Fall 2022-The Talon

Methodist University Fall 2022

A Living Legend

Joe Geist celebrates 50 years at Central

Fifty Years of Sunshine at Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University has enjoyed a lot of good days in its history.

So many great memories are created here. While we’ve undergone unprecedented change and adapted with the times, I’m proud that we’ve stayed the same at our core. I believe that’s why this is such a beloved place. That, and a legend named Joe Geist.

I’m not sure how I could learn what the weather was like on a certain day 50 years ago, but I’ll bet the day Joe Geist walked the campus for the first time was a good one. If it wasn’t, he brought the sunshine and the warmth. It was a wonderful day.

The year 1972 was pivotal in American higher education. That was when student aid changed massively, and small colleges worried they wouldn’t survive. The doors were opening to China, the Vietnam War was ending, and college culture was changing forever.

Harold Hamilton was president at Central. Legend has it that Ms. Hamilton did not look forward to living in Coleman Hall (in

its present state), so Central built the current president’s house for them. Nobody knew how pivotal that time would turn out to be since her refusal to live in a deteriorated Coleman Hall ultimately led to Earl and Sunny Bates’s decision to restore it to glory.

On the campus, the culture was definitely changing in 1972. It wasn’t a seismic shift at Central, though. It was more like a steady infusion on a daily basis. Arguably, the greatest single contributor to the culture at Central has been Joe Geist. We learn about Joe’s cultural impact each and every day. The Ashby-Hodge Gallery is his living monument and his signature, but the greatest impact comes in the stories told by our alumni. They love to talk about what he was like in the classroom or what he did on those unforgettable international and domestic trips. You can read about some of those stories in this magazine.

At 90 years young, Joe’s contributions are by no means over. But he’s already a legend. I’m talking Thogmorton, Momberg, Sunoo,

and Doc Robinson-type of legend. Central is blessed by the great people who have taught here and guided our students. Joe is one of a long line, and there will be more. After Geist, I’m sure we’ll hear the names Gordon, Flanders, Anderson, and Sherman. It’s right around the corner.

When I think about Joe, I think about his boundless energy and his unbridled optimism; I think about his elegant worldview and steadfast leadership. I think about how lucky Central is to be able to celebrate Joe and all he has done.

This milestone gives us a reason to look back fondly. But dare I say it causes Central to look ahead? It causes us to be forwardthinking and to figure out a way not only to make a difference but a big difference. It may even cause us to think about the weather 50 years from now and how we can create a sunny day for the Central students of the future.

Dr. Roger Drake, President

CMU Senior Staff

Dr. Roger D. Drake, President Dr. Rita Gulstad, Provost

Brad Dixon, ’07, Vice President for Student Life

Chad Gaines, Vice President for Technology and Planning

Dr. Joe Parisi, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics

Dr. Bill Sheehan Jr., ’84, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations

Julee Sherman, Vice President for Finance and Administration

Talon Staff

Scott Queen, Editor Executive Director for Marketing and Communications 660-248-6238 | squeen@centralmethodist.edu

Joe Waner

Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications 660-248-6629 | jwaner@centralmethodist.edu

Emily Kesel

Media Content Specialist 660-248-6684 | ekesel@centralmethodist.edu

Katie Bedsaul

Social Media Specialist 660-248-6391 | kbedsaul@centralmethodist.edu

Rachel Moore Assistant Athletic Director / Director of Athletic Communication 660-248-6358 | rmoore@centralmethodist.edu

Deanna Cooper, ’15 Director of Development 660-248-6397 | dcooper@centralmethodist.edu

Stasia Sherman Director of Alumni Engagement 660-248-6239 | ssherman@centralmethodist.edu

Alissa Watkins Director of Annual Giving 660-248-6683 | awatkins@centralmethodist.edu

On The Cover: Dr. Joe Geist smiles wide in response to the turnout at a dinner in his honor on Homecoming Weekend. Turn the page for more on Geist’s legendary 50 years at Central.

Our Mission

CMU fosters a diverse and caring community, empowering students to become lifelong learners, committed to academic excellence, prepared to engage in a complex world.

Dr. Geist’s ‘Extraordinary Impact on the Lives of Others’

Community Celebrates 50 Years at Homecoming

by: Emily Kesel

news began to spread about this year’s “Hometown Homecoming” festivities to take place in October, many in the Central Methodist University community took special note of a handful of events honoring the career of one man in particular.

Dr. Joe Geist, former professor of English and chair of the humanities division and co-founder of the Ashby Hodge Gallery of American Art, was named grand marshal of the Homecoming Parade and celebrated with a cocktail reception and a special dinner in his honor. The CMU community turned out in scores, with visitors coming from all over the country to pay tribute in person.

The turnout was “overwhelming, plain and simple,” as Geist put it.

But long before anyone returned to campus for those events, Geist’s students, fellow faculty and staff members, and friends alike left messages and shared photos in an online forum. They reminisced about trips taken, lessons learned, and experiences shared, both inside and outside of the classroom. Dozens of messages were left, but they can, for the most part, be summed up in one simple sentence.

“Joe, you’ve shown the world to so many,” wrote Susan Donnelly, ’70.

Across 50 years of educating and leading at Central, that is perhaps Geist’s biggest legacy, even though it’s

one he never imagined having.

“I never thought I’d have a legacy here, to be honest with you,” Geist says with a laugh upon reflecting on what he expected when he first arrived at Central. “But certainly 50 years later, this is a legacy. I’d not be that foolish to deny that there is a legacy.”

Geist came to Central to teach primarily American literature in 1972, fresh off a summer teaching in Greece on the island of Samos. He never imagined he would end up staying in Fayette all these years, but a few key events changed the course of his life here: namely, the start of the “Janaway” program of trips to New York City and London and later the opening of the Ashby-Hodge Gallery.

“They stand out in my life here because of all the involvement and entrapments that I had,” said Geist. “My life expanded through both of those, over and over again, in terms of widening my spectrum and my outlook and attitude, my whole perspective here.”

Those same factors made it possible for Geist to widen others’ perspectives, as well. Many former students

As

Beverly Davis Garner, ‘88, and Kathy Dempsey, ‘86, celebrate with Dr. Geist.

fondly recall their days spent experiencing the arts along with Geist on the Janaway trips. Those memories live on through the journals they kept while on the trips and continue to hang onto all these years later.

Even now, events in the world of arts and culture connect back to those times for Geist’s students. When stage and screen legend Angela Lansbury passed away in October, Geist was overwhelmed with messages from former students.

“I can’t tell you how many people have emailed me, Facebook messaged me and said ‘Do you remember how we saw the original Sweeney Todd with Angela Lansbury in New York?’” said Geist. “We have great connecting links there, with those memories.”

Another life-changing connection that occurred for Geist upon arriving at Central was meeting Tom Yancey, a fellow professor and artist who would become his partner in work and life until Yancey’s passing in 2019.

“We met that first few weeks I was here, and our relationship grew and grew and grew until we had the audacity to live together,” said Geist. “And that opened up all kinds of doors.”

It opened up doors for students as well. In his address to Geist and dozens of others gathered at the Homecoming Weekend dinner, Keith Young, ’86, recalled how often he was challenged, moved, and in-

spired while visiting the home of the two professors.

“The Spring Street [home] has been the scene of many supportive conversations for LGBTQ students and community members,” he said. “Joe and Tom were creating welcoming spaces long before that was commonplace.”

It’s no coincidence, no accident, that Geist’s home became a safe, welcoming place for students of all kinds. He says he “inherited” the responsibility of maintaining a good student/faculty relationship when he arrived at Central. But it takes work to cultivate those relationships, and Geist always made sure to put in that work.

He cites Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I when recalling that, “If you become a teacher, by your pupils you’ll be taught.”

“We learn from the students as much as they learn from us,” said Geist. “I learned how to be honest and how to have integrity. I learned how to think of the total picture of the student, how each one comes from a different environment, a different society. You take what that person brought and use that.”

Geist still uses that philosophy today, in conversations he has in the AshbyHodge Gallery. He loves speaking with the many foreign-born students on campus, often surprising them with his own stories

Gina Wyckoff shares a hug with Dr. Geist.

Terry Coan and Terry Henderson, ’83

Mark Dempsey, ’85, Dr. Geist, and Beverly Garner, ’88

Dr. Geist celebrating the day.

Keith Young, ’86, addresses the crowd.

of having visited their home countries.

“It’s that common ground that you offer and you find between students and yourself that’s very important,” he said. “Because you start with that common ground and you build from there.”

And upon the common ground he’s found with countless students over his 50 years at Central, Geist has built a legacy – as unintentional as it may be – that will truly live on. That fact was all but set in stone at the end of the dinner in his honor, when CMU Board of Trustees President Nancy Peacock made a surprise announcement on behalf of the board of the Ashby-Hodge Gallery that two of its rooms would soon be named after its co-founders, Geist and Yancey.

“It was a shock and a surprise, and as [Vice President] Bill Sheehan said, ‘I think we saw him speechless.’ Which was true,” Geist said of the announcement. “Regardless of where I go and what happens to me, that will be a rather lasting situation, as long as we have the Gallery here.”

Even without that tangible reminder, it seems unlikely that Geist’s contributions to Central will ever be forgotten. Certainly not as long as the students he impacted can recall what he meant to them.

“The life of Dr. Joseph Geist is one marked by extraordinary impact on the lives of others,” as Young put it in his speech.

It’s a life that has been equally impacted by those he met here, too.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Geist said simply. “I’m very pleased with my life here in terms of how it has evolved, how it’s progressed, and how I’m able to contribute to the welfare and the whole of life at CMU. That’s just who I am.”

Board Chair Nancy Peacock, ’82, shares a moment with Dr. Geist.

That unforgettable Dr. Geist smile.

Former board chair Tad Perry, ’65, with Dr. Geist.

Terri Rohlfing, ’98, with Dr. Geist

Christina Vogel, ’91, with Dr. Geist.

Left to right: Bill Sheehan, ’84; Terri Rohlfing, ’98; Dr. Henry Graham; Sara Chaney, ’76; Keith Young, ’86; Dr. Geist; Nancy Peacock, ’82; Sarah King; Dr. Roger Drake; P. Rob Brown; Emily Myler; and Cole Nowlin

Top left: Mark, ’76, and Rebecca Harbison, ’77. Top middle: Donn, ’89, and Lynette Harrison, ’88. Top right: Rob, ’84, and Kim Stoll Caldwell, ’82. Above: Rev. O’Neal addresses congregation in vow renewal ceremony. Right: The Alexanders’ original wedding photo. Bottom left: Rev. David Kerr, ’67, and Marsha Kahler Kerr, ’69. Bottom middle: Emma, ’18, and Parker Johnson, ’17.

Bottom right: Rick, ’03, and Shelby Alexander, ’97.

WE STILL DO Alumni Couples Renew Vows At Homecoming Ceremony

They came from near and far, yet their diverse stories share a common denominator: Central Methodist. Nineteen couples participated October 9 in a Homecoming wedding vow renewal ceremony at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church.

For Rick, ’03, and Shelby, ’97, Alexander, renewing their vows at Central “just made sense, because the ceremony fell on our actual anniversary,” said Shelby, a member of the board of trustees.

The Alexanders, who have been married 23 years, have a daughter, Virginia Claire, attending CMU. They met at Central as part of a Janaway trip to Greece. A ride up the elevator together started it all.

“This was such a nice ceremony,” said Shelby, who with her husband cut the cake Sunday for all the attendees. “Because everyone has a common story and kind of started out in the same place.”

Parker, ’17, and Emma Johnson, ‘18, were the youngest couple among the 19 who participated. They traveled from Nashville to Fayette for Homecoming just for the ceremony.

And there were three couples who were married in 1965— celebrating 57 years: Mary, ’64, and Don Armitage, ‘64; Nick, ’65, and Krisi Auer ‘67; and E.C. , ’66, and Ann Core Walker, ‘67. The couple traveling the longest distance was Gary, ’72, and Venatta Stephens, ‘73, from Chesapeake, Virginia.

The ceremony was the brainchild of Rev. Bill O’Neal, pastor at Linn Memorial.

“It was just a way to help people elevate the love they have for one another and be more aware of their marriage and what it means,” O’Neal said.

O’Neal said the genesis of the ceremony comes from the fact that he has met and discovered so many alumni who met their spouses at Central.

“It’s astounding,” said O’Neal, who participated in a vow renewal ceremony with his wife, Dawn, several years ago. “There are close to 800 living couples that we know of who either met or got married at Central Methodist.”

Participants received a frameable alumni vow renewal certificate. Cake and punch was served after the ceremony.

Alumni Awards Brunch 2022

One of the most highly-anticipated events of this year’s Hometown Homecoming weekend was the Alumni Awards Brunch, where Central Methodist University’s Distinguished and Young Alumni Award winners were recognized. The event was held on Sunday, October 9, in the Inman Student Center.

Six alumni in total were honored –Distinguished Alumni Award winners Janice Roberts Bradshaw, Bruce Addison, David Kerr, Eugene Peebles, and JB Waggoner, and Young Alumni Award winner Anthony Johnson.

Anthony Johnson, ’10

Anthony Johnson, ’10, has earned recognition for his work as the executive director of the Columbia Supreme youth basketball organization. Johnson has expanded his role over the years as his organization has grown, from coaching one team to overseeing all nine teams in the club. The Supreme provides an affordable option for families that might not otherwise have a chance to participate in the sport. Outside of the team, Johnson serves his community by mentoring young people and preparing them for job interviews, coaching at-risk youth, teaching impoverished children about financial literacy, and much more. An avid supporter of CMU basketball, Johnson was also a 2021 recipient of the Sherman Brown Jr. Award, one of the Columbia Missourian Progress Awards, for his work in the community.

Janice Roberts Bradshaw, ’58

Janice Roberts Bradshaw, ’58, is coordinating the Missouri All-State Choir for the 46th consecutive year. Choral Director at Boonville Middle and High School for 40 years, she’s a founding committee member of the Missouri River Festival of the Arts, now in its 47th season. As National High School Repertoire and Standards Chair for the American Choral Directors Association, she coordinated the first National High School Honor Choir. Bradshaw’s honors include the Luther T. Spayde Award for Outstanding Missouri Choral Director, Missouri Choral Directors Association Presidential Award of Excellence, and induction into the Missouri Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. She is the vice president of Schott Bradshaw Publications, publishers of educational DVDs distributed worldwide. A piano student at age four and church organist at 11, she was chapel organist while at CMU and is currently organist for Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church in Spring, Texas. Her daughter, Jana, resides in San Antonio, Texas.

Bruce Addison, ’66

Bruce Addison, ’66, has been a business leader and entrepreneur in the Fayette community for nearly five decades. His business, Addison Biological Laboratories, produces animal health products, including vaccines used in the veterinary profession. The company has received recognition from the U.S. and Missouri Chambers of Commerce. Addison himself has been giving of his time, talent, and treasure to both Fayette and Central, serving as a member of the Rotary Club, Linn Memorial UMC board member, and CMU Board of Trustees member, among other positions. A veteran of the United States Army, Addison is a sought-after speaker and clinician by professional veterinary and associated industries.

Rev. Dr. David Kerr, ’67

Rev. Dr. David Kerr, ’67, is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church who has stood behind the pulpit in all 50 states and traveled in five different continents. He has also served Missouri churches, including Independence First in Warrensburg and most recently provided seventeen years of leadership at Salem UMC in St. Louis. Kerr has provided leadership with and served on multiple boards, including Central’s Board of Trustees. While serving in St. Louis, he helped establish a tutoring program for elementary-aged children in the community. He and his wife, Marsha, have three children – including CMU alumnus John David, ’87 – and five grandchildren.

Eugene Peebles, ’87

Eugene Peebles, ’87, is an accomplished musician with more than 40 years of experience performing all across the country. Peebles held various positions in business around the St. Louis area while leading the musical efforts at his home church. He started Talking Sax Music Productions and the Eugene Peebles Jazz Trio 15 years ago and has since used his musical talents to benefit schools and churches. An accomplished performer in gospel, jazz, and R&B, Peebles has performed the National Anthem at NBA games, as well as at St. Louis sporting events.

J.B. Waggoner, ’91

J.B. Waggoner, ’91, has been engaged in community and civic issues in the Fayette area since graduation. He has served on the Fayette Board of Aldermen – including as Mayor of Fayette, the CMU Board of Trustees, and several boards and advisory committees focusing on local and statewide business and community issues. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Board of the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDC), Howard County’s professional economic development partner. Waggoner has been active in the hi-tech venture world, having co-founded two testing and research laboratories, as well as having consulted on the development of several emerging technologies and the start-up of several new ventures. He describes himself first as husband to Dori, ’92, Dean of the Swinney Conservatory of Music, and father to Thomas, ’16 – now also father-inlaw to Allison, ’17, and grandfather to Mary.

President’s Medal Awarded to Whitney E. Kerr Sr.

BY SCOTT QUEEN

Just after the Antebellum period in American history, a brick house was constructed on a hill just outside of Arrow Rock, Missouri.

The year was 1869, and little did anyone know, Central Methodist University would be connected to the home more than 150 years later.

The Federal-style home was considered opulent at the time, since most people in the area lived in modest log homes. But fast-forward to about three years ago, and the stately home on 54 acres had fallen into disrepair.

That all changed when Whitney Kerr Sr. stepped in. Kerr, senior vice president at Cushman & Wakefield, owns a home in Arrow Rock and cares deeply about the community. Restoring the home to prior glory became a passion of his.

Kerr was approached to be the trustee of the property and said he would accept the appointment only if he served pro-bono. He also agreed to waive any real estate commissions. In October, he was appointed the trustee of the estate owning the property, and he learned it would eventually be owned by Central Methodist University, Union College in Kentucky, and the Order of Eastern Star. But if he didn’t get its structural integrity stabilized and other repairs made, the three would have nothing of value to inherit.

“I love Arrow Rock, and I’ve been coming here since I was a little boy,” Kerr said. “There are so few of these houses left, and I wasn’t going to let it crumble to the ground.”

Kerr’s restoration work is complete, and he says the house and 54.7 acres are going to two buyers “who have grand plans for the property.”

Little did Kerr know, but Central had grand plans for him. Because of his care for the Arrow Rock community and preservation of the house, President Roger Drake presented Kerr with the prestigious President’s Medal on October 9. It is the first time the medal has gone to someone who is not an alumnus of Central Methodist University.

“He took it upon himself to save this treasure,” Drake said during the presentation. “He handled the cleanup and restoration, the legal challenges of a complicated estate, and he found two loving buyers.”

Kerr, who is 88 years old, said he was honored to receive the award. He said his “reward was getting to meet so many great people at Central Methodist.”

Kerr still goes to work each day at Cushman & Wakefield, and he still remembers his early trips to Arrow Rock in the late 1930s when his parents would drive there from Kansas City for picnics.

“There was an old jail in town,” Kerr remembered. “And they always told me if I didn’t behave they would throw me in there.”

While Kerr has spent almost 65 years in the real estate business and is a well-known broker of commercial, industrial, and land property in Kansas City history, he has a strong tie to Central Methodist.

His mentor in the real estate business “Walter Campbell, a devout Methodist, was like a second father to me,” Kerr said. “And he was Bob Hodge’s father. And everybody at Central knows who Bob and Anna Mae Hodge are. The Ashby-Hodge Gallery (at Central) is one of a kind.”

Whitney Kerr is one of a kind as well.

Research Lab Dedicated to Dr. Anson

BY EMILY KESEL

In the academic year of 2018-2019, a group of faculty members at Central Methodist University got together to form a task force on research. Many ideas were presented and discussed, but one in particular gained traction thanks to the efforts of psychology professors Elizabeth Gold and Jackie Anson. Their proposal for a research lab made it all the way to the desk of Dr. Rita Gulstad, CMU provost.

“We strongly believe that providing [research] opportunities to our students not only increases their knowledge base, but also enhances their analytical and critical thinking skills, their communication skills, and their professional skills,” read the proposal.

Gulstad and others approved the idea, and fundraising for the lab began soon after, with a vision in mind of creating a space not only for psychology students but for the betterment of the Fayette campus in general. a $10,000 gift from Dr. Bill Beneke helped make that vision a reality

Dr. Anson sadly passed away in November of 2020 and never got to see the fruits of her labors with the lab. But many in the Central family began Homecoming weekend this October by gathering to formally dedicate the Dr. Jacqueline M. Anson Psychology Research Lab in her honor.

Located on the fourth floor of T. Berry-Smith Hall, the lab is already in use by students in the social sciences, but this event marked a special time for those who knew Anson to celebrate her life and her contributions to Central.

“Dr. Anson was a visionary and a dedicated faculty member who brought a new perspective on what can happen in an undergraduate program in psychology,” said Gulstad at the event. “Her dedication to her students and their ability to engage in undergraduate research was outstanding.”

Dr. Roger Drake, CMU president, echoed

those thoughts, adding that he always learned from Anson and always felt uplifted when speaking to her.

“When one works at an institution founded in 1854, one cannot help but feel the history of great educators and leaders that went before us,” he concluded. “It is my hope that years from now, decades from now, students continue to be influenced by the Anson Psychology Lab. I think Jackie would be absolutely thrilled to know that this lab stands here today in her honor.”

Current psychology professor Dr. Christopher Arnold shared with those in attendance what is already being done with the lab, pointing out that research is already being done by students of several different majors. He said he hopes it can be a space for all the social sciences and something that benefits the entire university.

Arnold’s thoughts seem to reflect Anson’s own wishes for the lab, though the two never met. One speaker from the event, 2020 alumna Reagan Sullivan, however, was able to share her firsthand experience of working closely with the late Dr. Anson.

“She taught me a lot about how to be a strong person, at a time in my life when I really, really needed it,” said Sullivan, who spent many hours researching with Anson as a student. “She pushed me to be the absolute best I could be and taught me to never give up.

“I remember her talking about starting this research lab, how important it was to her and how much she wanted to get it off the ground. I can’t express enough how emotional and thrilled I am to see it come to fruition today, and to know that even though she’s gone, so many students are going to be impacted by this,” Sullivan concluded.

Top: Dr. Elizabeth Gold talking with Reagan Sullivan ’20 and Madison Pragman ’21.

Above Photo: Ned Anson (Jackie’s husband) is sitting on the table chatting with Drew ‘19 and Kylie Tillman ’19.

Washburn Reaches Another Pinnacle with Honorary Degree, Commencement Address

BY SCOTT QUEEN

At 91, Robert Washburn thought the life-changing moments on his journey were likely behind him.

He took a few job risks in his younger years and succeeded beyond his wildest imagination. He married the love of his life, Jane, and they had two children who to this day generate immense pride. And he has dealt with overwhelming grief at the loss of his wife after 69 years.

Yet, earlier this year he made a phone call that created a seismic shift. He called the provost’s office at Central Methodist University.

Washburn’s one regret in life was that he never finished his degree at Central, and since he didn’t have anything to do that afternoon, he picked up the phone and called to see how many credits he had and whether he could “take a class on the internet.”

When Provost Rita Gulstad heard Washburn’s story and learned of his impact and his success, she got an idea. What if Central awarded him an honorary bachelor’s degree and gave him the chance to deliver the commencement address in December?

“I choke up when I think about it,” said Washburn, who lives in the Kansas City area. “It was like a storybook offer. You know, you live your life and think there are parts you are never going to get back. Now I get to walk across the stage.”

Washburn, who was one of the programmers for the Titan missile, started writing. But this

time it wasn’t code. It was a special gift for the graduates of Central, talking not about his accomplishments but about what he has learned.

Washburn left Central after just three semesters. He and Jane were married, and he was beginning his work life. He had just lost his father. He started at the bottom as an “office boy” and rose to great heights in an extraordinary corporate career.

His first stop was the KT Railroad, where his father was once a conductor, making runs from New Franklin to Parsons, Kansas. He got a job “working with numbers” and began working with electronic accounting machines as a junior tabulator operator.

“That was before computers,” he said. “It’s where I fell in love with information technology.”

The next stop was General Motors in Kansas City, where he learned how to work on equipment controlled by wiring panels. He then knew his calling was to be a programmer. This is where another one of his life-changing moments occurred.

“They sent me to a Dale Carnegie course,” he said. “I had to come up with half the cost, but it was worth it. That’s when I started focusing on leadership, integrity, and never giving up.”

Washburn was promoted at General Motors but faced a brick wall when it came to programming. They wouldn’t move him to the

position because he didn’t have a degree.

So, it was on to the next stop, Martin Marietta in Colorado, where they recognized his programming brilliance and offered him a job working on the Titan missile, the largest intercontinental ballistic missile ever deployed.

“That’s when I started working on the IBM 650, the world’s first mass-produced computer,” said Washburn.

He wrote programs for the Titan for many years until he was scooped up by Montgomery Ward. He then proceeded to work on programming for the dawn of mass credit and inventory control systems.

Washburn’s final stop was at Western Auto, where he secured the position of vice president for logistics and information technology.

Jane was always at his side, moving onward and upward with each career. He points out that she was a lover of art, specifically the Renaissance era and Thomas Hart Benton. He still has her beautiful walnut baby grand piano in the living room, in addition to an 1800s pump organ.

Jane passed away last December after a bout with pulmonary fibrosis. He was her caregiver until the end.

“It’s one of those things you have to do,” he said. “It’s a part of your journey.”

CMU Events:

Kansas City Alumni Social at Boulevard Brewery

More photos from the 2022 Kansas City Alumni Social: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/165662066@N06/ albums/72177720300059415

Lynette Harrison, ’88; Donn Harrison, ’89; and Laura Blair, ’86 Vice president of advancement and alumni relations Bill Sheehan, ’84, welcoming the crowd.

Carley Baldus, ’22; Natalie Van Horn, ’22; Rachel Hohn, ’20; and Dottie Powell, ’21

Back row: Sterling Birch, ’13; Kiona Sinks, ’18; Addie Layne, ’13; Esther Guzan Escalra, ’11. Middle row: Zach Niemeier, ’09; Julie Parrish, ’05; Julie Massana, ’14; Ciera Kluck, ’15. Front row: Tanna Niemeier

Julie Parrish, ’10, alumni board president, speaking to the crowd.

CMU Events:

St. Louis Alumni Social at Persimmon Woods Golf Club

More photos from the 2022 St. Louis Alumni Social: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/165662066@N06/ albums/72177720301181544

Annie Holder, ’97; Jennifer Anthony, ’97; Jenny Brennecke, ’96; Stephanie Jones, ’98

Ron Mills, ’83; Terry Henderson, ’83; Larry Layden, ’83; Elaine Henderson, ’83; Jacque Knight Richmond, ’83; Tina Fuhler, ’83; Kara Sabo, ’84; Laurie Regan, ’82; and Bonita Hoehne, ’84

Matt, ’10, and Stasia Sherman, Director of Alumni Relations

Mark, ’85, and Kathy Dempsey, ’86, and Joe and Tammy Brown

Alumni Board members Kathy Dempsey, ’86; Julie Zielger, ’91; and Julie Parrish, ’05

CMU Events:

Springfield Alumni Social at Springfield Brewing Co.

More photos from the 2022 Alumni Socials: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/165662066@N06/ albums/72177720303350593

Marvin Manring ‘85 and Mary Ann Manring ‘86

Back row: Mary Ann Manring, ’86; Marvin Manring, ’85; John Cheary, ’70; Jacque Cheary, ’82; Don Kern, ’86; and Terry Blair, ’83

Front row: Rick Cowert, ’75; Brenda Cowert, ’75; and Lara Fors, ’92

Jason Piles, ’18; Garren Johanson, ’21; Matt Loyd, ’15; Taylor Cornelison, ’15; and Morgan Maples, ’15

Zeta group photo Back row: Lara Fors, ’92; Mary Ann Manring, ’86; Debbie Dodge, ’89. Front row: Morgan Maples, ’15, and Mary Ann Calloway, ’93 Keith, ’89, and Cindy Spalding and Patty and Mike Nichols, ’87

‘Mr. Nate’ Creates Special Moments

JEFFERSON CITY - As the end of the school year wrapped up last spring, there was a special graduation celebration for four Jefferson City students.

The fifth-grade boys from East Elementary School got to say goodbye to elementary school in style. They were chosen to take part in Mr. Nate’s Suited and Booted Graduation Dinner.

“When they become men, they’ll look back and say, ‘Man, I remember how fun that going through the process of going to that graduation dinner was. I want to create that for someone else,” said Nate Brinkley ‘02. “I just wanted to create that memory for them.”

The evening starts with Brinkley, fondly called Mr. Nate by students, picking up the boys in his truck.

“Let me get a spin!” Brinkley said while taking pictures of one student he picked up. “You look good man, it’s going to be a great time!”

The boys dressed up in suit and tie for the event where they take photos at their new middle school and outside the capitol building before heading to Columbia’s CC’s City Broilers for dinner.

“I just wanted them to look their very best, even if that meant being uncomfortable for a few hours, which they have told me plenty of times,” Brinkley said with a laugh.

Brinkley works as a behavioral interventionist specialist for Jefferson City Public Schools. He said the four students who get to come to the dinner are chosen

with the help of their teachers.

“Levi, this is his first year with us, but the other three, they’ve been with us since kindergarten, first grade,” he said. “I’ve known these boys for three or four years. So, I was able to see their progression.”

Nathan Vinson, Emmon Woods, Jordan Trotter, and Levi Dominguez were the four students invited to the dinner. They said it was an honor to be there for the big night.

“I felt happy,” Vinson said. “Because he could have chosen anybody else, but he chose me and them.”

“I feel special,” said Woods. “It was pretty exciting. [Mr. Nate’s] like a friend to me.”

The students said Mr. Nate means a lot to them and their classmates.

“He’s an awesome person. He looks out for students, he makes sure they’re okay, and if there’s any problem, he makes sure to take care of it,” Trotter said.

The night wasn’t only a special moment for these students, but for their families, too.

“It’s a very special night for me and my grandson because he deserves it. He’s a good kid,” Trotter’s grandma and foster parent, Wanda Seals, said. “He’s a straight-A student all year round.”

“I see [Levi’s] growth in everything that he’s doing, so I’m pretty proud of Levi,” Dominguez’s dad, Misraim Dominguez, said. “It’s going to be in his memory and I’m sure in his heart and he’s always going to have that with him.”

The idea was born out of the pandemic after elementary school graduation didn’t happen as it normally did.

“Our kids didn’t get much of a graduation, just a simple drive through the parent lane and got to wave at teachers,” Brinkley said.

So, he planned something more with the help of donations. This was the third year of the now- annual event.

He said the best part of the night is when the students see their dinner delivered.

“And the second those lids come off and those boys’ eyes get big their faces get lit up, and they just stare at their plate for a second, that’s the moment right there,” Brinkley said.

He hopes it will inspire people around the area to start special traditions like this for more students.

“I mean, that’s just what I want to do, just create that moment. I didn’t have those moments when I was growing up,” he said. “I’m hoping that people will get out there and do more things like this.”

The evening didn’t end after dinner. The students went to Applebee’s for dessert, and Brinkley gave the rest of the donations to the boys in cash - $200 each. Brinkley said he normally starts raising donations for the graduation dinners a couple of months before the end of the school year. If you’re interested in giving to next year’s dinner, you can donate to his Venmo account, @Nate-Brinkley.

Nate Brinkley, ‘02, poses with his students at Mr. Nate’s Suited and Booted Graduation Dinner.

Story courtesy of KOMU

Perry Inducted into South Dakota Hall of Fame

Many Central Methodist alumni are familiar with Tad Perry’s long list of accomplishments at his alma mater. The former chairman of the board at CMU is legendary on the Fayette campus for not only his generosity, but his hard work and academic wisdom.

But Perry’s accomplishments go far beyond Central. In fact, he was honored this fall and enshrined in the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Perry, ’65, joined the exclusive group in September for his work in higher education.

To this day, his service as CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents is the longest of any South Dakota higher education executive officer in history. Additionally, when Perry retired, his 15 years of service made him the longest-serving state higher education executive officer in the nation. A recent article about Perry said his priority, whether as a public servant, elected official, or community volunteer, was to create new opportunities that keep young

people in South Dakota. The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship serves as one of his most visible and enduring legacies.

Perry spent 43 years working in higher education, much of that time as a faculty member and administrator at Ball State University in Indiana. He spent seven of those years as chairman of the board of trustees at Central.

Perry’s wife, Carolyn, ’66, was in attendance to see her husband enshrined, along with sons Tod Perry and Jay Perry, and Jay’s wife, Heather; Tad’s sister Laura Perry Massie, ’62, and her daughter Julie Massie; Tad’s brother, Chuck Perry and his wife Kathy Drew; future CMU student Christopher Link, Laura Massie’s grandson; Rob Parsons, the son of CMU graduates Judy Martin Parsons Kottwitz and Bob Parsons; Dan Widhalm, ’85, and his wife, Julie, the daughter of Judy Martin Parsons Kottwitz and Bob Parsons; and of course, CMU President Roger Drake.

President Drake, right, traveled to South Dakota to attend Tad Perry’s induction.

2022 SPONSORS of HALL

Carolyn Perry, ’66; Tad Perry, ’65; Julie Massie; Board Chair Nancy Peacock, ’82; Laura Perry Massie, ’62; Anne Massie; Christopher Link; and President Roger Drake.

President Roger Drake, scholarship recipient Alden Senor, Morgan Montgomery, Jina Daniel, John Daniel, Emma Montgomery, Julie Daniel, Barbara Montgomery, and Board Chair Nancy Peacock, ’82.

President Roger Drake; John Thurmon, ’10; Barb Thurmon; Greg Thurmon, ’77; Marylou Thurmon; and Board Chair Nancy Peacock, ’82.

President Roger Drake; Caryn Jeffries, ’13; Carolyn Perry, ’66;

President Roger Drake; Mark Harbison, ’76; Nan Young, ’76; Sarah Morrow, ’71;

Joe Montgomery, ’84 –The

Ultimate Fund Raiser

When Joe Montgomery, ’84, passed away, his family wanted desperately to honor his legacy with a scholarship at Central Methodist University. But none of the family members were natural fundraisers. How were they going to pull it off?

Little did they know that the work was practically done in advance. By Joe himself. The Joe Montgomery Memorial Nursing Hall of Sponsors Scholarship would become a reality.

He really didn’t raise a penny, but Joe Montgomery had a magnetic way of earning trust. He was a nurse who was known for his openness, honesty and compassion, sprinkled with humor, warmth and humanity. People sought him out. His reputation preceded him.

“The ultimate fund raiser was Joe himself,” said Greg Peters, Joe’s brother-in-law. “When he passed, friends, high school classmates, patients, doctors, bike riding buddies all crawled out of the woodwork to help.”

Raley “Joe” Montgomery died Sept. 27, 2021 at his home in Columbia after losing a battle with glioblastoma. He had come into his nursing career later than most, but as Peters says, “he truly found his calling.” Joe loved helping people, whether it was on the job in the hospital, serving as a medic on numerous Bike Across Kansas vacations, or fielding late-night calls from relatives with sick kids seeking his expert advice.

Peters and Joe’s wife, Barb, were the catalysts raising money for the Joe Montgomery Memorial Nursing Scholarship, established to honor his memory at his alma mater. Joe had found his true calling and worked as a registered nurse at the University of Missouri Hospital for 20 years, then at Truman VA Medical Center for seven more years.

“Joe was somebody who didn’t know a stranger,” Barb said. “He went out of his way to make friends and connect with people. He just had a way of being personable and showing his care for people.”

Setting up the scholarship was so important to Barb, Peters, and the family that they requested a Zoom meeting with the recipient, who learned about who Joe really was. The recipient also learned that she had inherited a second family after they offered to help her in any way possible.

“Our family Zoom twice a week started during COVID,” Barb said. “So we invited her and she accepted.”

The scholarship is funded by family and friends, and the ideal candidate is a student who has dedicated themselves to a career in nursing but could use a hand up to complete their degree. This is a person who possesses the desire to overcome adversity, the heart to champion the cause of each patient, and the grace to meet every

challenge with compassion and humility.

President Roger Drake; Board Chair Nancy Peacock, ’82; and Mardi and Ted House, ’81.

recipient Adalia Sewell; Murphy Quint; Board Chair Nancy Peacock, ’82; and Barb Heikoff, ’82.

Daryl Jefferies; Rev. Bill O’Neal; and Board Chair Nancy Peacock, ’82.

Sarah Bee Mounter Scholarship

Sarah Bee Crigler Mounter was a trailblazer for her family. Born and raised in Fayette, Mo., she was the first of 11 family members to attend Central College, Central Methodist College, or Central Methodist University. Following high school, she entered Central College in 1924 and earned an associate’s degree in 1926.

After graduation, Sarah Bee married the love of her life, Clyde Mounter, and continued to take classes in her spare time in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The world changed when the Great Depression began. Extra money for tuition was no longer available, and Sarah Bee put her educational dreams on hold, always planning to return.

Times were hard. Sarah Bee and Clyde lived with her parents and worked so they could make ends meet. Sarah Bee’s degree in education from Central College allowed her to secure a teaching position at Richland School, a oneroom school house that is still standing today south of Glasgow on Hwy. 87. Each Sunday, Sarah Bee would ride her horse 12 miles to Richland School to teach through the week, staying with families in the area until she could return home on Friday to be with her husband.

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, it was rare for women to be educated as well as a provider. Hard times bring out the character in people, and Sarah Bee did what was needed to take care of her family. Her income was important, and it allowed her family to have the basics until the economy improved.

Following the Great Depression and the birth of her first child, Sarah Bee assumed a more traditional role and became a homemaker. From time to time, with a distant look in her eye, she would talk about how she always thought she would go back to college and complete her bachelor’s degree. Although she didn’t, she had no regrets.

She used her passion for education to ensure her children and grandchildren understood the importance of getting a college degree. She always asked her grandchildren if they were “getting your studies.” She was always available to assist with homework, complete with homemade cookies and milk, and always had a way of making studying fun. Her grandchildren were always excited to take their grade cards to show her their progress. From a very young age, she would talk to her grandchildren about going to college and how important their studies were to ensure they could go.

Sarah Bee was never far from a school. Living less than a block from the original L.J. Daly School in Fayette, she decided to continue her education by serving in the cafeteria following the death of her husband. She enjoyed nine years serving and caring for students there – all of the students knew her because she always had a smile and a wink as they walked through the serving line. Her granddaughters thought it was cool that their grandmother worked in the cafeteria.

Sarah Bee’s emphasis and encouragement left an amazing legacy. Of her two sons, five grandchildren, and two college-aged great-grandchildren, the family has three doctoral degrees, two master’s degrees, two bachelor’s degrees, and one associate’s degree. These results reflect her passion for and commitment to education.

James and Mary (Mounter) Lay, Ethan and Molly Lay, and Nick Lay are proud to endow a Hall of Sponsors Scholarship in memory of Sarah Bee Mounter for students who have a demonstrated financial need and a degree path of education or business.

Harryette J. Campbell Scholarship

The Harryette J. Campbell Permanently Endowed Scholarship was funded by Harryette J. Campbell. The preference is for a student in good standing at Central Methodist University. This scholarship is a perfect example of how one can make a tremendous impact on the lives of generations of Central students through an estate gift. CMU celebrates Harryette Campbell for her generosity and foresight to make an significant difference in the lives of others and the Central legacy.

Susan Markland Donnelly Scholarship

Susan Donnelly is a 1970 education graduate of Central Methodist from Armstrong, Mo. She has a master’s in educational administration. Susan taught for 31 years, 30 in Fayette, teaching elementary and middle school, and she also served as the high school librarian. She has owned and managed rental properties, sold real estate, run an antique shop, and served for many years on the local library board.

Susan has two sons and five grandchildren, and she remains busy with bridge, PEO, and various activities around Fayette. She currently services as vice president of the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art and enjoys attending some of the many events at Central Methodist University. The Susan Markland Donnelly Hall of Sponsors Scholarship is funded by Mrs. Susan Markland Donnelly. The scholarship is for a declared education major with preference given to someone from Howard County.

Robert A. Sr. and D. Joan (Fulbright) Knight Scholarship

Robert and Joan Knight were both born and raised in south central Missouri, where they resided for most of their lives. Each was born to a schoolteacher; in fact, Bob’s mother taught Joan’s mother in school, sending Joan’s mother on a career path that would culminate in almost 50 years of teaching elementary school.

With that educational foundation in their lives, Bob and Joan moved on to postsecondary degrees and each served in education in various capacities throughout their careers. Bob was a teacher, principal, and administrator, as well as being a long-tenured member of the Missouri and later the National Society of School Business Officials. Joan was a teacher and administrator of the local Headstart program for more than 30 years and a long-time participant in Kappa Kappa Iota, a national society organized for the promotion of education.

Education was an important focus for them in the lives of their four children and 10 grandchildren, and the Knights modeled lifelong learning for their family by continuing their education well into adulthood.

The scholarship, funded by Jacquelynn Knight Richmond, ’83, is for a student from south central Missouri with a preference for students from Pulaski, Camden, or LaClede counties. The student should be a declared English or education major with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, with a preference for a member of the United Methodist Church.

Edward R. Jr. and Linda Richmond Scholarship

Ed and Linda Richmond of Memphis, Tennessee were both born and raised in the mid-south. Ed spent more than 40 years in various aspects of the real estate and development industry. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying many hunting and fishing experiences near home and abroad. In addition to caring for home and family, Linda participated in the Garden Club and remains a very active member of her church. She has volunteered in many educationfocused programs, including substitute teaching, tutoring, and other literacy initiatives. The Richmonds supported and encouraged both their children and grandchildren to value education, and not surprisingly, one grandchild has now gone into education.

Christ Methodist in Memphis is the church home for the Richmonds, where Ed became a charter member 67 years ago. Linda joined one year prior to their marriage of 62 years, and they continue to provide generous support there. Ed and Linda are charity-minded and support a number of causes caring for vulnerable populations and for the environment. Two of their favorites are St. Jude Children’s Hospital and The Baddour Center.

As Linda Richmond shared, “My father died when I was still in high school. My mother had never worked outside the home, so there was no money for me to go to college. I moved to Memphis, took a job, and went to school at night. After a couple of years, I married a man who paid for the rest of my education. He called it an ‘insurance policy’ in case we had children and if, for some reason, he wasn’t able to support the family, I would be able to do that. Fortunately, that didn’t happen. He is still with us and is helping our grandchildren pay their college tuition.

“Maybe because of my experience, I have always wanted to help someone else get a higher education. Through my daughter-in-law’s endowment honoring my husband and me, that dream is finally coming true. It is also nudging me to help someone graduate from my small, hometown high school.”

The scholarship, funded by Jacquelynn Knight Richmond, ’83, is for a student from the mid-south region, with a preference for students from the Memphis metropolitan area and Millington, Tenn. The student should be a declared English major with a 3.0 GPA who is active in high school or their community and preferably a member of the Methodist church.

Charles ‘Dude’ and Marjorie McMillan Scholarship

Dana McMillan Jacob, daughter of Fayette, Mo. legends Dude and Marjorie, ’48, McMillan, and her husband Gus Jacob established the Charles “Dude” and Marjorie McMillan Hall of Sponsors Scholarship.

Dana and Gus wanted to honor her parents and could not think of a more fitting tribute than to establish a scholarship at Central Methodist University. The Fayette and Central community meant everything to Dude and Marjorie, and they were as deeply woven into both as one could be. Their presence in the community would come to impact generations of Central students.

Marjorie McMillan was originally a member of the class of 1948, and after delaying her education for a time with family, she would graduate from Central in 1972 and see a career teaching in the Fayette School District for 17 years. Many of her students who graduated from FHS would further their education at Central.

Dude McMillan was a businessman in Fayette who owned and operated McMillan’s Café, aka the infamous “Mac’s.” There are legendary stories of alumni who credit Dude for helping them overcome challenging times while at Central and encouraging them to stick with their path and continue their education. Some would even refer to Dude as “professor.” The subsequent friendships he cultivated would prove to be lifelong. Hundreds of Central alumni would not consider coming to Fayette without stopping by to see Dude.

The story of Mac’s began in 1928 with Dude’s father and uncle as proprietors. The original business was known as McMillan Brothers and was the local bar. Students would patronize the establishment then as well. To survive prohibition, the name was changed to McMillan’s Café. With Café in the title, there was less likely to be trouble from being known as a bar, and it would also be much less alerting on students check records back home.

Mac’s was part of the community from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. The mornings would bring the local coffee crew, when Dude would serve a warm cup of coffee at 10 cents per cup, as he prepared for the day ahead. Lunch was available with pizza, hot dogs, and sandwiches, along with a pool table in the back room where high school students would gather after school.

Once evening business was in full swing, there would always be a latent group of young Central men who had dropped their dates off back at Central to meet curfew at the women’s dorm, only to continue their evening at Mac’s. Central was most aware of the student patronage and even established a rule in the student handbook noting that patronage at Mac’s would bring the consequences of dismissal if caught. Dude never took offense and saw it as the best advertisement ever!

The scholarship will be awarded to an education major from Howard County, with a preference for those from Fayette High School.

Coach Bill Holmes Scholarship

Bill Holmes or “Coach Holmes” (1929-2017), as he was known to everyone, graduated from Northeast Missouri State University, where he earned his BA and MA in education. He also served his country in the Navy during the Korean War.

Coach Holmes’s athletic career included soccer, boxing, and football. He became the head football coach at Central Methodist College in 1965, and his teams would go on to lead the nation in passing and become conference champions. He also taught at Central for 11 years. Coach Holmes was inducted into the Hairston Hall of Fame at CMU, as well as the Herculaneum Hall of Fame, where he taught high school.

Coach Holmes believed in a mantra of “What you know is important, who you know is more important, and providing a service to those you know is most important.” The Coach Bill Holmes Endowed Scholarship was initiated by alumnus William Dierks, ’71, and completed at the Hall of Sponsors level by alumnus Paul King, ’68.

The scholarship is for a graduate of Herculaneum High School or a graduate from the Jefferson County area.

Thurmon Family Scholarship

The Thurmon family legacy runs deep at Central in both science and science education. It is the desire of the family to continue that legacy through the establishment of a Hall of Sponsors Scholarship that supports science education. The scholarship is for a student majoring in science education who has a GPA of at least 3.0.

Joni and Gary Phillips Class of ’59 Scholarship

Upon graduation from Central, Gary Phillips ’59 attended medical school for one year, then enrolled in Garret Evangelical Theological Seminary, securing a BD and becoming and ordained Methodist minister. He later earned a PhD in pastoral counseling.

Gary’s primary work was with children, following a 20-year period, working in three psychiatric hospitals in Chicago. He met his wife, Joni, at Northwestern State University’s department of psychology, where both were teaching. They would continue at Northwest for 20-30 years. Over the last 20 years, Gary has had a private practice in Illinois, where his work concentrates on children and family.

Gary cherished his time at Central and the lifelong friendships he made, such as his roommate, Bishop Fritz Mutti. Gary is a native of St. Joseph, Ill.

The Joni and Gary Phillips Class of ’59 Hall of Sponsors Scholarship is the 24th fully-funded scholarship from the class of 1959.

Alpha Phi Gamma Moker Scholarship

Alpha Phi Gamma commemorates its brotherhood by honoring all departed members who have passed since its founding in 1954.

The Mokers are happy to celebrate their fraternity of 77 years on the campus of CMU with the establishment of their second Hall of Sponsors Scholarship. This annual award will acknowledge leadership skills as displayed through student government, professional organizations, and/or university athletics. The legacy of Alpha Phi Gamma has long been one of leadership and service to the university.

This service includes more than 20 alumni on the Board of Trustees, 27 Distinguished Alumni, six Young Alumni Award recipients, and two inaugural Hall of Honor alumni in Mr. Glenn Cox, ’51, and Mr. C. Fred Bergsten, ’61. The scholarship, funded by Alpha Phi Gamma “Moker” alumni, is for a student who is an active member of the fraternity who is full time has a GPA of 3.0. The student must remain in good standing with the university.

Linn Memorial UMC Edna Uphaus Nursing Scholarship

Edna Uphaus was the campus nurse for many years. While some would say she had no family, Edna saw Central Methodist and the Methodist church on campus as her family. She left most of her estate with Central, establishing a Hall of Sponsors Scholarship fund. The other portion, left to Linn Memorial, was earmarked to fund scholarships for students pursuing a degree in nursing. It is interesting to note that this scholarship was set up long before Central even had a nursing program.

Recently, the church board at Linn Memorial felt that the funds would be better served if transferred to Central Methodist University, establishing the Edna Uphaus/ Linn Memorial UMC Scholarship fund for students enrolled in the nursing program. The scholarship is for a nursing major with demonstrated financial need who must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

The Wallace Jacobs Turnage Jr. and Dara M. Turnage Hall of Sponsors Scholarship for Fine Arts, including

Theatre and Music, in honor of Professor Thomas Yancey

’54 and Dr. Joseph Geist Wallace Turnage was born in Fayette, Mo. and graduated from Central in May 1965 with a bachelor of arts degree in biology. While at Central, he was a member of Alpha Phi Gamma, serving as the president in 1965. He also lettered in golf.

After graduation, he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in Law in 1968.

While attending school, he worked for Commercial Trust Company in Fayette and a local bank in Columbia, and after graduation he was employed with the Valley National Bank of Arizona. After becoming a branch manager, he went into loan administration. Following mergers with BankOne and Chase Bank, he continued in loan administration, retiring in 1993. He then joined the Arizona Business Bank as its chief credit officer. Turnage fully retired after a merger with Colorado Business Bank in 2009. He passed the Missouri and Arizona Bar exams but continued in banking, where he used his knowledge of the law. However, he admits that almost 50 years in banking is almost too much. Turnage is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Turnage says, “the classes and helpful faculty at Central Methodist were instrumental in preparing me for my career. It is now time to support Central, to enable it to continue to support future generations. In my earlier years, I played the piano, and I was in the band at Fayette High School. My wife is an artist and agreed that our current scholarship for fine arts, including the theatre and music, to honor Dr. Joe Geist and Professor Thomas Yancey, would be a good start. The Ashby-Hodge Gallery is a most valuable asset to the University and with the guidance and support of these two gentlemen, it is a success. I met Dr. Geist upon attending Central, and I was a friend of Professor Yancey for many years before that, as he rented rooms from my grandmother, Allie Jacobs Rennolds.

“I have very fond memories of attending Central and of all the lasting friendships formed while there.”

The Wallace Jacobs Turnage Jr. and Dara M. Turnage Hall of Sponsors Scholarship for Fine Arts, including Theatre and Music, in honor of Professor Thomas Yancey ’54 and Dr. Joseph Geist, was funded by Wallace and Dara Turnage. The scholarship goes to a graduate of a high school in Howard County with a preference given to graduates of Fayette High School. The student must be a declared major in fine arts, music, or theatre, and come to Central with a high school GPA of at least 3.0.

Central Hosts UMC North Central Day

Central Methodist University celebrated the new North Central District of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church by hosting a tailgate at the football game September 10, as church leaders from Lake of the Ozarks to the Iowa border traveled to Fayette.

Bill O’Neal, pastor at Linn Memorial Church on the CMU campus, said it “made sense for Missouri’s only United Methodist college to be the gathering place.”

“I think they had a really good time,” O’Neal said. “I think it really helped some of those who hadn’t been here before to see and feel and understand CMU.”

Bishop Bob Farr played a key role in the event, as the district leadership joined church leaders at the tailgate, enjoying inflatables and games supplied by the Missouri Conference. Tim Jackman, ’81, from St. Paul UMC served as grillmaster. The Sigma sorority at CMU helped entertain the tailgate guests’ children.

While Bishop Farr handled the game’s coin toss and said a blessing at the tailgate, District Superintendent Mi Hyeon Lee said the prayer prior to the football game. Bishop Farr and Mi Hyeon presented CMU vice president Joe Parisi with a check for $200,000.

Mark Statler, ’84, director of the Center for Leadership Excellence, served as the honorary drum major at the game, directing the talented CMU band. Statler was a music major at CMU and played the French horn. He also student taught with CMU band director Skip Vandelicht, ’77, at Fayette High School.

Bishop Bob Farr handles the coin toss.

District Superintendent Mi Hyeon Lee with the pre-game prayer.

Mi Hyeon Lee and Bishop Farr present Vice President Joe Parisi, center, with a check for $200,000.

Mary Lay Directing Career Center

BY SCOTT QUEEN

Central Methodist University’s James C. Denneny Jr. Career Development Center is under new leadership with a strengthened focus on alumni and networking.

Mary Lay already has begun networking with alumni to create even more opportunities for students.

“I want to stress the benefit of networking connections,” said Lay, who previously worked as President Drake’s executive assistant. “That means [connecting] studentalumni, alumni-alumni, and faculty-alumni.”

Lay hopes to generate interest in shadowing events and internships.

“Job shadowing is a great opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of a role in a work environment as well as provide employers with a chance to view a student,” she said.

Now that businesses are open post-pandemic, Lay said the Career Development Center is working to identify shadowing opportunities that are “invaluable and good resume builders.”

“We plan to work with students early in their collegiate career to prepare for the future,” she said. “Services include resume and cover letter support, interview skills in a variety of media, graduate school exploration, and job placement research.”

Lay said alumni are encouraged to include CMU in their company’s human resource planning by considering shadowing, internships, and jobs. She said Central has talented students looking for great opportunities to boost or start their career.

A Fayette native, Lay brings 22 years of experience working in a multi-national corporation prior to coming to CMU. Her experience includes organization and process management in acquisitions, sales, and service domestically and globally. Her experience in staffing and management have already paid dividends in the Career Center.

The priorities of the Career Center remain “to ensure CMU’s students and alumni are career ready. This is our mission year-round,” she said. “The Career Center is currently working to create networks and align systems and processes with current market trends to ensure students and alumni are ready to meet the requirements and fill positions in today’s job market.”

Tools used by the Career Center, Lay said, are Handshake, an online recruiting platform for higher education students and alumni; Focus 2, which guides users through a reliable, intuitive career and education decision making model; and BigInterview, an interview training platform providing interview skills training and mock interviews.

Parisi to Become MVC President

The campus community at Central Methodist University is sending off one of its finest leaders to assume the presidency of Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo.

Dr. Joseph Parisi, vice president for enrollment management and athletics at Central, will become Missouri Valley College’s 14th president.

Parisi, an MVC alumnus, has spent more than five years at Central and has led the institution’s significant enrollment growth over that time period, breaking enrollment records, improving CMU’s visual identity, and articulating the institution’s value propositions.

Parisi built the enrollment management umbrella at Central, and has brought transformational changes to all of his areas of responsibility, including CMU’s accomplished athletics department, which was also entrusted to his leadership.

“Dr. Parisi has contributed greatly to the mission of Central Methodist University,” said CMU President Roger Drake. “Our institution can take pride in knowing that we have played a significant role in preparing a leader in the academy. We wish the best for Joe and his family as they make the move.”

Drake said he would immediately begin a national search to replace Parisi, who oversaw CMU’s admissions, athletics, financial aid, international student affairs, and marketing communications offices.

“I have loved my time at Central,” Parisi said. “The rich tradition, the family atmosphere, and the collaborative leadership have all helped me prepare for this day.”

Prior to working at Central, Parisi served as vice president for enrollment management at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, where he earned his MBA and doctor of education degree. He received a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit administration and recreation administration at Missouri Valley.

Parisi and his wife, Brenda, have two daughters, Giavanna and Maleah.

New Worship Service Underway at Linn Memorial

BY SCOTT QUEEN

So says Rev. Bill O’Neal at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church, who has launched an OmniKinetic worship service on Sundays at 5 p.m. The multicultural service is a dynamic laser light show, with fog lights and fluorescence. Participants worship through sight and sound, and there are no sermons – simply the message of the holy conversations after dancing and praying.

There is a disc jockey, Lucas Icarte from Chile, who plans to be a pastor after graduating from CMU. Icarte’s music for the service is techno and rap.

“When I came to Central Methodist and started visiting with our students, I realized they were looking for something different, especially our international students,” O’Neal said. “I began kicking around the idea of a Christian rave with our students, as well as the members of Linn Memorial UMC.”

And OmniKinetic was born.

O’Neal considers the October beginning of OmniKinetic a soft launch. He said they are still “working out the bugs.”

The pastor also said there is dancing and music throughout the service.

“I haven’t really danced since high school, but I did it,” he said. “We’re getting some things smoothed out right now, but it is going to be pretty cool.”

Parishioners at Linn UMC are attending and experiencing the new worship service and witnessing the dramatic change to their sanctuary.

“The lights are impressive,” he said. “And they are even better with the stained glass, the archways, and chandeliers.”

O’Neal called the service “a fresh way to express our adoration of God.”

The services always end with a holy conversation and close by joining hands in prayer.

“I think John Wesley would like this.”

Central Graduates, Missouri Legends

BROWN

PRESENTS CHOTT WITH

INAUGURAL

BY EMILY KESEL

AWARD

Two of Central Methodist University’s most widely-known alumni may live 2,500 miles away from each other on separate coasts, but every once in a while, Bill Chott, ’91, and John Brown, ’94, get to meet in the middle.

Every once in a while, they come home to Missouri at the same time.

The most recent of these occasions was a special one. In August, Chott was honored at the Missouri Book Festival in Washington, Mo. for being named the inaugural recipient of the Missouri Legends Award. The man who presented him with the award, and whose books inspired it in the first place, was Brown, a fellow Central alumnus and longtime friend.

“I thought it was so cool that for the very first one I would get to actually give the award to someone I knew and who had the same college experience that I did,” said Brown, author of several books on Missouri history and nightly news anchor for FOX 35 Orlando. “It was really cool, especially having seen all the stuff that Bill’s doing right now.”

The actor and comedian is indeed doing a lot right now, having been featured in the Netflix miniseries Dahmer as the head of the Milwaukee police commission, as well as a thriller titled Midcentury Modern and a well-reviewed production of The Secret World of Archy and Mehitabel

In his early career, after graduating from Central, Chott lived in St. Louis, Chicago, and New York, working in comedy with household names like Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, and Dana Carvey. He held a recurring role in the Disney series The Wizards of Waverly Place, and his first “big” movie role in Galaxy Quest was part of the late Alan Rickman’s in memoriam reel, which Chott calls “a bittersweet honor.”

But the Missouri Legends award isn’t an acting award, and it isn’t given to just anyone. It’s meant to recognize “a native Missourian whose impact has been seen and felt around the country.” And Chott’s work certainly fits the bill. Since his work on the Johnny Knoxville film The Ringer, Chott has worked with the Special Olympics and the “Spread the Word to End the R-Word” campaign, in what he calls “one of the most rewarding” things he’s ever done.

“That movie had a major influence and a major impact on my life, and I was able to bring back some of that to Missouri, so I’m always proud of that,” said Chott, who adds this award to his honors as a member of the Ritenour High School Hall of Fame, a CMU Hero Award winner, and a recipient of the A-List Award and Mastermind Award in the St. Louis area.

Despite all those achievements, Chott says the Missouri Legends Award was especially humbling to receive.

“Those are all wonderful blessings, and it’s always great to be recognized from a local standpoint,” he added, “but the fact that I was

books about Missouri and its history and will be releasing another in 2023. He was also recently nominated for a pair of Emmy Awards for his work as a news anchor in Orlando, Fla.

recognized for what I had done as a representative of the state and for the impact it’s had across the country was incredibly touching.”

Chott said it was also “overwhelming” to be honored at the Book Festival alongside former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and outfielder Rick Ankiel, who was presented with the Missouri Perseverance Award.

And of course, it was special to have been introduced and honored by Brown. The two have been friends for “more than a decade,” after finally meeting at a Homecoming weekend years after they had both graduated from Central.

“It’s funny because Bill and I missed each other by one year at Central Methodist, but we had so many mutual friends not only from Central but also in St. Louis and in the acting industry and with agents. Somehow, we just eventually connected,” said Brown, whose career has seen him anchoring in both Orlando and St. Louis over the years. “Even though we didn’t cross over directly at Central Methodist, it felt like we’d known each other for years. So when we got together there in Washington, it was just like old times, hanging out.”

“I’m sure my relationship with him is part of the reason I was the inaugural recipient of the award,” Chott admitted with a laugh. “It just goes to show, another example of how connections made at Central can stretch across the country, all the way from Florida to California.”

CMU alumnus John Brown, ’94, (left) and Bill Chott, ’91, pose on stage at the Missouri Book Festival event in which Brown presented Chott with the inaugural Missouri Legends Award.

John Brown, ’94, and brother Mike with former St. Louis Cardinals player Rick Ankiel, recipient of the Missouri Perseverance Award, presented by Brown at the Missouri Book Festival in August. Brown has written four

Pegue Lectures on Behavior Analysis, Cultural Control

BY EMILY KESEL

Held for the first time since 2019, this year’s Merrill E. Gaddis Lecture at Central Methodist University was presented on October 10 by 2013 graduate Shamika Renee Pegue, who spoke on the topic of “Socially Significant Problem Behavior: A Behavior Analytic Examination of Cultural Control.”

Speaking from the standpoint of a behavior analyst, Pegue addressed the role of social institutions as controlling agencies in the United States, specifically institutional racism as a method of cultural control. She stressed that institutions like schools and the criminal justice system have worked to structure the behavior of individuals by regulating behavior to remove children considered “undesirable.”

“A lot of teachers, a lot of school administrators don’t realize. . . that they’re putting these kids in harsher positions than what they came from,” Pegue said.

Pegue underlined the need to be aware of how “problem behaviors” like criminalizing and stereotyping black children can become cultural practice over time.

“We keep doing the same things with the same associations, over and over again, reinforcing those associations until they become a practice,” she said. “And that becomes problematic if we are looking at institutional racism as a problem behavior.”

In addressing how to combat these problems, Pegue explained habit reversal training. Usually applied to individual habits, she believes this practice can be implemented system-wide to create awareness and reverse some of the reinforced problem behaviors.

Following her talk, she took questions from a lively audience. Pegue’s Gaddis Lecture, appropriately, was held on World Mental Health Day.

Pegue graduated summa cum laude from Central in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and sociology. It was during her time at CMU that she found her love for people and helping others through human service work while interning at Endless Options in Fayette and working as a medical detox attendant at Heartland Center for Behavior Health and Change in Kansas City.

In 2020, Pegue graduated with her Master of Science in Applied

Behavior Analysis from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Prior to graduating, she conducted behavioral research with an emphasis in utilizing group contingency interventions in urban educational environments. While working on her thesis, she realized a growing need for behavior analysis to help solve real-world problems within the institution of education.

Currently, Pegue works as a behavior analyst at a long-term healthcare agency with adults diagnosed with either a developmental or intellectual disability.

As a behavior analyst, she provides client and family support through staff training, conducting functional behavior assessments, and behavior support planning.

It is Pegue’s ongoing work in mental and behavioral healthcare that continues to fuel her passion for underserved minority communities and is one of the many reasons she partnered with several Central Methodist alumni to create the non-profit organization Stand Up for Equity, of which she is the acting board president and vice president of operations.

As a first-generation college graduate, and one of only a few African-American women working in the field of behavior analysis in the state of Missouri, she has firsthand insight as to how cultural practices operating within social institutions can alter opportunities for minority groups. It is this knowledge she brings to the arena of social and cultural reform. Pegue aims to share this knowledge with others in hopes of inspiring the next generation of behavior analysts to join the call of social justice work.

Sponsored by CMU’s Kappa Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, an international society for social sciences, the lecture is named in honor of Dr. Merrill Gaddis (1891-1958). Gaddis was a professor of history and later chair of the history and political science department. He served at the college for nearly 30 years.

The full 2022 Gaddis Lecture can be viewed at https://vimeo. com/759153558.

The 2022 Gaddis lecturer Shamika Renee Pegue, ‘13, explains her work in behavior analysis.

Shamika Renee Pegue ’13

A Note from Alumni Board President

Hello Alumni Friends and Family, As 2022 comes to a close, my heart is full of the wonderful memories we have made together. Homecoming was full of reminiscing and celebrating our alma mater. We had the pleasure of meeting the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards. The alumni socials have been nothing short of stellar. During my visits at these socials held in Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield, I was honored to meet fellow alumni from all walks of life. The Alumni Board of Directors and I are looking forward to seeing all of you for more fantastic events next year! These events always remind me how blessed we are to be connected to one another. Central will always be home in our hearts. I hope you all have the best upcoming holiday season!

Sincerely,

Julie

Parrish, Class of 2005 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors

Alumni News & Notes

1950s

Harlo “Doc” Donelson, ’58, retired in September after 60 years of practicing dentistry.

1960s

Michael Jones, ’64, retired after more than 40 years in the insurance business with Mutual of Omaha and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

David Groves, ’65, and wife, Jeanne, will celebrate their 54th anniversary and David’s 80th birthday in Honolulu this year.

Larry Tucker, ’69, an attorney with Armstrong Teasdale, earned the ICON Award in June.

1970s

Alan Yount, ’70, recently published his 161st and 162nd poems. No.161 was “For

Drummer Buddy Rich.” No. 162 was “For David Sanborn: An Alto Sax Jazz Man.” These were both published by JerryJazzMusician: a national online jazz journal. Alan has also published his 36th poem in this journal. He is listed as a contributing writer.

Sara Hackley Bagby, ’71, received the Fayette Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award 2022.

Phillip J. Brucks, ’74, has retired as a clergyman with Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Lee’s Summit, Mo. He and his wife, Dorothy Drago Brucks, ’73, celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on July 6.

1980s

Robert Foster, ’82, is the Executive Director of Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, St. Charles, Mo. He is completing his graduate certificate at UMSL in museums,

heritage and public history.

Sue E. Jackson, ’82, is the corporate human resources manager (US) with Favorite Healthcare Staffing. She works with a team of 20 HR professionals that support the Chief People Operations Officer, the Director of People and Culture, 32 branches, and nine hubs.

Marvin Manring, ’85, retired from the Stockton, Mo. School District after 29 years as band and choral director. Stints at California and Slater also accounted for a total of 37 years in the music classroom.

Mimi Rogers, ’86, after teaching kindergarten, PK 3’s and 4’s for 36 years with Arlington ISD I, has retired. She will continue her job at University Christian Church in Fort Worth, as the Whitechapel Handbell Choir Director. She will teach beginning tap to the littlest dancers at Miss Persis Studio in Arlington.

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us your special news and we’ll share it in an upcoming issue of the Talon.

Alumni News & Notes

1990s

Bill Wells, ’90, is the band teacher with Duchesne High School. He will also be teaching choir, computer apps, acting, and video production.

Stephanie Oliver Norris, ’91, is the director of business operations with Mexico Public Schools.

Sonya N. Monnig Fuemmeler, ’93, will retire June 30, 2023 as the Glasgow School District superintendent.

Jim Kjar, ’93, was appointed the associate circuit judge for Benton County in the 27th Judicial Circuit.

Ken Oliver, ’93, is the executive vice president for Advancement and University Operations with Kansas Wesleyan University.

Tracy Crowe Jones, ’94, was promoted to the U.S. lead of quality and customer satisfaction for Kyndryl, a spinoff from IBM with 90,000 employees in 60 countries.

Benji Dorson, ’95, is the New Franklin School superintendent.

Ross Dowell, ’95, is the New Franklin Middle School and High School principal.

Daniel “Dan” Royston, ’95, was promoted to a buyer with Mid Am Building Supply in Moberly, Mo.

2000s

Robert Adams, ’00, is teaching math at John Boise Middle School in Warsaw, Mo.

Justin Preyer, ’00, was promoted to master chief petty officer with the US Navy NSWC Dahlgren Division FCACS.

Springfield alumni gather for breakfast

Bartel Named Deputy Commander for ‘Pershing’s Own’

Central Methodist University alumnus Randy Bartel, ’92, turned over the baton in command of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus this summer and returned to one of his past posts in August. The Lieutenant Colonel reported for duty as the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” arguably one of the best bands in the world.

In a job that has taken him all around the globe playing in and directing the Army’s most prominent ensembles, his time playing with the Pershing’s Own ceremonial band has remained one of Bartel’s most cherished memories. He served with the band in 2010 as the director of the band and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.

Pershing’s Own has traditionally provided support for the country’s leadership in all branches of government and in many areas, including national and international events, public diplomacy, memorial affairs, and recruiting initiatives. The band also performs public concerts throughout the year, both in Washington, D.C. and near its headquarters in Fort Myer, Va.

“It is difficult to put into words,” Bartel said of his move. “I’m extremely honored that I was assigned as the Deputy Commander for this organization. This is my second assignment here, and it feels great to return to a place I feel is a part of my extended family.”

Bartel, who earned a degree in music education from Central, began his music career teaching for four years at Elsberry Public Schools near St. Louis. He then started his career as a military musician as a trumpet instrumentalist with the Quantico Marine Corps Band. Bartel later went back to school for a master’s degree from the University of Missouri before becoming an Army officer.

Bartel and his wife, Gina, are both excited to be back in Fort Myer after about a dozen military household moves throughout his career.

From right, Keith Spaulding, ’88; Teri Hession, ’88; Ed Hession, ’87; Kara Hailey, Shannon Nichols, ’89; Greg Hession, ’88; Danny Henderson, ’88; and Mike Nichols, ’88

This summer the Fayette Area Community Theater put on “Newsies” with director Brenna O’Neill, musical director Michael O’Neill, and choreographer Caryn Jeffries. All three were 2013 CMU Fayette graduates and had been in band, choir, and opera productions as students. The show was rehearsed at Fayette Baptist Church and Tricky Fish, with performances in historic Thespian Hall in Boonville. “Newsies” is based on an actual newsboys strike in 1899 in New York City, and Thespian Hall was built in 1857. The students loved performing in a space that was physically there during the real story. The production was fortunate to have a live band and more than 100 persons volunteering in various capacities. It was well received by audiences and a blast for the students.

Christy Heilman Martin, ’00, is the New Franklin Middle School and high school office secretary.

Matt Rowlett, ’01, received the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association Outstanding Athletic Trainer Award in June.

Rick Sage, ’01, received the Glenn L. McElroy MD Outstanding Service Award from the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association in June.

Gary Baker, ’02, is the athletic director for the Boonville School District.

Nicki Kretzer Victor, ’02, is the first principal and curriculum director of Parkview Academy of Virtual Education (PAVE), a public junior and senior charter high school in Orfordville, Wis.

Amy Wood Ketchum, ’02, is a teacher with the Missouri Department of

Corrections. She helps offenders get their high school equivalency certificate. January 2023 will mark her 15th year there.

Adrianne Riddle Logsdon, ’03, was promoted to Chief Financial Officer with Unico Bank.

Shawn Baker, ’04, was selected by the American Association of State College and Universities (AASCU) to participate in its 2022 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI). He was also promoted to vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Harris-Stowe State University.

Bridget Barclay-Sudol, ’04, is the director of development for Habitat for Humanity in Springfield, Mo.

Stacey J. Meyer Kottman, ’05, will be the superintendent of the Glasgow School District starting July 1, 2023.

Jim Schlotzhauer, ’05, is the New Franklin High School boys’ basketball coach.

Carlei Bryan Wies, ’05, is the principal with Cedar Ridge Elementary School in Columbia, Mo.

Kris Stodgel, ’07, is the director of financial assistance at CMU.

2010s

Brooke Bankus Dodson, ’10, is the principal for Milan High School in Milan, Mo.

Hannah Kiddoo Frevert, ’10, has been selected to serve on the ABLE (Adult Basic Literacy Education) Learning Center Board of Directors in Jefferson City. She has also been elected vice chair of Jefferson City’s Environmental Quality Commission.

Patti Day, ’15, is a family nurse practitioner with Marshall Family Practice, Marshall, Mo.

Austin Gardner, ’15, is teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th

Gray, ’48, Goes Into Southwestern’s Hall Of Fame

Dr. Wallace Gray Jr., ’48, was posthumously inducted in April into the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame during Southwestern College’s Founder’s Day ceremony in Winfield, Kansas.

Gray was professor and chair of the department of philosophy and religion at Southwestern, where he taught for 40 years. He did his postdoctoral work at the University of Hawaii and pastored small churches in Missouri and Texas before taking a pastoral appointment at First Methodist Church in Lawton, Okla.

He and his wife, Ina Turner, ’48, were married in 1948.

As a scholar, more than 200 publications are credited to him, including several contributions to various print and electronic media.

At Central, Gray graduated with a BA in English. He was a member of Pi Gamma Mu, Alpha Phi Gamma, and the Student Christian Organization. He received Central’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.

Gray passed away in 2019.

grade social studies at Clark Middle School, Fayette, Mo.

Michele D. Rupard, ’15, was promoted to head softball coach with State Fair Community College.

Max Hotelling, ’16, is a football coach with Pea Ridge High School, Pea Ridge, Ark.

Caleb Stoner, ’16, is a nursing instructor with Lewis & Clark Community College in Alton, Ill.

Sam Kircher Crowley, ’17, is the New Franklin High School softball coach.

Emilie Faust, ’17, is the online compliance coordinator with CMU.

Nik Ferry, ’17, is the assistant football coach, assistant strength coach, and junior high boys’ basketball Coach with Russellville High School.

DaSean Stokes, ’17, is the assistant registrar for the School of Music at Florida State University.

Destiney Stallo Minor, ’18, is the assistant registrar with CMU.

Uyen Tran, ’18, is the assistant coach for the women’s basketball program at Morehead State University.

Clayton Carson, ’19, has joined Piedmont Physician Associates as a family nurse practitioner.

Adrian Sias, ’19, is the residence life coordinator with the University of Houston.

2020s

Yasmin Escobar-Moreno, ’20, is a recruitment coordinator with GroupM.

Alberto Pangrazzi, ’20, joined Ferrero North America in the international communications team within the Human Resources Department.

Shavonda Price, ’20, is the women’s basketball coach at Southeastern Community College in Iowa.

Luci Brasil Amaro Sauerbronn, ’20, is the assistant director of ticket sales with Tulane University in New Orleans.

Eagles are all over the world!

We found the above group in Scotland on a barge cruise: Carolyn Perry, ’66; Nancy Walker Peacock, ’82; Lori Smith, ’89; Dave Smith, ’87; Tad Perry, ’65; Lynnette Harrison, ’88; and Don Harrison, ’89.

Three Generations of Central

From left, Maureen Hennessy, CMU’s drum major, with her mom, Molly Schofield Hennessy, ’95; her grandmother, Judy Yeast Schofield, ’61; and grandpa John Schofield, ’62. The Zetas run deep in the family, and the sorority surprised Judy by gathering around her and singing on Homecoming Weekend. They made her feel like a celebrity, as she is one of the oldest living pledges from the Zetas’ first class in 1958.

Dante W. Vandeven, ’20, signed with the Stuttgart Serge in Stuttgart, Germany to be their quarterback.

Madison Love, ’21, is the assistant softball coach with State Fair Community College.

Keighlan Cronin, ’22, is a communications gameday associate with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kelsey Noll, ’22, is a customer service representative with Commercial Trust Company.

Births, EngagementsMarriages,

1980s

Nancy Walker Peacock, ‘82, and her husband Mark are pleased to announce the birth of their first grandson, Everett Francis Speake, born, Nov. 10th.

Amy Lutjen Frazier, ’85, married Don, November 20, 2021. Amy retired from teaching after 32 years with the Blue Springs School District in May 2022.

1990s

Dawn Macklin-Gulick, ’93, married Ronald Gulick on June 2, 2018 with many Central alumni in attendance.

2000s

Amy Ketchum Wood, ’02, and Danny announce the birth of their first-born son, Reece Alexander Wood June 9, 2021. Amy and Danny were married November 7, 2020.

Tiffany Huey Treadway ’05 and Michael announce the birth of their Rainbow Miracle Baby, Jordan Elijah, born September 5, 2022.

2010s

Maggie Gebhardt, ’12, announces the birth of Everett Christopher September 19, 2022.

Keri & Sean Faulkner, ’12, welcomed their second child in June 2022, Isla Daisy Anne. Isla joins her sister, Daphne Catherine Belle (born July 2020).

Angela Weicken Roe, ’13, & Erick Roe, ’13, adopted their daughter, Dalilah, and son, Franklin, from foster care on September 14.

Dr. Dori Waggoner, ’92, dean of the Swinney Conservatory of Music, and Deanna Cooper, ’15, director of development, were present to receive Wilson’s horn this fall. It is a Farkas H179 French horn, presented generously by Heather Edwards, Wilson’s daughter, and Diane Blackwelder, his sister.

Central Receives Beautiful French Horn

Maurice Wilson, ’65, loved music, and he loved the French horn. On his last visit to Central in 2020, he expressed those feelings, and more. He said he wanted to transfer his beloved French horn upon his passing to Central Methodist University, so that students could enjoy it, too.

Wilson fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma, and passed away in 2021. He gave the horn to Central, along with all of his memories. Wilson played in the orchestra in high school and earned first chair. He sang in the choir and glee club and won several awards in state music competitions with his solos. Wilson was an active member of the Blue Ridge Boulevard Methodist Church MWF and Order of Demolay. In the fall of 1961, Wilson enrolled at Central Methodist College, where he continued his musical talent in the concert band. He was welcomed in to Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, joined the Beta Sigma fraternity, and spent three years as a dorm assistant. Wilson had a quiet joy in his eye a couple of years ago as he discussed the opportunity of a student at Central to be able to utilize this beautiful piece and carry the music forward.

1940s

Nancy B. Swinney, ’41, of Macclenny, Fla. died May 4, 2022.

Charles J. Cardwell, ’46, of Wheaton, Ill. died Sept. 21, 2022.

O. David Niswonger II, ’46, of Cape Girardeau, Mo. died Feb. 2, 2022.

Helen Hartmann Neff, ’48, of Macon, Mo. died June 16, 2022.

Robert T. Firestone, ’49, of Hays, Kan. died July 19, 2022.

Margaret E. Davis Hamra, ’49, of Chesterfield, Mo. died July 20, 2022.

1950s

Marion Greene Kraich, ’50, of Hendersonville, N.C. died Aug. 16, 2022.

Harold Steere, ’51, of Columbia, Mo. died Sept. 29, 2022.

George Lee Amick, ’53, of Fayette, Mo. died Oct. 6, 2022.

James M. Berger, ’53, of Lombard, Ill. died May 10, 2022.

Lucy Aufdenberg Dealy, ’53, of Park Hills, Mo. died Oct. 23, 2022.

Virginia Gossom Dieckgrafe, ’53, of Bloomington, Ill. died Sept. 24, 2022.

Richard Quirk, ’53, of Pilesgrove, N.J. died Feb. 6, 2022.

Miguel Aguon Taitano, ’53, of San Antonio, Tex. died Aug. 8, 2022.

Thomas P. Campman, ’54, of Arvada, Colo. died Feb. 15, 2022.

Mary Alice Sheffield Flores, ’54, of Sedalia, Mo. died Oct. 13, 2022.

N. Keith Stockberger, ’54, of Ooltewah, Tenn. died June 23, 2022.

Dr. George Luther, ’55, of St. Louis, Mo. died Oct. 30, 2022.

Jesse Leroy Pollmann, ’55, of Valley Park, Mo. died June 11, 2022.

Jack Lee Taylor, ’55, of Owensville, Mo. died Sept. 2, 2022.

Ralph Lee Woodward Jr., ’55, of Fayette, Mo. died June 26, 2022.

Eula Stegner Brown Gowan, ’57, of Boonville, Mo. died Sept. 18, 2022.

Kenneth C. Anderson, ’58, of Schererville, Ind. died April 24, 2022.

John D. Bagby Jr., ’59, of Huntsville, Mo. died July 8, 2022.

Michael E. Brewer, ’59, of Jefferson City, Mo. died Sept. 10, 2022.

1960s

Donald Roger Crouse, ’60, of St. Joseph, Mo. died July 29, 2021.

Paul A. Lebeck, ’60, of California, Mo. died October 9, 2022.

Alice J. Bailey Colby, ’61, of Aurora, Mo. died Oct. 4, 2022.

Joann M. Bynam, ’61, of Bryan, Texas died May 1, 2022.

Gene Ray Yokley, ’61, of Ballwin, Mo. died Oct. 23, 2022.

Jacquelyn Hawker Whitworth, ’61, of O’Fallon, Mo. died June 22, 2022.

Julius Juracsik, ’62, of St. Louis, Mo. died April 2, 2022.

Gerald Louis Purcell, ’62, Effingham, Ill. died Oct. 3, 2022.

Kenneth D. Sandy Jr., ’62, of Kidder, Mo. died Aug. 1, 2022.

Jimmy Gene Robinson, ’63, of Sturgeon, Mo. died May 25, 2022.

William G. Abrams, ’66, of Ashland, Mo. died Feb. 1, 2022.

1970s

William Michael Brackley, ’70, of Windermere, Fla. died July 1, 2022.

Susan W. Galloway Coldwell, ’71, of Pleasant Hill, Ill. died June 11, 2022.

Fred Royer, ’72, of Springfield, Mo. died Aug. 4, 2022.

Kathleen Armor McCoy, ’74, of Aurora, Colo. died March 10, 2021.

Thomas P. Nesselhauf, ’79, of Bonita Springs, Fla. died June 4, 2022.

1980s

Timothy C. Burns, ’82, of Town and Country, Mo. died May 6, 2022.

Jason B. Fox, ’89, of Olean, N.Y. died June 9, 2022.

1990s

Rhonda Marlene Schumann, ’90, of Moberly, Mo. died Sept. 18, 2022.

Amy K. Haberkorn, ’92, of Saint Peters, Mo. died June 20, 2022.

2000s

Clinton Charles Stark, ’03, Mercer, Mo. died June 6, 2022.

2010s

Joshua Scott Perry, ’12, of Linn Creek, Mo. died Oct. 16, 2022.

2020s

Thomas William Witcher, ’20, of Denver, Colo. died May 2, 2022.

CMU FormerFriends,Faculty, Staff

William Hubert Bates of Kansas City, Mo died Oct. 20, 2022.

Robert E. Boon of Hallsville, Mo. died July 28, 2022.

Gerald Brouder of Columbia, Mo. died June 22, 2022.

Kenneth L. Burres of Sequim, Wash. died Sept. 5, 2022.

Florence A. Chesnutt Friedrichs of Pilot Grove, Mo. died Sept. 3, 2022.

Joyce A. Ginter of Franklin, Mo. died Sept. 8, 2022.

Maureen Graham of Fayette, Mo. died Oct. 30, 2022.

Millicent B. Guerri of Chesterfield, Mo. died July 3, 2022.

Charles Henry of Lees Summit, Mo. died Oct. 12, 2022.

Larry Holley of Liberty, Mo. died May 12, 2022.

Helen Jackman of Fayette, Mo. died Oct. 30, 2022.

Louise Kneuvean of Glasgow, Mo. died July 26, 2022.

William B. Kountz Jr. of Columbia, Mo. died Oct. 18, 2022.

Elizabeth Ruddick of Nelson, Mo. died June 29, 2022.

Norma June Russell of Joplin, Mo. died March 15, 2022.

David G. Skelton of St. Louis, Mo. died July 30, 2022.

CMU Introduces New Cheer, Bowling Coaches

Central Methodist University’s athletics program added two new coaches in the fall – Kennedy Wingbermuehle is the new cheer coach, and Kevin Duncan has hit the ground running as the bowling coach at Central.

Wingbermuehle is no stranger to the Eagles. She spent her first season at Central by starting the STUNT program and has transitioned to cheer.

Wingbermuehle is an experienced competitor and proven winner. She is a 2021 graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she led her team to two STUNT national titles in 2019 and 2021. Wingbermuehle was also named the STUNT athlete of the year in 2019.

In addition, Wingbermuehle captained the OSU cheer team to its seventh national championship in Large Cheer Co-Ed Division 1A in 2021. She also served as a cheerleading instructor for the Universal Cheerleaders Association from 2016-19.

Wingbermuehle replaces longtime cheer coach Terin Fuemmeler, who led the team to its first national championship in the Advanced Small Coed NAIA Division at the NCA Collegiate Cheer and Dance National Championship.

One of the most familiar faces in the Midwest bowling community, Kevin Duncan, has taken the reins of the Central Methodist University bowling team.

Duncan, 55, is an Edward Jones advisor in Mexico and has been bowling for more than 40 years. He joined the Professional Bowlers Association in 2003, with a list of Top 100-place finishes in various open events. He also owns a pro shop in Mexico, and has fifty-four 300 games to his credit.

Duncan’s team wasted no time making an impression, defeating McKendree College in its first match this season.

“We are delighted to have Kennedy and Kevin as part of the CMU coaching family,” said Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for enrollment management and athletics. “They have the experience and the passion to help our programs soar.”

Bowling coach Kevin Duncan

Cheer coach Kennedy Wingbermuehle

Trainers Save Official’s Life at Davis Field

Mike McCrary doesn’t remember a thing about that warm, sunny afternoon in early September. He doesn’t remember taking the field or officiating the Eagles’ soccer game.

People told him that he went down and his heart stopped. Two Central Methodist University athletic trainers performed life-saving CPR, and a defibrillator was used more than once. McCrary was without a pulse for quite a while.

The game was quickly suspended, and players from both teams huddled together in prayer, as McCrary, 56, was transported to the hospital in Columbia. He survived thanks to the great work of the CMU trainers and spent a week in the cardiac ICU on his miraculous road to recovery.

Fast-forward to October 6. Central’s Board of Trustees honored the life-saving action of athletic trainers Paden Kleinhesselink, ’16, and Andy Seaton, ’16, and CMU student Ricardo Sandulli. The three humbly accepted the accolades and thought the quick ceremony was over until McCrary emerged from a back room to thank them in person.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you guys, so thank you,” said McCrary, talking over the applause in the room.

McCrary had hugs and handshakes for each of the trainers, and the audience of trustees was all smiles with the heartwarming ceremony.

Mike McCrary, left, with Paden Kleinhesselink ‘16, Andy Seaton ‘16, and Ricardo Sandulli.

Annual Dr.Luetjen Golf Tournament

Pictures from the 31st annual Dr Luetjen Golf Tournament and the reception hosted by Randy ’70 and Nancy Hubbard.

3.

Front row: Hap Hairston, ’71, and Dr. Jim Luetjen

Middle row: Steve Luetjen, ’79; Roger Wilson, ’71; Digger O’Dell, ’73; Clint Kraft, ’68; Nip Meckfessel, ’70; Don Malson, ’69; Larry Anderson, ’67; Walt Bauer, ’70; Jason Holmes, ’69; Mike Dowdy, ’70; and Larry Clickner, ’70

Back row: Brett Speight, ’70; Dennis Humphrey, ’71; Cliff Mohn, ’69; Ben Liner, ’69; Ken Laune, ’70; Dale Marksberry, ’71; Don Brashears, ’69; Randy Hubbard, ’70; Tim Walley, ’71; Bill Powell, ’67; John Cater, ’68; and Clayton Smith, ’70

1. Standing: Jason Holmes, ’69; Ben Liner, ’69; Larry Anderson, ’67; Cliff Mohn, ’69; Don Brashears, ‘69. Seated: Dr. Jim Luetjen

2. Gary Whitson; Jim Liner, ’69; Jason Holmes, ’69; Randy Hubbard, ’70; Don Moxley, ’69; Don Brashears, ’69; Cliff Mohn, ’69; Ben Liner, ’69; and Ken Laune, ’70

3. Rod Hoffman; Nip Meckfessel, ’70; Buster De la Roche, ’71; Eric King; Bill Shiflett, ’75; and Woody McCutchen, ’74

4. Brad McCarty, ’94, and Shannon Jeffrey, ’95 5. Andrew Malson and Don Malson, ’69

6. Darren Pannier, ’90; Matt Sherman, ’10; Jeff Sherman, ’83; and Steve Scheiner

7. Bill Hagedorn, ’76; Tyler Watkins; Dan Gierse; and Paden Kleinhesselink, ’16

8. Tim Wally, ’71; Everett Preyer, ’85; and Clayton Smith, ’70 7. 8.

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CELEBRATING EAGLES ATHLETICS 2022

The 6th annual Celebrating Eagle Athletics Auction in July raised more than $90,000 for the CMU athletics department. Puckett Field House was filled with alumni and friends enjoying great food and a lively time, while bidding on a variety of fantastic gifts. In addition, the crowd heard from two of our outstanding student-athletes, pictured at right.

See the full album

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1. 2. 3.

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

BY RACHEL MOORE

For Central Methodist Director of Athletics Jeff Sherman, another hall of fame induction may seem routine. He is one of the winningest coaches in Missouri sports history, after all.

Through all the accolades, Coach Sherman has remained humble. The 1983 graduate and longtime head men’s basketball coach at CMU was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Nov. 20 in Columbia.

“I am appreciative, grateful, and very humbled to receive this honor,” said Sherman, who was interviewed during the introductory press conference at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia. ‘’It takes a lot of people to make something like this happen. I am very thankful to have had such an amazing coaching staff and tremendous players who have provided the opportunity for me to be here.”

The mission of the Hall is to celebrate the accomplishments of athletes of the past, while inspiring future athletes to succeed. All inductees have helped mold Missouri sports to what it is today.

Most inductees are notified via a phone call or a letter from the Hall. However, Coach Sherman’s notification was not what he expected.

“I found out about the induction at the 2022 Final Four in New Orleans, during a Coaches’ Association breakfast,” he said. “Each table got up and introduced themselves, and before my table could do so, the Director of the Hall of Fame, Jerald Andrews, stopped and made the announcement to everyone.”

It was even more special since Sherman’s son and newly-appointed head men’s basketball Coach Matt Sherman was there to witness the announcement, along with another of his former assistants-turned head coaches, Missouri Southern Coach Sam McMahon.

Sherman ranks sixth on the all-time list of winningest basketball coaches in Missouri among four-year colleges. He is also an eight-time Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honoree.

Coach Sherman tallied fourteen 20-win seasons, one 30-win season, four Heart Conference Championships, and a division championship. On the national stage, he took his teams to six NAIA national tournaments, with three Round of 16 finishes.

He had 14 seasons where his teams were ranked in the NAIA Top 25. Sherman’s 1998 team was No. 2 in the country for three weeks, finishing with a 26-8 final season record. Overall, he coached 71 all-conference players and 20 NAIA All-Americans.

In the beginning, Sherman had a different coaching plan that initially did not include CMU. The plan was to return to his home state of Colorado. His father, Alan Sherman, was a high school basketball coach in the area, and Jeff wanted to remain close.

“I came back to CMU because of two people who are still very influential in my life,” said Sherman. “Dr. James Luetjen, who was the athletic director, and Ken Ash, who was the head men’s basketball coach at the time. They called me and asked if I would return to run the JV program as a graduate assistant.”

Coach Sherman did run the JV program and assisted varsity before getting married. Upon Ash’s departure in 1985, Sherman was tasked with helping the search committee find the next coach. However, Dr. Howell, then President of Central, and Dr. Luetjen soon realized they already had their coach.

With a 15-minute interview in one of the locker rooms, Dr. Luetjen and Dr. Howell offered Sherman the job. The only catch? He had to promise at least three years on the job.

It went four decades.

Over the next 37 years, Sherman chalked up 668 total victories. Upon conclusion of his final season in March of 2022, he ranked as the fifth-

winningest active coach in all the NAIA.

Sherman has never forgotten his roots, and he attributes much of his success to his family, beginning with his parents. His father provided a sterling example and served in many roles, including as a high school coach, principal, mayor, and an associate minister. The community was very appreciative of Alan Sherman’s contributions, as evidenced by the school gym which now bears his name.

Sherman’s mother Beverly, passed away at the age of 47 due to multiple sclerosis. With this burden, however, she set an example of how adversity should be shouldered.

“My mother never complained to us kids,” added Sherman. “She was cheated out of much of her adult life and could not walk or do many things on her own. But I never heard her complain. She was a most gracious woman who said she was blessed to have the life and family that she had.”

While serving multiple roles throughout the community, Jeff’s father continued to work and provide care to his wife and raise his three children all on a teacher’s salary. This is a primary reason Jeff considers his dad a hero.

Alan Sherman, who still cherishes his role as a father, made the 900mile trip from De Beque, Colorado to be on hand and witness his son’s induction.

The coaching tree for Sherman is extensive. Seventy-five former players pursued coaching as a profession after completing their time with Sherman at Central. He hopes that those players and assistant coaches can build upon what he has learned from his Hall of Fame mentors. Every mentor he has worked with has been inducted into a Hall of Fame. Those inductees include Roy Edwards, Lowell Edwards, Ken Ash, Dr. Luetjen, and Ed Brant.

Throughout his long and productive career, players changed. Assistants changed. Staff changed. But the one constant in his life has been family, beginning with his wife, Julee.

“I owe more than ever can be repaid to my wife; she is the true head coach at home,” added Sherman. “If we had any kind of recognition for that Hall of Fame, she would have been enshrined long ago. Our greatest gift and our greatest accomplishment is our two sons. Both will tell you that Julee is the head coach at home; I play the assistant, and I am happy to do so.”

Julee added, “Each time he is recognized either in a Hall of Fame or with an award, it means so much more that it comes from his peers and those who have worked with him throughout his life. It shows the brotherhood and the bond that those coaches have with each other.”

But as it should be, the basis of a career and having success is family. Julee reflected, “Getting to see our son, Matt, play for Jeff and then come back as an assistant coach was one of my proudest moments. I think in the end, it brought those two closer together.”

Along with their sons, Ryan, ’13, and Matt, ’10, Jeff and Julee have enjoyed having their five grandkids cheer from the sidelines during home games. From running over to the bench after the games to enjoying postgame meals with the team, it has truly been a family journey.

As he reflects on his time in athletics, first as a 1978 graduate of De Beque High School in Colorado, where he was a two-time All-State selection in basketball and a three-time all-state selection in track & field, to his time at Northeastern Junior College, and then on to Central Methodist, he said, “If you are surrounded by good people, ultimately good things are going to happen.”

CMU CUTS RIBBON ON NEW ESTES FIELD

Central Methodist University baseball had a lot to celebrate this fall, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce its turf baseball field and a ring ceremony to recognize the Eagles’ second place finish at the 2021 NAIA World Series. Below left, coaches Nate Breland, ’07, and Rob Ehlers, ’10, celebrate. Middle, Vice President Julee Sherman cuts the ribbon with Fayette Schools Superintendent Brent Doolin. From left are Mike Dimond, ’85; Jeremy Dawson; Vice President Bill Sheehan, ’84; David Ross, ’82; Julee Sherman; Doolin; Vice President Joe Parisi; Jeff Sherman, ’83; and Breland and his children. Bottom right, Breland celebrates with Winston Welter, ’22.

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Soccer Squads End Season in National Tournament

Women Fall to No. 2 in Double OT

The Central Methodist women’s soccer team finished the 2022 campaign with a final record of 19-3-1, including an 11-0-1 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. With their nearperfect record in Heart play, CMU secured its fourth consecutive Heart Regular Season Championship. Central earned the No. 1 seed in the Heart Tournament, winning three-straight games, including a thriller over No. 3 MNU in the championship game. The Eagles cemented their dynasty with their fourth straight Heart Tournament title, becoming only the second team in conference history to win four tournament championships.

In addition, Central earned seven Heart All-Conference selections,

including Player and Offensive Player of the Year Sandra Jakobsen, Defensive Player of the Year Laura Riesenbeck, and Coach of the Year Dan Schmidlin. Jakobsen is now a two-time Heart Player and Offensive Player of the Year, and Riesenbeck was named the Heart Defensive Player of the Year for the third straight season.

CMU was selected to host the first and second rounds of the NAIA National Championship in nearby Columbia on Nov. 17-19 as the No. 1 seed. The Eagles defeated No. 4 seeded Cardinal Stritch 2-0 in the first round before falling to No. 2 Aquinas in the second round in double overtime, 2-1.

cruised through the Heart Tournament as the No. 1 seed, defeating upstart No. 7 William Penn in the championship game by a score of 4-0 on Nov. 12. The win over William Penn cemented Central’s dynasty with its fourth-straight Heart Conference Tournament title.

Central earned seven Heart All-Conference selections, including Defensive Player of the Year Jesse Bank, Freshman of the Year Beer De Vos, and Heart Coach of the Year Alex Nichols. Coach Nichols, a five-time Heart Coach of the Year winner, secured his 150th career win in the Heart Tournament Quarterfinals against No. 8 Mount Mercy on Nov. 5.

Nichols Reaches 150 Career Wins

The Central Methodist men’s soccer program continued its historic run in the Heart of America Athletic Conference in 2022. CMU won the Heart Regular Season Championship for the fifth consecutive season, with a final conference mark of 9-0-3. Central then

Central hosted the first and second rounds of the NAIA National Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Columbia Bracket. CMU cruised past Saint Mary in the first round 8-0 on Nov. 17 before falling to No. 3 Rio Grande 1-0 in the second round on Nov. 19. CMU finished the year with a 16-1-5 overall record. Central served as the nation’s No. 1 ranked team on two different occasions this fall during the regular season.

Davis Notches 750th Career Win on Birthday

Longtime Central Methodist head women’s basketball coach Mike Davis secured his 750th career win in the opener of the 2022-23 season, as the No. 9 CMU women rolled past Haskell 94-61 on Halloween Night. To make the feat even more special, it coincided with coach Davis’s birthday.

Davis, a 1983 graduate of CMU, has led the women’s program for two

Cross Country Runs to Season Highlights

The Central Methodist cross country programs had several notable performances during the 2022 season. On the women’s side, CMU placed third at the Maple Leaf Invite on Sept. 3, with senior Katherine Bangert placing fourth in the 4K. Bangert and Kjirsten Guilford also earned Top 10 finishes at the Mike Spielman Classic on Oct. 21. At the Heart Championships, the women placed fifth, three places better than their eighth-place finish in 2021.

For the men, CMU finished second at the Mike Spielman Classic on Oct. 21. Shawn Kiptoo and Meshack Kiptanui finished 2-3 at the event in the 8K. At the Gans Creek Classic on Oct. 1, Kiptoo and Kiptanui ran the 10th and 14th fastest times in CMU program history at 25:49.6 for Kiptoo and 26:16.5 for Kiptanui.

different stints, totaling 21 years. He is the winningest active coach in NAIA Women’s Basketball, racking up more than 750 total wins – more than 75 wins higher than his next closest rival. Over 400 of those wins have come while at Central. Davis coached the Eagles from 1987-2000, and in that span he led Central to four consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances. This included two Round of 16 finishes, one Quarterfinal appearance, and a Fab Four finish in 1998-99. He then moved on to Columbia College, where he started the women’s program. During his 13 seasons with Columbia, he compiled a 316-127 overall record, nine conference championships, and 11 appearances at the NAIA National Tournament. Coach Davis returned to CMU in time for the 2015-16 season, and since then has led the Eagles to more than 175 wins, two Heart Tournament Championships, three regular season titles, and five national tournament appearances, including a Fab Four appearance in 2021-22.

As of Nov. 21, 2022, Coach Davis boasts a career record of 753-333 for a 69.3 winning percentage in his 33 years as a head coach. During his time at the helm of the Eagles, Davis has guided his teams to 20 NAIA National Tournament appearances and 11 Conference Championships. He has coached 37 NAIA All-Americans, 105 AllConference selections, 12 Conference Players of the Year, 12 Conference Newcomers of the Year, and seven Conference Freshmen of the Year.

The Central Methodist football program finished the year with a 1-10 overall record and a 1-4 mark in Heart South Division play. CMU garnered six Heart South Division All-Conference performers, led by Heart First Team selections Davion Stockard and Erik Mays. Lontas McClinton earned Second Team honors, while Trenton Byers, KeShawn Wilson, and Le’Marcus Washington earned Honorable Mention nods. Both Stockard and McClinton earned Heart Defensive Player of the Week recognition, and Stockard led the nation with six forced fumbles and the conference with 117 total tackles.

Volleyball Finishes Season in NAIA Opening Round

The Central Methodist volleyball program posted a 21-9 overall record and a 13-6 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference in 2022. The Eagles raced out to a 7-1 record in their first eight games, securing Top 25 wins over No. 12 Bellevue (Neb.) and No. 18 Taylor University (Ind.). CMU reached the semifinals of the conference tournament for the fifth straight season and ended the season by falling 3-2 to Saint Xavier in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.

The Eagles earned seven Heart All-Conference selections including the Heart Attacker of the Year and First Team All-Conference member Callie Henson. Joining Henson on the All-Conference First Team was libero Krystal Brauner. Delaney Miller and Annabelle Maassen were selected to the Second Team, while Joana Milho and Shea Luby were recognized as Third Team selections. Senior setter Marina Alonso rounded out the All-Conference members for CMU, earning an Honorable Mention nod.