another. Previously held in St. Louis, Mo., Greenville, S.C., and Space Coast, Fla., this was the first time the conference was held at an international campus. “It is important to demonstrate that we are truly a worldwide Alumni Association,” says Julie Reese ’68, president. Special thanks to the Leiden Alumni Chapter leadership team of: Dave Mead ’94; Remco Bron, MBA ’99; Johan van Rijn, MBA ’99; and Serena Haenen for making 2008 a memorable conference.

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From left: Scott Anthony Olivolo, MBA ’05, MA ’06, Lisa Snowberger, Webster Jacksonville community relations coordinator, Tom Janke, regional director for WebsterFlorida, and Inga Makarenko, MBA ’07, Jacksonville Alumni Chapter president.

Jacksonville Alumni Chapter Hosts Networking Opportunity The Jacksonville Alumni Chapter was pleased to host Scott Anthony Olivolo, MBA ’05, MA ’06, in late January for an alumni educational and networking opportunity. Olivolo, a financial planner, discussed current trends in personal finance with the group at the Jacksonville metropolitan campus. Alumni Chapter president Inga Makarenko, MBA ’07, thanked Olivolo with a gift from the Alumni Association and invited alumni to participate in future activities, including a new program introduced by Tom Janke, regional director for Webster-Florida. Janke would like alumni to volunteer to be “marshals” at graduation ceremonies at Webster campuses in Florida.

Volunteers Around the World Lend a Helping Hand During Webster Works Worldwide All around the world, the Webster family took time to help make a difference and serve their communities through Webster Works Worldwide, the University’s annual community service day. Students, faculty, staff and alumni teamed up to help various parks, hospitals, schools, childcare centers and other non-profit agencies on Oct. 1, 2008. In total, more than 2,300 Webster volunteers participated worldwide at 204 projects, a new record in WWW history. In St. Louis, nearly 1,300 Webster volunteers participated in Webster Works Worldwide, logging more than 6,400 hours on a total of 120 projects. The extended campuses and regional alumni chapters, located throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, also contributed, with 1,097 volunteers at 84 projects. Thanks to the increased participation by alumni around the world, WWW experienced a 24 percent increase over last year’s involvement.

Volunteers from Webster campuses in Thailand, Geneva, London, Vienna and Leiden also organized community service projects, making WWW a worldwide endeavor with a tremendous global impact.

University P resident Nei l George vi at Webster sits with ch Child Care ildren Center in W ebster Grove s, Mo.

completed his doctoral defense Jan. 27, 2009, and will receive a doctor of management degree from the School of Business & Technology.

most influential leaders, maintaining a strong public presence in print, on the airwaves and around town.

■ Edie Barnard, adjunct professor, communications and journalism, was granted the Media Literacy and Tobacco Education Grant for helping educate secondary teachers about the impact of media on young audiences.

■ Alexandrea Barney, a senior in the Pre-Law/Legal Studies program at the St. Louis campus, won a Diversity Scholarship from the Gateway Chapter Association of Legal Administrators.

■ Maegan Bowersox, a senior majoring in education and history, received the Fall II Outstanding Student Employee Award for her work as a counselor assistant in the Financial Aid office.

■ David Brennan and Donna Cartwright, adjunct professors, School of Business & Technology, accompanied eight senior marketing majors to the 48th Annual Student Marketing Conference sponsored by the St. Louis Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). Thomas Jaeger was recognized at the conference as the Outstanding Undergraduate Marketing Student from Webster University for 2008–09.

■ John Buck, associate dean of students and director of housing and residential life, successfully

■ Nicole Buse, a business major, was named Logan County Board Member Pat O’Neill’s October Citizen of the Month in the Lincoln, Ill., Courier, for her involvement in community service and sports activities.

■ Grant Chapman, associate vice president and director, international programs, was interviewed Feb. 25, 2009 on KSDK-TV Channel 5 (NBC) in St. Louis for a story about U.S. citizens traveling abroad in light of the recent State Department security alerts and warnings, particularly concerning travel to Mexico.

■ Tatenda Chibanga, a junior biology major, won the Fall II Dean’s Service Award for his service to the campus and community as a resident assistant, president of the National Residence Hall Honorary, an active member of Socceroos and volunteer coach for an elementary school soccer team.

■ Don Corrigan, professor, communications and journalism and editor of The Webster-Kirkwood Times newspaper, received several honors this fall at the 2008 Independent Free Papers Association Convention in Seattle. Corrigan won second place in the Column Writing category and The Webster-Kirkwood Times won the General Excellence Award among other commendations.

■ Film and animation majors Zlatko Cosic, Kaitlyn Paradis and Jennifer Stolzer had their work shown at the St. Louis International Film Festival.

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■ Jessica Engle, audio production student, assisted professor Barry Hufker in recording the December 2008 performance of the Gateway Men’s Chorus’ “Peace on Earth,” at the Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis.

■ Gary Ford, assistant professor, communications and journalism, organized the October meeting of the St. Louis Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America around the topic, “Ethics of Public Relations during a Presidential Campaign.” Ford served as moderator of the panel, which included: Gov. Bob Holden, faculty, management; Christine McCarty, former press secretary to a U.S. Congressman; Larry Baden, associate professor, communications and journalism; Al Wiman, vice president, Public Understanding of Science, St. Louis Science Center; and Jeff Rainford, public relations staff, St. Louis City Mayor’s office.

■ William Gass, art major, is guest curator of “Between Beach Ball and Rubber Raft,” a group exhibition of multi-media installations at the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis, on display March 25–29, 2009.

■ Paula Hanssen, assistant professor and coordinator, German studies, published the article, “Wir werden also im reinsten und besten Sinne Bürger dieser Welt: Letters in Exile from BrechtCollaborators and Authors Margarete Steffin and Elisabeth Hauptmann” (in German), in an anthology edition of the German Theater Journal, “Theater der Zeit” —“Recherchen Nr. 65,2008.”

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News Around Webster Basketball Games Put Shoes On Feet of Underprivileged Webster basketball coaches Chris Bunch and Jordan Olufson coached barefoot during the University’s Jan. 17, 2009, doubleheader against Eureka College to benefit Samaritan’s Feet and the National Basketball Coaches Association. The event raised more than $200 and collected 45 pairs of shoes for underprivileged children. Organized by Webster University sports information director Ameer Rasheed, the event is just one of several charity events supported by the Athletic Department.

“I think it is part of our jobs as coaches to bring awareness to good causes such as this one,” says men’s head coach Chris Bunch, who has also participated in events to raise cancer awareness. “Athletics has the ability to impact people in a variety of ways,” says Webster Athletic Director Tom Hart. “This is an example of our basketball teams bringing awareness and tangible assistance to those in need. While we may take shoes on our feet for granted, there are millions who need our help.”

Men’s head coach Chris Bunch coaches a game against Eureka College in his bare feet to benefit the underprivileged.

Celebration Marks Renovation Of 50-Year-Old Maria Hall Webster faculty, staff and students gathered on Nov. 10, 2008, to celebrate the renovation of Maria Hall on Webster’s home campus. Built in 1958, the residence halls now boast a brand new look. The modern, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment is home to 108 students who enjoy central air conditioning, new study rooms, lounges and kitchenettes.

Maria Hall also houses a laundry room, mailroom and a brand new elevator. To celebrate the history of the facility, members of the University community brought items for a time capsule to the celebration, to be shared with future generations. “The time capsule now contains pictures, floor plans, ‘thankful for Maria Hall’ notes and a music CD,” says Sarah Tetley, assistant director, Housing and Residential Life.

After the brief ceremony, guests were invited to tour the renovated facility.

Student Daniela Vayas, president of the Residence Hall Association, shows off the Maria Hall time capsule.

Alumni Online Community Revisited The new and improved Alumni Online Community is back and better than ever! In addition to previous options such as a searchable and updateable directory of all Webster alumni, event calendars and registration, the new online community features a connection to Facebook, easy access to Webster’s alumni group on LinkedIn, and RSS feeds. Check out the new look and get connected at alumni.webster.edu. First-time users will need their seven-digit student/alumni ID number found above their name on most mailings from the University, including Webster World.

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St. Louis educators met at Webster’s St. Louis campus to discuss the current crisis in local public schools.

School of Education Hosts Panel Discussion On Crisis in St. Louis Public Schools Webster’s Educational Leadership Program presented a panel discussion, “Crisis in Schooling: Courageous Leadership,” on Oct. 29, 2008, at the St. Louis campus. The panel discussion addressed the serious issues inherent in schooling today, including how the crisis relates to special education, non-accredited school districts and the school board issues of a new superintendent and ethics. A history of the crisis was also discussed by the prestigious panel, including: Diana Bourisaw, PhD, executive vice president of DHR International, a Chicagobased executive search firm; Charles R. Brown, PhD, superintendent of the Wellston School District; Cleveland Hammonds, PhD, adjunct faculty at Webster University; John C. Cary, PhD, superintendent of the Special School District; Craig H. Larson, PhD, superintendent of the Rockwood School District; and Stanton Lawrence, PhD, superintendent of the Normandy School District. Douglas G. Miller, PhD, coordinator of Professional Development/ Leadership Academy, Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education, served as moderator.

Webster Tweet Webster From the funny to the informative, the University is communicating with alumni, students, faculty, staff and the world at large through Twitter. A free social networking service that allows users to send and receive short text messages, Twitter allows users to opt-in or opt-out and to choose how they want to receive these messages — on the Twitter Web site, on Facebook or on their cell phones. Sign up to follow websteru on Twitter.com to receive daily updates on happenings around the world…in 140 characters or less!

■ Sam Hargrove, a freshman majoring in journalism, received the Fall II Outstanding Student Employee Award for exceptional customer service assistance in the housing office.

■ Sally Howald, assistant professor, communications and journalism, appeared Jan. 31, 2009, on St. Louis television station KTVI-TV (FOX-2) discussing this year’s Super Bowl advertising.

■ Barry Hufker, professor, electronic and photographic media, recorded several holiday concerts in December 2008: the Bel Canto Chorus of Saint Louis at Bethel Lutheran Church; the Gateway Men’s Chorus performing “Peace on Earth” at the Union Avenue Christian Church and the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus performing “An Old World Christmas” at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.

Hufker also recorded cellist Melanie Goldstein performing music at Trinity Presbyterian Church in University City, Mo.; The Sheldon Chorale, directed

by Allen Larson, professor, music, at The Sheldon Concert Hall and the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus at the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul in Shrewsbury, Mo. ■ Hannah Ingram, a junior music education major, received the Fall II Outstanding Student Employee Award for her work as a Gorlok Guide Supervisor in undergraduate admissions.

■ Mackenzie Ingram, a senior political science major, won the Fall II Dean’s Service Award for his outstanding efforts during the 2008 presidential election by heading up Rock-theVote activities, providing educational programs about the election and helping assist with the record voter turnout among Webster students.

■ Cheryl Jarvis, adjunct professor, communications and journalism, had her book, The Necklace, ranked 18th on the New York Times extended best seller list for non-fiction. The book was featured on the Rachel Ray television program and a condensed version appeared in the Reader’s Digest book bonus section.

■ Gina Jensen, adjunct professor and assistant director, debate and forensics, was named president elect of Pi Kappa Delta, the nation’s oldest communications honorary society. In addition, Jensen received the Wayne Brown Outstanding Teacher Award from the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri.

■ Scott Jensen, professor and director, debate and forensics, received the Pi Kappa Delta E.R. Nichols Award for Outstanding Contribution to the furtherance of the forensics discipline through outstanding teaching at the organization’s November 2008 national conference in San Diego.

■ Satsuki Kizaki, senior international studies major, received the Fall II Outstanding Student Employee Award for her excellent work as a data clerk for the international recruitment and services department.

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■ Film studies majors Jessica Kozeny, Josh Miller, Anthony Sanchez and Sarah Worner were selected to be the first participants in the Big Sky Documentary Programming Fellowship.

The four spent a term in Missoula, Mont., working to help create the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, held in February 2009.

■ Marissa Lewis, a sophomore graphic design major, won the Fall II Dean’s Service Award for volunteer work as an intern in the role of assistant media coordinator for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community Center of Metropolitan St. Louis, for helping with the center’s grand opening and for her on-campus role as an officer for the Association of African-American Collegians.

■ Cecilia Liu, a senior majoring in finance and religious studies, has been selected to spend a term at Harvard University through the Visiting Undergraduate Student Program, which allows students with strong academic and personal records to enhance their education with courses offered only at Harvard.

■ Christopher Parr, professor, religious studies, recently completed a threeyear term on the steering committee of the Religion Media and Culture group of the American Academy of Religion. His short response chapter, “Where’s Ganesha when we need Him?!: Removing Obstacles to ReEnchantment in the Borderlands of Religion & Art,” was included in the book, Re-Enchantment (2009), edited by James Elkins and David Morgan, and is Volume 7 in The Art Seminar series published by Routledge. At the 2008 Annual Meeting of the

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News Around Webster Webster University Hosts Award-Winning Audio Engineer Geoff Emerick Webster’s Audio Engineering Society’s student section combined forces with the newly created AES St. Louis regional section to host an evening with Grammy Award-winning audio engineer Geoff Emerick in the University’s Winifred Moore Auditorium on Oct. 29, 2008.

About 350 guests enjoyed Emerick’s stories from recording sessions with the Beatles and other artists, accompanied by footage from a BBC documentary about popular British bands performing Beatle’s tunes. Emerick also discussed the creation and implementation of some of the most innovative recording techniques of the era and its implications in today’s world.

After his discussion and a Q-and-A session, Emerick met with the audience to sign autographs and pose for photos. Gary Gottlieb, associate professor of audio production, reminded the audience of Webster’s upcoming Central Region AES Student Summit April 3 to 5, 2009, featuring recording engineer Phil Ramone as the keynote speaker. Emerick also shared his expertise on mixing, analog recording and multi-track recording with students in three Webster audio engineering classes.

Audio engineer Geoff Emerick shares stories about his recording sessions with the Beatles and other artists during his visit to the St. Louis campus.

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Art student Rachel Loza no has bee Glamour m n named agazine’s W oman of Yo ur Year.

Glamour Magazine Names Webster Student Woman of Your Year Cancer survivor Rachel Lozano has been honored by Glamour magazine as the winner of the 2008 “Woman of Your Year” contest. Lozano, a Webster University art major working toward a certificate in art therapy, has survived three bouts of Askin’s Tumor, a rare form of cancer.

She says what kept her going is the hope that she could help others battling cancer. That’s why she’s studying art therapy — so she can work with sick children. Lozano recently traveled to New York City with her family to receive the award at a ceremony at Carnegie Hall. “I was very honored to receive the award out of so many wonderful nominees,” says Lozano. In 2007, Lozano spoke about pediatric cancer to members of Congress on behalf of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. “In the future, I plan to continue doing national inspirational speaking, artwork, writing and volunteering,” she says. “I also plan to earn a master’s degree in art therapy.” For more information, visit Lozano’s Web site www.obsessedwithlife.com.

West African Native Shares Stories Of Himself as Young Soldier Ishmael Beah, author of Webster’s freshman seminar book, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, visited Webster’s St. Louis campus on Dec. 3, 2008. He held a Grant Gymnasium crowd of 700 spellbound as he described the civil war in his native Sierra Leone and the events that led to his resettlement in the U.S.A. Beah also spoke about human rights and the exploitation of child soldiers in conflicts. He challenged the audience to educate themselves about the rest of the world as a way to help prevent conflicts. “We haven’t gotten to a point in human history where all human beings — all human life — is valuable, no matter where it is lived,” he says. Beah’s talk was cosponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences and the Multicultural Center/International Student Affairs. He spoke as part of Webster’s Year of International Human Rights.

Ishmael Beah talks about his life as a young soldier in Sierra Leone.

Vienna Alumni Tour Vincent van Gogh Exhibit Vienna alumni enjoyed a personally guided tour of the Vincent van Gogh exhibition at the Albertina, a grand Viennese palace in the neoclassical style. Alumna Michelle Bucheit-Miller ’87 led the tour. The first van Gogh exhibition in Vienna in 50 years, the Albertina show offered a new perspective on Vincent van Gogh by focusing on the artist as both painter and draftsman with a collection of 150 pieces of his work. Afterward, alumni enjoyed the chance to discuss the exhibition and catch up with old and new friends at Café Museum, a traditional Viennese Cafe designed in 1899.

American Academy of Religion of Chicago, Nov. 1 to 3, 2009, Parr participated in a panel session launching re-enchantment via the theme: “Re-Enchantment and Re-Connection: On the Relation of Religion and Contemporary Art,” and presented the paper, “Finding a Stance for Re-Enchantment.”

He also presented “Of Muscular Gods and Technicolor Buddhas: Thai Popular Buddhist Imagery and Everyday Religious Expressions in Contemporary Southeast Asia,” at the inaugural session of the new Religion in Southeast Asia Consultation, a paper co-authored and copresented with Tiffany Hacker, Webster University alumna and religious studies major. The initial research for the paper was done at Webster’s Thailand campus during the Thailand Initiative of 2002. It has been requested for publication in a refereed journal.

■ Film studies majors Joe Pirello and David Uthus were selected to attend the 2008 Telluride Student Symposium at the 35th Annual Telluride Film Festival. A select group of American college and university students are chosen to attend this summit where they can mingle and network with internationally famous filmmakers.

■ Debbie Psihountas, associate professor, business, received the 2008 Hellenic Spirit Athena Award, presented for extraordinary commitment to community service, love for humanity

and dedication to the arts and education. In addition to teaching finance at the St. Louis campus, Psihountas also serves as advisor for the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), a nonprofit organization designed to help students give back to their community through outreach projects that use the business acumen acquired through their business education.

■ Warren Rosenblum, assistant professor, history, politics and international relations, recently had his book, Beyond the Prison Gates: Punishment and Welfare in Germany 1850–1933, published by University of North Carolina Press. This fall he presented a paper, “The Paranoid Style in Weimar Justice: Magdeburg 1926,” at the German Studies Association meetings in Minneapolis. He was keynote speaker at the St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center for the commemoration of Kristallnacht, the 1938 anti-Jewish pogroms in Nazi Germany. In December 2008, Rosenblum spoke at the Wednesday Club of St. Louis on the history of German and Irish immigration in nineteenth century St. Louis.

■ The School of Communications received a $2,000 grant from Kodak Film to provide celluloid film for student filmmakers.

■ Joe Schuster, professor and chair, communications and journalism, received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award for 2008.

■ Art Silverblatt, professor, communications and journalism, will be honored for excellence in communication at the April 18, 2009, Quest Awards Ceremony.

Sponsored by the Missouri Professional

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Communicators in affiliation with the National Federation of Press Women, the award recognizes individuals whose work reflects an enduring quest for the highest standards of professional ethics and excellence.

Proceeds from the awards luncheon support scholarships for journalism and communication students.

■ Calvin Smith, director, international recruitment, was recognized in December by the Council of International Schools’ Latin America Committee for his contributions on behalf of international students and in gratitude for his leadership and guidance. During his eight years of service on the committee, he served as treasurer, assistant tour leader, tour leader, chairman and executive advisor.

■ Michael Steinberg, director, Webster Film Series, won Best Documentary Film at the St. Louis Filmmakers’ Showcase for his film about his father, How It Is With Phooie. The Film Series received a grant award increase from the Missouri Arts Commission of $10,000 more than its 2007 award.

■ Jim Ward, manager, facilities operations, recently completed the Institute for Facilities Management training curriculum offered through APPA, the professional organization for higher education physical plant administrators.

■ Christina Warden, a junior psychology major, won the Fall II Dean’s Service Award for her efforts at the North County Intergroup Office for Alcoholics Anonymous and for providing 12-step recovery assistance and sponsorship for individuals in recovery, both on campus and in the local community.

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News Around Webster Panel Discussion Addresses Outlook for Local Banking Industry A panel of top St. Louis banking executives presented “Solving the Banking Crisis,” on Nov. 19, 2008, in Webster University’s Sunnen Lounge. Hosted by Webster’s School of Business and Technology, the panel discussion was facilitated by Dean Benjamin Ola. Akande.

Panelists discussed a variety of topics including: the current state of consumer lending by St. Louis banks; the future of the housing market locally; the outlook for credit availability for home and auto loans and the strength of St. Louis’ financial institutions, now and into the future. Panel members included: Robert Witterschein, president and chief executive officer, Southwest Bank; Tom Chulick, chairman and chief executive officer, UMB Bank; Sally Roth, president and area executive, Regions Bank; Allan Ivie, president and chief operating officer, The Private Bank; Dwight Erdbruegger, executive vice president-corporate banking, Commerce Bank; Julie Stackhouse, senior vice president-supervision and regulation, Federal Reserve Bank.

Top St. Louis banking executives pose with Dean Benjamin Akande before their panel discussion on “Solving the Banking Crisis.”

Son of Franklin Roosevelt Speaks as Part of Year of International Human Rights Curtis Roosevelt, grandson of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, spent several winter days on Webster’s St. Louis campus. On Dec. 9, 2008, he visited a class and met with students, administrators, faculty and alumni. Roosevelt also delivered a Dec. 10, 2008, talk in the Community Music School concert hall. In his presentation, he discussed his childhood as well as that of his grandparents and spoke about his grandmother’s pivotal role in making the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) a reality. Dec. 10, 2008, marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the UDHR. Roosevelt’s visit, sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences, was a Year of International Human Rights event.

Curtis Roosevelt visits with alumna Gabriel Mary Hoare, MA ’83, before his presentation at Webster’s St. Louis campus.

Alumnus Wows Alumni Chapters with Magic Show The Denver and International Space Alumni Chapters were entertained by the magic of alumnus Chris Manos, MA ’85, at their “Feliz Dia del Amor” party in early February 2009. A lieutenant in the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s office by day, Manos wowed the group of more than 30 alumni with fun and educational magic that revealed deception and trickery of contest cons, gambling and get-rich schemes. Denver Chapter president Bonnie Busekrus, MA ’78, and International Space Alumni Chapter president Michele Schafer, MS ’07, agreed that the Valentine’s Day Happy Hour at Garcia’s was a great success!

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Webster Receives Prestigious Award from Regional Chamber & Growth Association

The Webster-Vienna community enjoys a medieval banquet prepared by students in the European Culinary History class.

Vienna Students Get a Taste of History Throughout history, food has played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization. The undergraduate course “European Culinary History” at Webster’s Vienna campus gives students the opportunity to explore history in a completely new way. The course offers a fascinating overview of more than 2,000 years of societal evolution, drawing attention to major historical developments and key political and cultural figures along the way. The first course of its kind was held during the fall semester in 2008, offering 15 students the opportunity to enjoy long-forgotten flavors and discover new culinary terrain. Professors Chris Newman and Dorothy Kopel, PhD, took their students on a journey from the earliest prehistoric huntergatherer societies, through Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Victorian times, to today’s battle between fast food and homecooking. Students spent time in the classroom learning theory and put that theory to practice through cooking sessions in an industrial kitchen. Jutta Pedigo, one of the students participating in this class, says, “The European Culinary History class was not just fun but also a team-building experience. We learned a lot about where and how different foods originated. It was a different approach to the history of Europe, where the power was partially defined by spices, banquets, feasts and gatherings.” At the end of the eight-week term, the students invited the Webster-Vienna community to a medieval banquet on campus, serving authentic food and drinks they had prepared.

Webster University recently received the 2008 Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award from the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association in collaboration with the St. Louis office of Deloitte. Webster University was profiled in the December 2008 issue of RCGA’s St. Louis Commerce Magazine. The award recognizes companies and non-profit institutions and organizations for their overall success and ability to positively affect the future of the business community. Criteria included growth in the number of employees, enhancement of the community, revenue growth, acquisitions and expansion/development of facilities. “It is an honor to be recognized as one of the region’s leading higher education providers for the third year in a row,” says Webster University President Neil J. George. The Top 50 awards, presented annually by RCGA, were co-sponsored by Ameren Corp., Edward Jones, Southwest Bank, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, STLTODAY.com, KMOX News/Talk 1120 and St. Louis Commerce Magazine.

Webster’s New Education Program Goes “Green” Webster’s School of Education is now offering a unique program, “Education for Global Sustainability,” as an emphasis and certificate in its Masters of Teacher Education Program. The new program will prepare teachers to help students become informed, analytical and responsible citizens for a sustainable future. President Barack Obama has pledged that sustainable initiatives will be in the forefront of his term as President. His energy plan is to put $150 million into clean technology over a decade — an initiative that would create five million jobs. No other program like this is available for educators in the St Louis region. For more information, contact Lori Diefenbacher in the School of Education at 314-246-8054, or e-mail her at diefenlo@webster.edu.

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■ Gwyneth Williams, professor, history, politics and international relations, appeared Jan. 20, 2009, on the KSDK-TV (NBC) program, “Today in St. Louis,” discussing the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.

TINKER AFB, OKLA. ■ Air Force Capt. Janina Lewis, who is pursuing a master’s degree in procurement and acquisitions management, was selected the 2009 Company Grade Officer of the Year for the 72nd Air Base Wing at Tinker AFB. VIENNA, AUSTRIA ■ Christopher Kummer, adjunct professor, was quoted Jan. 7, 2009, in The New York Times article, “Austria’s ‘Woman on Wall St.’ Now Out of Sight,” and Jan. 21, 2009, in the article, “Madoff Pushes Medici To the Brink,” on Forbes.com, discussing the Austrian government takeover of the Bank Medici.

■ Caitlin Spencer, a student in the media program at Webster’s Vienna campus, produced a photography book of Vienna, Where the Light Is, available on Blurb.com.

SHANGHAI, CHINA ■ Liao Hong Tao, a business student at Webster’s campus in Shanghai, placed third in the 2008 Fall International Business Simulation Challenge by outperforming more than 700 teams from Australia, Taiwan, India, Canada, Poland, Switzerland and the United States.

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News Around Webster Alumni and Business Leaders Discuss Mergers & Acquisitions “Mergers & Acquisitions — How to be successful?” sparked lively discussion among a group of nearly 200 business leaders, alumni and guests — some from as far away as Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia — in late fall in Vienna.

Organized by the Vienna Alumni Chapter, the symposium included the following panelists: Benjamin Akande, dean of the School of Business & Technology; Michael Fortier, executive vice president of Erste Group Bank; Sascha Hödl, partner of Schönherr Rechtsanwälte, one of the most renowned Austrian M&A law firms; Wolfgang Horak, managing director of Fujitsu Siemens Computers; Manfred Moschner, partner of ACS Acquisition Services Vienna, an independent M&A consulting company and Wolfram Senger-Weiss, member of the Management Board of Gebrüder Weiss, Austria’s largest family-owned transport and logistics service provider. The panel debated the finer points of M&A deals — from communicating with employees to overpayment. Special thanks to the following corporate sponsors for making this program possible: Fujitsu Siemens Computers, CPI Immobilien, Schönherr Rechtsanwälte and the Vienna Marriott Hotel.

Michael Fortier and Sascha Hödl discuss the finer points of mergers and acquisitions.

International Business Honor Society Formed on Campus Webster University taught alumnus Kenneth Woodcock, DMgt ’07, more than how to build a career. “My time at Webster filled me with the passion for lifetime learning and my professors and fellow students taught me something new about the ways we as individuals can make a difference,” says Woodcock, a consultant specializing in leadership, management and organizational behavior. Woodcock’s passion for education, as well as his success at Webster, are two reasons why School of Business and Technology faculty chose him as one of Webster’s inaugural members of Delta Mu Delta, the international business honor society. The School of Business and Technology was selected to establish a chapter on campus for this prestigious group shortly after Webster’s business programs were accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.

Stay Connected: Worldwide, Online, On Campus Webster University’s Alumni Association offers you a wide variety of benefits from short term medical, auto and home insurance to shopping discounts and the online community. For details and additional information, go to www.webster.edu/alumni/benefits.shtml 26

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University Book Club Welcomes New Members

to the udents take ic gh-school st hi nd -a le ic d er an mus Local mid to Latin Am ce an d to on stage Loretto-Hilt 08.” sta Peru 20 ie during “F

St. Louis Campus Gets a Taste of Peru Webster University is well known for taking education to the far corners of the world.

Sometimes, though, the world comes to Webster. “Fiesta Peru 2008” brought the music and culture of Latin America to Webster’s Loretto-Hilton Center on Sept.

26, 2008. The annual presentation about other cultures was sponsored by the Department of International Languages and Cultures in partnership with Arts & Treasures from Latin America, a St. Louis non-profit organization. Local middle and high-school students, as well as Webster students and faculty, were welcomed to the event by Arts & Sciences Associate Dean Sarita Cargas. A representative from St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley’s office was on hand to proclaim Sept. 24-30, 2008, as Hispanic Week in St. Louis. Jaime Torres, director of St. Louis Community College’s Office of International Education, emceed the educational event. After watching a short video about Peru, students enjoyed music by two ensembles: Inti Raymi, an Andean group; and Los Amancay, an Argentinean group in gaucho attire. The musicians played mostly indigenous instruments and were occasionally joined by dancing students.

The Webster University Book Club is an informal group of faculty, staff, students and members of the Webster Groves community who come together every other month to discuss a book selected by club members. “We simply love books. Each time I bring my sack lunch and settle into a club discussion, I’m so energized by these people,” says librarian Holly Hubenschmidt who co-chairs the club with Barb Ehnes, director of Community Relations. Hubenschmidt and Ehnes work hard to find discussion leaders who are able to bring a unique perspective to the topic. Past meetings have covered A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Child Soldier by Ishmael Beah, with discussion led by Andrea Miller, director of the Center for the Study of Human Rights, and In the Shadow of the Ark by Anne Provoost, with discussion led by Rabbi Mordecai Magency, adjunct faculty in the Department of Religious Studies. In the spring of 2007, the Book Club invited an author — Jeffrey Bonner, PhD, president of the St. Louis Zoo — to discuss his book, Sailing with Noah: Stories from the World of Zoos. All meetings are held at noon in the Library Conference Room, and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Hubenschmidt at hollyh@library2.webster.edu.

Recent Book Club Selections • Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick • In the Shadow of the Ark by Anne Provoost • Sailing with Noah: Stories from the World of Zoos by Jeffrey Bonner • The Master Butcher’s Singing Club

by Louise Erdrich • Regeneration by Pat Barker • Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver • A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini • Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science by Atul Gawande • Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton • The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz • The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien • The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards • Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson • From Baghdad, with Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava by Jay Kopelman and Melinda Roth • Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

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News Around Webster Former Chairman of the German Green Party Visits St. Louis Campus Webster’s new European Studies Program invited Reinhard Bütikofer to present a lecture “Transatlantic Climate and Energy Cooperation: the Way Forward.” on Webster’s St. Louis campus on Dec. 9, 2008. Until recently, Bütikofer was chairman of the German Green party, and is a leading fighter for environmentally sensible policies in Germany and across Europe. As he mentioned in his talk, Germany has been cutting greenhouse emissions over the past 15 years, even as American emissions have continued to grow. Germany has a massive recycling program, provides credits for energy saving steps by industry and homes, and strongly supports public transportation and fuel efficiency in cars. Bütikofer has been an important leader in the worldwide fight against global warming and for the development of alternative energy. Bütikofer’s talk was made possible by the American Council on Germany.

Former German Green Party Chairman Reinhard Bütikofer speaks to guests in Webster’s Winifred Moore Auditorium.

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Space Coast Chapter Learns About the iPod Generation Benjamin Akande, dean of the School of Business & Technology, addressed more than 60 alumni and guests at the Space Coast Alumni Chapter in late January 2009 on “Understanding the iPod Generation.”

Speaking about the generation born between 1977 and 2000, Akande explained that the iPod generation (or “millennials” or “iGeneration”) is very tech-savvy, wants immediate gratification, and has experienced in a short time both the highs and lows of the world. Space Coast Alumni Chapter president Audrey Grayson, MA ’98, was thrilled with the turn-out and plans more educational opportunities in the future. To hear Akande’s full presentation, log on to www.webster.edu/depts/ business and click on iTunes University.

Faculty Rewarded for Creative Classroom Strategies Several School of Business and Technology faculty members have received funding to support the development of creative innovations in learning.

The awards were presented to: John Aleshunas, Interactive Web Data Visualization/ Calculations Using WebMathematica; Barrett Baebler, Developing Real-Life Case Studies Using Web Technologies; Sue Golabek, Managing Difficult Conversations Business Learning Simulation; Janet Kourik, Narrated Videos of Database Diagramming Technique in Action; Shinemin Lin, Integrating Podcasting into Statistics Learning; Debbie Psihountas, Using Clickers/SMS to Enhance Student Learning; Bradford Scott, Developing Learning Objects for Business Learning. The intent of this new grant program is to offer faculty the opportunity to explore new and emerging technologies using active learning strategies that enhance student-learning outcomes. The seven faculty proposals were awarded funding of up to $2,000 and an Apple iPod Touch to support the goals of their projects.

Showing off the Browning’s Visionary Award, from left, are: student Daniela Vayas, Jinny Browning, Larry Browning, Bert Walker, Neil George and Carol Walker.

Vienna, Geneva Students Celebrate International Peace Day at the UN International Relations students from the Vienna and Geneva campuses were invited to take part in the International Peace Day celebration at the United Nations office in Vienna on Sept. 22, 2008. Renate Henke, the NGO liaison at the UN Information Service-Vienna, invited eight Webster students to join about 40 Western Balkan students — whom the Viennese government and the UN had originally created the event for — to lectures on the International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes and the United Nations Office in general. Accompanied by Gregory Weeks, PhD, head of Webster’s International Relations department in Vienna, the students had the chance to talk with the diplomats who presented the lectures.

They also received advice on how to get an internship at the UN. The group enjoyed a brief tour of the UN, listened to a Namibian band play traditional music in the Rotunda and rang the Japanese Peace Bell on the Memorial Plaza. “To get firsthand knowledge of a potential future employer and to be part of this celebration was a very special experience for us students,” says Webster international relations student Janina M. Mank. “We all had a great time at one of the smallest, but one of the most international, concerned and people-oriented UN offices.”

Webster Honors Larry and Jinny Browning with Visionary Award At Webster’s annual Daniel Webster Society dinner on Oct. 30, 2008, the inaugural Daniel Webster Society Visionary Award was presented to Jinny and Larry Browning in honor of their decades of support and commitment to the University. The dinner was held at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, where University President Neil J. George and Daniel Webster Society President Paul J. Lee welcomed donors and thanked them for their outstanding support. The Daniel Webster Society (DWS) was founded in 1986 by a group of dedicated University supporters in the tradition of leadership immortalized by the American statesman Daniel Webster. Under the leadership of its Board of Directors, the Society encourages and recognizes annual charitable giving for the benefit of Webster University from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations. DWS members partner with the University to achieve its mission to provide an affordable, quality-driven education, while fostering a lifelong desire to learn and contribute actively to local communities and the world. The 2007-2008 Daniel Webster Society Board of Directors are: Paul J. Lee, President; Pamela Brown; Carol J. Colligan ’70, MA ’77; Alyn V. Essman; Marilyn Fox; Terry Franc; Julie Glotzbach; Jan S. Greenberg, MAT ’73; Vicki Hill; Nancy Scanlon Koplar ’70, MA ’95; Keith Lanier ’91; James W. Oetting; Marie Oetting; Annie Schlafly; Helen Seeherman ’81; Alice P. Sherwood, MAT ’77; Doug Stuhlmann; Anthony Thompson, MBA ’88; Jo Throdahl; Mary Ann Wagner ’79, MA ’82; David P. Weiss ’75; and William B. Wilson.

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News Around Webster Webster University Press Publishes Book The Webster University Press recently published the book, Massoud: An Intimate Portrait of the Legendary Afghan Leader, by St. Louis alumna Marcela Grad ’93. Don Conway Long, associate professor and chair of the Behavioral and Social Sciences department, wrote the introduction to the book. Grad visited St. Louis for an event in April 2009, sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Commerce in China Class Gives Students Global Edge Millions around the world celebrated the Year of the Ox in January 2009. But the School of Business and Technology is celebrating all China has to offer in business with a unique class for those who want to give their education and careers a global advantage. Commerce in China (INTB 5890) gives students an understanding of and appreciation for what it takes to do business in this dynamic country through extensive online study as well as a week touring in Shanghai and Chengdu with SBT financial expert Dr. Debbie Psihountas. You don’t have to be currently enrolled at Webster to apply for this exciting opportunity. Go to www.webster.edu/sbt/chinahybrid for more information.

Business Alumna Named 2009 Woman of Influence Serial entrepreneur and CEO. Business builder, owner and industry expert. Judith Bitterli’s titles since graduating from Webster University’s School of Business and Technology are as numerous as her successes. That’s why she was named this year’s 2009 Woman of Influence. “I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” says Bitterli. “I want to thank the School of Business and Technology, not only for bestowing upon me this honor, but also for providing me with the educational foundation that has been my success in business.”

According to Benjamin Akande, dean of the School of Business and Technology, “Judy is a true entrepreneur because she assumes the risk of every new challenge. She is dedicated and committed to the success of whatever she undertakes.” Since graduating from Webster University in 1981, Bitterli has become known in the industry as a marketing guru who has pioneered multi-million dollar companies like Direct Impact and Powered Inc. She has also helped countless other businesses like IBM, Motorola and Visa make millions through her expertise in sales, marketing, operations and Internet strategies. Bitterli was presented with the award after her January 2009 presentation at Webster’s home campus. During her talk, she shared her insight into succeeding in business no matter the shape of the market. “I’ve always believed that every person has the will, spirit and capability to succeed against immeasurable odds,” says Bitterli.

“You have to believe in yourself when no others will.” To view Bitterli’s address, “How to Succeed in Any Market,” and the presentation of the 2009 Woman of Influence Award, go to www.webster.edu/sbt.

Webster alumna Judith Bitterli, MA ’81, accepts the 2009 Woman of Influence Award from Dean Benjamin Akande.

The Necessity For Scholarships Has Never Been Greater! ebster University believes that no student should be turned away because of financial need. Scholarships make a world of difference for students striving for a Webster education — and become even more meaningful when given in your name, or that of a loved one. In 2007 the family of Kevin Hunt ’02 endured the tragic loss of their son, but carry on Kevin’s memory through a Webster scholarship.

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You too can provide the gift of education, through many Webster scholarship opportunities, including: • Annual Daniel Webster Society Scholarships through a gift of $1,500 or more • Endowed scholarships through a gift of $25,000 or more • Future scholarships through a bequest, Webster annuity or other estate plan. (Irrevocable future scholarship arrangements of $50,000 or more qualify for an annual matching scholarship grant throughout your lifetime.)

Kevin Hunt ’02 flashes a victory sign prior to a triathlon.

For further information contact:

Please send

Ken Nickless Director of Gift Planning Webster University Alumni and Development Office 470 E. Lockwood Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63119-3194 Phone: (314) 968-7146 Toll-free: 1-800-305-ALUM Fax: (314) 968-7108 e-mail: nickleke@webster.edu

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Check Out These Books by Alumni Authors!

Marilynne Bradley, MAT ’75, recently published St. Louis in Watercolor: The Architecture of a City.

Jeff Gutjahr ’98, MAT ’03, MAT ’07, published The Round of a Lifetime, a story of golf, family and hope.

Mark W. Danielson, MA ’85 (Beeville, Texas), released his third realitybased suspense novel, titled Diablo’s Shadow.

Micky, MSN ’97, published the book, Journey to Joy-Through a Lonely Path of Sorrow, through Tate Publishing Co.

Susi Beatty, MA ’03, (Charleston, S.C.), published Angie the Ant and the Bumblebee Tree.

Sue Lauber-Fleming ’84, MA ’88, co-authored Broken Trust: Stories of Hope and Healing from Clerical Abusers and Survivors. She received three awards for her book from the Catholic Press.

Betti Carol Harris Taylor, MA ’78 (Kansas City, Mo.), recently published the book, Forgotten Lives: African Americans in South Dakota.

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Susan Glen, MA ’90 (Scott AFB, Ill.), recently released Images of America: Fort Stevens through Arcadia Publishing.

Dawn Mushill, MA ’97, published Customer Service and Beyond … It is all about the WOW!

Stephen McGrane, MA ’95 (Beaufort Naval Hospital, S.C.), MBA ’03 (Geneva, Switzerland), published Sit Crooked and Speak Straight: Doing Business on the Arabian Peninsula.

Katie Martin, BFA ’02, recently published The Midwesterner’s Guide to Living in L.A.

Jan Greenberg, MAT ’73, published two books in 2008. The first, Side by Side: New Poems Inspired

by Art from Around the World, was published by Abrams Books for Young Readers. The second, Christo and JeanneClaude, Through the Gates and Beyond, was published by Roaring Brook Press.

Kenton Falerios, MA ’02 (Pope AFB, N.C.), published Give Me Something I Can’t Do: The History of the 82nd Military Police Company from WWI to the Iraq War.

Leighton McCormick, MA ’76, published the second edition of his job-hunting book Knock 3 Times.

Steven Shapiro, MA ’94 (Albuquerque, N.M.), co-authored, Climate Chaos: Your Health at Risk with his wife Cindy Parker.

Alicia Coleman, MA ’07, (Columbia, S.C.), published Mastering a Manipulator — A Relationship Guide: The Keys to Empowerment and Unlocking the Anatomy of Dangerous Men.

For more alumni authors, visit www.webster.edu/ alumni/authors.shtml.

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medal of honor for his support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

BERMUDA technician production manager at Carmax Inc. in Austin, Texas.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Carmine Russo, MA ’00, was the recipient of the “New Mexico Chef of the Year Award” at the 2008 Hospitality Industry Awards Banquet. He teaches culinary arts at Central New Mexico Community College, the only nationally accredited culinary arts school in New Mexico.

BEAUFORT NAVAL HOSPITAL, S.C. Lt. Col. Michael Flowers, MA ’94, was promoted to the position of national account director, Federal Markets at Sepracor Pharmaceuticals. He also serves as the executive officer, Marine Aircraft Group-42, Naval Air Station Atlanta.

Jennifer Catechis, MBA ’04, was recently hired

by U.S. Rep. Ben R. Lujan (D-N.M.) to be his district director.

BOLLING AFB, D.C. Clint Lancaster, MA ’93, MBA ’99 (Kansas City, Mo.), is the new technical director for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers. He was previously the compliance consultant for the organization.

Prophetess Octavia Arrington, MBA ’02, was recently inducted into Cambridge Who’s Who Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry.

She is the founder and chief executive officer of Beaconess Ministries International Inc.

ALTUS AFB, OKLA. Brig. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, MA ’86, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. He is the 3rd Infantry Division’s deputy commanding general of support.

Lt. Col. Michael Flowers

Lt. Col. Robert G. Arrant (Ret.), MA ’87, was recently promoted to

Maj. Lee G. Helton, MBA ’06, recently was awarded the bronze star

Eric Williamson, MA ’05, (Ft. Sill, Okla.) to Kimberly Miller.

Tiffany S. Turton, MA ’07, (Columbia, S.C.) to Dr. James E. Lee, Jr.

CHA-AM, THAILAND

Leah Merriman ’08 to Jon Baird ’08.

Tamera J. James, MA ’04, (Columbia, S.C.) to Luther J. Faulk, II.

Janice Deaver, MA ’08, (Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.) to Dino Martin.

Tyler J. Kolbe, MA ’08, to Tasha K. King.

Christina A. Veneziano, MA ’08, to Matthew N. Shekell.

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Susi Beatty, MA ’03, recently received the “Creative Toy Awards 2008 Book of the Year in Family Values” from Creative Child Magazine for her children’s book, “Angie the Ant and the Bumblebee Tree.”

CHARLESTON NAVAL BASE, S.C. Carol Gee, MA ’82, won the “Unsung Heroine Award for 2009,” sponsored by Emory University’s Center for Women. She won in the staff category for her long-term mentorship of Emory alumni, students and several young adults in the surrounding Atlanta area.

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Management Agency in McKinney, Texas at the Texas Instrument/ Raytheon facility.

COLUMBIA, S.C. Rhondra O. Willis, MBA ’01, was invited to a national discussion for the development of a new Girl-Adolescent Health Initiative, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

She is an assistant professor of business administration at Saint Leo University.

Deborah Harris Sims, PhD, MA ’02, was awarded the Maybelline, New York Beauty of Education Award. She was one of 10 national recipients and was honored for her work with foster care children through her non-profit Hopes for Higher Education, which helps them with transitioning to college.

Najla Shareef, MBA ’06, was recently appointed director of internal audit at North Carolina Central University.

Shareef is the chief audit executive at the University and is a CPA.

Harold Ray Griffin, PhD, MA ’95, recently joined Hesser College in New Hampshire as the president and chief executive officer. He was previously president of American Intercontinental University Houston.

Sean M. Krems ’04 to Amanda C. Moore.

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Buddy McAlister, MA ’93, was recently promoted to senior director of systems engineering at the South Carolina Research Authority’s Institute for Solutions Generation.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.

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Elizabeth Ventura, MA ’90, MBA ’92, is the new senior vice president for marketing and communications at Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

CHARLESTON, S.C.

Nisarat Singchawala ’08 is a research assistant at Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Deborah Harris Sims Carol Gee

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. Col. Eileen Collins (Ret.), MA ’89, was recently inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor in Lancaster, Calif. She was the first woman to command a space shuttle.

Karl H. Orth, MA ’89, is enjoying retired life and travels frequently. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for the Civil Service with the Defense Contract

Marinda Bliss, MA ’07, recently joined Mars Hill College as the director of residential living. She was formerly the director of residence life at Newberry College.

Alicia Coleman, MA ’07, is employed at the Saluda County Department of Social Services and the Newberry Board of Disabilities in Saluda, S.C.

Butch Thomas Plays Music Around the World utch Thomas ’83 has been around the world. While many Webster alumni can say the same, he’s possibly the only one who can claim he did it touring with such musical acts as Sting, Lenny Kravitz and Diana Ross.

Butch Thomas and Sting Growing up in Webster Groves, Mo., Thomas loved hanging out at the University when he had free time, often using the rooms in the Thompson Music Building to practice.

He entered the University after graduating from Webster Groves High School as a music major, focusing on the saxophone. But while a student, he also took piano lessons and learned to play the keyboard.

After graduation, Thomas headed to the place many aspiring Webster graduates start out: New York City. He played on street corners in front of Radio City Music Hall and did menial jobs to get by until he landed a gig with legendary bass guitar player Jaco Pastorius.

His four years with Jaco were instrumental in helping him make connections and book other tours.

“I consider those years with Jaco as my post-graduate education,” Thomas says. Performing in Sting’s band was one of his favorite experiences. They went on a world tour for two years and even played with Elton John for the Sultan of Brunei. He also went on tour with Lenny Kravitz and Vanessa Paradis.

Though he did not meet them at Webster, Thomas became friends with fellow alumni Terry Jackson, Tony Saputo and Kirk Cappello through various music groups in the St. Louis area. When the three musicians, who were playing for Reba McIntire’s band at the time, died in a plane crash in 1991, Thomas jumped at the opportunity to help remember them. He and a group of musician friends gathered together and raised money through a concert honoring the men.

Eventually, an endowed scholarship called the TKT Scholarship (standing for Tony, Kirk and Terry) was created in their names.

Thomas fondly remembers some of his favorite professors, many of whom are still teaching at Webster today, such as Allen Larson, Bob Chamberlin and Steve Schenkel. A few years ago, he came back to Webster to conduct a guest lecture for Schenkel.

Today, Thomas figures he has toured with just about everyone he wants to tour with and is taking his new self-titled solo jazz album on the road. He and his wife and children call Florida home.

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CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

Office of the Secretary of Defense in Summer 2009.

Rear Adm. Allen Worley, MA ’81, is the new superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.

Capt. Hany Noureddine, MA ’06, operates seven U.S. Army recruitment centers in Queens and Nassau counties in New York.

CRYSTAL LAKE, ILL.

FT. LEONARD WOOD, MO.

Bill Brogan, MA ’06, is the new chief of police for the McHenry Police Department in McHenry, Ill.

Robert J. Walker, PhD, MA ’83, is serving a oneyear position with the International Foundation for Education and SelfHelp. The organization selects approximately 50 educators from colleges and universities across the United States to volunteer in sub-Saharan African countries and to train local teachers.

He will be serving in Ethiopia.

EDWARDS AFB, CALIF. Jonathan Emanuel, MBA ’04, was hired at Morgan Keegan & Company Inc. as a financial advisor in the firm’s Chattanooga, Tenn. branch.

Jonathan Emanuel Robert J. Walker

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. Arletta Wallace, MA ’00, recently completed her PhD in human services with a specialty in health services administration from Capella University.

She is a nursing home administrator in northwest Arkansas.

Shelly Boyd, MA ’07, was chosen as Cambridge Who’s Who “Outstanding VIP of the Year,” representing the pharmaceutical industry.

FT. BLISS, TEXAS Lt. Col. Eloy Cuevas, MA ’01, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in February 2009. He will be assuming an assignment at the

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Keith E. Heuser, MA ’02, was named the new administrator of Mercy Hospital in Valley City, N.D. He was formerly the chief executive officer of Clarinda Regional Health Center in Clarinda, Iowa.

Fred Fanning, MA ’05, authored the chapter, “Safety Training and Documentation,” in the peer-reviewed book, “Safety Professional Handbook,” which was edited by Joel Haight and published by the American Society of Safety Engineers.

FT. SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS Gen. Craig R. McKinley, MA ’79, was made General (4-star) and became chief of the

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Charleston Alumni Attend Business Program National Guard Bureau in a ceremony at the Pentagon on Nov. 17, 2008. He is the first fourstar general to lead the National Guard in its 372 year history.

Col. Kimberly D. Olson, MA ’87, was recently inducted into the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame.

She had a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force and was one of only a dozen female pilots to reach the rank of Colonel in the Air Force.

Col. Kimberly D. Olson

From left, South Carolina State Representative Joe Daning, MA ’99; CEO of the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce Elaine Morgan; and Charleston Community Relations Coordinator Bette Century Thomas, MA ’03, attend a September 2008 Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce “Salute to Small Business” program presented by Google.

Greg Atchison, PhD, MA ’89, recently accepted a position within Boeing’s Leadership Center as a leadership development specialist. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

tarian efforts in leading a group to build a health center in Liberia.

Richard Sommese, MBA ’91, was hired as government sales manager at Nexicon.

FT. SMITH, ARK.

Col. Pat Sargent, MA ’94, is the commander of Task Force 62, a deployed Joint Medical Task Force consisting of 4,000 personnel responsible for providing health service support for the Iraqi theater of operations.

Dr. Frederick D. White and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

FT. SHERIDAN, ILL.

Joseph R. Kane, MA ’83, is the new director of technology & business development at The University Center of Lake County in Lake County,

Dr. Frederick D. White, MA ’75, is pictured with Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. He was honored for his humani-

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Jill Ward, MBA ’03, recently joined the LeFlore County Oklahoma State University Extension Office as a family and consumer sciences educator. She also serves as the coordinator of LeFlore County’s Home and Community Education groups.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND Nadine Lerner ’97 has seen her line of gifts and accessories, BlueDogz Design, featured in many national and international publications such as “Real Simple,” “Parenting” and “Teen Magazine.” Her line is sold in stores and boutiques throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan.

GREAT LAKES NAVAL HOSPITAL, ILL. Master Chief Billy Hill, MBA ’02, is on active duty in the U.S. Navy and currently stationed at NSA Mid-South.

He recently accepted an officer position as vice president of public relations.

Elena Dzharimova, BBA ’04, CERT ’04, MBA ’07, started her own fashion line of party dresses called DJAEL in 2007.

One of her designs was featured in the Swiss fashion magazine “Femina” in November 2008.

Master Chief Billy Hill

GREENVILLE, S.C.

KANSAS CITY, MO.

Antonio D. Smith, PhD, MA ’94, recently received a doctoral degree of ministry in pastoral studies from Covington Theological Seminary.

Allen Gill, MA ’82, is the new city manager for Carbondale, Ill. He was previously the city manager for Pittsburg, Kan. James L. Terry, MA ’91, was recently promoted to the rank of major general in the U.S. Army.

He is the director of the Future Force Integration Directorate in Fort Bliss, Texas.

Dr. Martyn Clay, MA ’93, is the new vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at Bainbridge College in Bainbridge, Ga. Maj. Douglas Nickelson, MBA ’93, was promoted to the rank of Major in the U.S. Army Reserve on Nov. 10, 2008. He works at Kansas City Power & Light.

Sheldon L. Mitchell, MA ’96, is the new president and chief executive officer of the Dayton Urban League in Dayton, Ohio.

He was previously the executive director of the Urban League of the Upstate in Greenville, S.C. John South Lewis, MBA ’97, is the new director of sales, USA & Canada, for Oerlikon Accotex Inc., a Swiss-based corporation.

He was previously a product manager at Oerlikon’s Gasket and Sealing Group.

Keith Moody, MA ’98, is the new city administrator for the town of Harrisonville, Mo. He was formerly the city administrator for Platte City, Mo.

Gregory L. Brace ’04 (Orlando, Fla.) to Karen L. Goniea on Oct. 11, 2008.

Dennis Boykin, MBA ’01, was selected senior vice president of Corporate Business Development at STG Inc., a company that provides information technology, technical security, engineering and scientific services.

Niki Martinez ’04, MAT ’07, to Tim Tedoni on Jan. 31, 2009.

LITTLE ROCK AFB, ARK.

MARRIAGES Antonio D. Smith

America. ICAP Plc of the United Kingdom is the largest financial interdealer broker in the world. As part of the transaction, he will be the managing director at ICAP USA and will be in charge of its media market division.

R. Adm. Dixon Smith, MA ’94, was recently promoted to U.S. Navy rear admiral (lower half) and took command of Navy Region Hawaii, Naval Surface Group, MIDPAC, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Bridget S. Havey, BBA ’02, ’05 to Carl A. Fischer on March 29, 2008.

Kara M. Price ’05 to Corbett Patrick Shannon ’03, MA ’06, on Oct. 11, 2008.

Kate Thomas to Phil Eckelkamp ’05, CERT ’05, on Aug. 30, 2008.

Elizabeth M. Gratzer ’06 to Christopher M. Smith on March 20, 2009.

Ashley Illers, BFA ’07, to T.J. Humphrey on March 1, 2008.

Melanie L. Klingelhoefer, BBA ’07, MA ’08, to Bryan D. Bernat, BBA ’05, on Oct. 18, 2008.

Ed Holmes, MA ’85, is the new senior instructor for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps in Hemingway, S.C.

Brenda Simmons, MA ’07, was recently inducted into “Cambridge Who’s Who Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry.” She is the program director for Baptist Health School of Radiography in Little Rock, Ark.

LOUISVILLE, KY.

Stuart E. Spires, MA ’99, was named assistant vice president for GOAL Admissions at GardnerWebb University in Boiling Springs, N.C. He was previously employed as an account executive at Wachovia’s education finance division.

Tara Y. Houston, MA ’01, (Columbia, S.C.) to Kayode M. Taylor on Jan. 3, 2009.

Wanda L. Pee, MBA ’01, was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army.

Courtney P. Seifried, MA ’05, to Bradley J. Swederska on June 21, 2008.

Louis Carlock, Jr., MA ’97, recently retired from AT&T Advertising and Publishing (Yellow Pages) after 33 years of service.

Christopher Ian Wood, MBA ’05, (Fayetteville, Ark.) to Samantha Joann Gay on Oct. 18, 2008.

LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN

Stan Heidmann, MBA ’03, is the new chief financial officer for The Nu-Era Group, a global supplier of retail fixtures and displays, located in St. Louis.

Jon Shafer, MBA ’06, (Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.) to Lisa Gross on Sept. 27, 2008.

Nicole Burmingham, MAT ’05, (Crystal Lake, Ill.) to Mark Butchko on Nov. 8, 2008.

Melissa McClain, MBA ’05, (Greenville, S.C.) to Jeffrey Hammer on Sept. 20, 2008.

Danielle G. Smith, MBA ’07, (Andrews AFB, Md.) to Erick Arbe on Nov.15, 2008.

LOS ANGELES AFB, CALIF. Frank M. Gillespie, Jr., MA ’00, recently joined Welkin & Associates as director of security.

Daniel Scott Williams ’07 to Stephanie Lauren Myles in December 2008.

Sylvester Terry, Jr., MA ’03, to Latecia R. Chinn on Oct. 11, 2008.

Rodrigo Falcon, MBA ’04, was recently named the international audit manager at British American Tobacco Mexico, where he has worked since 2005.

Rep. John Boccieri, D-Ohio, MA ’96, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Ohio’s 16th District.

Melanie Jackson, MA ’98, is the new director of human resources at David M. Gilston Insurance Agency Inc.

Stephanie Cunningham ’08 to Lee Hastings on Sept. 27, 2008.

Gennaro Buonocore

LITTLE ROCK, ARK.

C. Anthony Bohn, MA ’97, was recently named an honored member in services by Princeton Premier, an executive business leader registry.

He is the vice president of human resources at Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, Ky. Gary Michael, MA ’05, is the curator of birds at the Louisville Zoo in Louisville, Ky. He is helping to breed the Beautiful Fruit-dove, an endangered species that is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Gennaro Buonocore, MA ’94, recently completed selling Moving Pictures Film and Television and Moving Pictures Magazine to ICAP North

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Evelyn Brisbon, MA ’08, was promoted to assistant vice president at BB&T Corporation. She has worked at the bank since 1984 and is an employment consultant in BB&Ts Employment and Executive Search department.

MCCONNELL AFB, KAN. David Morgan, MA ’79, recently took office as sheriff of Escambia County in Florida.

Dean Markham, MBA ’00, was named the 2008 “Minority Small Business Person of the Year” for the Wichita, Kan., district of the Small Business Administration.

He owns Hidden Water, a hazardous waste management company.

Marlene R. Pietrocola, MBA ’04, recently joined Asbury Park Convalescent Home in Newton, Kan., as the director of clinical operations.

Evelyn Brisbon

ORLANDO, FLA. Shenita Brokenburr, MA ’00, MBA ’00, recently earned her doctor of philosophy degree from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.

MEMPHIS NSA, TENN. Tomeka Barksdale, MBA ’05, is currently an independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay Inc. Her Web site is www.marykay.com/ tbarksdale.

Kevin Kuhlman, MBA 00, is the new vice president of show services at LMG Inc., a video, audio and lighting support provider with offices in Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Las Vegas. He was previously an executive producer for CNN in Atlanta.

Alvin Benson, MBA ’06, is the new Memphis Fire Department director.

He was previously the deputy director of the department.

Mike Dockery, MBA ’07, was selected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to serve as a 2008 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award examiner.

Cain Hayes, MBA ’01, is the new leader of bundled retirement plan services at Nationwide Financial Services Inc. He was previously at The Principal Financial Group.

Chester “Tim” Williams, MA ’07, was appointed equal opportunity specialist for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Michael Loyal, MA ’07, is the associate director of marketing and business development at Florida Physicians Medical Group. He is currently pursuing a PhD in public affairs at the University of Central Florida.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. Michael Randall, MBA ’95, is the new chief economic development officer for Health Sciences South Carolina.

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It’s Always Sunny for Patrick Walsh elevision sitcom writing is not an easy field to get into, and alum Patrick Walsh’s story is no exception. Hard work, dedication and persistence eventually paid off for him and he is currently a writer for the FX Network show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

The 2003 St. Louis campus graduate was a film production major at Webster, but when he took his first screenwriting class, he knew that Patrick Walsh was the career he wanted to pursue. “I thought I wanted to be a filmmaker, but soon learned that I sucked at it,” says the St. Charles, Mo. native. “I’m not great at the technical aspect of filmmaking. I’m glad I learned it quickly.” Soon Walsh was taking more screenwriting classes and found he excelled at comedy screenwriting.

Once he graduated, Walsh did as most people trying to make it big do and packed up his things with $700 in his bank account and moved to New York City. When he was having trouble getting into the NBC page program, he called the receptionist literally every five minutes until he was able to talk to someone who did the hiring.

Eventually, he got through and was hired, and that was how he got his foot in the door at NBC. He got the chance to work for Conan O’Brien and Saturday Night Live while he was at NBC, and met his future writing partner Sonny Lee, who was also in the page program.

The two wrote a pilot episode of a sitcom about what it was like to be in the page program at NBC and sent it to the people at 30 Rock, or 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where NBC Studios is located. The executives liked the pilot and sent the two to Los Angeles in the spring of 2006.

From there the two began writing for MTV’s “Rob & Big,” a reality show based on a professional skateboarder and his bodyguard.

Walsh says writing for a reality show is not that much different than writing for scripted television. Instead of coming up with lines for the characters to read, the writers brainstorm a long list of options or scenarios and let the stars pick which ones they want to film.

One major difficulty for Walsh’s career was the Writer’s Guild of America’s writer’s strike, which started just as his career was taking off. He took a second job doing temp work, as many writers did. If a writer took another full-time job, he or she could risk being blacklisted from the Guild.

When the writers started working again in the beginning of 2008, Walsh and the rest of the writers at “Sunny” started working on the next season. In addition to writing, he also helps run the Web site by shooting interviews with cast members and uploading short clips of the show. In addition, he helps write the show’s blog, which can be found at http://paddyspub.blogs.fxnetworks.com.

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PETERSON AFB, COLO. Tony Lombard, MA ’86, works for Robert Noble Architects as a project designer. He was recently named a registered U.S. Green Council LEED Accredited Professional.

Cmdr. Neil A. Karnes, MA ’00, recently took command of the Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light Forty (HSL-40), which is based at Naval Station, Mayport, Fla.

SANTA TERESA, N.M. POPE AFB, N.C. Maj. Samuel B. Glover Jr., MBA ’01, was selected by the Department of Defense to serve as an Army Congressional Fellow. He will work for one year with a member of Congress as a Military Aide.

Robert Cruz, MA ’02, is the new vice president, Terrorism, of Hiscox’s U.S. Terrorism Underwriting operation as part of the Global Response Worldwide team.

Joanne Martinez, MA ’90, was named director of the Computer Career Center in El Paso, Texas.

SCOTT AFB, ILL. Dennis W. Vander Ven, MA ’87, was recently ordained as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church for the Diocese of Belleville, Ill. He serves at St. Clare Parish in O’Fallon, Ill.

RIVER HERITAGE, MO.

Jeff Meyer, MA ’03, was named the O’Fallon, Ill., Police Department’s Officer of the Year. He has worked for the department for 13 years.

Valerie Walker, MAT ’01, was a nominee for Emerson’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a teacher at Festus R-VI Middle School in Festus, Mo.

Timothy Downing, MA ’07, is a senior aircraft systems analyst for General Atomics in the Advanced Technologies Group’s Integration affiliate.

Calvin Avant, MA ’99, is the new director of the Escambia-Pensacola Human Relations Commission.

ST. LOUIS, MO Sister Rosarita Huber, OSB, ’64 was recently honored for 60 years of service to the Catholic Church.

Garrett Liam States ’74 is the new artistic director of O’Fallon Theatreworks in O’Fallon, Mo. David Harmon, BFA ’77, is the new associate professor of art at Sterling College. He previously held a faculty position at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Jeffery Matthews, BFA ’78, is the head of the directing and performance areas at Washington University in St. Louis. He is also the artistic director for the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Imaginary Theatre Company.

Tom Rosenberger, BFA ’80, recently received his master’s degree in landscape architecture from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, Calif.

Butch Thomas ’83 recently released a selftitled CD featuring his saxophone music. He has played and recorded with artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Aretha Franklin and Sting. He was the “Gold Artist Winner” from the 2008 Radio Indy Awards.

BIRTHS Billy Ratz ’02, MA ’06, and Susan Ratz celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Natalie Marie, on Jan. 20, 2009.

Clara Schroeder Wiegman ’02 and Chris Wiegman celebrated the birth of their son, Lucas Jon, on Oct. 4, 2008.

Brian Dukes ’06 and Nikki Dukes ’07 welcomed their first child, Elisha Haarlem, on Dec. 22, 2008.

Barry Larson ’07 was recently chosen by the Chief Warrant Officer selection board to be promoted to CWO5 at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego.

Krissi Timmerman ’06, MA ’06, and Timothy Charles Timmerman ’07, welcomed their first daughter, Alexis, on July 17, 2008.

Shannon McLaughlin Chavez ’07 and Ediberto Chavez welcomed their son Emiliano Hidalgo on Sept. 14, 2008.

Timothy Downing

SHAW AFB EDUCATION CENTER, S.C. Tiffani A. McGainey, MA ’07, recently joined the Peace Corps. She will work in the city hall in the information department on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde off the coast of Africa.

Kim Bouldin-Jones ’87 is a medical facility aide for KBJ Consulting. She started the first nonprofit dedicated solely to improving the infrastructure of public hospitals in Africa and South America. She is a teacher at John Burroughs School in St. Louis.

Patrick Huber, BFA ’87, is the head of the theatre program at Mary Institute Country Day School in St. Louis. He is also an active freelance designer.

Robert Kennon, BFA ’87, had his oil painting and printmaking art, “Spiritual Visions,” displayed from Oct. 14, 2008 to Dec. 7, 2008 in the Center for Faith and Life on the campus of Luther College.

Stacey Holt, BFA ’89, is involved in the casting for the production of “Minsky’s.”

Kara Krekeler ’04 and Karl Krekeler ’04 welcomed their son, Logan James, on Sept. 4, 2008.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.

Michael Shupp, MA ’92, recently took a position at Van Scoyoc Associates Inc., Washington’s largest independent government affairs firm. He is a decorated retired U.S. Marine colonel and former chief legislative advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

SPACE COAST, FLA.

Allison Brewer ’08 and Donald Becker celebrated the birth of their first child, Addison Lanette Becker, on May 19, 2008.

Christine Wells Eason, MA ’00, MBA ’01, and Richard Eason welcomed their daughter Kaitlyn Jane Wells Eason on March 17, 2008.

Ann Brennan Buss, MA ’05, and Todd Buss welcomed their second daughter, Elizabeth Brennan Buss, on July 16, 2008.

Marcus Myles, MBA ’05 (Orlando, Fla.), and Lisa Myles, MBA ’08 (Orlando, Fla.), celebrated the birth of their second child, Reilani Marie, on June 26, 2008.

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Norbert Leo Butz, BFA ’90, is starring on Broadway in the world premiere of “Fifty Words,” a play by Michael Weller.

Leyna Nguyen ’92 is the first Vietnamese-American woman to win two Emmy Awards. She is a reporter for KCAL and KCBS in Los Angeles, as well as a weekend evening anchor for KCAL. Brent Dean Robbins ’92, ’95 received the Harmi Carari Early Career Award for Inquiry in Psychology from Division 32 of the American Psychological Association, the Society for Humanistic Psychology. He is an assistant professor of psychology at Point Park University in Pittsburgh.

Bill Church, BFA ’93, is on the theatre faculty at Interlochen Arts Academy.

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Rob Weiman ’96 received his designation as an Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate from the National Auctioneers Association’s Education Institute. He is a licensed auctioneer with Mound City Auctions in St. Louis.

Paul Hennerich, BFA ’93, is the chief audio engineer for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Robert Mark Morgan, BFA ’93, is the assistant professor of scene design at the University of Washington. He also designed scenery for The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ production of “St. Joan.”

Tori Humphrey Collier ’97 recently received a master’s degree from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma.

Sr. Jeanne d’Arc Schleicher, SL ’39 Roberta Gerlach ’44 Virginia (Ginny) R. Burrus ’48 Jean Frerker Platt ’48 Sr. Margaret Grace Elsey, SL ’51 Marian Sly Bugg ’52

Gloria Luecking ’54 Mary Louise Tyler ’57 Lorraine Johnson ’63 Sr. Clara Marie Thompson, SL ’63 Judith Winkelmann ’64 Lois D. Morcom ’70 Tori Humphrey Collier

Tarah Flanagan, BFA ’97, starred in the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ production of George Bernard Shaw’s “Saint Joan.”

Gillian McNally, BFA ’95, is an assistant professor of theatre education at the University of Northern Colorado.

Elise Sandell, BFA ’97, is the stage director for “Romeo and Juliet” with the Asheville Lyric Opera in Asheville, N.C.

Nicole (Lakeshia) Dunn ’96 was accepted into the FBI as a special agent.

She is an attorney and certified auditor and will use both skill sets in the FBI as well.

Kelly J. Scott, BSN ’97, was recently appointed to the Missouri State Board of Nursing by Gov. Matt Blunt. She is a nurse practitioner at University of Missouri Health Care.

Robert Kauzlaric, BFA ’96, recently became the new marketing director for the Lifeline Theatre in Chicago.

Jessica Hannah ’98 recently earned a master of fine arts degree in interdisciplinary art & media from Columbia College in Chicago. She works as a staff member and adjunct professor at the college.

Lisa Orlovick ’98 joined Vertegy, a sustainability consultant agency in St. Louis, as an administrative specialist.

Vicki Shenk, BFA ’98, is the general stage manager for Cirque du Soleil’s production of “Mystiere.”

Robert Kauzlaric

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Ceil Reh ’35

Sr. Michael Mary Dea, SL ’54

Stacey Carlson, BFA ’95, recently finished a European tour as an aerialist and dancer with Cirque du Soleil’s Delirium. She is currently working for Parson’s Dance Company, choreographing an aerial piece and assisting for their new evening length work.

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Marie Luechtefeld ’32

Dorothy A. Bonn ’54 (St. Louis), MA ’88 (Jeffersonville, Ind.)

Kevin Earley, BFA ’94, is playing Earnest Defarge in the new production of “A Tale of Two Cities” on Broadway.

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Mary “BeBe” Robinson ’74, MA ’75 Silvia Mayer ’76 Robert E. Shyrigh ’84 Terry L. Bergman ’99 (Kansas City, Mo.) Hersel Jones, MA ’75 Burnett C. King, MA ’75 Donald W. Lyle, MA ’75 (Kansas City, Mo.) David Baer, MA ’77 Tom H. Caudill, MA ’80 (Ft. Sam Houston, Texas) Rodney Lee Miller, MA ’82 (Keflavik Naval Station, Iceland) Kenneth M. Lehman, MA ’83 (Little Rock AFB, Ark.) Bobby Dewayne Wierzowiecki, MA ’83 (Ft. Sam Houston, Texas) Maj. Craig S. Childs, MA ’85 (Ft. Bliss, Texas) Robert McHaney, MA ’85 (Ft. Sam Houston, Texas) Lt. Col. Teddy Wayne Pylant, MA ’85 (Little Rock AFB, Ark.) Bill Wooden, MA ’85 (Fitzsimons Hospital, Colo.)

Mary Alice Gaffney, MA ’88 Col. Willard “Gene” Marlow (Ret.), MA ’88 (Kansas City, Mo.) Mary “Jan” Neuwirth, MA ’98 (Jeffersonville, Ind.) Charles E. Brice, Jr., MA ’00 (Scott AFB, Ill.) The Webster University community also mourns the loss of: Jim Bland, adjunct professor of broadcast journalism with the School of Communications; Joseph P. Kelly, who retired as Webster’s first provost in 1991 after 25 years of service to the University; and T. Jefferson (Jeff) Straub III, adjunct professor at Webster’s San Diego campus.

Donna Snyder, BSN ’98, recently published the book, “Define Crazy,” about her time serving as a nurse on a locked psychiatric ward.

Justin Blandford ’99 is the new manager of stateowned historic sites for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. He previously worked as the manager of the IHPA’s Old State Capitol, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices and Vachel Lindsay Home sites.

Erin Dykstra ’99 was nominated for Emerson’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a teacher at Bayless Intermediate School of Education in St. Louis.

Steve Meyer ’99 recently finished animation on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Bolt,” starring John Travolta, Miley Cyrus and Sussie Essman.

This is his third film working for Disney over the past three years.

Adam Hart, BFA ’00, is the stunt man for Christian Bale in the new movie “Terminator 4.”

Matthew Huffman, BFA ’00, is directing “Bury the Dead” for Tim Robbins’ The Actors’ Gang in Los Angeles.

Bill Michalski ’00 has a humorous greeting card collection titled, “Big Small Town,” which features locations throughout the St. Louis area. His cards are sold in local stores throughout the city.

Rome Catholic School of Education in St. Louis County.

Shannon Kessler ’02 is performing as Gretel in “Hansel & Gretel” with the Tulsa Opera’s children’s opera.

Michael Pierce ’02 recently received his master’s degree in history from American Military University.

Patrick Walsh ’02 is a writer for the FX sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

Dave Kaiser ’03 recently won an Emmy at the 2008 Mid-America Awards for his work on the segment, “Fashion Week: ‘Project Design!’” which aired on CCIN, a local Charter Communications cable channel in the St. Louis area.

Brandon Porter ’03 was a featured vocalist with the Lompoc Pops Orchestra in California. He is an attorney in the Vandenberg Air Force Base Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.

Stacey Auch ’04, CERT ’04, is the new associate public relations director for LP&G Inc., an integrated marketing agency.

She was previously account manager for land development and gaming clients.

Mark Taylor ’00 worked on the filming crew for the Paramount Pictures film, “Up in the Air,” starring George Clooney.

Eddie Pendergraft, BFA ’01, is in the production of “Wicked” on Broadway.

Judy Steiner ’01 was nominated for Emerson’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a teacher at St. Clement of

Stacey Auch

Brady Barke ’04 is the new assistant director of athletics for compliance at Southeast Missouri State University.

Let Us Hear From You! o you have professional news about yourself or other alumni to share with the Webster University community? Have you moved? Do you have a suggestion for a story? Use this space to let us know! If you’ve been mentioned in a newspaper article, send us a copy.

Or e-mail Breanna Herschelman at alumnews@webster.edu

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Carolyn Deming, BFA ’04, is the publicist for Kim-from-LA Literary and Media Services.

Kaniela Aiona ’05, CERT ’05, is the new assistant men’s basketball coach at Lake Forest College.

Angelita Thomas, BFA ’05, works as the assistant stage manager at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Kera Steavenson-Mashek ’06 was recently honored by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. She received two awards for best feature and excellent single topic news coverage. She works at KSN TV News, based in Wichita, Kan. Andrea Fisher ’07 is a news anchor for “Montana this Morning” at KRTV in Great Falls, Mont.

Megan Hanneken ’07 owns Digital Productions, a video production and photography studio in the Washington, Mo., area.

She was recently profiled in the Washington Missourian.

Brianna Harnden, BFA ’08, is a coordinator for the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Two other alums, Carey Lawless, BFA ’80, and Angelita Thomas, BFA ’05, work with her at the theatre.

Stewart Copeland ’08 had his senior film project, “Jennifer,” selected for showing at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula, Mont.

Connie Lutz, MAT ’74, was a nominee for Emerson’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a teacher at Washington High School in Washington, Mo.

Stephen Pollihan, MA ’76, recently retired from the St. Louis Police Department. He was most recently the assistant chief of police for the department.

Daniel Duffy, MA ’77, is the interim manager of the St. George Police Department in St. George, Mo. He is also the police chief of the Lakeshire Police Department in nearby Lakeshire, Mo. Both towns are in St. Louis County.

Florence Chambers, MAT ’78, recently published her memoir, “A Time to Remember, Memoirs of an Educator.” She is a veteran educator who is semi-retired.

Clarence “Buzz” Barrows Jr., MA ’83, was recently profiled in the Senior Life Times Section of the Washington Missourian in Washington, Mo. Milt Zoth, MFA ’83, is the artistic director for the St. Louis Actor’s Studio.

Diane Peterson, MAT ’86, recently started her own business, Sweet P’s Teas, in Columbia, Mo. with her business partner Sharon Pauley. She is a retired schoolteacher and library media specialist.

Doris Smith, MAT ’87, was nominated for Emerson’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a teacher at Clayton High School in St. Louis County.

Ken Webb, MA ’87, recently won the “Distinguished Technical Service Lifetime Achievement Award” from Johnson ControlsUnitary Products Technical Group. He is a brand manager at Johnstone Supply.

Sarah Craig, MA ’89, recently joined the Charleston Parks Conservancy as the development director.

Mike Warren, MA ’91, was named president of St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Ill. He was most recently interim president and vice president of clinical development at the hospital.

Alumni Celebrate 40 Years of Friendship

Paul Brencick, Sr., MA ’92, recently joined Aloha Petroleum Company, Ltd. as the marketing communications manager overseeing promotions, advertising and marketing programs in Hawaii.

Donald Hazelwood, MA ’93, is the new vice president of unmanned systems at the Systems Engineering Group of QinetiQ North America.

He was formerly the project manager for the U.S. Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Richard Blackford, MAT ’94, was nominated for Emerson’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. He is a teacher at Selvidge Middle School in Ballwin, Mo. Susan Jordan, MA ’94, was inducted into “Cambridge Who’s Who Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry.” She is the owner and president of Angels Senior Home Solutions, a geriatric care facility in Indiana.

Brad Davis, MA ’95, was hired at Element 74 in Cape Girardeau, Mo. as a project director.

Andy Throm, MAT ’95, recently had his artwork displayed in a one-man show at the Monday Club in Webster Groves, Mo.

From left, Carolyn Connelly ’72 of Boston; Mare Earley ’73 of Chappaqua, N.Y.; Sher Doruff ’72 of Amsterdam; Mosa Mimi Baczewska ’72 of Catskill, N.Y.; Mame Warren ’72 of Baltimore, Md.; and Christine Baczewska ’71 of New York City — a.k.a. the “Wonderful Webster Women” — gather at the Earley home to commemorate the 40 th anniversary of their meeting on the first day of freshman orientation in 1968.

edition of “Who’s Who of American Women.”

She is a teacher in the University City, Mo. School District.

Robert Evans, MA ’02, was selected to be inducted in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Hall of Fame in Orlando, Fla.

Marinda Ferrell, MA ’97, MAT ’02, was recently hired at Miami, Ariz., Unified School-Unit #40 as an early awareness and readiness for undergraduate programs teacher.

Sue Anne Whitener, MAT ’99, was recently inducted into the 2008-2009

Robert Evans

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Barbara Theresa Moore, MA ’04, was recently awarded the National Women of Color Technology All Star Award at the 13th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Conference in Dallas.

Cladie R. Spears, MBA ’03, was recently inducted into “Cambridge Who’s Who Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry.” She is an administrative specialist for the Department of Homeland Security.

Melvin B. Archie, III, MA ’06, CERT ’06, is a legal analyst/paralegal specializing in environmental litigation for Fox Galvin LLC, a law firm in St. Louis.

David Warner, MBA ’03, recently joined the Private Client Group of National City Corporation as a client advisor and vice president.

Linda D. Richardson, MAT ’06, was nominated for Emerson’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a teacher at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, Mo. Steve Albart, MBA ’08, was recently promoted to senior vice president at Enterprise Bank and Trust in St. Louis.

David Nielsen, MAT ’08, was selected as the Wentzville, Mo., 2009 Teacher of the Year. He

David Warner

is in the running for Missouri Teacher of the Year.

Charlie Pavlovsky, MHA ’08, was named volunteer services director at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

TUSTIN, CALIF. Paul Vogelgesang, MA ’87, was named the 2008 Risk & Insurance “Risk Innovator” in the Sports/Entertainment/ Gaming/Hospitality category. He was selected for the Sports Division. This award is given nationally to those in the Risk and Insurance industry who have executed an innovative idea, making a difference for their corporations and employees.

Raymond Jack, MA ’95, was promoted to operations manager at Los Angeles International Airport. He was previously airfield manager at the airport, overseeing the Air Operations Center.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA Florian Lemaire, PhD, ’93, MA ’96, currently works for the Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology. She is working in the European Union and international affairs department.

Vedrana Perkovic-Hadl ’97, MA ’02, is part of technical assistance for a project financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. She is a local credit adviser/consultant.

Eva Petric ’05 was selected by Alexander Bassin, director of the City Art Museum of Ljubljana, Slovenia, to exhibit her photographs. She recently opened a gallery in Vienna.

Vincent Marra, MBA ’04, is a managing consultant for IBM Canada. He is working on the implementation of a Global Human Resources application for IBM.

YUMA MCAS, ARIZ. Bob Olsen, MA ’85, was awarded the first Prestigious Alumni Award from Arizona Western College. He recently retired from his position as president and chief executive officer of Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Ronald Neher, MBA ’94, is the new chief, command, control and computers (C3)/Avionics Management Division production management directorate for Tobyhanna Army Depot.

He was previously chief of the directorate’s Command, Control, Guidance and Support Scheduling Division.

Charleston Alumni Chapter Holds Strategic Planning Meeting

From left, Edna Edwards-Holt, MA ’02, past president; Bette Century Thomas, MA ’03; Sharon Ellington, MA ’05, vice president; Janette Brown, MA ’98, president; and Katrina Robinson-Curtis, MA ’02, secretary, attend the Charleston Alumni Chapter Executive Board meeting on strategic planning.

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Webster Creates Scholarships to Help Alumni and Families in Tough Economic Times r. Neil J. George, president of Webster University, recently announced two scholarship programs to help Webster alumni and their dependents. These are two examples of how the University is working diligently to help members of the Webster community during these difficult economic times.

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Alumni Legacy Scholarships Dependents of Webster University alumni — “alumni legacies” — are now guaranteed a $6,000 annual scholarship as full-time freshmen attending the St. Louis campus, beginning in August 2009. Legacies who meet the admission require-

ments will be eligible to receive the scholarship each year for a total of four years. Alumni dependents will also be able to apply for additional scholarships and financial aid.

More information can be found at www.webster.edu/scholarship.

Professional Enhancement Scholarship for Alumni (PESA) Alumni can apply for a special scholarship for graduate studies and receive up to 50% off current tuition rates during the Summer, Fall 1 and Fall 2 terms of 2009.

The Professional Enrichment Scholarship for Alumni (PESA) lowers the initial cost of graduate degree programs at U.S. metropoli-

tan and military campuses and at the Geneva, Leiden and Vienna campuses during these three terms.

The actual scholarship award will vary depending on number of courses, hours and campus of attendance. Alumni who are currently enrolled, or have been enrolled at Webster during the previous academic year (since summer 2008) are not eligible for this scholarship program. In addition, MAT, MFA, Nurse Anesthesia, graduate cohort programs and DMgt, and ALL online courses are excluded. For more information about PESA and how to apply, log on to www.webster.edu/pesa.

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