Northwest Missouri State University Alumni Magazine, fall 2015 by Northwest Missouri State University Alumni Relations

alumni magazine

Northwest Fall 2015

The magazine for Northwest Missouri State University alumni and friends

2015 Homecoming

Alumni Awards

Ag Learning Center

M-Club Inductees

Blueprint for service Mike Faust â&#x20AC;&#x2122;74

People just like you It’s because of the volunteer support of countless alumni and friends – spirited people like Jim and Beverly Blackford – that Northwest continues to thrive. “Beverly and I are blessed to belong to a four-generation family of Bearcats. We’re proud and, at the same time, grateful for that legacy, which encourages us to look for opportunities to give back to Northwest with our time and resources. Living our entire married life in the Maryville community has afforded us unique ways to stay connected with the campus and experience firsthand the exciting vibrancy inherent with the beginning of each new academic year. Close proximity makes volunteering to support the Northwest mission more convenient while providing access to a number of diverse engagement opportunities. Through our participation, we have come to realize that regardless of the level of involvement – Foundation Board, alumni activities, town and gown community projects, sponsorship of a student organization, classroom presentations or being a substitute “mom and dad” to a Northwest student – we cannot out-give all that Northwest has provided us. It is our privilege to join others in serving the Bearcat family.”

Jim ’72 with Beverly Blackford Maryville, Mo. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at Northwest, contact the Office of University Advancement at alumni@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248.

alumni magazine

Northwest Fall 2015

Volume 49 Issue 1

The magazine for Northwest Missouri State University alumni and friends

Northwest supports Nepal The Northwest community was quick to extend its support to Nepalese students and raised thousands of dollars to assist them in the aftermath of the April earthquake that devastated their country.

Blueprint for service Mike Faust ’74 was looking forward to retirement last spring when he received an offer he couldn’t pass up at Northwest. His 40-year career in Omaha, Neb., included more than three decades with Kiewit and impactful community service.

From the classroom to the farm Jackie Allenbrand ’91 was enjoying her teaching career until a medical condition caused her to reconsider the classroom. As a result, she turned her attention to training dogs to assist disabled farmers.

In every issue

Editor Mark Hornickel ’01, ’13 mhorn@nwmissouri.edu

Dear Friends

Northwest News

Designer Melinda Kelsey mkelsey@nwmissouri.edu

10 Cover Story

Photographer Darren Whitley

14 Alumni Connections

Photography Assistants Taylor Allan ’12 Jacob Hubbert

21 Advancing Northwest 26 Bearcat Sports 30 Class Notes

Editorial Assistants Mitzi Craft ’91, ’09 Erin Dillon Teresa Darrah Gustafson ’97, ’05 Nikeila Jensen Mike Johnson ’85 Laurie Drummond Long ’92 Rhonda Mannasmith Bob Machovsky ’15 Katie Machovsky Alexandra Mortallaro ’15 Scott Nielson ’01 Lonelle Rathje ’97, ’03 Melanie Robinson-Smith Brandon Stanley ’01 Lori McLemore Steiner ’85 Steve Sutton ’71 Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09

The Northwest Alumni Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of University Marketing and Communication, the Office of University Advancement, Northwest Missouri State University and the Northwest Foundation Inc., 800 University Dr., Maryville, MO 64468-6001. The mission of the Northwest Alumni Magazine is to foster connections between alumni, friends and Northwest Missouri State University. The University strives to inform readers of the accomplishments of Northwest’s alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students and to positively position the University in the hearts of its many constituents to increase public and private support. Northwest Missouri State University is an equal-opportunity, co-educational university and does not discriminate based on race, sex, disability, age, national origin or religion.

Printed in the USA.

Fall 2015

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Dear Friends

Faust helping Northwest elevate bold plans in Booth College The day Mike Faust ’74 retired from a distinguished career at Kiewit Corporation was the day we called and invited him to serve as our visiting dean of the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth College of Business and Professional Studies. In my phone conversation with Mike, I mentioned that we had bold plans for the three academic units that comprise the Booth College, and we needed his help elevating and bringing more attention to these excellent programs. After an extended conversation, during which Mike asked all the appropriate questions and listened carefully, he asked in a true Faustian manner, “What’s my charge?” Mike, featured in this fall’s cover story, is our “practitioner-in-residence” and responsible for developing facultyemployer partnerships to ensure our programs meet the needs of organizations that are hiring our graduates. Mike is helping us do what we have done for more than 100 years – prepare students for successful and meaningful careers. Northwest has a long history of profession-based education. Horace Mann Laboratory School, the R.T. Wright Farm and National Public Radio affiliate KXCV are integral parts of the Northwest campus and enable faculty to ensure graduates possess the intellectual, emotional and experiential prepara-

tion necessary to face, tackle and solve complex problems on their first day of employment. To increase the visibility of our profession-based education, Mike is helping us pilot a new organizational structure in the Booth College where we are treating the departments of Agricultural Sciences, Business, and Communication and Mass Media as professional schools. The new structure flattens and streamlines how we operate. School directors, rather than academic deans, work directly with front-line faculty and staff, providing vision, making decisions and allocating resources. Faculty have been engaged in a number of discussions that have generated innovative programming ideas and curricular initiatives that will clearly differentiate the schools from other business programs. Northwest also is beginning the application process for accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which is the gold standard for business school accreditation also known as “Double A.” AACSB-accredited schools are recognized worldwide by top employers as having challenging programs where students develop skills that give them a distinct advantage.

Northwest Foundation Inc. ’15-’16 Board of Directors President Mark Doll ’80, Des Moines, Iowa Vice President Arnold Johnson ’77, Houston, Texas Immediate Past President Holly Murphy-Barstow ’81, Omaha, Neb. Board Members Mike Abildtrup ’68, West Des Moines, Iowa Jeff Borchardt ’82, Olathe, Kan. Robert Burrell ’70, Denver, Colo. John Cline ’75, Overland Park, Kan. Karen Daniel ’80, Belton, Mo. Ken DeBaene ’81, Long Branch, N.J. Myra Turner Evans ’77, Tarkio, Mo.

Mike Faust ’74, Omaha, Neb. Don Foley ’78, Ames, Iowa Troy Greenfield ’90, Kansas City, Mo. Jerry Hagg, Dearborn, Mo. Brian Heath ’84, Lakeland, Fla. Jacqueline Vincent Henningsen ’66, Arlington, Va. Carl Hughes ’76, Kansas City, Mo. Paul Jennings ’75, West Des Moines, Iowa John Moore ’78, Raymore, Mo. Angela Booth Moskow, Basking Ridge, N.J. Jennifer Dawson Nicholson ’71, Kansas City, Mo. Linda Nichols Place ’72, ’09, Albany, Mo. Mary Hamilton Purdy ’72, Davidsonville, Md.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

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Jayma Elmore Sandquist ’90, Indianola, Iowa Paul Schieber ’81, Overland Park, Kan. Carol Blom Spradling ’88, Maryville Brad Stephens ’96, Butler, Mo. Owen Straub ’86, Kansas City, Mo. John Teale ’73, Maryville Gary Thompson ’76, Princeton, Mo. Stan Zeamer ’70, Huntingdon, Pa. Ex-Officio Directors Dean L. Hubbard, President Emeritus, Kansas City, Mo. John Jasinski, University President Mike Johnson ’85, Executive Director B.D. Owens ’59, President Emeritus, West Des Moines, Iowa

Northwest Provost Dr. Timothy Mottet and Mike Faust ’74 discuss strategies and goals for the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth College of Business and Professional Studies. Faust joined Northwest in March as the visiting dean of the Booth College.

In a short amount of time, Mike has made significant contributions to our three professional schools. He indicated to me during our initial conversation that he enjoys “running into challenges.” The Northwest Leadership Team, along with the faculty and staff, are very excited to have Mike Faust as our new “running” colleague. Sincerely,

Dr. Timothy P. Mottet Provost

University Advancement Mike Johnson ’85, Vice President mikej@nwmissouri.edu Brooke Weldon Bowles ’02, Accounting Clerk and Scholarship Coordinator bbowles@nwmissouri.edu Mitzi Craft ’91, ’09, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations mitzi@nwmissouri.edu Teresa Darrah Gustafson ’97, ’05, Development Officer teresa@nwmissouri.edu Carma Greene Kinman ’85, Executive Assistant ckinman@nwmissouri.edu Laurie Drummond Long ’92, Development Officer laurie@nwmissouri.edu Bob Machovsky ’15, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving rmachov@nwmissouri.edu

Scott Nielson ’01, Associate Athletic Director/External Affairs and Development scottn@nwmissouri.edu Lonelle Rathje ’97, ’03, Executive Director of Development and Campaign Coordinator lonelle@nwmissouri.edu Melanie Robinson Smith, Alumni and Donor Relations Specialist melanie@nwmissouri.edu Lori McLemore Steiner ’85, Finance Officer and Executive Director of Advancement Services steiner@nwmissouri.edu Steve Sutton ’71, Senior Development Officer ssutton@nwmissouri.edu Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09, Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications Specialist brenda@nwmissouri.edu

Northwest News

Northwest, city of Gladstone, North Kansas City schools gather to break ground on Northland Innovation Campus The milestone efforts of a unique partnership initiated in 2014 were realized in May as representatives of Northwest, the city of Gladstone, Mo., and North Kansas City schools gathered to break ground on the site of the Northland Representatives of Northwest helped break ground May 19 at the Innovation Campus, a site of the Northland Innovation Campus, a 90,000 square-foot 90,000 square-foot reresearch and education complex being built at N.E. 69th Street and search and education North Oak Trafficway in Gladstone. complex in Gladstone. When completed for the fall of 2016, the Northland Innovation Campus will be nestled in the re-gentrified heart of the emerging neighborhood of Gladstone’s downtown. More than 100 Kansas City-area leaders from local schools, businesses and higher education joined the groundbreaking ceremony to signify the start of construction for the $20 million vitality,” Northwest President Dr. John project. Jasinski said. The connection to higher educaNorthwest will offer seven undertion with Northwest creates additional graduate completion programs at the synergies for K-12 programming, along facility in the areas of recreation and with attracting employees and students wellness, elementary education, special from the Kansas City metro and reeducation, early childhood education, gional area. In April, Northwest’s Board computer sciences, business and marof Regents authorized the University keting along with graduate programs in to enter into a lease agreement to oceducation and business. cupy 18,529 square feet of the facility Northwest also will offer dual credit during a 10-year term, with an optional coursework as part of its partnership renewal. with Northland CAPS, a profession“We are proud of this public-private based educational program serving partnership and know this is signifihigh school students in seven northland cant, but only one piece to our disruptschool districts and in partnership with ing from a position of strength as we Northwest, Metropolitan Community drive continued strong performance, College and dozens of Kansas City-area connect to and implement strategy, businesses. accentuate strengths, ensure relevant The facility is projected to open in profession-based learning and proAugust 2016. n vide for organizational viability and

Economic impact study finds Northwest’s regional impact generates $617.5 million in income, jobs, taxpayer benefits Northwest generated $617.5 million in added regional income – the equivalent of creating 9,465 jobs – in fiscal year 2014, according to a third-party study conducted on behalf of the institution and released in May. The study, conducted by Idaho-based Economic Modeling Specialists International, investigated the economic impacts Northwest creates in the regional business community and the benefits the University generates in the state in return for investments by stakeholders. The study addresses the impacts of new economic activity in the region that is attributable solely to Northwest through its day-to-day operations; the spending of out-of-region students; the spending of out-of-region visitors; and the human capital of former students employed in the regional workforce. Key findings from the study included: Operations spending impact: The University’s total payroll of $55.3 million largely remains in the region to pay for groceries, eating out, clothing and other household expenses. Student spending impact: About 26 percent of Northwest students come from outside the region. Students taking courses at Northwest spent $13.1 million on purchases such as groceries, rent and transportation, the study found. Visitor spending impact: Northwest annually attracts thousands of visitors from outside the region for events such as commencement ceremonies, athletics, lectures, concerts and theater performances. The off-campus expenditures of visitors to the region generated a net impact of $1 million in new income. Human capital impact: About 69 percent of alumni remain in the region and generated $516.4 million in added income for the region during fiscal year 2014. Additionally, the study analyzed the ways Northwest benefits its graduates, the state of Missouri and taxpayers. The average bachelor’s degree earner at Northwest, for example, will earn $22,200 more per year than an individual whose highest level of education is a high school diploma, the study reported. n

Fall 2015

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Northwest News

Board of Regents approves launch of School of Health Science and Wellness

University, Maryville celebrate completion of Fourth Street project The Northwest and Maryville communities in June celebrated the completion of three years of planning, design and construction on the Fourth Street corridor connecting campus with the city’s downtown. An estimated 400 people attended the ribbon-cutting and block-party style event that included food, live jazz music, kids activities and giveaways. The Fourth Street Improvement Project features a gateway arch at the intersection of Fourth and Buchanan streets with branded medallions commemorating Northwest and the city of Maryville. Other enhancements to the thoroughfare include decorative lighting; an 8-foot wide bicycle-pedestrian and ADA-compliant trail along the entire north side of the corridor; brick pillars that match the downtown and University landscape; and a reconfiguration of the intersection at Fourth and Dunn streets. Newly planted trees and shrubs along the corridor also serve as an extension of the Missouri Arboretum, a state designation that makes its home on the Northwest campus. The project was made possible through funding partnerships with Northwest, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Economic Development and Capital Improvement Sales Tax Funds.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Fall 2015

Northwest will launch a School of Health Science and Wellness this fall that will prepare students to pursue graduate studies in health sciences as well as manage and provide preventative health and wellness care and services. “We reached this point through numerous discussions internally and with our regional partners, and with the goal of meeting the needs of our students, region and a new, emerging national health care system,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “We have a solid foundation in place with established programs in pre-professional health and wellness, and the School of Health Science and Wellness will further enhance our health programming and profession-based education.” The multi-disciplinary structure of the new school will help Northwest strengthen its robust health and wellness programming by consolidating existing programs and adding new and innovative programming in the months ahead that map to regional and national needs, Northwest Provost Dr. Timothy Mottet said. Mottet added that occupational projection data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center indicates there will be an “above average” increase in health and wellness positions between 2010 and 2020. Specifically, the data indicates increases in the specialty areas of dietetics and nutritionists, health care practitioners, recreational therapists, health coaches and educators, and communication and social service specialists – all of which will be a part of the offerings for the new school. Northwest’s current health and wellness programs include: • Pre-professional programs in chiropractic, dental hygiene, dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy,

speech pathology and radiology • Three bachelor’s degree programs in wellness, including foods and nutrition/dietetics, physical education and recreation • Four bachelor’s degree programs in natural sciences including radiologic science, clinical lab science, biology and psychology, and a biomedical track • A bachelor’s degree program in behavioral sciences in human services • Three master’s degree programs in applied health and sport science; health and physical education; recreation, sport and exercise psychology • Eight minors in coaching, food service, gerontology, health education, nutrition, recreation, sport management and sport psychology Graduates of the new school will work in a wide variety of health-related fields including health communication, health coaching, nutrition and dietetics, health information management, athletic training, patient advocacy, sport psychology and therapeutic recreation. The school will also offer pre-professional opportunities to serve clinical programs and professional schools for healthcare practitioners including doctors, nurses and medical technologists. With the launch, Northwest will rename its Department of Health and Human Services as the School of Health Science and Wellness. Curriculum and instruction will originate from a variety of departments including the departments of Natural Science and Behavioral Sciences, making it a free-standing professional school that resides outside the College of Education and Human Services, which previously provided oversight of the Department of Health and Human Services. n

Northwest News

Community garden takes root on Northwest campus After years of planning and hard work, the growing season for a new community garden maintained by Northwest’s School of Agriculture Sciences is underway, but the garden’s roots will extend beyond the campus. The purpose of the community garden, which was completed last fall and is located near the Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is to grow produce for the Maryville Ministry Center and the Nodaway County Senior Center. It also provides opportunities for students and community members to observe various production practices used in gardening. This summer, Maryville Hy-Vee and Northwest partnered to provide opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute to the garden by donating seeds and plants. Additionally, Hy-Vee employees and volunteers are assisting with planting and maintaining the garden. “We have been donating produce to various organizations for several years, and the new additions to our com-

munity gardening efforts will only enhance the objectives we are attempting to accomplish,” Rod Barr ’87, ’95, ’09, director of Northwest’s School of Agricultural Sciences, said. “To assist in our efforts, the School of Agricultural Sciences partners with local organizations and individuals to assist in the cultivation of crops grown in the garden.” Maryville Hy-Vee and Northwest employees work at a new comThe community garden munity garden on the Northwest campus. The garden, which was designed in 2012 by now features a series of raised beds and a pavilion, will provide Grace Becker ’13, who, produce for the Maryville Ministry Center and the Nodaway County Senior Center along with opportunities for students and as a graduate assistant in community members to observe various production practices the School of Agricultural used in gardening. Sciences, sought to create a produce and sensory garConsisting of raised beds and a den that was accessible to students pavilion, the garden also includes solarand community members. Northwest powered lights, compost bins, recycled received a $50,000 grant from the Misor repurposed building materials, rainsouri Natural Resources Conservation collection barrels and a drip irrigation Service to fund most of the building and system. n construction materials.

Geology-geography student chapter dedicates limestone sculpture A new feature that is tens of millions of years old greets students, faculty and visitors entering the Garrett-Strong Science Building at Northwest while symbolizing the integration of science and art with geology and geography on the campus. Northwest’s Loess Hills Student Chapter of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) in April, formally dedicated a grouping of five limestone fence posts in a flower bed in front of Garrett-Strong. The posts are arranged to represent a compass, which is an important tool for geologic mapping. “We wanted to set something up that would look aesthetically pleasing and be kind of unusual,” said Dr. John Pope ’96, an associate professor of geology at Northwest and the AAPG student chapter’s advisor. Each post, while mounted and set on a concrete footing, stands about 5 feet tall and weighs 400 to 600 pounds.

During the mid-1800s, farmers began settling and raising crops across the ranges of Kansas, but with few trees available to cut fence posts, farmers began quarrying the limestone posts instead. Eventually, 30,000 to 50,000 miles of limestone fencing stood across the region, Pope said. Pope estimates the fence posts installed at Northwest, which came from north central Kansas, are more than a century old. Notches from the wire fencing that once wrapped around the posts are sawed into their sides. Northwest’s Loess Hills Student Chapter was founded by Pope and is one of about 60 AAPG student chapters throughout the world. With the support of fundraisers, scholarships and grants, the chapter works to foster scientific research, advance geology, promote technology and inspire high professional conduct. n

Fall 2015

Dr. John Pope ’96, an associate professor of geology at Northwest and the AAPG student chapter’s advisor, explains the history of the fence posts, which date back to the Cretaceous Period and were quarried by farmers in Kansas during the late 1800s.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Northwest News

National contest places Northwest in top 10 for energy reduction Northwest, which continues to strive for energy efficiency and conservation, is ranked among the top 10 universities in the nation, according to results of the 2015 Campus Conservation Nationals, marking the second time in three years that the University has earned the distinction. Northwest saved 65,706 kilowatt-hours, averted 123,593 pounds of carbon dioxide and saved $3,942 during the fourweek competition. That is the equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions from nine passenger vehicles, CO2 emissions from 5,089 gallons of gasoline and CO2 emissions from electricity use in four homes for a year. The totals are based on the energy-savings of Northwest residence halls Hudson-Perrin, Dieterich, Franken, Millikan, South Complex, Roberta and Tower Suites. Throughout the academic year, Northwest encourages its students and employees to take energy-reducing actions as simple as closing windows tightly, disconnecting plugs to electronics and appliances when they’re not in use, and shutting off lights when leaving rooms. “It’s important for students to recognize they can have a positive impact on their environment by doing something as simple as flipping a switch and making a conscious effort to conserve,” Northwest Energy Manager Daniel Boyt said. Northwest’s sustainability efforts date back to 1982 when the University established a biomass energy system utilizing wood chips. Since then, Northwest continues to enhance its energy program through the addition of discarded paper products and animal waste to its alternative fuel processes while

collecting food waste for composting. In February, for the third time in four years, Northwest received the Missouri State Recycling Program Annual Award in recognition of its recycling and sustainability efforts. Northwest also participated during the spring trimester in Recycle Mania – a nationwide contest to increase student engagement in recycling and waste reduction – and recycled 109,225 pounds of materials to rank second in Missouri and 51st in the nation among 394 participating institutions. Northwest’s recycling total prevented the release of 149 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere, which is the equivalent of the annual emissions of 29 cars or the energy consumption of 13 households. “Since 2012, recycling at Northwest has evolved from an added environmental benefit of our alternative fuels program to a stand-alone effort that, along with composting food service organics, has helped the University divert 282 tons of waste from the landfill this school year alone,” said John Viau, sustainability coordinator for Northwest. In April, Northwest Facility Services and student organizations, in collaboration with the city of Maryville, organized Big Green Move Out, an annual effort encouraging students to donate clothes, foods, furniture and appliances to reduce the amount of waste that goes to local landfills. This year’s push sent four box trucks of furniture to Habitat for Humanity’s Restore, 600 pounds of food to the Maryville Ministry Center, and nearly 3,000 pounds of clothing and household goods to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nodaway County. n

Northwest, KCP&L partner on electric vehicle charging stations

Northwest now offers three electric vehicle charging stations, like this one outside of Valk Center, through a partnership with KCP&L. During the first two years of the program, vehicle owners may charge their electric vehicles at no cost.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

KCP&L, through a partnership with Northwest, now offers electric vehicle charging stations on the Northwest campus. Three electric vehicle charging stations, serving six parking spots in two different lots, have been installed on the Northwest campus as part of the KCP&L Clean Charge Network. Beginning this fall, the locations will be reserved for electric-vehicle-only parking. Under the agreement, KCP&L provides the equipment and installation, and Northwest pays the cost for the electricity consumed for two years. During the first two years of the program, vehicle owners will be able to charge their electric vehicles at no cost. “This has the potential to be a great benefit for faculty, staff and students who com-

Fall 2015

mute a modest distance,” Northwest Energy Manager Daniel Boyt said. Dr. Robert Dewhirst, professor of political science, is one Northwest faculty member who owns an electric vehicle and is excited about the installation of the charging stations. “I love my electric car and am pleased that Northwest is taking the lead in supporting alternative energy vehicles,” Dewhirst said. “I hope this provides a further incentive for everyone on campus to drive an electric vehicle.” KCP&L has assisted Northwest in funding several energy conservation projects, providing more than $200,000 in incentives since 2013. The projects have improved building control and reduced energy and maintenance costs at Northwest. n

Northwest News Students, faculty raise awareness of mental illness with #IWILLLISTEN campaign Northwest students and faculty are ramping up their efforts to fight the stigma of mental health and educate communities. Seventeen students and faculty members participated May 9 in the 2015 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walks NYC 5k to raise awareness, battle misconceptions and celebrate individuals recovering from mental illness. The opportunity was a continuation of their work in the Maryville community, which included #IWILLLISTEN campaign kickoff events in April. “The chance to go to New York and be a part of that movement was one of the best experiences I have ever had,” said Lucy Hilliard, a sophomore from Batavia, Ill. “It is showing that you don’t have to be afraid to get help and talk to people in order to get the help that you rightly deserve. We show that we are here to listen no matter what.” The group volunteered at a Brooklyn soup kitchen network that provides meals to the homeless. Hilliard and Sean Cahill, a senior psychology and sociology major from Lee’s Summit, Mo., also were chosen to participate in NAMI’s president for a day program, allowing them to shadow Wendy Brennan, the executive director of NAMI-NYC Metro, and meet Chirlane McCray, the wife of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. Before traveling to New York, the group participated in a three-credit academic service course that included contributing at least 25 hours to the #IWillListen campaign, a term paper and participation in the 5k. They also coordinated fundraising and planning for the trip. The #IWillListen campaign launched at Northwest in April. Community members were invited to gather for social activities and hear speakers. In the weeks leading up to the kickoff, students and faculty also sold T-shirts to promote the campaign. Northwest raised more than $2,000 for the NAMI 5k and another $2,000 to fund the trip to New York. As the first rural community to join the movement, Maryville had a higher percentage of participants than New York residents, and their efforts garnered national attention on the Huffington Post. Another event is planned for 7–10 p.m. Oct. 14 on the Northwest campus. n

Northwest supports Nepalese students after earthquake In the aftermath of an earthquake that struck South Asia April 25, devastating the country of Nepal and killing nearly 9,000 people, the Northwest community rallied around its students from the region and offered support. Forty-six students from Nepal were enrolled at Northwest last spring, and some Northwest students from Nepal were surrounded by classmates, university faculty and staff, and community members during an April lost family members in 27 candlelight vigil. the quake. All of them had homes or busiwhere students returned the Nepalese flag nesses that were damaged. to full-staff and instinctively laid their Northwest Wellness Services and Intercandles at its base. national Affairs staff met with students Northwest also invited the university immediately after news of the earthquake and surrounding communities to support broke to offer their support and hear their the Nepalese students and relief efforts needs. Additionally, the Nepalese flag at with their donations. As a result, the the Joyce & Harvey White International Nepal Students’ Association raised $5,110 Flag Plaza was lowered to half-staff, and in the Maryville community and another Residential Life staff members cooked a $1,400 through campus contributions. native meal for the students that evening. “My job normally is joyous and wonTwo nights later, on April 27, a derful in that I get to meet people from moving candlelight vigil drew an estiall over the world all the time,” said Dr. mated 350 students, faculty, staff and Jeff Foot, Northwest’s director of internacommunity members to the Memorial tional affairs. “It’s in these times of need Bell Tower. The vigil concluded with where the warmth of the students I get to a walk to the International Flag Plaza work with really shines through.” n

Business education honor society is nation’s best The Beta Chapter of Pi Omega Pi at Northwest is the best in the country, according to results of the 2014 national chapter competition announced at the society’s biennial convention last spring in Chicago. The competition results are based on chapter activity reports submitted throughout the calendar year. The Beta Chapter’s service projects last year included partnering with a local organization for disabled adults, helping with a bingo night, assisting with the District I Future Business Leaders of America

Conference on the Northwest campus and preparing an annual alumni newsletter. Dr. Nancy Johnson Zeliff ’81, professor in Northwest’s Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems, is the chapter’s sponsor. Pi Omega Pi is a business education honor society, and Northwest’s chapter, in its 91st year, is the oldest active chapter in the nation. It creates fellowship among teachers of business subjects, promotes scholarship and encourages civic responsibility. n

Fall 2015

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Blueprint for service By Mark Hornickel

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Photography by Darren Whitley

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Design by Melinda Kelsey

Mike Faust ’74 was looking forward to retirement in February after a 40-year professional career in Omaha, Neb. He had spent the last 36 years with Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc., most recently serving as assistant to the chairman. His colleagues were making plans for a retirement party at the nearby Midtown Crossing complex. Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski, however, had another idea for Faust’s retirement. He asked Faust to speak with Provost Dr. Timothy Mottet about accepting an appointment as visiting dean of the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth College of Business and Professional Studies. Faust was recruited to serve on the Northwest Foundation Board in 2002, and he served as the Foundation’s president from 2008 to 2010. Jasinski and Mottet envisioned Faust contributing to Northwest through both his Foundation and business perspective. “Of course,” Faust said. He built a career by assisting others and helping to shape the objectives of a variety of organizations. If the University thought he could help advance its mission, he was willing to accept the charge. Mike Faust looks over downtown Omaha, Neb., from the top floor of Kiewit Plaza last fall. An Iowa native, Faust figured to launch his career in Des Moines after graduating from Northwest. Instead, he landed in Omaha and spent his entire 40-year professional career there before retiring in February.

The route to Northwest When he packed up his Ford Galaxie after graduation day at Northwest in 1974, Faust had no idea his accounting major would turn into a career in writing. The oldest of five children and the first in his family to attend college, Faust decided to attend Northwest after a college night at his Atlantic, Iowa, high school. He heard pitches from multiple college admissions officers, but Faust only remembers the one he heard about Northwest. “I have a picture in my mind of the Northwest presentation, so it must have made an impression.” With a scholarship to entice him, Faust was one of 12 students from Atlantic’s class of 1970 to enroll at Northwest that fall. After some misfires with other majors, Faust declared himself an accounting major during the spring term of his second year at Northwest – a decision he attributes to Dr. Elwyn DeVore’s intro to business course. “He was a very good lecturer, and all of a sudden the lights went on,” Faust said. “I’m surprised it took me so long to figure that out because when I was a kid I was always involved in making money.” Faust had invested in his first shares of stock in grade school with money he earned from delivering the Omaha World-Herald. He also earned money by performing magic shows in his family’s garage as a child, charging 5 cents to patrons under age 6 and 10 cents for everyone else. “I believe it was my younger brother, Bill, who encouraged me to put on a show,” Faust said. “But it was my idea to have intermission. I took my piggy bank money to the five and dime store to buy candy, which was marked up about 100 percent for the concession stand run by Bill and my sister, Patricia. Mom provided the popcorn for free. We’d make about $5 from the admission and $15 from the concessions, and I’d split the profits with my ‘employees.’” Faust maintained his work ethic as a student worker at Northwest’s Student Union cafeteria. He quickly rose to supervisor, earning about $120 a month – a big help at a time when tuition was about $300 a semester.

Faust became one of the employee-owned company’s 3,000some shareholders, and in 1981, Kiewit promoted him to personnel and training manager, expanding his duties to include some training and teaching duties. Then in December 1983, Walter Scott Jr., who became Kiewit’s CEO after Peter Kiewit’s passing four years earlier, asked Faust to become assistant to the chairman, managing administrative tasks for Scott and other senior executives. The offer changed the trajectory of Faust’s career. At the time, he was pursuing an MBA at the University of Nebraska Omaha, but Faust dropped out of the program to focus his energy on the new job.

Faust’s childhood interest in magic arose from his late father’s hobby. This April 1956 photo was taken in Faust’s birthplace of Oelwein, Iowa.

He worked at the cafeteria until his graduation. On his last day, campus dining manager Del Simmons presented Faust with a plaque that reads: “Mike Faust, all-time best supervisor.” It resides in a prominent place in his home office. “That’s the most meaningful award I’ve ever gotten in my whole life because I know it’s sincere, and I did do a good job for them, no doubt about it,” Faust said.

Constructing a career Faust accepted his first post-graduate job in a computer sales role at Unisys in Omaha. From there, he moved to Mutual of Omaha, where he started as an insurance underwriter and later transitioned into the personnel department. But Faust found the construction industry more appealing. Thinking his college summer job as a welder might be a plus on his resume, he applied for a job at steel structures manufacturer Chief Industries in Grand Island, Neb. That company wasn’t interested, but construction and mining giant Kiewit Corporation was, and in 1979 Faust became employment manager for Kiewit’s Omaha headquarters. “Having to settle for my second choice was the luckiest bit of bad luck ever,” Faust said. Kiewit, ranked No. 286 on Fortune Magazine’s list of the 500 largest U.S. companies, generates more than $10 billion in annual revenues from operations in most U.S. states, Canadian provinces and in western Australia. Worldwide, the company employs about 25,000.

Photos of Kiewit construction projects adorn the wall of a conference room near Faust’s Kiewit Plaza office. Faust was a speechwriter, managed civic programs and administered charitable giving through the company’s foundation.

Dome bears Faust’s name for his leadership-level gift to that project. “Our senior people are getting on a plane every Tuesday and flying off to our field offices, so their time is limited and I often had to support them in their charitable activities, but I also enjoy doing some on my own, too,” Faust said. “Serving on community boards makes you feel connected to the community because all of a sudden, you know what’s going on.”

Reconnecting with Northwest Faust spends time working in his home office. Prominently displayed on his shelf are a plaque honoring his service as president of the Northwest Foundation and a 1974 plaque naming him “All Time Best Supervisor” at the campus cafeteria.

While the zoo is Faust’s top philanthropic interest in Omaha, Faust calls Northwest his No. 1 overall philanthropic interest.

Becoming a ghostwriter

He began making regular contributions to the Northwest Foundation in the late 1980s, but it had been years since he returned to the campus. In 2001, while returning to Omaha from directing a training video Kiewit was filming in Lenexa, Kan., Faust decided to take a detour and visit Maryville and Northwest.

The next year was Kiewit’s centennial, and Scott was in demand to speak to community groups about the company’s history and traditions. Because his own speaking style was more extemporaneous, Faust had never written a speech when Scott tapped him to write his keynote address for the University of Nebraska’s engineering week. “I had always excelled on essay tests and term papers at Northwest, so I gave it a shot and learned that once you write a good speech you can never get out of the job,” Faust said. “It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.” Faust succeeded in the role and took great pride in his writing assignments. Taking minutes at board meetings also allowed him to listen to the CEO and other senior executives. He learned the role of an executive speechwriter is not to put words into a speaker’s mouth. “If you do it well, you are using their own words and their own thoughts and writing in their own voice,” he said.

Service leadership Faust took on other responsibilities at Kiewit through the years. He became an instructor at the Kiewit University training facility, contributing editor to the company’s quarterly magazine, and managed the company’s corporate foundation, which annually donated millions to charities in Omaha and throughout the country. He also took the lead in the company’s political relations and began representing Kiewit in community affairs, serving on non-profit boards such as United Way and Omaha Community Foundation. For 10 years, he served as a director of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, including four years on its Executive Committee. Faust says his most interesting volunteer role may have been his service on the steering committee for Warren Buffett’s golf benefit, which drew senior executives from Wall Street and other prominent people from around the country – including Boone Pickens, Charles Schwab and Rush Limbaugh – while raising millions of dollars for children’s charities during its 10-year run. Yet, Faust’s favorite philanthropic interest in Omaha is its world-class zoo, which he became heavily involved with, in part, because Scott’s late wife was the first executive director of its foundation. Faust served as a division leader of the annual membership campaign and capped his service as general chair of the overall campaign. The donor wall at the zoo’s Desert

“The latest issue of the Alumni Magazine had arrived, and it noted that Chuck Veatch (the former executive director of the Northwest Foundation) was retiring,” Faust said. “I remembered him from my time on campus so I decided to stop by and wish him well.” Veatch was away for the University’s Thanksgiving break, but Faust left his business card at the Alumni House. That led to an invitation to be guest speaker at the Booth College’s scholarship banquet the next spring. Shortly thereafter, former Foundation Board President Craig Kelley ’83 and former Foundation Board member Bill Mackintosh ’76, both fellow Omaha residents, asked Faust to consider joining the Foundation Board. Prior to the expiration of Faust’s second term as a board member in 2008, the late Chuck Place ’72 was making plans for leadership transition. Place had asked Jim Blackford ’72 to follow him as Foundation president and Faust to succeed Blackford. Faust agreed and served as president from 2008 to 2010. Faust stepped down from the Board in 2012 after completing his term as an officer but was asked to rejoin the Board in 2014 to assist with the launch of Northwest’s Forever Green campaign, now in its quiet phase. He currently serves as chair of the Advancement Committee. Faust says his service on the Northwest Foundation Board ranks as his most rewarding charitable experience. “It takes you back to your youth to be back on campus,” Faust said, adding he also was influenced by Scott’s interest in education. “Walter would often say that education was the greatest investment you can make in yourself and the greatest gift you could bestow on someone else.”

Paying it forward When Faust joined the Foundation Board, Northwest was in the quiet phase of its first-ever comprehensive campaign, The Campaign for Northwest. For his gift to that campaign, Faust established an endowed scholarship to assist students who come to Northwest from his hometown. Today, the fund has grown considerably and eligibility has been expanded to graduates of any high school in Iowa.

In June, with a portion of Faust’s pledged gift still undesignated, he asked development officer Teresa Darrah Gustafson ’97, ’05 to look for a need in the School of Communication and Mass Media “because as an accounting major, I basically made my career in communications.” As a result, Faust decided to underwrite the relocation and remodeling of the School’s multimedia lab, which had been housed on the lower level of Wells Hall and was prone to water leaks after significant rainfalls. Faust is covering all construction and furniture costs for the project, which is targeted for an August completion.

Return to Northwest Upon accepting the offer from Jasinski and Mottet, Faust began his work as visiting dean of the Booth College on March 1. “Due to my respect for both of those University leaders and a deep affection for my alma mater it was an offer I could not refuse,” Faust said.

Faust treats a herd of giraffes to some mulberry branches at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Faust, having served as a division leader of its annual membership campaign and general chair of its overall campaign, ranks the zoo as his top philanthropic interest in Omaha.

“The cost of college is not going to go down, and we need to, as alumni, help the young people of today get the same Northwest education we had,” said Faust, who also has helped nieces and nephews with their college educations. “I think the most exciting parts of this campaign are the things we’re doing to advance academic excellence.” For Northwest’s Forever Green campaign, Faust is one of a growing number of alumni who have made a seven-figure commitment, part of which is an additional gift to his existing endowed scholarship fund. “One of my passions for Northwest is enrollment and making sure that freshmen have the opportunity to come here,” he said. Additionally, Faust offered a gift to support construction on the Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center – a contribution tied to Faust’s fondness for Dr. Foster, who was Northwest’s president while Faust was a student. “When I was staffing the faculty dining room in the cafeteria, he would engage me in conversation and ask what I was studying and where I was from. He just genuinely had an interest in students,” Faust said. “You’d see him walking down the Long Walk in front of the Student Union and rather than just hurrying along or talking to the professor he was walking with, he’d be saying hi to the students. I just had a lot of respect for Dr. Foster and wanted to make sure that something with his name on it was really spectacular.”

Faust’s assignment, during a 15-month term, is to employ his outside business perspective and help the Booth College’s academic areas transition from a department structure to professional schools. He also is assisting with an accreditation upgrade for the School of Business, conducting benchmarking studies of peer universities, identifying and prioritizing longer-term private funding opportunities, and helping to strengthen the Booth College’s industry relationships. The work entails research and relies on Faust’s writing skills to articulate ideas – something Faust is well-accustomed to doing. “I was fortunate that my originally planned career path didn’t work out,” he said. “Everything led to a far more interesting and successful path, and it all began with the decision to attend Northwest.” n

To view additional photos of Mike Faust for the Northwest Alumni Magazine, click on this story at www.nwmissouri. edu/magazine.

Above, Faust talks with Northwest faculty and staff during a reception at the Gaunt House. Below, Faust and Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski talk strategy in preparation for a presentation to a business leader.

Alumni Connections

Alumni Chapter News Get involved today!

For more information about getting involved in a Northwest Alumni Association chapter, call 660.562.1248 or email alumni@nwmissouri.edu. There currently are 20 alumni chapters, and more are being formed.

Washington, D.C., becomes 20th Northwest Alumni Chapter The Washington, D.C. Alumni and Friends Chapter of the Northwest Alumni Association was chartered June 11 in the nation’s capital. More than 20 Northwest alumni and friends attended the event at the House Agriculture Committee Room on Capitol Hill. Alumni Association Board President Linda Place ’72, ’09 and Vice President of University Advancement Mike Johnson ’85 presented the chapter with a banner and encouraged its new members to continue their commitment to Northwest. “The interest of these alumni to establish a Washington, D.C., chapter has been fantastic,” Johnson said. “Bearcat Nation continues to thrive in our nation’s capital thanks to dedicated Northwest alumni and friends who not only appreciate the camaraderie with fellow alumni, but who also value the education they received and want to ensure those same opportunities are available for future generations of Bearcats.” With more than 200 Northwest graduates living in the Washington, D.C., area, the Washington, D.C., Alumni and Friends Chapter is the Northwest Alumni Association’s 20th chapter. Its officers are Kayt Wahlert ’02, president; Brad Summa ’91, vice presi-

The Washington, D.C., Chapter was chartered June 11 in the Agriculture Committee Room on Capitol Hill with more than 20 Northwest alumni and friends in attendance.

dent; Julie Treadman ’00, secretary; and Adrienne Cornelius ’13, social chair. Additional Northwest Alumni Association chapters are chartered in Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa as well as Arizona, California, Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Japan. For more information about getting involved with the Washington, D.C., Alumni and Friends Chapter, contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri. edu. For a complete listing of Northwest Alumni Association chapters visit www. nwmissouri.edu/alumni/chapters/. n

Ben Nuelle ’15, Helen Johnson Ackerman ’42, Michael McVinua ’15 and Cody Uhing ’15 attended the charter event for the Washington, D.C., Alumni and Friends Chapter.

Northwest Alumni Association Social Media Network

/nwmissourialumni

@NorthwestAlumni

For a complete listing of all Northwest social media networks, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/media/social.htm. Northwest Alumni Magazine

Fall 2015

Alumni Connections

ST. JOSEPH CHAPTER The St. Joseph Chapter started the year with a late holiday dinner in January at Ground Round, where members participated in a holiday gift exchange. In February, the chapter hosted its annual Mardi Gras dinner at Boudreaux’s. St. Joseph Beverage hosted the chapter’s most popular event of the year, the March Madness pizza party, and April’s gathering included dinner at Bandanas. The chapter continues to raise money for its adopt-a-family service project. The St. Joseph Chapter welcomes all alumni to join in its fun. Email Anitra Germer Svendsen ’05, ’07 at nwbearcat05_07@yahoo.com for more information and join its Facebook group. n SOUTHERN IOWA CHAPTER The chapter promoted Northwest by participating in several parades during the summer. The chapter also joined the Central

Iowa Chapter to attend a tailgate and Iowa Cubs baseball game in Des Moines. n ST. LOUIS CHAPTER The St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter celebrated its seventh anniversary in May with a social at Patrick’s Sports Bar in St. Louis. The chapter once again hosted a bike ride on the Katy Trail and met for lunch in Defiance. Upcoming events include a visit to a local winery, a family bowling event and Northwest vs. Lindenwood basketball game. For more information about getting involved with the St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter, contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri. edu. More information about the group can be found on the NW Alumni St. Louis Facebook page, and alumni are invited to join the various Northwest Facebook and Twitter pages. n

1. Alumni and friends of the Southern Iowa Chapter gathered for a social in Creston, Iowa. 2. The St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter gathered at Patrick’s in Westport to celebrate its seventh anniversary. Pictured are Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09, Aimee Noble, Thomas Bunch, Michelle Bunch, Aaron Bunch ’04, Sue Johnson Hockensmith ’72, Pat Roddy ’75, Dana Hockensmith, Melanie Robinson-Smith, Kevin Terry ’73, Pat Baker Haynes ’96, Valerie Byrn ’01, Joyce Seals Roddy ’75, Joe Bosse ’72, Erin Funk ’13, Anne Alexander Gross ’90, Tony White ’85 and Danielle Zastrow ’11. 3. Members of the St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter attended the Bearcat men’s and women’s basketball games at Lindenwood University. Pictured are Dave Teeter ’86, Erin Funk ’13, Sue Johnson Hockensmith ’72, Dana Hockensmith and Pat Baker Haynes ’96.

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Northwest Alumni Magazine

Alumni Connections

Alumni Chapter News

(continued)

Members of the Central Iowa Alumni and Friends Chapter and Southern Iowa Alumni and Friends Chapter attended an Iowa Cubs game in Des Moines.

Members of the Kansas City Alumni and Friends Chapter gathered for the annual Snake Saturday Parade in North Kansas City.

For more information on how to get involved with your local chapter, please contact the Northwest Alumni Association at alumni@nwmissouri.edu or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni.

Northwest community gathers to celebrate Ehlers’ 35 years of campus ministry

Elizabeth Price Landgren ’07 poses for a photo with Rev. Dr. Don and the Rev. Dr. Marjean Potter Ehlers ’72 during a May 31 celebration honoring them for their 35 years of campus ministry at the Northwest’s Wesley Student Center.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

A standing-room-only crowd of Northwest students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members filled the Wesley Student Center May 31 to celebrate Rev. Dr. Don and Rev. Dr. Marjean Potter ’72 Ehlers who retired this summer after 35 years as co-directors of the Wesley Foundation and 40 years in campus ministry. “The memories say it can’t be 40 years, and yet it has been 40 years,” Don said. “If I don’t look in the mirror, it doesn’t feel that way at all because I still have the enthusiasm that I did. I still have the drive for what we’ve done through these years, but when we talked with each other years ago, we said, ‘Well, we think we’ll know when the time is right.’” The Ehlers came to Maryville in 1980 to lead the Wesley Student Center. Since then they have contributed to the well-being and successful paths of countless university students while administering and leading programming such as the Wesley Student Center’s midweek worship. The weekly gathering engages students through uplifting music and messages of hope and faith.

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The Ehlers also developed a multitude of programs at Wesley while showing a knack for adapting to changing times and students’ needs. A clergy internship they launched 14 years ago gives students opportunities to lead Sunday worship services at area churches. In recent years, they started a four-on-four basketball ministry. They have officiated numerous weddings for couples who met through the Wesley Center and come to know students whose parents were once active in Wesley activities. “Campus ministry has given me the opportunity to have an impact on our young adults in their important life decisions as they pursue a degree,” Marjean said. “I have been privileged to be involved in that process of many students’ lives.” Travis Dimmitt ’98, ’09 succeeded the Ehlers as director of the Wesley Foundation in July. Dimmitt most recently was principal at North Nodaway Middle/High School in Hopkins, Mo. In addition to his duties as an educator, Dimmitt has served as a lay minister to five United Methodist churches in rural Nodaway and Worth counties since 2009. He and his wife, Elizabeth Keane Dimmitt ’00, an instructor of psychology at Northwest, live in Maryville with their two children. n

Alumni Connections

Variety Show Thursday, Oct. 22, and Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. n Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts n Free n Tickets are required, call the Student Services Center at 660.562.1212 to reserve a ticket; tickets may be acquired the night of the performance if seats are available. n

M-Club Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony

Hy-Vee Bearcat Zone Pregame Festivities

Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. n J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom n Tickets can be purchased through Michele Steinmeyer at 660.562.1977 COST: $25

n n

Friday, Oct. 23, noon Two-person scramble Mozingo Lake Golf Course Call 660.562.1248 or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/events to register COST: $50 per person n

Friday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. Joyce and Harvey White International Flag Plaza n Free n n

Places to Stay MARYVILLE

America’s Best Value Inn 660.582.8088 Comfort Inn 660.562.2002 Days Inn 660.562.3111 Holiday Inn Express 660.562.9949

Football vs. Fort Hays State University

ST. JOSEPH

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 p.m. Bearcat Stadium COST: $20 reserved, $13 adult general admission (standing room only), $10 K-12 standing room only or visiting students; Homecoming football tickets available to the general public beginning Wednesday, Sept. 23, tickets can be purchased online via bearcatsports.com by choosing the Tickets tab at the top of the page or in person at the Student Services Center in the Administration Building. n

Homecoming Welcome

America’s Best Value Inn 816.364.3031 Candlewood Suites 816.232.2600 Days Inn 816.279.1671 Drury Inn 816.364.4700 Hampton Inn 816.390.9300 Holiday Inn Express 816.232.2500 Ramada Inn 816.233.6192 Stoney Creek Inn 816.901.9600

Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m. Alumni House n Free refreshments n

Flag-Raising Ceremony

Saturday, Oct. 24, noon Raymond J. Courter College Park Pavilion COST: Admission is free; a tailgate meal is available for $7 n

Homecoming Golf Classic

Tickets will not be mailed; they must be picked up at the event. n Seats are assigned on a bestavailable basis. n All ticket sales are final. n Ticket prices include Missouri sales tax.

Homecoming Parade Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. The parade begins at the corner of Ray and College Avenue. It will proceed east to the main university entrance at Fourth Street, continue on Fourth and conclude at Fourth and Main streets.

n n

Events are subject to change/ cancellation

“Peter Bearcat,” performed by members of Alpha Sigma Alpha, won first place in the Homecoming variety show – 1965 Tower Yearbook

Honoring the Class of 1965 The Golden Years Society Reunion welcomes all classmates from 1965 and before to attend Homecoming. Mark your calendars for Oct. 23-24 and make plans to return to campus. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 660.562.1248 or at alumni@ nwmissouri.edu.

FRIDAY, OCT. 23

9 a.m. Welcome reception, Alumni House 10:30 a.m. Campus bus tour 11 a.m. Reunion photo, Kissing Bridge 11:30 a.m. Luncheon, J.W. Jones Student Union 2 p.m. Flag-raising ceremony, Joyce and Harvey White International Flag Plaza 5 p.m. Golden Years social, Alumni House 6:30 p.m. M-Club Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony, J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom*

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SATURDAY, OCT. 24

8 a.m. Homecoming welcome, Alumni House 9 a.m. Parade with VIP seating 11:30 a.m. Hy-Vee Bearcat Zone pregame festivities, College Park* 2 p.m. Football vs. Fort Hays State University, Bearcat Stadium*

REUNION COST: $35

*optional activity, additional cost

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Alumni Connections

Congratulations!

2015 Alumni Association Award recipients You’re Invited The Northwest Alumni Association honors individuals who have given their time, talent and service to Northwest. All Northwest alumni and friends are invited to attend the Alumni Awards Banquet. It’s a great way to start Family Weekend and salute these deserving individuals. n

Friday, Sept. 25

J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom

6 p.m., social

6:45 p.m., dinner

8 p.m., awards presentation

$40 per person

$300 for a table of eight

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/events/ awards/registration. htm or contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri. edu.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY EMERITUS AWARD

Jennifer Dawson Nicholson Jennifer Dawson Nicholson ’71 is the owner of Nicholson Capital Management Inc., an independent investment advisory firm she co-founded in 1988 in Kansas City, Mo. She began her business career as the first female management trainee at First National Bank of Kansas City and progressed to vice president and group leader in the Trust Division. Later, she worked in vice president roles at First Continental Bank and Trust and at Centerre Bank of Kansas City, NA. She is a member of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors and has acted on many charitable boards, including the Metropolitan Entrepreneurs Council, Crittenton Center, Rose Brooks Center, Kansas City Transitional Living Consortium and has a 21-year involvement with the Women’s Foundation of Kansas City. She lives in Kansas City.

Dr. Gary McDonald Dr. Gary McDonald began at Northwest in 1971 as an assistant professor of mathematics and retired this year as a professor in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems. He began teaching computer courses in the late 1970s and was a founding member of the Department of Computer Science in 1980. His specialty was programming languages, and he taught more than 25 different programming languages. He served 13 years on the Promotion and Rank Committee, 15 years on the University Research Committee and 18 years as Library Liaison. He was a key player in the development of the master’s degree program for applied computer science. In addition to his own publications and presentations, he supervised undergraduate research projects, leading to regional and national presentations, and refereed publications for the students conducting the research. He resides in Allen, Texas.

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD

Dr. Carol Blom Spradling Dr. Carol Blom Spradling ’88, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems, joined the faculty in 1988. In addition to teaching computer science courses, she serves as a provost fellow and a liaison to the Northland CAPS program. Spradling also is the co-organizer for the Missouri Iowa Nebraska Kansas (MINK) Women in Computing (WIC) Conference and the co-sponsor for DigEM, a student organization for interactive digital media, multimedia and advertising majors. She also served as the organizer and co-organizer for the Computer Science and Information Systems Professional Advisory Team, a Knacktive faculty member and on many other committees. Spradling has received many awards including the Dean’s Faculty Award for Service in 2014 and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education in 2012. She lives in Maryville.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Fall 2015

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY EMERITUS AWARD

Dr. Merry McDonald Dr. Merry McDonald began at Northwest in 1971 as an assistant professor of mathematics, retiring this year as a professor in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems. She began teaching computer science courses in the late 1970s and was a founding member of the computer science department in 1980. She was instrumental in the development of the master’s degree program for applied computer science, serving as program director since its inception in 2004. In addition to her own publications and presentations, she supervised undergraduate research projects, leading to regional and national presentations, and refereed publications for the students conducting the research. She was chair of the computer science department for eight years and chair of the calendar committee for 15 years. She resides in Allen, Texas.

Alumni Connections PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Shoba Mansukhani Brown Shoba Mansukhani Brown ’71, a native of India, continues to serve Northwest by recruiting international students in India and working with the Missouri Hope disaster response field training exercise. She began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 2005 after the death of her husband, Everett Brown, and serves on its board of directors. She has been on more than 30 national deployments, assisting others on behalf of the American Red Cross. She is a former member of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors and received the 2014 Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Service. Shoba resides in Maryville. TURRET SERVICE AWARD

Susan Johnson Hockensmith Susan Johnson Hockensmith ’72 was instrumental in chartering the St. Louis Alumni and Friends Chapter in 2008. As its co-president, her enthusiasm welcomes members of all ages in the St. Louis area. She displays Northwest suitcase tags and

wears green and white attire as she promotes the university in daily conversations. She also served on the Northwest Alumni Board of Directors. Hockensmith and her husband, Dana, are co-owners of Lakeside Children’s Academy in West St. Louis County and co-founders of Pony Bird Inc., for which they serve on the Board of Directors. She resides in Manchester, Mo. YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

Thomas Sanchez Thomas Sanchez ’02 is an innovator and entrepreneur focused on the intersection of marketing and technology. The founder and CEO of Social Driver, an award-winning digital innovation agency with offices across the United States, he was named a Minority Business Leader by the Washington Business Journal and was among the “50 on Fire” by DCInno. Sanchez has been a featured speaker at Mobile Commerce World, MoDev and The National Press Club. He also mentors young entrepreneurs as a judge for The George Washington University Business Plan Competition, a contest his team won in 2011. He lives in Washington, D.C. n

2016 Alumni Awards call for nominations The Northwest Alumni Association annually recognizes alumni, faculty, retired faculty and friends who have brought distinction upon themselves, their profession and Northwest, and your nominations are essential to the process. Individuals nominated should personify Northwest’s tradition of excellence through their service and achievements.

Award nomination deadline: March 1, 2016

Nominations must be submitted on forms provided by the Alumni Association and will not be considered unless the entire form is complete. The Award Nomination deadline is March 1, 2016, and the Alumni Association Board of Directors will select recipients at its 2016 spring meeting. Contact Brenda Untiedt for a nomination form at 660.562.1248, email alumni@nwmissouri.edu or complete the appropriate form located at www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/events/awards/nominations.htm. Distinguished Alumni Award Recognizes Northwest alumni for exceptional professional and personal achievement and extraordinary distinction in their chosen field

Public Service Award Recognizes outstanding service-minded alumni or friends of Northwest who have devoted their time and energy to public service or the advancement of higher education

Distinguished Faculty Emeritus Award Recognizes a former faculty member for outstanding teaching, service or research contributions at Northwest

Turret Service Award Acknowledges alumni whose significant contributions of time and talents benefit and promote Northwest and its Alumni Association

Distinguished Faculty Award Recognizes a present faculty member for outstanding teaching, service or research contributions at Northwest Honorary Alumni Award Honors Northwest friends who have served, promoted and loved the university in the tradition of a loyal graduate

Young Alumni Award Honors graduates of the last decade for exceptional achievements in career, public service or volunteerism that bring honor to Northwest

Fall 2015

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Alumni Connections

Northwest Foundation Board welcomes seven new members The Northwest Foundation Inc. recently appointed seven new members as directors of its Board to help guide Northwest’s advancement and grow private support. The new members are Brian Heath ’84, Dr. Jacqueline Vincent Henningsen ’66, John Moore ’78, Angela Booth Moskow, Linda Nichols Place ’72, ’09, Dr. Carol Blom Spradling ’88 and Gary Thompson ’76. The Northwest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, is responsible for receiving, investing, stewarding and disbursing private support on behalf of the donors of Northwest Missouri State University for the benefit of the institution, its students, faculty, staff and alumni. The 2015-2016 Foundation Board is led by President Mark

Doll ’80, of Des Moines, Iowa; Vice President Arnold Johnson ’77, of Houston, Texas; and Immediate Past President Holly Murphy-Barstow ’81, of Omaha, Neb. Board members may serve up to two three-year terms. The Foundation, governed by a 31-member volunteer board, is staffed by members of Northwest’s Office of University Advancement. It has nearly 6,800 donors and awarded more than 1,000 scholarships last year, with an average value of $641 per student. Additional information about the new Board members is provided below. For more information about the Northwest Foundation, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/foundation/. n

Brian Heath

NORTHWEST

ALUMNI MISSION: The Northwest Alumni Association fosters lifelong relationships through initiatives and opportunities that advance the University and its alumni, future alumni and friends. 2015-2016 Alumni Association Board of Directors President Linda Nichols Place ’72, ’09, Albany, Mo. Vice President Paula Rector Davis ’91, Lee’s Summit, Mo. Past President Kory Schramm ’95, Johnston, Iowa Members Karen Logullo Bader ’86, ’95, Aurora, Mo. Dennis Bunch ’69, ’76, Johnston, Iowa Randy Cody ’99, Carson, Iowa Mark DeVore ’71, Branson, Mo. Abby Stephens Elliott ’06, ’08, Diagonal, Iowa Allison Kreifels ’06, ’11, Wahoo, Neb. Marsha Alsbury Leopard ’71, ’76, Chillicothe, Mo. Jay Liebenguth ’80, Louisburg, Kan. Joyce Seals Roddy ’75, St. Peters, Mo. Faith Spark, Des Moines, Iowa Bob Stalder ’88, Kansas City, Mo. Anitra Germer Svendsen ’05, ’07, St. Joseph, Mo. Rich Tohkeim ’82, Omaha, Neb. Jeremy Waldeier ’97, ’09, Maryville Dustin Wasson ’03, Perry, Mo. Ex-Officio Board Members Mike Johnson ’85, Vice President of University Advancement Mark Doll ’80, President, Northwest Foundation, Des Moines, Iowa Lori McLemore Steiner ’85, Finance Officer Bob Machovsky ’15, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Melanie Robinson Smith, Alumni and Donor Relations Specialist Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09, Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications Specialist

Northwest Alumni Magazine

has accumulated more than 20 years of leadership and project management experience and is an underwriting section manager at State Farm Insurance Companies in Winter Haven, Fla. He joined State Farm in 1988 as an auto claim representative in Independence, Mo., and worked for 15 years in human resources roles in California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s degree in public relations from Northwest in 1984.

John Moore retired in 2014 after working for the Federal Reserve Bank for 34 years. After advancing to an officer of the bank in Kansas City in 1985 and later transferring to the Los Angeles office of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, he became chief operating officer in 1996. He also served on the national board of the Community for Education Foundation for 15 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business finance from Northwest in 1978 and resides in Raymore, Mo.

Linda Nichols Place is the incoming president of the Northwest Alumni Association. Since 2012, she has been an active member of the Alumni Association Board. She resides in Albany, Mo., where she retired after a successful career in teaching and education consulting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1972 and a master’s degree in education in 2009, both from Northwest.

Gary Thompson worked for The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. for 37 years, retiring in 2013. He became executive vice president in 2005 and served in that role for the last eight years of his career. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and business management from Northwest in 1976 and resides in Princeton, Mo.

Fall 2015

Dr. Jacqueline Vincent Henningsen is a consultant and advisor in applied analytics, risk management and STEM workforce development. She retired in 2014 from the United States Air Force as director of studies and analysis, assessments and lessons learned after 16 years in the Senior Executive Service. She contributed analytic leadership to major defense reviews for the Department of Defense and was awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Awards in 2001 and 2009, as well as the Presidential Distinguished Executive Rank Award in 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Northwest in 1966 and resides in Arlington, Va.

Angela Booth Moskow is a vice president at Sanofi US, leading the Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Wellness in the Corporate Affairs Division. Her department works to play a key role in moving the U.S. healthcare system from one that treats sickness to one that promotes and incentivizes wellness. She also serves as co-chair of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Leaders Advisory Board, which works to reduce childhood obesity and improve healthy lifestyles among youth. A friend of Northwest, she is the daughter of Melvin ’67 and Valorie Booth and resides in Basking Ridge, N.J.

Dr. Carol Blom Spradling is an associate professor of computer science and information systems at Northwest, having joined the faculty in 1988. The recipient of the 2012 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, Spradling currently teaches courses that include database systems, project management and professional practice skills. She also was part of a faculty team that advises Knacktive, Northwest’s student-led, interdisciplinary, strategic communications agency. She earned her master’s degree in school computer studies from Northwest in 1988.

Alumni Connections

Bearcats connect

Northwest students signed thank you posters for donors during the University’s inaugural Thank-a-Donor Day April 7. The day’s activities were geared toward celebrating alumni and friends who contribute generously to support scholarships, facilities and innovative programming.

Alumni and friends show Northwest pride, support at activities throughout the region

Scott Weber ’01, Amber Van Wyk Beerends ’00 and James Beerends ’00 take a break at the Northwest Alumni Association’s tent in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, during College Spirit Day at the RAGBRAI cycling tour in July. Northwest student Lauren Carr sang the national anthem (left) as loyal University supporters joined Bobby Bearcat to fill the stands of Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joseph for the annual Northwest Night at the Mustangs baseball game in June.

Northwest alumni and friends showed their Bearcat pride June 6 during Northwest Day at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Pictured left to right, with their children, are Adam Barber, Ashley Knierim Barber ’08, Nick Bolander, Michaela Bertino Bolander ’08, Kayla Scott ’08, Rachael Chase Eisenmenger ’07, David Eisenmenger ’07, Mindy Burkemper Gray ’08, Cody Gray ’07, Amy Kirkendall Brant ’08 and Kyle Brant ’09.

Nearly 300 Northwest alumni and friends joined Bobby Bearcat to show their Northwest pride July 11 at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, Mo. Visitors enjoyed a picnic as well as giveaways and chances to win additional prizes.

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Northwest Alumni Magazine

Lasting Legacies “I think of all the wonderful projects that we were a part of at Northwest, and it was a very rewarding experience PHOTO BY JUSTIN HAYWORTH

that we still reflect on today. It gives us

The importance of education was instilled in Dr. Robert “Bob” Bush ’57 and Dr. Betty Johnson Bush ’60 at a young age. With that understanding and the pride they share for Northwest, the couple recently made a deferred commitment in the form of a bequest that will fund their existing Johnson-Bush Scholarship and provide additional, unrestricted support for Northwest’s greatest needs. While supporting students majoring in early childhood education, elementary education, middle school education or secondary education, the Johnson-Bush Scholarship honors Betty’s mother, Lucile Agee Johnson ’52, and her more than 30 years of teaching in rural communities of

a lot of pleasure and enjoyment as we grow older.”

northwest Missouri. Lucile brought Betty to classes at Northwest while she was just a baby. “She graduated from Northwest the hard way,” Betty said. “She needed the education because she needed to teach, but more importantly she wanted it. She wanted to model how important it was for my two brothers and me.” Bob served for 34 years in various roles at Northwest and helped establish numerous programs and services in the community, including Northwest’s renowned alternative energy program, before retiring in 2006. Betty joined the Northwest faculty in 1983, beginning as a reading instructor at Horace Mann Laboratory School and eventually advanced to the

Dr. Robert “Bob” Bush ’57

with his wife, Dr. Betty Johnson Bush ’60

2014 Faculty Emeritus Award recipients

rank of professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She also served as the department’s chair and retired in 2002. The couple now resides in West Des Moines, Iowa, but maintains their pride in Northwest and interest in projects taking place in the Maryville community such as the recently completed Fourth Street Improvement Project and the development of the Watson 9 youth golf course at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park. “Maryville is on the cutting edge with its progressive leadership of the city and the leadership at the University,” Bob said. “We’re proud to say that we’re from Maryville, Missouri, and Northwest Missouri State University.”

One of the easiest planned gifts to create and implement is a bequest in your will or living trust. It allows you to give any percentage of your estate as a charitable gift when a current gift of real estate or cash might not otherwise be feasible. Consider these advantages: n It’s simple to set up. n You’re able to maintain control of your assets. n It provides a gift to Northwest in an amount you believe is appropriate, and you can still provide for your loved ones. n It provides an estate tax deduction.

n It provides for a cause you deem worthy at Northwest. n It includes membership in the Northwest Foundation’s James H. Lemon Heritage Society. n It leaves a lasting legacy at Northwest.

Contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or advance@nwmissouri.edu to find out about the many advantages of providing an estate provision.

Advancing Northwest

Alumnus pledges support to liberal arts programs

Bernard “Barney” Brinkmann shows his Bearcat pride in Kauai, Hawaii. To help Northwest alumni compete and be successful in the workplace, Brinkmann recently pledged a portion of his estate to support liberal arts.

Bernard “Barney” Brinkmann ’79 came to Northwest from St. Louis in 1974, looking for something new and different. Although many of his friends remained close to home, Brinkmann was ready for the challenge of going to school more than five hours away. Brinkmann graduated from Northwest with a degree in psychology, and for the past 37 years has worked for AT&T as the manager of outside plant planning and engineering design, processing high-speed data orders. “My education from Northwest helped me shape who I am today,” Brinkmann said. “The University made me approach situations from different angles and assisted in problem-solving. Having a degree built my confidence and ensured I was prepared for my career.” Through the years, Brinkmann and his wife, Colleen, have traveled to parts of the world including her native country, India. “For a country to compete in the world market, we need to be competitive both academically and financially,” Brinkmann said. “Education is so valued in India, and it is a

tool to get people out of poverty.” With the value of education in mind, Brinkmann has pledged a portion of his estate to Northwest and to support the future needs of the College of Arts and Sciences in the area of liberal arts. “Deferred giving provides an opportunity for alumni to leave their legacy to Northwest,” Northwest Senior Development Officer Steve Sutton ’71 said. “Barney’s gift will assist future students in achieving their goal of earning a college diploma.” Brinkmann and his wife understand the importance of philanthropy and how financial assistance and scholarships can make a difference for a student. Knowing firsthand the cost of a college education and its worth, Brinkmann wants future students to succeed and have the same opportunities he had. “Northwest offers a solid and affordable education,” Brinkmann said. “Because of its size and location, each student has the opportunity to find their place. I hope my pledge helps future Bearcats.” n

Former president, first lady pledge $100,000 to scholarship fund Decades before becoming Northwest’s ninth president, Dr. Dean Hubbard was a first-generation college student working to realize his aspirations of attaining a college degree and doing it with little financial support. As he neared the completion of his bachelor’s degree at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., Hubbard was the beneficiary of one farmer’s financial gift to the institution. “I didn’t have money and was working 40 hours a week plus going to school,” Hubbard said. “I’m well aware of the value of education to start with and the need students have for financial support.” As Northwest’s president from 1984 until his retirement in 2009, Hubbard, with his wife, Aleta, helped shape the University as a leader in Missouri higher education and worked to make it afford-

able for people lacking the financial means to work toward a college degree. The Hubbards continue to fulfill that mission and recently pledged $100,000 to assist deserving scholars through their namesake scholarship and the Dr. Joe Willey & Dr. Barbara J. Orr-Willey Fund. The Aleta & Dean Hubbard Jessica Kelley, a sophomore biology major from Blue Springs, Mo., (left) and Gregory Unkefer, a freshman computer science major Scholarship was estabfrom Pleasant Valley, Mo., (right) are pictured with Dr. Dean and lished in 2003 through a Aleta Hubbard at Northwest’s spring academic celebration. Kelley cash gift by the Willeys, and Unkefer are recent recipients of the Aleta & Dean Hubbard who are longtime friends Scholarship. to my heart. I can’t think of anything of the Hubbards. Mulbetter for someone to do than to help a tiple scholarships are awarded annually young person get an education in this to entering Northwest freshmen. day and age,” Hubbard said.”n “Scholarships have always been close

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Northwest Alumni Magazine

Advancing Northwest

Ag sciences garners support

Northwest is in preliminary planning stages for an $8.5 million Agricultural Learning Center, encompassing 24,000 square feet of multi-use space that will include a lecture hall, laboratory, meeting facilities and an exposition hall, all designed to meet the needs of the University and its students, the agriculture industry and the broader community. The proposed Agricultural Learning Center is being largely funded by donors and will be north of the Northwest campus on the University’s 448-acre R.T. Wright Farm, which is home to beef, swine, dairy, poultry and sheep herds as well as row, silage and hay crops. In addition to supporting the University’s agriculture programming at the Wright Farm, the facility will support FFA and 4-H youth functions, including educational activities and contests; agricultural industry meetings, training workshops and events; equipment and product demonstrations; local, regional and national livestock shows and sales; agricultural literacy training; food processing; agricultural banquets and other events of interest to agricultural commodity groups in Missouri, Iowa and beyond. Northwest to receive state funding for ag facility

Wells Bank gives $120,000 to support Agricultural Learning Center

Northwest is the recipient of $250,000 in matching funds released by the office of Gov. Jay Nixon to support construction of the University’s planned Agricultural Learning Center. Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski praised state legislators and encouraged them to continue seeking avenues for matching funding. “The Agricultural Learning Center and our agricultural sciences program are strategic priorities,” Jasinski said. “This matching gift helps us leverage other gifts from donors and illustrates the state’s commitment to agricultural sciences, Northwest, our students and ag-related partners. The match also will assist in moving us closer to the construction phase as we continue to be the regional leader in agricultural education, partner with ag producers and growers, and provide outreach to youth and a variety of organizations. n

Wells Bank, headquartered in Platte City, Mo., is demonstrating its commitment to the success of Northwest and its students with a $120,000 gift to support the Agricultural Learning Center. “Several employees and directors have ties to Northwest and realize the importance of the University community,” Robert Barmann ’84, the chairman of Wells Bank, said. “Their connections with Northwest have provided the basis to be successful in their lives and careers. From a business standpoint, we’ve had the privilege to serve many alumni in our market area over the years.” Rod Barr ’87, ’95, ’09, director of the School of Agricultural Sciences, said, “Relationships with industries are vital for this project and the success for the School of Agricultural Sciences. We are appreciative of Wells Bank and its contribution in helping further the University’s mission of student success – every student, every day. We believe the Agricultural Learning Center will have a significant impact on our students, community and the agricultural industry as a whole.” n

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Fall 2015

Advancing Northwest

Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski; Mark Ford, AgriVision director of organizational development; Jeremy Ostrander, AgriVision chief executive officer; Jon Graves, field manager for sales at AgriVision’s Hamburg, Iowa, location; and Northwest Provost Dr. Timothy Mottet stand in front of a John Deere 8320R tractor that AgriVision recently loaned to Northwest.

Northwest, AgriVision Equipment partner to enhance learning Foundation grants $100,000 to Northwest in support of ag center The Sunderland Foundation of Kansas City, Kan., will contribute $100,000 over two years to help fund the construction of Northwest’s proposed Agricultural Learning Center. “The fact that it will provide lots of educational opportunities for farmers was an interest to our trustees,” Kent Sunderland, president of the Sunderland Foundation, said. “We want to see rural schools and rural markets continue to thrive, and this is a good educational opportunity for young people who want to pick that as their vocation.” The Sunderland Foundation, one of the largest foundations serving the region, focuses on supporting brick and mortar projects and awarding grants to nonprofits in the Kansas City region. It annually supports areas such as higher education, youthserving agencies, health facilities, community buildings, museums and civic projects as well as lowmaintenance, energy-efficient housing projects. “Through the Sunderland Foundation’s support and giving as well as an evolving and progressive agriculture curriculum at Northwest and partnerships with industry leaders, Northwest and the Agricultural Learning Center can continue to influence generations of students and the communities they better,” said Mitzi Craft ’91, ’09, Northwest’s director of corporate and foundation relations. n

A new piece of equipment – secured through a partnership with one of the largest agriculture employers and equipment dealers in Iowa – is in use at Northwest and enhancing the profession-based experiences agriculture students receive at the University. AgriVision Equipment, a locally owned and operated company with 13 locations across southern Iowa, recently loaned a John Deere 8320R tractor to Northwest. “We are excited and greatly appreciative of the partnership that has developed with AgriVision Equipment,” said Rod Barr ’87, ’95, ’09, the director of Northwest’s School of Agricultural Sciences. “The utilization of the 8320R tractor will help to fill a void in our precision agriculture curriculum and will provide experiential learning opportunities for our students that were not available previously.” AgriVision Equipment’s Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Ostrander said the company has experienced firsthand how partnerships can benefit students and its business. Now, in a rapidly changing environment, AgriVision Equipment hopes to build on that notion by strengthening its relationship with Northwest. “Data and how we use it, and how it integrates with equipment to enable farmers to make better decisions and reduce risk, has become integral,” Ostrander said. “We felt like there was an opportunity to start to look longer term at how we recruit and develop the best and the brightest talent, and obviously Northwest is at the front end of that.” As its partnership with Northwest evolves, AgriVision Equipment leaders look forward to providing internship opportunities and establishing scholarships for Northwest students. During the last year, AgriVision Equipment has proactively worked to develop its relationship with Northwest by participating in its Career Day and Mock Interview Days, and its employees serve on advisory committees. “We saw at Northwest Missouri State an opportunity for us to work with an educational institution to help AgriVision Equipment and to help our communities with what we really need as far as outcomes, for students, for internships, for the curriculum,” said Mark Ford, director of organizational development for AgriVision Equipment. “We have challenges, and there’s a partnership we can form – even if it’s just learning more about each other so we can help as far as our outcomes are concerned.” n

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Northwest Alumni Magazine

Bearcat Sports

Bostwick, 5 student-athletes, two teams to enter M-Club Hall of Fame A legendary Northwest coach will be posthumously inducted into Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame this fall with five outstanding former student-athletes, an undefeated wrestling team and a dominate women’s tennis team. The Class of 2015 will be inducted during the annual banquet at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased by contacting Michele Steinmeyer at 660.562.1977 or msteinm@nwmissouri.edu by Friday, Oct. 9. Inductees also will be recognized during the Homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 24. The 2015 class will bring the total number of individual inductees to 130. The M-Club Hall of Fame was established for individuals in 1980 and its first teams were enshrined in 1989. Scott Bostwick

Xavier Omon ’07

Northwest football defensive coordinator, 1994-2010; named 18th head football coach in Northwest’s history in 2011 before passing at age 49; teams won 12 MIAA championships, appeared in seven title games and won three NCAA Division II championships during his tenure; 2007 AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year.

Football, 2003-2007; Northwest’s leader in career (7,073) and single season (2,337) rushing yards as well as career rushing touchdowns (92); earned multiple firstteam All-American honors in 2007 (AP Little AllAmerica, D2Football.com, Daktronics/CoSida, AFCA, Don Hansen Gazette).

Steve Coppinger ’98

Football, 1994-1998; first-team AllAmerican in 1998; first-team All-MIAA and All-Region in 1997 and 1998; started every game during his four-year career. Karen Hopewell Jacobsen ’86

Softball, 1983-1986; first-team All-MIAA in 1985 and 1986; MIAA Most Valuable Player in 1986 is first and only selection in Northwest program history; first all-time in assists for a season (195 in 1985) and for career (463). Josh Lamberson ’06

Football, 2002-2005; second-team All-MIAA in 2004 and 2005; third-team All-American in 2005; twice named to first team Academic All-American in 2004 and 2005; CoSIDA and ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American of the Year in 2005.

Scott Bostwick

Allen Packer ’67

Wrestling, 1962-1966; had a dominate career, highlighted by All-American honors in 1964; won program record 35 consecutive dual matches at one point in his career; notched Steve Coppinger ’98 29 career pins, and his 10 during the 1964-1965 season tied a school record at the time. 1996 women’s tennis

Went 20-5 overall and 5-0 in MIAA to earn conference championship, finished No. 20 in nation; the team’s 58 combined doubles wins is tied for third in school history; featured four MIAA individual champions (Kim Buchan ’99, Sherri Casady ’98, Maria Groumoutis Leonard ’98, Lia Ruiz Bradley ’96, ’98).

1996 women’s tennis team

1963-1964 wrestling

Xavier Omon ’07

Josh Lamberson ’06

Northwest Alumni Magazine

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Recorded a 12-0 record; finished ninth at the NCAA Division II Tournament; two wrestlers earned All-America honors (Harvey Hallum ’69, Allen Packer ’67). n

Karen Hopewell Jacobsen ’86

Bearcat Sports

2015 spring sports recap Golf

Tennis

Seniors Taylor Gard and Ashley Powers led the Northwest women’s golf team to a pair of top-six team finishes this season. The Bearcats placed fifth at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Invite in Axtell, Neb., with Gard shooting a team-low 79 in the second round, which was good for a fourth-place overall tie individually. Powers carded an 81 to post a tie for 20th. Northwest finished in sixth place at the MIAA Championship Tournament in Lawrence, Kan. Both women improved their final round scores in the championship; Gard clinched eighth place individually with a 75, and Powers notched a 79 to tie for 17th. Gard and Powers each received MIAA honorable mention accolades. Gard was named an MIAA Scholar Athlete, and Powers was one of eight Bearcats to be named to the MIAA Academic honor roll.

Bearcat head tennis coach Mark Rosewell recorded his 1,000th career win and guided the men’s tennis team to its 10th straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Rosewell finished 2015 with 1,013 wins and received his 25th MIAA Coach of the Year award. He has now won 24 MIAA regular season titles, seven MIAA tournament titles and advanced 34 teams to the NCAA tournament. The men’s team finished with a 19-7 record and a sixth straight sweep of the regular season and tournament MIAA titles. Northwest sophomore Romain Boissinot was the MIAA Men’s Player of the Year and earned one of three first-team All-MIAA selections for the Bearcats. The Intercollegiate Tennis Association named Rosewell Central Region Men’s Coach of the Year and graduate assistant Lluis Altimires was Assistant Coach of the Year while awarding women’s senior Camila Quesada with the Most Improved Player of the Year award. Quesada, the nation’s No. 35-ranked singles player, earned second team All-MIAA honors at No. 1 singles. The women’s team finished the season with an 18-8 overall Romain Boissinot record and its first berth in the NCAA Championship tournament since 2009. Both teams combined for 13 student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their academic achievements.

Softball For the sixth consecutive season, the Bearcat softball team (26-24) earned a trip to the MIAA Tournament and secured tournament victories over Missouri Western and Central Oklahoma to finish with multiple postseason wins for the first time since 2008. Junior pitcher Kendle Schieber recorded a team-best 2.28 ERA, the third lowest in the MIAA Stephanie Mark among qualifying pitchers. Senior first baseman Stephanie Mark finished with a .395 batting average and a .722 slugging percentage while crushing 13 home runs. Mark received AstroTurf/MIAA Hitter of the Week honors on two occasions and was the NFCA National Player of the Week for games played March 2-8. Schieber and Mark were honored with secondteam All-MIAA accolades, while sophomore second baseman Torri Blythe and sophomore third baseman Chantel Adams received honorable mention awards.

Baseball The Bearcat baseball team narrowly missed the MIAA Tournament for the second straight year, finishing 10th in the league standings. Northwest (20-28) experienced an impressive mid-season run that included 12 wins and three series ties. Senior second baseman Paul Johnson concluded his Northwest career with his best offensive season, leading the team with a .364 batting average, seven doubles, three triples and three home runs in 45 starts. Senior first baseman Steven Garber smacked seven home runs, 43 RBI and 59 total hits, which tied Johnson for the team lead. Johnson earned second team All-MIAA baseball honors, Anthony Caenepeel while Garber was named third team All-MIAA. Junior shortstop Nick Gotta and two pitchers, sophomore Anthony Caenepeel and senior Carson Smith, garnered honorable mention accolades.

Track and Field Two Bearcat track and field athletes qualified for the NCAA Division II Championships this season. Northwest junior Chloe Wichmann qualified for the 2015 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Allendale, Mich., and the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association awarded her with AllRegion team honors in the heptathlon and the long jump. Wichmann also broke her own Northwest school record in the heptathlon, and she finished 10th in the event at the NCAA Championships. Senior Alexis Boyd also set a Northwest record in the 400-meter dash. She placed 12th in the event at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala. Overall, the Bearcats had four studentathletes earn MIAA Scholar Athlete honors while 59 earned MIAA Academic Honor Roll accolades. As teams, the Bearcat men captured a seventh-place finish at the MIAA Indoor Championships while the women finished ninth. At the MIAA Outdoor Championships, the Bearcat women placed seventh, while the men finished tenth. n Chloe Wichmann

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Northwest Alumni Magazine

Bearcat Sports

Rosewell reflects on 1,000 wins, coaching success

Northwest men’s and women’s tennis coach Mark Rosewell looks on during a May 8 celebration in his honor. Rosewell completed his 35th season of coaching and scored his 1,000 career victory last spring.

Northwest men’s and women’s tennis coach Mark Rosewell sealed his 1,000th career victory when the Bearcats picked up a pair of victories at Washburn University April 13. “A win always feels good no matter if it is your thousandth or your first,” Rosewell said before earning his 999th win as the Bearcat men’s team beat Southwest Baptist. Rosewell, who completed his 35th season coaching collegiate tennis last spring, began coaching at Northwest in 1984. He has guided the Bearcat women’s team to 12 MIAA titles and the men’s team to 11. He has coached 136 MIAA individual

champions and 82 first-team All-MIAA performers. Three of his teams and six individuals are in the Northwest M-Club Hall of Fame. Northwest honored Rosewell and his milestone win total with a May 8 celebration that was attended by several former student-athletes, current and former Northwest staff members and community members. “What I’m most proud of is seeing former athletes who have gone on and graduated and made something out of themselves,” Rosewell said. “We have doctors, attorneys, bankers, school teachers – to see all those people, that’s what I get most charged up about.”n

3 former student-athletes inducted into MIAA Hall of Fame The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association celebrated the accomplishments of 10 individuals as part of its 2015 MIAA Hall of Fame inductee class June 3, and that list included three former Northwest student-athletes – Kathy Kearns Behounek ’98, Tony Miles ’00 and Clint Prange ’04. Behounek was a two-time All-America cross country performer in 1996 and 1997. She won the 1996 MIAA championship in cross country and was a six-time conference champion in track and field. In 1998, she was Missouri’s NCAA Woman of the Year. She was inducted into Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame in 2007. A key figure in the Bearcats’ back-to-back NCAA Division II national championships in 1998 and 1999, Miles was a two-time All-America wide receiver and kick returner and a three-time First-Team All-MIAA pick. He was inducted into

Kathy Kearns Behounek ’98

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Tony Miles ’00

Fall 2015

the M-Club Hall of Fame in 2012. Prange was a six-time All-American at the national track and field meet. He was a three-time discus national champion and won the outdoor shot put title in 2005. During the 2005 shot put, Prange recorded a throw measuring 66-feet, 1-inch – a mark that still stands as an NCAA Division II record. Prange was honored by the MIAA as the recipient of the 2005 Ken B. Jones Award and was inducted into the M-Club Hall of Fame in 2013. The inductions of Behounek, Miles and Prange bring the total number of Northwest student-athletes in the MIAA Hall of Fame to 12 since the Hall of Fame began in 2010. In addition, Northwest’s 1998, 1999 and 2009 Bearcat football teams are enshrined in the MIAA Hall of Fame as team inductees. n

Clint Prange ’04

Bearcat Sports 2015 BEARCAT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 3, 7 p.m. at University of Nebraska at Kearney (Kearney, Neb.) Sept. 10, 7 p.m. vs. Missouri Southern State University Sept. 19, 1:30 p.m. at University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, Mo.) Sept. 26, 2:30 p.m. vs. University of Central Oklahoma (Family Weekend) (MIAA TV game) Oct. 3, 1 p.m. at Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, Okla.) Oct. 10, 1 p.m. vs. Lindenwood University Oct. 17, 2:30 p.m. at Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kan.) (MIAA TV game) Oct. 24, 2 p.m. vs. Fort Hays State University (Homecoming) Oct. 31, 1 p.m. at Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph, Mo.) Nov. 7, 1 p.m. vs. Emporia State University Nov. 14, 1 p.m. at Washburn University (Topeka, Kan.)

Whether you’re in Omaha, Dallas, Kansas City, Phoenix or beyond...

Tune in to the Bearcat Radio Network Listen on the radio n

KXCV, 90.5 FM Maryville

KCXL, 102.9 FM Kansas City

KRNW, 88.9 FM Chillicothe

KCXL, 1140 AM Liberty

KKWK, 100.1 FM Cameron

KMA, 960 AM Shenandoah

Listen on the web n

www.kxcv.org

www.bearcatsports.com

Home games bolded

Listen on your phone or tablet

MIAA TV games will be broadcast on KSMO-TV in Kansas City, Cox Communications KS 22 and several other outlets across the MIAA footprint.

Download the NPR or TuneIn Radio apps (via KXCV)

The Hy-Vee Bearcat Zone opens two hours prior to kickoff in College Park (across the street from the west entrance to Bearcat Stadium) before all home games. Admission is free, food is available for purchase, and don’t miss the pep rally featuring the Bearcat Marching Band, Bearcat Steppers and Bearcat cheerleaders.

Bearcat football game day policies To ensure the safety and enjoyment of Northwest fans as well as all individuals on campus, please observe the following policies on Bearcat football game days: n

Only campus parking lots 60, 62 and 63 are approved for alcohol possession and consumption in conjunction with tailgating activities. No one under the age of 21 is permitted to consume or possess alcohol.

Tailgating activities, including alcohol consumption, may not begin until five hours prior to scheduled kickoff times.

No possession or consumption of alcohol is allowed in College Park.

Kegs and glass containers are not allowed.

All tailgating activities and consumption of alcohol must cease at kickoff.

Ticket booths (located on the southeast corner and west side of Bearcat Stadium) open 2 ½ hours prior to kickoff.

Gates to the stadium open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

Bearcat Stadium has a no re-entry policy in place for all home football games. Fans with specific needs or requiring medical assistance should visit Guest Services located inside the stadium.

Don't miss a single play! As it has since 1999, KXCV 90.5 FM – the most powerful FM station in the region – serves as the flagship station and provider of all Bearcat sports broadcasts. KXCV is the 100,000-watt FM public radio station that broadcasts from the Northwest campus. The professional broadcast team of John Coffey ’82 and Matt Gaarder ’97 provide the play-by-play and color commentary for all Bearcat football and basketball games. Coffey began in 1985 as the “Voice of the Bearcats” while Gaarder joined the broadcast team prior to the 1999 season.

To view additional game day policies and regulations as well as the latest schedules and ticket information, visit www.bearcatsports.com.

Fall 2015

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Class Notes

Ross ensures Mayan students are equipped for school

Chris Ross ’77 has traveled to the Yucatan for the last 30 years, annually delivering school supplies to Mayan children.

Chris Ross ’77 was approached in 1985 by long-time Northwest geography instructor Dr. Byron Agustin to take a trip to the Yucatan and visit the Mayan ruins. He had no idea it would turn into a lifetime journey. On that first trip, Ross noticed children trying to play baseball with sticks, old tennis balls and plastic cups. So he returned the next year with baseball equipment. He didn’t end his journey there. For the last 30 years, Ross has traveled to the Yucatan, annually delivering school supplies to Mayan children. Each packet a child receives consists of a cross, candy, books, pencils, ink pens, coloring books, toys and crayons to last them a year until Ross returns. “When I arrived in the first village, I was amazed to see how they were trying to teach the children,” Ross said. “No electricity, no running water. The schools had dirt-floor huts. Dark and dingy.” Ross has changed thousands of students’ lives in the Yucatan. He raises money to create the school supply packets with the help of churches, civic groups and donors. Through fundraisers, he has traveled more than 50,000 miles, visited more than 1,000 villages and reached more than 36,000 children. His impact on Mayan people has not gone unnoticed. Once he went on a company trip to

Puerto Vallarta and heard a young man across the street calling his name. “He told me his name and that he was from the village of Ek Balam in the Yucatan, and when he was in school I delivered him a packet every year. He finished high school in Valladolid, Yucatan, and studied business in Mexico City. He was the manager of the restaurant and wanted me to have a meal with him.” Ross said it was like handing a packet to someone in New York and seeing him in California. In 2008, one village threw Ross a surprise party to celebrate his years of visits to the Yucatan. “The teachers from all the villages came, some traveled many miles and honored me with certificates, awards and gifts. Many of them are printed in Mayan and I treasure them. They were telling me how much my work meant to the children and the Mayan people.” Nothing has stopped Ross from getting school supplies to help educate and improve the lives of Mayan children. He is planning a fundraiser to return in 2016. “The greatest gift you can give someone is the gift of inspiration,” Ross said. “I have been blessed to be able to do this as long as I have, and I never get tired of the hugs and kisses I receive from the children when I hand a packet to them.” Ross is employed as a premier dealer for Producers Hybrids, a seed company based in Battle Creek, Neb. When he isn’t traveling to the Yucatan, he enjoys fly fishing at his cabin in the sand hills of Nebraska, attending and helping with the College World Series in Omaha, and spending time with his family, which includes his wife, Terri Reiter Ross ’77. n

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Class Notes

1940

1 Earl McCleave and Ethlyn Heriford McCleave (attended) celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary April 4. Earl is a retired attorney, and Ethlyn worked as a teacher and government worker. They live in Gladstone, Mo., near where the Northland Innovation Campus will be located. (Editor’s note: Earl McCleave passed away July 31)

1942 Jeff Gude ’12, ’13 and Tiffanie Jacobs Gude ’14 were married May 30 and were treated to a special appearance by Bobby Bearcat. The wedding party included six other Northwest alumni: Tia Jacobs Singleton ’12 (back second from left), Scott Singleton ’12 (back third from right), Derek Lowery ’13 (back right), Paul Kite ’12 (in front of Scott), Chase Anderson ’13 (front right), Chris Franz ’12 (in front of Bobby); and current student Arianne Bredlow (back left). The groom is employed at Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn and Co., CPA’s in Atlantic, Iowa, and the bride is an insurance coordinator at Duke Aerial Inc. in Atlantic.

1. Earl ’40 and Ethlyn Heriford (attended) McCleave 2. Shirley Catlett ’80 3. Peggy and Kurt ’84 Suchomel 4. Britany Bahr ’12 and Payden ’10 Harris

2 1

Helen Johnson Ackerman lives in Alexandria, Va., and is a retired professor of educational technology.

1950

Gerald Cox is a retired private investigator who has recently published “Rescued by the Grace of God,” a sequel to his Irish novel, “Adventures of Sean McCauley from Ireland to Scotland Yard.” Jerry and his wife, Vivian Kowitz Cox ’51, a retired teacher, have relocated from Colorado to Kansas City, Mo.

1957

James Joy and Patricia New Joy ’58 live in Rogers, Ark. James is a retired brigadier general from the U.S. Marine Corps and Patricia retired from teaching elementary school.

1963

Alice Burgett Ramsay is a business and elementary educator. She lived in Colorado for 37 years before moving to her farm in Iowa in 2000. She recently relocated to Colorado to hike, swim and ski. 4 3

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Northwest Alumni Magazine

Class Notes

1967

Janice Rhodes is a retired elementary teacher living in St. Louis. She taught for Kirkwood R-7.

1971

Edward Day retired after 41 years with Navistar and the Navistar Truck Dealer Network. In 2014, he was Illustrious Sir of the Midian Shrine Center in Wichita, Kan., part of Shriners International, which operates 22 children’s hospitals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Edward lives in Valley Center, Kan. Larry Mannasmith was presented the Orpheus Award by Northwest’s Upsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He received the award, given for significant and lasting contributions to the cause of music in America, following the performance of Northwest’s Celebration Spring Show on April 24, at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Larry is a retired choral music teacher and currently works as an admissions representative for Northwest.

Allenbrand helps disabled farmers stay independent on their land Jackie Allenbrand ’91 proudly walked across Northwest’s commencement stage to accept her degree in elementary and special education and thought she would teach forever. After eight years of teaching fourth and sixth grade students and serving as a high school girls basketball assistant coach, she learned she developed an immune system disorder. Her doctor recommended she find another career. Today, Allenbrand and her husband, Chris, can be found on a farm in Stanberry, Mo., connecting dogs with disabled farmers. She developed Pets Helping Agriculture in Rural Missouri, or P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA, in 2005

1980

2 Shirley Catlett retired in May 2015, after teaching for 31 years. She taught the last 20 years in Savannah, Mo., and for the last four years has been accompanied and assisted in her life-skills curriculum for special needs students by Annabelle, her 3-pound Chihuahua, who dresses to match her every day. Shirley and Annabelle plan to continue to teach on a substitute basis.

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Jackie Allenbrand ’91 turned her attention to training dogs for disabled farmers after an immune system disorder forced her to reconsider her teaching career.

when a friend, who had a partially amputated leg, discussed the benefits of having his border collie assist with herding his cattle. Allenbrand launched P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA as a non-profit organization to match dogs with disabled farmers throughout the country. To be eligible, farmers or their family members must have a disease or disability and a continued desire to farm their land. “We are farmers helping farmers while saving a dog’s life, and improving the life of farmers,” Allenbrand said. Allenbrand and volunteers train two breeds of dogs – border collies (herding dogs) and Labradors (service dogs) – that are saved or adopted from shelters. The training for herding dogs can take as long as a year and a half prior to placement with a farmer, and service dogs can take up to two years. Dogs are trained based on the needs of the farmer. The primary responsibility of a border collie is to assist farmers with herding livestock. Service dogs aid farmers with tasks like retrieving tools, helping farmers walk, and opening and closing gates. Depending on the needs of the farmers, dogs also are trained to be near fourwheelers, gators and tractors. “One of our dogs is even laser-trained,” Allenbrand said. “The farmer can shine the laser on a tool and the dog will retrieve it.” Once the dog is trained, Allenbrand and a trainer stay with the farmer for four to five days to teach commands and help the dog and farmer adapt to each other. “We also have to ‘dog break’ the livestock – meaning, we teach the livestock to respect the dog,” Allenbrand said. If required, additional training is available after the dog is placed with the owner. To date, P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA has placed 12 dogs with farmers, and The Kansas City Star has featured the organization in a story highlighting opportunities for disabled farmers. Although Allenbrand couldn’t continue her dream of being a teacher, she fulfills the dreams of disabled farmers who want to keep farming. To learn more about P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA or how to donate, visit www.pharmdog.org. n

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# Photo submitted (see pg. 31)

Class Notes

Nelson feels connection with community through Camp Quality Adam Nelson ’02, ’06 is helping to change lives annually at Camp Quality – a non-profit organization that provides year-round companionship and programming at no cost to children who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. Nelson, of Cameron, Mo., has worked with the camp for 18 years and has been the co-executive director for five years. His job involves public relations and fundraising at Camp Quality Northwest Missouri, the original and largest of 16 camps in the United States. Nelson has always had a passion for helping others. In high school, he chaperoned some Cameron students to the Missouri State Special Olympics and realized he wanted to get involved with Camp Quality. Through the years, many Northwest students have volunteered and gained education experience by working with children at the camp. “Camp Quality has made me who I am,” Nelson said. “Helping others gives me a sense of belonging, and camp has allowed me to continue that for many years.” Founded in 1986, Camp Quality has grown immensely, and an average of 105 campers annually attend the main event, a week-long summer camp in June outside Stewartsville, Mo. “The northwest Missouri community has been very important to Camp Quality, and I feel blessed to be raised in an area where I truly feel we are able to live by our tagline of ‘letting kids with cancer be kids again,’” Nelson said. Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and mental disabilities as well as a master’s degree in education leadership and secondary administration, both from Northwest. He also received his certification in K-12 cross categorical special education through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Aside from his work at Camp Quality, Nelson is a special education teacher for the Platte County R-III School District and attributes his success to instructors he had at Northwest. “Not only did they teach me the curriculum, but they also took me under their wings and helped me learn the importance of build-

ing relationships with my students and their families,” Nelson said. At Northwest, Nelson was involved with Kind Individuals Dedicated to Students (K.I.D.S.). He also was a Adam Nelson ’02, ’06 is co-executive residential director for Camp Quality, a program assistant for children diagnosed with cancer. for two years and a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. “Northwest taught me how to become a community leader,” Nelson said. “I attribute a lot of my ability to be the co-executive director of Camp Quality Northwest Missouri to Northwest and how the University guided me to become active in the community.” Nelson said Northwest also taught him how to be an effective communicator, which is important for his position at Camp Quality. He says meeting new campers and their families is one thing he enjoys most. “Each year before the camp week, I go and meet the new camper families so they have a familiar face to see before camp,” Nelson said. “I have made some really strong connections with our new campers and enjoy getting to learn about them even before each one steps foot on the grounds for their first camp week.” For Nelson, the people he meets through Camp Quality keep him actively involved and inspire him to continue his work there. “I have this whole family I have made through camp, and they truly care about me and each other as much as I care about them,” Nelson said. n

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1983

John McGuire ’99 (master’s) is one of the co-editors of “The ESPN Effect: Examining the Worldwide Leader in Sports,” which will be released this fall by Peter Lang publishing in New York. Dr. McGuire, an associate professor in the sports media program at Oklahoma State University, is currently at work on a textbook about the business of sportscasting. Christopher Hughes was promoted to the rank of major general in the U.S. Army. He had served as deputy commandant at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and deputy commanding general for leader development and education at the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and was reassigned to serve as chief of staff at U.S. Army Pacific in Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

1984

3 Kurt Suchomel has been in the pre-engineered building business since 1986 and has been with American Buildings Co. since 2007. In 2011, he was named district manager of the year in the Midwest Division, and in 2013 he ranked No. 5 in shipments in the country. Kurt and his wife, Peggy, reside in ‘old’ downtown Lee’s Summit, Mo.

1989

Rick Gustafson is interim principal for Trinity Lutheran School in Boone, Iowa. He has been substitute teaching for the Ogden Community Schools since his retirement in 2010. Rick serves on the Board continued on next page

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Class Notes

of Elders of Grace Community Church in Boone, Iowa, and is president of the Board of Trustees of the Leonard A. Good Library in Ogden. He also serves on the Education Advisory Board for Drake University Head Start and the Early Childhood Advisory Board for Character Counts in Iowa.

1991

Jeff Greunke was recognized in March by Country Radio Seminar/ Country Air-Check as the Music Director of the Year for medium markets. He is known on the airwaves as Hoss Michaels and can be heard on KXKT in Omaha, Neb.

1992

Chris Johnson and his wife, Nicky, live in Cheyenne, Wyo., where Lt. Col. Johnson is commander of the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. He is in charge of 409 defenders securing nuclear weapons and teaches part-time for Central Christian College. Nicky is self-employed as a chef.

1996

Theresa Cullen is an associate professor of instructional psychology and technology in the Jeannine Rambolt College of Education at the University of Oklahoma and is the director of the 1-to-1 iPad program. She was named to the Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2015.

4 alumni earn recognition for teaching excellence Kimberly Visser Schultz ’93

Schultz ’93, a professor of business at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was named Outstanding Post Secondary Teacher of the Year by the National Business Education Association (NBEA) at its annual convention April 3 in Chicago. She was recognized for continuously revamping the courses she teaches to incorporate real-world concepts, her interaction with business professionals to learn current business practices, integrating authentic assessments and modeling exemplary professional involvement. Schultz has been a member of the Kirkwood faculty for 15 years. Previously, she taught business education at Central Decatur JuniorSenior High School in Leon, Iowa. Donn Harrison ’00

Harrison, a kindergarten teacher at Parkview Elementary School in Cameron, Mo., was awarded the 2015 Top Teacher Award on “Live with Kelly & Michael” May 8 in front of millions of television viewers. “It sounds cliché, but it was surreal,” Harrison said. “I was thinking this is not real, this is a joke, a very extensive joke. It all started because my wife wrote a letter nominating me. She just wanted a letter back saying, ‘Thank your husband’ for teacher appreciation week.” As the first place winner, Harrison received a Ford Edge, a $20,000 check from Coca-Cola Life and a golden apple trophy. Parkview Elementary School also received 30 Intel-Powered ASUS laptops.

1999

Jason Klindt ’02 (master’s) is the government affairs manager with

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ”LIVE WITH KELLY & MICHAEL”

Fall 2015

Harrison said he was proud to represent the Cameron community and is grateful for the education he received at Northwest. “Northwest stuck out as a place that held you accountable,” he said. “I learned a lot. It was the place to go. Northwest provided personal attention, small classes and networking through exceptional teachers from other schools.” Dr. Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles ’01 ’02

Pleggenkuhle-Miles, an assistant professor in the University of Nebraska Omaha’s College of Business Administration, was one of nine educators honored April 16 by the school’s alumni association. She received the Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award in honor of distinguished teaching in the classroom. At Nebraska Omaha, she redesigned and coordinates the undergraduate capstone strategy business course. She also teaches strategy in the Master of Business Administration program. Brett Kisker ’05 ’09

Kisker was named the 2015 Liberty School District Teacher of the Year for his work leading Project Lead the Way – a program incorporating science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum – at Liberty North High School in Liberty, Mo. Kisker also received the 2014 MO STEM Educator Innovator Award last fall for his efforts to encourage girls to take STEM courses. The award included a $2,000 stipend that Kisker has allocated to launch an engineering club for girls at two Liberty high schools. n

Class Notes

Education leads Lucas to philanthropic work in Australia Tiffany Barmann Lucas ’03 says her decision to attend Northwest was an easy one. “It is a family tradition. Both of my parents, brother, sister and grandfather all went to school there.” Lucas understood that in order to be successful, she needed to work hard and be active on campus. She was involved in campus life and served as the freshman and senior class president, a student ambassador, vice president of the Student Senate and president of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. Tiffany Barmann Lucas ’03 stands outside the Melbourne Theatre ComAfter graduating from pany’s headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. Lucas relocated to Australia in Northwest, Lucas moved to 2008 and became development director for the theater company in 2013. Kansas City to attend law sible for raising more than $2.5 million of school at the University of the total. Lucas manages private donations, Missouri-Kansas City. Upon graduating, she memberships, and corporate and institutional worked for 1 1/2 years at a major law firm in giving programs. Kansas City, Mo., and one year at the Clay “I love my job,” she said. “I am in the inspiCounty prosecutor’s office. ration business where I get to motivate others In 2008, Lucas accepted a position as a and help them make a difference in the arts.” lawyer in Australia practicing mergers and In addition to staging world-class plays, acquisitions, and she was soon promoted to MTC is an advocate for education and a proud senior associate. She managed cases ranging in supporter of its community. Its education provalue from $5 million to $600 million. gram travels to disadvantaged areas and helps Lucas loved her job, but felt something build the self-confidence of young community missing. She determined her passion was members. elsewhere – in philanthropy. “It was always Recently, Lucas moved back to the U.S. important to my family to give back to the but continues to work at MTC. Lucas, her community, in particular to those less fortuhusband, Matthew, and their dog live in San nate,” she said. Francisco where she resides three weeks out In late 2013, Lucas followed her heart and of the month and travels to Australia for one accepted the role of development director week per month. Lucas and her husband enjoy with Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) in traveling and have visited every continent but Melbourne, Australia. Hosting 12 shows annuhave much more of the world to see. ally, MTC is the largest theater company in the Lucas says she is proof that a Northwest southern hemisphere and the oldest profeseducation can take its graduates anywhere. sional theater in Australia. “You only live once – ensure you work hard, The company’s revenue is more than $22 but play harder,” she said. n million annually, and Lucas’ team is respon-

Fall 2015

Kansas City Power and Light. He and his wife, Nichole Sloop Klindt (attended), welcomed their first child, Jacoby Ellison Klindt, in October 2014.

2000

Sarah Barton Thomas has been named the middle school director at The Montgomery Academy in Montgomery, Ala. She has lived and worked in Maryland for nine years.

2001

Tucker Woolsey has been named women’s assistant Coach of the Year in Division II by the U. S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. He is in his 13th season as throws coach at the University of Central Missouri.

2002

Precious Tillman Porras was recently named the interim director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Kansas.

2010

Beau Dooley (master’s) is the director of the Center for Wellness Promotion at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Brooks Swanson and Amanda Petelin ’10 were married March 21 in Kansas City, Mo. Brooks is a designer with Willbros Engineering and Amanda works as a grassroots manager for the American Cancer Society. They live in Kansas City.

Northwest Alumni Magazine

Class Notes

2011

4 Payden Harris and Britany Bahr ‘12 were married March 14. Britany is a fifth grade teacher with the North Kansas City School District and Payden is an account executive with Digity Media. Elliott Ludy and Elizabeth Most Ludy ‘11 live in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where he is a certified public accountant for A. Scott Colby, P.C., and she is a lighting associate with Lightworks of Steamboat.

2014

Amanda Curtis is a learning management systems administrator at Missouri Southern State University, where she recently received the Champ Service Award. She and her daughter, Averi, 3, live in Webb City, Mo. n

Houts, Bush co-author picture book to celebrate love of mother, child Memories of their own mother-child bond inspired award-winning author Amy Farber Houts ’91 and her daughter, Emily Dettmer Bush ’04, to co-author “What Do Moms Do?” Sweet examples and funny animal illustrations – including a mother skunk sitting by the bathtub while her child takes a bath – help tell the story of the everyday ways moms show their love. The book, created with award-winning illustrator Lisa Thiesing, is geared for children ages 3 to 5, and is available in paperback. Houts and Bush decided to write the book after discussing some of the little sacrifices that moms make that seem trivial but make everyday routines special. “We just started laughing about these funny things and small sacrifices that moms make for their kids,” Houts said. “So I started writing them down and, being a children’s author, I thought this would be a really cute book.” Added Bush, “It was particularly fun to work on this book because it allowed us to reminisce about my childhood and relate it to raising my sons.”

What’s new with you? New job? New child? New spouse? New address? Send your latest news to the Northwest Alumni Association at alumni@nwmissouri. edu, use the enclosed envelope or complete the online class notes form at www. nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/magazine/ classnotes.htm.

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You may also submit a photograph. Please include a selfaddressed envelope for the photo to be returned, or email it, in high resolution, to alumni@nwmissouri. edu. n

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An author of more than 60 books, Houts started a publishing company, Houts & Home Publications LLC, in 2011 with Bush’s help, Emily Dettmer Bush ’04 and Amy and the two Farber Houts ’91 are co-authors of continue to “What Do Moms Do?” partner on a number of writing projects. Houts’ books have earned the Moonbean Children’s Book Award-Gold Medal, Creative Child Magazine “Seal of Excellence” Award, Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children’s Product Award, Missouri Writers’ Guild Best Juvenile Book Award, was a Midwest Book Award Finalist, and was a BookSense 76 Pick. Visit www.amyhouts.com for more information. n

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Fall 2015

# Photo submitted (see pg. 31)

In Memoriam

In Memoriam David Anderson ‘70 73, of Omaha, Neb., died Jan. 1 at the Douglas County Health Center in Omaha. He served in Vietnam and taught high school business classes in Shelby and Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1979, his family relocated to Charition, Iowa, where he owned and operated a radio station until he returned to teaching in Denison, Iowa, in 1984. He taught at Denison High School for 20 years, retiring in 2004. Richard “Dick” Carothers ‘50 80, died March 30 at Ridgewood Nursing and Rehab Center in Ottumwa, Iowa. He served with the U.S. Army in Korea and moved to Ottumwa in 1963 to work for the Iowa Department of Human Services. For 24 years he worked for the Southern Iowa Mental Health Center, serving as director for 20 years and retiring in 1997. Paul Carson ’41 96, of Brookings, S.D., died June 22. He was principal of the Bolckow Public Schools in Missouri prior to serving three years in the U.S. Army during World War II. He joined the faculty of South Dakota State University in 1948 and retired in 1984 as professor of plant science and a member of the graduate studies faculty. Andrea “Andi” Schauper Dykstra ‘73 64, of Maxwell, Iowa, died April 1 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Andi worked as a senior director for Telligen for 28 years. Patricia “Pat” Erman Eppenauer 77, of Callao, Mo., died March 19 at the Macon Health Care Center in

Macon, Mo. She taught 38 years at various levels of education, including Northwest. James Galloway (attended) 72, of Coon Rapids, Iowa, died Dec. 30, 2014. Jim was a farmer and seed corn dealer. Mary Gentry (attended) 60, died Feb. 1 at Nurse Care Rehabilitation Center in Shreveport, La. She was a licensed alcohol and drug addiction counselor for Chemical Dependency Services of Shreveport, where she worked until 1989. Mary then started her own business, conducting individual, group, couple and family counseling for 25 years. Eva Huff Goforth (Horace Mann ‘41) 91, of Savannah, Mo., died May 20 after a brief illness. After graduating from Horace Mann High School, Eva worked as an office manager for a local auto dealership. She and her husband, Byrl, farmed and raised their family in Guilford, Mo. Nadine Royston Graham ‘55 84, of Warrensburg, Mo., died Dec. 15, 2014. Nadine taught elementary school at Rockport, St. Joseph and Independence, Mo., and Atchison, Kan. She was a school librarian at Savannah, University City and Knob Noster, Mo. Ron Hargin ‘50 84, died April 16. He served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Ron began his career as a high school teacher but spent the bulk of his career as an electronic production manager for Western Electric Inc. the manufacturing division of AT&T. He retired from

Pacific NW Bell in 1985. Anne Harter ’95, ‘97 49, of Red Oak, Iowa, died May 12 at her home. She started her teaching career at Northwest. Anne taught at Villisca, Iowa, schools and later ran the Villisca Review newspaper. She returned to teaching at the Clarinda Academy, Shenandoah schools and Red Oak Community Schools, all in Iowa. Mindy Povenmire Hempler ‘96 40, of Holt, Mo., died Jan. 21 at her home. She worked as a sales representative for Bayer Crop Science and then for Syngenta. Walter Hicks ’76 (master’s) 74, of Goose Creek, S.C., died Feb. 14 at the Medical University Hospital in Charleston. Walt was a commissioned U.S. Army Officer and served 21 years of active duty, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1983. He was a senior aviator and an airborne paratrooper. After retiring from the Army, Walt lived in California for 20 years, working in the defense industry, managing chemical and biological detection projects. Nadyne Jurjevich Justin ’70 91, of St. Joseph, Mo., died March 4. She taught in Stewartsville, Mo., and later became the an administrative assistant in the Department of Music at Missouri Western State University for 27 years until retiring in 2007. Janet Welch-Marshall ’67, ’75 69, of St. Joseph, Mo., died March 7 at Mosaic Hospital after a brief illness. She taught for 30 years at Hyde Park Elementary.

After retiring, she pursued her interests in travel and genealogy, and authored several books. Frank Merenghi ‘50 91, died April 10 at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Mo., where he was a resident for the past three years. Frank served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Frank worked part-time as a student at the Maryville Daily Forum and later was advertising and business manager there before being named publisher of the Nevada (Mo.) Daily Mail. He later returned to the Daily Forum as publisher where he ended his 30year newspaper career. An avid bowler, he belonged to multiple bowling boards and associations and was inducted to three bowling hall of fames, including the Missouri State Bowling Hall of Fame in 1997.

Irma Jensen Merrick ‘70 87, of Maryville, died May 17. Irma taught at Eugene Field Elementary School, Horace Mann Laboratory School and Northwest, where she was the faculty sponsor for Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. After retiring from teaching, she went to work for Campus Dining as a cashier for many years and enjoyed staying connected with Northwest students and employees.

Fall 2015

Let us know If you learn of the death of a Northwest graduate, please submit in writing or via news clipping the name of the deceased (and maiden name, if appropriate), year(s) of graduation from Northwest, date of death, age, city of death, city of residence and a brief listing of career accomplishments. In addition, submit your relationship to the deceased and your daytime telephone number to the Office of University Advancement, 800 University Dr., Maryville, MO 64468-6001, fax to 660.562.1990 or email alumni@nwmissouri. edu. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. n

Northwest Alumni Magazine

In Memoriam

Neva Horn Minshall (attended) 96, died April 26. She taught at Grain Valley and Center School Districts in Missouri and was elementary counselor for the Center School District.

Helen Fisher Mutz ‘50 87, died March 29 in Maryville. She was a government documents assistant in the B. D. Owens Library at Northwest from 1984 to 1995. Helen served on Northwest’s Foundation Board of Directors from 2005 to 2008, was Northwest’s Tower Queen in 1948 and received the Golden Violet from Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority for 50 years of membership. Bill Myers ‘85 52, of Nixa, Mo., died Feb. 4. Bill served in the U. S. Army, achieving the rank of major in the 101st Airborne Division. He was

chief of the division of psychology. Mary Apley Narron ‘48 87, died Jan. 2 in Bartlesville, Okla. Mary lived in Kansas City, Mo., where she was a teacher at Kansas City Business College and a church organist at Englewood Baptist Church for more than 30 years. Lillian Mantzey Pease ‘52 85, of Lincoln, Neb., died Jan. 4. She taught in Missouri and Iowa, and at both Meadow Lane and Goodrich Junior High Schools in Lincoln. After her retirement in 1976, she worked with multiple sclerosis support groups in the Lincoln area. Bruce Pierce ’58 81, of Dekalb, Mo., died April 2. He retired after 31 years from teaching at Weston (Mo.) School District. He was an avid fisherman and member of Rushville Masonic Lodge No. 238 A.F. & A.M., and a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason. Linda Reaksecker Reynolds (Horace Mann grad., attended) 74, of Springfield, Mo., died June 19, 2015. She taught junior high students in Kearney, Neb., earning the state home economics teacher of the year award

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For more information on alumni events, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni or call 660.562.1248. For complete sports schedules and the latest information on Bearcat athletics, visit www.northwestbearcats.com. Call the Student Services Center at 660.562.1212 for ticket information.

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Fall 2015

in 1984, and high school students at Hillcrest and Kickapoo High Schools in Springfield, Mo., teaching a total of 25 years. Linda was also employed part-time as an academic advisor at Ozarks Technical Community College. Marian King Rosecrans ’41 94, died March 29 at St. Luke’s North Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. She and her husband, Earl, farmed for four years before moving to Hopkins, Mo., where they started Rosecrans Construction Co. In 1951, they established Rosecrans Chevrolet, continuing the dealership in Hopkins for 37 years. They moved to Kansas City in 1993. Larry Roth ‘68 69, of Weatherby Lake, Mo., died March 4. He was a career educator and coach. Larry served on the SPCAA Board and was a youth coach for many years. William Sherman ‘51 84, died April 17. He taught math and coached football in Roseville, Mich., and worked as a paint supervisor for Chrysler Corp. In 1969, he accepted a position as park superintendent for Metro Beach MetroPark and later became the director of the Huron-Clinton MetroParks Association in Brighton, Mich. He retired in 1997 and was later named to the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association Hall of Fame. Audrey Temple Sigrist ‘58 92, of McAllen, Texas, died Feb. 7. Joining the Coast Guard SPARS in 1944, Audrey earned the rank of Radiomen 3rd Class and was stationed in Port Angeles, Wash., before being honorably discharged in 1945. She later taught sixth grade at Helena, Mo.,

and was principal of the Savannah (Mo.) Junior High School for 10 years. She and her husband, J.R., retired to Weslaco, Texas, where they operated Rio Valley Estates Mobile Home Park, volunteered as teachers and operated the Catfish Palace and Gift Shop. Kenneth Stone ‘56 83, died March 29 at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa. He served in the Korean War and taught school for two years in Oakland, Iowa. In 1958, Kenneth began a 38-year career with the Nyman Electric Cooperative REC in Stanton, Iowa. He worked as an accountant and office manager before becoming general manager. In 1988, he became the first “shared” manager in Iowa with Nyman Electric Cooperative and Adams County Cooperative REC. He also served the Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton in many capacities, the Montgomery County Draft Board, was chairman of the Montgomery County Conservation Board for 30 years, and a Stanton volunteer fireman for 23 years. He was the Stanton Town Clerk, Stanton Chamber of Commerce chairman for two terms and the secretary three terms. Ken had also been a 26-year volunteer announcer for home football and basketball games. Victor Varchola ‘71 65, of Manheim, Pa., died Jan. 17. He was a logger in Oregon, wired factories and stores as an industrial electrician, and finished his working life as a caregiver for the elderly. Terry Vest ’62, ‘68 75, of Mound City, Mo., died April 6. Terry spent nearly all of his career in education at Mound City

High School. He taught physical education and drivers education, and coached football and basketball. He became high school principal in 1967 and retired in 1997. He served as the announcer for the Mound City High School home football games for many years, as well as groundskeeper for the football and baseball fields. After retirement he owned a lawn care service and transported vehicles for Laukemper Motors. Stanley Wade 82, of Maryville, died March 4 at the Nodaway Nursing Home. Stan served his country in the U.S. Army and the Missouri National Guard, retiring as a colonel in 1987. He was called to active duty during peacetime Germany and Vietnam. He held various coaching, teaching and school administration positions. Stan taught at Northwest for 24 years, retiring in 1991 as a professor of educational administration. Leroy “George” Weed ‘61 80, formerly of Norwalk, Iowa, died Dec. 23, 2014, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo. He served in the U.S. Army, then worked for Massey Ferguson for two decades before retiring from Maytag. Annette Youtsey (attended) 72, of Gallatin, Mo., died March 11 at Research Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. She held jobs at Boss Manufacturing in Chillicothe, Mo.; Lambert Cap Factory, Gann’s Store, Snyder True Value Hardware, and Gallatin Sale Barn, all in Gallatin. Annette was most recently employed at the Rest Easy Apartments in Gallatin where she had been manager for 26 years.

2013: (left) Northwest was “Rolling out the ‘90s” as Phi Sigma Kappa and Sigma Sigma Sigma captured first place for their “Magic School Bus” float. 2005: (right) Northwest’s Homecoming coincided with the University’s centennial celebration.

Homecoming floats 1996: Phi Sigma Kappa’s float, “How the Cats Stole Homecoming,” was named best float in the highly competitive division during Homecoming festivities, which took on the theme, “Read All About It.”

1979: Unseasonably warm temperatures shined on the Homecoming parade as Northwest celebrated “Movie Greats.”

1968: Northwest’s movie-themed Homecoming parade traveled through Maryville’s downtown square and featured the Young Republicans’ “Dumbo” float.

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London, England

Join the Tourin’ Bearcats on one of these two upcoming trips

April 28–May 2, 2016

Prices start at $2,629 per person*

Sept. 7–14, 2016 Prices start at $3,099 per person*

Trip Highlights • • • • • •

Two Broadway Shows Greenwich Village Wall Street Metropolitan Museum of Art Statue of Liberty Ellis Island

Trip Highlights • • • • • • •

Buckingham Palace Big Ben Stonehenge Salisbury London Eye Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Traditional Pub Dinner

• $250 per person deposit due at booking • Final payment due Feb. 28, 2016 *Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Includes roundtrip airfare from Kansas City, air taxes, hotel transfers; three breakfasts; two dinners; transportation from Maryville to Kansas City International Airport

• $250 per person deposit due at booking • Final payment due July 9, 2016 *Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Includes roundtrip airfare from Kansas City, air taxes, hotel transfers; five breakfasts; two dinners; transportation from Maryville to Kansas City International Airport

NORTHWEST

M I S S O U R I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

ALUMNI A S S O C I A T I O N

For more information about either of these trips, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/travel or to book either luxury vacation, call the Tourin’ Bearcats Help Desk at 800.869.6806. Sponsored by the Northwest Alumni Association and KXCV-KRNW, Northwest’s NPR affiliate.