Winter 2019-20 - The Talon

Central Methodist University

Beautiful Campus, Loving Alumni, Committed Faculty

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s I write this message, we are Enrollment is strong once again. We have experiencing our first significant a record number of students in the resident snowfall on the Central Methodist halls. We have the best back-to-back, twocampus this year. Campus is always stunning- year recruiting cycles in recent history. We ly beautiful; it is especially are thankful that so when covered in new Central continues to fallen snow. Our students grow and continfind a common enemy in ues to advance our the bitter cold awaiting mission. them outside our buildings.

After five conWhen both the temperature secutive years of and snow begin to fall, our significant increases young people walk with a in our retention sense of purpose not often rate, we slipped seen on a college campus. backward this year.

Homecoming was a In my estimation, special time of celebrastudent satisfaction tion, with the entire class is strong with the of 1959 serving as the reimagined Stedman Grand Marshals. The class Hall, the successful Dr. Roger Drake, President rollout of Digital of ‘59 rode on a float with signage identifying them as U, and the amazing the class with the greatest performance of our number of gifts, including their astoundathletic teams. Soon, we will have access to ing 21 Hall of Sponsors scholarships. Jenny data that will help us better understand our Bergsten, who one member of the class unexpected decline in freshmen retention. described as their “driving force,” was recIn the available data, only eight colleges and ognized in the parade as the “Homecoming universities in the country had experienced Queen” in 1958. four consecutive years of improvement—we The alumni that came back for know that we had a fifth year. I certainly Homecoming were the first to see the new anticipated that we would have six. campus gateways at Elm and Spring streets Our fall athletic programs have been and another near Woodward Hall. The spectacular. Our defending national champirelatively new campus master plan calls for on men’s soccer program is currently ranked improvements to the boundaries of cam#1 in the nation. Our women’s soccer propus with additional focus on vehicular and gram is currently ranked #5; however, they pedestrian traffic flows. As time goes on, we are the only remaining undefeated team in will see many more improvements to the the NAIA. Volleyball is ranked #15 and are campus landscape. poised to make some noise in the national We are nearing completion of the fundraistournament. Cross Country had a great ing effort for the renovation of Assembly Hall season with some outstanding individual for a home for the Center for Faith and Service. performances. Football won an amazing We are actively raising money for the convergame over the #9 ranked team in the counsion of Clingenpeel to be the home for wrestling try. Wrestling is adding a new dimension of and football. If you are considering a gift, these excitement to Eagle athletics. are the institution’s greatest priorities.

Winter commencement is just around

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the corner. Dr. Nancy Walker Peacock ’82 will deliver the commencement address.

Dr. Peacock is a prominent oncologist in Nashville, TN. Nancy is currently the first female to serve as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees and is poised to become Chair of the Board when Dr. Tad Perry’s term expires in two years. Nancy has been a tireless leader and supporter of Central Methodist.

We are fortunate that she is willing to lead and keep the wheels of progress turning on our campus.

As I talk with my friends who are fellow college presidents, I am frequently asked how Central is outperforming our sector. My friends want to know why we are not seeing enrollment challenges. Why does Central seem to be immune from the pressure that so many private colleges are facing today? My answer is relatively simple—Central meets the needs of today’s students and our campus continues to tug at the heartstrings of those that lived and learned here.

The Central faculty meets students where they are and takes them as far as they can go. At CMU, we are as close to a truly personalized delivery of education as any university I know. Our faculty is caring, talented, and willing to be a positive force in the lives of our students. President James A. Garfield, a student of Professor Mark Hopkins, defined an ideal college education as “Mark Hopkins on one end of a log and a student on the other.” That is a great metaphor to describe the Central Methodist University faculty.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger D. Drake, President Dr. Rita Gulstad, Provost Chad Gaines, Vice President for Technology and Planning Julee Sherman, Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Joe Parisi, Vice President for Enrollment Management Natasha Wilson, Vice President for Student Development and Athletics

TALON Winter ’19-’20 - Table of Contents

Replica Central Victory Ship............................................ 4 Talon Staff

Hall of Sponsors Continues Growth............................... 5

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

A Life Well-Lived............................................................. 6

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 Deanna Cooper Director of Development 660-248-6397 dcooper@centralmethodist.edu Megan Freese Director of Alumni Engagement 660-248-6234 mfreese@centralmethodist.edu Andrea Waner Director of Annual Giving 660-248-6260 awaner@centralmethodist.edu

Legacy of Assembly Hall, Clingenpeel............................. 8 Homecoming 2019........................................................ 10 Honored Classes........................................................... 14 Sky Is The Limit For Arnold Mukisa.............................. 16 Faculty Spotlight: Ashley Lough..................................... 18 Reef Restoration............................................................ 20 Alumni News and Notes............................................... 22 In Memoriam................................................................. 26 Alumni Band.................................................................. 28 Fishers Building Memories............................................. 30 Smiling In St. Louis......................................................... 33 CMU Parters With Police Academy.............................. 36 Band Day....................................................................... 40 Small-Town Girl, Big-Time Dreams.............................. 42 Sunoo Lecture............................................................... 47 Gaddis Lecture.............................................................. 48 New Faculty, Staff......................................................... 50 Hall Of Fame Induction................................................. 54

On The Cover: The USS Central Victory has a prominent spot in the Central History Museum. Page 4

Luetjen Golf Tournament.............................................. 56 Fall Sports Wrapup........................................................ 58 Our Mission

Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.

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Central Methodist University

Professor Bob Wiegers, alumnus Earl Bates, and President Roger Drake unveil the scale model of Central Victory.

Central Victory Ship Takes Up Residence In History Museum

By SCOTT QUEEN

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entral’s roots are interwoven in Missouri and U.S. history, and the university took the time during Homecoming weekend to memorialize and celebrate an important piece of its history.

Alumni and University officials gathered on the steps of T. Berry Smith Hall to unveil and dedicate a scale replica of the S.S. Central Victory, a World War II era cargo ship named after the college because of its commitment to and involvement in the V-12 officer training program.

Alumnus Earl Bates ’61, who funded the effort, passionately told the crowd how proud he was that his alma mater remained committed to honoring its past, and the soldiers who serve our country.

“The war was such a collective effort,” said Bates, who was a young child during World War II. “Kids were affected just as much as the adults. It really changed my life. And It had a very uniting effect on the country.

“It makes me proud that Central is remembering its role in the war and the sacrifices of so many. Part of me never left Howard County and Fayette, and it means a lot.”

Bates, alongside President Roger Drake and Central Museum of History Director Bob

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Wiegers, participated in the brief, but significant ceremony.

“The V-12 program really saved the college in the 1940s,” said Wiegers. “Central was drained of male students because of the war, and the V-12 program saved us by bringing 320 male students back to the campus.”

The Central Victory model was meticulously constructed in 2019 by alumnus Brad Dudenhoffer ’12. The model is 1/124th the size of the cargo ship, and took more than 350 hours to construct. The model is on display, along with a five-foot Sperry gyro-compass from a Victory-class ship, in the Central Museum of History.

The real Central Victory met its unceremonious passing in 1993, Wiegers said, when it was sold for scrap. Her wartime voyages included trips to the Pacific Islands with cargo for the allies preparing to invade Japan. She was reactivated for the Korean Conflict in 1950, and after that spent her remaining years hauling cargo.

Wiegers said his passion for researching the Central Victory has spanned decades. He shared that passion with his students while a history professor here, and some students rolled up their sleeves and helped along the way. He said Elizabeth Carey ’01 created an elaborate bro-

chure about Victory ships and the V-12 program when presenting at a conference.

Fast forward to 2017-2018, and ideas turned to action.

“When we were re-thinking the purpose of Central’s Museum many years ago, we considered how important the Central Victory and the V-12 program were to the institution’s history,” Wiegers said. The culmination of all those ideas came when we dedicated the Central Museum of History last year.

“President Drake took a special interest,” Wiegers said.

Before the dedication, Wiegers took Drake on a private 30-minute tour “that ended up lasting 2-3 hours. He saw the potential and he was on board with the scale model.”

President Drake knew that Bates was dedicated to preserving the institution’s history, and asked Bates if he might consider covering the cost. He didn’t hesitate.

“We’re so very appreciative of Earl Bates helping us tell the story,” Wiegers said. “The Central Victory is gone, but its memory resides in a corner of the Central Methodist University campus.”

Earl and Linda Bates are recognized by the crowd.

Class of 1959 members wave as they are introduced at halftime. From left are Joyce (Cooper) Campbell, Kay (Fothergill) Jenkins, and Jo (Harper) Jackson.

New Hall of Sponsors Scholarships Introduced

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urrounded by a captive audience of Eagle fans, Central athletes, and decades of alumni, the newest Hall of Sponsors scholarships for the 2019-20 school year were announced during the Central vs.

Missouri Valley Homecoming football game on October 19. In between Central touchdowns, Hall of Sponsors benefactors were recognized for their generosity and continued commitment to support the students of Central for generations to come.

Among those honored through the creation of an endowed scholarship were William L. and Martha O. Cutler, Dr. Larry J.

Peery, Celia Utlaut Drake, and Kay Fothergill Jenkins.

The William L. and Martha O. Cutler Scholarship was funded in memory of Bill and Martha, by a collection of family members. Martha was a member of Gamma Sigma Pi and graduated from Central in 1947 with a degree in business administration. She was known for her dedication to her community and her church family, and spent many years giving her time in the service of others.

The Dr. Larry J. Peery Scholarship was announced in memory of Dr. Peery’s steadfast service to Central faculty and students. Dr.

Peery joined Central’s faculty in 1967 and shaped the lives of students through over five decades of teaching physics. The scholarship was endowed by Earl ‘61 and Linda Bates, who generously honor a faculty member each year by naming a Hall of Sponsors scholarship in recognition of their service to Central.

And, to cap off an exciting 60th reunion weekend, the Class of 1959, announced the names of their 20th and 21st fully-funded Hall of Sponsors scholarships during the Homecoming weekend. Each of the 21 endowed scholarships are named in honor of a member of the Class of 1959, with the newest two named for Celia Utlaut Drake (Bachelor of Music Education) and Kay Fothergill Jenkins (Bachelor of Science Education).

For more than 40 years, the Hall of Sponsors Scholarship program has provided thousands of deserving students the opportunity to attend Central and pursue their dreams. Created in October 1977 by President Dr. Joe A. Howell, the program was designed with an eye toward quelling the increasing financial strain on students and their families.

Hall of Sponsors scholarships are established through the generosity of individuals and groups who wish to leave an enduring legacy at Central by honoring an individual, group, or institution.

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ife Well-Lived Continues Impact Even Today

By SCOTT QUEEN

Such is the case with Keith House.

House, ’49, was widely known as the dean of Missouri band directors. He spent 23 years as a professor at Central Methodist and directed the band from 1972-1995. Although he passed away 14 years ago, his love of Fayette and Central Methodist created a legacy for generations to come.

That’s the way his son, Ted, tells it. Ted graduated in 1981.

“It means a lot to my brothers and sister and me when Dad’s former students will tell us what he meant to them,” said Ted. “He wasn’t just liked or respected… he was loved.”

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Hundreds of band directors in the Midwest studied under House, and in his 56 years as a band director, he touched the lives of thousands of high school, college, and community musicians.

House also met the love of his life – Ilene Morrison – at then-Central College in 1946.

She graduated in 1950 and they were married that year.

That started the House family legacy.

Daughter Ellen I. House Gearon graduated in ’76, then son Harvey attended for two years.

And you can count Harvey’s wife, Lois Jean Graf House ’76. Then came Ted in 1981.

“Perhaps it was special for me because I

Legacy isn’t a word that is tossed around much anymore. Much of society is so focused on the present that people rarely consider the past.

But occasionally, legacy manages to work its way into a conversation. And when that happens, it’s usually because someone lived their life so well – and impacted so many people – that their memory affects the future.

had the opportunity to spend four years in the CMU band led by my father,” said Ted. “Some kids want to go away to college to get away from their parents. I couldn’t wait to stay in Fayette and play under his baton in such a fabulous band.”

With the help of a Central education, Harvey became a successful entrepreneur in homebuilding and residential and commercial construction and remodeling. Ted says his brother made a substantial contribution to the local economy in and around Blue Springs and has provided employment for hundreds of people over the years.

Ellen was one of Central Methodist’s first

Top left: Keith and Ilene House. Top right: Ted House displays one of his prized Central shirts. bottom left: former division chair and dean of the conservatory, Ron Shroyer, former faculty member Marie Breed, with Keith. Bottom right: Ted in his office at the St. Charles County Courthouse. nursing graduates and used her education to of his CMU mentors Keith King Anderson and continue the legacy and touch the future? He serve thousands over the years “saving lives Luther T. Spayde alive because he admired was cognizant of building for posterity, conand alleviating suffering,” according to Ted. them and because he felt that it was imporsidered it an enormous blessing, and loved “She is an unsung hero.” tant for his students to know the foundation every minute of it.”

And Ted remains humble about his many upon which Central’s music program was Keith, or “Prof. House” as everyone called accomplishments as a public servant. He built. Likewise, Dad was very close to Dori him, was focused on building for posterity spent 14 years in the Missouri Legislature, Waggoner and Skip Vandelicht and the curto the very end. Just weeks before his death and continues to serve as a circuit judge in St. rent Swinney Conservatory leadership.” in the summer of 2005, he was photographed Charles County. He has returned to Fayette The Keith House legacy planted the seeds by the Fayette Advertiser directing a group occasionally to perform in the alumni band, to establish a band fellowship in his name. of his former band students who had come and he loves to come to campus and speak to “The family believed the best way to to his home to serenade him on his 79th Professor John Carter’s classes (since Carter honor Dad’s memory was to do what we birthday. was one of his professors many years ago). could to promote a vibrant CMU into the His was a life well-lived. And it created a And Ted loves keeping his dad’s memory future,” Ted said. “At the end of his career legacy that continues to grow today. alive. he was teaching students who were 50 years “My father enjoyed keeping the legacies younger than he was. What better way to

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Renewing The Legacy Of Assembly Hall And Clingenpeel

Key Buildings Need Renovation, Improvement

By Andrea Waner

This is a story of people.

A story of never settling for good enough, of having both plans and pipe dreams.

The story of Central has always been - and will continue to be one of shaping, growing, and empowering the students, faculty, staff, and alumni that we meet.

But this is also a story of foundations.

It is one of reinforcing and shoring up decades of grit and commitment to ensure solid footing for the next century.

This is a story about laying the groundwork together, signaling our values, our priorities, and our mission.

This is a story about etching your legacy.

ASSEMBLY HALL

In the Methodist tradition, the space found underneath the chapel is where families and friends gather. It is the place where meals are shared and prayers are passed. These are versatile spaces, built with the intent to serve. They are places to congregate, places to assemble.

You could not say the same for the space found beneath the historic Linn Memorial United Methodist Church. Assembly Hall, despite its name, is rarely a place to gather, congregate, or assemble. This underutilized space, at the heart of Central’s campus, is in desperate need of renewal to serve students as they grow in their faith.

In 2014, we promised to put faith and service at the heart of all we do at Central. To make good on that promise, the Center for Faith and Service (CFS) was established. Campus leaders have dedicated their time to developing students as faithful leaders while also serving the communities in which they live.

“The integration of faith and learning isn’t something that we do, it’s who we are,” Central President Roger Drake explained. “It is the very foundation of this University.”

But for all of the growth and potential CFS has brought to campus, the group has been tucked away in borrowed offices; the thriving campus ministry constantly competing for space and scheduling.

That is, until now. Plans to revive the old Assembly Hall, beneath the chapel where CFS staff and students spent so many hours, are now a reality.

The impact of the work being invested in Assembly Hall is not lost on leaders like campus chaplain Kayla Kelly.

“Students would know [that] we’re having a bible study on Tuesday evening [and] obviously it’s going to happen in the Center for Faith and Service,’ rather than in a dorm or in an academic building or wherever we can find space that day,” Kelly explained.

“This gives us an identity. It allows us to say, ‘This is home for these students.’”

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CLINGENPEEL HALL

In its 110+ years of existence, this building has been known as the Old Gym, the Cracker Box, the Women’s Gymnasium, but to many it is simply just Clingenpeel. At Central, the Clingenpeel name has grown synonymous with perseverance and grit. After a 2 a.m. fire in September of 1960 stripped the building down to a few lower level walls, the once great athletic building - home to boxing, basketball, gymnastics, physical education classes, and so much more - was faced with its first round of necessary and dramatic renovations.

As with any comeback story worth telling, the building was rebuilt.

This time, the Old Gym would be outfitted with three classrooms, an archery and rifle range, two handball courts, and a modern dance, posture, and rhythm studio.

Throughout the decades, thousands of students walked under the “Vis Superat” – or “Conquering Force” – motto etched into the stone doorway of Clingenpeel, some for classes and training, and others just passing through. Residents and Central alums alike remember taking refuge from the harsh Missouri winters in the basement of the historic building, warming their hands near the steam pipes after an afternoon of sledding down hills on cafeteria trays and car hoods. During Homecoming, a few alums reminisced about getting their long-awaited first kiss while tucked away on the lower level.

Now, almost 60 years since its last facelift, the historic gym on the hill is due for a renewal. In the fall of 2018, a mixture of water and steam caused the Clingenpeel pipes to rupture, forcing another generation Central athletes and staff to seek out alternate spaces for teaching and training. All of this was occurring while a new vision for Central Athletics was deep in the planning and recruiting phase.

In fall 2019, we welcomed more than 30 young men and women – the inaugural class of the Central Methodist University Wrestling Program. While the excitement of new programming and the honor of becoming one of only 36 collegiate women’s wrestling programs in the country inspired determination within Eagle Athletics, it also underscored the scarcity of space on campus and the need to find a home for wrestling and new offices for football.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. The plan is to breathe new life into two old spaces, to restore and preserve decades of memories in these historic buildings at Central.

Together we can build upon the foundation that generations before worked doggedly to create and then turned into reality.

We invite you to make a gift to renew the legacy of Assembly Hall and Clingenpeel. Help us cement a future of shaping, growing, and empowering the next generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Central.

Make a gift today.

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Welcome Home,

EAGLES

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Central Alumni Come To Campus To Celebrate Homecoming 2019 Homecoming 2019 was one for the ages! Alumni celebrated on and off campus with activities galore! There were kings and queens and floats and tailgates; there were ceremonies and celebrations; and best of all, there were old friends reconnecting like long lost family members. That’s Central. Homecoming is an event we all can’t get enough of. Join us again...or next time...in September. You can bet we’ll have something to celebrate!

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Homecoming Honored Classes Class of ’69

Class of ’59

Class of ’64

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Class of ’74

Class of ’79

1959: (L-R) Front Row: Jo (Harper) Jackson, Joyce (Cooper) Campbell, Kay (Fothergill) Jenkins, Nancy (Owen) Bratz, Jenny (Wood) Bergsten, Beth (Hammond) Gooch Back Row: Donald Wright, Bob White, Fred Hilgeman, John Barry, Alan Brueggeman, Samuel Yankee, Dick Mackay 1964: (L-R) Doris (Porter) Stephenson, Linda (Hightower) Day, Iva (Alcorn) Banning, Ray Banning, James Diggs

Class of ’84

Class of ’94

1969: (L-R) Front Row: Bill Rudeseal, Tom Nagle, Linda (Roche) Nagle, Joe Griffen, Casey Purdy, Suzy (Bruening) Forim, Marlene (Cooper) Van Horn, Susan (Kettenacker) Spaulding, Jeanne (Burgess) Borders, Anne (White) Templeton, Janet (Carrol) Swearingen, Rose Fulton, Jackie Bradley, Ginger (Talbert) Sheehan Second Row: Ross Fulton, Dale Hotze, Suzanne (Plummer) Emler, Anna (Jenkin) Calkins, Retta (Subert) Sutterfield, Sue (Engel) Wuetherich, Fred Borders, Pat Templeton Third Row: Augie Eckhardt, Mike Walsh, Gerald Shannon, Barbara (Bauer) Shannon, Dale Stauffer, Nancy (Crumbliss) Hahs, Mel Hahs, Beth (Kershaw) Maxey, Janet (Roussin) Bennett, Larry Bennett, Becky Emrich, Linda (McQuigg) Thoma, Sarah (Reed) Jesaitis, Carole (White) Lux, Charles Harlow Last Row: Jason Holmes, Bob Babel, Cliff Mohn, Don Brashears, Alan Sees, Phil Neimeyer, Kurt Calkins, Frank Sandy, Bruce Garrett, Bob Hedgepeth, Paul Heath, Bruce Carlson 1964: (L-R) Yvonne (Brown) Byrne, Carol (Graham) Covey

Class of ’89

Class of ’09

1979: (L-R) Jo Ellen (Ming) Shroyer, David Henderson, Becky (Sherrill) Bohacker, Lue (Lockridge) Lane, Bill Trefts, Maribeth (Block) Frevert, 1984: (L-R) Susan (Rampy) Stegeman, Mark Conarroe, Kara (Zimmerman) Sabo, Bonita Hoehme 1989: (L-R) Kevin McClain, Donn Harrison, Tim Madsen, Lonna Wilke 1994: (L-R) John Edmonston, Robert Blanton, Matt Morris 2009: (L-R) Front Row: Heather (Gibson) Christie, Angie Laxton, Christy Laxton Back Row: Sarah Smith, David Sahm, Lindsey Williams

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THE

SKY LIMIT IS THE

For Arnold Mukisa

CMU Experience Leads To Internships With Google, Microsoft

By EMILY KESEL

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rnold Mukisa, ’19, sits at a table in Holt Hall for an interview one September morning. He has his MacBook by his side, closed respectfully. He speaks about his experiences in the tech world, of having spent the past few summers at some of the most well-recognized companies on the planet. He attempts to explain his complicated work in a way that is easy for a layman to understand.

Halfway through the interview, Mukisa is interrupted mid-sentence by someone walking through the room. It’s a senior staff member at Central Methodist University, and he knows the Ugandan international student on sight.

“Hey, man!” says the campus leader, stopping to shake the young man’s hand excitedly.

“I love Central,” Mukisa would later say, and one thing is clear: Central loves him back.

That mutual love began four years ago, when he was trying to make his mark as a freshman, but his interest in technology goes back even further.

“I grew up liking and having a very high interest in computers and sort of knew I wanted to do something in this space,” said Mukisa, who programmed his first application as a 13-year-old. “That’s been my passion.”

That passion has led to some incredible places for him in recent years, as Mukisa participated in a three-week program at Google two summers ago, before spending eight weeks in San Francisco this summer as an intern with Microsoft. He says the opportunity with the tech giant began his freshman year, as he applied for a Microsoft scholarship and was then introduced to recruiters. One of 320 people involved in the internship program this summer – which he says has about a two percent acceptance rate – Mukisa called the experience “surreal.”

He also says none of it would have been possible without his experiences at CMU. “I’m certain that the interviews and opportunities I’ve had would not have happened if I’d not had the chance to, as a freshman, be employed by tech services and have projects to work on,” he said, noting his experiences in working with different

departments in the school and using technology to help them solve problems. “Those have given me real skills and a real way to think about problems and approach them.”

In his eight weeks at Microsoft, Mukisa had a unique opportunity to showcase those skills. Working on a team whose job it was to pass on evaluations of different application programming interfaces (APIs) for clients, he and his fellow interns gave recommendations based on the challenges of each, including the tradeoffs between quality and cost. The team worked closely with BlackRock Asset Management – one of the biggest investment management companies in the world – even traveling to Seattle to meet directly with the clients.

table tennis ranking system and a campus tours app. The first came about through a chance conversation with university president and resident table tennis guru, Dr. Roger Drake.

“He was telling me about the scoring system and about going into Excel [to record scores], and I just thought, ‘hey, that could make a really cool app,’” said Mukisa. Then, after word got around about the app, his “business” boomed. “After people had seen what I’d done, they started coming up to me and saying, ‘hey, how about if we did something on. . .’ all these crazy ideas.”

One not so crazy idea turned out to be an app for campus tours, which is now used by the admissions office for every prospective

“I think overwhelmingly what I learned this summer was just the importance of building relationships,” Mukisa said. “It’s really important for the people you’re working with to know who you are as a person.”

“It was really interesting to work on things of that scale,” said Mukisa. “That just showed me the importance of the work my team was doing.”

It wasn’t always high-stakes work for the team, though. Mukisa pointed to the 48-hour “hackathon” challenge as one of his favorite memories from the experience – his team in San Francisco placed first in the region out of about 40 teams, he reported nonchalantly. That and other team exercises, he said, helped him hone his “soft skills” and made him see the importance of working as a member of a larger group.

“I think overwhelmingly what I learned this summer was just the importance of building relationships,” Mukisa said. “It’s really important for the people you’re working with to know who you are as a person.”

Ultimately, Mukisa will leave a much more tangible legacy at Central than just having been “the guy that interned at Microsoft.”

He has already developed a pair of smartphone apps used regularly on campus – a

student tour. Mukisa also says he has more apps in the works, including a net price calculator for prospective students.

One of big projects recently was working with the advancement office to upgrade the presentation of Central’s Hall of Sponsors.

He worked to design a program allowing the Hall to digitally display pictures of donors and scholarship recipients, doing away with the framed photos that once lined the walls of the Brannock Hall stairwell.

It’s a fitting way for Mukisa to wrap up his time at Central, a place he’s grateful to have been and where he found a community that believes in him.

“I genuinely can’t think of a better place for me to have been these four years. When I think about my background, how I grew up, it’s kind of like a crazy dream for me to be where I am today,” he said.

“When it comes down to it, a lot of people can do many things,” he added, “but having people who believe in you and push you, that’s a very, very important aspect of it. And I’ve been very lucky to have that.”

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Balancing Focus And Collaboration

Ashley Lough Makes An Impact In And Out Of The Science Classroom

By EMILY KESEL

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A

genuine commitment to student experiences, growth, and achievement. Commitment beyond normal teaching and mentoring engagement.

That is what it takes to become a Carolyn and Tad Perry Fellow Award winner at Central Methodist University. As such, it would likely come as no surprise to any of her current or former students that Dr. Ashley Lough was named this year’s recipient of the award.

Now in her sixth year as a CMU professor, Lough has spent the past several years demonstrating such commitment day in and day out. From coming up with engaging lab experiences to wearing science-themed shirts and dresses that have been cause for some to draw comparisons to the Magic School Bus’ Ms. Frizzle – “which is a compliment,” she says – Lough goes above and beyond for her students.

“I try to make science fun for the students,” she said. “If I had to characterize my own teaching philosophy and what I do in the classroom, I would say that I focus on engaging students, trying to keep and hold their attention, and also trying to get them to interact with whatever information we’re dealing with.”

In a biology class, that’s not always an easy task. Subjects like photosynthesis and cellular respiration aren’t particularly great subjects for holding the attention of an audience, but, as Lough says, they’re important ones for her students to learn.

“When you say ‘photosynthesis’ to students, it’s almost instant fall[ing] asleep,” she said, with a snap of her fingers. “So, to try to engage them more during that class, we [do] a big demo.”

Engaging students through hands-on learning, Lough believes, is much more effective than a simple lecture or presentation.

Through her experiments and labs, students “stay engaged and they have something they can think back to and remember.”

In some cases, those memories last far beyond just to the next test or even a final exam. Lough recalled hearing from her former students from her first Biology 101 class, some of whom have gone on to work in the field or advanced to graduate or medical school. As an influential person in their decisions to do so, Lough often gets updates from such students after they graduate.

“I love hearing how they’re doing, and sometimes they come back on homecoming or other special weekends, and it’s so great to see them in person and to hear their stories,” she said.

This year, Lough has the chance to have an even bigger impact on students outside the classroom, as the fall semester marked the first time she’s been a freshman advisor. It’s a task she recognizes as challenging at times, but also a highly enjoyable one.

“Just watching [students] realize the potential that they have, watching them make those decisions and grow along the way,” she said, “I mean, that’s the best part about being a teacher.”

As much as Lough makes an individual impact on her students, she’ll be the first to admit that it wouldn’t be possible without the collaborative nature of the CMU faculty.

“We don’t just hide away in our offices and only talk to our students and a couple other members of our department,” she said. “We are talking with everyone, all the time. And that is something I’ve loved being able to do from my very first year here.”

Like many professors at Central, Lough was drawn to the school because of its teaching-focused nature, small class sizes, and the ability to interact across disciplines.

Whether she needs to pick the brain of a more experienced advisor, talk to an English professor about how to help students with writing assignments, or ask a colleague for ideas for more engaging activities, she knows there will always be coworkers willing to lend a hand – all in the name of providing the best possible education for Central students.

“We feel like a family here,” said Lough.

“You feel like you care about your colleagues, you care about your staff, about the students, and you know that they would do anything for you, too.”

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 19

20 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

Reef Restoration

Effort Inspires Marine Biology Program | By Scott Queen

A Top opposite page: Senior Erin Schultz gives the thumbs up with junior Dottie Powell on a dive at the CMU coral tree. Bottom left: the CMU team with the school banner.

Bottom right: Claire Denker and Catie Dovin are assisted by their divemaster, Omar.

chance meeting in a tropical paradise has altered the course of Central Methodist University’s marine biology program, giving it a renewed sense of purpose and creating a high level of interest.

It happened on Roatan Island’s Turquoise Bay Resort off the Honduran coast, where Professor Greg Thurmon met a former lobbyist named Tripp Funderburk, who now devotes his life to the Bay Island Reef Restoration project.

Thurmon had taken a CMU alumni group there to dive, and Funderburk showed Thurmon his coral restoration efforts.

“He took us all out to plant some coral,” Thurmon said. “I thought, this could be fantastic for my marine biology program.”

Thurmon proposed bringing CMU students to Funderburk annually to help him with coral restoration.

“He was pretty excited,” Thurmon said.

“We even raised a little money to help him and sent it to him.”

With that money, Funderburk planted a CMU coral tree. To non-divers, that means he built a PVC tree and hung coral all over it — off the ocean floor — to give it a chance to grow. Planting new coral combats the multiple stressors that have plagued the region — coral diseases due to climate change, overfishing, untreated sewage, etc.

This past summer, Thurmon took 20 CMU students to Roatan Island to work with Funderburk.

“He taught the kids so much,” Thurmon said. “They cleaned algae off the coral, they talked about picking genetically superior coral to plant…so many things.”

And they visited the CMU coral tree, which was thriving so much that they removed pieces from it to begin a new coral reef restoration project.

“If they come back 20 years from now they’ll see that reef growing like crazy,” Thurmon said.

CMU marine biology students have helped Funderburk’s record-keeping as well, creating underwater charts to allow for updating and monitoring vitality, color, disease, and predatory actions.

“We’re going to send a group of CMU kids every year, and maybe bring the alums back,” Thurmon said. “The kids like this so much more than the tour dives we have been doing. They feel like they are giving something back and helping the world.”

The marine biology program is also writing a reef restoration manual for Funderburk, to help advance his efforts and to guide future CMU classes on Roatan Island.

“This is the most exciting thing I’ve worked on in 13 years at Central Methodist,” said Thurmon. “It’s very worthwhile and fulfilling, and it matches up well with our institutional mission.”

Funderburk is so happy with the partnership and the help that he has invited two CMU students, Emma McQueen and Hope Hefley, to intern on Roatan Island over the Christmas holiday. He said he hopes his relationship with Central Methodist will be a model for other universities in the near future.

A group of CMU students presented their reef restoration efforts to the Board of Trustees in October.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 21

Central Methodist University Alumni News Central Is A Busy Place!

Greetings fellow alumni!

What a fall it has been!

Central has been celebrating since the beginning of the semester and we don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

Let’s talk about Homecoming! You know it is my favorite time of year. Maybe because of all the hugs from friends old and new. This year, Homecoming was a massive success. It was wonderful to see the support and engagement from alumni across the decades. The Friday night reception in Stedman Hall gave alumni the opportunity to see the fabulous renovations, listen to some great music, and participate in the pep rally.

The Class of 1959, Grand Marshals for the parade, once again demonstrated that they are a model for the rest of us. Did you know that as a group, they have successfully funded their 21st Hall of Sponsors Scholarship (minimum of $30,000 apiece – yeah – do the math on the impact they have on an annual basis!)? Class of ‘86 do I sense a challenge? Other classes?

In addition to the Homecoming excitement, there’s lots of other news from campus. Enrollment is once again strong, on-campus housing is at capacity, football is winning, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball are celebrating record-breaking seasons, cross country produced some conference honors and some runners qualified for nationals, AND the wresting era has begun.

Our beloved Central is thriving!

We have some important events this spring, so keep your eyes peeled for more information on the following events: • Regional alumni gathering in Kansas City to be announced • April 4th - Spring Alumni Weekend in Fayette: o Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner o Baseball game o Track & Field meet o Alumni Choir Concert • And more to come…

As always, I encourage you to share your news, get involved, and give back!

Alumni News & Notes

Professor Greg Thurmon took a group of alumni on quite a trip June 29-July 6 to Bonaire, Dutch Antilles. From left: Tom Brotheron ’67 and Ann Brotherton ’68, Peyton Davis, Miranda Weigand, Barb Thurmon, student Kylie Limback, Greg Thurmon, Justan Blair ’05, Melissa Thurmon Abkemeier ’87.

Talon Considering Going Digital!

The Talon is thriving and so is Central Methodist University. We are excited to let you know that we are exploring going digital with our “summer” edition. Central is making great strides as Digital U, and providing iPads for our on-campus students isn’t our only digital initiative. Please let us know your thoughts at marketing@centralmethodist.edu.

1960s

Dr. George Ann Huck ’60 donated “The 30-star flag” to Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. The flag commemorates the addition of Wisconsin as the 30th state in the Union.

Gerald Lux ’68 and Carole (White) Lux celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Kent Van Landuyt ’68 and Alice (White) Van Landuyt ’69 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 25, 2019.

1970s Laura Blair, Class of 1986 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors

22 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

Mary (Douglas) Bancroft ’70 retired after 38 years of service as the organist and music coordinator with the First Christian Church.

Alan Yount ’70 had his 132nd poem published by JerryJazzMusician (A National Online Jazz Journal), on July 16, 2019. He was also the featured poet on “Fathers Day,” June 16, 2019, in JJM. He published a poem in As You Were: The Military Review (on and in honor of Memorial Day). Alan was an Air Force veteran for six years of service.

WestWard Quarterly also published a poem, in its summer 2019 issue.

William “Barry” Orscheln ’72 received the Outstanding Alumni award from the Moberly Public School District.

Ruth (Henderson) Sears’ ’76 new book “Walk in Ancient Paths” is now available for order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

David Goodwin ’79 was inducted into the Missouri Bandmasters Hall of Fame at the Missouri Bandmaster Association Conference on June 17, 2019.

1980s

Michael Prunty ’81 received his PMP (Project Management Professional) certification on August 13, 2019. He was also named by the Society of Tribology and Lubrication Engineer’s (STLE) as a 2020 technical editor for Tribology and Lubrication Technology (TLT) magazine. As a member of the advisory board, he will assist in determining TLT’s editorial agenda and expanding the lubrication industry’s body of knowledge.

Andrew “Andy” Glover ’83 was the special guest conductor for the Independence Day concert held at Oleson Park in Fort Dodge, IA. Susan (Fry) Hart ’86 is currently the Rotary District 6080 grants subcommittee chair. In her role with the Rotary Foundation, she helps to manage grants both locally and internationally.

Mike Emmons ’88 retired as athletic director for North Callaway R-1 School district after the 2018-2019 school year.

1990s

Mike Reynolds ’90, superintendent of Glasgow School district, retired at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

Sonya (Monnig) Fuemmeler ’93 was named the new superintendent of the Glasgow School District.

Matt Cordon ’94 was named outstanding tenured professor for teaching by Baylor University in 2019. He was also elected to serve a term as chairman of the Baylor University Faculty Senate. He holds the positions of director of the legal writing center and professor of law at Baylor Law School.

Dan Mabery ’99 is the vice president of University Relations at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

2000s

Loretta (Kehoe) Roney ’00 was named one of the 20 Most Influential Women by the Springfield Business Journal. The award recognizes the careers, civic leadership and influence of 20 women who are chosen by an independent panel of judges. A luncheon was held on October 11 to honor the women.

Scott Tackett ’00 has been promoted to Vice President, Global Access, Value and Economics (GAVE) at Intuitive – maker of the robotic da Vinci Surgical System and Ion endoluminal robotic system. The company is located in Sunnyvale, CA. Daren Dean ’01 was hired as an assistant professor of English (creative writing specialist-fiction) at Lincoln University of Missouri in January. He holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. His new story collection “I’ll Still Be Here Long After You’re Gone” is scheduled for publication in December 2019 by Cowboy Jamboree Magazine | CJ Press. He’s also the author of a 2015 novel “Far Beyond the Pale” (Fiction Southeast Press) that prompted Pulitzer winner Robert Olen Butler to write, “Dean is the laureate of Fallen Angels.” His work is forthcoming or has been published in Delta Poetry Review, Louisiana Literature, Bull (Men’s Fiction), Midwestern Gothic, Red Dirt Forum, The Green Hills Literary Lantern, Story South, The Oklahoma Review, and many others. He worked for several years at the University of Missouri Press and taught in the English department at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Dr. Jeff Levy ’02 is the new superintendent for the North County School District in Bonne Terre, MO.

John Brown ’94 was the speaker for the Gaddis Lecture held October 10 at Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO.

Johnathan “JR” Royston ’02 is the new Behavior Interventionist at Cedar Hill and Belair Elementary schools in Jefferson City, MO.

Dr. Nicole (Long) Rader ’99 professor at Mississippi State University, is the new head of the university’s Sociology Department.

Scott Schrum ’04 was appointed by Governor Mike Parson to be the associate circuit judge for the 42nd Judicial Circuit.

Carrie Strodtman ’03 was named the director of digital learning for Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO. Chris Bryan ’05 is a high school science teacher with the Fayette School District.

Shaun Fanger ’05 started his 15th year in education as the new Saint Clair Junior High Prinicpal.

Maria Winn-Ratliff ’05 is the new softball coach for the Louisiana Tech softball program in Ruston, Louisiana.

Kyle Gerdeman ’06 is the new head coach of Lindenwood University’s men’s basketball program.

Tonya Johnson ’06 has been hired as the development officer for the Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services for its Farmington Service Center.

2010s

Andrew Green ’10 is the new men’s head basketball coach at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, WA. Amy Keller ’10 received the Mineral Area College 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 23

Central Methodist University

Danielle Mae Franklin ’17 accepted the position of library user engagement specialist at Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO. Lena Menning ’11, a teacher with the Morgan County R-1 school district, was named one of Missouri Magazine’s “40 under Forty.”

Tyler Bredehoeft ’12 is the new men’s basketball coach at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL. Kelly Asbury ’13 director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College received certification as an economic development finance professional from the National Development Council.

Thomas “Dustyn” Yung ’13 is the new assistant coach for the women’s basketball program at Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, MO. Briana Ford ’14 is a seasonal park ranger at Lucky Peak State Park and a ski school sales supervisor at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area in Boise, ID. Novy Foland ’15 returned to Keytesville High School to be the next head girls’ basketball coach. He will be teaching 7th through 12th grade science.

Valerie (Kimball) Foland ’15 successfully passed the Missouri Bar Exam and was

24 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

hired by the Law Office of Frank Robert Flaspohler in Fayette, MO. Tara Collings ’16 is an athletic trainer for Cottey College in Nevada, MO. Paige Albrecht ’17 is the new assistant principal with the Willow Public School district in Walla Walla, WA. Janet (Jarvis) Renshaw ’17 was promoted to financial advisor with the practice of Kory Kleppe Financial Advisor, a financial advisory of Amperiprise Financial Services, Inc. Chris Aschemann ’18 is the new associate head track and field coach for Dakota Wesleyan University in South Dakota.

Justin Smith ’18 is the assistant recreation director with the Orland Recreation Department in Orland, CA. Christine “Chrissy” Linhart ’19 is a 3rd grade teacher with the Fayette School District.

John Will ’19 has joined the housekeeping staff at Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO.

Aaron Shockley ’12 and wife Sabrina (Eaves) ’14 announce the birth of daughter Scarlett Elizabeth, born November 4, 2019.

Births, Marriages, Engagements

2000s

Jodi Rush ’09 and Michael Lodewegen were married June 22, 2019.

2010

Hannah Kiddoo ’10 and Gavin Frevert were married May 25, 2019.

Dakota Gladbach ’13 and Evan Melkersman were married October 5, 2019.

Trent Pummill ’16 and wife Katie (Lee) ’16 announce the birth of son Lincoln Dean, born November 24, 2019.

Charli Wood ’17 and Steven Becker III were married June 1, 2019.

Austin Killian ’17 and Emily O’Keefe ’18 were married November 3, 2018.

Reece Carmichael ’18 and Alexandra Amptman ’17 are engaged to be married on November 21, 2020.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 25

Central Methodist University In Memoriam

Saying Goodbye To Good Friends

David Ober ’67 Helped Establish Central Volunteer Fire Service David W. Ober, III, who helped establish Central Methodist’s volunteer fire department and rescue squad in 1966, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 13 at Hospice of Mt. Joy, PA. He was the loving husband of Madge (Peggy) Ober for 47 years.

Born in Harrisburg, PA, on January 23, 1945 to David W. Ober, Jr., and Catherine Ryan Holahan, he graduated from Central Dauphin High School in 1963 and went on to receive his teaching degree from Central Methodist University. He received his master’s degree in education from Millersville University. While at Central Methodist, Dave helped establish and train the school’s first volunteer fire department.

Dave taught social studies in his early tenure as a teacher at Penn Manor High School. He later introduced psychology to the curriculum and taught that until his retirement. Dave loved teaching and loved his students. He took great joy in following their lives after graduation.

Dave loved to travel. And he took many

26 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

of his students to Europe during the summer. Dave and Peggy spent many years traveling together to the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, and Greece, along with Alaska and the Caribbean. His children remember fun times with him in Chincoteague, VA. Dave was an avid train collector, with an impressive layout, and he was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Dave was a proud and loving father to his four children and their families: Lori Yeager, wife of Michael, and their children Kyle and Brianna Yeager, all of Lancaster; Leighanne Selden, wife of Nathan, of Bethlehem; Jennifer Ober, and husband John Ginkel, currently living in Tajikistan; and Erik Ober, married to Evelynn, and their children, Kaden, Kasen, Kielynn, Karsen and Kinsley, of South Dakota.

Dave is also survived by a brother-inlaw, Daniel Ditzler and his wife, Doris, both of Washington Boro, and a brother-in-law John Schultz, Willow Street.

Services were Nov. 20 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home in Millersville. Chiefs gear was acceptable, even in Eagles country.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Penn Manor Education Foundation in hopes of creating a scholarship in Dave’s honor. Checks may be mailed to Penn Manor Education Foundation, PO Box 1001, Millersville, PA 17551. You may also contribute online at www.pennmanoredfoundation.org/donate/. Please note Dave Ober Memorial with your donation.

1930s

Cleota Dack Travis ’39 of Kansas City, MO died Aug. 2, 2019.

1940s

Marian E. Murphy McCarty ’43 of Sedalia, MO died Aug. 29, 2019.

Gerald M. Huffman ’44 of Fountain Hills, AZ died June 14, 2019.

Robert L. Savereide ’44 of Marshalltown, IA died May 13, 2019.

Mary Headrick Barenkamp ’45 of Overland Park, KS died July 6, 2019.

William Asa Hahs ’45 of Sikeston, MO died Aug. 23, 2019.

Marjorie J. Zahnweh ’45 of Manchester, MO died Apr. 27, 2019.

Kathryn Sue Clingenpeel Lay ’47 of Olathe, KS died June 30, 2019.

Ralph Arthur Mauller ’47 of Nokesville, VA died Sep. 21, 2019.

Virginia E. Middleton James ’48 of Mexico, MO died July 29, 2019.

Patricia N. Sasse Kirby ’48 of Columbia, MO died Oct. 15, 2020.

Lycurgus Monroe Starkey Jr. ’48 of Saint Charles, MO died May 8, 2019.

1950s

James P. Hitchner ’50 of Bettendorf, IA died Sep. 6, 2019.

Gerald G Schmidt ’50 of Chillicothe, MO died Aug. 26, 2019.

Daniel M. Schores ’50 of Sherman, TX died Aug. 19, 2019.

Miles C. Whitener ’51 of Greensboro, NC died June 26, 2019.

Martha Ann McHenry Jackson ’52 of Gillespie, IL died June 26, 2019.

Robert W. Kleinschmidt ’52 of Salt Lake City, UT died Aug. 2, 2019.

Dorothy N. Kauffman Hughes ’53 of California, MO died Sep. 17, 2019.

Erla Mae Odneal Lacy ’53 of Columbia, MO died June 11, 2019.

Donald L. Panhorst ’53 of Morristown, NJ died Apr. 26, 2019.

Catherine Naegelin Carnes ’54 of Saint Johns, FL died May 6, 2019.

Phyllis Clarke Northington ’55 of Washington, MO died June 25, 2019.

James L. Harding ’54 of Kirksville, MO died Aug. 10, 2019.

Thomas B. Adams ’55 of Columbia, MO died May 30, 2019.

Elbert Haenssler ’56 of Saint Charles, MO died Nov. 12, 2019.

William Wallace McKee ’57 of Sonora, CA died May 20, 2019.

Shirley Wegener Westlake ’57 of Saint Louis, MO died May 4, 2019.

Keith T. Berry ’58 of Kansas City, MO died Nov. 10, 2019.

Judith Henderson Stock ’58 of Boonville, MO died June 22, 2019.

1960s

Virginia McCoy Frede ’60 of Union, MO died May 13, 2019.

Albert P. Postar ’60 of Lubbock, TX died May 21, 2019.

Larry G. Morton ’62 of West Plains, MO died May 16, 2019.

Camilla Womack Dollins ’65 of Unionville, MO died Nov. 1, 2019.

Richard Casanova ’67 of Boonville, MO died June 14, 2019.

Thomas Earl Clatworthy ’67 of Fayette, MO died Nov. 14, 2019.

James Harry Lippelman ’67 of Huntsville, MO died June 15, 2019.

David Washington Ober III ’67 of Lancaster, PA died Nov. 13, 2019.

Bernice Lowe Sombart ’67 of Memphis, TN died Apr. 29, 2019.

Richard W. Royston ’69 of Franklin, MO died May 9, 2019.

1970s

Mary Lynn Wilson Coleman ’70 of Spokane, WA died May 1, 2019.

Marc Hibbard ’76 of Sedalia, MO died Nov. 9, 2019.

M. Lynn Malone ’76 of Saint Louis, MO died Oct. 19, 2019.

Sally E. Spickelmier Marble ’71 of Columbia, MO died June 4, 2019.

1980s

Ann Marie Bailey ’84 of Boulder, CO died Nov. 6, 2019.

1990s

Roxann M. Menning ’90 of Westminster, CO died Oct. 25, 2019.

Kathleen Marie Parker ’93 of Union City, TN died Apr. 26, 2019.

Donna M. Hoffmann ’97 of Washington, MO died Apr. 28, 2019.

2010s

Alicia Leigh Meyer ’09 of Boonville, MO died May 31, 2019.

2010s

Bryan Logan Tate ’15 of Thayer, MO died Sep. 28, 2019.

CMU Friends, Former Faculty, Staff

Betty Adams of Fayette, MO died Aug. 22, 2019.

Gary G. Anderson of Saint Louis, MO died May 24, 2019.

Allan P. Baker of Independence, MO died Sep. 9, 2019.

Thelma L. Baker of Independence, MO died Aug. 1, 2019.

Robert C. Barnes of Chesterfield, MO died Apr. 26, 2019.

Lanie Bobbitt of Centralia, MO died Oct. 15, 2019.

Donita Davis of Hume, MO died Apr. 27, 2019.

Michael L. Dean of Glasgow, MO died Sep. 3, 2019.

Patricia H. Drumm of Sikeston, MO died May 15, 2019.

Dorothy Emis of Corder, MO died Sep. 19, 2019.

Gerald Grider of Lee’s Summit, MO died Sep. 7, 2019.

Carolyn Harding of Kirksville, MO died Aug. 31, 2019.

Hazel Kimmel of Fayette, MO died Sep. 26, 2019.

Louis J. Meinke of Fayette, MO died July 26, 2019.

Emily L. Nunnelly of New Florence, MO died Aug. 5, 2019.

Sallee Purcell of Columbia, MO died Sep. 5, 2019.

Rob E. Schluckebier of Fayette, MO died Sep. 20, 2019.

Wendy Sunderland of Fayette, MO died Aug. 27, 2019.

John C. Vaughn of Fayette, MO died May 13, 2019.

Barbara A. Vestal of Marshfield, MO died Apr. 29, 2019.

Carmen Lynn Wells of New Franklin, MO died May 25, 2019.

Professor Bartlett Jones Bartlett C. Jones, 86, former resident of Columbia and longtime professor at Central Methodist College (Fayette), passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018 in DeLand, FL. Jones was the author of Central Methodist College 1961-1986, Central Methodist University History.

Born on June 7, 1932 in Akron, OH, B.C. obtained his undergraduate degree from Swarthmore (PA) College, his masters and Ph.D. in history from Emory (Atlanta, GA); and taught history in colleges in Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Missouri. He published 20 scholarly articles in his field, and several books. After retiring from teaching in Missouri, he returned to Florida. He had lifelong interests in gardening, duplicate bridge, golf, and tennis. In retirement, B.C. developed a passion for Florida wildflowers and writing one-act plays that were performed locally.

He is predeceased by his wife, Carolyn; and a son, Robert; and survived by his son, Michael (Renee); his sister Ellen in Waco, TX; two grandchildren (Glen and Kyle), and nieces and nephews.

At his request, there was no service.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 27

Central Methodist University

Alumni Band Celebrates Summer With 45th Concert

M

ost college alumni band programs are spotty at best.

But not at Central Methodist University, where band members return consistently to visit with their classmates and play music that connects them with their college days.

This summer marked the 45th annual CMU alumni band gathering An all-day rehearsal/reunion was held June 8 at the Inman Student Center, culminating with an evening performance by 41 alumni who spanned decades from the ‘50s through 2019.

There were numerous highlights, chief among them John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever and Karl King’s Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite.

28 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

The talented directors included Jane Hicklin ’80, and Professor Skip Vandelicht ’77.

The euphoniums were a highlight this year, as Chuck Dale, ’79, had an impressive solo in Stars in a Velvet Sky. And Jerry Byrd, ’56, was recognized as the veteran of the group.

The flutes also shined—featuring one of the youngest alums, Mikaela Lewis, ’19, with Kaitlyn Gebhardt, ’17, Kelsy Whitacre, ’08, and Janie Wilson, ’86.

Dawn Evans, ’92, and Marti Whelan represented the bassoons, and clarinets included Heather Bass, ’86, Jamie Bishop, ’87, Sara Blandford, ’13, Amanda McGehee, ’10, and Bob McNeill, ’77.

On the alto sax were Matthew Johnson,

’18, Ryan Lewis, ’17, and Shelby Rogers, ’16, while tenor saxes included Daniel Norton, ’12, and Shelby Strodtman, ’13.

Percussionists included Sam Gaddy, ’15, Gene Rauscher, ’74, and Brendan Wiesehan, ’19; and the trumpets were well-represented by Nick Auer, ’65, Zack Fincher, ’16, Katelyn Hanvey, ’17, Lucas Johnson, ’16, Jeff Miner, ’93, and Nathan Verhulst, ’17.

On the horns were Susan Bishop, ’18, Kelley Head, ’81, Susan Henkey, ’16, Daniel Long, ’14, and Luke McKinney, ’14.

Trombones included David Hutchison, ’07, Brittany Losh, ’13, Gary Mallory, ’93, Keith Ruether, ’86, and Brian Thode, ’13.

Starring on tuba were Ed Lammers, ’78, and Marvin Manring, ’85.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 29

Building Memories In “A Cave Without A Name”

By Scott Queen

T

he memories Chuck and Peggy (Tyrer) Fisher have accumulated over the past 40 years (36 of them married) began in the halls of Central Methodist College. They know they were fortunate to have been in Fayette at that time and place, and Central launched them to be who they would become together. They’ve remained ardent supporters of the school.

So, it is no surprise that when President Roger Drake mentioned to them that the Central Chorale would be in San Antonio, where the Fishers now live, they were gungho to help put together a hometown tour of San Antonio for CMU’s premier vocal group that would be memorable and inspirational.

“Life and learning is based on a series of memories and vignettes,” said Chuck. “We remember those amazing, special moments.

We keep those memories, good and bad, and from those learn and gain inspiration. I’d never worked with a choir before, but I knew I wanted to help create a series of vignettes and unusual experiences they would remember forever.”

Dr. Fisher, ’83, is physician in San Antonio. He’s board certified in three specialties and has clinics supporting a major industrial facility, does defense contracting, medical consulting and has a practice specializing in care of pilots. He is a retired Air

30 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

In top photo: Chuck and Peggy Fisher. Below are seniors Gannon Craig, Force Colonel who Josh Goggins, Kayla Carr, Adam, Crytsal, and Malik Hughes in A Cave has led hospitals, Without A Name. Opposite page top left, Libby Cueni-Smith, Keaton clinics, and was Denney, Kylie Van Gundy, and Gannon Craig wearing more than their in charge of the share of cowboy hats. Top middle: Crystal Kimmi, Keaton Denney, and Air Force’s global aerospace medicine Abby Ruggles enjoy the Japanese garden. Bottom left, cori Bryant conprograms. His final ducts a piece her father wrote for his great aunt. Bottom middle: Malik Hughes and Ezechiel Daos at Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas.

Air Force assignment was commander of the Air Force’s School of Aerospace rable environment of a large auditorium-like room in a Texas Hill Country cavern.

Medicine then in San Antonio, where he and “It’s an extremely cool space,” said Fisher.

Peggy, ’83 chose to stay. He and Peggy were “And I figured there was probably a zero assigned to eight locations in Europe and percent chance they would ever get to sing in the U.S., as he traveled the globe for combat a cave again. The acoustics were amazing… support, deployed medical operations, and Peggy got off work early enough to meet us, even supported the Space Shuttle program. and we had Texas Bar-B-Q under the Oaks Also a pilot, these days Dr. Fisher and Peggy and a chance to just unwind and breathe can often be found at the controls of their under the big Texas sky. We had, I think, a own warbird aircraft at airshows and fly-ins, great experience.” scuba diving, or traveling.

If social media mentions by Chorale Helping Chorale put together its remembers were the barometer, the favorite cent tour was another one of their unique event of the tour was definitely the cave accomplishments. experience. Comments about the The Cave “The kids truly had an amazing experiWithout A Name, are quite evident in ence,” said Dr. Claude Westfall, director of Westfall’s Facebook feed. Dr. Fisher and Tom choral activities. “It was jam-packed full of Summers, Cave owner and enthusiastic supactivity and opportunity.” porter, recorded videos of the performances To cap off a a busy week of performances and Dr. Fisher has assembled and posted around central Texas, Dr. Fisher arranged a them earning hundreds of accolades and once in a lifetime opportunity to perform in dozens of “shares”. the perfect acoustics and completely memo-

There were other performances and memories, like the beach day on Padre Island, where sunburns became a popular topic of discussion. And, the group even spent a warm afternoon riding horses, which might not have been the best idea right before a performance in close quarters.

The group performed for veterans and visitors at the Nimitz Museum in nearby Fredericksburg, sang both for a community dinner and in the sanctuary at the University United Methodist Church, and even sang for thousands of unsuspecting and appreciative tourists as they cruised aboard a riverboat through the San Antonio Riverwalk.

“Claude told me he didn’t want them to be bored, so we kept them busy all day, every day,” Dr. Fisher said. “I just wish Peggy and I could’ve spent more time with the students.

We both had a really hard time escaping from work that week, but loved every minute we did get to spend with them. This was a really special group of young men and women.

Every place we went, I had folks stop me, call or email me after performances to tell what a great, respectful group they were. They really made an impression everywhere they went.”

Westfall said he was appreciative of the Fishers’ efforts and for the generosity of Earl and Sunny Bates, who funded much of the trip.

Interestingly, one might think the Fishers

invested the monumental time and effort required to plan the 8-day visit because of their own fond memories of Chorale tours back in the ‘80s. Not so.

“We were biology majors, I was pre-med and Peggy science ed,” said Dr. Fisher. “I was a music kid in high school; but doing pre-med and working to pay bills pretty well precluded devoting time to music. No, we were happy to do so much for this tour just because we could. We are proud of where we are, and we are proud of where we came from. These young men and women, by virtue of representing our school, are family.

Someday, they too will have a chance to do something like this, and I hope they will.”

Peggy teaches biology and related sciences in nearby Boerne, Texas. After moving every couple of years with the military, she has enjoyed the stability and camaraderie of one of the highest-rated schools in Texas. “We were stationed in San Antonio. When I retired, it was her turn to follow her career and my turn to follow, so here we are,” Dr. Fisher said.

And it all started at Central Methodist.

“I had a tendency to get bored, distracted, or…nod off, during lectures.” Dr. Fisher said. “I think maybe it was the second week of chemistry, or so, this blond girl sitting behind me in the fourth row in Stedman auditorium ‘tapped’ on my shoulder and tells

me I’d been asked a question… Forty years later, she’s still keeping me out of trouble.”

Dr. Fisher and Peggy have always remained engaged with Central and return as often as they can. They most recently attended the dedication of the reimagined Stedman Hall. It was there that they met Dr. Drake and set the wheels in motion for the Chorale visit.

“The new Stedman is just awesome!

They’ve done such a nice job and I am so glad we got to see it,” said Dr. Fisher. While there, he and Peggy sat in the same seats and re-enacted their first encounter.

“The seats have padding and are way too comfortable – I’d never stay awake in them!” said Dr. Fisher.

“Central is family. My dad and Peggy’s mom went there. The relationship between the faculty, students and the whole town felt like a family then, and remains that way now.”

“I think we were really blessed to have had a chance to help a new generation of our Central family imprint some new memories and lessons,” Dr. Fisher said. “I hope someday they’ll tell their kids about this trip…and that they sang on the San Antonio Riverwalk and even 120 feet underground in a huge Texas cavern. They really created some great memories for us – and I hope we helped make some for them.”

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 31

Central Methodist University

Alumnus Talks Opportunities And Investment Strategies

By SCOTT QUEEN

A

lex Brockman stood at the podium during the summer and made a promise to many people.

He was the guest speaker at Central Methodist University’s St. Louis commencement. He promised to help each and every graduate in the room. Coaching.

Mentorship. Time management. All they had to do was ask.

“Many people have helped me along in my journey,” Brockman told the crowd of graduates. “And I would love to be one of your people.”

No one took him up on his pledge at first. But this fall, a graduate reached out.

Brockman fulfilled his promise. He helped a CMU graduate on his job search as he was relocating to a new town on the east coast.

Brockman is vice president for CSG, a

32 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

people-centered and data-driven technology firm in St. Louis. He’s been in banking and wealth management. He’s been in sales. He and his wife, Cat, and have two children. He is truly blessed.

But it hasn’t always been that way.

Over a decade ago, Brockman accepted his father’s help and got on the sobriety path.

“My life was a mess,” he said.

Brockman bounced through several colleges before a chance meeting with a CMU admissions staffer who offered to help him get his degree. In 2012, he earned his bachelor’s degree.

“I can’t say enough about CMU and the opportunity I had,” said Brockman, who is also appreciative of his opportunity to get into banking several years ago, and the opportunity to be a Young Life leader as well as a church elder. And most of all, he

is appreciative of his opportunity to be a husband and father.

“Servant leadership,” Brockman said.

“That’s my drumbeat now. I’ve had so much help from others at key times of my life. Now I have a new opportunity – to help others.”

Brockman told the crowd of graduates that day the Creator gives everyone 86,400 seconds a day to invest in whatever they want.

Brockman’s investment strategy is simple – use time wisely. His first investment each and every day is “giving my creator 3,600 seconds every morning.”

Brockman said not many succeed when they invest 2-3 hours a day into Instagram and Facebook and another 2-3 hours watching Netflix, Hulu, or Sling TV. So invest your time wisely. And keep your promises.

Smiling In St. Louis

A

large crowd of well-wishers packed Manchester United Methodist Church this summer to congratulate graduates of Central Methodist’s St. Louis extension site.

Below, the first graduates of the clinical counseling program with their advisors include (three in front) Kimberly DinkelaValdez, Monica White, and Faith Ehrhard; and from back left: Dr. Theresa Keown, Lisa Holmes, Dr. Jennifer Maag, Dr. Brittany Murphy, Dr. Jessica Taylor.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 33

Central Methodist University

From left, Heather, Kayla and Jacklyn Straisinger

Sisters Refuse To Settle For Small Dreams

Three Siblings, All Different Ages, Graduate From CMU Together

By MAGGIE GEBHARDT

T

he bond between sisters is often resilient – serving as a source of strength when feeling weak, comfort during life’s toughest moments, and encouragement when afraid to take a leap of faith.

For the Straisinger sisters, this has always been true. Even when life got messy; even when it seemed impossible, it has been that bond that has seen them through – and it is that bond that led them to a pivotal, special moment they were all able to share together.

In May, Jacklyn Straisinger, Kayla (Straisinger) Decker, and Heather Straisinger experienced pride in not only themselves, but one another, as they heard their names announced as graduates at Central Methodist University’s Western Region Commencement on the State Fair Community College (SFCC) Sedalia campus.

Through its College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES), Central partners with SFCC to offer fully-accredited degree

34 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

completion programs at the SFCC campus in Clinton, and after the sisters received their associate degrees from SFCC, they decided to keep chasing their dreams – encouraging one another to keep going.

Jacklyn and Kayla began taking classes through CMU in 2016, with their younger sister, Heather, starting the following fall.

Because Heather had accumulated so many credits already, she found herself right on track to graduate with her older sisters.

Together, they reached the finish line – all at the exact same time.

Jacklyn, the oldest of the three, and Kayla, the second oldest, are both mothers, and remaining motivated to keep going wasn’t easy.

“It took a little while to figure out if we could juggle it all,” Jacklyn said. “But after Kayla decided to transfer to CMU, she inspired me to go for my biggest dream instead of settling for a smaller one. We then encour-

aged Heather to do the same.”

Jacklyn said she first chose CMU because of the convenience of receiving her degree in Clinton through CGES. And after she started classes, she kept choosing CMU – remaining there because of her positive experiences.

“I was able to take all my classes online and the staff was wonderful,” she said.

“They encouraged me when I felt like I was stuck, and showed me that even though I am a single mom doing it on my own, it is still possible.”

Kayla had big dreams of her own, and with the reinforcement of her sisters, realized she could reach them through CMU’s criminal justice program. A victim of domestic abuse, she found that her passion was with other women who were struggling to get out of violent relationships, and also with those who had the strength to get out, but felt lost or guilty after doing so.

“I want to be able to help women,” she said. “I would like to become a victim’s advocate for battered women.”

Central provided the right options for Heather, too, who longs for a career that allows her to help people. She majored in psychology.

“Being a counselor and being able to help people work through struggles in their lives is very important to me,” the youngest of the three said.

Heather said her sisters attending CMU did influence her decision, however, there were plenty of other reasons. She is expecting her first child – a son.

“CMU had the major I wanted, the online classes worked best for me, and the staff is wonderful, helpful, and friendly,” she said.

“If it were not for CMU, I am not sure I would have been able to continue my education to get my psychology degree.”

Heather said it is in an incredible feeling to be able to share such a huge milestone with her older sisters – two people who have been there for her through everything.

Jacklyn agreed as she reflected on her relationship with her younger sisters.

“I honestly don’t think I could have made it to this point without them,” she said. “We are each other’s support team, sounding board, shoulder to cry on, and cheerleaders.

It is amazing for us to be able to share and celebrate this accomplishment.”

A Legacy Of Learning

Mike Reynolds Heads New School Giving Adults Second Chance At Diploma

By EMILY KESEL

M

ike Reynolds ’90 was content to transition to part-time work after retiring from public education. Then he “stumbled across” an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

He met Mark Arens, the vice president of MERS Goodwill and superintendent of Missouri’s Excel Center Schools – adult high schools designed to give people 21 and older another chance at earning a high school diploma. Arens offered Reynolds the job of getting the state’s fourth Excel Center off the ground in Columbia and essentially serving as the school’s principal – “We just use the term ‘director’ with adults, since some of them may not have the fondest memories of their high school principal,” he said.

Along with the new Columbia school, which opened for its first term in October, Excel Centers can be found in St. Louis, Springfield, and Poplar Bluff. At the time the Columbia location opened, the other three schools had approximately 800 stu-

dents enrolled between them.

Located in the building that previously housed the Columbia Daily Tribune, Reynolds’ school has operated with temporary classrooms in a lower level of the building while construction has taken place upstairs. Come January, the Center will open six brand new classrooms, as well as a daycare center. And Reynolds is happy to be involved in a project that will attempt to make a dent in the number of Missourians missing high school diplomas.

“I fell in love with the opportunity to serve as a director,” said Reynolds.

“I believe in the goal of giving adults a second chance, and I am passionate about Goodwill’s belief in providing individuals with a hand up, rather than a hand-out.”

The school will offer the chance to earn a high school diploma, as well as industry-recognized credentials, free child care for students with children, one-onone life coaching, and career placement

assistance. The Columbia school and other Excel Centers rely largely on federal and state funds in order to remain free to all students.

Reynolds believes that aspect will be a crucial one for students.

“I know firsthand, not everyone will complete high school with a diploma – for lots of reasons,” he said.

A former teacher, principal, and superintendent, Reynolds has seen his share of such students. For his own part, he credits his former professors Dr. James Luetjen and Mitch Cochran with preparing him for life in public education.

“Those two instructors taught us so much more than just content and were invaluable in terms of helping each and every one of us be better prepared to be teachers,” he said.

Reynolds – a former member of both the basketball and golf teams at CMU – currently has two daughters enrolled at the university.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 35

Central Methodist University

Professor Marco Tapia works a mock crime scene on the CMU campus.

Central Methodist Partners With Police Academy

S

tudents studying criminal justice at Central Methodist University who are interested in becoming police officers can now get their police academy training at no extra cost while they are in college and get credit at the same time.

CMU has announced a partnership with the University of Missouri Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI), allowing qualified CMU students to earn 18 credit hours for their LETI training. Dr. Rita Gulstad, CMU provost, said the agreement benefits students who hope to become Missouri police officers.

“First, this pays for their police academy training,” Gulstad said. “That is a sizable cost.

Second, students will get credit for their training. They will be well-positioned for a job after graduation, already having been through the academy.”

Police Academy Director John Worden

36 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

said he was looking forward to training CMU students.

“I believe Missouri citizens are the winners with this partnership,” Worden said. “We look forward to having Central Methodist’s high caliber students enroll and graduate from the police academy and become Missouri peace officers.”

Worden thanked Gulstad and CMU criminal justice professor Marco Tapia, and said the collaboration with Central Methodist provides a great opportunity to develop “career-ready law enforcement officers.”

Gulstad said Tapia, a former police officer, did much of the legwork on the agreement.

The 18 hours of college credit revolves around four key areas of police academy training.

Tapia said the coursework includes: Legal studies--administrative procedures, constitutional law, Missouri law, Homeland Security, traffic accident investigation, crimi-

nal investigation, and juvenile justice.

Interpersonal perspectives and technical studies—ethics and professionalism, domestic violence, human behavior, patrol and jail management, and report writing.

Tactical skill development—defensive tactics, firearms, physical fitness, and driver training.

Medical skill development—emergency medical responder.

Tapia said that in addition to the above-listed areas of study, candidates will be subject to a background check and must pass several areas of physical fitness testing, including a 1.5-mile run, a 2-mile walk/run, pushups, sit-ups, a 300-meter run, sit and reach, vertical jump, and a job task simulation course.

Tapia said he hopes the first LETI graduate from CMU under this new agreement will occur sometime in 2020 or 2021.

AshbyHodge Gallery Transitioning Into Holiday Season

New Plaque On Display In Foyer

W

ith the closing of the most recent exhibit on November 14, the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art has begun the transition to its next collection to begin in January. In the meantime, visitors will be able to check out student art and a new addition to the foyer of Classic Hall.

Central Methodist University students’ photography and drawing class art will be on display December 2 through December 12, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day (excluding Saturday, December 7).

The gallery will also be holding its Christmas sale during the same time pe-

riod. All are welcome, and gallery management promises “something for everyone” to be found.

Visitors to the gallery can view a special new addition to the permanent collection.

Stemming from an idea by Earl and Linda Bates, a relief sculpture of Tom Yancey and Dr. Joe Geist now hangs in Classic Hall, paying homage to the gallery founders.

Cast in bronze by Columbia sculptor Sabra Tull Meyer, the plaque weighs more than 50 pounds and features an inscription honoring the legacy of Yancey and Geist.

Meyer is a world-famous sculptor, perhaps

Showing Compassion For Flood Victims

T

he flood of 2019 brought heartache, devastation, and homelessness to many families in central Missouri and beyond.

Just when it seemed the rain was coming to an end, another round stunned weather-watchers everywhere, creating chaos for those affected who had no choice but to quickly pack up what they could and leave their homes behind.

“The thought of losing my home to

the forecasted flood was overwhelming,” said Teri Linneman ’90 from Glasgow.

“Emptying an entire house, leaving years of memories behind, and trying to figure out where to live, pick up the pieces, and start over has been traumatic and nerve-wracking.”

Linneman said the uncertainty of where the path may lead her was incredibly disconcerting. However, she kept her faith and was lucky to find a safe place

best known in Missouri for her Lewis and Clark Monument outside the state capitol building in Jefferson City – a smaller version is on display in the gallery.

“Professor Tom Yancey and Dr. Joe Geist were the founders of The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art in 1993. They were cultural ambassadors of music, art, theater, literature and travel through many decades at Central Methodist University,” the inscription says.

The idea for the plaque came after Yancey’s death in February. The Bates family commissioned the work, which was done based on a photo of the two men. The plaque was installed in October, during the week of homecoming.

It currently hangs between two of Yancey’s own works, featuring Geist and himself.

The gallery is open from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, closed on holidays. For special tours or to confirm hours, call 660-2486304 or email Denise Haskamp at dhaskamp@centralmethodist.edu.

to stay. Others were not so lucky and had very limited options.

In an effort to aid those individuals, Central Methodist University opened up residential areas to the public. Anyone who had to evacuate their homes had an opportunity to reserve a place to stay on campus over the summer.

The news of Central’s effort quickly spread, and even encouraged others to follow suit and offer resources for the victims. Alumni showed great support and pride in the kind act.

“Just another reason why I love my alma mater,” said Amanda McGehee ’10 from Louisville, KY on a Facebook share. “Service has always been part of the CMU culture. I’m proud to be an Eagle.”

Dean of Students Brad Dixon said accommodating those facing devastation was a priority for CMU and it made him proud to work for a university that truly cares for the community.

“It wasn’t even a question,” Dixon said. “We were helping out. These are our friends, neighbors, co-workers and, yes, alums. We had to do our part.”

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 37

Central Methodist University

Orscheln Confirmed On Missouri Conservation Commission

CMU Offers Free Tuition For Some Dual Credit Students

Helps Families See Clear Path To College

I

T

he chairman and CEO of Orscheln Industries, Barry Orscheln ’72 was recently confirmed to sit on the four-person Missouri Conservation Commission which serves to benefit wildlife conservation efforts in the state.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approves wildlife code regulations, considers strategic planning and is involved in budget development for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Commission members do not receive a salary.

Orscheln was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson and was confirmed by the Missouri Senate in the spring.

Orscheln is the chairman and CEO of Orscheln Industries, which is a thirdgeneration business that employees more than 3,500 people and is headquartered in Moberly, MO. The Orscheln group of diversified companies is engaged in manufacturing, retail and commercial real estate development.

Orscheln was born and raised in Moberly and has been an avid hunter and angler since he was young. His father and uncle owned a farm where they grew crops and had horses.

“I did a lot of hunting and fishing there, but I also travelled to other places,” Orscheln said. “We’re not that far from Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and I went there to hunt. That’s how I grew up.”

He said he began his career with the company in 1977 and has served as its CEO for the past 29 years. He graduated from Central Methodist College in 1972 with degrees in business administration and economics.

Orscheln has also served as chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, chairman of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and as director of

38 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

Barry Orscheln - photo courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation

the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Food and Agriculture Committee.

He said a goal of the conservation department is to provide outdoor opportunities for future generations.

“Learning to hunt and fish, respecting our outdoors, and being mindful of conservation were very important to my early years and remain very important for kids today and for future generations,” Orscheln said. “Teaching kids to respect and value our fish, forests, and wildlife — especially at a young age — will stick with them for rest of their lives. I want my children and grandchildren to have the same outdoor opportunities I had and to be able to enjoy a wealth and variety of outdoor activities like I did.”

Orscheln said he has enjoyed being outdoors and has hunted a wide range of wildlife including squirrels, rabbit, deer, ducks and geese.

“I’ve always known the Missouri Department of Conservation to be a very well organized and well managed agency,” Orscheln said. “It is one more opportunity for me to help serve the state of Missouri.”

As a commissioner, Orscheln joins Marilynn J. Bradford of Jefferson City, David W. Murphy of Columbia and Don C. Bedell of Sikeston.

n an effort to boost access to college coursework, Central Methodist University’s board of trustees has approved a measure to offer free dual credit tuition to high school students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

While a handful of public colleges in Missouri have taken similar action, CMU is the first private institution to make such a move. President Roger Drake said the institution had sampled many of its dual credit partner schools before making its recommendation to the trustees.

“This helps the students we’re serving now and will help us reach others,” Drake said. “It will make transition into college life here much easier and more seamless.”

The free tuition for dual credit program will not only apply to online coursework, but also coursework on site at high schools or any of CMU’s campus locations.

Dr. Rita Gulstad, provost at CMU, said she hopes the measure will help families see a clear path to a college education and graduation.

“It’s a jump start,” Gulstad said. “Access to college is hard enough and we hope this will encourage someone to take a step they might have felt not possible before.”

One of the schools involved in the program, Bunceton High School, was appreciative of CMU’s decision to help those who may not have been able to participate in dual credit before.

“This will mean so much to the students and families who were previously struggling with the cost of dual credit tuition or who were not able to consider these class options before,” said Shauna Baker, a counselor with Bunceton R-IV School District in Cooper County.

CMU Adding New DECA Chapter

W

ith demand for a Collegiate DECA chapter on the rise from both current and potential Central Methodist University students, the school is taking steps to meet that need.

DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and manage-

ment in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Led by the efforts of David Hickman, assistant professor in the Division of Accounting, Business, and Economics, the university is in the early stages of developing its own chapter of the storied business organization.

“We have had a lot of existing and incoming students ask if we had a Collegiate DECA chapter,” said Hickman. “Many of those students expressed interest in participating.

After researching what Collegiate DECA could do for our students, it was clear a Collegiate DECA chapter would be a value-added proposition.”

That value is outlined in DECA’s official phrase: “DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.”

“In essence, it is a student organiza-

tion that consists of two main components: academic on the state and international level, and leadership development at the individual chapter level,” said Hickman.

Hickman says the chapter will give CMU students a way to apply what they learn in the classroom through academic competitions, leadership development, and community service. Participation will also give students the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, networking, and formal presentations.

“The primary goal for the CMU Collegiate DECA chapter is to give our students a vehicle that will help them reach their maximum potential,” Hickman said. “Further, we believe the students of Central Methodist have the integrity it takes to impact the community through Collegiate DECA, as well as the academic ability and character it takes to be a force in the competitive DECA landscape.”

The Collegiate Division of DECA currently includes more than 15,000 members at 275 colleges and universities.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 39

Central Methodist University

Scenes From Band Day

T

he 55th annual Central Methodist University Band Day brought 46 schools and thousands of musicians to Fayette on October 12, taking advantage of a beautiful Saturday in early fall. The day-long event, sponsored by the Swinney Conservatory of Music, turned downtown Fayette and the campus of CMU into a competitive musical scene – complete with parade, field competition, and indoor events.

Highlighting an intense day of competition was the excellent level of performance exhibited by bands with CMU alumni at the helm. Band directors from Norborne (Daniel Long), Fayette (Alex Kirby), Fulton (Kelly Neudecker), Hannibal (Michael Fuller), and Waynesville (Jim Stockmann) each brought home at least one first-place award from their alma mater’s competition.

40 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

Resident Population Up 20 Percent At Central Methodist Campus Visits Increase Significantly

C

entral Methodist University has celebrated record enrollment metrics for the second consecutive year. University officials report a nearly 20 percent increase in the CMU resident population.

Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for enrollment management, said CMU had 785 students living on campus this fall compared to 655 last fall. Central’s official fall census count was finalized in October, Parisi said.

“This wasn’t just a one-off situation,” Parisi said. “We’ve produced the largest group of freshmen over two years in the college’s history.

It really can be credited to a change in mindset across the campus. Everyone is recruiting.

We’ve got a great product and students absolutely love this campus.”

Parisi said that in addition to embracing the enrollment management concept, CMU has dra-

Trustees Seek Dialog With Alums On Possible Fayette/CMU Development

C

entral Methodist University’s Board of Trustees is focused on the long-term economic well-being of the institution and the success of Fayette, and seeks alumni opinions and interest in bringing new business to the community.

“We are seeing some very positive signs in

Fayette,” said Tad Perry, chairman of the board of trustees. “So we’d like to gauge alumni interest in doing business here, or perhaps connecting on an even deeper level and partnering with others on a senior retirement community.”

Perry said more and more colleges across

matically increased its campus visit program, which has increased 75 percent in the past year. He said enhanced marketing and outreach efforts played a large role as well.

CMU President Roger Drake was pleased with the results.

“We are very thankful for our enrollment outcome in a very tough competitive landscape,” Drake said. “The Central Methodist faculty has created an outstanding educational opportunity here; I’m thrilled that students and parents, in large numbers, are recognizing the benefit of studying under these talented professionals.”

The future also shows promise for CMU. Parisi said early reports for the Fall 2020 class shows increases in applications, admits, and deposits.

the country are working to advance growth in their communities. He said the university wants to do everything it can to help Fayette and Howard County. The chairman said CMU wants to facilitate business growth and new opportunity.

“Seniors are seeking additional value and meaning in retirement,” he said. “Our alums have a very high level of engagement with their alma mater, and may be interested if the right situation came along.”

“A university is a wonderful resource for a community and a big advantage,” Perry said.

“Theatre, music, and sports are assets, and businesses develop around such efforts all the time.”

From an economic development perspective, Perry said an educated workforce and the possibility to connect with the vast offerings of a nearby college are attractive to entrepreneurs. He said the phenomenon is catching on across the country.

“Our board is ready to have some conversations,” he said.

Please email fayettegrowth@centralmethodist.edu and give us your name, class year, city of residence, and most importantly, your thoughts on the topic. Perry said if enough interest is shown, the university may launch a formal survey and study.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 41

42 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

Throughout her childhood all the way up to her time at Central Methodist University, Alexander was an impressive and driven athlete. She played softball and basketball, ran track, and eventually found a passion for volleyball, which she played at the collegiate level.

Alexander remembers her high school years, the limited athletic facilities in her hometown, and the long car rides to and from other towns for her volleyball activities.

“I always wondered why,” she said. “During the rides to practices and tournaments, I would brainstorm ideas out loud for the type of facility and other activities I hoped we could one day have in Mount Vernon.”

During her junior year of high school, she took an interior design class, which taught her how to break down measurements and draw floor plans. Once her vision and this newly-found skillset collided, there was no stopping what would come next.

“My parents encouraged me to put pen to paper and design a floor plan for the facility I had been imagining,” she said. “So, I did. And I have held onto it ever since.”

After graduating from Central with a bachelor’s degree in sports management, Alexander craved getting her feet wet as a professional. She moved to Florida and eventually became a certified personal trainer. She then dipped into marketing and public relations at a recreation complex where she was the lead fitness instructor and head volleyball coach.

Then, in 2018, she came to a point when she decided she was ready. It was time to pursue her ultimate dream. The multi-sports facility rendering she designed in high school began to come to life, and the reality of 417 Athletics was born.

“The first step I took was finding the perfect plot of land to build on,” Alexander said.

“Next, I started to write a business plan.”

She spent months researching demographics within a 30-mile radius of Mount Vernon, looking into the demand for the facility and analyzing existing facilities, the activities offered, and their capacities.

She created an activity matrix explaining the activities she would start with, and a list of ideas for growth opportunities.

Additionally, she researched equipment, calculated programming and revenue projections, and developed a business and marketing strategy.

When it was all compiled – all the hard work, long hours, and extensive research – Alexander sat down with a banker and received the stamp of approval. Next, she

reached out to potential silent investors, held one meeting, and they were all in agreement – they were in.

It was then time to choose an architect and contractors, and receive approval through the city – all of which went swimmingly. Alexander also traveled around to learn about other multi-sport complexes in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri.

“I then set up a meeting with the president of HOA region of USA Volleyball, Bertil Wamelink, to get his input on our facility layout, and also with many different club volleyball and basketball coaches, athletes, and parents to get their opinion,” she said.

After a year of research, traveling, meetings, jumping countless hurdles, and celebrating small victories, Alexander said the facility broke ground on September 27, with an estimated completion of summer 2020.

417 Athletics will be a 52,364 square foot multi-sports facility that will feature four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, a 1,500 square foot multi-purpose room for classes, a retail space, an officials’ and coaches’ hospitality room, and a full-service concession stand. The layout of the facility has all the bells and whistles, and also provides two separate 18,000 square foot spaces that can be rented by outside entities for special events.

“We are so thrilled and beyond blessed to be receiving an outpouring of positive feedback from our community, coaches, and young athletes who can’t wait for it to be built,” Alexander said. “I have had this dream for a long time and have worked so hard to make it a reality. What I am starting with is only the beginning.”

Computer generated models of the facility

“My parents encouraged me to put pen to paper and design a floor plan for the facility I had been imagining,” she said. “So, I did. And I have held onto it ever since.”

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 43

Central Methodist University

Col. Rick Kaiser speaks to CMU crowd.

Kaiser Speaks On SEALS, Leadership

R

etired U.S. Navy Master Chief Rick Kaiser admits he thought about quitting.

It was Hell Week, the seven days of Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training where young recruits are kept awake nearly 24/7, and he was being punished for falling asleep after a midnight meal.

“Lucky for me, the punishment was getting put in cold water,” he said, “and it woke me up.”

From that point, Kaiser said, he knew he could follow through on his mission to get through training. He said he’s glad he didn’t quit, but he understood in that instant why so many do.

44 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

“I think everybody has that moment, where they think about it,” Kaiser said to the crowd this fall at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church at Central Methodist University.

A former member of SEAL Team 6, Kaiser recounted for the audience his own history in the Navy and spoke about leadership and integrity. He also explained some history of the SEALs and how military operations changed post-9/11.

Kaiser, who now serves as the executive director of the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Fla., explained that the first SEALs were trained in Fort Pierce 75 years ago under orders from President John F. Kennedy. When he joined in 1979

(as a 17-year-old), the SEALs were not as widely known as they are today.

Over time, the group has gained a reputation as being an elite force, partially due to the rigorous training involved. Kaiser said there have been about 16,000 SEALs total, and about 2,500 are active at any given time. And at his museum in Florida, memorializing the 302 who have died in the line of duty is a big part of his mission.

On the eve of the 18-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Kaiser recalled how the group’s operations became global following that event. Rather than having different branches and special forces teams serving in specific areas of responsibility, everyone had to adjust to be able to serve anywhere.

“Pre-9/11 we were always in competition with the Army and other special forces for missions,” he said. “After 9/11 there were so many missions that it didn’t matter.

Everybody had to adapt. Everybody had to work with each other.”

Kaiser would go on to describe the requirements for becoming a SEAL and later outlined some interesting numbers from the 309th BUD/S class (Kaiser was a member of Class 109 himself). The class, he said, began with 139 students and graduated a total of 33. With each student running more than 2,000 miles and swimming 128 over the course of the training, the class “completed the equivalent of swimming from Cuba to the southern tip of Florida and then running to New York City.”

In addition to the running and swimming, students also learn to dive and train in shooting and explosives.

A point of emphasis for Kaiser over his own career, though, has been leadership.

He outlined 10 key points on which he believes good leaders focus, including order and discipline, trusting your gut, and the 7 P’s: “Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance.”

Kaiser wrapped up his appearance with questions from the audience, during which he detailed his Hell Week experience, among other information and anecdotes. A reception followed in the back of the church.

The event was sponsored by the CMU department of criminal justice.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 45

Central Methodist University

Central communications professor Collin Brink, Kelli Hopkins, Christina Wells, and John Tinker pose for a photo following a November 4 panel, with a print of Tinker and sister Mary Beth from the 60’s between them.

Panel Discusses Historic First Amendment Case Anniversary Of Tinker v. Des Moines Celebrated

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entral Methodist University played host to an informative panel discussion on Monday, November 4, as the communications department and the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art co-sponsored a 50th anniversary celebration of the Tinker v. Des Moines Supreme Court ruling.

Panelists John Tinker – lead plaintiff on the case and Fayette resident – Kelli Hopkins, and Christina Wells joined CMU communications professor and moderator Collin Brink to discuss the landmark case that established the standard for students’ rights to free speech in public schools.

Hopkins serves as the Associate Executive Director for the Missouri School Boards’ Association, while Wells is a University of Missouri law professor whose research focuses on issues of free expression and access to government information.

46 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

The panel began with a viewing of a YouTube video from the ACLU featuring Tinker and his sister, Mary Beth. The video detailed the circumstances of the case, which was decided in 1969 but revolved around an incident four years earlier.

The Tinker children and a handful of other teens at a Des Moines, Iowa, high school came to school wearing black armbands meant to “send a message of mourning for the dead in Vietnam on both sides and support for a Christmas truce.” A total of five students – including both Tinker children – were suspended for the act of peaceful protest, sparking a legal battle that went all the way to the highest court in the land.

The eventual decision by the Supreme Court came down 7-2 in favor of Tinker, and the precedence of “substantial disruption” became a standard for courts that is

still used today. Justice Abe Fortas, in his majority opinion, famously wrote that “It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”

At the discussion, Tinker told the audience about his family’s history of civil rights engagement and involvement in the anti-war movement, while Hopkins and Wells discussed the legal standards that were established by the case and some that have changed in the 50 years since.

The discussion ended with a question and answer session with the audience, in which the panel connected the Tinker case to a number of issues of free speech still relevant in today’s society.

The event wrapped up with a presentation of the Freedom of Speech Award 2019 to Tinker.

Lecture Mission: To stimulate, excite, and inspire CMU students to think about their roles in building a better, more tolerant, more civil, and more peaceful world.

Christie Speaks On Peacebuilding In Sunoo Lecture Stresses Importance Of People Powering Change

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r. Daniel J. Christie began his speech at Central Methodist University on Tuesday, November 5 by quoting the purpose of the annual Dr. Harold W. Sunoo World Peace Lecture: “To stimulate, excite, and inspire CMU students to think about their roles in building a better, more tolerant, more civil, and more peaceful world.”

“Indeed, we need that now as much as ever,” Christie said.

Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Ohio State University and a prolific author, Christie’s work throughout his career has focused on growing the field of peace psychology. In an upcoming podcast titled “People Powering Change” – which shares the title with his lecture – he plans to have conversations he hopes will inspire people to promote peace and human well-being.

In his lecture, Christie spoke about the importance of peacemaking, also known as conflict resolution. When given the chance

to work correctly, he suggested, the cycle of episodic violence can be interrupted with conflict resolution. Intervention before a violent action has the ability to prevent the cycle from continuing and progressing into a series of violent acts.

Christie also emphasized the interpersonal level of conflict resolution and how to engage in problem-solving with a cooperative attitude. The goal, Christie suggested, is to “separate the people from the problem.”

These ideas, in many cases, can also apply to peacebuilding, or the way to combat structural violence. In contrast to the smaller scale episodic violence usually happening between individuals or small groups of people, structural violence occurs over time through the deprivation of human needs, said Christie.

Peacebuilding often requires a much more concentrated and collective effort, like protests and other civic engagement. Christie cited a number of student movements that have been influential in structural change,

everywhere from the Civil Rights movement in the United States, to the ending of apartheid in South Africa, to current protests being staged in Hong Kong.

He also took time to acknowledge visitors present from the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, praising their efforts to engage the government with an emphasis on peacebuilding.

Christie’s lecture wrapped up with a question and answer session before adjourning into a reception.

The Sunoo Lecture is an annual event honoring the late Harold Sunoo, a longtime CMU professor and Division Chair for Social Sciences. This year marked the fifth iteration of the lecture in his name.

In addition to his role as a professor, Christie serves as Editor of the Peace Psychology Book Series and Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Peace Psychology. He has taught peace psychology in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, South Africa, and for Semester at Sea.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 47

Central Methodist University

“When the parts you can handle meet the parts you can’t, that’s where success comes,” he said.

In addition to his own life advice, Brown shared some insight from influential people he has interviewed during his time in radio and television – the majority of which has been spent in Missouri and Florida. Some “nuggets” of wisdom from such people included the following:

Brown Shares Insight In Gaddis Lecture Recounts Advice From Influential People

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hen John Brown ’94 was learning reading at a Missouri elementary school – one of many he attended – he struggled to grasp the parts of speech. Eventually, the powers that be labeled him “slow” and placed him in a remedial reading class.

Years later, his mother told him his IQ was actually quite high when his parents had him tested, and he realized that his struggle with the parts of speech was actually due to his “bouncing around schools” throughout his childhood, not because he was “slow.”

Now, Brown says, that same school teaches from one of the books he has written.

But even before that satisfying turn of events, he told listeners at the latest Merrill E. Gaddis Memorial Lecture, he decided from a young age to use that label – slow – and other difficulties and failures as motivation.

That decision has led him to some impres-

48 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

sive places, as he outlined in his speech on October 10. The Central alumnus’ lecture included an explanation of “the odd chain of events from when I was sitting in your seat” to where he is today, as well as “Life Lessons from Interviewing the Most Successful People in the World.”

Brown, who graduated from Central with a biology degree and minor in chemistry, said his life has played out “sometimes in miraculous ways” and credits that to a key principle he’s practiced: work in the natural, let God take care of the supernatural.

At multiple points in his life, Brown received what most people would consider a lucky break – walking into places and getting jobs on the spot, getting terminated from a contract one day before a new and better opportunity came along – but he maintains that the work he was doing for himself behind the scenes was just as important.

“Outwork everyone else. (Hint: it’s not really that hard.)”

– John Q. Hammons “True character is determined when nobody else is looking.”

– Colin Powell “Stop running in circles. Make sure your effort actually takes you somewhere.”

– Rick Scott “Excellence is the key to success.”

– Lou Holtz “The best witness you can have is to live a life that others want to emulate.”

– Dave Ramsey Brown also stressed the importance of not buying into “the negativity trap” and of always questioning the source – because “everybody’s got an agenda.” He shared stories from John Cena and Kurt Warner to emphasize why not to “buy into how other people define you.”

He ended the lecture by telling those in attendance, “Take life seriously, and know your why,” emphasizing the point with an analogy of making a trip from New York to Los Angeles. Though there may be many twists and turns and obstacles along the way, he said, keep moving.

“The obstacles make the trip all that much better,” he concluded, “because you’re that much smarter, that much wiser, by the end.”

Brown currently works as an anchor with KTVI in St. Louis and is working on two more books to add to the four he has already published. He resides in St. Louis with his wife and two daughters.

The Gaddis Lecture is an annual event sponsored by CMU’s Kappa Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, an international honor society for the social sciences. It was established in 1984 in memory of Dr. Merril Elmer Gaddis, who founded the Kappa Chapter and served at CMU for nearly 30 years.

’70-71 Zetas Still Laughing Together

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group of 1970-71 Central Methodist Zeta Psi Lambda alumnae gathered on one of summer’s hottest days in August to visit their beloved campus.

While the group stayed at The Cottage in Rocheport, the highlight of their visit was a two-hour personal tour of the campus from President Roger Drake, followed by lunch at Emmett’s. From left, a Zeta friend Becky Borg York, Linda Long Harlan ’70, President Drake, Sandra Weaver Rowell ’71, Board of Trustees member Louann Thogmorton Shaner ’70, Sandra Shemwell Womack ’70, Cathy Thogmorton ’71, Marty Ball Tayon ’70, Lynn Lolley Robinson ’70, and Cindy Lausen Marek ’71. This group gathers every 12-18 months at a variety of spots around the country, and occasionally in Fayette.

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Central Methodist University

Meet CMU’s New Staff, Faculty CMU New Staff Brenda Krehbiel Financial Services Director

Helping students and parents through the labyrinth of opportunity and obligation that goes along with paying for college is no easy task. With that in mind, Central Methodist University has hired an expert in the field as its next director of financial aid – Brenda Krehbiel.

Krehbiel, of Columbia, has been working in higher education and financial aid for nearly 30 years.

She has an MBA from Newman University and a bachelor’s degree from Bethel College.

Emily Kesel

Media Content Specialist

Experience in a field polishes a resume and oftentimes provides an extra advantage for someone in a job search. And it certainly did for Emily Kesel.

Kesel is the new media content specialist for Central Methodist University’s marketing office. She was trained well in her previous role as a community editor and sports reporter at the Aurora Advertiser in southwest Missouri.

Kesel’s new job responsibilities include writing and editing stories and press releases for the CMU website, media outlets and The Talon alumni magazine.

Kesel earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Westminster College, where she worked four years in the sports information office.

Hannah Maat

Admissions Representative After serving last semester as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach, Central Methodist University graduate student Hannah Maat has taken a new position as an admissions representative.

Maat’s new job responsibilities in admissions include helping prospective students through the recruitment process, as well as connecting new students with financial aid and guiding them through enrollment and class sign-up.

50 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

Jessica Teter

CLAS Billing Specialist

Jessica Teter, from Salisbury, Mo., has been hired as a billing specialist for Central Methodist University. In her new role, Teter coordinates billing processes for programs at the Fayette campus, with some of her responsibilities including processing third party paperwork and invoicing, assisting students and parents with billing questions, printing and mailing student billing statements, processing student refunds, providing transcript verification, and more.

Teter studied criminal justice administration at Columbia College in Columbia, MO., and early childhood education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO.

Timothy O’Sullivan Admissions Representative

With an extensive background in music and a passion for higher education, Timothy O’Sullivan will undoubtedly excel as an admissions representative for Central Methodist University.

O’Sullivan, from Columbia, was hired for the role at CMU, and has been recruiting prospective students within an assigned territory with a special focus on fine arts students. He regularly communicates with these students and their families, develops relationships with various high school representatives, and spends time traveling to college fairs and other special events.

Tricia Hackman

Mailroom, Switchboard Supervisor

Central Methodist University has hired Tricia Hackman, from Glasgow, as its new mailroom supervisor/payroll assistant.

In this role, Hackman is responsible for processing outgoing and incoming mail, and also serves as the campus receptionist answering switchboard calls. Additionally, she serves as a payroll assistant for projects within Human Resources.

Hackman currently resides in Glasgow with her husband, Phillip, and their two daughters.

Danielle Mae Franklin

Library User Engagement Specialist

After graduating from Central Methodist University in 2017, Danielle Mae Franklin, from Odessa, MO., has made her way back to her alma mater.

Franklin recently accepted the position of library user engagement specialist at CMU’s Smiley Memorial Library. In this role, she is responsible for supervising all library activity during the evening hours.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Central, Franklin completed a year of service as a City Year AmeriCorps Member (ACM) for City Year Kansas City before she was offered a job as a teacher for Duncan Academy East Day Care in Oak Grove. From there, she went on to be a reporter for The Missouri Times Clayton Edition, holding that position until she decided to return to Central Methodist.

Vera Elwood

Instructional Services Librarian

Vera Elwood has been named the new instructional services librarian at Central Methodist University. In this position, Elwood is responsible for developing strategies for integrating information literacy into the curriculum.

In conjunction with the director, Elwood is also responsible for targeting instruction toward curricular needs of CMU, assessing the impact of student learning, and ensuring print and electronic resources support these efforts.

Elwood comes to CMU from Hays, KS., where she was the outreach librarian at Hays Public Library.

CMU New Faculty David “Shane” Combs Assistant Professor of English Composition & Professional Writing

Making his way from Normal, IL., Combs begins his role with Central after serving as a graduate assistant at Illinois State University as part of his Ph.D. experience.

He taught classes from first-year composition and literary narrative, to advanced composition and digital storytelling.

Combs received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, his master’s in English from East Carolina University, and his Ph.D. in English studies from Illinois State University.

Kristan Erdmann

Assistant Professor of Athletic Training

From Louisville, KY., Erdmann joined Central Methodist after working for six years at Murray State University in Murray, KY., where she was the athletic training program director and an assistant professor.

Before her time there, Erdmann was an athletic trainer for Graves County Schools.

Erdmann received both her bachelor’s degree in athletic training and master’s degree in physical education from Eastern Kentucky University before going on to earn a doctorate of education in educational leadership from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY.

Cynthia Fitzgerald Assistant Professor of Education

Fitzgerald, from Salisbury, MO., will be a professor at Central Methodist after almost 30 years as a middle school teacher at Westran R-1 School District in Huntsville, MO., where she taught 6th through 8thgrade math and science, and was a resource room supervisor.

Fitzgerald received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from William Woods College in Fulton, MO., and went on to earn a master’s in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Joshua Galat

Assistant Professor of English

Joining Central from West Lafayette, IN., Galat previously served as the Purdue Research Foundation Fellow for the Purdue Research Foundation at Purdue University, where he received his Ph.D. in English. He was a graduate teaching instructor at Purdue.

Galat received a bachelor’s degree in English and classical studies from the University of Florida, a master’s in English

and a master’s in teaching in English language arts education from the University of Central Florida, and a Ph.D. in English from Purdue.

Melva Gipson

Assistant Professor of Education Gipson, from Cairo, MO., has been an adjunct professor at Central Methodist since 2013. During the last several years, she planned and implemented lessons for classes, and supervised and coached student teachers.

She was the principal of Northeast R-IV School in Cairo, MO. Gipson received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, her master’s in education administration from Truman University in Kirksville, and then earned an educational specialist degree from the University of Missouri.

Michael Hughes

Nursing Program Faculty

A Central alumnus from Columbia, MO., Hughes will now be a member of Central’s nursing program faculty after working as an assistant professor at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. There, he provided classroom and clinical instruction in theory and specialty areas for Fundamental of Nursing Care.

Formerly, he was an instructor at Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, MO. Hughes received his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Central Methodist in 1989. He then earned a master’s in nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Tyler Kenefake

Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Kenefake, from Denton, TX., joins CMU after working as a teaching fellow at the University of North Texas.

He received professional experience as a teaching assistant at Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth in Baltimore, MD. Kenefake received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and secondary education from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas, and a Ph.D. in mathematics this year from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX.

Lisa Morrison

Assistant Professor of Business and Accounting

Morrison joins Central after working as an adjunct instructor at Stephens College in Columbia. She is from Salisbury, MO. At Stephens, Morrison taught courses including Consumer Behavior, Principles of Management, Organizational Behavior, Advanced Marketing Events, and Foundations of Business.

Morrison received a master’s in business administration from William Woods University in Fulton, an educational specialist degree in information science and learning technologies from the University of Missouri, and an educational doctorate in educational leadership from William Woods.

Lonna Wilke

Assistant Professor of Theatre

From O’Fallon, MO., Wilke, a CMU alumna, joins Central after years of being an associate faculty at St. Charles Community College, where she taught Introduction to Theatre and theatre design and tech classes. She also designed scenery and lighting for productions.

Before that role, she was the theatre manager/technical director, managing the theatre facility and serving as adjunct faculty.

Wilke earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Central in 1989, and a master’s degree in theatre design and tech from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, N.C.

Terese Zidon

Assistant Professor of Biology

Joining Central from Columbia, MO., Zidon was most recently an adjunct professor at Columbia College, where she taught anatomy, physiology, and human biology for both day and evening students.

For several years, Zidon was a graduate teaching and research assistant at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Zidon received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, before going on to earn both her master’s degree in biomedical sciences and Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Missouri.

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Central Methodist University

Professor John Flanders and Andrew Reynolds.

Two LEGO Collections Delight Museum-Goers

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he Central Museum Of History Is Excited To Show Off A LEGO Mania Exhibit. The show opened on Family Day and runs through the Christmas holidays, featuring a wide variety of LEGO creations from two different collectors: Andrew Reynolds and Professor John Flanders have brought dozens of finished pieces to display in the museum.

While their hobbies both involve the world-famous building bricks, their styles vary greatly. Fans of the 2014 animated comedy The LEGO Movie will recognize the difference, as Flanders noted.

“I would describe it as, he (Reynolds) is Emmet and I’m the dad who threatens to use glue to put things together,” he said.

For those unfamiliar with the film, Emmet is the main character in the LEGO world of the movie and must learn to buck the instructions to become a “master

52 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

builder.” These are the creative heroes who build straight from their own imaginations – just as Reynolds does.

Having built LEGO kits since he was 10 years old, Reynolds eventually “moved beyond the traditional kits” to designing and constructing his own structures – known in builder’s circles as MOCs (My Own Creations). His house is now home to more than 150,000 LEGO bricks, and his pieces have been displayed throughout the Midwest.

To aspiring builders, Reynolds’ advice is simply “use your imagination!”

“There is no wrong way to build,” he said. “Building with LEGO can and has helped people understand the world around them.”

Many parts of that world can also be found in Flanders’ pieces, as the CMU professor of business and economics has

built a large portion of his collection using LEGO Architecture sets. This special collection highlights some of the world’s most iconic buildings and skylines – and is responsible for Flanders’ continued interest in the hobby.

Flanders says he used to help his son build LEGO sets every holiday season and was “crushed” when the boy said he no longer needed his dad’s help. Luckily, Flanders discovered the Architecture sets and was able to carry on the tradition for himself. Now he has the complete Architecture collection, including pieces that weren’t released in the U.S. Flanders says his collection of various buildings, characters, and structures seems more “impressive” in the museum – as opposed to jammed together in his office, its usual home.

Eagle Athletics Auction Breaks Fundraising Record

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his year’s Celebrating Eagle Athletics Auction was historic for more reasons than one. First, more than 350 attendees helped raise a record $93,000 for Central Methodist Athletics. Second, the event was held for the first time in Puckett Fieldhouse. At right, KRCG sports anchor Rod Smith, the evening’s emcee, interviews men’s soccer coach Alex Nichols about winning CMU’s first national championship in 2018. Below some of the 350 auction-goers enjoy the evening.

Winter ’19-’20 | The Talon 53

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hrough all the smiles, tears, and memories shared from across the decades, one theme emerged time after time when Central Methodist University honored some of its greatest athletes ever.

Family.

Four individuals and two teams were welcomed this fall into an elite class of Central Methodist alumni athletes becoming members of the Hairston Hall of Fame.

They were the best of the best. Their achievements as Eagles were exceptional.

Yet they all focused on the family they built while at Central. They talked about connectedness. They talked about coming back to Fayette and feeling at home.

Edward Stewart ’13 felt it right away. He was a star for the men’s track and field team from 2009-2013. He was a 14-time allconference performer and a two-time NAIA champion in the 60m and 100m hurdles. In 2011, he set the NAIA indoor meet record with a 7.89 in the 60m hurdles.

“CMU is like a family to me,” Stewart told a crowd of 150 in the Inman Student and Community Center. “I get very emotional about this every time I think about it.”

Stewart now lives in Nashville, TN and works for the department of motor vehicles.

He is married to Martha Gillespie-Stewart.

Matt Fraley ’11 flashed his trademark smile to the crowd as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He, too, spoke of family, and chasing his coaches’ kids around the office when he came for a visit.

“CMU is still my family, and I am truly honored to be among all these legends here today,” he said.

Fraley’s performance as an Eagle defensive lineman was legendary. He was a four-year letter winner, a two-time NAIA all-American, and conference defensive player of the year.

In 2010, he was one of 11 selected nationwide to the AFCE Good Works Team. Fraley works

54 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

in sales in Lawrence, KS. He is engaged to a CMU alumna.

Steve Kline ’76 was a two-sport star in basketball and baseball. He, too, was emotional when he came forward to receive his honor.

“It’s been a long time [since I’ve been on campus],” he said. “I was worried we wouldn’t recognized each other.”

Kline scored 18.4 points per game and was a two-time basketball team MVP, but his accomplishments on the baseball field were even better. He hit .477 as a senior and set single season records in hits, doubles, triples, RBI, stolen bases, and batting average. His career batting average was .399.

Yet Kline, who signed a professional contract with the Seattle Mariners, didn’t want to talk about himself. “I’m overwhelmed,” he said. “You know, I couldn’t have asked for better coaches. And they are even better men. And I’d like to honor three guys from our 1975 team who have passed away.”

Kline said his favorite memories are the looks on coaches’ faces when Eagles won championships.

“The look on Coach Holley’s face when we beat Tarkio and nobody had given us a chance,” said Kline, who lives in St. Louis.

“I could tell how proud he was. And the look on Coach Phipps’ face when we won the ’75 championship. I’ll never forget.”

Mark Dempsey ’85 is in many ways the founding architect of Central Methodist’s athletic training program. Inducted for his contribution of sports medicine, Dempsey spent countless hours tending to injured Eagles, first men’s basketball players under Coach Jeff Sherman, and then the whole program.

Dempsey called his induction “a humbling experience,” reminisced about his mentors, and spoke of starting the Central athletic training program in an “8x10 closet.

It’s a state-of-the-art program now, though.”

“They (Central) put a ton of trust in me,” Dempsey said of his early years. “They let an 18-year-old have the health of young athletes in his hands.”

Dempsey never let Central down. He still doesn’t. He is a great financial supporter of the athletic training program. In fact, Dempsey hired the current program director, Wade Welton, and he credits

highlights, as former Coach Tom Bartow, wearing a green cast on his arm, talked about doing hours of research on college and pro teams over the years who might have won 75 percent of their games in “turnaround years.”

Bartow’s Eagles won 76.9 percent of their games in ‘76-‘77, finishing with a 20-6 record. It was certainly Central Methodist’s basketball turnaround year after having a terrible season in ’75-’76.

“Extremely rare,” said Bartow, who lives in Henderson, NV. “It was a very big deal. We could not find evidence of any other team in history to accomplish such a turnaround. There was Duke University football and Manchester University at 70 percent. But nothing like we did here at Central.”

Bartow said his players were responsible for the miraculous turnaround, but the players give him a lot of credit.

“Coach Bartow was truly special,” said Gary Wideman ‘77. “He was a special coach and mentor. And he’s still coaching us in business, fatherhood, grandfather hood, and life. He took us from the bottom up to the top in one year. We had such a family atmosphere.”

Players on the team, many of whom were present at the induction, included Mike

They were the best of the best. Their achievements as Eagles were exceptional. Yet they all focused on the family they built while at Central.

Welton with taking athletic training at Central to new heights.

Dempsey, who lives in Columbia with his wife, Kathy, was teased for having a new CMU charitable priority lately – the dance team. The captain of the Envy Dance team is none other than his daughter, Kadee.

Dempsey is vice president and chief operating officer of Peak Sport and Spine, the fourth-largest privately owned provider of physical therapy services in the country.

In 2017, he became a member of the Missouri Sports Medicine Hall of Fame.

The 1976-77 men’s basketball team induction featured one of the day’s many

Grimes, Randy Frevert, Gary Wideman, Rickey Frevert, Charles Jones, Jay Webster, Dennis Hagedorn, Don Walton, Kevin Cantwell, Alan DeGeare, Arthur Woods, Ed Shelton, Rick Javey, and Russell Wilson.

Coaches included Bartow, Dave Owens, and Ted Snodgrass.

The 2012-2013 softball team was also inducted into the Hairston Hall of Fame. The Eagles finished the season 34-12-1, and were coached by Pat Reardon. The team placed nine members on the all-conference list and three on the gold glove squad, and produced player of the year and freshman of the year first baseman Lauren Geringer. This was also the season that saw Aubrey Utley, the Heart Pitcher of the Year for the third consecutive season, become one of the most decorated athletes in school history.

Team members included: Geringer, Utley, Jocelyn Glaze, Kennedy Seifert, Erika Reinagel, Bri Ford, Jacqulin Cappuccilli, Megan Robbins, Bri Kirkland, Melanie Wilmsmeyer, Shelby Pohlman, Nicole Beck, Johnica Hanke, Nikki Giovenco, Mary Kate Townley, Courtney Dennis, Jessica Wilmes, Bri Boatwright, Madison Watson, and Michele Rupard. Coaches were Pat and Gene Reardon, Ross Dowell, Kenya Fuemmeler, Steve Siebert, Ashley Flemming, Audrey Crabtree, and Kayla Yount.

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Central Methodist University Sports

Record Number Of Golfers Make 29th Luetjen Tourney Big Success!

At right, Dr. James Luetjen addresses the crowd prior to the tournament start this summer. At left, Ryan Reid eyes a putt.

Jason Holmes, Don Brashears, Cliff Mohn, Randy Hubbard and others (or teammates) enjoying the 29th Luetjen Golf Tournament at Hail Ridge Golf Course in Boonville, MO.

56 The Talon | Winter ’19-’20

Men’s, Women’s Wrestling Begin Historic First Season

Cody Imbierowicz claims victory.

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oth the men’s and women’s wrestling programs have begun competition as the first wrestling teams in the history of Central Methodist University.

The men’s team has already hosted two events inside Puckett Field House. The CMU Open took place on the first weekend of November and the Eagles also hosted a dual against Graceland. Tallon Heimbach and Brenden Shelton took home secondplace finishes at the CMU Open, while Corey Wait finished in fourth place. Against Graceland, the Eagles fell as a team, 2715. Victories were picked up by Andrew Godier, Heimbach, and Cody Imbierowicz.

Ray Hamilton also won by forfeit.

The women’s team has yet to compete on campus but began their season at the Missouri Valley Open on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Madlynne Navarro led the way with four wins en route to an 8th place finish.

Both teams will host a dual against Baker on Saturday, Jan. 4 beginning with the women’s match at 6 pm. The rest of the schedule can be found on cmueagles.com.

Golf Returning To Central

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entral Methodist University has announced the reinstatement of men’s and women’s golf, officially opening the season for both sports in 2020.

“We’re excited to announce the addition of two programs here at Central Methodist,” stated Vice President for Student Life & Athletics Natasha Wilson.

“The golf programs will be a welcomed addition to a growing department that reached extraordinary heights last year.”

The move resurrects both programs, which ceased competing after the 2016-17 academic year.

The Eagles golf programs will be coached by Stephen Main, who has served as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team since 2017. On the sideline, Main helped guide the program to backto-back appearances in the NAIA National

Championship and the program’s first conference championship banner.

“I am absolutely delighted to be leading our men’s and women’s golf programs here at Central,” stated Coach Main. “Our athletics programs have a winning culture ingrained in them, both in and out of the classroom, and I look forward to contributing to this tradition. I am incredibly excited to get to work!”

Both programs will compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, along with 10 other schools. The teams will call the Hail Ridge Golf Course, located in Boonville, MO., home for the upcoming season.

Schedules will be released at a later date. For additional information on the golf programs, please contact Coach Main at (660) 248-6616 or smain@ centralmethodist.edu.

Coach Stephen Main

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Central Methodist University Sports

Fall Sports Wrap-Up Volleyball, Cross Country Rise to National Prominence It was a successful fall season for Central Methodist University Athletics, thanks in part to the continued success of the volleyball and cross-country programs.

For the second straight season, the volleyball team earned a trip to the NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship.

The Eagles upset then-No. 11 Grand View in the Heart Tournament finals, catapulting them to a No. 12 seed at nationals with a 30-3 record. It’s the first time since the Vikings joined the Heart in 2015 that they have been defeated in the conference tournament.

The Eagles only lost one match at home all season. Other highlights included a threeset victory over then-No. 4 Missouri Baptist to open the season. Central Methodist will be looking to make some noise in Sioux City.

The cross-country program had three runners earn All-Conference recognition in 2019. Lisa Sauter finished in 14th place at the Heart Cross Country Championships, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference.

The men’s program was led by Radovan Kemboi, who won the individual conference championship, and Elliot Knernschield, who finished in 6th place. Both Kemboi and Knernschield earned automatic bids to the NAIA Men’s Cross Country National

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Championship hosted in Vancouver, WA., on Friday, Nov. 22.

Men’s Soccer Looking to Defend NAIA Title After a tough September home loss to a feisty Bellevue squad, it looked fair to question if the Central Methodist men’s soccer team had what it took to repeat last season’s success. Fifteen straight wins later, the Eagles head into the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Tournament with a No. 1-ranking and looking like a well-oiled machine.

After running the table in the conference slate and emerging on top in the conference tournament, the Eagles received the No. 1 overall seed in the NAIA bracket reveal.

The season seemed to turn with a rousing 5-2 victory over then-No. 1 Missouri Valley in front of a sold-out Davis Field crowd just two games after suffering their only loss.

The Eagles nearly swept the conference awards in addition to placing seven players on All-Conference teams. Marcos German and Daniel Hernandez shared Co-Player of the Year honors, while coach Alex Nichols earned his second straight Heart Coach of the Year award. Hernandez also broke the school record for career goals previously held by Thyago Catharino (2009-12) with 31. Hernandez enters the national tournament with 35 career tallies in just two seasons in Fayette.

In the opening round of the national tournament, Central Methodist will host a three-team pod featuring Martin Methodist (TN.) and Houston-Victoria (TX).

Women’s Soccer Enters National Tournament with Unbeaten Mark The Central Methodist women’s soccer team enters the national tournament as the only unbeaten team with a 21-0 record. It’s a new season-high in wins for the Eagles, topping the previous record of 16 set in each of the last two seasons.

The Eagles clinched the regular season conference championship with a 3-0 victory in the final game of the season. In the conference tournament, the Eagles came from behind to score a last-minute, doubleovertime goal to beat Benedictine, 3-2.

Central has been led by a two-headed monster on offense in Judith Sainz and Anika Kallash. Kallash broke the schoolrecord for single-season goals in October, but Sainz is right on her heels. Kallash enters the national tournament with 31 goals, smashing the previous record of 16 set

by Nicki Noreen in 2016, while Sainz has 29 goals. Not to be outdone, Sainz holds a few records of her own including career goals (68), career assists (30), and single-season assists (14).

Eight Eagles were named to All-

Conference teams after the regular season.

Mireia Lopez was named Heart Defensive Player of the Year, Sheila Sanchez was named Heart Freshman of the Year, and Sainz was named the Heart Player of the Year. Head coach Dan Schmidlin was named Heart Coach of the Year for his efforts in guiding the Eagles to an unbeaten regular season.

Central Methodist, as the No. 4 overall seed, hosts a three-team pod featuring Olivet Nazarene (IL.) and Aquinas (MI.) in the NAIA Opening Round.

Football Continues Upward Trajectory, Finishing with Most Wins Since 2014 A year after topping Missouri Valley for the first time since 2004, the Central Methodist football team continued to show strides in the 2019 season.

In head coach David Calloway’s fourth season at the helm, the Eagles finished 5-5-1, the most wins for the program since going 6-5 in 2014. Eight players earned recognition on the All-Heart South Team, led by junior wide receiver Katavious Taylor on the first team.

The season was highlighted with a dominant upset of then-No. 9 Evangel, 42-7, on Senior Day. It was the first victory for Central Methodist over a ranked opponent since beating No. 24 MidAmerica Nazarene, 24-18, on Oct. 4, 2014.

Central forced seven turnovers on defense in the win over Evangel and were led offensively by senior quarterback Jordan Williams,

who had six touchdowns and 269 yards of total offense, and Taylor, who had five catches for 103 yards and four touchdowns. For his efforts, Williams was named NAIA Football National Offensive Player of the Week, the first such honor for Central football since Bryant Jackson in 2009.

Another season highlight was beating Missouri Valley on homecoming, which marked the second straight victory in the rivalry for Central Methodist. Aside from Williams, the Eagles had three other players named Heart Player of the Week for exceptional performances: Taylor, Kaylon Johnson, and Mar’Quess Daniels. Johnson finished the season with 848 yards rushing, which is the most for any Central Methodist player since Rashaad Lee picked up 854 yards on the ground in 2007.

Rodeo Partnership Off to a Good Start This school year marks the beginning of a historic partnership for the Central Methodist University community, one that has already begun to see success.

In January, CMU announced it would begin competing in collegiate rodeo, thanks to a partnership with Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, MO. Amanda Phipps was hired as the head coach and began forming the team right away, preparing for competition in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Starting in the fall, the team came together to practice – at the Three Rivers College Farm in Fairdealing, MO. – and

soon began its fall schedule.

Competing in the Ozark Region, the CMU team first traveled down the road to Marshall in September to compete in Missouri Valley College’s Viking Stampede. Two athletes entered the competition in the barrel racing slack event, Kelsi Haller and Alena Brach Miller. Haller qualified for the short go and finished fourth overall while earning the Eagles a seventh-place finish as a team.

Haller continued to perform at a high level for the team, picking up a secondplace short round finish the following week at West Alabama and coming in third at the Three Rivers College event. Miller also continued to run the barrel races, and Abbi Perry and Mackenzie Gass debuted at Three Rivers, as well.

On November 2, Haller – and horse Ruby – finished fourth in the short round at Southern Arkansas University. Miller also attended the rodeo, riding in the “costume rodeo” on Halloween night while dressed as a bull fighter.

Overall, Phipps has been happy with the effort the team has put in throughout the fall season.

“We are blessed to have such great team members,” she said in October. “I can’t stop smiling, I am so proud of them all!”

The team will continue to compete throughout the school year and hopes to add calf-roping to its lineup at competition.

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