Campus Continues Virtual Connections

Winners Move on to Next Levels

Central Methodist University’s Science previous years, but that the quality of the Department played host to two dozen presentations was outstanding. Subjects Missouri high school and ranged from studying the efficiency middle school students over Zoom of propeller designs to using on March 9 for virtual versions artificial intelligence to predict of the annual Missouri Junior cancer aggressiveness. Overall, nine Academy of Science (MJAS) students in the MJAS competition and International Science and were chosen to move on to the state Engineering Fair competitions. level in April.

In previous iterations of the Many of these same students contests, students from all over earned recognition for their projects the region have come to campus in the International Science and with their teachers to present their Dr. James Engineering Fair, which was also findings from a research project “Tiger” Gordon a success despite the challenges of completed over as long as several going remote this year. Normally, months. This year, the projects the event would look much more like took the same amount of work and a typical science fair, with students creativity, but the presentations presenting their findings on posters happened over Zoom. and answering questions by the

“They did really, really well,” judges. But this year, CMU students said Dr. James “Tiger” Gordon, and outside scientists were given the CMU professor of chemistry. “The students’ papers and then a Zoom teachers do a phenomenal job of presentation to judge based on a preparing, mentoring, and coaching rubric. them and practicing with them. It’s a huge time commitment, not only for Prof. Greg All in all, the presentations and participation were enjoyable for students but also for the teachers.” Thurmon, ’77 everyone involved.

Gordon, who oversees the MJAS portion “These are kids who love science,” said Greg of the day’s events, said that attendance Thurmon, ’77, associate professor of biology. was predictably lower than it has been in “Since there were only 26, I’d say [the ones that participated] were even more motivated and wanted to do it no matter what.”

Thurmon and Gordon both praised the work of CMU students and faculty for helping to facilitate the competitions and acting as judges, guides, and mentors for the students. The Central Methodist Technology Services Department was also crucial in making sure everyone had a sufficient connection over Zoom, Thurmon added.

And while the hope is to hold the competitions in person again next year, Gordon believes the competition serves as evidence that remote participation is possible if necessary.

“We could see in the future for some school districts that may not have the money to provide transportation and a day off for teachers, this could still be a viable option for them, for their kids to participate at a distance,” he said.

No matter the format, these science competitions will continue to be important for the students involved and enjoyable for the CMU faculty and students as well.

“I’m always really impressed with the amount of work that the high school and middle school students and their teachers do,” said Gordon.

Virtual Event Helps Alumna Connect

Jean Thompson graduated in the past year, the event was from Central College in 1948 moved to an online format. The after having completed Swinney Conservatory of Music her studies as an organ major. and the Office of Advancement She played in the band and the and Alumni Relations took this orchestra and sang in the choir. She as an opportunity to expand the met her husband, Larry Thompson, reach of the annual event and ’50, while at Central. And in 2021, invite music alumni from across she was able to reconnect with the country to attend the virtual the institution that gave her a event. professional start – all because of a The event, titled “Looking pandemic. Jean Thompson, ’48 Back, Looking Forward,” was held

Each January, Dean of the January 30 and garnered more Swinney Conservatory of Music Dr. Dori than 50 virtual participants, spanning across Waggoner, ’92, and others from the Music decades of Central alumni. During the gathering, Department at Central Methodist University Waggoner introduced the newest music faculty gather with music educators and alumni from members and provided insight on the current across the state to participate in the Missouri state of musical performance at Central. Other Music Educators Association Conference. speakers included CMU President Roger Drake, However, as was the case with many events Vice President for Enrollment Management Joe Parisi, Murphy Tetley, ’71, and Major Randy Bartel, ’92, commander of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus in Germany.

For Thompson, the ability to gather with other Central music alumni in a virtual setting provided a way for her to reconnect with Central. Navigating through a pandemic as a musician and teacher has required the 92-yearold to adapt to a changing environment. She hopes to use her newly acquired computer skills to stream upcoming music performances from current Central students.

“Having music and students in my life has helped me get through this pandemic,” Thompson wrote.

Whether they graduated in 1948 or graduated in 1992 or 2020, the stories of Central graduates prove to be much the same: lifetimes and careers full of passion and purpose begin at Central.