Spring 2010 - The Talon

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SPRING 2010

THE MAGAZINE OF CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY

GRADUATION

ALUMNI REUNION

CHARTING A SPIRITUAL COURSE

To Alumni and Friends of Central Methodist University: This spring we are celebrating another record enrollment at the Fayette campus…1,008…and the first time we have ever exceeded 1,000 in a spring semester. The College of Graduate and Extended Studies is also growing, including the opening of our St. Louis campus and the start of our first cohorts in the six programs that we are offering there. Spirits continue to be very high as we note the significant levels of activity everywhere—our annual Music Festival on campus, our highly successful band tour, the participation of our men’s basketball team once again in the NAIA Division I national tournament in Kansas City, and the national standings of several members of our track and field athletes. Every day we seem to attain new heights of excellence and performance, and every day we welcome visits from prospective students and their families. This is a very, very good year for Central Methodist University!

Featured in this issue is a discussion of the many opportunities on campus for spiritual growth and the exploration of the spiritual dimension of life. This seems a “natural” for Central Methodist University since we were founded by Missouri Methodists and have remained closely related to the United Methodist tradition ever since. The physical presence of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church at the center of the Fayette campus symbolizes the church relationship at the heart of our being and of our understanding of ourselves. We have been hailed by two visits from University Senate representatives for the strength of our church relationship and for the initiative that we take in assuring that connection.

Thanks to the openness of the United Methodist tradition, we welcome persons of all spiritual persuasions…or of none…as we seek to understand our common human bonds and experiences.

How does our United Methodist connection manifest itself in daily life? First, Central Methodist University is very clear and deliberate in its articulation of our core values and fundamental character, which include a commitment to honesty, integrity, diversity, civility, responsi-

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bility, respect, and caring. Our mission statement reflects our church relationship as it proclaims our emphasis on academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. The Champions of Character theme of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics links perfectly with our own mission and values.

The many service projects in which our students, as well as faculty and staff, are involved each year extend our spiritual beliefs into the community; our athletic teams are all engaged in significant service opportunities; and our annual Service Day in April involves almost all members of the Fayette campus family in some form of outreach.

The recently established Fleer Lecture on Excellence in Values-Based Liberal Arts Education offers yet another opportunity for our community to consider the spiritual underpinnings of our curriculum and all programming.

The work of our Campus Minister is an essential element in spiritual life at CMU. In addition to our weekly chapel service, there are Bible study groups and other fellowship opportunities, as well as mission trips, that engage students and others in positive, uplifting ways. We are delighted with the growth in the number and percentage of United Methodists among our student body, with almost 21 percent of Fayette campus students declaring United Methodist as their denomination. We are glad to offer a special 50 percent scholarship to full-time Fayette campus undergraduate United Methodist students, and each year we note with pleasure the increases in applications and in certifications from pastors of these students’ local churches. Other denominations are well represented among our students as well, and all are welcome to participate in the many paths to spiritual sustenance and growth.

We are proud of all who are part of the Central Methodist University family—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and good friends—and we thank everyone for their contributions to this distinctive community.

Central’s foundation of faith permeates all that we are and do.

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THE MAGAZINE OF CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY 5 Table of Contents President’s Message................................2 Graduation............................................ 5

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Selecman Award ....................................7 Campus News ........................................8 Department Honors...............................10 Alumni Reunion.......... ..........................12 Distinguished Alumni Awards................14

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Five Retire........................................ ....18 Classic Renaissance.. .............................22 CMU Continues Expansion.....................24 Charting a Spiritual Course ....................34

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New Scholarships..................................38 Shhhh . . . No More!..............................40 SIFE to Nationals .................................46 Athletics...............................................51 Athletic Awards....................................56 New Board Members.............................59 Alumni News .......................................60 Muzorewa Death ..................................66

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Senior Administration Dr. Marianne E. Inman, President Dr. Rita Gulstad, Vice President and Dean of the University Richard Davis, Interim Vice President for Campus Life, Dean of Students, and Director of Athletics Julee Sherman, Vice President for Finance and Administration Theresa M. Davis, Vice President for Advancement Chad Gaines, Vice President for Information Services On the cover: Students stand watch in the Student and Community Center, waiting for an egg drop experiment. Photo by Jenny Martin Anspach.

Talon Editorial Staff and Contact Information Don Cullimore, Executive Editor 660-248-6238 dcullimo@centralmethodist.edu Cathy Thogmorton, Editor and Graphic Designer 660-248-6391 cthogmor@centralmethodist.edu Tracy Crowe Jones Director of Alumni Relations 660-248-6234 tjones@centralmethodist.edu Jenny Martin Anspach Graphic and Web Designer 660-248-6629 jmartin@centralmethodist Kelcey Zutavern Sports Information Director 660-248-6358 kzutaver@centralmethodist.edu

Technology at CMU

Jenny Martin Anspach It’s funny how some projects never really are finished. Your friends in the Office of Technology Services (formerly the Office of Campus Computing), have been working on reviving the CMU TV station for almost a year now. Once a functioning station, channel 4 had fallen by the wayside, but it is now up and running again! At the moment one can find campus announcements (such as events and special notifications), the lost and found, and the three-day weather forecast. There are plans to show replays of sporting events, instructional videos and other such things.

We hope channel 4 will be helpful to our students and others on campus.

As I’ve said before in this column, Central can be found on many social networking sites on the web. We have recently added a presence on the professional networking site, LinkedIn (www. linkedin.com/companies/central-methodist-university). You can also find a CMU group on LinkedIn where you can connect with other CMU alumni and CMU faculty and staff. While you are out and about on the web, don’t forget to find us on Facebook© (www. facebook.com/centralmethodist), YouTube© (www.youtube.com/ centralmethodist), and Twitter© (www.twitter.com/cmuniv). All of these links can be found in the bottom right-hand corner of any page on the CMU website.

The CMU website is available to give anyone access to information about the happenings and offerings at Central. We try to make the website as up-to-date and easy to navigate as possible. With that in mind, this summer keep an eye on the athletics portion of our website (www.centralmethodist.edu/cmathletics).

Exciting things are happening!

Jessica Travlos Student Assistant

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

– Mission Statement

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Students end collegiate careers in joyous celebration Central Methodist University in Fayette graduated 239 students at Commencement exercises May 8 on campus.

Fully 182 students from the home campus received undergraduate degrees and 21 more received Master of Education degrees. An additional 36 students from CMU’s Extended Studies Program, including its regional campuses in Sedalia and Columbia, also received undergraduate degrees at the ceremony. Several hundred more students will receive undergraduate or graduate degrees this school year from CMU’s other regional campuses throughout the state.

Receiving top honors from the University were the Selecman Award winner, Elaine Stevenson (see related article), the Human Relations honoree, Andrew Eggert, and the Victoria Award winner, Garett Cook.

The Rev. Bob Farr, an administrator with the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church, spoke at the morning Baccalaureate service. He serves as the director of the Rev. Bob Farr

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Center for Congregational Excellence for the Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Farr earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Communication, with a minor in Fire Safety, from CMSU (now University of Central Missouri) in 1981. He attended seminary at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1985. After completing his graduate degree, he first served in the Missouri Conference at Randolph Memorial United Methodist Church in Kansas City.

As a pastor, Farr helped found a new church in Lee’s Summit, Mo., called Grace United Methodist Church. His most recent appointment was at Church of the Shepherd in St. Charles, Mo., where he led the congregation through a relocation of the church, which resulted in the worship attendance doubling to nearly 1,100 members.

In his current position, Farr assists with the Pastor Leadership Development program, church consulting, relocations, mergers, and new church starts. He leads congregations through the Healthy Church Initiative, which begins with pastoral leadership and congregational leadership development, and then helps move the pastor and congregation through a program called Small Church Academy.

In May, Farr spoke at the CMU Leadership Institute on Central’s campus. The day-long meeting welcomed nearly 200 pastors and lay members of Missouri United Methodist Churches.

Entrepreneur and educator James (Jim) Marchbank spoke at Commencement. A seasoned business professional with more than 14 years of Fortune 500 management, marketing, and human resources experience, he recently

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joined the CMU Board of Trustees.

Marchbank founded his own company and ran it successfully for 27 years until he sold it in 2008. Currently he is an adjunct instructor in business strategy, marketing, and human resources and organizational behavior at Fontbonne University in St. Louis. In July, Jim Marchbank he will teach business strategy at an MBA program in Bangkok, Thailand, and will teach in Bratislava, Slovakia, in the fall (see article on p. 59).

He started his career with the world’s second largest company, Exxon, (now Exxon Mobil) in Atlanta, Ga., and was involved with sales, marketing, and cross-functional assignments. He was also involved with Exxon’s pilot venture in the Car Care Service Center Concept and later had responsibilities for executive recruiting.

Marchbank earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Missouri State University and a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Columbia University in New York City. While at Columbia, he was awarded the prestigious Bronfman Fellowship. Marchbank began his entrepreneurial activities in 1981 when he developed a marketing plan for a grass roots start-up firm, Available Communications, in St. Louis. During his successful communications venture, he was a co-founder of an Industry Trade Association and was elected to the Hall of Fame in two Industry Trade Associations.

Honors Program

The following students received special recognition, based on their superior academic efforts, including undergraduate theses written in their respective fields:

Tenderano Tadiwana (Tendie) Muzorewa,

Mathematics: “Mathematical Model of Gender-based Susceptibility to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury”

Thesis advisors: Dr. Jerry Priddy and Dr. Richard Bradley

Cierra Roberts, Psychology: “The Implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program”

Thesis advisors: Professor Susan Long and Dr. Richard Bradley

Justin Rutter, English: “‘The Hasty Pudding’: Joel Barlow’s Literary Identity”

Thesis advisors: Dr. Jason Arthur and Dr. Richard Bradley

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Tendie Muzorewa, left, and Cierra Roberts received accolades from President Inman on their respective honor theses. Not shown: Justin Rutter

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Elaine Stevenson Selecman Award winner One of the high points of graduation is the announcement of the winner of the Selecman Award, the highest honor Central Methodist accords a student. Elaine Stevenson, a music education major, was named the Selecman Award winner at Commencement services.

The daughter of Mary Beth and Gregory Stevenson, Elaine came to CMU from Westran High School in Huntsville, Mo. Elaine personifies the qualities of the Selecman Award— exemplary scholarship, outstanding leadership, exceptional

service, and commitment to the values and ideals of Central Methodist University.

The award, established in 1957, honors Bishop Charles C. Selecman, Central alumnus of 1898 and later a member of the Board of Trustees.

“Elaine is a delightful young lady,” says Dr. Ron Shroyer, retiring dean of the Swinney Conservatory of Music, “a leader in all respects: seeing what needs to be done and doing it; working in the trenches—always doing more than is her share or should be expected; and out front encouraging those who are following to do their very best.”

While at Central, Elaine was active in the Chorale and A Cappella Choir, Marching and Concert Bands, National Association of Teachers of Singing (vice president), and Sigma Alpha Iota (vice president of membership). Her beautiful voice could be heard in multiple Opera Fests, The Magic Flute, The Mikado, and Patience during her time here.

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Elaine has received the Luther T. Spayde Memorial Award, the Heslar Leadership and Service Award, and has consistently been on the Dean’s List.

Dr. Susan Quigley-Duggan, her vocal professor, says of her, “Elaine is one of those amazingly intelligent, hardworking, and talented students who comes along once in awhile.

She possesses a beautiful rich mezzo soprano voice and is very passionate about singing. She strives to be the very best singer and performer she can be. She loves to be challenged musically, vocally, and artistically and always goes the extra mile to do her best. In her classes with me, she produced work of the highest quality and seemed to be totally engaged in learning as much as she could about teaching, repertoire, acting, and performance. The excellence she stands for [is] a model for other students.”

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Campus news

Hamel appointed dean of the Conservatory Dr. Barbara Hamel, CMU professor of music for the Swinney Conservatory of Music, has been named dean of the Conservatory. She succeeds Dr. Ron Shroyer, who retired at the end of May. Dr. Hamel currently teaches classes in applied piano, freshman orientation, organ, aural skills, and theory at the Fayette campus. She has also served as an accompanist for the CMU A Cappella Choir, Chorale, and Conservatory Singers, as well as for faculty and guest artist recitals.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities at CMU, Hamel serves as organist at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, Mo. She has adjudicated for many groups, including the Missouri Federation of Music Clubs, Missouri Music Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association, and National Guild of Piano Teachers.

Hamel has had articles published in the Missouri School Music Magazine, Piano Guild Notes, Teaching Music, and Assessment Update. She is currently president of Missouri Music Teachers Association, where she also served as state treasurer for six years. She is a patroness member of Sigma Alpha Iota and faculty advisor to the Theta Omicron chapter at CMU. Dr. Hamel earned a bachelor’s degree in music and religion from Dana College, a master’s in piano performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dr. Barbara Hamel

Webster named new VP for Campus Life strongly on CMU’s mission of preparing Veteran educator and school adstudents to make a difference in the world ministrator James N. (Jay) Webster ’80 by emphasizing academic and professional of Columbia, Mo., has been appointed excellence, ethical leadership, and social vice president for campus life at Central responsibility.

Methodist University, CMU President “We are pleased that he has accepted Marianne E. Inman recently announced. this important position and will be joining Webster, a 1980 graduate of CMU, CMU’s senior administrative staff.” currently is the principal of Boonville R-1 Since joining the Boonville School School District High School and has 30 District in 1990, Webster has served as a years of experience as an educator, adminhigh school science teacher, curriculum istrator, and coach with Missouri public coordinator, and coach for multiple sports, schools. then as assistance principal and as princiAs vice president for campus life, he pal. Previously, he served as a high school will replace Richard Davis, who served science teacher and coach with the Fayette as interim vice president for campus life James (Jay) Webster R-III School District. during the 2009-10 school year. Webster Webster earned a bachelor’s degree officially begins his new duties July 1. He in science education from CMU in 1980, a will oversee the CMU Office of Student Development, admission and enrollment management, and master of education in educational administration in 1996 and an educational specialist degree in educational adminthe university’s intercollegiate athletics program. He will istration in 2001, both from the University of Missourialso carry the titles of dean of students and director of Columbia. athletics.

Among his professional associations, he is a member “Jay Webster’s extensive teaching and administrative of the National Association of Secondary School Principals background prepare him well for the multiple roles for and the Missouri Association of Secondary School which this position has responsibility,” Inman says. “He Principals. also brings excellent skills as a communicator, as well as Webster and wife Roberta Carson ’77 have two sons. knowledge of student development and athletics that bear

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Campus news

Recent faculty and staff accomplishments Dr. Annette Van, assistant professor of English, has published a book review in Victorian Studies, Vol. 51.4 (Summer 2009); and an article titled “Novel Futures” in Novel: A Forum on Fiction, Vol. 43.1 (Spring 2010). She also presented a paper titled “Fat Stories: Victorian Consumption, Collins, and The Woman in White” in April at the Popular Culture Association National Conference in St. Louis.

Dr. Daryl F. Jefferies, associate professor of religion and chair of the Division of Humanities, presented a paper in March titled “Searching the Unsearchable: Literary Expressions of the Infinite and Eternal in the Dead Sea Scrolls” at the Central States Society of Biblical Literature in St. Louis.

Dr. Dan Elliott, professor of biology and curator of The Stephens Museum, was honored in March by the Missouri Archaeological Society with its “75th Anniversary Achievement Award.” The award was given to the individual who “best exemplifies the ideals of the Society and whose continuing

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contributions to Missouri archaeology demonstrate the highest order of achievement.” Elliott has served the Society as president and vice president, and for the last 15 years has served as a trustee.

Mark Stone ’05, CMU’s director of student activities, has been awarded the 2009 Campus Event Planner of the Year by the professional entertainment booking agency Power Performers Inc. Stone, who has served in his present capacity since July 2007, books professional groups and individuals for campus entertainment for students. Working with professional booking agencies such as Power Performers Inc., he brings more than 20 entertainment shows a year to the campus.

In a letter of congratulations to Stone from Power Performers, President Robert H. Johnson Jr. told Stone, “You stood out among your peers at over 1,700 campuses nationwide to be honored during our inaugural Campus Event Planner Awards.

The award was created to honor the hard work and dedication that you put forth creating memorable campus activities and events during 2009 for your students.”

Stone earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and business in 2005 and a master’s degree in education in 2006, both from CMU. Stone lives on campus and also serves as director of McMurry Residence Hall.

Elaine Lubbers has accepted the position of site coordinator at CMU’s Union Campus. She had served CMU for the past four-and-a-half years as education coordinator at the Park Hills Campus before becoming the new Union site coordinator.

Robert G. (R.G.) Kirby has been named the 2009 Missouri School Plant Manager of the Year by the Missouri State Plant Manager Association (MSPMA).

Kirby, a former superintendent of schools in Pleasant Hope, Mo., and Higbee, Mo., has been director of plant operations at CMU since July 2004.

In winning the award, the association lauded Kirby for implementing a computerized work order system; participating in multiple districts supply purchasing; maintaining grounds equipment and maintenance fleets; working with district safety and security programs; having extensive experience in energy management, budget development, and building codes; maintaining facility drawings and construction information; and being a team member at the cabinet level administration.

Kirby also served as president of the MSPMA in 1997-98.

Sally A. Dehn has joined the CMU community as the administrative assistant to the president. A St. Louis native, Dehn has a bachelor’s in business administration from Southeast Missouri State and 20 years background in legal work. She lives with her husband, Russell, and two daughters on a farm, where they raise cattle and horses.

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Campus news

University and Department Honors - Spring 2010 University Honors Victoria Award: Andrew Charles Eggert Human Relations Prize: Garett Clay Cook

Division of Accounting, Business, and Economics Nobel Emmett Baskett Scholarship in Business: Joseph Garrett

Accounting Excellence Award: Josh McFarland

Marketing and Advertising Excellence Award: Andrea Tessereau Business Education Excellence Award:

Kayla Calvin

Banking and Finance Excellence Award: Randy Barta

International Business Excellence Award:

Winners of the Fine and Performing Arts Awards included (l-r), row 1: Sarah Lucas, Violet Vonder Haar; row 2: Clint Verner, Josh Atkins, Mason Rivers, Dr. Ron Shroyer (who was awarded the “Fish Out of Water” award), and Elaine Stevenson.

Lisa Scrivener Adam Morton

Management Excellence Award:

Taija Shelton-Bennett

Sarah Lucas

Susan Estill Award for Total Business Excellence: Emily Platt

Sigma Alpha Iota Scholastic Award: Elaine Stevenson Raney Winter Award: Sarah Lucas

Gentry Estill Award for Total Business Excellence:

Department of Nursing

Christopher Foster

Outstanding Senior in the Accounting, Business and Economics: Cathleen Ryan Salmon SIFE Leadership Award:

Cassandra Eversmeyer James Matthew Schieffer

Lisa Powell Goessling Merit Scholarship:

Danielle Amos

Division of Fine and Performing Arts ACDA National Student Choral Musician Award:

Mason Rivers

Dr. Joseph E. Geist Award in Performing Arts: Violet Vonder Haar

Hickman Award: Amanda Reed Martin E. Kooi Excellence in Theatre Arts: Clint Verner

Missouri Teachers National Association Student Achievement Recognition Award: Josh Atkins Dane Nelson Memorial Award: Elaine Stevenson Phi Mu Alpha - Collegiate Honor Award:

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Phi Mu Alpha – Scholastic Award: Mason Rivers Sigma Alpha Iota Collegiate Honor Award:

Missouri League for Nursing: Jennifer Browning American Nurses’ Association: Caryn McDonald Erwin and Hazel Wiedel Award: Mallory Proctor Dr. Lloyd and Valerie Jean Penn Scholarship Award: Kayla Wise Alison Marsh Andrea Parks Emily Johnston-Cox Lauren Stewart

Cheryl Bartholomew Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Taylor Gibson Outstanding Clinician for 2009-2010 Academic Year: Hillary Claunch

Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Beta Beta Beta Biology Award: Brad Dudenhoffer Shelby Leyden

Alpha Epsilon Delta – Excellence in Anatomy Award: Regina Pritchett

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Campus news

Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science award winners (L-R): Cody Wallingford, Tyler Padgett, Brad Dudenhoffer, Anne Maestras, Jacob Kleyh, Shelby Leyden, Dr. Michael Tilley, Mahaletwork (Nina) Assefa, Rebecca Brehe, Regina Pritchett, Jeff Strain, and Tenderano (Tendie) Muzorewa

Alpha Epsilon Delta – Excellence in Physiology Award: Mahaletwork (Nina) Assefa Alpha Epsilon Delta – Harold Momberg Award (Pre-med): Tyler Padgett Dr. Ferris H. and Leona Wood Award (biology): Anne Maestas

Jeff Wilcox “Raising the Bar Award” (leadership and self motivation): Garett Cook Gamma Sigma Epsilon Excellence Award in General Chemistry: Rebecca Brehe Gamma Sigma Epsilon Excellence Award in Organic Chemistry: Mahaletwork (Nina) Assefa Clyde and Hazel Blattner Mathematics Award:

Jacob Kleyh

Dr. Richard T. Bond Mathematics Award: Tenderano (Tendie) Muzorewa

Kappa Mu Epsilon Award (calculus): Cody Wallingford Jacob Heppner

Chester E. Hanson Outstanding Senior Computer Science Award: Jeff Strain Sarah Rutherford Prize (most outstanding science student): Tenderano (Tendie) Muzowera Glen C. Reigel Student Award (promising, worthy, and needy student of science): Samantha Potter Glen C. Reigel Faculty Award (promising and worthy professor of science, math, CS, or psychology): Dr. Michael Tilley

Department of Religion Hern Award for Excellence in Religious Studies: Samantha Gross Anthony Hall

Department of Professional Education

Andrew Eggert (left) was presented the Victoria Award and Garett Cook received the Human Relations Award from President Inman at Commencement.

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Red Apple Award for Outstanding Teaching: Rita Schuster Savannah Byrd Jaimie Wanner Sublett Samantha Carey Garett Cook Alyssa Coffman Andrew Dreyer Anna Garvin Brock Edris Alexandra Kruger Andrew Eggert Kyle Robuck Jennifer Schmidt

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Alumni reunion Members of five different class years were invited to reunite on the Central Methodist University campus the weekend of April 23-25 to celebrate their student days at Central and to participate in ceremonies recognizing distinguished alumni of the University.

Classes of 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955 and 1960 were honored, with members of ’50, ’55, and ’60 attending. During the Alumni Awards Dinner Saturday night, awards in two categories, Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni, were presented (see related story).

Friday activities provided ample opportunity for alumni to mingle with current CMU students. For those inclined spectators, an outdoor track meet was held between the raindrops.

Inside activities included a student presentation by the CMU SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) team. The team had recently taken first place in regional competition, and they presented the award-winning program for alumni (see article p. 46). Later, an alumni and student forum allowed interaction among alumni and current students.

The day ended with an all-class social hour and dinner at local hotspot Emmet’s Kitchen and Tap on the Courthouse Square.

Alumni could wrap up the evening with the student performance on campus of When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?

Saturday was packed with even more events. Alumni had two chances to tour the campus and see the major renovations made in recent years, especially the recently dedicated Mabee Athletic Facility. CMU President Marianne Inman met with alumni and gave them an update on the state of the University through her presentation “Central Methodist University Today and Tomorrow.”

At the reunion class luncheon, alumni had time to sit with college friends and fill in the missing blanks of their lives. In addition to a friendly welcome from Tracy Jones, director of alumni relations, the festivities included a cel-

ebration of the 50th anniversary of the Central chartering of an Omicron Delta Kappa chapter (see related story).

After the reunion class photos, alumni could watch a spring football scrimmage Lesley Gardner, wife of Joe Gardner (which also eventually ’60 (left), and Beth (Hammond) got rained out) or visit Gooch’59 The Stephens Museum and The AshbyHodge Gallery of American Art. Lee and Dee (Bland) Woodward, both class of 1955, hosted a special reception for classmates prior to the awards banquet.

The highlight of the weekend, of course, was the President’s Reception, followed by the 64th annual Alumni Awards Banquet that honored Dr. Terry Hoehne, Larry Bennett, and Dr. Patricia Hughes-Williamson (see related story).

Sunday services at Linn Memorial UMC, with the A Cappella Choir and choir alumni singing “Beautiful Savior,” a brunch in the Bergsten Dining Hall, and an afternoon A Cappella Choir concert completed the weekend.

At the Alumni Awards dinner (above): Laurann Schlapper’60, President Inman, and Linda (Browning) Weis’60 visit. Photo, left: Drs. Dee (Bland) and Ralph Lee Woodward, both class of 1955, welcomed people at a reception at their house.

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Class photos from reunion weekend

Class of 1950

(l-r) Everett Powell, Jane Ann (Latham) Powell, Carol (Calvert) Fricke, Ilene (Morrison) House

Class of 1955

(left-right) front row: Annabelle (Gwinn) Goodwin, Dee (Bland) Woodward, Mary Lu Graves, Phyllis (Clarke) Northington; middle row: Norma (Neal) Anderson, Mary June (Birbeck) Bush, Nadine (Turner) Nordt, Jeanie (Muff) Jones; back row: Jim Rich, Lee Woodward, Edward Harper, George Luther

Class of 1960

(l-r) front row: Ardith (Haley) Anderson, Beverly (Laidley) Zimmerman, Linda (Browning) Weis; row 2: Beth (Hicks) Youle, John Gooch, Fritz Mutti, Laurann Schlapper; row 3: Jack Allen, Bob Murphy, Don Allemann, Jay Frost; back row: D.C. Look Jr., Joe Gardner, Don Crabill, Dorothy (Kuntz) Brownfield At the Woodward reception, three birthdays were celebrated (above, l-r): Jeanie (Muff) Jones, Nadine (Turner) Mordt, and Nina (Bitner) Long, all from the class of 1955.

Upper right, Beverly Robinson and Mary Lu Graves’55 at the reception

Above: George Luther and Charlie Moore, both class of 1955, visit at the Woodward’s.

Left (l-r): Willa (Harcourt) Moore, Dee (Bland) Woodward, and Nancy (Pear) Hoerst, all of the class of 1955

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CMU Distinguished Alumni Awards Three persons were honored by Central Methodist University at an April 24 alumni awards ceremony, the high point of spring reunion ceremonies at the University. The alumni awards are among CMU’s highest honors.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award were Dr. Terry G. Hoehne ‘84 of Lake Saint Louis, Mo., a physician; and Larry L. Bennett ‘69 of Macon., Mo., an adjunct professor of music at CMU. Receiving the Young Alumni Award was Dr. Patricia S. Williamson-Hughes ‘96 of Lovington, Ill., a research scientist.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to former CMU students who have distinguished themselves in their professions and in their service to the University and to society.

The Young Alumni Award is presented annually to alumni who have been out of CMU fewer than 15 years, have strong commitments to community and University service, and have demonstrated high personal achievements.

Dr. Terry Hoehne ’84 Distinguished Alumni Award Dr. Terry Hoehne is a physician and member of the medical staff of St. John’s Mercy Medical Center St. Charles County, Mo., and also works in its Urgent Care Centers.

He joined the Mercy Medical Center after completing eight years of service with the U.S. Air Force as a physician in the medical corps in the fall of 2009. He held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Hoehne earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from CMU in 1984 and his medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in 1988. He completed a three-year residency in family practice medicine at Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. Following his medical school residence, he began a 10year medical practice as a family physician in St. Charles County. He joined the U.S. Air Force in July 2001, where

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(l-r) Bonita (Triplett) Hoehne ’84, Bill ’58 and Beverly Zimmerman ’60, and Dr. Terry Hoehne ’84

he served as a flight surgeon, including four overseas tours of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Among his awards, Hoehne was recognized as the Air Mobility Command Flight Surgeon of the Year, 2003, and received Distinguished Graduate Honors in Officer Training School, 2001. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Hoehne and his wife, Bonita (Triplett) Hoehne ’84, have two children and live in Lake Saint Louis.

Dr. Dan Elliott, professor of biology (inset, left) introduced him.

Larry Bennett ’69 Distinguished Alumni Award Larry Bennett is an adjunct professor of music at Central Methodist University, where he has served on the faculty of the Swinney Conservatory of Music since the fall of 2004.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from CMU in 1969, and a bachelor’s degree in music and master’s degree in music from Northeast Missouri State College (now Truman State University), graduating with honors.

Bennett also served as visiting associate professor of bands at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2001-02.

Prior to that he was chair of the music department and the high school band director in the Macon R-I School District for 27 years before retiring in 2001. During his tenure at Macon High School, Bennett’s bands (marching, concert and jazz) were recognized for their excellence.

Bennett received the Charles Emmons Band Director of the Year Award for the state of Missouri, 1995, and

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Larry Bennett ’69 (left) was surprised at the banquet by his mentor, John McCartney’56 and wife Beverly.

was elected to the board of directors of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity the same year.

Bennett and his wife, Janet (Roussin) Bennett ’69, have three grown children and live in Macon.

Dean of Swinney Conservatory Dr. Ron Shroyer (inset) introduced him.

Dr. Patricia Williamson-Hughes ’96 Young Alumni Award Dr. Patricia Williamson-Hughes is a nutrition research scientist with Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) in Decatur, Ill. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Central Methodist University in 1996, and her master’s and doctor degrees in nutritional biochemistry with emphasis in endocrinology from the University of Missouri in 1998 and 2000, respectively.

Her graduate work centered around dietary zinc-deficiency effects on growth, endocrine affects, neuroendocrine changes, and appetite. She also completed a one-year post-doctoral period at MU, during which she continued to examine protein balance and zinc deficiency effects on appetite and growth.

She moved to Beaverton, Ore., for three years to conduct post-doctoral work on neuroendocrine regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis at the Oregon National Primate Research Center, in the divisions of Neuroscience and Reproductive Physiology.

Williamson-Hughes joined ADM in 2004 as a nutrition research scientist in the Nutrition, Scientific and

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Regulatory Affairs Group to apply her knowledge of nutrient balance, metabolism, and nutrient appetite regulation.

Some of her current work focuses on post-menopausal women and the impact of phytonutrients on menopausal symptoms.

Additionally, she works on the effects of bioactive molecules, protein metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and the impact of food components on obesity and diabetes. She also serves as the ADM representative to the Soyfoods Association of North America technical committee and to the Soy Nutrition Institute.

Williamson-Hughes and her husband, Kevin Kevin Hughes and the children Hughes, have two chilaccepted the award for his wife, dren and live in Dr. Patricia Williamson-Hughes.

Lovington, Ill. Dr. James “Tiger” Gordon (inset), professor of chemistry and chair of the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science, presented her in absentia. Her husband and children accepted her award.

All three Distinguished Alumni winners were honored as a part of the CMU Reunion Weekend, April 23-25, honoring the Classes of 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, and 1960 (see related story).

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Campus news

Omicron Delta Kappa: 50 years strong As part of the Alumni Weekend activities, Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Central’s Gavel Circle of ODK, a national honorary organization for students chosen on the basis of leadership, scholarship, and character, was chartered April 23, 1960.

The organization was originally open only to men; however, women were later admitted, beginning in the 197475 school year. Although the initial inductees were all seniors, current ODK members can come from the junior and senior classes.

At this year’s alumni luncheon on April 24, charter members from the reunion class of 1960 mingled with the sponsors and officers of this year’s ODK group. Dr. Dan Elliott, professor of biology and a sponsor of ODK, brought the original charter of the CMU chapter for others to view.

Six charter members of ODK returned for their 50th class reunion: Dr. John Gooch, Dr. Joseph Gardner, Dr. D.C. Look Jr., Robert Murphy, Bishop A.F. “Fritz” Mutti, and Darryl Redhage. The other charter members from 1960 were: students David Dodd, William Hughes, Alan Strickler, and Fred Swan; faculty Dean Meredith Eller, Dr. Everett Buckner, Dean Jim Thogmorton, and then President of Central College Dr. Ralph Woodward; and alumni Floyd Helton, Malcom Meyer, Eugene Biermann, and Fred “Bud” Thornton.

Alumni Director Tracy Crowe Jones recognized all active and honorary ODK members attending the luncheon, and charter members were given framed photographs of the first ODK picture from the 1960 Ragout.

Bishop Fritz Mutti ’60, left, shared the background of Omicron Delta Kappa, founded in 1960.

Tracy Crowe Jones ’94, right, director of alumni relations, displays the original Ragout photo of ODK, a copy of which was given to each of the returning charter members.

Inducted and honorary ODK members in attendance at the luncheon included, front row (l-r): Andrew Dreyer, current secretary; Dr. Dan Elliott, faculty sponsor; President Marianne E. Inman; Dr. John Bellefeuille, faculty secretary/treasurer; Andrew Eggert, current president; Bill Holman ’47, honorary; back row: Tracy Crowe Jones ’94, Darryl Redhage ’60, charter member; Martha (Rogers) Holman ’47, honorary; Joe Gardner ’60, charter member; D.C. Look Jr. ’60, charter member; Robert Murphy ’60, charter member; John Gooch ’60, charter member; Fritz Mutti ’60, charter member, Braxton Rethwisch ’64.

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Campus news

Inman leads charge to protect Access Missouri scholarships To chants of “Let’s Do the Nixon Nudge,” Central Methodist students, faculty, and staff held a campus rally April 6 to urge Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and state legislators to take steps to protect Access Missouri scholarship funding for all students in both the public and private sectors of higher education.

Central Methodist University President Marianne E. Inman addressed the rally and told students, staff, and faculty that they should stand firm in their opposition to state government actions that could deny Access Missouri scholarships to students at independent institutions.

“We are firmly opposed to proposals that independent sector colleges and universities be eliminated from the scholarship program and we urge state legislators to enact legislation to protect Access Missouri funding for all students in both the public and private sectors.”

Inman has been a state leader for The Missouri Coalition of Independent Colleges and Universities, which worked to keep the Access Missouri program from being taken away from the independent sector of higher education.

A special campus rally cheer highlighted the noon rally on Inman Plaza in front of the CMU Student and Community Center. Taking aim at Governor Nixon’s unwillingness to commit to protection of Access Missouri scholarships for all Missouri college students in both the independent and public sectors and to parity funding for the four-year public and independent sector institutions, the CMU crowd enthusiastically belted out the campus cheer several times: Nixon, Nixon, he’s our guv; Write him a letter, give him a shove.

Send him a message about fair play Not to take our scholarships and give them away.

Tell him yes to Access Mo. To cutting scholarships, tell him no!

Nixon, Nixon, he’s the one Who wants to take our tax money and make an end run, To take from the many and give to the few-He’s no Robin Hood, I’m telling you!

Governor Nixon previously had stated his intention to eliminate 15,500 independent college students from the Access Missouri and Bright Flight financial aid programs.

Central Methodist University currently has more than 550 students participating in the Access Missouri scholarship program. This represents nearly $1.8 million in financial aid (tuition) that goes directly to the students, not the University.

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Note from the editors As we went to the press with The Talon, we learned from ICUM (Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri) that the Missouri House had just passed Senate Bill 733, which had been sent back to House members for their final vote, with 152 votes.

The bill eliminates the expiration date for the Access Missouri scholarship program (originally set for 2013) and provides for parity funding of the program for four-year public and independent colleges and universities at a maximum of $2,850, beginning in 2014.

It also includes other provisions agreed to earlier this year by representatives of public and independent higher education institutions, including CMU, as a compromise from the original funding allocations for the program.

The measure now goes to Governor Jay Nixon to sign into law. It is hoped that he will sign and fully implement the legislation.

Top, Tracy Jones leads the “Nixon Nudge”; bottom, petitions were signed by students, faculty, and staff to save the program.

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Campus news

Five notables bid CMU farewell

by Cathy Thogmorton, editor

129

That’s how many years of experience Central Methodist University lost at the end of this year through retiring faculty and staff—129. The five retirees—Dr. Ron Shroyer, dean of the Swinney Conservatory of Music; Phyllis Linhart, assistant to the president; Dr. Mary Beth Frieden, professor of Spanish; Dr. Shirley Peterson, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Theresa Davis, vice president for Advancement—leave a collective legacy of 129 years of teaching, mentoring, leadership, friendship, and love for Central. While new doors are opening for them, saying goodbye has proved difficult for everyone.

Dr. Ronald Shroyer: 34 years Dr. Ron Shroyer, known to everyone as “Doc,” came to Central Methodist in 1976 from North Kansas City Public Schools. He had just received his Ph.D. and was hired to teach woodwinds and a vocal jazz ensemble.

Since that time he has also taught theory and all the instrumental techniques classes and directed the band, choir, and instrumental jazz ensemble. He has also supervised student teachers and taught the freshman experience classes.

In addition to serving as dean of the Conservatory (The Con) since January 1995, he was chair of the Division of Fine and Performing Arts when he put down his baton this spring.

“I have been privileged to be a part of a number of students’ lives,” Doc says, “the good times and the bad times. What we do here is much more important than just learning about music.”

Current Director of Bands Roy “Skip” Vandelicht has a unique perspective on Doc’s career at Central. “My relationship with Dr. Shroyer,” he says, “brackets his time here at CMU. He came when I was a senior, and he was my private lessons instructor. Now I have had the opportunity to work with him as my dean and department head. I will miss sitting down to talk with him, as well as his advice and guidance.”

Doc points to the years he directed the instrumental jazz ensemble as one of his highlights, especially being able to present them as an honor group at the Missouri Music Educators Conference. He observes, “Being able to have a 47-year career working with young people and 18

making music is satisfying. It is rewarding to see so many of our students rise to prominence in positions of leadership and responsibility in various walks of life and in the profession of music,” he adds.

More than teaching students, Doc has demonstrated his craft through performance (he’s a “reed” man at heart) and composition. He has created more than two dozen public pieces for instrumental and vocal performance, including works for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Phi Beta Fraternity for the Creative and Performing Arts, Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA), and various symphonies around the country. He wrote “Burlesque” to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Central Methodist College Band and “Divertimento” to honor its 80th. He also served as composer in residence at both CMSU (now University of Central Missouri) and Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State University).

Doc remembers that former Conservatory Dean Keith House would program one or more of his pieces during Concert Band Tour. He says, “It is an extremely valuable opportunity to put a composition before 10 or more different audiences in a short period of time. When you do this, you learn a lot about what audiences respond to, how the musicians respond to the piece, how you respond yourself, and what you will do differently on the next piece.”

Dr. Shroyer and Debby Davis ’76 ham it up in The Gondoliers, a summer opera workshop presentation.

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Campus news As to his future plans, Doc admits to planning little leisure time. He has another commission to celebrate CMU’s 100th Band Anniversary; and he will do some studio teaching here on campus. He will also be gathering his composition catalog and writing more new music. “I hope to take on projects that I have been too busy, up to now, to explore,” he says.

“Here in the Conservatory, we realize there is no way to replace Dr. Shroyer,” states new Dean Dr. Barb Hamel.

“He is far too unique in his love of learning, joy in making music, and his skill as an administrator. The best we can do is to attempt to continue the culture he has established.”

Phyllis Linhart: 32 years Phyllis Linhart began work at Central in 1978 in the office of Dean Jim Thogmorton (Dean T), who was director of student affairs at the time. It was something of a rocky beginning as she and the brand new academic dean faced redoing the student handbook when neither knew what to do with it!

“Dean Thogmorton took a month’s vacation and told us to redo the student handbook,” she laughs. “Neither of us knew anything about the workings of Central Methodist, but our student helper did. So, among the three of us, we rewrote the student handbook. For the first six months of the next academic year, people came in saying, ‘but we’ve never done it like this’; I would say, ‘well, we are now.’”

When Dean T moved to the alumni office, Phyllis stayed in student affairs where she worked with Bill Wimberly, Louesa Runge Fine, Bill Sheehan, and Anne Robinson. In 1992, she moved to President Joe Howell’s office as administrative assistant. She has also served as the assistant secretary to CMU’s Board of Trustees, who honored her in their May meeting for her long service to them.

Phyllis has seen many changes in her time at Central.

Two of her favorites have been “the excitement of hiring a new president [Dr. Marianne Inman] and the added excitement of building the Student and Community Center. She had actually worked in the original Eyrie during 1957-58, when it was in its prime.

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Phyllis Linhart receives special recognition from Board of Trustees President Glenn Cox.

“From her 32 years at CMU, Phyllis knows thousands of members of the CMU family,” President Inman laughs.

“Questions about former students, staff members, and faculty could always be directed to her since she simply knew everyone; and it will be impossible to replace her memory bank and sense of Central history.”

One of Phyllis’ proudest moments at Central was watching her oldest son graduate.

“I’m sad and will miss being part of all the things happening [at Central],” she says, “but after 32 years I know it’s time to begin a new phase of my life.”

Dr. Mary E. Frieden: 25 years Dr. Mary Elizabeth Frieden (Mary Beth) has taught Spanish at Central since 1985. In the early years she also taught English composition and rhetoric. She taught distance-learning classes for five years and continuing education courses several times. During her tenure she reestablished Spanish as a major.

She also developed a professional sequence of one-semester courses that use specialized Spanish vocabulary for the areas of education, business, medicine, and criminal justice.

Mary Beth’s greatest joy has come from her connection with her students. “I really loved the students and teaching,” she says. “I still am in contact with many of my former stu-

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Campus news

Dr. Shirley Peterson: 24 years Quiet and self-effacing, Dr. Shirley Peterson has been steadily getting things done, first in nursing and then in academic administration, since the fall of 1986, when she was hired as chair of the Department of Nursing.

Shirley was instrumental in moving Central Methodist away from the limited Associate of Science in Nursing degree and into the popular Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.

She recalls when she first came, “Dean Bell telling me I could do anything I wanted . . . as long as it did not cost money!”

The CMU nursing proDr. Mary Beth Frieden (center) talks with Dr. John Porter, assistant professor of English, and Dr. Nancy Hadfield, chair of the Division of Professional gram received Education, at Family Day last fall. national accreditadents and am so proud when they let me know how much tion in 2005 from the they appreciated their Spanish classes and my influence on Commission on Collegiate them, and how much they have used what they learned.”

Nursing Education As one who had studied abroad, Mary Beth saw the (CCNE), a bright feather value in students immersing themselves in not only the in Shirley’s nursing cap. language but also in the culture they were studying.

In the summer of 2007, She instituted a mandatory study-abroad program for all she wrote the next phase Spanish majors to study in Spain or Latin America for a of Central’s nursing stosemester. “So many of them,” she says, “through classes ry, the Master of Science and study abroad, developed a really global view of the degree in Nursing – world and have gone on to be of service to others in so Clinical Nurse Leader many ways. Educating and influencing them has been a privilege, a joy, and my most significant accomplishment.” Program. The first class was admitted that fall, and it had received national acMary Beth also created a highly successful Spanish creditation by 2008.

Day on campus. “She worked very hard to make this an Most of the graduates in the master’s program are in annual day for fun and learning for her students,” says cohort programs scattered around the state of Missouri.

Judy Strodtman, extended studies coordinator and director of dual credit of the College for Graduate and Extended Shirley is now in a position to see that they all flourish; she has been associate dean for the College of Graduate and Studies. “We hope to continue Spanish Day and thank her Extended Studies for making it successful.” since February In addition, she sponsored the International Eagles, 2007. a group comprised of foreign students studying at CMU. “Shirley is a joy “There are now many foreign students on campus,” she to work with,” says observes, “which seems to me a good thing as it gives the Judy Strodtman. students more of a chance to experience other cultures and “Her dedication is other views and helps them to develop a much more global inspiring, her calm sense of the world.” demeanor keeps us “I am quite wistful about leaving CMU,” she admits, on an even keel, “but very proud to have been part of the CMU community and her wit keeps and to have had the privilege of teaching there. Memories us laughing. We of my years at Central will always afford me much pleawill miss her.” sure. There was a closeness and warmth within the facAlthough ulty, a special relationship with the students, and a sense Shirley will miss that we really did want to help our students succeed.” her friends at CMU, 20

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Campus news she freely admits, “I am grateful for the experiences that I have had . . . but ready to not have a job! I have worked for the past 55 years, taking two years out to have two children, and now I need to discover a different way of living!”

One memory Shirley will enjoy not thinking about is how many people on campus used to smoke in earlier years. “There were so many smokers (who were still allowed to smoke in the buildings),” she recalls, “that you had to almost cut your way through the smog on the ground floor of Stedman.” Central has made great strides in smoking cessation, and smoking is no longer allowed in any building on campus.

Theresa Davis: 14 years In terms of years, Theresa Davis, is the baby of this illustrious group; in terms of accomplishments, not so.

Theresa joined Central Methodist in the fall of 1996 as the executive assistant for the vice president for Advancement. Her talent for working with alumni moved her steadily up the career ladder. She became alumni director in January 2000 and director of planned giving in 2005. In 2006, she was appointed interim vice president for Advancement, a position shortly thereafter made permanent.

“Theresa has held a number of positions within the Advancement Division and has performed each with distinction,” President Inman points out. “She is highly regarded by all CMU constituents and has been most effective in this critically important area.”

“The highlights of my time here most assuredly revolve around the dramatic physical transformation of Central’s facilities,” she asserts. Theresa has been actively involved in the fund-raising efforts for the Student and Community Center, the Campaign for Eagle Athletics, and currently for the Classic Renaissance Campaign.

Another fond memory she holds is Central’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2004, where she was responsible for many of the Homecoming activities. “That celebration was a lot of fun and was well attended,” she remembers.

“I have been privileged to be a part of a team helping Central to move forward,” Theresa says. “We have been

Spring 2010

blessed with greater numbers of alumni participating in events and enhanced communication through various modes of technology and personal visits.”

Theresa says she has mixed emotions about leaving Central (along with her husband, Dick Davis, who has been serving as interim vice president for campus life this year). “I have thoroughly enjoyed the almost 14 years that I have worked in the Advancement division . . . and I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to interact with so many wonderful people, both personally and professionally.” She continues, “While CMU is not my alma mater, it certainly has felt like home.”

All the retirees see a bright future for Central Methodist University. Phyllis says, “I think great strides have been made in educating our students to be responsible adults. The quality of our programs has improved greatly.”

Mary Beth agrees. “Central Methodist has risen to the challenge during a time when many small colleges are struggling and closing their doors. It has embraced new technology and new ideas and, with satellite campuses and the distance-learning program, greatly expanded its sphere of influence.”

As for the students, Theresa observes, “I have seen many of the same basic types of persons—honest, hardworking, socially responsible, generous people. I’ve said many times that the faces may be different through the years, but the type of people who choose Central remain the same.”

Perhaps Doc sums up the group’s feelings best. “For many of the years I’ve been at CMU,” he states, “I was just waiting for it to turn the corner and realize its potential— just waiting for the institution to catch hold and blossom.

I believe this has happened, and that we are on the cusp of a new era.”

These people are part of the reason Central has been growing toward its own fulfillment. One hundred and twenty-nine years of experience, passion, and love for students were packed into these five dynamic and unforgettable friends. We will miss them.

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Campus news

Capital campaign for restoration of Classic Hall moving forward Plans to restore Classic Hall, approved by the CMU Board of Trustees in fall 2008, are moving along at a rapid pace and efforts are ongoing to secure commitments for the Classic Renaissance campaign. The University has received a number of leadership gifts, with the total now exceeding the halfway point of the revised campaign goal of $5 million. Some class year groups have designated the campaign for special fundraising projects, and band alumni have also chosen to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Central Band with a fund drive to commemorate this important milestone in the life of CMU. Built in 1911, the three-story, 18,000-square-foot building is one of the University’s older and architecturally significant buildings. It is classified as a “Renaissance Revival” structure and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on the corner of Church and Elm streets, the building was closed in 1980 as a cost-saving measure and has been used since then only for storage.

The “new” Classic Hall will house part of the Swinney Conservatory of Music and The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art. The art gallery, now located on the first floor of Smiley Library, would be relocated to the ground floor of Classic Hall. The first floor (second level) would be used for music faculty offices, practice rooms, and the music library, and the top floor of the building would house large rehearsal rooms for CMU’s band and choral departments.

The Classic Renaissance project will support the arts and music, one of our signature programs that is currently experiencing exceptional growth and is thus in need of additional dedicated space. The campaign to date has been met with great enthusiasm, and we look forward to support from a broad spectrum of Central alumni and friends.

The Classic Hall Renaissance Campaign will restore to the currently unused building (right) the beauty of its original façade and make it a functional space for the music program and a new home for The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art (artist’s rendition above).

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Campus news

CMU honored as Model of Efficiency Central Methodist University is one of seven colleges and universities nationwide being honored by University Business magazine’s Models of Efficiency, a program that identifies new approaches for streamlining operations to deliver superior services to students in less time and at lower cost.

“We launched Models of Efficiency to honor those colleges and universities that are applying the same kind of innovation and dedication to service that we’re seeing from leading-edge companies in the private sector,” says Tim Goral, editor-in-chief of University Business.“ Central Methodist’s innovation really stands out because it succeeded on a quantitative and qualitative level.”

The admission office at CMU had implemented a webbased program to facilitate scholarship applications and approvals; however, the program wasn’t tied into Central’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) operation, leading to vast inefficiencies, duplicate entries, and redundant processes.

A solution was devised over seven months from late 2008 to mid-2009, as the school’s information services

Above, Jennifer Shepherd, Larry Anderson, and Mary Hrdina are part of the Office of Admission, while Chad Gaines, left, is vice president for information services.

group, led by Chad Gaines, vice president for information services, and Larry Anderson, director of admission, developed a new program that was closely integrated with the ERP. Now, a single, uniform scholarship submission form has greatly streamlined the process. In addition, the new program automatically pulls demographic and other data from the ERP system and populates fields with that information, reducing input time and errors. With the new program Central has reduced by half the time required to award a student a scholarship.

“We’re delighted to be recognized for our Model of Efficiency and proud of this innovation,” Gaines says. “By making this change that lets us get from point A to point B faster, we’ve maximized our resources; and more importantly, we’ve increased our ability to service students. The Models of Efficiency award is a gratifying commendation for our efforts.”

In addition to Central Methodist University, Models of Efficiency honorees include: University of St. Francis, Joliet, Ill.; Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, Mass.; University of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa.; University of Nevada - Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nev.; University North Carolina - Wilmington, Wilmington, N.C.; and California CENTRAL EXCELLENCE FUND Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Visit www.centralmethodist.edu/cmgiving and click Give Now.

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Spring 2010

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Campus news

CMU continues expansion into new locations

CMU opens new campus in St. Louis The grand opening of the Central Methodist University-St. Louis metropolitan area campus was held March 25 at the new campus, 2458 Old Dorsett Road, Suite 200, Maryland Heights.

The ceremony included a formal ribbon cutting, after which CMU President Dr. Marianne E. Inman and Robert Courtney, member of the CMU Board of Trustees, made remarks.

Central Methodist is undertaking a major expansion of its presence in the St. Louis metropolitan area and is now offering four cohort degree programs at its new extended studies campus in the Maryland Heights area. The first

cohort, RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) has already begun. Additional cohort classes are currently forming.

The CMU-St. Louis campus offers the following degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Business, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), and Master of Education.

For more information about the Central Methodist University cohort programs in the St. Louis area, call 314227-4400 or go to the website: cmu.centralmethodist.edu/ EC.

Interior shots of the new CMU campus in St. Louis

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Campus news

Plans for CMU regional campus in Macon move into high gear Central Methodist University and the city of Macon, Mo., reached an agreement in December 2009, calling for the University to establish a regional campus in that northeast Missouri community of about 5,600 residents.

Central administrators met with Macon city and county officials and public school administrators again in April to begin implementing plans for CMU to open a new regional campus in Macon by the 2010 fall semester.

Macon is using a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to refurbish an existing 4,000-square-foot building as part of a community-wide economic development project. Central will use the building for its regional campus, which will house three classrooms, including a lab area.

As part of the agreement, Central will be working with Moberly Area Community College in a two-plus-two program. MACC will provide the first two years, leading to an associate’s degree, and Central will offer completion programs for bachelor’s degrees.

City officials have stated that the partnership agreement with CMU gives them a “hub and stabilization” in seeking economic opportunities.

“This is a very progressive community,” observes CMU President Marianne Inman, “and we are absolutely delighted to enter into this partnership with the city of Macon and to be a part of the community’s impressive efforts to become economically stronger and to bring expanded educational opportunities to area residents.”

She notes that Central Methodist has been a leader among Missouri’s independent colleges and universities in offering educational opportunities statewide. CMU and Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo., recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first two-plus-two program in Missouri between a private college and a public community college to offer expanded educational opportunities.

Over the past two decades, CMU has established additional regional campuses in Union, Poplar Bluff, Sedalia, Clinton, Lake of the Ozarks, Columbia, and St. Louis. It also maintains a dual-credit program with nearly 100 high schools throughout the state.

“These collaborations have benefitted thousands of graduates these past 20 years, allowing them to acquire and enhance their education closer to home,” Inman notes.

“It’s helped create a more qualified and educated workforce, which in these economic times has never been more crucial.”

Spring 2010

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e-newsletter?

If not, be sure to send your e-mail address to CMU! The e-newsletter is a monthly email to all alumni with campus updates, event dates, recently posted class notes and other insider information.

To sign-up for the e-newsletter, email tjones@centralmethodist.edu or sign into the CMU Eagle Connection at http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu

Academic programs to be offered will include both associate’s degree completion courses and four-year degree programs. These could include accounting, business, child development, psychology, RN-BSN, and allied health study areas. Students will also be able to take individual classes in areas of interest. The Macon campus will accept students transferring from other two- and four-year colleges and universities.

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Campus news

It’s all about the job The James C. Denneny, Jr., Career Development Center maintained a high-profile, high-energy schedule of events this semester designed to prepare Central students to find success in their post-collegiate endeavors.

The largest event of the year, the Career EXPO, took place Feb. 25. Without the snow of last year, the num-

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ber of recruiters in attendance rose dramatically, providing an exciting opportunity for students to meet with professionals from a variety of companies and graduate schools and seek positions as employees, interns, or graduate students. This year 72 recruiters, representing 54 organizations, attended, drawing 205 students.

Surprisingly, the freshman class represented 25 percent of attendees, followed in order by seniors, juniors, and sophomores.

The recruiters were pleased with the students they met. The senior human resource specialist from MODOT (Missouri Department of Transportation) wrote in her evaluation, “They were prepared, asked questions, and came dressed appropriately.”

Many organizations that had participated before returned, but some new ones also made an appearance. One was Frito-Lay, which expressed a special interest in the CMU SIFE team (see article p. 46) that assisted with hosting duties for the day. The groups that had attended the Career EXPO for all of the five years it has been under the leadership of Linda Lorenz, the director of The James C. Denneny, Jr., Career Development Center, received special recognition.

The event had 35 volunteers helping make the EXPO a success.

For another special event, the Career Center teamed up with CMU’s Division of Professional Education to offer “Mock Interviews for Education Majors” in January. Twenty-six students attended in hour-and-a-half sessions for the opportunity to interview with as many superintendents and principals as their time frame allowed. Five administrators from area school districts gave the students a sense of “real world” interviews.

The Career Center also co-sponsored “Career Boot Camp” with the CMU Business Department in early February.

Eight professionals in the field of business provided a glimpse of their profes-

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Campus news sional world to interested students. The event paired professionals with students in 30-minute blocks, allowing the students to learn about professional attire, resume building, and interviewing skills.

In March, some students got the chance to put their skills to work when two organizations chose to come to campus to interview selected students for potential job openings. Sigma-Aldrich and Edward Jones both interviewed on campus, thus giving students an opportunity to interview without leaving campus. Both companies have employed CMU students in the past.

EPA speaker Matt Klasen, an environmental protection specialist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water in Washington, D.C., recently made several presentations on the Fayette campus and met with faculty, staff, and campus groups.

He presented his keynote address, “U.S.–Mexico Border Environment: Challenges and Cooperation,” to members of several student campus organizations.

Klasen works for the Office of Water’s Chief of Staff on high priority issues under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, including coal mining, Congressional correspondence, and other key issues. During his two-year federal career, he has led the implementation of EPA’s Environmental Indicators Gateway website, developed an innovative approach for identifying and developing U.S.Mexico Border environmental indicators, and co-led an effort to improve measurement of EPA’s clean energy and climate change results and to develop a collaborate climate measurement wiki.

CMU participates in the Partnership for Service with the federal government program. “We are able to participate in the Annenberg Speakers Bureau, where the federal government sends out speakers to various campuses,” notes Linda Lorenz, director of James C. Denneny, Jr., Career Development Center.

Klasen has spent time helping develop and implement the Obama Administration’s plan for mountaintop coal mining as well as his work on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Spring 2010

Eagle Connection Join the other 1,200+ alumni who have already registered!

UPDATE CONNECT COMMUNICATE Log in Today! Simply follow the easy steps below.

1. Visit http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu 2. Click on the “First Time Login” link at the bottom left.

3. Enter your last name.

4. Follow the instructions after “Account Lookup.” Enter your 1 to 6 digit ID number listed above your address on any copy of The Talon.

5. After you log in the

first time, you can create your own user name and password. Be sure to update your SECURE personal profile to help you stay in touch.

That’s all it takes to become a member of the CMU Eagle Connection and explore all of the fun features it offers. Log in NOW! Questions? Contact Jenny Anspach at 660-248-6629.

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Campus news

Jazz band spring concert

Guest musicians

The CMU Jazz Band, known by the whimsical name “The CMU Swift Kicks and Hot Licks T-Berry Basement Band,” presented its spring concert April 22 under the direction of assistant director of music Roy “Skip” Vandelicht, director of bands.

The 21-piece band performed a number of popular jazz compositions, including “Barney’s Favorite” by retiring dean of the Swinney Conservatory Dr. Ron Shroyer; “Swift Kicks and Hot Licks” by former CMU music professor Ron Anson (19742000); “Moten Swing” (arranged

by Rich Matteson); “God Bless the Child” (arranged by Sammy Nestico); “Hunting Wabbits” by Gordon Goodwin; “Summertime” (arranged

by Dr. Shroyer); and “Manteca” (arranged by Mike Tomaro).

Two special performances this spring enhanced the education of Con students and enchanted college and townsfolk.

The Show-Me Brass Band, an 11-piece brass ensemble, presented a concert on March 25 on the Fayette campus.

It formed 10 years ago and includes musicians from Fayette, Moberly and Columbia, including Donald Burke-Aguero, Jeff Miner ’93, CMU assistant professor of music John Perkins, Paul Copenhaver, Steve Fair, Nancy Robertson, Marc Lewis, Sara Rohrs Ringbauer, Wes Sherman, Art Smith, and Ceili Cornelison.

The group has performed extensively in Missouri and at music festivals in West Virginia and Illinois. The group’s repertoire includes traditional

Alumni Band 2010

Celebrating 100 Years of Music Join us for not one, but TWO alumni band events as we kick off the 100th anniversary of the Central Methodist University bands.

Saturday, June 19, 2010 - Fayette, Mo. Sunday, June 20, 2010 - Lake Ozark, Mo. For more information or to RSVP visit: http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu/aband10

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brass band music, marches, jazz, big band tunes, and show tunes.

In April, tenor Jake Sentgeorge also presented a guest recital. He has performed as a soloist in opera, oratorio, and recital throughout North America and Europe. Most recently he appeared as the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Columbia Chorale and Civic Orchestra in Columbia.

Sentgeorge prefers contemporary music; early music, which he has performed with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra of Ontario; and comedic roles, which have included Ko-Ko in The Mikado, Sipos in She Loves Me, and El Tigre in Unicamente la Verdad!

Currently he is completing his doctorate in voice and pedagogy at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, with a dissertation on selected songs of Charles Ives.

He has also begun innovative collaborations with composers, incorporating video and electronic enhancements that speak more directly to a film-going audience than do traditional forms of music.

American music recital The Theta Omicron Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota and the Beta Mu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha presented their American Music Recital in April.

The program comprised vocal and instrumental solos and ensemble selections performed by members of Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha, plus Swinney Conservatory of Music faculty and staff. Music in this recital is composed or arranged by American musicians. The recital featured compositions by John Philip Sousa, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, P.D.Q. Bach, and Moses Hogan, among others.

The two CMU music fraternities present the recital annually as a tribute to American composers, authors, and musicians in concurrence with their goals to advance music in the local communities and to support the advancement of music in America.

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Campus news

CMU Concert Band tours The CMU Concert Band performed 13 concerts over a six-day period on its 84th annual tour in March.

The tour included visits to high schools and churches in central and western Missouri, including Gallatin, Salisbury, Chillicothe, Alma, Pleasant Hill, Excelsior Springs, Lee’s Summit, Clinton, Sedalia, Monett, and Stockton.

Skip Vandelicht, CMU assistant professor of music and director of bands, conducted the band at its various tour stops, occasionally assisted by alumni as impromptu guest directors. Vandelicht, who has been a full-time faculty member of Swinney Conservatory of Music since 2008, earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from CMU in 1977 and a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He retired in June 2008 after a long career as director of instrumental music at Fayette R-III School District. In addition to his public school teaching duties during the past three decades, he also served as adjunct director of the CMU Marching Band from 1983 to 1995 and again in the fall of 2007.

Music performed from the CMU Concert Band repertoire included “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite” by K.L. King; “Festive Dance for Faust” by Charles Gounod (arranged by CMU alumnus Andrew Glover ’83); “Festive Overture”

by Dmitri Shostakovich (transcribed by Donald Hunsberg); “A Folk Fantasy” by Swinney Conservatory Dean Ronald Shroyer; “God of Our Fathers” by alumnus Claude T. Smith ’54; “One Day, In a Small Town” by alumnus David R. Holsinger ’67; and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.

Music festival More than 70 bands, choirs and other musical ensembles, and soloists participated March 5 in the annual CMU Music Festival spread across the campus in Fayette.

Directors from the 47 schools, representing 40 communities, guided approximately 2,500 high school, junior high, and middle school students in juried performances. Students received ratings from one to five and were also advised and encouraged in their musical pursuits by the professional musicians and music educators who adjudicated the performances.

This year marked the 32nd anniversary of CMU’s Music Festival, which is run by students of the Swinney Conservatory of Music at Central.

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The new Jazz Choir (left) lays it all out. They presented their first concert during the second semester of this year.

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Campus news

Choir presents spring concert The Central Methodist University A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Dr. Claude Westfall, presented its Spring Concert April 25 in Linn Memorial UMC on the campus in Fayette.

This year’s concert marks the 77th anniversary of the establishment of the A Cappella Choir. Claude Westfall, CMU assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, conducted the performance with Mary Jane Nance as piano accompanist.

Featured music included a major choral work by Johann Michael Haydn, “Missa Sancti Hieronymi.”

Also performed were “Alleluia” from Songs of Faith by Paul Basler; “Io Son La Primavera,” by William Hawley; “Grow Lovely Rose” by Gordon Young; and “The Promised Land,” arranged by Ronald Staheli.

The recently formed Swinney Conservatory Jazz Choir also performed a trio of popular works: “Come Sunday” by Duke Ellington; “Just in Time,” arranged by Beth Fritz; and “Drive My Car,” arranged

by Seth Berrier.

Haydn, a concertmaster, organist, composer, and music teacher in the court of the Archbishop of Salzburg from 1763 until his death completed Missa Sancti Hieronymi in September of 1777. It was first performed on All Saints Day (Nov. 1) of that year.

The Central Methodist University A Cappella Choir is one of the cornerstones of the Swinney Conservatory of Music. Dean Luther T. Spayde, still a student at the time, established it in the fall of 1932 when 55 students, faculty, and townspeople expressed a desire to sing in a choir for church services.

Spayde continued to direct the choir until his death in 1972. R. Paul Drummond was the choir’s sixth director from 1981 until his untimely death in September 2007. He was succeeded the following year by Westfall.

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Opera fest a February tradition Swinney Conservatory of Music’s Opera Workshop presented two nights of “Opera – Italian Style” in February, featuring the one-act comic opera Signor Deluso by composer Thomas Pasatieri; and festive and romantic scenes from The Elixir of Love and Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti; The Gondoliers

by Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert; Most Happy Fella by Frank Loesser; The Boys from Syracuse

by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart; Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini; La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi and Giachino Rossini’s humorous “Cat Duet.”

Performers included CMU music

students; Dr. Ron Shroyer, dean of Swinney Conservatory; and Central Methodist Alumnus Thomas Arnold ’79.

Opera professor Dr. Susan Quigley-Duggan directed the workshop and production, accompanied by Mary Jane Nance.

Eaton gets nod from opera company

HMS Pinafore sets sail this summer

CMU junior Lacey Eaton, a soprano majoring in music performance, has scored a notable summer opportunity as a performance intern with the Asheville Lyric Opera Theatre in Asheville, N.C. She will spend eight weeks performing recitals and opera scenes for the theatre and other venues in and around Asheville.

“I will be doing scenes from La Boheme as the character Musetta; scenes from The Merry Wives of Windsor as the character Anne; and scenes from Into the Woods as the character Cinderella,” Lacey relates.

As an intern Lacey will share the stage with professional opera singers, learning the craft from them while also learning administrative aspects of being a professional singer and running an opera house.

“It will be an amazing experience and I will learn a lot!” Lacey admits.

“I am so excited to go out and be in the real world among people who are doing what I want to be doing some day.”

Members of the Swinney Conservatory, current and past students, and area residents are gearing up for the next installment of the Con’s Summer Performance Workshop, led by Dr. Susan QuigleyDuggan, CMU assistant professor of voice and opera.

This year’s opera, in keeping with the past three years’ works, will be another Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, HMS Pinafore. In typical madcap musical mayhem, the comedy provides impossible situations, which are then improbably resolved.

Public performances of HMS Pinafore are Fri., June 25, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sun., June 27, at 3 p.m. at The Little Theatre on the campus of Central Methodist University.

For more information regarding the performances, contact Dr. QuigleyDuggan at squigley@centralmethodist. edu (660-248-6628) or Ruth Spayde at rspayde@centralmethodist.edu (660248-6317).

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Campus news

CMU Brass Invitational

In February, faculty from the Swinney Conservatory of Music presented an invitational workshop for high school brass players. Following the event, visiting members of the acclaimed Saint Louis Brass Quintet presented a master class for Central’s Conservatory students who play brass instruments.

In the evening, the Saint Louis Brass Quintet performed in concert for students and the public. The group was formed in 1964 and currently performs three 10-day concert tours throughout the United States. Financial assistance for the quintet’s visit was provided by the Missouri Arts Council and the CMU Cultural Affairs Committee.

Above, members of the Saint Louis Brass Quintet show their whimsical side playing some of their “alternative instruments.”

Dr. John Perkins, assistant professor of music, leads high school trumpeters (right) at Swinney’s Brass Invitational on campus this spring.

Art history classes visit galleries Art History I and II, under the it, students were struck by the details in a Flemish Interior, Graham says, “I tutelage of Dr. Henry Graham, visited was impressed by how much the stuof the actual works that even excelgalleries on both sides of the state this dents had learned in this class about lent reproductions cannot express. year. First semester led them to the Nearby, in the Modern wing, Netherlandish disguised symbolism St. Louis Art Museum while second and stylistic developments.” He adds, students found an early Alexander semester culminated in a trip to the Calder Mobile that wasn’t moving. At “In El Greco’s Mary Magdalen, they Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas noted the mannerist and otherworldly Graham’s suggestion and the guard’s City. respectful silence, they began fantraits of the painting.”

In St. Louis ning the work with notebooks, shirts, Offered the students took a whatever they had. Graham delightchoice of Frans guided tour of Hals or Rembrandt edly notes, “Yes, they mobilized the holdings from mobile—to the delight of everyone in to paint their prehistoric portraits, he notes, the room, for it was doing what it was times through designed to do.” most students the Medieval chose the latter for period. After his deeper the tour, they character Damiun Walker (left) and Timothy Lewis hold a quiet had lunch at the penetraconversation with the Museum Guard 1975, a sculpture gallery then had

by Duane Hanson. tion, the several hours to presStudents study the Impressionists. explore on their ence he own. The same gave to procedure prevailed in Kansas City, his sitter. although the guided tour dealt with In the Impressionist artwork from the Renaissance to the wing, students compared modern era. For both trips, each stuMonet and Pissarro, and dent had to write about a single piece enjoyed paintings by Van of art, discussing it and explaining his Gogh, Gaugin, Seurat, and or her personal response to it.

Cezanne, all artists they After viewing the 15th century had recently discussed in Petrus Christus Madonna and Child class. Throughout the vis-

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Campus news

The Creative Arts education class, taught by Dr. Sherri Griffin, professor of education, presented a showing during finals week as part of the course requirements. Creativity showed itself in a variety of ways, including a harmonica concert (one group presenting, above) and artwork, such as the acrylic painting “A Day at the Beach� (left) by student Kyra Clements.

ACTF a learning experience for theatre students

by Amy Prater, theatre student In January, Assistant Professor of Theatre Mark Kelty took a group of CMU students to attend the American College of Theater Festival (ACTF) in Overland Park, Kan. Several students competed in the Irene Ryan Scholarship audition and auditioned for summer stock theatre; student Amy Prater also competed in the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society National Fellowship scene audition.

Mike Temple, Molly Blackford, and Kelsey Jeffries competed in the Irene Ryan competition. Each nominee had selected a scene partner to accompany him or her in competition. Although none of our teams advanced to finals, we all watched the finals and saw, firsthand, how stiff the competition was. The winner was a non-traditional student from the University of Oklahoma.

Amy Prater, a non-traditional student majoring in theatre education program, took three students to compete in the scene audition. She chose one of five scenes to cast from ACTF attendees, turned in a detailed promptbook analyzing the scene and detailing the process, and then presented the completed scene in front of judges and competitors. Amy was given valuable feedback from two highly respected members of the theatre community who owned or operated their own theatres.

Of the students who participated in summer stock auditions, one, Jordan Brennan, received two callbacks and obtained a summer job as an actor at Brownville Village 32

Repertory Theatre in Brownville, Neb. Another inspiring success at the festival was the number of our students chosen for the festival showcase and the alternative forms showcase. Each year festival attendees are allowed to audition for performances. Of the 120 students who auditioned, five CMU students were chosen and participated in a performance at the festival.

CMU thespian Michael Temple also participated in the alternative forms workshop as an author, and his work was performed live at the festival.

In addition to the students who performed at the festival, Prof. Kelty participated in both the faculty acting showcase and the faculty directing showcase. The acting showcase presents a challenge because the faculty member is given a scene to memorize for performance at the festival but is not allowed to rehearse or meet his or her partner. CMU students felt Kelty’s performance was incredible and that they are lucky to have an actor of his caliber teaching them. The faculty directing showcase was particularly challenging for Mark because he was given an Inuit Eskimo scene, which was abstract and lacked an everyday literal language. However, he directed a visually stunning, emotional intriguing work and was given very positive feedback.

Students and faculty alike saw great value in attending the ACTF, whether or not awards were garnered during their trip.

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Campus news

Little Theatre presents two challenging plays Central’s Little Theatre presented two edgy, dark comedy-dramas this semester. The first, an Irish story, The Cripple of Inishmaan by Martin McDonagh, was presented in early March. In April, the thespians presented When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?

The Cripple of Inishmaan Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland in 1934, The Cripple of Inishmaan reflects the great tradition of Irish storytelling. Word arrives on Inishmaan that a Hollywood director is coming to the neighboring island of Inishmore to film Man of Aran. Eager to escape the gossip, poverty, and boredom of Inishmaan, young Cripple Billy vies for a part in the film, and to everyone’s surprise, the orphan outcast gets his chance.

Central Methodist students played all of the roles and CMU Assistant Professor of Theatre and Director of the Little Theatre Mark Kelty directed the play. A special presentation of Irish folk music was performed for each play by well-known folk musicians Cathy Barton and Dave Para and by Jackie Ambrow.

The play was produced in association with Commercial Trust Company of Fayette.

Scenes from When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?

When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder?

In April, the thespians took to the boards again with When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder? by Mark Medoff.

Set in an all-night diner, young Stephen (Red) Ryder is turning his duties over to his daytime counterpart, Angel, when her friend Lyle and an affluent young couple come in. With the arrival of another couple, the surface calm quickly vanishes as one customer begins to taunt and then bully the others in the diner. With caustic humor he strips away each person’s pretensions, exposing his or her innermost secrets and fears.

As a result, each faces a searing moment of truth that changes all the characters more than they want to admit.

Mark Kelty, assistant professor of theatre, directed the play and was assisted by student Jordan Brennan. The play was sponsored by The Exchange Bank of Missouri.

Graduating senior Violet Vonder Haar and alumnus Jeff Arrigo ’89 provided live music preceding the play.

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Charting a spiritual course

Central Methodist University has been connected to Methodism since 1854, when it was established in Fayette by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. However, the CMU community has always welcomed students, faculty, staff, and guests of different spiritual pursuits and beliefs.

One such student, sophomore Mahaletwork (Nina) Assefa, has attended CMU for two years now and is a follower of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido. Although Nina finds it hard to practice her traditions on campus, she still feels comfortable discussing her beliefs with others. “I think the members of the community are eager to learn and also exchange the differences in spirituality,” Nina says. “I had interesting conversations with both students and faculty members about the differences and the cultures.” Nina is one of several current students on campus connected to a religious tradition different from those many students are accustomed to encountering. The 20092010 CMU Factbook shows that during the last five years, students of at least seven other faith backgrounds, such as Buddhism and Islam, have attended Central.

CMU strives to create an atmosphere for learning in all areas, including religion. Seven current students have declared religion-oriented majors and many students have religion as a minor. Most of the students majoring in religion intend to go into the Christian Ministry. These students, however, are not the only ones interested in learning about religion. The religion classes offered by CMU have a strong enrollment of students with other majors. Most of these classes focus on Christianity, but some classes discuss other traditions as well. Although not many students pursue a religion major at CMU without being from the Christian tradition, Dr. Daryl Jefferies, chair of the Humanities Division and associate professor of religion, says, “We are open to create an atmosphere where people can explore religion.” (For a list of religion major requirements and religion classes offered on campus, visit the CMU website at www.centralmethodist.edu.)

Central’s general education common core requires students to take a religion class, “Religion and the Human Adventure,” no matter what degree a student may be pursuing. This required class introduces traditions and beliefs of many different faiths from around the world. The class can be eye-opening for many students and can help them create an understanding of many cultures and beliefs other than the ones they grew up knowing.

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by Jessica Travlos

CMU is listed by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church; as such, it tries to boost the enrollment of Methodist students in particular. The 2009-2010 Factbook shows that 20.6 percent of the students identify themselves as Methodist. Verified Methodist students may receive 50 percent tuition reduction as an incentive for attending CMU. In the fall of 2009, $2.05 million in financial aid was given to the 153 Methodist students then in attendance. Michael Pope, CMU’s liaison with the United Methodist Church, helps with the recruitment of these students by visiting churches and youth groups.

CMU also has a very strong Office of Campus Ministry, directed in 2009-10 by Whalen George ’09, that reaches out to students in a variety of ways. Campus ministry hosts Chapel every Tuesday morning in Linn Memorial UMC on campus. This provides time for devotion for all Christians. It is not required of students; however, everyone is welcome. The students lead most devotions with George’s guidance. Faculty, staff, and guests often speak at Chapel and a student Chapel band accompanies the singing of hymns. Central’s Eagle Radio airs Chapel live on its radio station via the CMU website, and all services can be replayed later as well.

Campus Ministry also aids those in need around the world. This winter students, led by George, collected money and supplies from students, faculty, and staff for health kits to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. They created a contest to encourage students to donate supplies, and more than 85 kits were collected.

In conjunction with the Missouri Conference United Methodist Church, they also took several students to New Orleans on a mission trip over spring break. As of this fall CMU will have a full-time campus minister and chaplain, Lucas Endicott, appointed by the UMC Conference office.

Several other organizations also provide opportunities for students searching for spiritual support, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Men’s Bible Study, Women Gathered in Faith, and the Navigators. Not all of these groups are sponsored by CMU, but Campus Ministry does help circulate information about their activities through e-mail announcements.

A student-led group, FCA, meets once a week for an hour of devotion followed by games or activities. Contrary to its name, everyone is welcome to join FCA, not just athletes. FCA doesn’t connect itself with any particular

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Opposite page: Dr. Kevin Carnahan, assistant professor of philosophy and religion, leads students in discussion.

This page: scenes from student-led Chapel range from welcoming handshakes to music and messages.

denomination of Christianity, but rather tries to satisfy Christian beliefs as a whole. “Outreach is a big thing that FCA focuses on,” says Natalie Rolph, a graduating senior and one of the FCA student leaders.

Individual students on campus sometimes pursue their own spiritual paths by helping others. Senior Cassie McClellan started an after-school program in Glasgow last year. When the Glasgow First UMC asked for help from the University, Cassie helped Rev. Neva Reece, then director of Campus Ministry, start a program for kindergarteners through fifth graders to gather at the church, share Bible stories, and listen to devotional songs.

Christian Perspectives Week, held every spring, gives students on campus a chance not only to celebrate their Christian beliefs but also, perhaps, to find them.

This year’s events began with the weekly Chapel, continuing to a Mission Fair in the Bergsten Dining Hall at dinner. Myriad mission groups and service organizations set up booths, giving students the chance to volunteer to help others, no matter what their religious background. During a Wednesday meeting, the Fayette Rotary Club featured Craig Benson, assistant director of the M.U. Career Center, speaking on “Vocation as Calling: Assessing and Using Strengths to Achieve Career and Life Success,” and students were invited to attend.

Spring 2010

The 2010 Gilbert and Ruth Fleer Lecture for Excellence in Values-Based Education was also held on Wednesday.

Dr. F. Douglas Powe, associate professor of evangelism and the E. Stanley Jones Chair of Evangelism at Saint Paul School of Theology, spoke about “The Courage to Be.” At lunch on Thursday students were given the chance to “Ask a Pastor,” where the Rev. André Fulton of Saint Paul UMC made himself available at lunch for students to ask any questions they had pertaining to Christianity. The week ended with a Friday Forum where Dr. Carl Franks, CMU assistant professor of English, spoke on “Vocation and the Dominican Tradition.”

Finishing up Christian Perspectives Week, a concert was held in Puckett Field House. Shane and Shane, a contemporary Christian group featuring John Michael McMillan and Carlos Whittacker, performed for the students, faculty, staff, and public.

CMU has always had a strong Christian-based background that exemplifies the slogan of the United Methodist Church—“Open Hearts. Open Minds.

Open Doors.” Its population is heavily weighted toward Christianity, but the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the University’s students, faculty, and staff makes it a safe spot for seekers of all faith traditions.

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Campus news

Service Day 2010

On Service Day in April, more than 550 members of the Central Methodist community spread out through Fayette and the county. The 567 University volunteers comprised 451 students and 116 faculty and staff—including CMU President Marianne E. Inman—an increase of nearly 100 participants over last year.

Based on requests from area residents and businesses, the University developed a list of 76 community service projects for the Fayette, Armstrong, and Glasgow areas, including some on-campus projects, up from 44 projects in 2009.

Service projects included cleaning windows, painting houses and a pool, moving furniture, cleaning river banks, landscaping, preparing flower beds, cleaning yards and debris, selling books, and numerous other projects for businesses, city governments, and residents.

“By undertaking these community service projects each year,” says President Inman, “the CMU campus community is actively engaging in the mission of CMU to ‘prepare students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.’”

Service Day is spearheaded by Assistant Professor MaryAnn Rustemeyer and Theresa Argent of Central’s Center for Learning and Teaching. Financial support for this year’s Service Day was provided by the Fayette Area Community Trust.

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Campus news

Powe gives Fleer lecture

Leave a Lasting Impression!

The 2010 Gilbert and Ruth Fleer Lecture for Excellence in Values-Based Education was presented in April by the Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr., associate professor of evangelism and holder of the E. Stanley Jones Chair in Evangelism at Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Mo. Dr. Powe spoke on “The Courage to Be.” His address marked the second Fleer Lecture, which was established in 2009 by alumni Gilbert ’55 and Ruth Fleer ’58 from Bentonville, Ark. Gilbert Fleer earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Central; a bachelor of divinity degree from Drew University School of Theology, Madison, N.J.; and a master’s and Dr. Rita Gulstad (left) and President Inman talk with Dr. Powe an educational doctorate, both in guidance and following his Fleer Lecture. counseling, from Texas A & M University. He was an assistant professor of religion at CMU from 1959 to 1965 and is now retired as a social science Emory University, 1998; and a bachelor’s degree in ecoprofessor from Western Texas College and as a United nomic management magna cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan Methodist counselor. Ruth Fleer attended Central and later University, 1987. earned her bachelor of science degree from Texas A & M University and master of education degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

“We were extremely pleased to announce the establishment of the Fleer Lecture and to mark its inaugural presentation in April of 2009,” says Dr. Marianne E. Inman, president of Central Methodist University. “Gil and Ruth Fleer had a vision to enYou can make a difference at hance the spirit of excellence at Central Methodist Central Methodist University University. Their passion for their alma mater where they met, their strong support for leaderlong after you leave this world. ship development, and their commitment to opportunities for future generations of students, led them to make gifts to the University celebrating the Central experience. This enabled Central Methodist to establish the Gilbert and Ruth Fleer Fund for Excellence in Values-Based Education.”

For information about creating Dr. Powe has served as the E. Stanley Jones an estate plan or planned gift Professor of Evangelism at Saint Paul School of to benefit CMU, please contact: Theology since 2004. Previously, he taught religion at Spellman College and at Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

Alan Marshall at 660-248-6260 The author of numerous scholarly articles, he or has also written two books: Just-us or Justice: Moving Toward a Pan-Methodist Soteriology and Transforming Stephanie Lewis at 660-248-6397.

Evangelism: The Wesleyan Way of Sharing Faith, coauthored with Henry H. Knight III. Dr. Powe holds a doctorate in systematic theology from Emory University, 2004; a master of divinity degree from Candler School of Theology,

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Campus news

F. Lucille Foster Vocal Music Hall of Sponsors Scholarship F. Lucille Foster, from Palmyra, Mo., graduated from Central in 1951.

She majored in music education with an emphasis in voice. She was active on campus as a member of Phi Beta Fraternity for the Creative and Performing Arts, A Cappella Choir, and the Fighting 50. She was president of Delta Pi Omega the second semester of her senior year and also vice president of the Howard Payne Council in her senior year.

During Foster’s time here, her voice professor, Conservatory faculty member Norma Fisher Sebben, really encouraged her. After graduation, Foster followed her advice and went to the University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music where she received her master’s degree. She performed in several operas and as well as being a soloist in the East.

Eventually Foster traveled back to the Midwest and began teaching in White Hall, Ill. While there, her voice students did very well at contests. It wasn’t long before the Springfield (Ill.) School District 186 recruited her, and she taught vocal music for several years in the Springfield system.

After receiving a second master’s degree, Foster became a guidance counselor for the Springfield School District where she eventually became dean of students.

She was in education for 30 years. She retired about 10 years ago to take care of her parents, and she continues to care for her mother, who is 101.

The F. Lucille Foster Vocal Music Scholarship will be given to an exemplary student majoring in vocal music performance or music education with an emphasis in vocal music, as selected by the music faculty.

Bartee supports planned giving When Dr. Barbara Bartee ’50 arrived at Central College, now Central Methodist University, she was thrilled to learn that she could major in one of her passions—physical education.

Combining her love of sports with her interest in nature, she doublemajored in physical education and biology, then spent her life teaching physical education. Now her legacy gift at CMU will perpetuate her love of students and her respect for the science of the human body.

Bartee remembers her time at CMU fondly. Of course, many of those memories center on the numerous sports she engaged in, but she recalls enjoying social and spiritual activities, too. “Central was a well-rounded environment,” she says.

She also recollects the University’s high academic standards and outstanding faculty. “Students were viewed as important assets, she notes. “The faculty expected the best from me, and I worked hard to achieve that.” In her 36 years as a professor of physical education at California 38

State University, Sacramento, Bartee adopted that philosophy, always striving to inspire her students to reach their potential.

As an alumna, Bartee has kept up with campus news and has consistently supported the financial needs of CMU by contributing to various capital campaigns.

She has also set up a trust that will fund the Barbara A. Bartee Scholarship, designed to aid students pursuing an education in the health sciences.

Because she was a teacher, Bartee felt a scholarship was the natural choice of planned gifts.

“There are so many talented students with the ability to make important contributions to our constantly evolving world,” she explains. “A scholarship is a significant way to provide the means for these students to get a quality education at Central, just like I did.”

Find out how easy it is to make a difference in a student’s life through a scholarship by contacting www.centralmethodist.edu/supportcmu.

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Campus news

Class of 1959 continues building Hall of Sponsors scholarships Last October, the Class of 1959 continued their tradition of naming their growing number of Hall of Sponsors scholarships for members of their Central graduating class. This year marked the naming of their 10th and 11th scholarships.

Contributors had their names placed in a bowl, and Dr. Fred “Bud” Thornton, the 2008 class scholarship winner, drew out the name of class member Sam Yankee, of Kansas City, Mo., who was honored with the naming of the 10th scholarship. Sam then drew the second class member’s name, (Alice) Jo Jackson, from the bowl; and she was awarded the name of the 11th scholarship.

Sam Yankee

Alice Jo Jackson

Sam Yankee hadn’t planned on attending Central, but the Rev. Ross Fulton of the First Methodist Church in Independence, Mo., convinced him to come here.

Yankee’s first dorm room was in Givens Hall. He successfully tried out for cheerleading his first semester and was a cheerleader all four years. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Gamma (Mokers) social fraternity, a member of Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, and a member of the Dramatics Club.

Yankee says he has many fond memories of his time here at Central.

He graduated in 1959 and then attended graduate school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. After teaching chemistry and math at Glasgow High School for one year, he moved to Independence where he was employed by Cook Paint and Varnish Company for more than 25 years.

For seven more years, Yankee worked at Heritage Environmental Services. He is currently the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs for Tnemec Company in North Kansas City, Mo. Yankee has three sons—David, Tom, and Sam, who will graduate from high school this year.

Alice Jo Harper Jackson decided, at an early age, that she would be attending Central College. After all, her father, W. K. Harper ’31, and her older brother, Ed ’55, had both graduated from Central. So, she made the trip to Fayette, Mo., too.

Alan, her younger brother, also graduated from Central, in 1977.

Harper graduated from Central in 1959 after majoring in elementary education. She taught school in Missouri for a few years, then married Richard Jackson and moved to Canyon, Texas.

Jackson has had, perhaps, more than her fair share of life’s ups and downs. She lost a child, son Andy, in 1969.

She has also battled breast cancer. But she has had many joys as well. For one, she is a proud cancer survivor. She and her husband will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this June. She raised two children, Sally Jackson Kennedy and Clay Harper Jackson, and she taught elementary education for 27 years until she retired in 2000.

Jackson earned her Master of Fine Arts in 1988. Even though she has retired from teaching, she continues to be a lifelong learner—as well as a teacher. She currently teaches adult yoga classes four days a week and is seeking to earn her 200-hour yoga teaching certificate soon.

She also continues to be an active member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.

Jackson’s positive outlook on life and willingness to grow and change are at the very core of her being.

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Shhhh . . . no more!

by Cathy Thogmorton, editor

The days of being shushed by Marian the Librarian belong to a past century. Today’s library is an overtly active and sometimes downright noisy location.

No wire-rimmed, bunned, and tightly strung matronly types are found at Smiley Library in the hallowed stacks of Cupples Hall, viciously stamping due dates on books.

Rather, CMU’s head librarian, Cindy Dudenhoffer, and her staff serve as facilitators for activities tailored to researchers, workshops, learners of all types, and those just looking for fun. “We are all about access,” says Dudenhoffer, “whether it’s for scholarly resources for writing a paper, a room to work on group projects, or a relaxing place to destress during finals week.”

Information Services Librarian Carrie Flaspohler agrees. “Many students have an outdated perception of the library,” she says, “a place where you must be quiet, return your items on time, or else. Nobody wants to spend time in a place like that. We want our library to be inviting, friendly, and helpful.”

The Garst Information Commons with its wheels of computers all connected to a wealth of resource information is usually full of students. But students can also be found in the room right off the commons, working with— or playing on—the Wii, a component that turns the large wall screen into an interactive companion, whether in building eye-hand coordination and speedy reasoning skills, or merely bowling or playing tennis. Wii tournaments are held throughout the year. Other gaming days were also held throughout the year.

Much of the educational and entertainment activity is less high tech but just fun and rewarding. This year two separate book clubs, open to students, faculty, and staff, ran through both semesters. One focused on world authors and included reading A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah and The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama. The other club studied books and the movies or TV series made from them. Both clubs were highly successful and students can look to active book clubs again next year. “Book clubs are

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From top: Mystery Night, Banned Book Week, and Speak Like a Pirate Day

classic. If we can engage students in a recreational setting, they are much more likely to feel comfortable asking us for homework help in the future. The library should be a place where everyone feels welcome,” Dudenhoffer says.

The library held a variety of individual events throughout the year, too. One celebrated the international holiday (apparently real) of “Speak Like a Pirate Day.” (photo left) Flaspohler says, “We gave out eye patches, pirate candy, and booty. It was just a silly, fun day to be in the library.”

Another special event was “Mystery Night” with actor Bill Chott (“Wizards of Waverly Place and The Ringer), a 1994 alumnus of Central, as a special guest.

During Banned Book Week, the library covered a table in the Student and Community Center with books that have been challenged or banned somewhere in the United States. Books such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, Beloved, As I Lay Dying, A Light in the Attic, the Harry Potter series, A Wrinkle in Time, James and the Giant

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Peach, and the perennial banned book Catcher in the Rye. Students were encouraged to pick up their favorites and read passages aloud to others who were headed to lunch in the Bergsten Dining Hall. “We brought a small part of the library to the students and checked out more than 60 banned books in two days,” observes Flaspohler.

Also during lunch on Wednesdays in January, the library staff offered free classes to anyone who was interested. These included crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery, and paper-making. The quilting class worked much of second semester on a yo-yo quilt. When it was finished, it was raffled off, with proceeds going to the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation to help build educational facilities in the Sudan, Africa.

One of the biggest events sponsored by the Smiley Library staff was a celebration of National Library Week, April 12-16. For each day, a specific new offering appeared. On April 12, Dr. Sherri Griffin, professor of education, taught bookmaking to students, faculty, and staff, using paper that was handmade earlier in the year. April 13 brought “Pizza and Poetry with Porter,” where Dr. John Porter, assistant professor of English, led a gathering of poets and poetry-lovers to share their own and other writers’ poetry. The food theme carried over into the next day when the library provided donuts and coffee to all who visited it.

April 15 was Service Day (see story, p. 36). The staff of

the library both gave and benefited from service that day.

Volunteers planted flowers, cleaned and straightened, and set up for a library book sale. The sale ran for three days and netted more than $300 for the library. Left-over books were shipped to Better World Books, an organization that assists with local and international literacy projects.

National Library Week ended with a variety of available games, plus a Wii Bowling Tournament. More than 150 students and 15 faculty and staff participated in activities during the week. “It’s wonderful to see new faces in the library” notes Dudenhoffer. “This was a third celebration of National Library Week; and every year attendance goes up and the students become more involved.”

Even when the students leave for the summer, Smiley and its staff keep offering programs. This year will be the third consecutive “Twilight Camp,” offered to young people, based on the Twilight book and movie series.

Plans are already in the works for next year and include the addition of a trivia contest and a “Zombies @ Your Library Night” that will feature a scavenger hunt, pitting humans against zombies.

Or, of course, you can also still check out books . . . if you want to.

Clockwise from top left: Guitar Hero on Wii; sewing pieces for the yo-yo quilt; a friendly game of Scattergories; and the staff that keeps the library running smoothly, row 1 (l-r): Delia Remington, library evening supervisor; Cindy Dudenhoffer, director of information resources; row 2: Crystal Terrell, library technical assistant; Carrie Flaspohler, information services librarian; Leasa Strodtman, library technical services; John Finley, reference librarian

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Campus news

Missouri Scenes of Byron Smith The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art presented two shows this semester. The first, titled “Missouri Scenes of Byron Smith,” featured painter Byron Smith from Columbia, Mo. Born in 1960, Smith grew up absorbing the shapes and colors of the world around him, including vivid images from his grandfather’s farm. He began painting at the age of eight, mixing his own colors from a 12-color box of crayons to match those found in the more expensive 64-

color box. Because his family was far from any art museums, Smith learned about works of the masters by creating “Paint-by-Number” masterpieces. “It taught me how to see the images,” he says. “I’d look at them and say, ‘I can do that.’”

For more than 40 years now, Byron Smith has looked at the world, rolled its reality around in his mind, and

let his visions flow out through his fingers and onto the canvas. His favorite subjects remain the landscapes of the Missouri River Valley and features of the communities that snuggle up to the rivers, especially Rocheport, Boonville and McBaine. He often looks for the unusual aspect of a location. He observes, “Sometimes the character of a back yard is more interesting than the front.”

Widely known for his landscapes, which he paints on site rather than from photographs, Smith observes, “I never get bored painting a landscape location because working from nature, the scene changes continuously.

When I paint from nature, I express myself by depicting the landscape elements I both see and feel. As a result, every painting is different.” In addition to landscapes, he focuses on nudes and portraits, painted in his studio or in the weekend sessions. He has also created lithography and intaglio printmaking, using both handmade and traditional printmaking papers.

Smith studied art at the University of Missouri – Columbia during the 1980s and currently shares studio space at Orr Street Studios with one of his former teachers, retired MU professor and noted artist Frank Stack.

He paints mostly in oils and watercolors although he has worked with pastels, acrylics and other media, recently adding casein, a versatile milk-based, water-soluble medium that dries quickly.

At the artist’s reception, Smith invited Anand Prahlad, an English professor at MU to perform on his mbira, an African thumb piano. This guest appearance is indicative of the way Smith views art and life. He looks for fascinating people and interesting places, whether past or present, whether African-American or from other cultures. He studies them. He learns from them. He paints them.

Artist Byron Smith, above right, talks with John Flanders, professor of business and economics, at the artist reception.

Right, Smith’s painting “Shot Gun House”

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Campus news

Rust highlights Ashby-Hodge exhibition The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art’s spring show, titled “The Scenic Moods of Stephen Rust,” ran March 23-May 13, and featured Columbia artist Stephen Rust.

Rust’s interest in being an artist began when he was a youngster. “I did art well and ceramics well in school,” he says. “The family always vacationed out West in the Tetons and Yellowstone. I am always stimulated by a landscape. I would hike into someplace and paint.” He observes, “When you spend time outdoors in a place, you absorb the sights and smells of the environment.”

He took art classes in high school and dabbled in ceramics and animation. In college he took courses in jewelry making and drawing. However, taking his father’s advice, Rust majored in marketing, with a minor in economics, and, following graduation from Southeast Missouri State University in 1977, he and his wife, Deshay, moved to Columbia where he became involved in the family’s interior design business.

When Rust wasn’t working in the interior design business, he worked on watercolor paintings. Later he began experimenting with oil paints and studied with renowned painter Jim Wilcox at his Jackson Hole Art Academy in Wyoming.

Rust now spends 20 hours or more a week studying art. He classifies himself as a “representational artist,” and says that he likes to take on art projects that challenge him technically. “I try different things and I paint what I like,” he admits. “I like to take liberties with my art and push it into another realm.”

From top: Kathryn “Taffy” Wallace talks with artist Stephen Rust; Boonville artist Pat Hanna discusses art with Rust; “Tree,” a painting on display during the exhibition.

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Campus news

Visit the Online Bookstore!

Shop for CMU hats, jackets, gifts and more online at the CMU Bookstore.

An annual rite of spring, Central Methodist held its alumni gathering at the Les Bourgeois A-frame in Rocheport, Mo., on April 29, a glorious, although slightly breezy, evening.

GO-CMU

Enter the code above to get an extra 10% off your next purchase at the CMU Online Bookstore.

Visit the online bookstore at http://bookstore.centralmethodist.edu/

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Help CMU Go Green

by Receiving Your Talon Online!

Two simple steps: 1. Log into CMU Eagle Connection at http:// cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu 2. Check the box: “I’d like to receive my Talon online” under the Home Information tab in your account information.

E-mail notifications will be sent to all those who choose this option when The Talon is available. You can also contact Tracy Crowe Jones ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, at 660-248-6234 or at tjones@centralmethodist.edu.

Scenes from the Central Methodist University day of graduation (left) reflect the variety of emotions on the faces of the graduates headed to Commencement exercises at Puckett Field House. In the bottom right photo, the faculty and staff line either side of the walkway and proudly applaud the graduates as they enter the field house as students for the last time.

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Campus news

SIFE advances to nationals on strength of projects

By Amanda Kerns, SIFE student Central Methodist University’s SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) team advanced to national competition for the first time since being established in 2004. They put in many hours of hard work and were amply rewarded.

SIFE is an international non-profit organization that brings together the leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.

T-shirts. As with last year, the shirts sold out. With money in the treasury, SIFE prepared to help the campus and the community with projects that reflect the SIFE organization’s goal for students—“to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders.”

SIFE funded many projects this year. One was “Kiddy Economics.” For this project the team read to young students Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money by Stan and Jan Berenstain and explained opportunity cost.

The next team project, “Let’s Can Hunger,” was available nationwide to all SIFE teams. The campaign raised awareness of hunger and how to fight against it. John Wampler, food drive coordinator for the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, presented a Friday Forum in March to discuss the integral function local food pantries serve in central and northeast Missouri, the challenges faced by food pantries during times of economic hardship, such as now, and the countless ways in which the Central Methodist University community and Howard County residents can assist local and regional efforts to combat hunger. With the help of CMU students, faculty, staff, and the local community, the “Let’s

SIFE members helped Girl Scouts earn badges while learning about entrepreneurship and finances (above and opposite page).

Photos compliments of Hannah Turos, Senior Girl Scout from Peculiar, Mo.

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The CMU SIFE team traveled to Chicago, Ill., for the SIFE USA Regional Competition held April 8. Competing against 59 other regional teams, CMU team members presented a 24-minute multi-media summary of the educational outreach projects they had developed and implemented throughout the year. They were judged by a panel of business and community leaders on how well they created economic opportunity by helping others.

Named a Regional Champion for its efforts, the team then traveled to Minneapolis, Minn., to compete against other SIFE regional champions from around the country at the SIFE USA National Exposition, May 11-13.

This year’s CMU presentation team included Cassandra Eversmeyer, Adam Morton, Kayla Calvin, Lisa Scrivener, Joe Garrett, and Emily Platt. Matt Schieffer served as the technical coordinator for the team. Five other team members traveled to Chicago to support the presenting students; a total of 23 participated in the team’s efforts this year.

Early in the first semester, the team set its sights on fundraising to support projects and national competitions.

For a couple of years SIFE has designed Homecoming

Members of the SIFE presentation team pause for a shot in the Student and Community Center.

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Campus news more than 40 SIFE partner companies.

Julie Bennett, CMU assistant professor of business, and Amy Dykens, CMU assistant dean for institutional research, serve as advisors for the SIFE team and have been named Sam M. Walton Free Enterprise Fellows in recognition of their leadership and support of the SIFE program at Central Methodist University.

“Both Amy Dykens and I are tremendously proud of what these students have accomplished,” Bennett says of this year’s SIFE team. “It is both exciting and an honor to have come this far. This past year our team has worked exceptionally hard.

It is extremely rewarding to see the results and to be awarded with such a wonderful opportunity for our students and our University.”

Can Hunger” program fed 2,300 people in Howard County.

SIFE also partnered with The James C. Denneny, Jr., Career Development Center and its director, Linda Lorenz, to organize and execute three projects – “Women Only: Extreme Makeover, From Student to Professional”; “Dress to Win – for Men Only”; and the annual Career EXPO. This year the SIFE team presented a new project, partnering with an organization known as Peace Care.

Sponsor Amy Dykens says, “Peace Care approached our team to contribute our skills in creating financial statements so that they might receive official non-profit status in the first phase of the project.”

Through collaboration with the Peace Corps, U.S. Primary Medical Care Training Programs, U.S. Schools of Public Health, and Global Communities, Peace Care helps people in underdeveloped countries understand the need for basic medical care for themselves and their families. Peace Care hopes to reduce global health disparities through sustainable partnerships between communities of need and entities of resource.

Next, SIFE sponsored a Girl Scout workshop, where the Scouts could earn badges while learning about entrepreneurship and personal finance; and other projects, including “Ultimate Money Skills,” “Reuse-A-Shoe program,” “Cotton, From Blue to Green,” and “Sweet Ethics.”

With all of these projects completed, the SIFE team took on regionals in Chicago—and won!

In addition to the competition, students had the opportunity to interview for jobs and internships during a career fair with representatives from

Spring 2010

2010 Alumni Directory

Postcards will be mailed to all alumni in June with details regarding the directory. All alumni are asked to call the toll-free number to confirm their information.

Alumni may share a brief paragraph about their lives, information on family, or favorite memories from Central. Each person will also have an opportunity to have a photo included in the directory, at no additional cost.

Having YOUR information in the directory is FREE and a great way to keep in touch with classmates.

You will have a chance to purchase a directory, but it

is not required.

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Campus news

Student nurses assist others on and off the campus The sophomore and junior nursing students have been busy this year helping students and citizens stay healthy and happy. Through their Student Nurses Association, they have provided ongoing support for residents of Fayette Caring Center, and in April they presented an extensive health fair for students, faculty, and staff of CMU. Senior nursing students, of course, are doing their practicums and are rarely on campus.

Student nurses help play Bingo with the residents of the Fayette Caring Center (left); student nurses run booths, such as this one on stress management (above), during the spring health fair.

hosted by the Burn ICU from University Hospital in Columbia and presented information on sunburns and how to prevent and treat them.

Students volunteer at the caring center two days a week, with typically five to seven people in attendance at each session. Although they have options to choose from, students usually end up helping the residents play their favorite game— Bingo! They also visit residents in their rooms, talking with them, painting fingernails, and making them smile. Another favorite day for both nursing students and residents is pet therapy day, especially with kittens and puppies.

At the health fair this spring, student nurses manned 11 booths of information and screenings.

This all-day clinical activity, held in CMU’s Student and Community Center on campus, was a part of the Public Health and Community Nursing Concepts class.

“They tried to pull students into their booths as students walked to the cafeteria or bookstore,” laughs Brandy Parker, nursing instructor. The booths covered a variety of health concerns, including the effects of stress on the immune system and ways to decrease stress response; proper handwashing; alcohol awareness; sexually transmitted diseases; smoking cessation; proper nutrition; and dental hygiene.

Nurses provided vivid displays and brochures for passers-by to take with them. They also did blood pressure screenings and checked people’s Body Mass Index (BMI). An additional booth was 48

Interested in Hiring CMU Graduates?

Employers can now post job positions and internships through our Eagle JobNET system at https://centralmethodist-csm.symplicity.com/employers

Check it out today!

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Campus news

TV turnoff week

Students on mission trips

Students from Professor of Education Sherri Griffin’s class in Utilizing Family and Community Resources coordinated events on campus in April for community children and their families as part of the annual TV Turnoff Week. They joined thousands of schools, libraries, and community groups worldwide in a coordinated effort to encourage millions of people to turn off their TVs, computers, and electronic games for seven days and instead turn on to the world around them.

TV Turnoff Week is a chance for people to read, be more physically active, converse, think, create, and do, rather than view, say the organizers.

They note that children in the United States watch more than four hours of television each day. In the course of a year, they spend more time in front of the screen than in school.

This is the fourth year that students in Dr. Griffin’s classroom have participated in this service project, which has reached approximately 600 children and their parents and approximately 40 teachers in seven facilities in Howard County, including schools and child care centers. Central graduates from 35 to 50 pre-service teachers from the Fayette campus every year.

TV Turnoff Week is sponsored in part by a grant from the Fayette Area Community Trust.

Two separate groups of students and sponsors set out on spring break to do more than have fun—they were intent on helping other people.

A group of seven CMU students traveled to New Orleans on a Missouri Conference United Methodist Churchsponsored mission trip to work on post-Katrina Hurricane restoration projects.

The students who traveled to New Orleans this spring participated in jobs such as putting up drywall and laying flooring and roofing for housing projects. They undertook the trip as part of the Missouri Conference UMC Campus Ministry programs.

Central’s Student Government Association (SGA) assisted the group by underwriting the cost of rental vans and gas to transport the students to New Orleans and back.

Two CMU staff members, Director of Campus Ministries Whalen George and Office of Student Development Administrative Assistant Joyce Ginter accompanied them, along with the Rev. André Fulton, pastor of St. Paul UMC in Fayette, and his wife, Brandi.

This marked the second time since Hurricane Katrina that a group of CMU students has traveled to New Orleans to help with Gulf Coast hurricane recovery projects. Thirty students went to New Orleans during their spring break in March 2006, and spent a week as volunteers in the local effort to clean up debris left from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

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Another group of seven Central students traveled to Honduras on a Latin American church-affiliated mission trip to undertake work projects on behalf of an orphanage caring for children whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS. The students flew into Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, on March 13 and then traveled south to Choluteca.

In Honduras, the CMU students worked with a local church group there overseeing the orphanage project in the small community of Choluteca near the border with Nicaragua. The project is known as “Casa Hogar Vida,” House of Life Orphanage.

“We worked with a malnutrition clinic for children and on all the different projects of the Casa Hogar Vida project,” says Amanda Scott, a CMU senior biology and pre-med student.

“They are currently building homes and the orphanage for Honduran families and children who are affected

by HIV and AIDS.” Scott adds, “We stayed in the homes of families who attend the church affiliated with the Casa Hogar Vida project.”

The local church and its parent denomination are affiliated with Missions GCLA (Great Commission Latin America), an association of 35 churches from among nine countries in Latin America that promote the mission trips and seek to establish local churches throughout the region.

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Campus news

Inscape makes 35th appearance The annual Inscape magazine arrived on campus the end of April.

Founded in 1975, Inscape is in its 35th year of publication. The noteworthy Scribblers and Scrawlers from years past originated the magazine, which is now produced by Central Methodist’s Mu Lambda chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and funded through the Student Government Association.

This year, sophomores Melissa Williams and Abby Holman and senior Emily Jahrling served as editors with Dr. Jason Arthur, assistant professor of English, as faculty advisor.

Final submissions for the magazine were due in early March; then work began in earnest. The editors met every Wednesday to discuss layout and editing issues. The editors of Inscape have recently updated their layout computer program to a more convenient program of Adobe InDesign.

The Inscape magazine show-

cases fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and photography. Each piece of accepted work is submitted to the faculty without names to be judged for awards in five categories.

This year’s winner of the Gordon Hadfield Award for Poetry was sophomore Melissa Williams for her poem “’True’ Love.” Emily Jahrling received the Kilgore Trout Award for Fiction for her short story, “The Attic.” The Elizabeth Stapleton Award in Art Education went to Steven Toral for a winter scene titled “The Elegance of Nature.” Abby Holman and Melissa Williams both received the Thomas F. Dillingham Award for Non-Fiction Prose for their memoirs, Abby’s called “Danger Magnet” and Melissa’s named “The Best Surprise.” Nicole Francis won the Byrd Cooper Kirby Award for the photograph, featured on Inscape’s front cover, “Hay Time” (photo right).

Where do your CMU dollars go?

Auxiliary Enterprises 13%

Academics 30 %

Institutional Support 9%

Student Services 11%

CMU Scholarships 34%

Fundraising 3%

Financial aid accounts for just over 1/3 of every dollar spent in CMU’s annual budget. This is why your support of the Central Excellence Fund is critical to our students’ education. Last fiscal year, only 16% of alumni made gifts to the University. Accept the challenge and have your dollars make a difference!

Questions? Call the Advancement Office toll free at 877-CMU-1854, ext. 56239 or email at probb@centralmethodist.edu.

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Athletics

Eagle Athletics Baseball After starting the season 1-4 in non-conference games, the CMU baseball team earned a doubleheader sweep of last year’s Heart of America Athletic Conference runner-up William Jewell to open conference play. A change in the HAAC schedule means CMU played just 28 conference games this year, compared to 40 last year, yet the Eagles finished one win shy of equaling their HAAC win total from a year ago and just missed advancing to the postseason tournament. Sophomore Derrick Pledger (Clarksville, Ark.) and junior Adam Arnette (Pacific, Mo.) had solid seasons from the plate, combining for 82 hits and 45 RBIs.

Softball The Central Methodist softball team posted its third straight 30-win season in 2010, finishing the regular season at 30-18, while tying for fourth in the Heart of America Athletic Conference standings. CMU knocked off the No. 4 seed William Jewell College in the first round of the HAAC tournament, winning two of three games in Liberty. The Lady Eagles opened the season by winning eight straight games while playing in the CBC February Meltdown Tournament and the Friends Tournament. CMU dominated in the Friends Tournament by winning five games, including three shutouts. The Lady Eagles played 18 games on the road before earning a doubleheader sweep in the home and conference opener against Graceland University. Junior Stephanie Sullivant (Liberty, Mo.) earned Heart of America Athletic Conference softball player-of-the-week on April 5 after leading CMU to a 4-1 record by hitting .722, including two homeruns and eight RBIs, on the week.

The softball team made it to the HAAC championship for the fourth straight season, where the Lady Eagles finished as the conference runners-up. Six players received All-HAAC honors, including junior Stephanie Sullivant (Liberty, Mo.) and senior Chelsea Fuemmeler (Salisbury, Mo.) on first team; and sophomore Kelsey Johnley (Troy, Mo.), freshman Erika Reinagel (Kelso, Mo.), freshman Holly Adams (Arnold, Mo.) and senior Jessica Henderson (Clifton Hill, Mo.) on second team.

Spirit Squad Early in the season the squad cheered on the Eagles at all of the home football games. October, of course, brought Homecoming, hosted in part by the spirit squad. The event was filled with crowd involvement, Greek life challenges, and the introduction of the Homecoming court.

After fall semester ended, the squad came back from winter break ready to tackle the Heart of America Athletic Conference spirit squad competition. The squad competed in small open dance, hip-hop, all-girl cheer, and co-ed cheer. Most of the girls on the spirit squad overlapped between dance and cheer. The spirit squad showed its quality! The CMU competitors placed second in small open dance, third in hip-hop, and third in all-girl cheer. Placing this well, the spirit squad earned a third place conference banner.

“The spirit squad has had an outstanding year!” says Jessica Cook-Kendrick, CMU cheerleading and dance coach. “We reached our goal to place at conference competition for the first time in almost a decade. Most [people] don’t realize these girls and guys start early in August and don’t get a break until late March. Mentally and physically, it’s like running an eight-month marathon. I’m very proud to be their coach,” she adds. “We look forward to returning to national competition next year and continuing to improve.”

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Athletics

Track and Field The men’s track and field team completed a strong indoor season with 16 qualifiers for the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships and 11 school records. The men finished second at the Heart of America Athletic Conference indoor championships, scoring in every event in which CMU athletes competed. Junior Edward Stewart (Kingston, Jamaica) finished the season by winning the national title in the 60-meter hurdles at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships, and was just .01 seconds off setting the national meet record during the semifinals. Three other CMU men’s athletes earned All-America honors at nationals. Sophomore Lucas Manring (Stockton, Mo.) finished fourth in the 800, junior Mike Hernandez (Balmorhea, Texas) placed sixth in the mile, and freshman Edwin Kurgat (Eldoret, Kenya) was sixth in the 3,000. As a team, CMU finished in a tie for 11th at the national meet, which was the highest finish among HAAC teams. Four athletes earned HAAC athlete-of-the-week honors during the season, including Hernandez, senior Four Indoor Track All-Americans: Emmanuel McComb (Bonner Springs, Kan.), senior Will Freeman (Bloomsdale, LucasCMU’s Manring, Edwin Kurgat, Edward Stewart Mo.), and Stewart, who earned the honor twice. and Mike Hernandez. Stewart won the national The CMU men repeated as the runners-up in the team standings at the championship in the 60-meter hurdles.

HAAC outdoor championships. Central Methodist won seven of the 23 event titles at the conference meet, and the Eagles posted 12 season-best marks during the two-day meet. The team opened the season by winning the team title at three of the first four meets. The men have already broken 10 outdoor school records, including three that had stood for more than 45 years each. Following the HAAC outdoor championships, CMU has 16 athletes with qualifying marks in 12 different events for the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, which were held May 27-29 in Marion, Ind. The women’s track and field team finished third at the Heart of America Athletic Conference indoor championships with three event champions and 11 All-HAAC conference performances. Senior Elizabeth Zaragoza (Dixon, Mo.) earned co-Most Valuable Female Athlete at the HAAC indoor track & field championships. Zaragoza finished seventh in the 800 meters at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships, which was just one spot out of All-America honors.

During the season, freshman Breanna Hobbs (Kansas, City, Mo.), sophomore Deanna Quisenberry (Holden, Mo.), sophomore Rebeca Barajas (Ashland, Mo.), and senior Elizabeth Zaragoza (Dixon, Mo.) earned HAAC athlete-of-the-week honors for CMU. The Lady Eagles ended their season with school records by Barajas in the high jump, Hobbs in the weight throw, and sophomore Jaime Guffey (Browning, Mo.) in the 55 and 60 hurdles. Central Methodist had four national qualifiers for the season, after qualifying just one athlete for nationals in 2009.

The Central Methodist women improved greatly on last year’s sixth-place finish at the HAAC outdoor championships with a third-place finish in 2010. The Lady Eagles used a pair of individual titles by Zaragoza and eight season-best marks to propel them to the third-place finish, edging out host Benedictine College by just one-half point. The CMU women have set 10 school records so far during the outdoor season, with Zaragoza, Barajas, and freshman Shelby Garrigus (Cleveland, Mo.) posting NAIA qualifying marks. After breaking the school record for the hammer throw and placing in two events at the William Jewell Relays, senior Samantha Smith (Rocheport, Mo.) was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference women’s field athlete-of-the-week. She followed that with a school record in the discus at CMU’s final regular-season meet.

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Golf This year, Central Methodist resurrected its golf program after a few years without sponsoring golf. The CMU men’s and women’s golf teams showed steady improvement during this debut season.

The CMU women’s golf team opened the spring season with a fifth-place finish at William Woods. In the Missouri Valley Invitational, the Lady Eagles shot a two-day total of 794 to finish fourth. Freshman Shawn Beard (Moberly, Mo.) finished third individually to lead CMU, and was named to the Missouri Valley all-tournament team for shooting one of the five lowest scores. Although CMU did not compete as a team at the Baker University Spring Tournament, junior Rachel Keim (Carterville, Ill.) finished in a tie for seventh individually.

The men’s golf team started the spring season by finishing seventh at the William Woods Spring Invitational. At the Missouri Valley Invitational, Central Methodist finished third place overall with a two-day total of 640. Freshmen Noah Kelley (Tipton, Mo.) and Nathaniel Oliver (Republic, Mo.) led CMU by placing seventh and eighth, respectively, at Missouri Valley. The team ended the spring season with a sixth-place finish in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship. Freshman Nathaniel Oliver (Republic, Mo.) led CMU at the HAAC Championship, shooting a three-round total of 224 to place sixth and earn All-HAAC Conference honors.

Women’s Basketball The CMU women’s basketball team battled through injuries to post an 11-19 record on the season. The Lady Eagles went 6-4 in non-conference play, including a 71-53 win at NCAA Division II University of IllinoisSpringfield on Dec. 19. Although Central Methodist struggled to pick up wins in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, the Lady Eagles challenged throughout the season. Four of CMU’s HAAC losses were decided by six points or fewer, including a three-point loss to then-No. 25 Evangel.

The Lady Eagles finished the season on a high note, winning their last two games against Benedictine and Culver-Stockton. The win over Benedictine was the first for CMU since the 2000-01 season. Sophomore Sami Dunger (Wildwood, Mo.) led Central Methodist with 14.1 points per game on the season and was selected to the All-HAAC Third Team. She finished fourth in the HAAC with 70 three-pointers this season and is now 239 points shy of becoming the 14th player in CMU women’s basketball history to surpass 1,000 career points.

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Athletics

Men’s Basketball Coming off one of its best seasons in school history in 2008-09, the CMU men’s basketball team put together another outstanding season in 2009-10. The Eagles finished the regular season 24-8 and won their first conference title since 1994. Central Methodist also continued to receive national recognition this season, ranking in the top 20 for eight straight weeks during the season.

CMU went 6-4 in non-conference games this season, with three of the losses coming by four points or fewer, and including losses to a pair of NCAA Division II teams at the Mesa State Thanksgiving Classic in Grand Junction, Colo. The Eagles were all business from December-March as they went 17-3 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, including a 10-0 mark at home during the regular-season conference schedule. The eight-game win streak CMU began Dec. 3 also included an 80-74 exhibition win at NCAA Division I University of Central Arkansas, which was the first-ever win over an NCAA DI team in Central Methodist men’s basketball history and the first loss to an NAIA team for Central Arkansas since moving to DI. On Feb. 15, the Eagles earned a thrilling 64-63 win in overtime at MidAmerica Nazarene in the College Fanz Sports Network Game-of-the-Week. That win secured the regular season conference title for Central Methodist and a second straight bid to the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. CMU received the No. 14 seed in the national tournament, but came up short in a 71-74 loss to Texas Wesleyan University in the first round, ending the Eagles’ season at 24-9.

Matt Sherman (Fayette, Mo.) had an outstanding senior season to lead Central Methodist with 15.9 points per game.

He led the NAIA with a school single season record 131 three-pointers, giving him the CMU record with 438 in his career. Sherman made five or more three-pointers in 14 of CMU’s 33 games in 2009-10, including seven against Texas Wesleyan in the national tournament. Sherman became just the third player in Central Methodist history to garner backto-back All-America honors, as he was named to the honorable mention for the second straight season. He also earned first team All-HAAC honors this season, making him a four-year All-Conference player for the Eagles. Sherman completed his career with 1,817 points, which is sixth on Central Methodist’s all-time scoring chart.

Junior Lucas Dahl (Jefferson City, Mo.) also earned postseason honors for CMU. Dahl, a transfer from William Woods, was selected to the All-HAAC second team, and also received the HAAC Newcomer-of-the-Year award. Dahl finished the season ranked No. 5 in NAIA Division I with 60.9 percent shooting from the field.

During the course of the season, head coach Jeff Sherman coached his 800th game at the helm of the Central Methodist program. Sherman, who was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame in October, was also voted as the HAAC Coach-of-the-Year for the third straight season. This year marked Sherman’s 10th season of 20-plus wins in his 25 years as head coach at CMU.

Hairston Hall of Fame Inductions 2010 Join CMU on September 11, 2010, as Scott O. Swofford ’72 (deceased) and Joe Forrest ’72 are inducted into the Hairston Hall of Fame.

Inductions will be held during half-time of the CMU vs. Lindenwood University football game which begins at 6:00 p.m.

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All-American repeat, Matt Sherman Senior guard Matt Sherman joined an elite group as he became just the third player in CMU men's basketball history to earn All-America honors in back-to-back seasons. For the second year in a row, Sherman was named to the 2009-10 NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Honorable Mention All-America team.

Sherman, a 6-foot senior guard from Fayette, Mo., was the lone player from Central Methodist to be named to the 2009-10 NAIA Division I All-America teams, which were released March 23. He finished his career by leading CMU to back-toback appearances in the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, and the program's first conference title in 2010 since 1994.

Sherman led CMU with 15.9 points per game, and knocked down a school-record 131 three-pointers, which led the NAIA Division I, on 46.8 percent shooting from behind the arc. During his senior season, Sherman also surpassed the CMU career threepoint record, finishing with 438. He made five or more three-pointers in 14 of Central Methodist's 33 games this season. Sherman scored 1,817 points in his career, which ranks sixth on Central Methodist's all-time scoring chart.

As a senior, Sherman was named first team All-Heart of America Athletic Conference, which marked his fourth season of earning all-conference honors. He was an honorable mention All-HAAC selection as a freshman, while earning freshman- and newcomer-of-the-year honors.

During his sophomore and junior seasons, Sherman earned second team All-HAAC recognition.

The new CMU eagle After much discussion and months of development, Central Methodist University is pleased to present the face of Eagle Athletics.

The new Central Methodist Eagle was revealed on campus March 30 to a sizable number of students all eager to see the new CMU athletic symbol and to get a free T-shirt emblazoned with the eagle.

It is felt that the new Eagle logo will be a great representation of Eagle Athletics for years to come.

Along with its debut on campus at the end of March, the Eagle was posted on Central’s Facebook

page and a link was sent through our Twitter account.

There is also video available on Central’s YouTube page.

To keep up with the latest news, be sure to become a fan on one or more of the social media featuring CMU and follow us!

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Athletics

Three coaches receive HAAC honors Three CMU coaches received top honors from the Heart of America Athletic Conference for the 2009-2010 year by being named Coaches of the Year.

Head men’s and women’s cross country coach Evelina Slatinska was selected as the 2009 Heart of America Athletic Conference Men’s Cross Country Coach-of-the-Year after the CMU men posted a runner-up finish at the HAAC Championships.

Under Slatinska’s leadership, the Central Methodist men repeated as conference runners-up behind three-time defending champion Lindenwood University. The Eagles had two men qualify as individuals for the 2009 NAIA Men’s Cross Country National Championships Nov. 21 in Vancouver, Wash. Slatinska is in her second year as the head cross country coach, and fourth year overall of coaching at CMU after finishing a highly decorated cross country and track career at Central Methodist that included five individual NAIA national titles.

CMU’s head track & field coach Jeff Hoskisson was selected as the Heart of America Athletic Conference men’s indoor and outdoor track & field coach-of-the-year, as voted by the HAAC coaches.

Hoskisson, the reigning HAAC men’s outdoor coachof-the-year, led the Central Methodist men to a runnerup finish at the indoor conference championships. This season, the CMU men’s indoor team had 13 individuals and two relay teams post NAIA qualifying marks in 13 different events. The team recorded 14 qualifying marks at the HAAC championships and scored points in every event in which a CMU athlete competed at the meet.

The men’s outdoor team won individual titles in seven of the 23 events contested at the HAAC outdoor championships, and scored points in all 20 events in which CMU athletes competed. This season, the CMU men have set 10 new school records, and have had 16 athletes post NAIA qualifying marks in 12 different events.

For the third straight season, CMU’s men’s basketball coach Jeff Sherman has been named the Heart of America Athletic Conference coach-of-the-year.

Sherman, who is in his 25th season at the helm of the CMU program, was selected as the 2009-10 HAAC coachof-the-year after leading the Runnin’ Eagles to the regular season conference championship for the first time since 1994. This season, Central Methodist posted a 17-3 record in HAAC play and finished the season at 24-9. This marks Sherman’s 10th season of leading his team to 20-plus wins, and it is the fifth time he has received conference coach-ofthe-year honors.

Coaches Slatinska, Sherman, and Hoskisson

th

19nual An

Dr. James Luetjen Golf Tournament

Friday, July 16, 2010. Registration at 8:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 9:00 a.m.

• • • • •

Hail Ridge Golf Course - Boonville, Mo. 4-Person Scramble $100 per person All proceeds go to CMU Athletics Register by July 10, 2010

Get more information and register online at www.centralmethodist.edu/luetjen. html or call Sherry Wells at 660-248-6346

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Athletic Awards Estes Prize In Athletics

Matt Sherman Darla Pannier Outstanding Female Athlete

Elizabeth Zaragoza James M. Luetjen Award

Stephanie Sullivant & Tyler Padgett Cavanah True Eagle Award

Garett Cook Moz Rahmatpanah Champions of Character Coach Award

Alan Dykens

Congratulations to Kyler Crawford and Matt Fraley who received NAIA Football Honorable Mention All-American honors from the College Fanz Sports Network.

Champions of Character Student Award

Brock Edris Champions of Character Team Award

Football

Tyler Padgett

Matt Sherman

Elizabeth Zaragoza

NAIA & HAAC Scholar-Athletes Tyler Belt - Baseball & Football Shelton Blevins - Baseball Alvin Brass - Men’s Basketball Garett Cook - Football Andrew Dreyer - Football Brock Edris - Men’s Basketball Andrew Eggert - Baseball Jessica Henderson - Softball Emily Jahrling - Women’s Cross Country & Women’s Track McCall Kenney - Softball Jacob Kleyh - Men’s Track

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Brecht Madalijns - Men’s Cross Country & Men’s Track Tyler Padgett - Football Amber Pinson - Softball Samantha Potter - Softball Ryan Salmon - Softball Lisa Scrivener - Women’s Cross Country & Women’s Track Stephanie Sullivant - Softball Lyndsey Talbot - Softball Danielle Taylor - Softball Taylor White - Baseball

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Athletics

Memorial for a friend On the anniversary of the death of a good friend, classmates of Jonathon Radtke ’90 (photo, right) decided they wanted to memorialize him on the campus of Central Methodist. Radtke, a philosophy major, died 15 years ago, Feb. 4, 1995, as the result of an automobile accident in Fayette.

Led by Pat Reardon ’90, head women’s softball coach, and Alan Marshall ’92, CMU director of individual giving, the alumni group has been raising money to build a deck on the outside center field fence area of the softball field, which provides a clear view of the baseball field as well.

Informally called the Jon Radtke Memorial Meeting Place, the deck will be a gathering spot for people bringing their lawn chairs to watch both softball and baseball games.

Radtke was an avid baseball player when he was at CMU. The deck will be built this summer and be ready for use next school year. It will be dedicated as part of the 2010 Homecoming festivities. Any additional funds will be used to the benefit of the baseball and softball fields and for the philosophy department.

For further information, contact Alan Marshall at agmarsha@centralmethodist.edu.

October 8-10, 2010 Special Reunion Classes: 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, & 2005 Class volunteers are needed. If interested please contact Tracy Crowe Jones ’94, director of alumni relations at 660.248.6234 or email tjones@centralmethodist.edu.

Come home to Central for a great weekend!

Some events planned for Homecoming are: - Gaddis Lecture, Dr. Ralph Lee Woodward ’55 - Informal, all-class social on Friday evening - Parade (The Alumni Association will be on the square with free hot cocoa and donuts.)

- Tailgate lunch - Football game - Special class gatherings - Much more!

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Three join Board of Trustees The CMU Board of Trustees elected three new members, who joined the board during its spring meeting, April 30-May 1. Joining the board are James (Jim) Marchbank of St. Louis, Dick E. Hutchison ’83 of Sedalia, Mo., and Louann Thogmorton Shaner ’70 of Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Jim Marchbank Jim Marchbank is a seasoned business professional with more than 14 years of Fortune 500 management, marketing, and human resources experience.

He is an entrepreneur who founded his own company (Available Communications) and ran it successfully for 27 years until he sold it in 2008. Currently he is an adjunct instructor in business strategy, marketing, and human resources and organizational behavior at Fontbonne University in St. Louis.

Marchbank earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University in New York City. He delivered the May 8 Commencement address at Central Methodist University.

Marchbank and his wife, Elizabeth, live in St. Louis.

Dick Hutchison Central Methodist alumnus Dick E. Hutchison is president of the LaMonte Community Bank, an auctioneer and cattle rancher. He is active in numerous community organizations, including the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, the Jaycees, Pettis County Cattlemen’s Association, and Pettis County chapter of Quails Unlimited.

He has been with the LaMonte Community Bank for more than 20 years.

Hutchison earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Methodist in 1983. While attending CMU, he was a member of the football team and was voted most

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valuable defensive player in 1982. He was also a member of Beta Sigma Social Fraternity.

Hutchison and his wife, LeVena, have three grown children and live in Sedalia.

Louann Shaner Central Methodist Alumna Louann Thogmorton Shaner is a former science teacher who lived in Paris, France, for several years, where she was active in cultural exchange activities.

Shaner earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from CMU in 1970, a master’s in science education from the University of MissouriSt. Louis in 1987, and undertook additional graduate-level studies at the University of North Texas in Denton. While attending CMU, she was active in numerous campus organizations, including Sigma Epsilon Pi Honorary Society, Phi Beta Fraternity for the Creative and Performing Arts, Zeta Psi Lambda Social Sorority as president, CMU Marching Band, A Cappella Choir and LUCEO, an Honorary Women’s Leadership organization.

Over a period of years, Shaner taught seventhand eighth-grade math and science in Belleville, Ill., and Sikeston, Mo. Later, while living in Chicago, Shaner worked as a science education consultant, doing research on “hands on” science curriculum in the Chicago area, as well as serving on an Illinois state committee that developed authentic assessment. She also wrote and taught the science curriculum for the seventh and eighth grades in a private school in Denton, Texas.

Shaner and her late husband, Robert (Bob) Shaner, raised a daughter, Jami (Shaner) Mataya, and son, Rob Shaner, who are both grown and living in Chicago. Bob Shaner also was a graduate of CMU (Class of 1970) and was serving as chair of the CMU Board of Trustees at the time of his death in the fall of 2008.

She currently lives in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

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Alumni news

Greetings to the alumni Alumni who return to campus always enjoy walking down memory lane, especially when they’re able to view photos and memorabilia which recall college days. But until now these special items from years past have mostly been tucked away in offices and storage areas.

That’s about to change. With the cooperation of the university administration, your alumni board is spearheading a major project to prominently display historic photos, memorabilia and artifacts.

Titled the “Central Living History Display,” the permanent exhibit will be set up in the ground floor corridor of the Student and Community Center adjacent to the elevator rotunda.

This is an exciting project and it’s just one tangible example of how the Alumni Board has become an active, working group. In February we received wonderful news that a generous donation toward this project has come from the estate of Warren Head, class of 1933. This will fund a large, custom-made glass display case measuring 34 feet long, six feet wide and one foot deep. The case has been ordered and should be here by August.

While certain details remain to be worked out, it’s also hoped that ultimately the Living History Display will include several revolving electronic photo screens and a time-line charting the history of the University from 1854 to present.

Anyone who wishes to provide materials is encouraged to do so with the understanding that items are to be donated, not on-loan. Simply contact Tracy Crowe Jones in the alumni office.

We plan to have at least part of the Living History exhibit ready in time for a Homecoming dedication ceremony.

This year’s Homecoming theme is “Vegas” and we sincerely hope that you’re holding the dates of

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October 8 to 10 to return to campus. There will be special honor events for the classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005.

The alumni board continues to pursue other projects in addition to the history display. We work closely with Tracy and other CMU staffers to plan and sponsor special alumni events. And for the third consecutive year, we’ve given each graduating senior a beautiful personalized photo montage which formally recognizes the graduate as a new member of the CMU Alumni Association.

I also want to note the fine work undertaken by board member Dee Bland Woodward ‘55 in lining up class agents. Virtually every one of these slots has been filled, and we plan to welcome these folks at a special event during Homecoming at the historic Fayette residence of Judy and Braxton Rethwisch.

If you’d like to be part of the class agent program, please get in touch with Tracy. We also have several open slots on the board.

If you’re interested in being part of this group, simply contact the alumni office.

Finally, the board’s summer retreat is set for Aug. 13–14 here in Fayette, and we gladly welcome visitors.

With some 15,000 living Central Methodist alumni, we can reflect on a proud heritage of men and women who continue to make significant contributions to this state and beyond – persons who “Make a Difference in the World,” often far in excess of their relatively small number. CMU Alumni Association board members are proud to play a part in the celebration of this heritage.

I hope you’re having a wonderful summer.

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Alumni news Newsmakers Daniel Schores ’50 of Sherman, Texas, was recently recognized for 10 years as president of the Texoma Senior Foundation of North Texas.

Cathy (Naegelin) Carnes ’54 and husband Ray celebrated their 50th anniversary on Sun., Dec. 27, 2009.

Margaret (Thompson) Hewitt ’54 retired May 8, 2009, after 30 years as a professor at the University of South Florida and was awarded the status of professor emerita. During her time in research and development of the Homan-Hewitt Readability Formula, she created a single sentence now widely used by test developers.

She continues to consult with school districts in the area of literacy and has been asked to work with education faculty on new practices in reading instruction at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Maurice Graham ’60 received the Award of Honor from the Lawyers Association of St. Louis. This is the association’s highest award and is given each year to an attorney “whose attainment as a trial lawyer and whose record of honorable service to the profession and whose career as a citizen merit such recognition.”

Jim Meng ’62 and wife Bev celebrated their 40th anniversary on Cunard’s Queen Victoria in the Mediterranean. Jim is a retired labor arbitrator.

Wayne Lineberry ’63 works with clients to meet their marketing needs through the creation of promotional products, dealing with any items imprinted with logos to be given out one-on-one from the client to a customer.

Roger “Dusty” Shaw ’63, owner of Eleven Point Ranch, along with his brother, received

the Humanitarian of the Year 2009 Award from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ross Fulton ’69 was one of five nominees for the 2009 United Methodist of the Year. He was nominated as someone whose “dynamic preaching style prompts visitors to return year after year.” One parishioner stated Rev. Fulton is “the most inspiring Methodist” he has ever met. Fulton is the pastor at Branson United Methodist Church.

Lou Koenig ’49 outside Eagle Village in the late 40’s.

William Dilworth ’71 is a mental health coordinator for Corrections Corporation of America in Shelby, Mont.

Roger Wilson ’71 is the president and CEO of Missouri Employers Mutual, the state’s largest provider of workers compensation insurance.

Don Pesek ’74 was promoted to director of auditing at Cass Information Systems Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. He celebrated his 20th anniversary with Cass on March 1, 2010.

Sherry Roberts ‘76 received the 2009 Southern Business Education Association Collegiate Teacher of the Year Award. It was presented to her at the 2009 SBEA Awards Luncheon held in Huntsville, Ala. She is also serving as the SBEA president for 2010.

Gary Elliott ’82 published his first book, The History of the Jefferson City and the Cole County Missouri Council of the Boy Scouts of America 1910-1929.

Sally Scott-Blackburn ’85 was named Missouri School Counselor Association Middle School Counselor of the Year 2009. She has her Ph.D. in guidance and counseling.

John ’70 and Jacque (Allred) ’82 Cheary’s company, Affordable Moving Services Inc., a Branson-based firm, was among 10 outstanding small businesses in Missouri honored by members of the General Assembly of State Legislators at a business showcase sponsored by the Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Centers and the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, highlighting achievements of the top performing clients of the two programs. Affordable Moving Services is the only fully-licensed, full-service moving company located in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.

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Rob Martin ’87 is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Paris, Tenn. Prior to this appointment he served as founding pastor of Faith UMC in Oakland, Tenn. He also retired from the Oakland Fire Department with the rank of Asst.

Chief and was awarded a distinguished service award from the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for outstanding service to the community.

Eugene Peebles ’87, “The Talking Sax,” will perform the National Anthem for the WNBA New York Liberty team this summer and the NBA New York Knicks next season.

Brett Ziegler ’87 owns veterinarian practices in Fairview Heights, Ill., and O’Fallon, Mo. He lives in Caseyville, Ill., with wife Julie Biesemeyer ’91 and their children.

Gay (Magyar) Litteken ’88 is the director of the Columbia Housing Authority’s housing voucher programs, including Section 8, Shelter

Plus Care, VA Supportive Housing, and TenantBased Rental Assistance.

Kevin Bucher ’90 is the women’s basketball head coach at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Mo. He was the assistant coach for five years and also has been the director of the Davis Center since 2003.

Ken Childers ’90 was December 2009 Sertoman of the Month. He is a member of the Springfield Sertoma Club and is co-owner of the Youth of the Ozark Thrift Store, an enterprise dedicated to serving three different youth organizations in the Ozarks.

Patty (Brewer) McClain ’90 is the property manager at Spring Creek Condominium Association.

Julie Biesemeyer ’91 actively volunteers with an adoption agency. She is responsible for raising money to support birth mothers.

Darren Pannier ’92 stepped down as the women’s basketball head coach at State Fair Community College in order to spend more time with his family. He continues in his positions as SFCC athletic director and physical education program coordinator.

Tiffany (Peck) Miller ’93 is the medical office coordinator for Women’s Health Associates Inc. in Columbia, Mo. Scott Kuhlman ’95 is director of bands at Lee’s Summit North High School.

Brian Smith ’95 received his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. His 10-year-old daughter, Alexa, also received her black belt; and Makenzie, his sixyear-old, has her green belt.

Tricia (Moore) Grasher ’96 competed for the title of 2009 World Champion in ATA Tae Kwon Do in June 2009. She placed in the top 10 in first-degree black belts in her age division in forms, sparring, and weapons. She placed third in forms. She also won the title of Missouri State Champion in all three of these categories.

John Slowensky ’96, head director of instrumental music for the Rolla Public School Dis-

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Alumni news trict, was named a 2010 Honorary Knight by the Missouri University School of Science and Technology.

design firm in St. Louis which provides planning and designs for urban and community settings.

Rebecca (Dillon) Hutchinson ’97 is the FACS instructor, focusing on consumer family science, at Bourbon High School. This marks a return for her to her alma mater.

Jared DeLaney ’03 is the band director for the 399th Army Band at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Kevin Lee ’97 has lived in Beijing, China, since 2004, with wife Melody Zhang and their five daughters, three adopted from Hubei, China.

He is a systems administrator for the Embassy of Canada.

Michele Niemczyk ’97 is a pediatrician at the Crider Health Center in Warrenton, Mo. Crider Health Center is a nonprofit organization providing primary health, dental, and pediatric services to individuals in St. Charles, Franklin, Lincoln, and Warren Counties who have no health insurance, are under-insured, or have an income at or below the poverty level.

Bradley Holman ’99 is a Corporal with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, working out of the Troop B headquarters in Macon, Mo. Brian Hubler ’99 is the director of employment and transition services for St. Louis Arc, an organization supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Nicole (Vieth) Stacey ’99 is the head softball coach at Lincoln University, an NCAA Division II school located in Jefferson City, Mo. David Ambrose ’00 is the team leader of the Management Information Support Team in the Center for Automation Support for the Social Security Administration, located in Kansas City, Mo. The Dessieux siblings, Guesly ’00, Lesly ’00 and Luc ’96, along with other family members, have been lending medical aid in the Haitian relief efforts from the January 2010 earthquake.

(See story on p. 67) Alisa (Kayser) Dougherty ’01 is a senior accountant, coordinating financial operations and forecasting financial results, at Arcturis Inc., a

Laura (Arthur) Harbison ’03 graduates from the Cox Family Medicine residency program in Springfield, Mo., June 2010. She is going into private practice in Cameron, Mo., at Cameron Regional Medical Center.

Katherine Chancey ’05 is an associate veterinarian at Mexico Animal Hospital in Mexico, Mo. Daniela Georgieva ’05 is the head men’s and women’s cross country track coach at Purchase College, an NCAA Division III school, in New York.

Jared Milligan ’05 is a Missouri Conservation agent for Laclede County.

Carlei (Bryan) Wies ’05 graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with her master’s degree in education in curriculum and instruction in 2007. She teaches fifth grade for the Boonville School District and is the assistant high school volleyball coach.

Jeff Kremer ’06 is an athletic trainer for Missouri Western State University and participates in outreach service to a number of area high schools.

Thoren Maule ’06 continues to work for ABC Laboratories and has been assigned to a newly formed group focused on good manufacturing practices - analytical, specializing in inhalation product analytical development.

Abby McClelland ’06 received her Master of Education in Elementary Administration from William Woods University. She currently teaches kindergarten at Daly Elementary in Fayette, Mo. Teon Wilson ’07 re-signed with the Wichita Wild of the Indoor Football League. This is his third year playing indoor football.

Angela Bartley ’08 is clinical supervisor of pediatrics at University of Missouri Children’s Hospital in Columbia, Mo. Rigo Bravo ’08 lives in Columbia and works as a youth specialist II with the Division of Youth Services in Montgomery City.

Christina Bartholomew ’09 teaches junior high communication arts in the Slater, Mo., Alexander Elementary School.

Gathering at Les Bourgeois A-frame in Rocheport on April 29, 2010.

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Angie and Christy Laxton, both class of ’09, published their research paper, “Cedrela odorata acts as a Contraceptive in Adult Female Mice,” in the Nov. 2009 Journal of Young Investigators. They will be attending medical school at American University of Antigua in the fall. the choir teacher in the Salisbury School District.

Kathryn “Kd” Polson ’09 is an employment support coordinator for the Central Missouri Community Action Career Center.

C.J. Zeller ’09 is the head basketball coach at Prairie Home High School and lives in Boonville, Mo.

Marriages Gary Miller ’71 and Mike Gollbach were married in a legal ceremony in July 2008 and a Quaker wedding ceremony in March 2009.

Tiffany Peck ’93 and Eric Miller were married Aug. 29, 2009.

Stacia (Petterson) ’99 and Jim Nunley Jr. were married June 27, 2008.

Amy Reynolds ‘01 and Dustin Hathcock were married Oct. 24, 2009.

Corinna Bennett ‘03 and Bruce Moore were married July 25, 2009.

Carlei Bryan ’05 and Clinton Wies were married July 12, 2008.

Andria Altman ’06 and Brandon Haynes were married Sept. 12, 2009.

Tessa Frazee ’06 and Brian Patterson were married Oct. 24, 2009.

Emily Capps ’07 and Joseph Rice ’06 were married June 28, 2008.

Emily Bohm ’09 and Dale Davenport were married Oct. 17, 2009.

Michael Geddes ’09 and Rae Anne Soltess were married Oct. 3, 2009.

Births Louann (Thogmorton) Shaner ’70 announces the birth of her grandson, Noah Patrick Mataya, born Oct. 15, 2009. Proud aunt is Cathy Thogmorton ’71. Noah is also the grandson of the late Bob Shaner ’70 and the great-grandson of the late Jim “Dean T” and Helen (Puckett) Thogmorton, both class of ’43.

John ’74 and Leslie (Reynolds) ’75 Craig announce the birth of their granddaughter, Lillie Rose, born Jan. 11, 2009.

Ashley Garing ’09 teaches special education at Moberly Senior High School in Moberly, Mo.

Joseph Galloway ’85 and wife Bonnie announce the birth of their grandson, Cullen Michael, born Aug. 14, 2009.

Jenna (Lechner) Maule ’09 is

Johndavid Kerr ’88 and wife Julia announce

Spring 2010 The Magazine of Central Methodist University

The Talon

Alumni news Brendan announce the birth of their daughter, Justyce Ann, born on Jan. 2, 2010. She was the first baby born in Jefferson City, Mo., in 2010.

1940

1920 Lou Ella (Wilson) Swartz ‘28 of St. Louis, Mo., died March 7, 2010.

1930 Francis Raymond George ‘30 of Burdick, Kan., died Feb. 12, 2010.

Hoyt Miles Jr. ‘40 of Reno, Nev., died Oct. 20, 2009.

Betty (Richardson) Longstreet ‘30 of St. Louis, Mo., died Jan. 23, 2009.

Myrtle (Payne) Patterson ‘40 of Albuquerque, N.M., died Feb. 2, 2010.

Mildred (Leimbrock) Ward ‘30 of Marshall, Mo., died July 23, 2009.

Mike Smalley ’91 and Kelli Cremeens announce the birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn Lola Cremeens, born Sept. 23, 2009.

Frank Burcham ‘34 of Denver, Colo., died Nov. 24, 2009.

Cara ’98 and Brett ’03 Barth-Fagan announce the birth of their son, Ty Alexander, born Aug. 7, 2009.

Stacie (Peterson) Nunley ’99 and husband Jim announce the birth of their daughter, Addyson, born July 25, 2008.

Julie (Ware) Dougherty ’02 and husband Brian announce the birth of their son, Marshall Hunter Lee, born April 28, 2009.

Hilary (Mueller) and Josh Myers, both class of ’02, announce the birth of their son, Elliott Joseph, born May 27, 2009.

Michael Allgood ‘03 and wife Audra announce the birth of their son, Logan Michael, born March 19, 2010.

Laura (Arthur) Harbison ’03 and husband Jeff ’04 announce the birth of their son, Connor Jeffrey, born March 2, 2010. Paternal grandparents are David ’79 and Susan (Peters) ’78 Harbison.

Jonathan Tate ’03 and wife Karen announce the birth of their daughter, Madison Elizabeth, born Dec. 6, 2009.

Kyna (McAdams) Billue ’05 and husband Robert announce the birth of their daughter, Gracie Pearl, born Jan. 14, 2010.

Maxine (Hollow) Burke ‘40 of Des Moines, Iowa, died April 18, 2010.

William Dalton ‘40 of Salem, Mo., died Sept.

14, 2009.

the birth of their son, Jack William, born Aug. 4, 2008.

Phil Kendall ’94 and wife Melissa announce the birth of their son, Trison Kendall, born March 30, 2009.

Billy Sue (Mitchell) Jenkins ‘39 of Houston, Texas, died Oct. 1, 2009.

Vivian (Gilmore) Wright ‘39 of Sunrise Beach, Mo., died Dec. 15, 2008.

Deaths

Fayette Area Community Theatre presented Doubt earlier this year. The cast and director pictured above: Elisha Wells, Sheri Williams ’92, Dr. Joe Geist, professor of English emeritus, Kim Wayland ’99, and Steve Jones ’94

Ruth (Briggs) Davis ‘37 of Fort Belvoir, Va., died March 22, 2010.

Judith Mayes ‘34 of Englewood, N.J., died Oct. 5, 2009.

Louie Nohl ‘34 of Dublin, Ohio, died Nov. 30, 2009.

Eleanor (Ellis) Weaver ‘40 of Sturgeon, Mo., died Feb. 25, 2010.

Sarah (White) Craig ‘41 of Monroe City, Mo., died March 23, 2010.

Imogene (Kent) Fisher ‘41 of Green City, Mo., died Jan. 13, 2010.

Mary (Veatch) Killebrew ‘42 of San Antonio, Texas, died Jan. 8, 2010.

Catherine (Cox) Stipe ‘42 of Plattsburg, Mo., died Jan. 10, 2010.

Muzette (Martin) Pletcher ‘34 of Bellevue, Neb., died Sept. 15, 2008.

Virginia (Ellis) Jakobe ‘43 of Saranac Lake, N.Y., died Dec. 31, 2009.

Elizabeth (Smith) Laird ‘35 of Boerne, Texas, died May 28, 2009.

Mary (Harris) Edmondson ‘44 of Columbia, Mo., died March 9, 2010.

Fern (Brown) Twitchel ‘35 of Kansas City, Mo., died July 3, 2008.

Rebecca (Means) Jones ‘44 of Lake Forest, Ill., died April 24, 2010.

Evelyn (Huffine) Burns ‘37 of Richmond, Mo., died Dec. 4, 2009.

Edwin “Tommie” Tomlin ‘44 of Harrisburg, N.C., died Feb. 1, 2010.

Do you have Central memorabilia you would like to share?

Donate it to the

Central Living History Wall Funded by the Warren Head Estate

Dedication during Homecoming, Oct. 9, 2010.

Brette Fuemmeler ’05 and Clint Boley announce the birth of their son, Coy Clinton, born Feb. 5, 2010.

Display will be on the first floor of the Student and Community Center.

Julie (Gebhardt) Costigan ’07 and husband Curt announce the birth of their daughter, Quinn Audra, born Feb. 12, 2010.

It is being presented by the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Items become the property of CMU and will not be returned.

Emily (Rackers) Koenigsfeld ‘07 and husband

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Campus news Mary Margaret (Smith) Farringer ‘45 of Nashville, Tenn., died July 15, 2009.

Anne Lee (Smith) Feldmann ‘45 of Lenexa, Kan., died Jan. 14, 2010.

Mary Ellen (Meentemeyer) Femmer ‘45 of Evansville, Ind., died Nov. 30, 2009.

Emily (Robertson) Johnson ‘45 of Ellisville, Mo., died Feb. 12, 2010.

Louise (Long) Kennedy ‘45 of Phoenix, Ariz., died Dec. 3, 2009.

Gene Michie ‘45 of Georgetown, Texas, died Nov. 7, 2009.

Mary (McCormick) Vance ‘45 of St. Louis, Mo., died Jan. 14, 2010.

Dorrel Sue (Limberg) Schretlen ‘46 of Wellington, Mo., died April 17, 2009.

John McNally ‘47 of Monroe City, Mo., died Dec. 22, 2009.

Charles Blaich ‘48 of Paradise Valley, Ariz., died Feb. 3, 2010.

Doris (Wehmeyer) Bresnahan ‘48 of St. Charles, Mo., died Nov. 12, 2009.

William Gillilland ‘48 and V-12 of Arlington, Va., died May 8, 2009.

Bob Hornyak ‘48 of Cincinnati, Ohio, died Nov. 22, 2009.

Betty (Nelson) Matthews ‘48 of Sunnyvale, Calif., died Sept. 11, 2009.

Martha (Filler) Scott ‘48 of Independence, Mo., died Aug. 27, 2009.

Joyce (Saeger) Mueller ‘49 of Wildwood, Mo., died April 18, 2010.

Niels “Chris” Nielsen ‘49, and a former professor and chair of the chemistry department from 1958-1965, of Fairfield Bay, Ark., died Dec. 26, 2009.

1950 Eugene Luther ‘50 Ashburn, Va., died Sept.

24, 2009.

Robert Land ‘50 of New Port Richey, Fla., died Sept. 5, 2009.

Robert Miles McCollum ‘50 of Fort Worth, Texas, died Feb. 26, 2010.

Winn Bornhauser ‘51 of Jefferson City, Mo., died Jan. 26, 2010.

J.P. Karnes ‘51 and professor of chemistry 1959-1965 of Slippery Rock, Pa., died Jan. 22.

2010.

Carolyn Kay (Kirtley) Reichert ‘51 of Mobile, Ala., died Jan. 17, 2010.

Susan (Davis) Aulgur ‘52 of Gallatin, Mo., died March 25, 2010.

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Jenny (French) LaMore ‘58 of St. Louis, Mo., died March 13, 2010. Mrs. LaMore spent her professional career as a speech therapist. After her retirement she worked as the bookkeeper at LaMore Body Shop. One of her passions was volunteering at Shalom House, an organization offering services for homeless women and chronically homeless women with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

She was actively involved in supporting Central Methodist University – serving as class agent, spearheading several class reunions, and promoting the University at her church and among others she encountered. Jenny and her husband, Bob, donated many keepsakes from their time at Central to the University archives and to the social organizations to which they belonged.

She was married to her college sweetheart, Bob ‘56, for nearly 52 years. They had three sons – Brad, Doug and Rusty – and seven grandchildren. She was very active at Webster Hills United Methodist Church.

Memorial gifts may be made to Central Methodist University in care of the Advancement Office.

Dolly Ann Johnson ‘54 of Tucson, Ariz., died Dec. 1, 2009.

Joanne (Odneal) Hart ‘55 of Princeton, Mo., died Nov. 13, 2009.

William Herrin ‘55 of Lee’s Summit, Mo., died Jan. 6, 2010.

Donna (Waggoner) Backer ‘56 of Fulton, Mo., died March 15, 2010.

John Williams ‘57 of Lee’s Summit, Mo., died March 11, 2010.

Bob Frankenfeld ‘58 of Bella Vista, Ark., died March 30, 2010.

1960 John Anderson ‘60 of New Melle, Mo., died Jan. 17, 2010.

Judy (Risinger) Phillips ‘60 of Florissant, Mo., died March 17, 2010.

Thomas Sincox Sr. ‘60 of Saint Clair, Mo., died Dec. 5, 2009.

Alma (McLaughlin) Smith ‘60 of St. Louis, Mo., died Nov. 15, 2009.

Jack Zitzman ‘60 of Pacific, Mo., died Jan. 18, 2010.

Margaret (Holloway) Afner ‘52 of Washington, Utah, died Jan. 29, 2010.

Richard Copeland ‘61 of Lakeland, Fla., died Jan. 11, 2010.

Gilbert Pitts ‘52 of Kansas City, Kan., died March 15, 2010.

Laurel (Nichols) Mason ‘62 of Nevada, Mo., died Jan. 27, 2010.

Raylene (Buster) Woolsey ‘52 of Newton, Kan., died Nov. 28, 2009.

Arthur Maier Jr. ‘63 of Boonville, Mo., died Dec. 7, 2009.

Jerrie (Finks) Leuteritz ‘53 of Pittsboro, N.C., died March 5, 2010.

Sandra (Carroll) Scott ‘65 of Joplin, Mo., died Dec. 23, 2009.

Swinney Conservatory Alumni. . . I need your help!

I am currently completing coursework on my Ph.D. in Music Education at The University of Mississippi. My dissertation topic is the history of the Swinney Conservatory of Music. The intent is for this research to also be used in a book that will include both a pictorial and written history of our Conservatory. Much of the book and dissertation will rely on personal interviews and stories.

The Conservatory is a very special place for all of us and there are many stories to share. No matter when you attended Central or how you were involved with the Conservatory, please write down some of your story. Stories may be about the ensemble you played in, who your director was, your professors... anyone and anything that was important to you at Central. As I am on a deadline, please send your stories to the address or e-mail below no later than Sept. 1, 2010.

Thank you so much!

David Samson '00 23-A CR 302, Oxford, MS 38655

swinneycon@hotmail.com

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Campus news Roger Johnston ‘66 of Colorado Springs, Colo., died Jan. 19, 2010.

Myra Louise Deere ‘67 of St. Louis, Mo., died Jan. 30, 2010.

James Thompson ‘68 of Jefferson City, Mo., died May 31, 2008.

1970 Mary Kay (Holman) Carson ‘70 of Springfield, Mo., died Jan. 10, 2010.

James Canty ‘73 of Kansas City, Mo., died Feb. 24, 2009.

Richard Lovell ‘74 of Kansas City, Mo., died Jan. 6, 2010.

Edward Bennett ‘75 of Florissant, Mo., died Aug. 28, 2009.

Letty Marie (Ahmann) Friedrich ‘78 of Oregon City, Ore., died Jan 22, 2010.

Ramona (Hargis) Linebaugh ‘79 of McAllen, Texas, died May 2, 2008.

1990 Robert “Slade” Morlang ‘90 of Blue Springs, Mo., died Oct. 24, 2009.

Doris (Mulnix) Wedding ‘93 of Moberly, Mo., died May 21, 2009.

Rev. Dr. Elbert Cole ‘39 of Kansas City, Mo., died on April 28, 2010. Dr. Cole had a long, distinguished career serving for 47 years as a United Methodist pastor in Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois.

He earned his B.A. from Central Methodist University, the B.Div. from the University of Chicago, and the Doctorate in Theology from Illiff School of Theology at the University of Denver.

He was awarded honorary doctor of divinity degrees from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., and Central Methodist University.

Cole was a chaplain in the United States Navy, serving during WWII on the aircraft carrier, the USS Saratoga. He also served as visiting dean of the chapel at Stanford University and the associate dean of Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago.

He was founder and executive director of the Shepherd’s Centers of America, an interfaith movement founded in 1974, helping faith-based congregations plan and implement programs allowing older adults to remain in their homes and engage in meaningful activities, including new opportunities to learn and enrich society.

Cole received numerous awards, including the Spirituality and Aging Award from the National Interfaith Coalition on Aging and the inaugural National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Elder Leadership Award in 2007. In 1978, Cole received the Central Methodist Distinguished Alumni Award. He also served on Central’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. In 1998, he was named Alumnus of the Year for the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. He was the founding chair of Kingswood Senior Living Community in Kansas City, Mo. He served on several boards and councils including the National Council on Aging, Heart of America Boy Scouts, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, Navy League, Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, Alzheimer’s Advisory Board, Civic Health Council of Metro Kansas City and Family Development Center of Kansas City.

He was on the leading edge of support for victims of Alzheimer’s and their families – much of his expertise coming from his personal experiences with his wife, Virginia, who suffered from the disease for more than 15 years.

Cole was a Paul Harris Fellow and member of Rotary International Club 13, Kansas City, Mo. In 1988 a retirement gift from his parishioners and friends established the Dr. Elbert C. and Mrs. Virginia Cole Hall of Sponsors Scholarship.

Cole was married to his college sweetheart, Virginia Watson ‘41, in 1939 for 54 years until her death in July 1993. They had two children, Carolyn and Christopher, and three grandchildren, Robert, Caroline and Emily.

Cole married Ruthellen Bennett Thomas in 2006. His family requests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice with whom Dr. Cole had a relationship.

Remembering Bishop Abel Muzorewa Editor’s Note: Bishop Abel Muzorewa ’62 died April 8, 2010. A full obituary is found on page 66. Dr. Gil Fleer ’55, of Bentonville, Ark., passed along this tribute to Bishop Muzorewa.

I remember Abel as a “Liberator of Persons” – both nationally and internationally. Two moments immediately come to mind: (1) Abel was in class, some Christian Education class, and the subject of the independence of his country came up. Students began to speak against the turmoil. Suddenly, I noticed a tear flowing down his cheek. I responded, “Wait a minute, folks … do you remember what our nation went through to gain freedom and independence?” At the close of that session, Abel stopped by and said, “Thank you, sir.”

(2) Abel had dinner with our family while we were in Columbia, Mo. (He was on a visit to the U.S.) After our meal, we were seated on a couch talking about Africa and its struggle. He mentioned some needed changes – brought on by Mugabe’s governing.

Suddenly, he leaned over and said, “It may cost me dearly…”

So in this moment, I breathe a prayer of thanksgiving for the life of Abel and his family. Further, with deeper resolve I reinforce the truth, “freedom is not free.” I close where I began – with a tribute to a life well-lived – he lived it for others!

Spring 2010

In gratitude, Gil Fleer

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Alumni news

Bishop Abel Muzorewa dead at 84

by Jim Steele, president of CMU Alumni Association

Abel T. Muzorewa ’62, a United Methodist Bishop who helped lead Zimbabwe to majority rule, died April 8, less than a week short of his 85th birthday, at his home near Harare, Zimbabwe. He was a trailblazer as one of the first African United Methodist bishops, and he emerged as a national leader during his country’s struggle toward full independence.

The bishop “was one of the 20th century’s great champions for the liberation of people in Africa, especially his homeland of Zimbabwe,” recalls Thomas Kemper, top staff executive of the New York-based United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. “His struggle to loose the chains of colonialism distinguishes him in a special way. He served both the church and his emerging nation with a sense of purpose and determination at a time of transition and uncertainty.”

Muzorewa was in his late 30s when he and his wife, Maggie, and their three young children came to study in Fayette in the late 1950s. Aided by a Methodist Church scholarship, he had been encouraged to attend Central College by his bishop in Africa, Ralph Dodge; the Rev. Charles Caldwell, pastor of Fayette’s Linn Memorial Church; and Central President Ralph Woodward.

Fayette then was a Southern town and blacks on campus still were a decided rarity. While encountering some tensions in the community, the quiet young family apparently had few problems on campus. They resided in Eagle Village, the former married student complex of wooden buildings purchased as war surplus. In a book written after he had retired, the bishop recalled his days in Eagle Village, noting that Central College students assisted the family in planting a garden and, on occasion, brought them rabbits and other game that had been taken during various hunting seasons. They also assisted the young couple in purchasing a second-hand car.

Muzorewa later made several return visits to the campus here, receiving both an honorary doctorate and a Distinguished Alumni Award. In the intervening years, his daughter, Charity Muzorewa ’92, graduated from Central Methodist College; and his granddaughter Tenderano (Tendie) Muzorewa graduated with honors from Central Methodist University on May 8, 2010.

Retired Bishop Felton E. May described Muzorewa as a “personification of Christ’s resurrection and power with a life of being one of God’s sons.” May says, “He avoided acts of social and political foolishness and demonstrated what it meant to be a man of integrity.”

Muzorewa was born the eldest of nine children in Old Umtali, during the colonial era when his country was known as Rhodesia. He was educated at Methodist schools in Chinyadza, Old Mutare, and Nyadire and became a schoolteacher in 1944.

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That same year, he began to preach and became a lay evangelist. His interest in ministry led him to the Theological School at Old Mutare Mission. Ordained a deacon and an elder, Muzorewa joined the Rhodesia Annual Conference in 1956.

After graduating from Hartzell Theological School, he became assistant conference director of evangelism and pastor of a 16point circuit. He continued his studies in 1958 at the Missouri School of Religion in Columbia, followed by his years at Central Methodist. He earned a master’s degree at Scarritt College.

Muzorewa’s career in ministry included serving as pastor and station chairperson at Old Mutare Mission. He became conference director of youth in 1965, and then youth secretary of the Christian Council and traveling secretary of the Student Christian Movement the next year.

In 1968, Muzorewa was elected bishop and assigned to the Zimbabwe Area by The United Methodist Church’s Africa Central Conference. This was at a time when there were few African representatives in the denominations’s Council of Bishops. He was highly respected by his peers, especially those who had experienced ministry in Africa.

The bishop became a leading figure in his country’s struggle for majority rule, serving as the head of the United African National Council. During a time of violence and tension, Muzorewa was involved in peace talks with Ian Smith, Rhodesia’s prime minister. In 1979, as the country transitioned to majority rule, Muzorewa was elected prime minister of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, but it was a role he held for less than a year. Civil war raged in the country, and new elections were held in 1980 as the result of peace negotiations.

Robert Mugabe emerged as the victor in those elections and has retained power ever since. In 1983, Muzorewa was detained for 10 months without trial by the government; he later said he had forgiven those responsible.

Muzorewa described his experiences and Zimbabwe’s journey to independence in his autobiography Rise Up and Walk.

The bishop retired Sept. 1, 1992. The Bishop A.T. Muzorewa Evangelism Foundation was launched in 2005 in Old Mutare, at a celebration of the bishop’s 60 years in ministry. At that celebration, Zimbabwe Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa described Muzorewa as “one of the greatest preachers our church has ever had.”

Muzorewa’s wife Maggie died in July 2009. They had five children and five grandchildren.

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Alumni news

CMU Alumni Help Haiti Recover from Earthquake

by Jessica Travlos

Two brothers, both graduates of CMU, Guesly Dessieux D.O., class of 2000, and Luc Dessieux Jr. ’96, recently joined a medical team that traveled to Haiti on a medical mission to aid the victims of the earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010.

Guesly and Luc were both born in Haiti and came to America where they received degrees from Central Methodist University. Guesly graduated with a B.A. in biology and Luc graduated with a B.A. in physics.

Guesly continued his education at the University of Health Sciences Osteopathic Medical School (now Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences) in Kansas City, Mo. He then completed his residency at Capitol Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo., and now practices at Santiam Memorial Hospital in Stayton, Ore. Guesly had been to Haiti on medical mission trips three times in the last six years. After the earthquake he organized a team of 18 people, including nine from Santiam Memorial Hospital, to return to Haiti, Jan. 23-Feb. 1. They were joined by a brother, Ruls, as well as their sister, Sabine, a nurse practitioner in Kansas City. Guesly’s twin brother, Lesly, also CMU class 2000, was unable to go.

According to The Catholic Missourian, with the financial help of their community, including money raised through a penny war at Immaculate Conception School, and medical supplies donated by Capital Region Medical Center, the team was able to give medical aid to approximately 2,300 victims in the short time they were there. The

NOTE: After the earthquake in Haiti, a groundswell of support swept through the Central Methodist campus. In about a week’s time, the Champions of Character team members raised about $1,250 for relief. Coach Moz Rahmatpanah, the Champions of Character coach, expressed delight that the athletes, other students, faculty, and staff committed themselves wholeheartedly to the effort.

team traveled to areas such as Fond Parisien, Portau-Prince, and a hospital on the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, serving between 200 and 500 patients per day.

The work of this team helped victims and saved lives. CMU is justifiably proud of their efforts.

Dr. Guesly Dessieux treats a patient (photo above).

In photo, left, Dr. Dessieux and a team member make the Haitian children smile, in part with the help of inflated medical gloves.

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Alumni news

Better Late than Never Jack Tickner ’50, a Bentonville, Ark., resident, had no idea his passing comment to Central alumnus and fellow church member, Dr. Gil Fleer ’55, about having never received a letter jacket from Central, would result in the neatly wrapped package he found beneath the Christmas tree last year. Fleer and Tickner’s daughter, Ann Larson, were instrumental in making Tickner’s dream of owning a Central letter jacket become a reality.

Tickner attended Central from 1945-1949 and remembers well his many adventures on the basketball court. However, his Central education was cut short before he graduated, when he received his draft notice, forcing him to trade his Central green for Army Air Corps khakis. More than 60 years later, Jack and his wife, Dorothy, made the drive to campus for a winter’s day of reminiscing.

The Tickners arrived on campus with Jack proudly sporting his green Central letter jacket, which he wore the entire day. The retired attorney had the opportunity to share the hardwood with Central Runnin’ Eagles players Nic Dykman and Lucas Dahl during shooting practice.

He also got to share his story with a group of students

under the direction of Dr. Jerry Priddy (photo above).

The Tickners completed a perfect day by cheering on the Runnin’ Eagles in CMU’s victorious basketball game against Lindenwood.

Tickner will never forget his Central experience – or the delightful Christmas surprise that let him revisit his past in a whole new way.

It’s a zoo out there!

The CMU Alumni Association was slated for CMU’s Family Day at the St. Louis Zoo on Sun., June 13, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Reservations for lunch were due in by June 2. As a docent at the zoo, CMU Board of Trustees member Brock Lutz has helped set up this event for several years and serves as host and guide.

The world renowned St. Louis Zoo has 90 acres of wildlife. CMU tickets included admission to the Sea Lion Show, a personal talk with the sea lion trainer, a behind-the-scenes tour of the big cats, and train tickets!

Each year a variation of the walk on the wild side thrills Central alumni, family, and friends.

For more information, contact Tracy Crowe Jones at 660-248-6234 or tjones@centralmethodist.edu.

Last year’s St. Louis Zoo alumni gathering gets up close and personal with a sea lion, thanks to zoo docent and CMU Board of Trustees member Brock Lutz (with red sash).

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Spring 2010 The Magazine of Central Methodist University

The Talon

Congratulations!

to the Boy Scouts of America on your Centennial Anniversary!

We welcome you to the CMU campus in Fayette, Mo., for your celebration, Aug. 6-8, 2010!

Boy Scouts of all ages and levels will gather for a weekend of camping, exhibits, and events—such as games, races, geocaching, climbing, crafts, and cooking. In addition, there will be displays, vendors, and a trading post. Off-site activities for older Scouts will include orienteering, disc golf, SCUBA and COPE events, and a triathlon.

We look forward to sharing our beautiful campus and warm hospitality with you!

Central Methodist University, Fayette, Mo.: • centrally located in the middle of Missouri • more than 40 majors and cooperative programs • leader among independent colleges and universities in Missouri for teacher certification • nearly 100% acceptance rate for pre-med students into graduate institutions and for nursing board pass rates • nationally accredited athletic training, nursing, and music programs • NAIA Champions of Character • New and upgraded athletic facilities For more information on CMU, contact: Office of Admission, 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248; 660-248-3191, toll-free 877-CMU-1854; admissions@centralmethodist.edu

ASPIRE to your personal best! www.centralmethodist.edu

Calendar of Events JUNE

OCTOBER

13: Family Day at the St. Louis Zoo 13-July22: “The Art of Two Sisters: Works of Jane McDaniel and Ann Schafer plus recent Acquisitions” at The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art 19: Alumni Band Concert, Fayette 20: Alumni Band Concert, Lake Ozark 23-27: Juneaway to New York City 25: Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, Little Theatre 27: Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, Little Theatre

2: Band Day 2: CMU Tailgate in Liberty, Mo.; football vs.

William-Jewell 7: Gaddis Lecture, Dr. Ralph Lee Woodward ’55 8-10: HOMECOMING: Parade, football vs. Evangel 7-10: Little Theatre Production 16-17: Board of Trustees meeting 24: Gems of Vocal Literature, Recital Hall 29: Halloween Organ Concert, Linn Memorial 30: Howard County Night, football vs.

MidAmerica Nazarene 31: Halloween Improv Show with Bill Chott '91, The Little Theatre

JULY 6-8: Instrumental Camp, Swinney Conservatory 13-16: Piano Camp, Swinney Conservatory 16: Luetjen Golf Tournament, Boonville

AUGUST

NOVEMBER 7: Choir Concert, Linn Memorial 13: Senior Day, football vs. Baker 18-23: Chorale Tour 22-28: Thanksgiving Break

3: Commencement - CMU Union 6-7: Board of Trustees Summer Retreat 13-14: Alumni Board Retreat 24: Classes Begin 24-October 9: “Four by Twenty - 80 Engaging Works from 2: SAI Christmas Concert 2-5: Little Theatre Production the Permanent Collection” at The Ashby-Hodge 5: Choir Concert, Linn Memorial Gallery of American Art 9: Jazz Band Concert, Dealy Room 9-11: Little Theatre Student One-Acts 12: Band Concert, Dealy Room 1: Wylliams-Henry Dance Company, The Little Theatre 13-16: Finals Week 11: Hairston Hall of Fame inductions; football vs.

17-Jan. 9: Christmas Break Lindenwood 24: Fine Arts Celebration, Student & Community Center 25: Family Day; football vs. Graceland

DECEMBER

SEPTEMBER

What’s New With You?

Your fellow alumni want to know what you’ve been up to.

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Class: ______________ Address: ____________________________________________City: ________________________ State: ________ Zip: _________ Email: ____________________________________ Phone (H): __________________________________ Employer: __________________________________ Phone (W): _________________________________ Spouse’s name: ___________________________ Email: _______________________________ Send your news to: Spouse’s employer: ____________________________ Phone (W): _______________________ Tracy Crowe Jones Names and birth dates of children: _________________________________________________ CMU Director of Alumni Relations Additional news: _______________________________________________________________ Central Methodist University _____________________________________________________________________________ 411 Central Methodist Square Fayette, MO 65248-1198 _____________________________________________________________________________

You can also easily update your information on our website! Visit the CMU Connection at http://cmalumni.centralmethodist.edu to share your news, update your information, or connect with friends.

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E-mail: tjones@centralmethodist.edu Phone: (660) 248-6234 Eagle Fax: (660) 248-6270

Spring 2010 The Magazine of Central Methodist University

The Talon

Spring Phonathon callers send thanks to CMU supporters! Front row (L-R): Caryn Jackson, Toni Weatherford, Electie Minix, Ashlee Whitener; back row: Pearse Hutson, Reuben Bett, Gabriela Hernandez, Ashley Epperson, Daniel Mullan, Cassie Eversmeyer. Not shown: Sarah Binder, Sierra Binkley, Bradley Carter, Megan Davidson, Jamie Delcour, Brandon Draisey, Kaity Eversmeyer, Candra Galiley, Doug Graves, Summer Lamberson, Nellie Magundho, Ricky Massana, Bethlehem Merid, Reena Patel, Hayley Powell, Edward Stewart, Mollee Thompson, Deanne Tonkin, and Melissa Williams.

Spring 2010

The Magazine of Central Methodist University

The Talon

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411 Central Methodist Square Fayette, MO 65248-1198

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