Spring 2018 - The Talon by Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University

Presidents Are a Lot Like Parents

his has been a season of celebration on the Central Methodist University campus. It is such a blessed opportunity to be around young people at such a vibrant and important time in their life journeys. This is an equally important time in the life of the University that we all love. It is fitting that we take time to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, the faculty, and support staff that prepared them. University presidents are very similar to parents—we say that we love all of our children (students) equally. And we do. However, three graduates particularly impressed me beyond measure this year. All three are from underrepresented minorities; all are leaving this place prepared for greatness. The first young lady asked a neighbor to drive her to campus. Students with her lack of support or social safety net typically don’t make it to campus. She didn’t just make it to campus—she soaked the campus in. As if the campus were a wet cloth, she wrung every last drop of benefit from CMU. She became a campus leader, a driving force resulting in our students of color feeling supported and treasured on our campus. This student was supported in extraordinary ways by caring mentors and generous donors who made sure she had every opportunity to be successful. The second young lady will remain in my memory forever due to her sheer determination. This student has never made less than an “A” throughout her entire academic career. The extraordinarily uncommon part of this story is that this student sat for the ACT six times hoping for a 24. Her highest score was a 23. Now, there is nothing wrong with a 23 ACT. However, for a student with this ACT score to ace the academic rigor at CMU, taking our most difficult courses, is nothing short of amazing. Her determination, her unwillingness to accept anything but the highest outcome, will serve her well as she makes her difference in the world. Any attempt at anonymity for my third unforgettable student is pointless. She is the NAIA National Player of the Year. DaJonee Hale is a student-athlete who comes around once in a lifetime if extremely lucky. Passed from foster home to foster home, young people like DaJonee statistically have little chance of succeeding. Dejonee didn’t accept those statistics; she decided she would create statistics of her own. She did just that, and it was an honor to sit in the stands and witness her greatness.

These three graduates not only changed our campus, they changed my life. They convinced me that, at 58 years of age, my interpretation of my life’s story gave myself far too much credit. I often talk of my first-generation middle school background—my father attended fifth-grade, my mother attended third-grade. You’ve heard me describe my economic plight as starting with nothing and managing to hang on to most of it. Compared to the success of these three young ladies, relative to the obstacles each has overcome, my story pales in comparison. In other news, an amazing effort led by Provost Dr. Rita Gulstad, marched your University through its reaccreditation visit from the Higher Learning Commission like the Marching Eagle Band on Homecoming. We have every reason to expect we will remain fully accredited with all criteria met. Our campus and our students are excited about the full rollout of our Digital U initiative this fall. While your University is becoming “high-tech,” we will never lose our culture of being “high-touch.” We will never forget that a caring and talented faculty is the bedrock of our great University. A university may rise up to the level of its faculty but not beyond it. Digital U will provide the technology to allow our University to continue to rise up to the level of our outstanding faculty. The Stedman Hall of Science renovation is another way that we are lifting our University. The reimagined Stedman Hall will be ready for students when they return in the fall and we will dedicate the “new” facility during Homecoming. The redesign is truly transformational, as are the learning opportunities that exist inside it. The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art, a jewel at CMU, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Dr. Joe Geist, Tom Yancey, the Ashby and Hodge families, and others have created a treasure in Classic Hall. Our lives are enriched because of the gallery as our hearts are enriched by interacting with these visionary leaders. The Campaign for the Heart of Central is drawing to a close. The Mabee Challenge Grant ends on June 30. For the great many of you who have contributed to the success of this ambitious campaign, thank you. Your generosity will continue to serve Central students for generations. For those of you still contemplating a gift, there is still time and there is still need. Central Methodist University’s mission is as relevant today as it has ever been. Your University continues to make a difference in the lives of those who live and learn here. We recently graduated some phenomenal young people who will soon be making their mark on the world. I plan to watch with keen interest. Sincerely,

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Talon Staff Dr. Roger D. Drake, President Dr. Rita Gulstad, Provost Dr. Joshua Jacobs, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Dr. Joe Parisi, Vice President for Enrollment Management

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

TALON Spring 2018 - Table of Contents

Message from Dr. Drake................................................. 2

Cathy Thogmorton, Editor 660-248-6391 cthogmor@centralmethodist.edu

Founders Weekend......................................................... 4

Maggie Gebhardt Media Content Specialist 660-248-6684 mgebhardt@centralmethodist.edu

Commencement............................................................. 8

Joe Waner Graphic Designer 660-248-6629 jwaner@centralmethodist.edu

Alumni News................................................................. 20

David Hutchison Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Programs 660-248-6260 drhutchi@centralmethodist.edu

Robb Platt, Recruiter Extraordinaire............................. 30

Distinguished Alumni....................................................... 6 Achievement Awards.................................................... 12 First CGES Alumni Board Member............................... 16 In Memoriam................................................................. 24 Hall of Sponsors: Bridwell-Kidwell................................ 29 Planned Giving............................................................... 34 State of the University................................................... 35 Lending a Hand: Huckfeldt............................................ 36 Central Friendships, Mary Edith Robins........................ 38

On The Cover: Central Methodist Alumnus Robert Platt has found his passion helping young people reach their potential. See page 30 Photo by Don Adams

Delcour in New Orleans............................................... 40 Faculty Spotlight: John Flanders..................................... 42 Lessons from Ferguson................................................. 43 Jana Fox, Top Teaching Honor....................................... 44 Campus News............................................................... 45 Playing With The Big Kids.............................................. 51

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

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mission Statement

Ashby-Hodge at 25........................................................ 52 Fine and Performing Arts.............................................. 53 New Staff....................................................................... 56 Sports............................................................................ 58 Spring 2018 | The Talon The Magazine of Central Methodist University 3

Central Methodist University Founders Weekend

By DR. JOSH JACOBS

Founders Weekend Celebrates Central Highlights Included Anniversary Celebration, Scholarship Announcements, Alumni Banquet

ounders Weekend was a celebration of all things wonderful about Central. Anchor events included: the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the AshbyHodge Gallery of American Art, which featured a documentary by Fayette resident David Holman on the origins of the gallery; an unveiling of three new Hall of Sponsors Scholarships, adding to the University endowment and securing perpetual support for deserving students; a Board of Trustees meeting that welcomed former Curators and Trustees back to campus to discuss the current state of the University and future investment opportunities; as well as the 72nd Annual Alumni Awards Banquet, which celebrated the accomplishments of six alumni from the classes of ’60, ’71, ’80, ’85, ’86, and ’09. The weekend also featured a book signing by Dr. John Gooch ’60 for the most recently published installment of Central’s history, and the always fun barbecue & CMU Trivia Contest. As President Drake noted, “We are getting good at celebrating at Central,” and there will be more to celebrate in the near future.

1. Member of the Board of Trustees try out virtual reality headset during a Digital U demonstration 2. Distinguished Alumni recipent, Kerri Jenkins chats with one of her daughters 3. Shirley Brown accepts her Distinguished Alumni award with Laura Blair 4. (l-r) Joe Geist, David Holman, and Tom Yancey at the AshbyHodge Gala 5. (l-r) Kathleen and Bruce Maier, with student Mikayla Sturm 6. (l-r) Retiring Board of Trustees members Paul King, Dick Hutchison, Louann (Thogmorton) Shaner, Jim Marchbank, Nancy Ellis, Robert Anderson, J.B. Waggoner, and Dave Bandy 7. Donn Harrison and Jeffrey Francis at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Banquet 8. Claudia Graham discussing art at the Ashby-Hodge Gallery 9. President Drake speaking at the Hall of Sponsors event 10. (l-r) Jan and Bruce Addison with student Veronica Hancock

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Central Methodist University

By CATHY THOGMORTON

CMU’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni

Six alumni were recognized for their achievements during the Founders Weekend activities.

very spring, as a part of its Founders Day Weekend, Central Methodist University honors alumni who have made a positive impact on society through their work and social service. This year, the Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to Shirley Brown ’60, Patrick Brackley ’71, Jeffrey Francis ’80, Kerri Jenkins ’85, and Susan Hart ’86; and the Young Alumni Award was presented to Seth Bauman ’09. The banquet in their honor was held May 5 in the Inman Student and Community Center and featured music by the CMU Jazz Band.

Young Alumni Award Seth Bauman, class of 2009, earned his Bachelor of Religious Studies at CMU in 2009, followed by a Master of Public Administration in Public and Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri in 2015. He has focused his career on helping other people and the good of the public in general. In 2016 he served on the Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and values. He also gave the Gaddis Lecture at CMU that fall. At the time he was Director of Community Engagement for

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Missourians for Jason Kander. He has worked extensively with the Missouri prison system, mental health committees, and local police departments.

Distinguished Alumni Awards Shirley M. Brown, class of 1960, earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Central College in 1960 at age 19, with a major in voice and minor in piano. By the time she finished traveling through stops at Grove City College in Penn., University of Pennsylvania, in

with patients, employees, and medical staff. She has accumulated numerous degrees at this point, including a Bachelor in Management and an M.B.A. from William Woods University, and a Bachelor in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing.

Stroudsberg, Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, and University of Missouri in Columbia, she had accrued two master’s degrees and a lot of experience. She took a job at Berkeley Senior High School in suburban St. Louis and laid down her baton 31 years later in the same school, which had become the FergusonFlorissant School District in the intervening years. Her additional teaching, singing, and awards go on for many pages. Patrick Brackley, CMC class of 1971, earned his degree in business with a minor in political science. He moved to New Orleans and began a career in real estate management, development, and construction, opening Brackley Construction from the garage of his house in 1983. Since then, he and his brother Mike (CMC ’70) have turned the business into 25 real estate investments and businesses. He also owns a series of environmentally controlled storage facilities called Fort Knox. He has been awarded many honors and is active in churches, Junior Achievement, the USO, and Special Olympics. Jeffrey Francis, class of 1980, graduated from CMC with a degree in Music Vocal Performance. He credits his major professor, the late Dr. Donald Pyle, for giving him a good start. He was a tenor in the A Cappella Choir and a trumpeter in the Marching, Concert, and Jazz Bands.

He belonged to Beta Mu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. After acquiring his degree, he attained his Master’s in Music from the University of Washington. While there, he was selected to sing the lead tenor in the world premiere of an opera performance at the National Opera Association in 1982. He made his professional world premiere of an opera The Fall of the House of Usher in South America. He soon moved to Europe and has starred in numerous operatic leading parts in the years since. After his first opera in 1992, he performed in Deutsch Staatsoper (formerly East Germany), Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden, Austria, Marseilles, Rome, Innsbruck, and Vienna, among other cities. He currently lives in Israel. He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2006 as Arbace in Mozart’s Idomeneo. Kerri (Hopper) Jenkins, class of 1985, came to Central to study nursing, and has taken the field by storm since then. She has established herself as one of the premier movers and shakers in private hospital administration in the Midwest. Her record of rapid financial and quality turn around in multiple hospitals, as well as building high performing teams around her, has helped her move up the ladder to the point where she currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the new main campus for St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, Mo., as well as serving as the chief nursing officer. Surprisingly, she started out her career with a two-year associate’s degree from CMC in 1985. Kerri is a deeply committed, highly engaged front line leader who believes in leading by example. She spends most of her time on the clinical units directly interacting

Susan Hart, class of 1986, discovered to her surprise and delight that at CMC she was free to combine whatever she loved into her education. She loved accounting and discovered a passion for the arts. She graduated with a degree in accounting as the 1986 Selecman Award Winner, the top graduating honor. But she keeps art in her life as well. Susan is partner, vice president and the Chief Operating Officer of Huebert Builders Inc. and the president of Hubco Inc. The Huebert Company is a general contractor that specializes in historic renovation projects, including the rebuilt Missouri Theatre in Columbia. She is the new chair of the Chamber of Commerce in Columbia, and serves on the Construction Industry Substance Abuse Board. She has maintained her connection with Central Methodist throughout her life, including facilitating internships for students and helping in Central Serves Days. Her variety in life is shown in her activity in Rotary, Habitat for Humanity, the North Village Arts District, the Central Missouri Food Band, and the Columbia Art League, among many others. In addition to the honors for distinguished alumni, a celebration of The AshbyHodge Gallery of American Art, and a welcoming of visiting alumni and friends of the University filled the weekend. The Ashby-Hodge Gallery celebrated its 25th anniversary with a reception and gala dinner on Friday and the opening of a new show, focused to a large extent on pieces given to the Gallery by founders Lawrence and Loretta Ashby through the years. Saturday brought three new Hall of Sponsors unveilings for the Rev. Wayne Kidwell ’58 and Elaine Bridwell-Kidwell ’59, the new Class of 1959 Hall of Sponsors Scholarship the Virginia Maier Hall of Sponsors Scholarship; and the Linda Addison Palmer Hall of Sponsors Scholarship.

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Central Methodist University Commencement

Commencement Crowns Excellent Year For CMU

he ultimate celebration for students at Central occurred on Saturday, May 12, when 411 students graduated on the Fayette campus. Students earned master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Fayette and the College of Graduate and Extended Studies across the state and online. The day began with the traditional Baccalaureate ceremony in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church. As customary, students filed down to the southwest corner of campus, then clapped the faculty and staff through to Church Street, showing their respect and appreciation for the guidance they had been given. When the faculty and staff reached the steps of the church, they

stopped and repeated the procedure in reverse for the students in congratulations for their success. All entered the church to the music of the brass ensemble, directed by Skip Vandelicht. Baccalaureate was led by President Roger Drake, Provost Rita Gulstad, and Linn UMC pastor the Reverend David Hutchison. The speaker for the ceremony was the Reverend Sheila Bouie-Sledge, associate pastor of Community Outreach and Social Justice Ministries at Salem UMC in St. Louis, Mo. Bouie-Sledge worked for years in the business community, but in 2009, felt led by God to explore a call to pastoral ministry. In her area of work, she develops, coordinates, and implements programs and services designed to enhance intercultural competencies while

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transforming cultural differences. In addition to her ministry at Salem UMC, she is active in the St. Louis community in the areas of diversity training, racial reconciliation, and justice outreach. During Baccalaureate, the Reverend Sarah Schofield-Wimberley, pastor at Northern Boulevard UMC in Independence, Mo., and mother of CMU graduate Abby Wimberley, read the scripture. The CMU Chorale sang two songs by Dan Forrest, “Not Ashamed,” dedicated to the Chorale by Forrest, and “Abide,” as well as their noted rendition of “Beautiful Savior.” In the afternoon, the Concert Band led students and faculty into the auditorium for Commencement. It later played “Ignition” by Tod Stalter and led the crowd out with a fanfare and recessional.

The Commencement speaker was the Reverend Terri Swan, who was honored by Central Methodist University in advance of her speech with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Swan is the senior pastor at Salem UMC in St. Louis. She earned her undergraduate degree in counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce. While working in Marshall, Texas, she received the call to ministry; she graduated cum laude from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. She was ordained by the North Texas Conference, served as associate pastor at Stonebridge UMC, and was founding pastor of The Bridge at Stonebridge. In 2007 Swan was appointed associate pastor at Salem in St. Louis and became senior pastor shortly thereafter. She received the 2013 Religious Leadership Award in St. Louis. She is an active supporter of humanitarian causes, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Red Cross, and UMC’s Kingdom House. She has traveled to Russia to help establish a sister church, and to Honduras to dig clean water wells. Swan led her St. Louis church in partnerships with United Methodist Committee on Relief, Habitat for Humanity, Mozambique Initiative, and Epworth Children and Family Services. Her talk to CMU’s graduates was titled “It Matters.” Following the address, academic honors were announced by Dr. Gulstad and honors in clinical counseling by Dr. Angela Schubert. Dr. Richard Bradley, professor of history and director of the Honors Program, summoned each of the four Honors Program students to present her thesis to her family. The Honors Program students included Amelia Ebbesmeyer in psychology, her thesis “Why Technology is Not Used to its Fullest Potential in Classroom Settings,” with adviser, Dr. Elizabeth Gold; Allison Hines in psychology, her thesis “The Effects of Stereotype Disconfirming Information on Attitudes Towards an African-American Male,” with adviser Dr. Jackie Anson; Erin Enke in biology,

Above, the Rev. Sheila Bouie-Sledge gives an address to students at Baccalaureate. Below, Members of the class of 1968 celebrated their 50th graduation anniversary at commencement May 12th. Front Row (L-R): Mary Jane (Strode) Wilkinson, Mary Ann Brock, Janice (Hoevel) Stone, Elaine (Floyd) Gilmore, Judy (Erhart) Hunt Back Row (L-R): Kenneth Lauberg, Ronald Kruse, J.B. Loewenstein, Paul King, Patricia Wendling her thesis “The Effectiveness of Zinc Ascorbate Dental Gel on the Oral Hygiene in Canines,” with adviser Professor Greg Thurmon; and Miranda Dahman in history and English, her thesis “Negotiating Gender Identities During the Civil War: Belle Boyd and Sarah Wakeman,” with advisers Dr. Richard Bradley and Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar.

Next, Dr. Drake conferred the official degrees after which Ken Oliver, vice president for institutional growth and student engagement, recognized special achievements; and Laura Blair, president of the Central Methodist University Alumni Association, spoke to the graduates. One of the highly anticipated events of Commencement is the presentation of the

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Central Methodist University Commencement

three highest awards given to graduating students by the University â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Victoria Award, the Human Relations Prize, and the most prestigious Selecman Award.

The Victoria Award Named after Victoria Beecroft Cutter, the Victoria Award is given annually to a graduate who, in the opinion of faculty and students, has best demonstrated dedication and principles of CMU. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awardee was Kiona Sinks, a sociology major from Kansas City, Mo. She was the founder and president of the 2017-formed African American Student Union (AASU), whose purpose is to promote positive images of African Americans and to stimulate the cultural, intellectual, and social growth of all CMU students, faculty, and staff. Kiona has also been an Orientation leader, an intern for Tyrone Flowers for High M-Pact, and a

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Opposite page, top photos: Receiving recognition for completing the Honors Program were (clockwise from top left) Allison Hines, Erin Enke, Miranda Dahman, and Amelia Ebbesmeyer Opposite page, bottom photo: The Reverend Terri Swan, Commencement speaker Above photos, clockwise from top left: Martha Bradley receives the Human Relations Prize; Kay Wilken Neas receives the Selecman Award; Kay Winegard, retiring registrar after 46 years of service, receives emeritus status; and Kiona Sinks receives the Victoria Award Student Ambassador of Mid-Missouri of High Education. In addition to leading the activities of AASU, Kiona has assisted CMU in the administration of a number of diversity and inclusion panels and forums, and was a member of the track team.

The Human Relations Prize Established by Martha Smith Luck, the first female member of Central’s Board of Curators, The Human Relations Award is given annually to the graduate who shows the most promise in human relations and human adjustment, one who “attempts to develop the ability to get along with others and work with others,” developing liaison techniques in the area of human relations and understanding. The year’s awardee was Martha Bradley, from Farmington, Mo., a double major in criminal justice and political science who graduated a year early.

Martha was president of the Student Government Association and editor-inchief of The Collegian. She has been an orientation leader, a scholar athlete, and a member of Pi Gamma Mu social science honorary organization. She has been a member of the Dean’s List and assisted in the organization of the Lessons from Ferguson lecture and panel. She has served as an intern with Williams & Jensen Law Firm and the St. Francis County Prosecutor’s Office. She was also a member of the track team.

The Selecman Award The most prestigious award given to a graduating senior is The Selecman Award, established in 1957 by Bishop Charles C. Selecman, a former Central student who became a Bishop in the United Methodist Church. He requested that the award be presented to the student who has displayed

the following characteristics to an extraordinary degree: good citizenship on campus, scholarship, religious leadership, moral and spiritual qualities, and outstanding achievement. The Selecman Award went to Kay Wilken Neas, a 4.0 GPA music education major, originally from Cole Camp and currently from Fayette, Mo. Kay was a member of The Chorale, the Conservatory Singers, the Praise Band, and multiple opera workshops. She has been a music camp counselor, a tutor at The Writing Center, an assistant at the CMU Bookstore, and an after-school fellowship director. Kay belonged to Sigma Epsilon Pi Honorary Society, Sigma Alpha Iota women’s music fraternity, Student National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the National Association for Music Educators.

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Achievement Awards Accounting Excellence Award Brooke Emmerich ACDA National Student Choral Award Cayla Carr Alpha Epsilon Delta Anatomy Award Shannon Peters Alpha Epsilon Delta Harold L. Momberg Award for the Outstanding Pre-Med Student Joshua Hunt Alpha Epsilon Delta Physiology Award Shannon Peters Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Awards

Josh Hunt Martha Bradley Amelia Ebbesmeyer Darcy Latham Justin Smith Crystal Flagg American Nurses Association Award Catherine Braun Banking and Finance Excellence Award David Baranski Dr. Robert Barker Award for Excellence in Sociology Kiona B. Sinks Noble Emmett Baskett Scholarship in Business Administration Brooke Striegel Beta Beta Beta Outstanding General Biology Students Janie Leathers Nathan Overbay Herman C. Byrd Award Gannon Craig Clyde and Hazel Blattner Mathematics Award Marlow Case Dr. Richard T. Bond Mathematics Award Savanna Nault Mike Cavanah â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Eagleâ&#x20AC;? Award Quindon Brown CMU Biology Alumni Award Shannon Wells Communication Department Student Media Award Eloise Sneddon Criminal Justice Excellence Award Destiny Stallo

Mark and Kathy Dempsey Athletic Training Student Clinical Excellence Award Mackenzie Strother R. Paul Drummond Memorial Award Keaton Denney ENACTUS Senior Leadership Award Caitlyn Harwell David Baranski Estes Award for Outstanding Senior Male Athlete Brian Egejuru Estill Entrepreneurship Award Shelby Henson Gentry Estill Award for Total Business Excellence Clay Littrell Susan Estill Award for Total Business Excellence Bailey Dunham Gamma Sigma Epsilon Excellence Award in General Chemistry Janie Leathers Gamma Sigma Epsilon Excellence Award in Organic Chemistry Kylie Limback Dr. Joseph E. Geist Prize in Performing Arts Addison McGuire Lisa Powell Goessling Award Alexandra Hudelson Chester E. Hanson Outstanding Computer Science Award Daniel Hunt The Judge Andrew Jackson Higgins Award for Excellence in Pre-Law Studies Martha Bradley Martin C. Harral Memorial Music Award Matthew Johnson Hern Award for Excellence in Religious Studies Dillon Drew Dr. George Heslar Leadership & Service Memorial Scholarship Emily Angell Hickman Award for Achievement in Music Kay Wilken Neas John C Hinkle Scholarship Marlow Case

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Spring 2018 The Keith House Band Fellow-Tour Manager Tiffany Hankins Inscape Poetry Award Brittany Lawson Inscape Fiction Award Christina Schatz Inscape Creative Nonfiction Award Rachael McCorkell Inscape Ten-Minute Play Award Catherine Barnard Inscape Photography & Art Award Natalie Van Horn Inscape Cover Art Award Peyton Carmichael Nancy Thompson Jones Gem Award Rachel Martin Dr. Glenn R. Joyce Memorial Award Darcy Latham Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Award Emily Angell Martin E. Kooi Excellence in Communication Kristen Just Martin E. Kooi Excellence in Theatre Arts Terri Banderet James M. Luetjen Scholar Athlete Award Lylie Limback Mike Magyar Fine Arts-Leadership Award Mariah Ariaza Management/General Business Excellence Award Marina Alves Marketing and Advertising Excellence Award Caitlyn Hartwell Glenn McElroy Athletic Training Student Academic Excellence Award Mackenzie Cullifer Mackenzie Strother Sarah Freiermuth The General Lewis M. Means Award for Excellence in the Study of Political Science Tyler R. Steger The Missouri Federation of Music Clubs Zack Kierstead Professor Paul A. Montemurro Award Tiffany Hankins

MTNA Student Achievement Recognition Award Curtis Lierheimer Dane Nelson Memorial Award Kay Wilken Neas Dr. Niels C. Nielsen Outstanding Chemistry Student Award Makenzie Erikson Outstanding Nurse Clinician Award Chase Cook Outstanding Nursing Scholar Award Dani Grucky Outstanding Senior in Accounting Award Jarrid Hamilton Outstanding Senior in Business Award Abby Cross Outstanding Senior in Sports Management Abby Thompson Darla Pannier Award for Outstanding Senior Female Athlete DaJonee Hale Dr. Larry J. Peery Award for Excellence in Physics Joshua Schroer Phi Mu Alpha Honor Award Curtis Lierheimer Phi Mu Alpha Scholastic Award Josh Miller Pi Gamma Mu Scholastic Award Hannah Clark Excellence in Psychology Award Elizabeth Maddex Glenn C. Riegel Faculty Award Professor Joe Jimerson Glenn C. Riegel Student Science Award Christina Schatz Sarah Rutherford Prize Zachary Adams W. D. Settle Memorial Music Education Award Brendan Wiesehan Shallenburger Accounting Principles Excellence Award Andrea DeSimone Sigma Alpha Iota Collegiate Honor Award Tiffany Hankins

Sigma Alpha Iota Scholastic Award Kay Wilken Neas Sigma Epsilon Pi

Excellence in Music Mikaela Lewis Raney Winter NAfME-C Award Kay Wilken Neas Terri Banderet Allison Hines Erwin and Hazel Wiedle Outstanding Martha Bradley Joshua Hunt Nursing Graduate Reece Carmichael Abigail Kertz Shelby Landis Hannah Clark Clay Littrell Jeff Wilcox “Raising the Bar Award” Peyton Davis Abigail Moore Crystal Flagg Amelia Ebbesmeyer Savanna Nault Dr. Farris H. and Leona Woods Memorial Tashawnya Edwards Kay (Wilken) Neas Erin Enke Patricia Neiswander Award in Biology Caitlyn Landewee Crystal Flagg Emily O’Keefe Blakeley Fuemmeler Lincoln Pinson Frederick Rhoads Drama Awards Skyler Hime Luther T. Spayde Memorial Award Outstanding Newcomer Amanda Lewis Katelyn Watts Harold W. Sunoo History and Political Phoenix Award Science Award Jenny Barnett Ryan Vogelgesang Shop Superstar T. Cecil Swackhamer Award Jordan Lane Abby Addleman Best Student Directors Myriah Araiza Karlie Noll Swinney Conservatory Outstanding Abby Wimberley Freshman Award Alex Autry Libby Cueni-Smith Best Assistant Director/Stage Manager Swinney Conservatory Super Hero Award Jenny Barnett Shelby Schaefer Michael Williams Most Versatile Player Theta Alpha Kappa Nickie Foland Abby Addleman Dillon Drew Tech All Star Terri Banderet Best Supporting Female Actor Cori Bryan Best Supporting Male Actor Addison McGuire Best Lead Male Actor Ben Kixmiller Best Lead Female Actor Myriah Araiza

Helen Puckett Thogmorton Award for

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Music Leads Student To Fayette His Heart Encourages Him to Teach By Scott Queen Sitting in a typical classroom among a group of typical 19- and 20-year-old music education students is a man in his mid-40s. He loves wearing his welltraveled jean jacket, and his graying hair passed his collar long ago. He pays close attention in class, fending off the temptation to give in to that Grateful Dead song that wants to play in his head. Central Methodist University welcomed Nathaniel Sater into music education this semester as the first recipient of the Gulstad Transfer Scholarship.

Sater, from Pacific, transferred to Central after graduating from East Central College (ECC) in Union. He says CMU is the beginning of a new story for him, a story about confidence, teaching, and honoring family. “I can’t wait to talk to Dr. Gulstad and tell her how much I appreciate what she has done,” said Sater of Dr. Rita Gulstad, provost, after whom the scholarship is named. “I hope she knows what a key role she and this scholarship play in people’s lives.” A self-described “late bloomer” when it comes to confidence, Sater has spent time as a roadie for dozens of musicians.

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He was also a bricklayer for many years, and a tree-trimmer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business during a stint in St. Louis, too. But through it all, music kept a grip on his soul. It led him to head to the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area to teach music and give private lessons. But that didn’t work out, so he came back to Missouri. He enrolled at ECC and, with music tugging at his heartstrings, listened to a recommendation about the music education program at Central. “I did all those different things for years and made a little money, but I wasn’t happy,” he said. “And now that I’m in my 40s, I’d rather be poor and happy than wealthy and unhappy.” So, this motorcycle-riding, musicloving gentleman who was living with his father packed his bags again and did an audition/interview session at CMU. He met Dr. Dori Waggoner, Dean of the Conservatory of Music, who liked what she saw and ultimately recommended him

New Gulstad Scholarship Provides Pathway

for the Gulstad Transfer Scholarship. Now, teaching music is tugging at his heartstrings, and he is listening. “I guess the influence of my parents is pretty strong, because I am going to end up in the classroom,” he said. “My mom was an English teacher before she passed away, and my dad was a biology teacher for seven years. “I’m definitely not the typical college student. I don’t hang out with the kids or anything, but I do have some things in common with them—music, for one, and teaching.” Sater, who exudes passion and now confidence, says he is strongly considering teaching music in elementary or high school, perhaps in an underprivileged or economically depressed area. “I didn’t necessarily believe in myself when I was younger,” he said, “and I want to encourage young people, maybe through music, to believe in themselves.” Music, Sater said, cuts across all demographics. He said it ignores wealth and draws appreciation from all walks of life.

The Gulstad Transfer Scholarship honors longtime Central Methodist University Provost Dr. Rita Gulstad, who has been instrumental in building and establishing partnerships with every community college in Missouri and many others. Central provides $16,000 per year, totaling $48,000 over six semesters, to qualified, deserving students who are selected annually. “The Gulstad Transfer Scholarship provides a pathway to a great education and a life well-lived for students earning an associate’s degree at a partner institution,” said CMU President Roger Drake. Eligible candidates must currently be enrolled at one of CMU’s partner community colleges, be a sophomore with anticipated community college graduation status, and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or better. They also must have a recommendation from a community college representative, and meet the housing policy guidelines in the CMU student handbook. “Central Methodist University recognizes the value of the community college graduate and we want to be the institution that works with them to complete their four year degree,” Gulstad said. “CMU holds many exciting and new experiences for students, from Digital U, to Enactus, to Civic Engagement, Greek Life, Student Government, and so much more. You can be as engaged as you want – both inside and outside the classroom.”

Your gift to the

Central Annual Scholarship Fund helps CMU students achieve their dreams.

Give today at www.GivetoCentral.org

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DISTANCE IS NO OBSTACLE to First CGES Member of Alumni Board By SCOTT QUEEN Following the path less traveled is nothing new to Rush Walters, so it makes perfect sense that he has become the first alumni board member who didn’t attend the traditional Fayette campus. Walters is a 2015 graduate of CMU’s College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES). He loves Central and the opportunities the institution provided him; and he is excited about serving on the alumni board, reaching out to fellow alumni, and helping in any way he can. “I bring a different perspective,” he said. “I didn’t have the Fayette campus experience, but it is important for everyone to understand these different experiences are genuine, warm, and part of CMU. The common factor for all of us is helping alums remain in touch with Central’s mission.” Walters is from Sedalia and is a Smith-Cotton High School graduate. He attended State Fair Community College, then CMU’s Sedalia campus. He graduated with a degree in middle school education, and now teaches at his alma mater, Smith-Cotton. “But I don’t teach middle school education,” he said. “There was an industrial tech opening, and I got the job and was fortunate enough to be trained in Project Lead the Way, which is a national STEM curriculum for industrial tech.”

While Walters found his teaching passion, he stumbled into another passion – his future wife – on eHarmony. “I’m engaged to Mia Pereyra and she is in Bolivia,” Walters said. “She is also a teacher. We started talking on eHarmony and I saw Arkansas on her profile, and thought for a long time she was there. But after a couple of months I realized she only went to school in Arkansas and actually lived in Bolivia.” Distance didn’t deter them. The two continued their long-distance relationship and plan on marrying this summer in Mexico. While planning his wedding, teaching, coaching tennis, participating in CMU alumni matters, and volunteering at his church, Walters is also pursuing a master’s degree in higher education. He said CMU Provost Rita Gulstad helped connect him to the alumni board, suggesting that it might help him become more wellrounded in his pursuit of a master’s degree. “My long-term goal is to teach at the college level,” Walters said. “But I’m in no hurry.” Maybe he will end up on the Fayette campus someday after all – as a faculty member.

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Central Methodist University Alumni Board

By MAGGIE GEBHARDT

Alumni Board Elects New President, Vice President

entral Methodist University’s Alumni Board has elected a new president and vice president for three-year terms. Selection is based on demonstrated interest and commitment to the activities of the University.

Laura Blair (’86) President

“Central was ‘home’ from the moment I walked on campus.” Though she grew up in southwest Missouri, Blair calls Fayette “home.” Her brother, Dr. John Carter, and sister-in-law, Jerri Carter, live in Fayette, so she has always visited the area for the holidays, and also lived in Fayette for a few years after she graduated from Central. While a student, Blair studied theatre arts and was involved with Phi Beta fine arts fraternity and Theta Chi Upsilon social sorority. In 2003, she received a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. She currently works for Company Kitchen Food Services as senior manager of recruiting and development. Blair lives in Overland Park, Kan, with her four cats, Nigel, Finnegan, Molly, and Luna. In her free time, she serves on the board of Diva Pets Rescue, fostering and rescuing cats. Blair was a member of the Board for two years before she was elected vice president in 2015, and in January, she ascended to president. As president, her goal is to build connections with alumni and involve them in what’s happening on Central’s campus.

Addie Layne (’13) Vice President “Attending Central Methodist helped me gain experiences and connections that I would not have been able to achieve at any other University.” From Poplar Bluff, Layne studied marketing and advertising at Central – receiving her bachelor’s degree in business. As a student, she was a member of Alpha Gamma Psi, was involved in the Senate for Student Government, served as Greek Council Secretary, and also was involved in choir and Enactus. She currently works as a project manager for the Communications Department at Church of the Resurrection, and also volunteers with Junior League of Kansas City by serving as one of the chairs for their largest fundraiser, Holiday Mart. She lives in Overland Park, Kan. Layne joined the Board in 2014 – becoming involved by helping streamline the alumni nomination process for the Distinguished Alumni Awards, and assisting with events for the Alumni Association. She hopes to use the Board’s talents and passion to continue to find ways for alumni to connect back to their home at Central.

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Greetings, Alumni!

n behalf of the Alumni Association and its Board of Directors, I would like to invite you to connect and reconnect with your fellow alumni and with the school that brought us all together, Central Methodist. Lifetime connections are part of what makes our experience at Central special. Whether you met the love of your life, best friends, or mentors and guides, people are what made our experience. The Alumni Association’s Board of Directors is here to facilitate the connection between alumni and your alma mater. There are many ways for you to engage with Central and your fellow alumni. Let me share some examples: • Connect on social media! There are official and unofficial Facebook pages and groups. Follow us to learn more about official and casual events, as well as other opportunities to visit with alumni. • Attend Alumni events like Founders Weekend and Homecoming. There are always new and fun activities at these events. • Volunteer for on-campus events like the Career Fair or Band Day. One great reason for alumni to connect is to give back. Helping the next generation of Central grads succeed in the world is one of the best things you can do. • Plan get-togethers in your geographic location. The Mokers from the late 80s gather every year to ‘Celebrate Everything’ in honor of Todd Phillips, who left the world way too soon. What could you be doing with old friends? • Share your time and give gifts to ensure Central’s legacy so future students can create the same experience you had as a student. If you had a scholarship, consider giving to the endowment fund. Simply take a look at all the exciting things happening on campus to make Central a leader in innovation and competitive in the search for the best students. I invite you to get involved with the Alumni Association! We are looking for members from every decade, and we’d love to have you on our team. I challenge you to learn about events and opportunities to connect with Central. We look forward to hearing your stories, seeing your faces, and rekindling friendships. Please explore the website to see what’s available. Wherever you are in life, we all have one thing in common – our hearts belong to Central. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” On behalf of the Alumni Association and its Board of Directors, I look forward to connecting with you.

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

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Central Methodist University Alumni News

Alumni News & Notes

New officers for the Alumni Board in the 2017 Homecoming parade last fall—from left, Laura Blair ’86, president; Addie Layne ’13, vice president; and Julie Parrish McAnelly ’05, secretary. Owner Jim Steele ’64 points out that his Packard (in background) graduated in 1941.

1930s

Mary Margaret Brorein Abernathy ’39 is looking forward to her 100th birthday in November 2018. She lives at Saxony Village in Cape Girardeau, Mo. She and her friend Grace Albrecht were recently profiled in the Southeast Missourian, talking about their lives and the changes they’ve seen. Abernathy was born in Parma, Mo., and raised on a farm. To get to Central College, she had to spend two days on a train. Her daughter cites her active lifestyle as a main reason for her longevity.

1940s

Juanita Jean Sherrow Buster ’49, a 90-yearold retired elementary school teacher from

Kansas City, Mo., was recently profiled in The Chaffee County Times. She moved to Buena Vista, Mo., and substituted for the Buena Vista School District until she was age 70. She has continued to volunteer, working with students at Avery-Parsons Elementary School.

1950s

Bobby Grove ‘53 and wife Dorothy received the Friend of Agriculture Award from the Ray County Farm Bureau in 2017.

1960s

Fred Bergsten ’61 published two new books in 2017: Currency Conflict and Trade Policy and A Path Forward for NAFTA.

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He remains a Senior Fellow and Director Emeritus at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, D.C., of which he was the founding director in 1981 and CEO through 2012. He was also recently named to the Farmington High School Hall of Fame in Farmington, Mo. He attended the event, which coincided with the opening of a new fieldhouse. He was already a member of the Hall of Fame at the high school he attended before the family moved from New Rochelle, N.Y., to Farmington. Not many people can claim double Halls of Fame. The Reverend Dr. James Davis ‘61 has been included in Marquis Who’s Who.

Individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Pat Brackley ’71(left) and Stephen Percy ’70 visited campus last fall to discuss business practices with three different classes. Brackley is the owner of Brackley Construction in Mandeville, La., and just received CMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Percy is vice president and senior financial adviser at Merrill Lynch in St. Louis.

Jim Meng ‘62 retired in 2002 as a Labor Relations Arbitrator, Company side. He has been married to his wife Beverly for 49 years…and counting… with grandchildren. He has published a 690-page book on his family, going back to 1147 in Germany. He has also received two U.S Patents on ideas and is currently in the process of marketing them. He has had the good fortune to travel to 24 Western European countries and is planning on a return to Scotland in 2018. “Life has been good,” he said, “and to think it all started in a town named Fayette, at Central College who had some very tolerant professors!” David Groves ’64 and Jeanne Groves will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on June 29th. Leslie Perry ’67 has been sending Central copies of her books for years. Her latest pair encompass the life of her grandmother and can be found in the CMU library and the Fayette library—Marian Atkinson Fleece: Her Story and Marian Atkinson Fleece: Book Two. Sarah (Morrow) Anderson ‘68 will have been married to Wendell “Gary” Anderson for 41 years in August 2018. She taught business at West Platte R-II High School for 30 years, retiring in 1998. She was also a secretary at Local 101 Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program for eight more years, fully retiring in 2006. She and Gary have 38-year-old twin sons: Bradley Todd (Jennifer) Anderson (with 17-month-old son Sawyer Bradley Anderson) and Scott Morrow (Kelly) Anderson (with three girls--Rylee Nicole, 8, Reese Mya, 6, and Kayla Grace, 5, Anderson). They enjoy their family time.

1970s

Alan Yount ‘70 recently published his 111th poem. Five poems in the last year have been published in: JerryJazzMusician (A National Online Jazz Journal) and four

poems in: WestWard Quarterly Magazine. Earlier, he had several poems in: Spring: The Journal Of The e. e. Cummings Society. Jean (Borgelt) Gruenewald ’75 Opened a retail home goods shop, Coming Home, at 110 Orr St., Ste. 103, Columbia, Mo...come visit! Gary Gamble ’76 will be retiring from Bunge North America in September. David Griffin ’76 and Stephanie (Beaver ’76) Griffin’s, son Shawn was recently featured in “30 Under 30” in Hong Kong. He is a photographer, graphic artist, and model who has lived in Hong Kong since graduating with a Master’s Degree from Savannah School of Art in Design, Hong Kong campus. Kathy Porter ‘76 is the new Chaplain with Vitas Hospice. Before that she worked in the mental health field for 19 years as a case manager and therapist. She is a licensed clinical social worker besides being an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Tom Brumitt ‘78 was inducted into the 2017 Doniphan Sports Hall of Fame.

1980s

Joy (Riles) Dodson Flanders ‘83 and Prof. John Flanders will be welcoming their 11th grandchild, a boy, in July 2018 from Daughter Shelby Dodson ‘17.

Coach Jeff Sherman ‘83 was honored on February 14th for his 600th Career Win. Fredrick “Fred” Smith ‘85 will be the new assistant superintendent with the Boonville School District beginning in the 2018-2019 School year. Jerry ‘87 and Kristy (Hanks) Strickland ‘87 celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on September 17, 2017.

1990s

Jacob Fowler ‘94 was promoted to director of Campus Technology at the Kansas City Art Institute. Kristin Griffith ’95, currently the executive director of Young Women’s Resource Center, published an article in The Business Record, Des Moines, Iowa, called “Flex Your Resiliency Muscles,” primarily aimed at women of all ages who have suffered trauma in their youth, especially abuse, violence, or sexual abuse. The article defines “resiliency muscles” and gives ways to build and strengthen them. She received her master of public health from Boston University, and her M.B.A. from York University. She joined the Peace Corps after college, which led her down the humanitarian road. David Jones ‘95 was promoted to principal of the Ninth Grade Center for the Lincoln

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Central Methodist University Alumni News Melissa (Ward) Knight ‘02 was named Ardmore Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018. Christopher Draffen ‘03 and wife Tia (Baker) Draffen ‘05 announce the birth of son Daxon William born Oct. 17, 2017. Teresa (Kircher) Martin ‘03 and husband Cody announce the birth of daughter Grace Josephine born December 27, 2017. Dr. Ryan McLouth ‘06 completed his Ph.D. in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. Brad Dixon ’07, CMU associate dean of students, and his wife, Natalie, announce the birth of their daughter, Henley Rae Dixon, who joins brother Hayden. Alumna Audrey Freitag ’96 (left; with Provost Rita Gulstad and Dr. Joe Parisi, Vice President of enrollment management) received the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Distinguished Alumni Award, presented annually to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. Primary criteria for selec tion include outstanding professional accomplishments and outstanding contributions to her community. Freitag obtained her Associate degree from East Central College in Union and her B.S.N. through the CMU-ECC partnership in 1996.

County R-III School district for the 20182019 school year. Martha (Gregory) Senter ‘96 accepted the position of nurse manager of Senior Support with Parkland Health Center’s geriatric psychiatric department. Christina Dinkins ‘98 was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 144, in a special election on February 6, 2018. Heather (Thompson) McArthur ‘98 was named the interim CFO of the Columbia Public School District. Jen (Baker) Gill ’99, was recently elected to represent the northeast region on the Missouri State Teachers Association Board of Directors. She teaches fourth grade at Shelbina Elementary School in the Shelby County R-IV School District. She lives in Shelbina with her husband and three daughters.

Nicole (Long) Rader ‘99 has been named the associate dean for Academic Affairs at Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

2000s

Cara Owings ’01 was selected as one of the recipients of the “20 Under 40” Awards for 2018 by the Columbia Business Times. Her company, The Connection Exchange, was awarded the Outstanding Small Business Award through the AFP 2017 National Philanthropy Day Awards in Columbia, Mo. Owings now has “The Connection Exchange” also in Springfield, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Sedalia, and Warrensburg. Erin (Paulsmeyer) Gerloff ‘02 was recently hired as a Family Nurse Practioner with SSM Health Urgent Care in Jefferson City, Mo. Stephanie Harman ‘02 and wife Katherine “Katie” Chancey ‘05 announce the birth of daughter Elowen Iris born Dec. 13, 2017

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Clay Samson ‘09 is the clinical veterinarian for Merck Animal Health in DeSoto Kan.

2010s

Josh Holt ’06 will serve as the principal of Harrison Elementary School in Springfield, Mo., for the 2018-19 school year. Ben Pallardy ‘10 accepted the coaching position for the boys basketball program at Eldon High School in Eldon, Mo. R.C. Strand’10 and Assistant Professor of Nursing Lauren Strand ’12 welcomed their first baby boy, Landry Ewell Strand, on Jan. 30, 2018. Rebecca “Becky” (Moser) Jeske ‘11 and husband Matt announce the birth of son Maxon Ryan born March 2, 2018. James Kristopher Judd ’11, a Jefferson City native, interned with country duo Big & Rich in 2003. He also helped get the Jefferson City reference in the “Comin’ to Your City” song. Now, “Comin’ to Your City” by Big & Rich is set to headline Salute to America’s third annual Concert Inside the Walls on June 30 at the historic Missouri State Penitentiary site in Jefferson City. Judd worked as a freelance musician for six years while holding down various jobs in Nashville, returning to his

home state in late 2009 to finish college at CMU. There, he met his now-wife, Sarah, and they have three children — Joslyn, Jameson, and Lenora.

Benjamin Oliver ‘12 and wife Chanel (Daugherty) Oliver ‘15 announce the birth of daughter Melody Rose born Oct. 25, 2017.

Kara (Burke) Klein ‘11 was named Sedalia School District’s 2018 Educator of the Year.

Kelsey (Rork) Emmerich ’13 and husband Evan announce the birth of daughter Crosby Jane born Feb. 7, 2018

Dalton Armontrout ’12 has been hired as the new varsity boys and girls basketball coach for the Madison C-3 School District. Maggie Gebhardt ’12, CMU media content specialist, and significant other Adam Lorenz announce the birth of their first son, Julian Adam Lorenz, on Jan. 10, 2018. Jocelyn Huber ’12 has been welcomed into The International Nurses Association. She earned her Associate degree from Mineral Area College and her B.S.N. from CMU. She recently published in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare. She is a family nurse practitioner in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Summer (Lamberson) Kuntz ‘12 and husband Dustin announce the birth of son Dominic Jamieson born Dec. 16, 2017. Cody McCann ’12 has been hired as the next athletic director at Mark Twain High School, in the Ralls County R-II School District.

Sabrina Eaves Shockley ’14, CMU Stewardship Coordinator, and Aaron Shockley ’12 and M.Ed. ‘14, CMU Admission Representative, announce the birth of their first son, Charles Wayne, born March 4, 2018. Marty O’Connor Shaw ’14 married Ciera Marie Dawson on Oct. 7, 2017, in Branson. Connor works in sales at Ferguson Plumbing in Columbia. Taylor Corneilson ’15 has been hired by the Seymour R-II School District for the upcoming year as an elementary teacher. At CMU she was a four-year letter winner on the women’s basketball team.

employed by BKD Wealth Advisors as a Senior Advisor. They will live in North Kansas City, Mo. Kaitlyn Loeffler ’15 with an Environmental Science degree, has completed her Master’s in Environmental Science at The University of Kansas and just published a paper with co-authors Rahmani, Kastens, and Huggins on “An examination of the potential wetland development landscape around managed reservoirs in the central U.S. Great Plains” in Applied Geography (Vol. 93, 2018, pp. 16-24). Luke Bentley ’16 has been hired to be the first head men’s volleyball coach at William Penn University. Trevor Fritz ‘16 is the new strength and conditioning coach at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla. Nikolas Ferri ’17 has been hired by the Chillicothe School District to teach 7th grade social studies and coach the high school running backs of the football team.

Katelyn (Katie) Just ’15 and Alex Hunter ’14 were married Oct. 29, 2017, in Platte Wood United Methodist Church. She is an account manager for VML on the Gatorade Global Account, and he is

Parker Johnson ’17 married Emma Wyble ’18 on April 26, 2017. Parker is a member of CMU’s IT team. They were married by Rev. David Hutchison ’07, pastor of Linn Memorial UMC and executive director of Advancement and Alumni Programs. The two tied the knot, appropriately enough, on the stage of the Little Theatre on campus where they first fell in love.

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Central Methodist University In Memoriam

Saying Goodbye to Good Friends Ross Merle Masonholder (left), who coached the CMU football team for seven years and taught five years’ of classes before he retired as faculty emeritus in 2009, died at the age of 74 on March 26, 2018. He was a man of principles and inspiration for generations of students. In high school he starred in three different sports in Columbus Junction, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls in 1966 with a B.A. in physical education and biology. He gathered a pile of honors during his stay there. He went on to earn a Master’s in Physical Education and Health from Truman State University in 1969. He began teaching at area high schools, where his teams won a myriad of awards, including conference and state championships . In 1969 he coached his first teams at Coe College, Edgar Falls, Iowa, in football and wrestling. When he moved to Cornell College at Mt. Vernon, Iowa, he added track, adding to the flood of awards he amassed. He finally moved to Carroll University, Waukesha, Wisc, in 1980 where he became head football coach, head wrestling coach, athletic trainer, and athletic director, in addition to teaching classes and being in charge of weight training. He was named the Coach of the Year in 1988 and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2011. He came to Central late in his career in 2002 where he coached football and taught classes. His focus remained working with students and moving them forward.

Dr. Wendell William Weber ’45 received a B.A. in

Rev. Otto Steinhaus, age 88, earned a B.A. from then-

chemistry from then-Central College. From there he earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1950 from Northwestern University in Chicago, followed by his M.D. from the University of Chicago in 1959. He served his residence at the University of California in San Francisco. In 1963, he joined the Dept. of Pharmacology of New York University Medical School, becoming a full professor in 1973. In 1974, he moved to the University of Michigan as professor of toxicology and added a concurrent similar position in the school of Public Health. He researched the study of genetic traits with the goal of understanding variations in genetic susceptibility to the effects of drugs, foods, and other exogenous substances. His work helped developed today’s drug therapies that can be tailored to individuals. He died Jan. 28, 2018.

Central College in 1951. From there he got his M.Div. in 1954 from Garrett Evangelical and followed it with an M.A. in Chicago at Northwestern University. He served 44 years in the Methodist ministry, covering seven different churches. He served as pastor at the Missouri UMC in Columbia from 1968-78. He retired from the McKendree UMC in Jackson, Mo., in 1995. He died April 24, 2018, in Columbia, Mo.

Julie Melnyk, age 53, died way too young from pancreatic cancer on Dec. 22, 2017. She was born in Tampa, Fla., and was educated at Haverford College, Oxford University, and earned a Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. She was a muchloved scholar and teacher of English Literature at then-Central College from 1992-2001, and later at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

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Dr. Kenneth Dale Corwin Jr. ’61 was an acclaimed plastic surgeon whose results earned him a reputation that attracted patients seeking his skill and artistry from all parts of the U.S. His undergraduate degree was from Central in 1961, followed by his medical degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Ultimately he established an office at West Port Plaza where he performed surgery at DePaul Hospital for thirty years, including a stint as Chief of Staff. He is credited for inventing a scapel handle and wire twister that surgeons still use. He also took multiple trips to Haiti and Kosovo to help the children in need there. Even after he retired in 2009 he worked several years as a family medical doctor in Doniphan, Mo. He died on Jan. 22, 2018.

Luella (Lou) Jean Johnson Rogers earned a degree from Central in 1953. She married the love of her life, Clyde Edgar Rogers on Aug. 23, 1953, the two married until his early death in 1979. She taught 17 years in Boonville and Fayette with great passion for drama and love of the English language. She earned a master’s from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She worked as copy editor in Memphis, Jackson, and Gulfport, Miss., before retiring in 1992. She lived with her three daughters—Carolyn Telthorst, Dinah Rogers, and Lucy Joseph--in New Orleans until her death on Feb. 12, 2018. She touched many lives, especially in Fayette.

Kathryn Michelle “Mickey” Cochran ’76 died on Jan. 24, 2018, young in heart and spirit. She was friends with nearly everyone in Fayette and could be found most nights entertaining at Emmet’s on the Square. She had a degree in physical education. She taught both in Salisbury Schools and in Fayette. She also served as recreation director for the Chillicothe Corrections Center.

1930s Merry Dorris Duncan Schlosser ’39 of Lee’s Summit, Mo., died Jan. 16, 2018.

1940s James G. Lauderdale ’40 of Lexington, Mo., died Jan. 14, 2018. Ardis Wehrli Kimbell ’41 of Alpharetta, Ga., died March 9, 2018. Mary Frances Wheeler ’42 of Fayette, Mo., died March 21, 2018. Dorothy Jean Wall Symmonds ’43 of Rochester, Minn., died Jan. 18, 2018. Estelle Prewitt Davis Coombe ’44 of Paonia, Colo., died Feb. 6, 2018. Warren C. Bowen ’45 of Fullerton, Calif., died Feb. 16, 2017. Wendell W. Weber ’45 of Ann Arbor, Mich., died Jan. 28, 2018. (See p.24) Carl D. Bockman Jr. ’46 of Kingsport, Tenn., died April 7, 2018. Jeanne Pegues Lawing ’46 of Kansas City, Mo., died Dec. 9, 2017. William E. Fennel ’47 of Ann Arbor, Mich., died Oct. 15, 2017. Lawrence A. Hamre ’47 of Rochester, Minn., died Feb. 4, 2018. Janet B. Hendrickson ’47 of St. Charles, Mo., died Sept. 2, 2017. The Talon has received notice of the death of Dr. Duane D. Warden on Dec. 15, 2015. Melba June Hendrix Fleck ’48 of Boonville, Mo., died Jan. 10, 2018. B. Kenneth Hansen ’48 on April 11, 2016. Signe Mae Craig Rokosky ’48 of Boonville, Mo., died April 1, 2018. Alma Lou Leeper Stephenson ’48, Columbia, Mo., died Feb. 27, 2017. Victor V Straub ’48 of Kansas City, Mo., died Oct. 11, 2017. Anita L. Goetz Patt ’49 of Farmington, Mo., died Feb. 15, 2018. Luella Stotler Huskey ’49 of Prairie Grove, Ark., died April 9, 2017.

1950s

Daysie Cornwall Beckett ’50 of Kansas City, Mo., died April 22, 2018. Walker H. Craig Jr. ’50 of Monett, Mo., died March 16, 2018. Elizabeth A. May Edwards ’50 of Lake Winnebago, Mo., died March 29, 2018. Otto Steinhaus ’51 of Columbia, Mo., died April 24, 2018. (See p.24) Molly A. Weathers Coole ’51 of Fairway, Kan., died Jan. 9, 2018. Joan H. Wirth ’51 of Woodstown, N.J., died Nov. 6, 2017. James W. Engelhard Sr. ’53 of Roscommon, Mich., died Jan. 30, 2018. Helen J. Morrison Flaspohler ’53 of Kalamazoo, Mich., died April 18, 2018. Marilyn Steele Hill ’53 of San Antonio, Texas, died March 7, 2018. Luella Johnson Rogers ’53 of New Orleans, La., died Feb. 12, 2018. (See left column) Dorothy Anderson Iuchs ’54 of Sedalia, Mo., died Dec. 18, 2017. HuEna J. James Turner ’54 of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Nov. 21, 2017. Dr. Jim L. Shields ’56 of Tucson, Ariz., died Feb. 25, 2018. Mary E. Kizer Culp ’57 of Utica, N.Y., died Sept. 16, 2017. Richard A. Norton ’57 of Joplin, Mo., died Nov. 12, 2017. James Joseph Floyd ’58 of Monroe City, Mo., died Nov. 21, 2017. Ralph L. Colby ’59 of Saint Joseph, Mo., died Dec. 9, 2017. Dorothy L. Rupp Harrell ’59 of Wentzville, Mo., died March 15, 2018. Terry Montgomery Keeton ’59 of Bucyrus, Mo., died Nov. 8, 2017.

1960s Clara Dally Ogawa ’60 of Columbia, Mo., died Nov. 30, 2017. Lucy C. Bryan Barlow ’61 of Richardson, Texas, died Dec. 31, 2017. Kenneth D. Corwin ’61 of Rio Rancho, N.M., died Jan. 22, 2018. (See left column) Anita Allison Jarvis ’61 of Redwood City, Calif., died Oct. 9, 2017.

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Central Methodist University In Memoriam

Robert L. Miller ’61 of Fayette died April 22, 2018. Jo Ann Noce Burkart ’63 of Festus, Mo., died Jan. 8, 2018. John H. Hoelzen’63, of Davenport, Iowa, died April 21, 2018. The Talon has received notice of the death of Philip J. Mallette ’63 on Dec. 6, 2016. Harry E. Cook ’64 of Granite City, Ill., died Feb. 9, 2018. James Ralph Hertzler ’64 of Saint Louis, Mo., died Jan. 2, 2018. James Thomas Buckner ’65 of Florissant, Mo.,died Jan. 8, 2018. Paul D. Kloth ’65 of Sierra Vista, Ariz., died June 7, 2017. Mark A. Meinhardt ’66 of O Fallon, Mo., died Dec. 16, 2017. William E. Plank ’66 of Springfield, Mo., died July 22, 2017. J. Michael Griffith ’68 of Vandalia, Mo., died March 26, 2018. Joe B. Whisler ’69 of Granby, Colo., died Dec. 26, 2017.

1970s Douglas Van Rice ’70 of Van Buren, Mo., died Feb. 16, 2018. Gary D. Moss ’72 of Pevely, Mo., died Feb. 2, 2018. Kathryn Kormeier Bertrand ’73 of Washington, Mo., died Nov. 14, 2017. Michael K. McClanahan ’74 of Lee’s Summit, Mo., died Feb. 21, 2018. Bruce Allen Pettit ’75 of Brookfield, Mo., died Jan. 13, 2018. K. Michelle Cochran ’76 of Fayette, Mo., died Jan. 24, 2018. (See p.25) James F. Holtwick Jr. ’76 of Glasgow, Mo., died Oct. 20, 2017. Nance Ann McQuigg ’77 of New York, N.Y., died March 1, 2018. Richard C. Rhodes ’78 of Troy, Mo., died Dec. 26, 2017.

1980s Patricia A. Walje Wies ’83 of Rocheport, Mo., died Feb. 16, 2018. Eddie M. Groff ’84 of Columbia, Mo., died Jan. 17, 2018.

Meghann Kathleen Teague Hutchison ‘05 of Fayette, Mo., died Nov. 14, 2017. A friend to all and full of joy, she was especially close to those who work at CMU. After graduating from Central she worked for the Office of Admission. She lived in Kansas City where she re-connected with David Hutchison ’07 who was studying for the Methodist ministry. After they married, David accepted a position with CMU in the Advancement Office and also became the minister of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church. She was at his side to help. She worked briefly at Central again, but her failing health sidelined her. She will be missed by all of us. Gifts in Meghann’s memory can be made to the CMU Chorale Tour Endowment at www.GiveToCentral.org.

Tricia Lewis Halferty ’85 of Waterloo, Ind., died Feb. 20, 2018. F. Lavene Hanson ’86 of Lake Saint Louis, Mo., died Oct. 5, 2017. Kathy Knorp Adair Liebi ’87 of Boonville, Mo., died April 7, 2018.

2000s

Meghann Kathleen Teague Hutchison ’05 of Fayette, Mo., died Nov. 14, 2017. (See above)

2010s

Wendy A. Allcorn ’15 of Springfield, Mo., died Nov. 12, 2017. Braeden Richard Sconce ’17 of Columbia, Mo., died Feb. 27, 2018.

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Ronetta Head, valued member of CMU’s Fresh Ideas since 2005, died May 14, 2018. She attended CMU and had degrees in music and history. Memorials are suggested to the CMU Music Dept.

Former Faculty and Staff Richard R. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bunkâ&#x20AC;? Harvey of Glasgow died Dec. 11, 2017. He had spent a number of years employed by Central Methodist University. Dean B. Riggle of Glasgow, Mo., died April 18, 2018. The sister of well-known residents Clell Solomon and Jane Ann Welcelean, she spent a career with CMU from 1978-2001. Holly Masonholder of Fayette, daughter of Merle and Kathy Masonholder, died Nov. 4, 2017. She worked for a time at CMU in the Fresh Ideas Food Service. She was 44. David Bradley of Columbia, Mo., died Jan. 7, 2018. He was a part-time instructor at CMU in the Department of Nursing during 1994-95. ************

CMU Friends Richard Harvey of Glasgow, Mo., died Dec. 11, 2017. Katherine King Head of Hannibal, Mo., died March 15, 2018. Larry Hiltabidle of Waverly, Mo., died Oct. 7, 2017. John W. Kourik of Saint Louis, Mo., died Oct. 23, 2017. Jo Lafoy of Columbia, Mo., died March 7, 2018. Edith Marie Long of Higginsville, Mo., died Nov. 18, 2017. Elizabeth Wood Marshall of Saint Louis, Mo., died March 6, 2018. Dorothy L. Michel of Jefferson City, Mo., died March 17, 2018. Adalene Peeler Morris of Columbia, Mo., died Oct. 2, 2017. Harrell Newman of Fayette, Mo., died Jan. 2, 2018. Mary Lou Sallee of Ava, Mo., died April 6, 2018. Dr. Richard F. Taylor of Fayette, Mo., died Feb. 4, 2018, a beloved veterinarian and Fayette town leader. R. E. Voorheis of Harrisburg, Mo., died Nov. 26, 2017.

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Central Methodist University Alumni Memories

By CLAYTON SMITH

The Play that Saved The Day

nce upon a time a football player from Graceland University came to Central Methodist to play a conference football game. Members of his team came too, of course, but many said, “Bruce Jenner is the team!” I will always remember that game. My memory may not be correct, however. So this may have become more of a fable over the years than the facts allow. After all, I have heard and told so many stories over the years, I get a bit conveniently confused. I had made the football team as a freshman. I had played high school football on an undefeated team at Chillicothe. I survived CMU Football Camp—two weeks of three-a-day workouts. Torture. So, Bruce Jenner. The first half of the game was boring. It was Bruce Jenner running left, right, and up the middle. He had springs in his legs. Jenner ran fast with his knees so that he would punish anyone who tried to tackle him head on. His knees were pumping so hard, it was like getting in the way of your garden tiller. During our half time, our team got a lecture on how to tackle. No one seemed to know how to best tackle Jenner. I remember Coach Holmes calling on me to start the second half as a middle linebacker. I was instantly excited. I could not believe it. Then reality set in and my excitement sobered into fear. I realized that the coach could not let his best linebacker (All-American Keith Walk) get injured for the season. I was a sacrificial lamb. I began to panic. The second half started with the Eagles receiving the kickoff and completing 3-4 offensive series before punting the ball to the Yellow Jackets. It was time for me to do well or die for the Eagles. The first offensive play was up the middle. The way the Yellow Jackets’ linemen blocked, it looked like the parting of the Red Sea for Moses. I did tackle Jenner and he dragged me twelve yards. I was proud of myself for holding on. The second offensive play was up the middle. This time Jenner only dragged me eight yards. But as he got up, he punched me in the gut. Of course, no one saw it, but I felt it. My pain overcame my panic. I could feel my Irish temper kick in. My fear grew into anger. On the third play it was Jenner up the middle again. They knew where our team’s weakest player was--and they were taking advantage of me. What they did not know was I was known to have bursts of adrenalin when I got extremely angry, and I was now extremely angry. I got a head start running to the line and arrived full speed just as the ball was snapped so that I was not offside. I ran over the offensive guard and met Jenner. I was going strong and he had just received the handoff. “Surprise,” I said, as I hit him in the backfield. The whistle blew. I still had my hearing. But I could not see. My body cried out in pain, and I could not stop coughing. They carried me off the field. The only good news was that they had to carry Jenner off the field too! Their recruit from New York with a football scholarship was out of the game. The Eagle fans were cheering as I was helped to the bench.

Rev. Clayton Smith My best buddies, Tim Wally and Keith Walk, came over to try to help me. Tim was the first one I could recognize as I came back to consciousness. “Way to go, Clay; way to go, Clay,” they hollered over and over. Then as I recall, Coach Holmes came over to congratulate me on taking Jenner out of the game. Never mind the fact that I was coughing my head (I think it was still attached) off. Coach asked me what happened. I finally blurted out, “Jenner stepped on a pipe and twisted his ankle.” Coach said, “Well done, Smith! But there aren’t any pipes on the field.” I gasped out, “Coach, Jenner twisted his ankle when he stepped on my windpipe.” I coughed again as Keith and the Coach checked over me to make sure I could breathe. As I recall, and I am admitting my recall is in question, I survived that injury to go on to finish the football season. We had a winning season. But there was never another game like that one for me. When that game ended, all the CMU cheerleaders came over to me and gave me big hugs and kisses. I was in heaven. I confess, I think this memory is pure fantasy. Coach Holmes was one of the best coaches. If you have not given to his memorial fund, please do. I am grateful for so many great coaches and faculty that served CMU. I did not play football after that year. Instead I started preaching at a small church in the Ozarks my sophomore year. My junior and senior years, I served four country churches. I was smart enough to retire from college football after one year and find my real calling in life—ministry. This summer I will retire from pastoring--storytelling for Jesus—after serving churches for 50 years.

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The Class of 1959’s Newest Hall of Sponsor Honoree Ruth Elaine Bridwell-Kidwell

uth Elaine Bridwell-Kidwell, member of the Class of ’59, can trace her Central heritage all the way back to before the first World War, to a Mr. Paul Herzog, a relative who graduated from Central College in 1914.

Moving forward in Central’s history, it’s a common theme, with multiple members of Elaine’s, and her husband Wayne’s (Class of 1958), family trees having studied and graduated from the Fayette campus. The most recent graduate of the Bridwell and Kidwell families is Joel Kidwell, a United Methodist Pastor in Jackson, Mo., who, along with his wife, Suzie, both graduated from Central Methodist in 1989. This kind of family legacy is a source of pride for Elaine, with now ten relatives that have called Central home over the last century. It’s also this pride and sense of long-term connection that has led Elaine to make a point of continuing to support today’s students at Central through student scholarships. A total of 18 fully-funded scholarships have been created by the Class of 1959 over the years, and they are well on their way to a 19th in what is an extraordinarily unique program that they have created. Every year, graduates from 1959 contribute to the scholarship endowment. Each time it reaches the Hall of Sponsors level, a name from among the donors is drawn, and a new portrait hung in Brannock Hall, recognizing this incredible group and their continued commitment to their alma mater. This time it was Elaine’s name that was drawn from the hat. It is uniquely fitting that it was her name that was called to name the newest Class of 1959 Hall of Sponsors Scholarship.

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By Scott Queen

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Platt graduated from Central Methodist University’s College of Graduate and Extended Studies in 2012. He double majored in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, and earned his degree at CMU’s Lake of the Ozarks campus. He went straight into the classroom in the Camdenton R-III School District, working at Horizons Lake Education Center, an alternative high school. He was only just beginning to learn about his passion. “One afternoon I received a call from a young voice at Teach For America,” said Platt, who thought it was a scam and hung up the phone. “Thankfully, she called me back, explained more about the program, and assured me it wasn’t a scam.” That call started Platt on a journey out of “my safe, smalltown life” and sent him to a five-week training course in Los Angeles, Teach For America’s Summer Institute. “The experience changed my perspective on education,” he said. “It opened my eyes to something I hadn’t learned in any college classroom – how to consider the whole child and the community instead of just the curriculum.” While in L.A., Platt taught middle school mathematics to students in the Compton and Watts area. There were 10-foot iron fences around the school. It shaped him for his placement in Las Vegas Valley at Sunrise Mountain High School, teaching special education resource math.

He dove into as many leadership opportunities as he could, and volunteered in the community. Platt was selected as a member of Sunrise Mountain Innovative School Team, a select set of teachers and administrators who want to make positive change at the school. He was also getting involved in a Teach for America’s Veterans initiative called MiVet. “We had veterans and active duty service members in the classroom,” he said. “They added so much to the experience. All the while I was teaching an extra class during the school day in partnership with Communities in Schools (CIS), which is the nation’s Number One data-driven dropout prevention program.” While involved in CIS, Platt collaborated with Aimee Sage in the CGES admissions office at Central to “get our kids some exposure to college materials. Not only did Aimee send me some recruiting materials, I played some videos of CMU in the classroom.” “Almost every student in my Communities in Schools Guidance Class wanted to be contacted by the university,” he said. “They loved the campus, and we explored degree options, costs, and yes, I have shown them many pictures.” Platt is helping those less fortunate get a shot at other schools in Nevada, “but this year I have really focused on exposing my students to Central Methodist. With the advent of referring students via the alumni page, I referred all of my students who expressed interest.” “It is important to me that kids have favorable post-secondary outcomes,” Platt said. “After experiencing the culture and climate of Las Vegas, not as many people take advantage of higher education as in other parts of the country. My dream is that all of my students will reach their maximum educational potential, and then return to their communities to become agents of change and improve their own lives and the lives of others.” Robb Platt is living his dream. It’s not a job. It’s a career rooted in passion.

Help Central Continue to Thrive Alumni at Central Methodist engage their alma mater in many ways. One of the biggest ways you can contribute to our sustained success is by doing just what Robb Platt does – refer a student. It’s easy to do. Just fill out a quick form at https://alumni.centralmethodist.edu/ pages/refer-a-student Spring 2018 | The Talon The Magazine of Central Methodist University 33

Central Methodist University Planned Giving Spotlight

By SCOTT QUEEN

Brawners Honor Central’s Mission with Planned Gift

Pat ’61 and Chuck Brawner believe in the mission of Central Methodist University and plan to support CMU with a gift from their estate.

If you would like to discuss planned giving and leaving a legacy at Central, please contact Dr. Josh Jacobs at 660-248-6323 or contact our trusted partner PhilanthroCorp at 800-876-7958.

ithout hesitation, Patricia Trotter Brawner ’61 articulates the warm feelings she has for Central Methodist University. She says her love of Central is very personal, yet acknowledges it is something she shares with thousands of alumni across the country. Brawner and her husband, Chuck, a retired insurance executive, live in Ballwin, Missouri, but she is very clear that “Fayette is home.” The Brawners plan to support Central Methodist through their estate. The decision to leave a legacy, she said, was simple. “Central Methodist does a great job integrating Christianity, love of your neighbors, and love of self with academics,” she said. “It is where young people can build their future. We want to remain a part of that. It is our way of doing something.” Brawner remains loyal to Central, and believes that a gift to Central can help the institution continue its mission, and “position young people to be a credit to themselves, to the school, and to their country.”

A small-town girl from southeast Missouri, Brawner said she felt welcomed at then-Central College. “It was just the right size for me,” she said. “And it had a mission to create an atmosphere where Christian love supported learning and growing in both knowledge and faith. I flourished in this atmosphere and went on to graduate school and into teaching in Christian education.” Brawner had a lively career as an English professor. After receiving her bachelor’s degree at Central Methodist, she earned a master’s in English at Murray State University, and completed doctoral coursework at Saint Louis University. She taught at the College of DuPage, the University of Kentucky at Paducah, and Missouri Baptist College. Currently, Brawner and her husband live in a delightful retirement community and remain very busy there, with plenty of visits from their five children, all of whom live in the St. Louis area.

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State of the University

By DR. JOSH JACOBS

President Shares Positive, Optimistic ‘State of the University’

President Drake shared the State of the University address at “Evening with the President” events in Kansas City and Saint Louis.

resident Roger Drake proudly presented the State of the University address at the February Central Methodist University Board of Trustees meeting. While discussion included the increasingly complex national higher education landscape, and competitive pressure levied by public and private institutions within Missouri, the majority of the conversation was a celebration of growth and strength. Despite challenges to private liberal-arts education, President Drake focused on key performance indicators across Central’s operations that highlighted the value we add to our students, alumni, and region. • Serves over 8,000 unique students in Fayette, across Missouri, online and beyond • Academic preparedness of Central students is increasing • Consistent investment in student services has yielded positive retention trends • Tuition discount rate is lower than peers and aspirants (a good thing)

• Faculty compensation is competitive • Annual Federal Financial Responsibility score is the highest possible • Early predictors of fall 2018 enrollment are encouraging The numbers are only important because they make it possible for us to change the lives of students that enroll here. The true success of Central is in the student stories President Drake shared. Stories of students that didn’t know how they would pay for college, but earned scholarships at Central that made their dreams come true; and students who had not realized their own potential, but due to personal interactions with faculty, they emerged from their shells. While President Drake, the Board, and senior leadership of the University are proud of our progress and success, we are not satisfied. We will continue to push and grow in order to extend the reach of our mission to more and more students. Central Methodist continues pursuing our mission of preparing students to “make a difference in the world.”

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LENDING A HAND Life Prepares Alumnus to Make an Impact in Puerto Rico By Adam Huckfeldt Recent events have forever changed who I am and how I walk through the jungle of life. I would like to share part of me with you, because I would not be who I am today if it were not for my time at Central Methodist University. I came to Central in the fall of 2002 and graduated in the spring of 2007. I was heavily involved with Greek Life at Central as a member of both Chi Delta and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. As a freshman, I thought I wanted to be a music educator but I realized that career choice was not meant for me. After changing my major, I focused on math and psychology, graduating with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies focused in math, psychology, music, and education. My life after college has been amazing. I invented a product now sold around the world. I invented the dog

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toy Tether Tug, which allows your dog to play tug of war with itself. I got married to an amazing woman I would never have met had I not attended Central. I have worked hard and made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of people. Most recently I undertook a critical mission that would not only save the lives of complete strangers, but would ultimately change who I am at my core. When I graduated, I was ready to charge head first into the “real world.” I thought I could stand up to any challenge. However, life had a few tough lessons lined up for me. I had a pretty good job after school as a financial adviser in Columbia. But some people just aren’t cut out for sales. Upon receiving some sound advice, I went back to school, became a licensed EMT, and got a job in the emergency room at Boone Hospital Center. In 2015, I accepted a job at Harry S. Truman V.A. Center in the ICU. Daily, I help my patients eat, I bathe them, I provide emotional or spiritual support, I help them walk, I hold their hand, I make them smile. Sadly, many of our patients are facing their own mortality and are fighting for their lives. I have seen patients beat the odds and come walking back to say thank you, and I have seen the inconsolable grief of family members at the bedside of their fallen hero.

I got a chance to join the DEMPS program-Disaster Emergency Medical Personal System. In times of great calamity, we are there to help people with various medical necessities. DEMPS teams are made up of VA staff from all over the country. Ninety-five percent of the time when DEMPS teams are deployed we go to VA hospitals in the disaster zone. The remaining five percent is to assist the Department of Health and Human Services at a Federal Medical Shelter. It is truly an amazing feeling when the person you are doing CPR on comes back to life. But that pales in comparison to what I was about to face. On October 12, I received orders to deploy with a DEMPS team in response to Hurricane Maria. I grabbed my gear, kissed my bride of four months, and less than 24 hours after getting my orders, I was on a plane bound for Puerto Rico. I arrived in San Juan and did not know a single person on the island, but by the end of my deployment, every member of my team would become some of the closest friends I will ever have. The devastation in Puerto Rico was on a scale that you have to see to believe. In talking with one of the officers in charge, I made the innocent comment “Man, the destruction here in San Juan is crazy.” He looked me in the eyes, and said, “If you think this is bad, just wait

until you see where they are sending you!” We were being sent to Manati, a town along the coast in the middle of the island about an hour west of San Juan. We would work at a field hospital set up inside a basketball arena. FMS Manati was open 24 hours a day and accepted anyone who needed help. We treated minor wounds, fractures, the homeless, patients dependent on ventilators, major illness, trauma, nursing home residents, the terminally ill, people with cancer, mental illnesses, life-threatening conditions. We treated just under 7,000 patients during my time there. Juxtaposed with the high number of patients, we dealt with stressors that taxed us on every level. We had major supply issues, and we struggled to find food. When we finally got something other than military MREs, it was very often rice and beans. The water supply was poisonous, and we relied on bottled water. We showered in cold water filled with nasty microorganisms, when we even had running water. Electricity was a constant issue. We ran on generators most of the time, and ultimately, electricity would be the downfall of our field hospital. I am forever changed by what my patients went through. Forever changed by the destruction. Forever changed by the men and women I served with. Forever changed by

what we did there. I may have come home, but a huge part of me stayed on the island. The man who came home was not the same man who left on October 13. Puerto Rico and the people of Puerto Rico have a very special place in my heart. I will never forget them or those I served with. May God bless each and every one of them, and may God be there for the people of Puerto Rico. They have adopted a saying, “Puerto Rico Se Levanta” or “Puerto Rico Will Rise.” Since graduation, my life has been a complex sequence of events. I may not always know in which direction God is going to take me, but that makes life interesting. I think Steven Tyler said it best with his band Aerosmith when he wrote the lyrics “Life’s a journey not a destination.” I have complete faith God will provide for me as long as I keep doing what He wants me to do. My time at Central was pivotal in becoming the man I am today. My education was top tier. I can honestly say that I feel Central Methodist University far exceeds other institutions of higher learning. Although I studied a variety of subjects, the subject I studied most was “Life.” Central helped shape me into a productive member of society. I acquired vital social skills. I am proud to say that I am an Eagle.

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Central Methodist University

By CATHY THOGMORTON

A Lifetime of Central Friendships

President Roger Drake talks with Mary Edith Robins at her celebration while family members look on.

ary Edith Robins, Central College class of 1939, turned 100 this spring. Still sharp and spry, she sat down recently with President Roger Drake and Dr. Josh Jacobs, who visited to wish her happy days and talk about Central Methodist University. She has stories—lots of them—from her days at Central, some of which she shared. But the most important lesson she taught that day was that if she had it to do over, she would go to Central again. “My benefits have been, not only did I have a good academic availability, but

I also made the greatest friendships that have lasted me my lifetime,” she said. “I would say that’s the greatest benefit I got from a small college. My memory of college—of all the places I’ve been—probably is the best at Central.” This is not the opinion of an innocent, sheltered woman. Robins has traveled all over the world, both with her husband, J.D. Robins, class of 1938, whom she met at Central, and by herself after his death some 20 years ago. They were happily married for almost 60 years. Before she married, Mary Edith became a teacher in Sweet Springs and Kansas City,

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teaching English and math, and also taught in a one-room country school. “This was poor times,” she said. “The poor kids had lard sandwiches for lunch.” She said her mother fixed soup every day and brought it to the students to eat. “When the kids grew up,” she remembers, “they brought Mother Christmas gifts one year.” That speaks well of humanity-and is a true reflection of Mary Edith. Her father was equally kind and wise. He was a farmer and a mail carrier. When she went to college, she said, “We always said that it was the best money he ever spent. My sister and I had come from a really small high school. First, I went to

Stephens for one semester. I didn’t have money as most of those girls did. They came from the East. There were not people who were local.” “It was not a particularly unhappy time—I still have a good friend who lives in Southeast Missouri who went to Stephens with me. However, after she spent two years there, I talked her into coming to Central. I was a recruiter, too!” “When I got through,” she continued, “I had the makings of a husband (J.D.), but I didn’t yet have one. I went to Warrensburg because I needed hours for teaching, and then I taught school.” “My memory of college, of all the places I’ve been, is the best at Central. What friendships we made! Finest thing Central ever gave us. Enduring friendships. I’ve had many friends, but the ones from Central were the ones that lasted.” Mary Edith was an Alpha while at Central. The girls, who lived in Howard-

Payne, had a house mother who signed them in and out. It was a compromise between a girls’ school and a co-ed school. Mary Edith did admit, though, that the young men were known to climb up the fire escape at Howard-Payne and talk through the windows to the young women. “Third floor was for sororities,” she explained. “Everyone got along. They were so good to me. It was a good school to send someone from a small town. And it was a nice little launching pad. From there I went all over the world.” After their marriage, J.D. became head of Goodwill Industries in Kansas City. During that time, they became friends with George Kessinger, Central Methodist College class of 1964, former president and CEO of Goodwill, also a Central alumnus, and his wife. Mary Edith and J.D. eventually traveled across the United States helping stabilize troubled Goodwill agencies. Later they spent about a year in Kuala

Lumpur while connected to the United Nations and did humanitarian work. After J.D.’s death, Mary Edith just kept working. “Then I went overseas for Goodwill into Southeast Asia and England,” she remembers. “Americans were well treated then. It was my favorite time of working, I think. I felt safe and included.” At age 100, Mary Edith claims she has no problems with her sight or hearing, that she can bite anything with her own teeth. She occasionally uses a wheelchair for convenience, not necessity; and she reads two books at a time. “I was always able to make a good living,” she summarized, “and proud to put down Central College as where I went. I think [Central] made my life fuller, and the friends I made there are still my friends (or their kids are my friends). They are the best things in my life.”

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By David Hutchison

itting at a sidewalk café, looking out over the city she has called home for more than a decade, Tiffany Delcour reflects on the journey that’s taken her to the Crescent City, and the unique opportunities along the way that made it possible. From the slow pace of the rural Missouri farming community she grew up in, to the bustle of professional life in one of America’s largest, most diverse cities, there’s an amazing story. A native of Houston, Mo., a small rural community tucked away in southern Missouri, she laughs as she remembers Central Methodist University initially being one of the most expensive schools to which she applied. “After all the aid and grants, it became the most affordable option for me,” she said. Reluctant to enroll at a larger university, the size and friendliness of the Fayette campus made her feel instantly at home. And it was a chance encounter while at Central that started Tiffany on her path to New Orleans. “CMU had a joint program with Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, which brought Tulane

graduate school leadership to campus. I met with the dean of the Environmental Public Health School as a result of Health Services Career Day; and by the end of that conversation, I had already begun to apply to Tulane,” she said. “After graduation in 2004, I moved to New Orleans to begin my master’s in public health, one year before Hurricane Katrina.” Like so many living in the Big Easy in 2005, Katrina changed everything about how Delcour had planned things out. “Living in Post-Katrina New Orleans changed my perspective on what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. After finishing her master,s in 2006, she wanted to do “real world” work, so she entered a Ph.D. program in Toxicology. It was while working on her degree that she began volunteering with the U.S. Green Building Council to help solve post-Katrina issues in school facilities within the Louisiana Recovery School District (RSD). “I helped the school district apply for a grant with the Environmental Protection Agency to focus on improvements to indoor

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air quality in schools. The district was awarded the grant, and gave me the opportunity to manage this work directly as an employee. In order to make a difference, I had to become familiar with the day to day operations of the school district; and at the end of the grant period, I became the Chief of Staff of Operations, and my career has continued from that point.” Today, she is the Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Louisiana Recovery School District. In this role, she’s responsible for ensuring that all students have access to high-quality facilities and that those facilities are preserved and maintained for the future. The Recovery School District is a very unique school district, in that all of the schools are public charter schools managed by local boards made up of New Orleans civic and business leaders. Unlike a traditional school district, where the district manages all aspects of facilities and operations, the RSD provides public school facilities to charter operators through a contract and sets standards for the care and preservation of these facilities.

Following Katrina, the State of Louisiana - not the local school board - reopened most schools, which are governed by the Recovery School District. In 2010, the District was awarded $1.8 billion (yes, a B) to rebuild schools post-Katrina. It’s a unique, pilot form of K-12 education that’s being tested on a city-wide scale. To listen to Delcour talk about it, one gets the sense that the true heart and soul of the people of New Orleans is invested in its success. “As a district, we are committed to excellence and equity, and we focus on both as it relates to academics and access to high quality facilities,” she said. “It’s my job to ensure that our students have access to high-quality buildings and that these facilities are preserved for future generations of New Orleanians. In the past few years, we have rededicated local tax revenue to ensure the city continues to invest in school facilities and created ground breaking policy for the ongoing management and care of these buildings.” Beyond the logistics and the nuts and bolts that come from reopening and maintaining a complex system of buildings and charters, she

simply loves the challenge in a unique school district like this. There is no other district like it in the country, where an entire city’s school system is operated completely through charters. Working with local school and civic leaders, Tiffany’s been a part of helping design a system that provides the city’s schools with the flexibility and autonomy to manage school programs, but that also creates non-negotiable standards for the care and preservation of public school facilities. “At the end of the day this work is made easier with each new facility ribbon cutting and being able to witness the joy and smiles of our students when they get to see their new school for the first time. “ And, like nearly every industry in the city, leaders have an eye toward the future, and how to prevent the kind of devastation they experienced in 2005. With the severe climate of the region, the threat of natural disasters continues to present ongoing challenges to the city’s leadership. This means that, in addition to her day-to-day role, she’s also responsible for the District’s Emergency Preparedness.

“Yeah, I start sleeping a lot less in August and September, during prime hurricane season,” she said. One of the things Central alumni often stress is how much they appreciate their oncampus opportunities to engage in a variety of activities as a student. That is just as true for Delcour, who two years ago, began serving on the board of directors at Luke’s House, a clinic for healing and hope. “I wanted to find a way to get better connected to healthcare,” she said. The city’s only “free clinic,” Luke’s House is doing truly innovative work, providing routine medical care several nights a week, as well as specialty nights for women’s health and eye care. Perhaps most interesting is the “street medicine” program, which takes physicians and nurses out onto the streets of New Orleans to bring healthcare to the city’s large and struggling homeless population, treating everything from addiction to wound care and emergency referrals. Delcour is a living example of Central’s mission, making a difference in the world.

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Central Methodist University Faculty Spotlight

By MAGGIE GEBHARDT

Making an Impact

John Flanders Influences Students Day In, Day Out

ost would agree a great professor is someone who can reach into the minds of students with unique teaching methods, a sense of humor, and life lessons that go far beyond the pages of a textbook. John Flanders, professor of business and economics at Central Methodist University, is considered by many to be one of those professors. Since 1981, Flanders has been cultivating successful business students and building lasting relationships as he expands his student family. Over the years, he’s become deeply invested, spending more than half of his life and most of his professional career dedicated to CMU. “I often spend more time on campus than I do at home,” he said. “Beyond teaching classes, serving on committees, and advising students, it means concerts, plays, lectures, and award ceremonies. It means football and volleyball games in the fall, basketball games in the winter, and softball and basketball games in the spring.” Flanders’ love for Central is also a family affair; his daughter and stepdaughter both graduated from CMU, and his wife, Joy, is the student success coordinator for the Center for Learning and Teaching. Thirty-seven years have been spent creating the reputation he

so strongly carries – one so many former students look back on with gratitude and respect. “He helped prepare me, not only with my academics, but for my future outside of CMU,” said Madison Lester, a business management major who graduated in 2016. “He took the time to get to know me – my interests and life goals – and to help propel me through my undergraduate career. It was truly an honor to work with such an amazing professor and mentor.” Caleb Henke, a business finance major who also graduated in 2016, said Flanders was incredibly insightful – not only in helping him map out his path to graduation, but in preparing him for life. “He told me to keep in touch and if I ever had any questions about economics, all I had to do was contact him,” Henke said. “He’s a great asset to CMU and I sure wish I could take an economics class with him again.” This kind of impact on students is exactly what Flanders said he strives for – hoping to be a positive influence and memorable educator as he develops successful Central graduates. “I hope they think of me when they read or hear something, and respond by considering how an economist would analyze the situation,” Flanders said. “I hope they remember my sense of humor and my deep love for the field of economics.” In line with Central’s mission, Flanders tries to model a behavior that reflects both ethical leadership and social responsibility. “I try to broaden the horizons of my students and offer concrete examples of how CMU graduates can go out and make a difference,” he said. Before joining then-Central Methodist College, Flanders taught at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville from 1978-1981. Initially, he was hired as an assistant professor at Central, later becoming associate professor, and finally being promoted to professor. He has served as director of the Honors Program, director of the CMU111/411 Program, faculty representative to the Board of Trustees, and Chairperson of the Division of Accounting, Business and Economics. He has been a faculty member of Sigma Epsilon Pi, which is the CMU academic honor society for the top 10 percent of graduating seniors. Currently, he is the co-director of the Freshman Experience Program – making the academic schedules for incoming freshmen. Flanders received a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree in 1971 from Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University – where he graduated summa cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He also received a Master of Arts degree in economics from Stanford University.

42 The Talon The Magazine of Central Methodist University | Spring 2018

Central Methodist University

By SCOTT QUEEN

Large Crowd for ‘Lessons From Ferguson’

Former Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson signed books for members of Pi Lamda Alpha, the CMU fraternity for criminal justice majors.

crowd of 150 community members, students, faculty, and staff was on hand as retired Ferguson, Mo., Police Chief Thomas Jackson keynoted “Lessons from Ferguson” on March 8 at the Inman Student and Community Center. The event was an open forum and panel discussion on building community-based partnerships. Jackson served as chief during the tumultuous times following the shooting death of Michael Brown in 2014, which prompted protests and riots throughout the town. Jackson, a 36-year law enforcement veteran, attended then-Central Methodist College from 1974-76. Other

members of the panel were Dr. Ron Webb, a pastor in Poplar Bluff; Rev. David Ballenger, pastor of Log Providence Missionary Baptist Church; Director John Worden of the MU Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute, Professor Teri Haack, Central Methodist University criminal justice; Professor Collin Brink, communications; and Professor John Flanders, CMU business and economics. CMU Professor Marco Tapia was the moderator of the event, which was sponsored by Pi Lambda Alpha, the CMU fraternity for criminal justice majors.

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Central Methodist University

By MAGGIE GEBHARDT

Alumna Receives Top Teaching Honor Jana Fox Awarded Outstanding Educator Of The Year

Left, Jana Fox. Right, Jana Fox conducts her Helias High School Choir to a top rating at the CMU Music Day.

hat do you get when you mix an excellent education with talent, passion, and hard work? You get Jana Fox. In February, Fox was named the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) Outstanding Educator of the Year. She received the honor during the MMEA Conference held at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. The 1983 Central alumna’s life has always been filled with music – whether she was a young girl admiring her mother as the church choir director, or a Central Methodist student playing the saxophone and bassoon as she studied music education. “I was just sort of born into music,” Fox said. “It’s always been an important part of my life.” Today, she shares her passion and talents with the choir students she teaches at Helias High School in Jefferson City. “She is one of those rare music educators that embraces both the process and the performance,” said Cayla Carr, a current

CMU music education major who was taught by Fox in high school. “Her contribution to Helias and the Missouri Music Educators Association is one of immense dedication and genuine love for the arts of both music and teaching.” Fox said she was both extremely surprised and excited to be honored in such a huge way. “I’ve taught for a long time, and it’s really nice to be recognized,” she said. “I’m also very humbled; there are so many outstanding music educators in the state of Missouri.” For much of her professional success, she gives credit to Central Methodist – where she said she received a well-rounded education that insured she was prepared for a variety of careers in music. “I learned a lot there,” she said. “They really prepare students for whatever job opportunities are available because they cover it all.” According to Fox, it was a combination of learning in the classroom, performance,

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and supportive mentors who helped her pave her way. She specifically thanked the late Choral Director Dr. Paul Drummond, the late Band Director Prof. Keith House, and her adviser, Dr. Ron Shroyer, emeritus dean of the Swinney Conservatory. “Those three were probably the most influential for me,” she said. Beyond her love for Central’s music and education, Fox also found another love during her time as a student – her husband, David, who graduated in 1984. The two began dating during Fox’s senior year, and were married the next year in Linn Memorial Church on campus. With memories of Central in the back of her mind, Fox said she wants to continue instilling a love for music in others. She hopes to help many follow their dreams and potentially find a fulfilling career in music, just as she did. “I want students to understand this is an area they can do for the rest of their lives; there will always be a place for you,” she said. “You can always have music.”

Reverend James Encourages All To Dream Like Dr. King

f you truly want to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “go somewhere and do something for somebody else,” said the Reverend Ivan Lee James, who spoke at Central Methodist University’s 11th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Hosted by the African American Student Union (AASU) and the Center for Faith and Service, the event drew an estimated 100 students, faculty, and community members, encouraging them to

Peyton Warren of Lincoln High School Named Eagle Select Scholar Wins Full-Tuition Scholarship for Four Years

stand for equality and make a difference in the world. Two awards were presented in memory of AASU’s founding adviser. The Lealure Tindall Memorial Award recipients both demonstrated a commitment and passion to serving others in the spirit of Martin Luther King. The Outstanding Servant Award went to the late Ronetta Head, who was honored for her servant heart, deep passion, and willingness to go above and beyond. The Public Service Leadership Award went to Tyrone J. Flowers, who was recognized for demonstrating his belief and support of AASU and CMU in numerous ways. In his speech, Rev. James empowered the audience by saying, “Dr. Martin Luther King didn’t want to be the only one who had a dream, but he wants you to work on the dream that you have. You can make a difference.” Rev. James is a member of the Saint Louis Minority Business Council, serves as the lay pastor of Asbury UMC in St. Louis, and is a member of the CMU Board of Trustees. “I’m glad that at Central Methodist we can have an event like this that celebrates the life of such an incredible man,” said CMU President Roger Drake. “We’re so appreciative that another incredible man, Rev. James, came and delivered the keynote speech for us. I think it was a great day.” Speaking directly to the younger generation, James said, “Don’t let (anyone) turn you around. Don’t be ashamed. Be friendly with each other. Don’t be afraid to speak out.”

he Eagle Select Program at Central Methodist University pits some of the most outstanding high school seniors against the challenges of high grade point averages, ACT scores, interviews, and testing. The winner comes away with more than bragging rights. He or she takes the prize of four years of tuition-free attendance at Central, valued at more than $94,000. Peyton Warren, a senior at Lincoln High School, won the spring CMU Eagle Select award. The competition was held in February, and Peyton shined among two dozen other outstanding students from across the United States who participated in the competition. Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for enrollment management, surprised Peyton and her family by visiting Lincoln and presenting the award. Her classmates gave her a standing ovation. “I was very impressed with Peyton, her grandparents, and her whole family,” Parisi said. “I am very confident she will thrive at Central.” To compete, Peyton and the others were required to have at least a 3.5 grade point average and a minimum ACT score of 26. Contestants come to CMU the day of competition to undergo a series of interviews and tests involving math, verbal, and written skills. Peyton wowed a number of CMU faculty, staff, and administrators with her knowledge and poise, Parisi said. Peyton is president of Lincoln High School’s National Honor Society, and captain of the BEST Robotics team. She plays the flute in the school band, and participates in Future Business Leaders of America, Math Club, Art Club, and A+ Tutoring. She enjoys reading, writing poetry and short stories, and drawing.

Spring 2018 | The Talon The Magazine of Central Methodist University 45

Central Methodist University

By MAGGIE GEBHARDT

Fleer Lecture Examines Lynching Dr. Angela D. Sims Shines Light On Cultural Divide

Dr. Angela Sims delivers the spring Fleer Lecture.

t’s no secret that divisions between mankind exist. While many have put forth considerable effort to close gaps and unite people no matter their faith or ethnicity, correcting the damage of past mistakes proves to be a weary process. As society evolves and transforms, pieces of history still sting the hearts of those who carry memories of injustices and cruelty. But according to Dr. Angela D. Sims, Ph.D., helping people heal is just as crucial today as it always has been. Sims delivered, “Then and Now: Black Bodies, Violence, and Racialized Rhetoric” during Central Methodist University’s Gilbert and Ruth Fleer Lecture Series on April 10 at CMU’s main campus in Fayette. A large crowd made up of students, faculty, staff, and the public listened intently as she covered topics including faith, race, and violence – specifically, lynching. Lynching is defined as killing someone, especially by hanging, for an alleged offense without a legal trial. These killings are typically described as being carried out by a mob, or group of individuals, seeking what they perceive as “justice.” Because there is no simple way to discuss lynching, Sims wanted

to play an audio of a personal narrative – an excerpt from Katherine Louise Clark Fletcher, which told the story of a lynching that occurred in St. Joseph, Mo. when Fletcher was a young girl. Without a trial, or even questioning, two African-American boys were arrested and accused of attacking a young girl who was late to get home from a movie. She said she was attacked by the two boys in an alley – her explanation for being late. This particular alley, though, was out of her way to get home, so to many, the young girl’s story didn’t add up. “It was generally accepted by the black community that she was just making up a story because she was late getting home,” Fletcher said in her account. But that didn’t matter. The boys were arrested, and news of the alleged attack quickly spread. According to Fletcher, after a series of events, law enforcement turned the boys over to a mob, who chained one of the accused to the back of a car, dragged him through the streets of the black community, and hung him by a tree on the courthouse lawn before setting him on fire. After playing Fletcher’s audio for the crowed, Sims said “at its best, history is always an incomplete record,” and that countless stories such as this exist all over the country – too many remaining untold. According to Sims, without telling such stories, and without creating an understanding of injustices that have plagued so many over the years, racism and violence will continue on, fueled by an ignorance that could be altered by communication. Maybe then, one by one, people would begin to feel differently. Maybe then, wrongs could be made right, and painful memories could begin to fade away. So, what now? What can individuals who hope for change do to make a difference? According to Sims, answers lie in untold stories, both in every-day conversation and in education, and in truly listening to personal accounts with an open mind. Possibly then, over time, healing can take place, and hate can lessen, one individual at a time. Sims, one of the nation’s leading researchers on the ethical complications of lynching, is the vice president of institutional advancement at St. Paul School of Theology in Overland Park, Kan. She is an active member and contributor to several academic guilds and faith-based community organizations. Gilbert and Ruth Fleer, Bentonville, Ark., are the founders of CMU’s Fleer Lecture Series. Both are CMU alumni, and Gilbert was assistant professor of religion at Central from 1959 to 1965. The 2018 lecture was co-sponsored by CMU’s English, Foreign Languages, Philosophy and Religion division, and by the CMU Advancement and Alumni Relations Department.

46 The Talon The Magazine of Central Methodist University | Spring 2018

CMU Extends Articulation Agreement With Jefferson College Broadening Connections with Community Colleges

Clinical Counseling Master’s Degree Program Earns Accreditation Only Multi-Site Program in State

T Central Methodist University President Dr. Roger Drake (front, left) joins Jefferson College President Dr. Raymond Cummiskey (front, right), and other representatives from CMU and Jefferson, to sign an extended articulation agreement.

entral Methodist University in Fayette and Jefferson College in Hillsboro signed an extended articulation agreement on January 29, which benefits students by enabling them to begin their education at Jefferson College and easily complete it with Central Methodist. Signing the agreement were CMU President Dr. Roger Drake and President Dr. Raymond Cummiskey of Jefferson College. Dr. Rita Gulstad, Provost at CMU, noted that these types of agreements make it easy for students to complete a bachelor’s degree. “Students earn their first two years at Jefferson College and are then able to seamlessly transition to CMU and complete their bachelor’s degree in two years” she said. “It is through partnerships, such as the one with Jefferson

College, that students can advance themselves in the workplace.” Currently, Jefferson College, a community college in Jefferson County, offers associate degrees in arts, teaching, fine arts, science, and applied science. Jefferson and CMU already had articulation agreements in nursing and the health sciences. The further coupling with CMU will allow Jefferson students to transfer their credits and continue on to receive their bachelor degrees in any of their areas. The University has articulation agreements with every community college in the state of Missouri. When students finish their associate degrees, they can continue with CMU by way of the St. Louis campus in Maryland Heights, the main campus in Fayette, other locations, or online in order to earn Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees.

he Master of Science in Clinical Counseling degree program at Central Methodist University, operating in Columbia, Maryland Heights, Park Hills, and Sedalia, has received notice of accreditation by the board of directors of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). In a letter to CMU President Roger Drake, CACREP said the institution’s faculty members are to be congratulated for the time, energy, and commitment given to meet accreditation requirements within a prescribed two-year period. “We are delighted for our students and our hard-working faculty,” said Provost Rita Gulstad. “This increases the value of an already incredible degree.” Dr. Angela Schubert, program director, said CACREP accreditation makes the program even stronger. “We have been preparing for this for five years,” she said. “It validates that our students are experiencing a unified and consistent level of training, which in turn makes them more valuable in the field.” Central Methodist has more than 100 students in the program at its four locations. Dr. Jessica Taylor, who is CMU’s CACREP liaison, said no other clinical mental health counseling master’s degree program in Missouri has accreditation at multiple locations.

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Central Methodist University

By MAGGIE GEBHARDT

Humanities Conference Highlights Students’ Best Work Eighth Annual Event Brings Local Colleges Together

Central Methodist University students (from left) Dillon Drew, a senior religion and church leadership major from Clifton Hill; Jesse Corkill, a junior philosophy major from Marshall; Natalie Van Horn, a junior marine biology major from Raymore; and Morgan Miller, a sophomore physics major from Bates City, lead a panel discussion titled, “The Good Life in Chinese Philosophy” during CMU’s eighth annual Humanities Conference held Friday, April 20, on CMU’s main campus in Fayette

t’s been said when great minds unite, amazing things can happen. Central Methodist University’s Humanities Conference proves this to be true. Central’s Humanities Division held the eighth annual event on April 20, which also welcomed students from Columbia College and William Woods University to Inman Student and Community Center on the Fayette campus. “Putting on a conference like this is a tremendous amount of work, so we’re very grateful CMU does it,” said Dr. Peter “Pete” Monacell, chair of the Language and Communication Studies Department at Columbia College. “It gives our students a venue to present their work in a professional setting to an audience of interesting and educated people, which builds character.” Students who participated shared humanities-related projects they had completed throughout the academic year. This included readings of creative work, academic papers, roundtable discussion, displays, and more.

“I would consider getting accepted into the conference prestigious,” said Dr. Jeremy Reed, associate professor of English at CMU. “Our goal is to highlight some of the best work of students in humanities courses on campus, and put those students into conversation with the best students from other local schools.” The day’s schedule included “Philosophy of Religion: Bruce Almighty,” moderated by Dr. Kevin Carnahan, associate professor of philosophy and religion; “Creative Writing,” moderated by Dr. Travis Johnson, assistant professor of English; “The Good Life in Chinese Philosophy,” moderated by Dr. Travis Smith, assistant professor of philosophy and religion; “Making Films at CMU,” moderated by Dr. Ryan Woldruff, assistant professor of English; “Race in Literature,” moderated by Dr. Kavita Hatwalkar, associate professor of English; and “Modern British Novels,” moderated by Dr. John Porter, associate professor of English.

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Praise Bands Visit Fayette Assistance Homes Students Reach Out

AASU Provides Programming for Black History Month

T (L-r, front to back) Rachel Martin, McKenna Nelson, Hannah Guilford , Abbey Ruggles, Rachel Dorman, Catherine Barnard, Cayla Carr, Shelby Schaffer, Crystal Kimmi, Andrew Wooldridge, Alec Fields, Joseph Mayo, Maddie Ryffel, Brooke Striegel, Alec Eivins, Chance Roberts, Sam Million, Lee Jimerson, Dillon Drew, Spencer Dry, Quiz Falls, Josiah Kee, Brendan Wiesehan, Kevin Helmerichs

he student-led chapel programs on the Fayette campus of Central Methodist University have increased in size and activity. At this point, there are three Praise Bands that alternate and sometimes join forces in sharing the music during the Tuesday morning services. Led by Dr. Ryan McLouth, assistant professor of music and the Music Ministry Program Coordinator, the three

music groups have decided to branch out into the town and reach people who would not otherwise receive their message of Christian love. Tuesday, May 1, marked their first foray into centers for people with special needs. Each group visited one of the following—Endless Options, Ashbury Heights, and Fayette Caring Center—to bring music and lead people in worship.

he African American Student Union (AASU) sponsored a number of elements to help the campus celebrate Black History Month in February. It began the month with a reception at President and Mrs. Drake’s home that welcomed students, faculty, and staff. During the month, AASU showed three movies: 13th Documentary, Selma, and Hidden Figures, all open to the public. One week, it hosted Chapel on campus. It also took a bus of students to visit the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City. One of the last elements in the month was the second annual forum AASU presented to discuss race relations, community building, and other social issues that impact college and general society. Panelists included Brian Jones, the Shelter Insurance manager of diversity and inclusion; Dr. Kevin Carnahan, CMU associate professor of philosophy and religion; Lauren Mann, a CMU junior political science major; Stacye Smith, from benefits management at Shelter Insurance; and Gregory Ray, associate head coach of the CMU women’s basketball team.

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Central Methodist University

By MAGGIE GEBHARDT

Living the Mission

Annual Service Day Took Place April 5

s stated in its mission, Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. Sometimes, this calls for students to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty; and Service Day, which took place on Thursday, April 5, provided plenty of opportunities to do so. Sponsored by CMU’s Center for Faith and Service, the annual event encourages volunteers to donate time and effort in support of a variety of causes, with undertakings including everything from highway clean-up to raking leaves, and painting to various charity work. A large number of volunteers, made up of students, faculty, staff, and their families, joined together for the cause. In a combined effort, more than 800 participants completed nearly 3,000 hours of service – carrying out projects in Fayette, Columbia, Boonville, Glasgow, and Harrisburg. Central’s soccer team and psych club joined a few fraternities and a sorority to work on various yard sites in Fayette. Other tasks included helping at the Columbia Food Bank and the Fayette Senior Center, painting handrails at Davis Field, picking up trash at the park in Glasgow, and cleaning debris from roadways.

While some participants wrote letters and cards, and made pillow cases for children in hospitals, others washed firetrucks at the Fayette Firehouse. These examples are only a few of the many volunteer efforts that took place that day. Classes at Central were called off to encourage maximum participation – making the springtime tradition a huge success for the eleventh year. “We could not have been luckier with the beautiful weather God graced us with as we were able to conquer the tasks at hand,” said Cassandra Nappier, CMU coordinator for civic engagement and student programming. “As I visited some of the sites, I was happy to see smiles and hear laughter. The day could not have gone any better.” Sponsoring the event were local businesses including Breadeaux Pizza, Commercial Trust Co., Community Auto, Endless Options Inc., Exchange Bank, Fayette License Fee Office, Frank Flaspohler, Attorney at Law, HOCO Tan, Mateu Photo, Peak Sport and Spine, tAno’s Computer Services LLC, and The Upper Cut. To kick off the day, Fayette’s Presiding Commissioner Sam Stroupe and Endless Options’ CEO Deb Miller spoke to volunteers during a Service Day opening ceremony.

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Review by DON B. CULLIMORE

Playing With the Big Kids CMU from 1982-2016

etired Methodist pastor, author, and church historian, The Rev. Dr. John O. Gooch has written the definitive work on one of the most remarkable periods of change and growth in the long history of Central Methodist University. Playing with the Big Kids is the logical sequel to three earlier histories: Central Methodist College: One Hundred and Ten Years, by Frank C. Tucker ’17, member of the Board of Curators; Central Methodist College: 1961-1986, by Bartlett C. Jones, history professor at Central; and First a Dream: Central Methodist College, 19771994, by Dr. Joe Howell. Gooch’s book (available at CMU bookstore and online) provides the link from 1982 through 2016, one of the most tumultuous periods in the college’s history, following up the Jones and Howell books. A CMU alumnus, Gooch ’60 provides a knowledgeable—often first-person—account of this 35-year period that marked the transition of Central from a small, church-affiliated liberal arts college with one campus in rural Howard County to a vibrant university with main-campus out-

reach programs (graduate and undergraduate) at more than 18 Missouri locations. CMU now also has agreements with colleges in the states of Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas, and Minnesota, as well as a dualcredit college course program with approximately 100 Missouri high schools. “This is a book about transformation,” Gooch stresses in the introduction, and adds, “OR (sic) how a sleepy little college in a sleepy little town in rural Missouri became a university.” The genesis of this expansion, Gooch notes, was the college’s first 2 + 2 program, established in 1989 by then-president Dr. Joe Howell, with the assistance of now-retired eastern Missouri admissions counselor Braxton Rethwisch. They persuaded Mineral Area College in Park Hills to allow Central to offer four-year degree programs on the MAC campus to students who had completed their first two years there. This was followed by a similar agreement with East Central College in Union (1993). These were the first privatepublic college partnerships in Missouri. The challenge to expand Central’s presence to other state-supported community colleges was taken up by Dr. Marianne E. Inman, who became Central’s president in 1995, a critical time in the institution’s survival due to economic problems. It become known as “The Inman Era” (1995-2013)— one of the most ambitious and successful periods of academic program expansion and campus improvements in Central’s history. It also represented a sustained period of strong financial gain and stability for the University. The accomplishments of Central Methodist under Inman’s leadership were many and substantial, as well documented in Gooch’s book. “The opportunity to work with an outstanding Board of Trustees and a firstrate faculty and staff in service to Central Methodist University has been the high point of my career as an educator,” Dr. Inman said when announcing her plans to retire. “I feel privileged to have been part of this institution of opportunity for

students all around our state. The timing of this decision seems appropriate in that we are completing one major campus project (the restoration of historic Classic Hall) this year [2013], and CMU will require continuity in leadership over the next number of years in order to implement the priority recommendations from our recently concluded master plan,” she added. With the retirement of Dr. Inman at the end of June 2013, Dr. Roger Drake, formerly vice president of administration and finance with Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky, assumed the presidency, the Inman legacy of educational outreach, and the updating of the campus. Under Drake’s guidance, the university has continued to expand its off-campus programs and to rehabilitate older buildings. Stedman Hall, which houses modern labs, science, math, and computer science classes, will reopen in the fall of 2018. And the Thogmorton Center for Allied Health, a new building dedicated to nursing, and physical and occupational therapy assistant programs opened in 2015. Gooch was the logical scholar to research and write this updated history of CMU. At Central, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett/Evangelical Seminary, and the Ph.D. in church history from St. Louis University. He is former president of the CMU Alumni Board of Directors. His career includes service as a pastor of United Methodist Churches, a university and seminary professor, and curriculum editor at the United Methodist Publishing House. He is also the author of 14 earlier books on theology and church history, as well as numerous articles for different publications. Now Gooch has written an informed and highly readable update to the remarkable story of one of Missouri’s oldest institutions of higher education: Central Methodist University. Don Cullimore retired from CMU as director of public relations. Currently, he serves as editor of Boone’s Lick Heritage Quarterly.

Spring 2018 | The Talon The Magazine of Central Methodist University 51

Central Methodist University The Arts

By CATHERINE THOGMORTON

Ashby-Hodge Gallery Celebrates 25 Years

Left, “After the Ball” (1897) by Oscar E. Berninghaus, part of the Ashby Collection. Right, “The Letter” by James Miller was a gift to the Ashby-Hodge Permanent Collection from President Marianne and David Inman.

he Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art is celebrating 25 years of bringing superb artwork to Central Methodist University and mid-Missouri. In honor of the occasion, a reception and a gala dinner were held on May 4. The newest 25th anniversary show opened on April 24 and includes two galleries of the Ashby-Hodge’s Ashby collection, donated by Dr. Lawrence and Loretta Ashby, who helped establish the Gallery in 1993, and one gallery that includes other art pieces from the Ashby-Hodge Gallery’s permanent collection. Among the Ashby collection is a myriad of artists and media. Some pieces of art were given to the Ashby-Hodge Gallery when it first opened in 1993. Others were doled out through the years, with the final gift coming with the passing of both Dr. Lawrence and Loretta Ashby. A partial list of the artists includes Roger Medearis, Birger Sandzen, Randall Davey, Oscar E. Berninghaus, Charles Dana Gibson, Charles Cecil Pollock, Aaron Bohrod, Jean MacLane, and Earl F. Bennett. The artwork on display includes egg tempra, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, and other media.

The part of the show that belongs to the permanent collection, aside from the Ashby works, has some of the same artists, but also more contemporary artists including works that are comprised of multiple pieces or a variety of media; for example, Chuck McFall’s series of photographs of a woman dancing that forms a single exhibit item. The show will run until July 12. The Gallery is open Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Private and group showings can be arranged by contacting the Gallery at 660-2486304 or dhaskamp@centralmethodist.edu. Handicap parking is available. The Gallery takes a day off to display the town of Fayette’s adult artworks in competition for Festival of the Arts, this year on Saturday, Aug. 4. The next gallery show will run Sept. 2 – Nov. 15. Titled “The Light Fantastic,” it will feature the multi-collection of Robert McDonald Graham Jr. and “Home on the Range” horses by Butch Murphy.

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Fine and Performing Arts Have Busy Semester Theatre National Players who present a captivating play every year at Central. Central’s opera company performed a delightful opera in February called “Hail Poetry, Pirates and Gondoliers!” that meshed songs and dances from past operas, including The Pirates of Penzance, Patience, and The Gondoliers, all from the minds of Gilbert and Sullivan. Full of fun and beauty, that opera performance was followed in May by “A Sunday Soiree: Can’t Help Singing,” featuring outstanding soloists from the last several years, including Lacey Gladden Eaton The Vietnam War Memorial is superimposed on actors representing five nurses and a singer who ’11, Levi Gerke ’16, Kay Wilken served in Vietnam and visit the monument searching for peace. Neas ’17, and current CMU he Fine and Performing Arts Department has been busy student Keaton Denney. all semester with theatre and opera productions, conThe Little Theatre presented two major plays this semester, one certs, recitals, and tours. serious and one of a lighter tone. The Concert Band was stellar, as always. It performed several The first performance was A Piece of My Heart. The play centers times on campus as well as a week of touring parts of Missouri. The on six women who end up in Vietnam in the heat of the war. Only University Band also held two very successful concerts on campus. one is an Army nurse. Four of the others are non-com nurses with Both The Chorale and the Conservatory Singers presented no background in war. The last one is a singer who has been bamoutstanding works. The Conservatory Singers did an amazing boozled into going “to perform for the troops.” The story shows job performing Vivaldi’s “Gloria” with the support of Fayette how each deals with the violence, sorrow, and death in their situHigh School and Boonville High School Choirs and a youth ations and ends as they individually show up at the Vietnam War orchestra from Columbia (see article on pp. 54). Memorial in Washington, D. C., trying to come to terms with who After Commencement, The Chorale took another tour, for they now are and what they have been through. the third year in a row, this one to the Nashville, Tenn., area. The second performance was a light-hearted memoir from While touring, they gave a private performance to CMU alumni Neil Simon, Brighton Beach Memoirs. It deals with his childat CMU Board of Trustee, oncologist Dr. Nancy Peacock’s home hood, living in a section of New York as World War II is in Nashville. beginning to brew. The Jerome family is a Jewish-Polish family The Jazz Band gave its spring concert in April, directed by living dime to dime and dealing with their relationships with Jo Ellen Ming Shroyer. Her husband, Dr. Ron Shroyer “Doc” is Kate Jerome’s family who has moved in because Kate’s sister, making great strides from his stroke earlier this year, but wasn’t Blanche’s, husband has died. quite ready to take back the baton. Parts are funny and parts are poignant as they try to get along. Central’s Cultural Affairs Department brought in two amazing This play is the first of three semi-autobiographical memoirs of performances. The first was Dodging Bullets, an interpretive play by Neil Simon as he grows up, learns about life, and becomes a writer. David Barker, where he played every person in the cast of the true The Fine and Performing Arts Department, with its many story of when his brother-in-law attacked his family with a gun. performances for faculty, staff, students, and townspeople, The other play, Shakespeare’s Othello, was presented by the Olney remains one of the favorite departments.

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Central Methodist University The Arts

By CATHERINE THOGMORTON

Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ Presented

Boonville and Fayette High Schools Partner with Central Methodist University

The four directors of the Vivaldi performance groups take a bow.

hree choral directors, Dr. Laura Wiebe, assistant music professor of Central Methodist University and conductor of the Conservatory Singers’, Vanessa Miner, director of Fayette High School’s chorus’, and Warner Bailey, director of the chorus in Boonville, received this year the President’s Grant from the Missouri Choral Directors Association to support a combined choral presentation of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” The three were awarded $1,500 to enable their three chorales to present “Gloria” twice, once in Fayette and once in Boonville. They were accompanied by the Missouri Symphony Conservatory Chamber Players, a select group of advanced string and wind players, handpicked from the Junior Sinfonia and the Young Artist Philharmonic, directed by Kirk Trevor. Trevor, an internationally recognized conductor originally from England is known for his innovative programming

and a focus on reaching new audiences with music that is entertaining, engaging, and educational. He founded the Missouri Symphony Conservatory to train, educate, and inspire young musicians in 2007. The performances occured in Fayette at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church on the Central Methodist University campus on April 22, and in Boonville at Thespian Hall on April 29. They both received rave reviews. The orchestra was joined in both concerts by Dr. John Perkins, CMU professor of music, on trumpet; Dr. Melissa Simons, CMU assistant professor of music, on harpsichord; and guest Kristin Chisham ‘17 on oboe. Supporting the joint chorus were soloists McKenna Nelson and Cayla Carr for the Fayette concert; and Kay Wilken Neas and Marissa Dickman for the concert in Boonville. This performance represented the first collaboration between a CMU ensemble and the Missouri Symphony Conservatory

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Players. The Players also presented a set of music before the Vivaldi “Gloria.” The Missouri Choral Directors Association President’s Grant was created in 2015 for the betterment of choral music programs throughout the state of Missouri via a generous gift from past MCDA president Noel Fulkerson. “Gloria” is one of three settings Vivaldi wrote of the hymn “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” whose words probably date from the 4th century and which is part of the Catholic mass. One of the settings is lost to history. This version was probably written in 1715 and called RV589, the most widely known and performed “Gloria.” This “Gloria” was supposedly created for the choir of the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage for girls. The Ospedale prided itself on the quality of its musical education and the excellence of its choir and orchestra. Vivaldi spent most of his career there as priest, music teacher, and virtuoso violinist. He composed many sacred works for the Ospedale, as well as hundreds of instrumental concertos to be played by the girls’ orchestra. “Gloria” is his most famous choral piece. The sunny nature of the “Gloria,” with its distinctive melodies and rhythms gives it an immediate and universal appeal. The movements show broad and rhythmic characteristics, each changing the tone and color from the one before. The “Gloria” lay undiscovered until the late 1920s, when it was found buried among a pile of forgotten Vivaldi manuscripts. It was performed in 1939 by the composer Alfredo Casella, who embellished the original orchestration, reduced the role of the continuo, and cut sections from three movements. It was not until 1957 that the now familiar original version was published and given its first performance.

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Central Methodist University New Staff Adrianna Wheeler Joins CMU Admissions Central Methodist University’s Admissions Department has welcomed Adrianna Wheeler, a ’95 Central alumna, as a new admissions representative. In this position, she will locate, identify, and recruit prospective students. She will attend college fairs, visit high schools, and build relationships with the schools, guidance counselors, prospective students and their families. She will also guide students through the enrollment process and set them on track to pursue their interests while at Central. “I am excited to be back at Central Methodist,” Wheeler said. “The campus has such a warm and welcoming feeling, and great things are happening here. I’m proud to be a part of a university that emphasizes such wonderful values and incredible opportunities for students.” Wheeler, from Rocheport, Mo., comes to CMU from the University of Missouri, where she had been an academic advisor since 2004 – serving as senior academic advisor since 2016. “Adrianna comes with a wealth of experiences that will enrich our efforts to meet our institutional goals,” said Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for enrollment management at CMU. Wheeler graduated from CMU with a Bachelor of Arts in English before going on to earn a Master of Education from the University of Missouri.

Robinson to Direct New Digital U Initiative Central Methodist University is continuing its investment in the Fayette campus’ mobile initiative known as Digital U, and has hired Drew Robinson, a multi-talented individual, to coordinate all aspects of digital learning for CMU. Robinson is a passionate and dynamic educator with extensive experience in technology integration best practices and innovative instructional models. She comes to CMU from Tulsa Public Schools, where she served as lead designer in the design and innovation lab. She also has experience in online content coordination and has served as an instructional technology coach.

“Drew’s experience with a one-to-one initiative in one of Oklahoma’s largest public school systems coupled with a deep understanding of how technology can enhance the teaching and learning process makes her a natural fit,” said Chad Gaines, vice president for technology and planning. Gaines said Digital U is the largest technology-enhanced initiative in CMU’s history, and as director of digital learning, Robinson’s “coordination of all facets will be key moving forward.” Robinson earned her M.A.T. in social studies in 2011 from Georgia State University, after attaining her B.A. in sociology at the same school in 2007. She is a Google Certified Innovator, Google Certified Trainer, and a Google Certified Educator. “I’m super excited to be joining the team,” Robinson said. “We have a great opportunity to build out an initiative from the ground up. At CMU, Robinson’s primary duty will be to serve as coordinator for Digital U-related activities, facilitating the use and assessment of existing and emerging technology by faculty, staff, and students.

Queen Brings Wealth of Experience as New Marketing Director While he has seen technology change higher education marketing dramatically over the past two decades, Central Methodist University’s new executive director for marketing and communications says one thing has stayed the same – telling a good story. “It’s all about the story,” said Queen, who started his position at CMU in January. “And Central Methodist has an incredible story to tell. Not only about the beauty of this campus, but the success of its students and the accomplishments of its graduates. Today, we have a variety of new tools to help us be more effective telling that story.” Queen comes to CMU from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., where he directed marketing and communications for 21 years. In his new role, he will be responsible for the strategic direction and general oversight of the Marketing Communications Department, said Dr. Joseph Parisi, vice president for enrollment management.

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“I have complete faith in Scott’s talent, having worked closely with him for the past two decades,” Parisi said. “He brings an enrollment perspective to the position which is vital as CMU continues to provide high quality education opportunities. Parisi said that Queen is well-suited for CMU, with a breadth of experience in strategic marketing communications, digital initiatives, social media strategy, media relations, branding, licensing, emergency communications, and alumni communications. “I can’t wait to get started,” Queen said. “There’s such a positive atmosphere at CMU and I am looking forward to becoming a part of the community and contributing to CMU’s success.” Queen’s storytelling focus is rooted in 15 years as a reporter, editor, and managing editor for various newspapers across Kansas and Missouri, prior to his career in higher education. He studied journalism at the University of Kansas, and has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Lindenwood University.

McCarroll Assumes Role in Affinity Giving Reconnecting alumni to their fond memories of Central Methodist University is something the CMU Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations does quite well. So it is no surprise that “connecting people” is at the top of the list of the office’s newest employee, Josh McCarroll. McCarroll is the new assistant director of affinity giving, and he has been connecting people most of his professional career. McCarroll most recently was involved in state and local campaign fund-raising and running political campaigns. “I am attracted to Central because of the campus environment and the strong feeling alums continue to hold in their hearts for CMU,” he said. Dr. Josh Jacobs, vice president for advancement and alumni relations, said there are numerous ways people are connected to Central – class year, major, athletics, Greek, or student organizations – and McCarroll will be looking in that direction. “We are excited for Josh to join our team and increase our ability to focus on each of these connection points,” Jacobs said. McCarroll, who lives in Columbia, holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Culver-Stockton College.

Harper to Manage Institutional Website Websites have become the number one advertising and communications tool for colleges across the country, and Central Methodist University’s website is no exception. It takes a detail-oriented and multi-talented individual to manage a website, and CMU is pleased to announce that Jessi Harper has joined its team as webmaster. Harper, from Moberly, has a diverse set of skills ranging from web development, web design and content management to graphic design. Coming to CMU from Central Christian College of the Bible, she also has experience in academic services and financial aid. Harper has a bachelor’s degree in information systems-web application development from Illinois State University. “We are delighted to have Jessi joining the marketing team,” said Scott Queen, executive director of marketing. “She is a solutions-oriented person with great attention to detail.” Harper will handle day-to-day content updates to the institutional website, manage the site analytics, and oversee search engine optimization improvements. “I’m looking forward to the challenge,” she said. “I’ve always loved web development.”

Waner Joins Marketing Team as Videographer Visual appeal and brand consistency are top priorities in higher education recruitment, and Central Methodist University’s marketing team has welcomed a talented graphic designer and videographer to the marketing team, Joe Waner. “Waner’s broad skillset and calm demeanor are a perfect fit for Central,” said Scott Queen, CMU’s marketing and communications director. For the last three years, Waner has worked at Inside Columbia Magazine, where he served as art director and graphic designer. He is a photographer and videographer, and also has experience in large format building graphics. “Central’s a great place and offers a friendly atmosphere,” Waner said. “It’s a very collegial, welcoming environment.” Waner earned a B.S. in graphic design from Columbia College in 2013.

Parisi Leading Dance Team Central Methodist University has named a head dance coach, separating the co-ed cheerleading and dance teams to be under the direction of different leaders. Brenda L. Parisi, formerly from Wentzville, has taken over the dance team. Parisi will focus on performances and practices, help build skills and guide team development, supervise athletes and assistant coaches, and ensure the program is in compliance with institutional and national guidelines, policies, and regulations. In her position, she will spend much of her time directing the dance team at home contests, coordinating the admission of prospective student-athletes, scheduling, budgeting, managing equipment orders and distribution, and assisting with scouting and recruitment. She also will assist in the coordination of fundraising, camps, clinics, and special events. “I’m super excited – Central Methodist is a great institution, both academically and athletically, so it’s the perfect place for this opportunity,” Parisi said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do, and am honored and humble to be the head coach at CMU. Prior to joining Central, Parisi was an assistant principal at Fort Zumwalt School District’s East High School and South Middle School, both in St. Peters, for nearly10 years. In this role, she oversaw departments including guidance, special education, English-language arts, science, and physical education, in addition to many other administrative duties. Parisi also has background experience in St. Charles as the former Dean of Students at Francis Howell North High School, and as the Lindenwood University Dance Team director for a unit that was ranked second in the nation, with three additional top-three finishing years under her direction. Her dance experience goes even beyond her time at Lindenwood. She also was a Missouri High School Dance Team Association board member, the coach of the Francis Howell Central Dance Team – which earned six firstplace trophies at the state level - and more. All from Lindenwood University, Parisi received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, a Master of Arts degree in Education, and a Master of Arts degree in Administration.

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Central Methodist University Sports

By SCOTT QUEEN

The Power of the Past

Honoring Former Great Players leads to the Future

At left, Jeff Koch in his number 33 jersey. At right, coach Sherman with a proud Brandon Koch, who will wear number 33, with his mother, Charley.

egacy is just as much about the future as it is the past at Central Methodist University. And when your basketball coach is one of the longest-tenured employees, the word comes to life on the court as well. Jeff Sherman has completed 33 years as head coach of the Central Methodist Eagles. Not a year goes by when the basketball program doesn’t honor a team from its proud past--this year was no exception. And it had a very special twist. The 1997-98 team was recognized January 13 on the 20th anniversary of a historic season. The Eagles completed that season with a record of 26-8, and had the highest national ranking in school history. They held the No. 2 spot in the nation for three consecutive weeks, and their 17-game win streak is still best in Central history. “It was a very special team—one of my

favorites,” Sherman said. “And it was so nice to get to see them again.” Sherman welcomed the ‘97- ‘98 team on the floor at halftime on January 13. And they shared a meal with the current team for dinner after the game. Half a dozen players made it back for the ceremony. Members of that team were Aaron Brooks, Jason Berendes, Matt Clutter, Joe Price, Wes Goldsmith, James Nuelle, Bart Denbow, Josh Crane, Xavier Tipler, Telly Bernard, Matt Kirkpatrick, and Jeff Koch. Koch, who wore No. 33 for the Eagles, passed away 12 years ago. But at this ceremony, he was represented by his son, Brandon. And that’s where the special twist comes in. Brandon is 6-foot-7 inches tall, and plays basketball at Cave City High School in Arkansas. Coach Sherman reminisced at halftime that day about

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Brandon’s father, and introduced Brandon to the crowd, alluding that there might be a spot waiting for him at Central Methodist. Those halftime comments, and the strong pull of legacy, were influential. Not only did Brandon’s father star for the Eagles, but his mother, Charley, played basketball at Central Methodist, too. And in late April, Coach Sherman went to Arkansas to sign Brandon, who had committed to play basketball in Fayette—just like his parents. Sherman, whose son, Matt, also played for him and now coaches alongside him, said, “I’ve coached quite a few fathers and sons here. It’s great to continue the legacy.” Brandon plans on majoring in athletic training at CMU. “It’s going to be cool to be at Central, play basketball, and focus on athletic training,” he said. “It’s an awesome program.”

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aJonee Hale graduated from Central Methodist University this spring, but the challenges she has overcome are just as impressive as her story on the basketball court. She is a three-time NAIA All-American and was recognized as the 2018 NAIA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. Hale finished the year with 806 points, averaging 28.79, and is the career leader for points at CMU with 2,109. Hale’s story began in Anchorage, Alaska. Her freshman year in high school seemed to promise a successful basketball future. But … “One bad decision led to another, and I found myself homeless with nowhere to go and nobody to rely on,” Hale said. “I began to fall into a cycle of being around the wrong crowd and fell further away from a chance at success.” For the next three years, Hale recalled not wanting to be out in public. “People would ask me what my plans for my life were, or where I was heading in life,” she said. “It was embarrassing to see people I once played with to know that I could be doing better.” Michelle Overstreet of MyHouse, a youth center in Anchorage, helped Hale enroll in a preparatory school that would allow her to finish her degree and step back on the court. “I remember hand writing a four-page letter even to get into the school. I had to describe my situation, and how some nights I wasn’t sure where I would sleep.”

Despite the odds, Hale did play her final year in high school and she caught the eye of assistant coach Greg Ray at CMU. She made the trip to mid-Missouri. Hale had an average first year at CMU (17 games played with 82 points), but fell back into the old cycle again. “I came to CMU expecting to get away from everything, but I found myself doing the wrong things again,” she said. “The negative cycle had become comfortable with my past, and I had not learned to move forward.” Hale transferred to a junior college. But shortly after the departure she was removed from the team and lost her scholarship offer. Coach Ray reached out once more, and from the moment DaJonee stepped back onto campus for her sophomore season, something was different. She was determined. The records began to fall. Hale scored 592 that sophomore season, followed by a 629-point performance her junior year. She led the Eagles to postseason appearances her junior and senior years, as well as being named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Player of the Year her sophomore and senior season. “I want to inspire others that no matter how dark a situation is, there will always be a light that shines on tomorrow. I questioned where I would sleep or how I would eat, but I accepted the challenge to own up to my mistakes and move forward. I want people to know that you can turn your life around; and that if I can do it, so can you,” Hale said.

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