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Hall of Sponsors Fall 2021
Family, friends, and students gathered to celebrate the 18 new Hall of Sponsors scholarships.
The Hall of Sponsors ceremony is one of the highlights of Homecoming at Central Methodist University. This year’s ceremony highlighted 18 recent Hall of Sponsors scholarships, exceeding $1 million. While some already have been featured in the Talon, here are spotlights on our newest scholarships.
Dr. Gerald Hoxworth, ’49, Estate and Family Scholarship
Gerald (Jerry) Monroe and Frances Hardy Hoxworth have flourished during their 70 years of marriage, which began with their meeting at Central. As first-generation college graduates from very humble beginnings, they have always valued the impact of a college degree when coupled with drive, perseverance, and a commitment to humanity. The Hoxworths created this scholarship to enable first-generation students like them to achieve their educational goals and pursue their dreams.
As is clear, Jerry and Frances have always seen education as crucial to their personal success and fulfilling lives. Jerry understood from his own experience, the difference education could have on one’s life. He also recognized the importance of the GI Bill in providing him the opportunity to fulfill his dream and maximize his talents. They are forever grateful for the life-altering experience they enjoyed at Central Methodist College, where they pursued their educational goals and found each other.
Dr. Thomas and Lora Perry Scholarship
Dr. Thomas A. and Lora M. Perry spent 20 years in the Central community, from 19431963. While Tom spent his time as an English professor and chair of the department, while Lora was known for the kindergarten classes she taught in Fayette and in later years teaching freshman English at CMU.
They loved interacting with and hosting Central students in their home. These included the monthly Scribblers and Scrawlers meetings and the “parties” after the final performance of a theater play Dr. Perry directed.
They were world travelers. Having grown up in Puerto Rico as the son of a missionary, Tom came by his international interests naturally. In 1959, he received a government Smith-Mundt Grant to teach at the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico. When he left Central in 1963, it was to accept a Fulbright Fellowship to be the first American lecturer at the University of Bucharest in Romania. Following the year-long stay in Romania, he spent the 1964 summer at Oxford University in England before returning to the United States.
Tom Perry believed literature would give individuals an understanding of cultural diversity and that this would contribute to the development of their tolerance for others.
Three of their four children and one grandchild are Central graduates, along with several spouses, nephews, and nieces. The Tom and Lora Perry Lounge in Classic Hall where Dr. Perry taught was funded in honor of them by their children.
Dr. Tad, ’65, and Carolyn Summers Perry, ’66, Scholarship
Carolyn and Tad Perry, both CMU graduates, remain active with the CMU community – Carolyn as a member of the CMU Alumni Association Board of Directors and Tad as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2021 (Board Chair 2013-2021).
Carolyn (Summers) graduated from Central Methodist College in 1966 where she distinguished herself as a leader (president of her Delta Phi Omega sorority, student body secretary, member of the Judicial Court, elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities). She was a math and business major (not majors where you found many women). This despite the fact she came to college after skipping her senior year at Armstrong High School.
In 1966 she began what became a 27-year career with IBM and on multiple occasions she was recognized by the company. A marker for the Regional Manager’s Award, the special Waterford glass vase, is sitting on her fireplace mantle with a rose in it. Indiana’s Highest Sales Award was twice enjoyed. Carolyn was truly an elite IBMer.
Having worked in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, in 1989, she added Indiana to her states when she married Tad Perry, a fellow CMU graduate.
Upon retirement from IBM, it was less than a week before a friend approached her about working during the South Dakota legislative session. Carolyn became the second assistant to the clerk of the South Dakota House of Representatives, often referred to as the Bill Clerk. She spent nine years in this role.
Tad, a 1965 graduate, majored in political science. As an undergraduate, he was president of his fraternity (Mokers), was a class officer and member of the student council, editor of the 1964 Ragout, and was elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
After graduation, Tad earned graduate degrees (M.A. and Ph.D.) from the University of Missouri-Columbia before becoming a Professor of Political Science at Ball State University. He concluded his 23-year career at Ball State as a university administrator when he became the Executive Director for the South Dakota Board of Regents, the CEO of the public university system. In 2009, he retired after fifteen years in that role. He is the past chair of both the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. In 2010, he was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives.
Both Carolyn and Tad have extensive CMU connections. Carolyn’s parents were both alumni. Tad’s father was chairman of the English department for twenty years (19431963). Their family is in a third generation of members attending CMU. Being fully retired for the past decade, the Perrys continue to live in South Dakota.
They travel extensively to see their four children and five grandchildren and other wonders of the world. Their favorite travel story is when on top of a Swiss mountain they took a rest break at a small tavern where one other couple was seated. A voice calls out, “Tad is that you?” The other couple in that remote place were Fred and Jenny Bergsten, both CMU graduates and past members of the Board of Trustees, wearing CMU sweatshirts. Four CMU graduates 5,000 miles from campus.
Board of Trustee Chair, Nancy Walker Peacock, '82, with past chair Tad Perry, '65, speaking to Dr. Drake.
Charlotte Summers Wenneker Scholarship
Funded by the Perry family
Charlotte Summers Wenneker was a kindergarten teacher, a librarian, and a devoted volunteer caring for others. Besides working full-time most of her life, Charlotte believed in volunteer service. She belonged to a service sorority and collected door to door for March of Dimes, with her daughters in strollers.
When her girls were in Brownies and Girl Scouts, Charlotte lived for months with a dining room full of Girl Scout cookies while volunteering as cookie sales chairman. After retirement, she stayed active, volunteering in the classroom as a reading aid for first grade students. She loved the students and brought them homemade treats on all the holidays. “Mrs. W” was everyone’s favorite grandma.
Born in Fayette and raised in Armstrong, Mo., Charlotte graduated from Armstrong High School in 1956. She attended Christian College, Central Methodist University, and graduated with a degree in English from the University of Alabama in Athens, Ala.
Charlotte celebrated more than 50 years of marriage to Gordon (Sam) Wenneker, living and working all over the U.S. and abroad. Believing in education, they worked hard to educate themselves and to see that their two daughters (Carolyn Gordon and Anne Condon) received not only their college degrees but master’s degrees.
Charlotte comes from a family with a long affiliation with Central Methodist University. Both her parents (Robert and Fleta Summers) are CMU alumni as is her sister (Carolyn Perry). The scholarship is funded by the Perry family.
Bob and Eleanor King Scholarship
Funded by James and Paul '68 King
Bob and Eleanor King created a home and family where hard work and values were developed and nurtured. Their children knew that hard work would pay off. The Kings exemplified their values daily through their tireless professional careers and their countless giving of their love of church and music. For more than 18 years in their retirement, Eleanor and Bob provided monthly musical entertainment to 54 nursing homes in the St. Louis area. Bob played the organ; Eleanor led the singing. That volunteer service was recognized multiple times in St. Louis-area newspapers.
This scholarship was made possible through generous funding of sons James and Paul ’68 King, and is made to recognize students who have worked hard and pushed themselves to succeed in the classroom, a trait the Kings believed would ensure future success.
Funded by Todd Dalzell, ’91
This scholarship honors the service and education legacy of Dr. William and Elizabeth “Betty” McIntosh.
Elizabeth (Betty) Dunn Spickelmier McIntosh was born in Lowndes, Mo., on September 26, 1926 and grew up in Cape Girardeau, Mo. In 1946, she graduated from Southeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Southeast Missouri State University) with a B.S. degree in education. In 1947, she married Harold Spickelmier, a Methodist minister. After his death in 1955, she taught 12 years at Chaffee High School, while raising their daughter, Sally. In 1963, she earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-Co1umbia, and in 1967 she joined the faculty of Central Methodist College (CMU).
William David (Bill) McIntosh was born October 14, 1936 in Pryor, Okla. Growing up, he lived in Pryor and Cleveland, Okla.; Imperial, Calif.; and El Dorado, Kan. He graduated from high school in El Dorado, attended El Dorado Junior College, and received a B.A. degree in mathematics from Southwestern College. He then received M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in mathematics from the University of Kansas. Following graduate school, he taught at the University of Missouri-Co1umbia before moving to Central Methodist College (CMU) in 1970 as chairman of the Mathematics Department.
On June 16, 1974, they were married in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church. After teaching 25 years in the Business and Economics Department, Betty retired in 1992. Her favorite retirement activity has been listening to first-graders read at the Fayette Elementary School for 20 years. Bill retired in 2002. With a lifelong interest in classical music, he studied piano for 20 years and also learned to play the organ. He has served as substitute organist at Linn Memorial and several other churches in the area. He served Linn Memorial for 42 years as its treasurer. They enjoy retirement in their Fayette home as they keep up with family, a son-in-law, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Funded by Michael, ’86, and Connie Ponder, ’87
Michael, ’86, and Connie, ’87, Ponder (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) have established the Ponder/ Perry Hall of Sponsors Scholarship for a student who mirrors their backgrounds by majoring in pre-law or business. Having met at CMU and having thoroughly enjoyed their time in college, both academically and socially, they have always felt the opportunities and experiences gained there laid a strong foundation upon which their future successes were built.
Although no monetary contribution can come close to expressing their gratitude for such an experience, they hope the scholarship they have established will help enable a future graduate to benefit from a CMU education that holds the promise of expanding their minds, maximizing their potential, and enriching their relationships.
Leslie and Gladys Eversmeyer Scholarship
Funded by Terry, ’83, and Dr. Elaine Eversmeyer Henderson, ’83
Leslie (Les) and Gladys Eversmeyer loved God and family. Les and Gladys would probably say that is all one really needs to know about them, but their story is much richer than that. They exemplified lives of character, humility, and lifelong learning.
Born in Troy, Mo., the youngest of seven children, Leslie attended a one-room school up to the eighth grade, then farmed the family farm alongside his father and two brothers. This was the tradition of the time and place, and Leslie valued his education. Gladys was the third of four siblings. She attended Olive Branch School and graduated from Buchanan (Troy) High School in 1941. After graduation, Gladys went to work. World War II broke out; Les served his country in the South Pacific as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Like many World War II veterans, Les rarely spoke of his time in the Philippines and New Guinea, where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals.
After Leslie returned home from the war and back to his farm, a cousin introduced Les to Gladys at a dance. Gladys was fond of “The Tennessee Waltz,” which leads one to wonder if that was the song playing that night. Gladys and Les married on October 30, 1949. They had three children – David, Elaine, and Cheryl – and were devoted to each other and their family from that time on. Leslie and Gladys were also dedicated members of Moscow Mills United Methodist Church. This steadfastness remained with them all their lives.
Les was a successful farmer and bought his own farm while farming with his brother. Gladys would say Les could build anything. She may have been biased, but self-taught Les could design, build, or fix most anything. Gladys, too, was a self-taught, accomplished seamstress who made her daughters’ wedding gowns. Gladys was an excellent cook, serving family and friends and, later, kids and staff at Wright City High School. Sunday dinner and Friday night “Burgers” were the Eversmeyer main course around the family table; everyone was welcome. Hospitality, kind words, or a little bit extra for someone in need were the gifts Gladys and Les shared with many.
The dinner table broadened as Elaine married Terry, Cheryl married Pat, and David married Debbie. Three beloved granddaughters Cassie, Amanda, and Kaity, joined the family table. Cassie married Matt and have Leah and Luke. Amanda married Cody and have Eleanor. Kaity married Chaz and have Charlie. Grandpa and Grammy loved family.
The legacy of Leslie and Gladys Eversmeyer is one of loving God by serving others, living out faith by living Mark 12:30, 31: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Cooper County Health Improvement Corporation
The purpose of the gift is to provide scholarships and opportunity to Cooper County, Mo. students at Central Methodist University.
Beth Hammond Gooch, ’59, and Rev. Dr. John Gooch, ’60
Funded by The Class of ’59
This scholarship honors Beth and John for their contributions and countless hours of service to Central Methodist University and their community.
As quoted by Beth Gooch:
“I am honored to be added to the growing number of Class of ’59 Hall of Sponsors – number 23. It is so special to see this list continue to grow.
Looking back on my years at Central College (names do change) I would lift up these memories… I helped organize Zeta Psi Lambda and was the charter president. I survived Dr. Schaff with my elementary education peers. I was gone from campus one semester, traveling to Germany as a 4-H Exchange student. And
I returned to find John Gooch waiting for me! Those events helped shape my adult life.
I would lift up these accomplishments… both of our children are now our friends and productive, honorable adults. I spent many hours in data processing helping prepare a large hospital corporation for 2000; it was completed with zero defects. This is my twentieth year as a volunteer AARP tax preparer.
I / we have learned much in this last year in how to live with this world-wide COVID-19 pandemic.”
Upon John’s passing in July, it felt appropriate to add his name to this scholarship. John Osborn Gooch, class of 1960, was a Ragout editor, ODK charter member, Moker, Distinguished Alum, and author of Playing with the Big Kids - CMU 1982-2016.
Dr. James Luetjen Scholarship
Dr. James Luetjen remains a beloved mentor, professor, and coach to many members of the CMU community. His extraordinary leadership and guidance are still remembered and respected by those he inspired during his 27 years at Central Methodist University.
Luetjen graduated from Sweet Springs High School, Mo., Moberly Area Junior College, and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He received the following degrees from the University of Missouri: BSEd in 1959, MEd in 1969, PhD in 1971. Additionally, he served our country for four years in the United States Air Force.
Luetjen began his professional career at Moberly High School in 1959 as a teacher and head basketball coach. In 1965, he would begin his service to Central Methodist College as a professor and head basketball coach. During his time on the faculty, he taught classes such as human anatomy, physiology of exercise, and kinesiology.
In 1967, Luetjen accepted the position of Director of Athletics and served in this role for the next 25 years. While AD, he also served as Chair of the Education Department (1970), as the Dean of the College (1978), and as the Chair of the Physical Education Department for 13 years. Luetjen retired from Central in 1992.
In honor of his accomplished career, Luetjen saw election to the Sweet Spring High School Hall of Fame, Moberly Junior College Hall of Fame, and the Central Methodist College Hall of Fame.
All of these accomplishments would have been impossible if not accompanied by his wife Elisabeth Holman Luetjen for 62 years, his three children, 10 grandchildren, and 18 greatgrandchildren.
Dr. Carl, ’61, and Catherine Lester Presidential Scholarship
Carl and Catherine Lester of Marshalltown, Iowa, hold Central dear to their hearts. Carl attributes Central in shaping his life through great professors and a well-rounded education. Retired from a successful career as an orthopedic surgeon with Marshalltown Orthopedics (1973-2000), he also lent his leadership as president of Mid Central States Orthopedics; president of the MMSC Hospital Board; AMA member; Iowa Medical Society FACS (College of Surgeons) member; YMCA Board member; The Methodist Church Board member; CMU Alumni Board President; and FAAOS Orthopedic Academy member. As hobbies, Carl enjoys golf, photography, and woodburning.
In reflection of his fondest memories at Central, his time with A Capella Choir, Moker initiation, and Northern Lights are forefront. He and Catherine have three children and six grandchildren and continue to reside in their hometown of Marshalltown, Iowa.
James Hunter Scholarship
Jim was born in 1931, raised in Kansas City, Mo., and attended William Jewell College. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War from 1952-1954. Jim started an advertising firm in Kansas City with several friends after graduating from William Jewell and ran that for several years. He then took a position with City Service Oil Co. in Tulsa, Okla. in advertising. He moved up in the company, and Jim’s last career path lead him to Washington D.C., where he was a lobbyist for Occidental Petroleum Corporation. He retired and moved back to Kansas City. Jim was very active in the Central United Methodist Church and served as a curator for Central Methodist University in Fayette from 1990 to 1995. Jim was very philanthropic. This scholarship will serve as his legacy and allow his name to live in his honor.
Members of the Eversmeyer/Henderson family celebrate the new scholarship.
