Northwest Missouri State University Alumni Magazine Winter 2021

NORTHWEST THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

WITH

PRECISION Shyloh Stafford-Jones ’13 has taken his agriculture knowledge to Hawaii

ALUMNI AWARDS

14 honored I p. 21

2021 HOMECOMING

Bearcats Remember When I p. 22

FALL SPORTS RECAP

Four teams represented in NCAA postseason I p. 24

PEOPLE JUST LIKE

YOU

It’s because of the volunteer support of countless alumni and friends – spirited people like Rick Reeve – that Northwest continues to thrive.

“After my first visit to Northwest in the late ’80s, I knew I wanted to be a Bearcat! I still remember my second visit when I met with Head Football Coach Mel Tjeerdsma and decided I would be transferring to Northwest the following fall. The lessons I learned from faculty and coaches that 0-11 season in 1994 will never be forgotten. It was the beginning of a new era, and the friendships I was fortunate to develop with my teammates, fraternity members, roommates and classmates turned me into the leader I am today.

No matter where my career has taken me, I have supported Northwest and will continue to sing its praises. I have always felt like I was a part of a family. Becoming a member of the Kansas City Alumni and Friends Chapter was a great step to begin giving back to the institution that has given so much to me. My wife, Wendy, and oldest daughter, Elizabeth, also are Northwest alumni.

Being elected president of the Kansas City Alumni and Friends Chapter in 2019 was very humbling and has allowed me to rekindle Bearcat relationships. I have formed more friendships and met fellow alumni and parents of alumni who I may not have had the privilege to meet otherwise – all with the same “Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat” passion to make Northwest better than we all found it for the next class who will be leaders for our country for decades to come.

Being a Bearcat is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Rick Reeve ’97 President, Kansas City Alumni and Friends Chapter

Rick Reeve ’97 and his family (clockwise from back row, left) – Wendy ’00, ’19, ’21, Hayden, Elizabeth ’21 and Cassie – enjoy showing their Bearcat pride.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at Northwest, contact the Office of University Advancement at alumni@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1248.

NORTHWEST

ALUMNI

N O RT H W E S T M IS S O UR I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE Vol. 55 | Issue 1

Editor Mark Hornickel ’01, ’13 mhorn@nwmissouri.edu Designer Kim Surprise ’16 kimz@nwmissouri.edu Photographer Todd Weddle ’96 tweddle@nwmissouri.edu Photography assistant Kelsey Tibbs Editorial assistants Jill Brown Jana White Hanson ’02 Duane Havard ’90 Edidiong Idong-Bassey Carma Greene Kinman ’85 Laurie Drummond Long ’92 Mitzi Craft Marchant ’91, ’09 Sam Mason ’88 Colin McDonough ’98 Brandon Stanley ’01 ’16 Kourtnie Stenwall Lori McLemore Steiner ’85 Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09

8 WITH PRECISION

Stafford-Jones grew up working on a tobacco farm but has taken his agricultural science knowledge far from the Midwest to the island of Maui. He specializes in soil sampling and precision agriculture, among other services, to help farmers improve their production.

Shyloh Stafford-Jones ’13

The Northwest Alumni Magazine is published two times 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.

contents TRADITIONS 23

HOMECOMING CELEBRATES

JOE BELL

Northwest honored its first African American graduate throughout the weekend.

35

RUNNING

THE SHOW Gina Lichte ’06 empowers young women through Girls on the Run-Kansas City.

4

Dear Friends

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Northwest News

14 Advancing Northwest 19 Alumni Connections 24 Bearcat Sports 30 Class Notes 36 In Memoriam 39 Northwest Postcard

Northwest Missouri State University is an equal-oppor tunity, co-educational university and does not discriminate based on race, sex, disability, age, national origin or religion. Printed in the USA.

DEAR

FRIENDS By focusing on the development of students who are “career ready, day one,” the School of Agricultural Sciences is poised to meet the ever-changing needs of the agriculture and food industry. Through an integrated approach capitalizing on academic programming, profession-based learning experiences and co-curricular activities, our vision is to develop individuals committed to the exploration of the interrelationships and complexities present in the agriculture and food systems.

Two things have been vital to our community and region since the inception of Northwest in 1905 – education and agriculture. From the beginning, agriculture has been part of the curriculum at Northwest. In 1916, after splitting with the biology department, the agriculture department was formed and offered a single degree. Today, the School of Agricultural Sciences offers eight degree programs, eight minors and a two-year certificate.

In 1971, the University obtained the R.T. Wright Farm from the Cline family. Fifty years later, the farm still serves as a living laboratory, offering students hands-on instructional experiences. Located at the front door of the Wright Farm, the newly opened Agricultural Learning Center (ALC) expands learning opportunities, not only for students in the School of Agricultural Sciences but for students in other disciplines across campus as well.

Sincere thanks goes to the generous contributions of a variety of stakeholders.

Due to the countless efforts and the financial support of individuals, families, companies, foundations and the state legislature, we opened the doors to the ALC for classes in August. The state-of-the-art facility assists our efforts to recruit, educate and prepare future generations of industry leaders and Bearcats like Shyloh StaffordJones. The facility provides the opportunity to serve our students, the community, the region and the agriculture and food industry in ways that 10 years ago we could not have imagined.

Dr. Rod Barr ’85, ’95, ’09 Director, School of Agricultural Sciences 4

NORTHWEST FOUNDATION INC. ’21–’22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Dr. Robert Burrell ’70, Denver, Colo.

Vice President Leisha Beckemeyer Barry ’84, Liberty, Mo. Immediate Past President Jennifer Dawson Nicholson ’71, Kansas City, Mo. Board Members Robert Barmann ’84, Platte City, Mo. Rex Brod ’82, Maryville John Cline ’75, Overland Park, Kan. Dell Epperson ’75, Columbia, Mo. Kelly Ferguson ’98, Urbandale, Iowa Terry French ’75, Austin, Texas Eric Geis ’01, Prairie Village, Kan. Emily Wormsley Greene ’71, Riverside, Mo. Derrick Griffin ’01, St. Paul, Minn.

Dr. David Holmes ’79, Prescott, Ariz.

Carl Hughes ’76, Kansas City, Mo. Gary Hultquist ’64, Rancho Mirage, Calif.

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

Dr. Marilou Joyner ’75, ’78, ’82, Kansas City, Mo. Abe Kaoud ’09, St. Paul, Mo. Allison Kahre-Kreifels ’06, ’11, ’19, St. Joseph, Mo. Tondee Voortman Lutterman ’98, ’99, Kansas City, Mo. Lisa McDermott Miller ’93, Kansas City, Mo. William Oellermann ’72, Mansfield, Texas Seann O’Riley ’93, St. Joseph, Mo. Daniel Peterson ’88, Neola, Iowa Brock Pfost, Maryville Pat Pijanowski ’84, Greenwood, Mo. Dr. Joyce Wake Piveral ’70, ’74, ’82, Pickering, Mo. Ted Place ’99, Kansas City, Mo. Thomas Sanchez ’02, Washington, D.C. Dennis Sapp ’68, Gig Harbor, Wash.

Ken Scribner ’87, Kansas City, Mo. Tyler Seals ’13, Omaha, Neb. Gina Smith, Maryville Dr. Carol Blom Spradling ’88, Kansas City, Mo.

Corey Strider ’96, Lathrop, Mo. Rich Tokheim ’82, ’84, Omaha, Neb. Susan Gladstone Tucker ’76, Worth, Mo. Dr. Gary Tunell ’67, Dallas, Texas

Ex-Officio Directors Dr. Dean L. Hubbard, President Emeritus, Kansas City, Mo. Dr. John Jasinski, University President Dr. B.D. Owens ’59, President Emeritus, West Des Moines, Iowa University Advancement Mitzi Craft Marchant ’91, ’09, Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the Northwest Foundation Inc. mitzi@nwmissouri.edu Lori McLemore Steiner ’85, Assistant Vice President of University Advancement and Chief Financial Officer of the Northwest Foundation Inc. steiner@nwmissouri.edu Brooke Weldon Bowles ’02, Accounting Clerk and Scholarship Coordinator bbowles@nwmissouri.edu

Jill Brown, Director of Corporate Relations and Major Gift Officer jillb@nwmissouri.edu Jana White Hanson ’02, Senior Major Gift Officer jhanson@nwmissouri.edu Duane Havard ’90, Director of Alumni Relations dhavard@nwmissouri.edu Paul Kessler, Accountant pkessler@nwmissouri.edu Carma Greene Kinman ’85, Constituent Relations Specialist ckinman@nwmissouri.edu Laurie Drummond Long ’92, Senior Gift Planning Officer laurie@nwmissouri.edu Tess Lovig ’20, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Specialist tlovig@nwmissouri.edu Sam Mason ’88, Major Gift Officer smason@nwmissouri.edu Brenda Untiedt ’00, ’09, Advancement Database, Research and Communications Specialist brenda@nwmissouri.edu

NORTHWEST NEWS

“No matter what your identity is, we want to be able to provide learning opportunities for our students and for our employees.”

DR. JUSTIN MALLETT

Northwest breaks enrollment record with 8% increase in total headcount, marking fourth consecutive year of growth Northwest’s total headcount this fall is 7,870 students, making it the highest enrollment in the institution’s 116-year history. The recordbreaking headcount is fueled by large jumps in international enrollment, which increased 59 percent; graduate enrollment, which increased 44 percent; online enrollment, which increased 19 percent; and dual credit enrollment, which increased 16 percent.

“We’re so proud of our students who have been buoyant and shown so much resolve throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “Our faculty and staff continue shining through multiple challenges and delivering on an affordable and highquality education. Record enrollments do not happen by accident or chance. Our Northwest team is to be commended as we uplift our culture and deliver on being a high-performing institution and one whose future is vibrant.”

Additionally, Northwest maintains a high retention rate with 76 percent of last year’s freshman class – matching the second-highest rate in the institution’s history – choosing to return to the University in the fall.

“The collective effort of our entire campus community led to achieving these enrollment and student success outcomes,” Dr. Allison Strong Hoffmann ’99, ’03, Northwest’s assistant vice president of admissions and student success, said. “We are pleased with our progress while remaining focused on the importance of achieving future enrollment and student success goals.”

FIVE YEARS OF NORTHWEST ENROLLMENT 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Undergraduate 5,474 5,654 5,710 5,482 5,306 Graduate 864 1,203 1,394 1,785 2,564 Overall 6,338 6,857 7,104 7,267 7,870

REMODELED DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION OFFICE FOSTERING CONNECTIONS Students have a new place to study, gather, connect and even get their hair cut or styled with the opening of a remodeled Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the J.W. Jones Student Union.

The new space within the Student Engagement Center on the Student Union’s second floor includes study spaces, conference areas for organizational meetings and collaboration, and lounge areas as well as staff offices. A barbershop has its own room, outfitted with a barber chair, mirror and portable sink. Any Northwest student, employee or community member may sign up for a hair appointment.

The remodel was completed during the summer after the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with University leaders, gathered input from students to create an inviting space where cultural exchange and learning can occur.

“We wanted to make sure we started the process of creating a welcoming and stronger environment for not only our underrepresented students but also providing education and learning opportunities,” Dr. Justin Mallett, the University’s assistant vice president for diversity and inclusion, said. “Through our guideposts of listen, align and act, we started the process of building this space.”

Mallett said the space provides a “home away from home” where all students feel comfortable exchanging ideas and lived experiences. The University also hopes it will positively impact retention, persistence and completion rates among its underrepresented population.

“No matter what your identity is, we want to be able to provide learning opportunities for our students and for our employees,” Mallett said.

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NORTHWEST NEWS

CHOI WINS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION Dr. Jiwon Choi, a staff accompanist in Northwest’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, earned first prize in June at the Puerto Rico International Collaborative Piano Competition.

Choi, who received a $500 cash prize, has performed as a soloist and a collaborative pianist at venues throughout the United States, South Korea and Italy.

She has performed at Carnegie Hall as a first prize winner of the 2018 Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition and debuted there as the 2014 winner of the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music.

She also was selected as a finalist in the professional division of The American Prize national competition in the performing arts.

She joined the Northwest faculty in 2016 and collaborates with the University’s choirs, vocal and instrumental studios, student pianists, music faculty and guest artists.

NORTHWEST ENHANCES SOLAR ENERGY USAGE, SAVINGS THROUGH EVERGY PARTNERSHIP

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Evergy Inc., which delivers electrical service to eastern Kansas and western Missouri, provided the University in July with an $80,000 gift for the installation of a 25KW grid-connected photovoltaic solar electric generating system at the Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation.

The Hubbard Center on the north edge of campus serves as the home of the School of Agricultural Sciences in addition to containing classrooms, laboratories and offices serving the Department of Natural Sciences. The 100-panel grid on its roof allows Northwest to track energy savings and efficiencies as well as solar production.

Through October, the system had saved

Northwest approximately $1,484 in energy costs.

The new system at the Hubbard Center complements an 18.75KW solar array on the roof of the B.D. Owens Library and a smaller system on the Jon T. Rickman Electronic Campus Support Center.

FROM NAMED FELLOW OF ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS Dr. Karen Gould From ’87, an assistant professor in Northwest’s School of Health Science and Wellness and the director

of the University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics, recently became a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Becoming a fellow distinguishes individuals from their peers and demonstrates a high level of volunteerism and professionalism.

“You do so much in your professional world, and you think that everyone does that, and it’s common,” said From, who joined the Northwest faculty in 2009.

“Putting it down on a piece of paper really made me realize I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in many professional roles, and I’m very blessed and fortunate that I’ve been able to have them.”

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

ABINGTON IS 2022 GOVERNOR’S AWARD WINNER Dr. Casey Abington, an associate professor of economics, is Northwest’s 2022 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education recipient. Abington, who joined the Northwest faculty in 2010, teaches courses related to economics, banking and financial management.

Abington’s nomination commended the continuous development and evolution of her teaching to help students and stay current in the discipline.

She adopted a new textbook, adapted an undergraduate course for delivery in the online professional program and created an economics course for the Master of Business Administration program. Students also commented that her teaching methods are engaging and effective, and she is enthusiastic, helpful and positive in her interactions.

One student commented, “I went from not knowing anything about economics to having a pretty good grasp as to how the economy works and how it influenced my everyday life. Dr. Abington brought the core ideas of economics very close to the student in easy to understand bites.”

The Governor’s Award is sponsored by the Missouri Council on Public Higher Education and presented annually to an outstanding faculty member representing each of Missouri’s four-year public institutions. Northwest’s recipient is chosen annually from faculty members who receive the University’s Faculty Excellence Award for teaching and exemplify the Governor’s Award criteria for effective teaching, effective advising, innovation in course design and delivery, service to the University and community, and a commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student achievement.

NORTHWEST NEWS

NORTHWEST GARNERS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PANDEMIC RESPONSE For the fifth time in seven years, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities recognized Northwest in November with an Excellence and Innovation Award, honoring the institution for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our pandemic response was not with an award in mind, but this recognition validates our approach and deployment thereof as well as Northwest’s role model status,” President Dr. John Jasinski said.

“The unbelievable hard work, dedication, perseverance and resilience of our student body and entire faculty and staff are truly the hallmarks of this recognition. We said

from the beginning we wanted Northwest to be stronger coming out of the pandemic, and it is clear we are on that path.”

The award reflects Northwest’s work throughout the pandemic to maintain on-ground operations and services while implementing mitigation measures that decreased the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission Northwest’s mitigation measures throughout the pandemic have on campus. Through the included a requirement of face coverings in classrooms. collaborative work of campus a guiding philosophy encompassing four leaders and “Green Teams” themes – learning and success, health and consisting of employees and students, the safety, agility, and viability.

University successfully aligned actions with

INITIATIVE PROVIDING FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS

The Student Senate’s approval this fall of $22,000 in funding is helping Northwest unlock feminine hygiene boxes and provide feminine products for free in academic buildings.

The funding supports We Gotchya, a group of Northwest faculty and staff working to provide resources to women while engaging in a broader discussion about menstruation and the taboo that exists about periods in society.

“The funding helps the campus in so many ways,” Jacquie Lamer, the founder of We Gotchya and a senior instructor of mass media, said. “The most immediate is that students won’t miss class when their periods start.”

With the support of donations, We Gotchya can keep feminine hygiene boxes open. For more information about We Gotchya, visit wegotchya.org.

SIGMA SOCIETY OPENS ORGANIZATION TO ALL GENDERS

After more than 50 years as a women’s service organization, Sigma Society is now open to any person, without regard to gender identity. The organization amended its constitution and removed restrictions regarding gender identity.

Sigma Society, founded at Northwest in 1970, supports local and national charities while helping its members build leadership skills.

“I’m just so incredibly proud of Sigma Society,” Dr. Adrienne Reynolds, the Sigma Society faculty advisor and an assistant professor of management, said. “This was certainly a big decision to make, and I’m very proud that they see how our society is today and how we’re moving forward in the future.”

NORTHWEST AWARDS $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP, PRIZES FOR COVID VACCINATIONS

Kate Kilpatrick, a sophomore geology major from Warrenton, Missouri, gladly accepted a $10,000 scholarship as the University sponsored prize drawings during the fall semester as an incentive to students who submitted copies of their COVID-19 vaccination records to the Wellness Center. Northwest also awarded $2,500 scholarships, parking passes, $100 Bearcat Bookstore gift cards and $50 in Campus Dining dollars.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE PERFORMS AT NEBRASKA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

For the second time in four years, Northwest’s Jazz Ensemble was selected to perform in November at the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA) Conference on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

The Jazz Ensemble, which was the only university jazz ensemble to perform at this year’s conference, was selected through a competitive application and audition process from among scores of submissions.

TOWER YEARBOOK ALUMNI CELEBRATE 100th EDITION

Alumni and current staff members of the Tower yearbook gathered during September’s Family Weekend for a night of reminiscing and swapping stories as they commemorated last spring’s publication of the 100th edition.

Dave ‘80, ‘85, and Carole Patterson ‘80 First published in 1917, Tower Gieseke page through a collection of is a member of the Associated Tower yearbooks at a September reunion Collegiate Press Hall of Fame and celebrating the book’s 100th edition. a perennial Pacemaker finalist, an honor bestowed annually on outstanding college media publications.

View a documentary produced by Tower staff members, “A Century of Moments,” online at bit.ly/3CQU5UJ.

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WITH

PRECIS Stafford-Jones is using agriculture techniques he learned in the Midwest to teach a different way of farming in Hawaii It’s 6:20 a.m. on a Thursday in October and Shyloh Stafford-Jones ’13 is driving his ATV on a rugged dirt road over rocky terrain en route to a field for a morning of crop scouting. There’s a midwestern feel to it, but the clumps of prickly pear cactus along the roadside, the mountains on either side of him, the songs of Hawaiian geese echoing across the acreage and the calming blue ocean in the distance tell a very different story.

Stafford-Jones is some 3,800 miles from northwest Missouri and the tobacco farm where he grew up. He’s out – way out – on his own, but his profound passion for agriculture and the skills he learned at Northwest are motivating him to help jumpstart crop production on the island of Maui.

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NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

“It’s kind of funny now because my dad would always tell me, ‘You need to go to college so you can get a real job when you get older and not farm,” Stafford-Jones says while he drives, wearing dirt-stained jeans and a T-shirt emblazoned with SJ Ag Operations. “I basically have been in the ag industry my entire life. I have a farm now on Maui – of all places in the world to have a farm.”

STARTING WITH TOBACCO As a child, Stafford-Jones spent many days helping his father with the grueling hand labor needed to operate their 200-acre tobacco farm in northwest Missouri. Until high school, growing tobacco was all he knew about farming.

He arrived at Northwest as an agriculture education major, thinking he might follow in the footsteps of his high school FFA advisor. He soon realized he wasn’t cut out for teaching, however, and changed his major multiple times, finally finding a fit with agronomy and the University’s newly created precision agriculture minor.

During his first year at Northwest,

SION Stafford-Jones stood at the R.T. Wright Farm with classmates who grew up raising corn, soybeans and cattle at larger farming operations throughout the four-state area. He had no experience with the large equipment and technology his instructors were teaching.

More than a few times he doubted he could be successful in the ag industry.

“I’m from a 200-acre tobacco farm, and I’m like, ‘Oh, this is a lot different,’ because most farms are 1,000 acres-plus with larger, more complex equipment,” he remembers. “I learned a lot pretty fast from a lot of my friends and fellow students in class.”

During his second year at Northwest, StaffordJones became an agriculture ambassador with the School of Agricultural Sciences, which helped him grow out of his soft-spoken and reserved personality to advocate for Northwest and the agriculture industry.

But Stafford-Jones says no experience changed the trajectory of his career more than when he joined a faculty-led trip to Alaska. With his growing interest in agronomy, he was fascinated by the untapped potential in another area of the world and suddenly realized he could take his budding knowledge far beyond the Midwest.

By Mark Hornickel Design by Kim Surprise Photography by Todd Weddle NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

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“Every story I tell of why and how I ended up out here, I go back to the ag travel trip to Alaska,” he says. “That’s the main motivation of why I wanted to leave the Midwest.”

SOWING THE SEEDS OF HIS CAREER Stafford-Jones continued honing his skills during the first two years of his professional career. He worked a stint as a precision ag specialist in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, and then moved to seed sales outside of Lincoln, Nebraska, where he ran a warehouse and was responsible for the shipment and handling of about 60,000 bags of corn and 30,000 units of soybeans during the course of the year.

“I kind of added everything in,” he said. “I came from the tobacco farm and I learned about big ag at Northwest – agronomy, the science of everything. Then, I learned some technical skills in Iowa with scouting, mapping and running equipment. And then in Nebraska, I learned a lot about the logistics and warehousing and inventory management.”

In early 2015, StaffordJones, who never stopped itching to move away from the Midwest, spotted an opening for a weed control specialist at a sugarcane plantation, Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. (HC&S), on Maui.

The company was attracted to Stafford-Jones’ diversified experience in the agriculture industry and hired him.

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A TEST RUN ON MAUI Stafford-Jones arrived on Maui in the spring of 2015 when the aroma of burned sugar still enveloped the island and HC&S’s massive mill complex - with its 36,000-acre plantation - was a town of its own. The sugarcane industry had thrived on Maui since 1848, and HC&S was the kind of employer found in so many industrial communities where generations of family members had worked and everyone on the island seemed to know someone there.

Since the 1970s, though, agriculture in Hawaii has taken a backseat to tourism as the state’s economic driver, and Stafford-Jones quickly realized HC&S hadn’t hired him just to handle weed control. The company put him in charge of starting corn and sorghum crops it hoped to use in the production of bioenergy while it transitioned out of the sugarcane business.

Stafford-Jones had enormous success and was pushing up to 40 tons an acre of sorghum, up to 30 tons an acre of corn silage and 200 bushels of grain per acre at the peak of the project. On Maui, where the summertime daylight lasts just 13 hours, the silage and grain proved valuable to ranchers as feed for livestock, and StaffordJones estimates the project likely saved a few operations that couldn’t afford to purchase feed.

But in 2016, HC&S announced the inevitable – that it was ceasing sugarcane production and the mill would close by the end of that year.

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

“There’s a lot of opportunity out here for improvement on operations and production. Everything’s old and outdated, which is something that I’m trying to change.”

Shyloh Stafford-Jones (Left on opposite page) Shyloh Stafford-Jones evaluates tillage radish he planted to break up the soil compaction on a former pineapple farm, which the property owner was converting to pasture. Hawaii’s naturally acidic soil is even less habitable in areas once covered by pineapple, but Stafford-Jones’ methods had the ground almost completely covered with new grass in November.

(Above) Stafford-Jones converses with a Maui farmer who had just finished loading his truck to fill an order for cabbage. (Below) Stafford-Jones had spent the morning scouting crops at the large farm, which also grows sweet onions and peppers.

Stafford-Jones stayed with the new company for a couple more years as it turned over the plantation for test crops and other uses. By 2019, after years of observing gaps in the ways farmers managed their crops and believing his skills could aid in more efficient production, Stafford-Jones went into business on his own and launched SJ Ag Operations.

ASSISTING MAUI FARMERS At a time when farmers in the Midwest are traditionally harvesting their crops, Stafford-Jones was in the thick of another Maui growing season in early October – a continuous cycle where a year’s worth of Midwestern farming happens in weeks.

Yet, Maui also presents a harsh environment for farming that includes

abundant sun accompanying dry, windy conditions with only spurts of significant rainfall.

The varied microclimates mean growing conditions on one side of the island are far different on another.

“It’s not like the mainland where in fall we’re going to harvest and soil sample everything,” Stafford-Jones said. “You’ve got to soil sample a little here on this farm and a little there on that farm. It’s jumping around because everything’s growing year-round all the time.

There’s no winter, so insects are always an issue and a battle year-round.”

Stafford-Jones founded SJ Ag Operations on his desire to educate farmers while offering soil sampling and custom application to clients ranging from large farming operations to small orchard owners and backyard gardeners. He also earned status as a certified crop advisor, making him the only agronomist on the island with that credential.

As he drives his pickup across Maui, Stafford-Jones sees an agriculture industry that stopped innovating while tourism brushed it aside. “There’s a lot of opportunity out here for improvement on operations and production,” he says. “Everything’s old and outdated, which is something that I’m trying to change.”

Where the antiquated and rundown farming equipment is common on Maui, StaffordJones uses his precision ag expertise to recommend exact amounts of fertilizer, helping farmers grow their crops in a way that is safer for the environment, more efficient and, thus, more profitable.

“The main goal obviously is to keep the farmers in business, which is lowering

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A view of the ocean is never far when Shyloh Stafford-Jones needs a break from visiting with his customers throughout Maui.

(Below left) Stafford-Jones and Dr. Kyle Caires, a University of Hawaii faculty member, assess a pasture at the Haleakala Research Station, where Maui’s red volcanic dirt offers another challenge in soil sampling for Stafford-Jones.

(Below right) Stafford-Jones converses with a worker washing vegetables at the Kula Agriculture Park, where Maui farmers lease lots and grow a variety of vegetables and ornamentals, including zucchini, onions, eggplant, cilantro, broccoli, bananas and papayas.

their (fertilizer, chemical, water and labor) inputs, but a secondary goal is it’s more environmentally friendly,” Stafford-Jones said. “Where we’re soil sampling, we’re applying only what the crop’s going to use.

None of the excess fertilizer is running off.

It’s getting used up.”

OVERCOMING THE PANDEMIC While the COVID-19 pandemic put a dent in Hawaii’s tourism industry, it has benefited SJ Ag Operations. StaffordJones was living in a small apartment near a beach, running his business out of a driveway and a tote in his pickup truck.

Then tourism stalled, restaurants closed, grocers were running short on food, and farmers began tapping Stafford-Jones for consultation.

Last January, to help him expand his business, he moved further inland to an abandoned three-acre farm that he leases with the hope of turning its grounds into a 12

lab for demonstration crops.

Stafford-Jones’ also began partnering with the University of Hawaii, where he’s working on a series of test plots, as well as with Maui County and its farm bureau to conduct soil sampling.

“Hawaii was involved in big ag, but it was mainly sugar and pineapple, and the level of agronomy required for those crops – not taking away from those people – is kind of akin to what you need to operate a D8 dozer – not a whole lot precision,” said Dr. Kyle Caires, a University of Hawaii faculty member and extension agent who works closely with Stafford-Jones. “Agronomy is a very weak area within the state of Hawaii and, between the gaps of the land grant institution and industry, Shyloh’s really the only one providing agronomic support.”

At the Haleakala Research Station, which once was a home to prolific alfalfa production and macadamia nut trees, Caires and Stafford-Jones have eliminated invasive plant species in favor of converting a field to

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

productive pasture.

“He’s the precision-ag guy that’s also the tractor-mechanic guy that’s also the farmequipment-operator guy, the implementfixer guy, the soil-sampling guy, the soilsampling-interpretation-of-results guy,” Caires said. “Google still knows a little bit more than Shyloh, but the gap is closing.”

As the world tries to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind it, Maui farmers are attempting to grow quality crops that are in demand among high-end restaurants as tourism returns. Stafford-Jones is helping farmers design plans for nutrient management, crop rotation and other practices that are fundamental to crop management in the Midwest.

“Being able to adapt and willing to learn has helped me a lot,” he said. “A lot of people that come out here from the mainland, it’s either their way or no way, and they all end up failing and moving back.

So having an open mind helps a lot. It takes a little longer, but it’s more effective.”

DRIVING

AGRICULTURE Thornburg is advocating for growing the industry in Alaska Monica Thornburg ’20, a native of Wellington, Missouri, about 35 minutes east of Kansas City, grew up baling hay and driving cattle on her grandfather’s century farm. A year and a half after completing her bachelor’s degree in agricultural science at Northwest, she is using those skills as a ranch hand on an Alaskan cattle ranch while promoting the state’s agriculture.

“I just saw my grandpa’s passion for agriculture and it just fueled me,” she said. “I love being outside. I love living off the land, and I chose it as a career because I love it.

I may not be fit for production agriculture, but I have a voice and I love being able to advocate for it and just tell people the ins and outs of agriculture.”

When she arrived in Delta Junction, Alaska, in August 2020, Thornburg eagerly learned what it takes to operate Mugrage Hay and Cattle. She happily assists with morning chores and other projects on the ranch.

She has experienced camping under starry Alaskan night skies and bitter cold days when temperatures dropped to -35 degrees Fahrenheit – causing a bout of frostbite on her feet and equipment

breakdowns.

Her work also includes developing the ranch’s marketing strategy and social media presence in conjunction with planning and promoting The Great Alaskan Cattle Drive, an agritourism event designed to advocate for sustainable agriculture in Alaska. Thornburg, working as its chief operations officer along with the Mugrage team, spent the last year planning the inaugural event, which invites adventurous souls to join them next summer as they drive cattle through the Alaskan wilderness.

Participants will be actively involved in tending a cattle herd and everything between – from saddling horses to collecting firewood for campfires.

“A lot of people don’t realize there’s more to Alaska than polar bears and ice,” Thornburg said. “We have a large cattle operation, and we have proven time and time again that you

can produce animals here. It’s a little bit harder, but there’s a lot of farmers willing to teach you how to make things work in Alaska.”

And Thornburg isn’t stopping at Alaska’s border. In November, she participated in the Women’s Communications Boot Camp, sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation, in Washington, D.C. She also has begun a dialogue about agriculture needs with Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

As she drives cattle across Alaska, she can’t help but notice the viable, affordable farmland that is going untouched and the potential to expand agriculture in Alaska.

“We have the ability to adapt to new technologies that maybe the lower 48 farmers wouldn’t necessarily be willing to adapt,” Thornburg said. “I really like how much agriculture potential is up here, and they’re making it work. It’s not perfect, but it’s very cool to see.”

To read more of this story, visit www. nwmissouri.edu/alumni/magazine/.

Photos by Emmie Sperandeo/ Steady Rein Productions

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ADVANCING NORTHWEST John Cline addressed the crowd gathered to celebrate the Agricultural Learning Center’s grand opening on July 30.

LOYALTY AND

COMMITMENT CLINE FAMILY LEGACY, GIFT MOVES AG LEARNING CENTER TO REALITY

John Cline ’75 had concluded a progress report regarding Northwest’s Forever Green fundraising campaign at a meeting of the Board of Regents last year when he paused for a moment.

Cline, who serves on the Northwest Foundation’s Board of Directors, began reflecting on his parents and sister as well as the leadership of former Northwest President Dr. Robert Foster and current President Dr. John Jasinski as motivating factors for his continued support of the institution.

With construction on Northwest’s Agricultural Learning Center well underway at that time, Cline’s family connection to the farmland that rests north of the University campus inspired his sixfigure gift to meet the remainder of the Northwest Foundation’s fundraising goal for the $11.4 million facility.

In honor of Cline’s gift, his family’s legacy and their continued support of Northwest, the road connecting the Agricultural Learning Center to the heart of the Wright Farm is named Cline Family Farm Road.

“Family is everything,” Cline said. “I’m able to give, and I just thought it was a great thing to do.”

A Maryville native with deep roots in northwest Missouri and its farming community, Cline recalled helping his parents with their operations in Barnard and Maysville. But for a short time his parents also owned the property on which Northwest’s 448-acre Wright Farm and the Agricultural Learning Center now reside, selling it to the University in 1971.

“We cannot thank John enough for his commitment to Northwest, our students, the Maryville community and the region,” said Mitzi Craft Marchant ’91, ’09, the vice president of university advancement and executive director of the Northwest Foundation.

“When John made his announcement at the Regents meeting, there were heartfelt expressions of joy, respect and gratefulness 14

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throughout the room. His generosity, and the generosity of all who supported the Agricultural Learning Center, will be felt for generations to come.”

Cline’s loyalty and commitment to Northwest stem from his experiences as an agriculture student and the way his education prepared him for a successful career. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business while serving as president of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. His close relationship with Foster left a mark on him, and he maintains relationships with his fraternity brothers.

He began his professional career with the Livestock Marketing Association of Kansas City in 1976 and traveled for the Association for three years out of Atlanta before transferring back to Kansas City. In 1984, he and a friend founded Cline Wood, which specializes in truck transportation and commercial agriculture insurance.

Cline, who now resides in Leawood, Kansas, believes the Agricultural Learning Center offers unlimited opportunities for students studying agricultural sciences and a variety of other areas.

“If we aren’t already the leader in agriculture education, we soon will be,” he said.

Reflecting on the University’s history and the work to bring the Agricultural Learning Center to reality, Dr. Rod Barr ’85, ’95, ’09, the director of the School of Agricultural Sciences, said the facility represents two industries that are vital to the region – agriculture and education. Northwest has offered agriculture courses since its founding as the Fifth District Normal School in 1905, and the agriculture department was established in 1916.

“The farm has served as a living laboratory, providing opportunity for hands-on instruction,” Barr said, noting Northwest identified a need for academic space on the Wright Farm during the 1980s, and the idea for a multipurpose facility on the property gained traction around 2010. “The Agricultural Learning Center gives us the opportunity to impact every student at Northwest, those within the School of Agricultural Sciences as well as those in other disciplines.

In addition, the facility provides the opportunity to serve the community, the region and the agricultural and food industry in ways that 10 years ago we could not imagine.”

ADVANCING NORTHWEST

ALUMNA GIVING BACK AS TRIBUTE TO FAMILY WHO HELPED SET FOUNDATION Nell Cowden ’69, ’71, ’79, had watched the construction of Northwest’s Agricultural Learning Center (ALC) with interest as she traveled Highway 71. So when the University celebrated the facility’s grand opening July 30, the lifelong resident of Nodaway County with deep farming roots and strong ties to Northwest was eager to see it up close.

“I was sitting in there and thinking, ‘This is really a huge contribution to the area, to education and to my great grandparents’ vision. I should be contributing,’’’ Cowden said, recounting her thoughts as she took in that day’s remarks and watched the ribboncutting.

As a result, Cowden recently joined Northwest’s Homesteaders, a group of lead donors partnering with the University to give $25,000 or more in support of the ALC. Additionally, an Autumn Brilliance serviceberry tree is planted at the main entrance to the ALC in memory of Cowden’s mother, Emily Jones ’33 Cowden, and her passion for farming.

Cowden’s connection to Northwest runs much deeper, however, than her residency

Carol and Mark Watkins inside the Agricultural Learning Center.

AG BACKGROUND, FAMILY BUSINESS INSPIRES WATKINS TO SUPPORT AG CENTER Mark Watkins ’72 has had a strong interest in agriculture since he was young, and that interest inspired him to support

in Nodaway County and her status as an alumna. Her family ties extend to the University’s earliest days.

Her great-grandfather, James H. Lemon, was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives and introduced House Bill No. 311, which led to the establishment of the Fifth District Normal School, as Northwest was originally known, in 1905. Lemon’s efforts culminated a 30-year struggle to bring higher education to the region.

Both Lemon and his wife, Emily Kautz Lemon, were teachers before they married and raised six children, four of whom graduated from Missouri State Normal School of the First District in Kirksville.

“Sending daughters to college in that time was extremely unusual,” said Cowden, who has learned the family’s history through letters kept by her grandparents and her own genealogy research. “I am certain Emily played an important role in their education. They followed in her footsteps.”

the Agricultural Learning Center at Northwest.

Watkins’ interest in the agriculture field stems from helping on his grandfather’s farm and its importance to the family business, Watkins True Value Hardware, now Westlake Ace Hardware. Watkins took notice of the recognition and growth of Northwest’s agriculture programs in recent years and wanted to add his support.

“I always felt that the agriculture program had been underappreciated at the campus for many years,” Watkins said. “The Agricultural Learning Center will give a more hands-on experience than has ever been available to students before and differentiate Northwest from other campuses.”

Watkins’ family moved to Maryville in 1957 and his father, Lou, started their hardware

Nell Cowden at Northwest’s R.T. Wright Farm.

Cowden says she carries a special sense of pride because of her family’s connection to Northwest, and that is why she contributes to support the University and its programs.

“Many people, in addition to my family, provided opportunities for me,” she said.

“I have loved going to school. I enjoyed the places I worked and the things I did.

I enjoy my retirement. I’ve been a huge recipient of what came before. Hopefully my contribution helps fulfill the vision of James H. and Emily K. Lemon.”

To read more of this story, visit www.nwmissouri. edu/alumni/magazine/.

business. After Watkins graduated from Northwest with a business economics degree, he worked at the business for 43 years, opening stores in Iowa and Nebraska.

In 2015, Watkins sold the company and expanded the family’s small cow and calf operation, which started as just a hobby and has turned into an almost full-time job.

“If things were different in life, I wouldn’t have minded being a full-time farmer from the beginning,” Watkins said. “I’ve had a strong interest in agriculture since I was young.”

The Watkins family has been part of the Bearcat family for three generations and remains involved in the Northwest community. Mark Watkins can be spotted at Bearcat Stadium cheering on the football team most weekends, and he encourages students to consider Northwest.

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ADVANCING NORTHWEST

COUPLE GIVES TO NORTHWEST WITH INTEREST IN FURTHERING EDUCATION FOR FUTURE FARMERS Susan Gladstone Tucker ’76, ’77, and her husband, Bob, place a high value on education because of the experiences it allowed them in their careers with large companies.

That interest, combined with their roles as owners of a family farming operation, inspired their support of Northwest’s Agricultural Learning Center.

In addition to joining the University’s Homesteaders society, a group of public and private donors who have provided gifts of $25,000 or greater toward the project, the couple are contributors to The 1905 Society, a premier giving society that recognizes generous supporters who make annual unrestricted gifts to Northwest of $1,000 or more.

“We are just thrilled to have the opportunity to be a Homesteader and to be in on the ground floor of the Ag Learning Center and the rebuilding of the farm,” said Susan, who also serves on the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors.

Susan was the third generation of the Gladstone family to attend Northwest – a legacy that began with her grandmother Grace Mayme Morgan Gladstone earning a teaching certificate from the Fifth District Normal School, as Northwest was called from its founding in 1905 until 1919. Her father, William Gilbert Gladstone ’68, earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling at Northwest.

Susan, who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration, says her love of math led her to the accounting field and her Northwest education, particularly some rigorous computing classes, provided her with an edge in her professional career. She has held a variety of leadership positions in finance, real estate and human resources throughout her career, which included work at Payless ShoeSource’s corporate headquarters in Topeka, Kansas, from 1993 to 2008.

Today, Susan is a self-employed attorney and certified public accountant, specializing 16

GOPPERT FOUNDATION ADDS AGRICULTURE TO SUPPORT OF NORTHWEST

Corey Strider is pictured inside The Goppert Foundation Classroom at the Agricultural Learning Center.

Bob and Susan Tucker attended a track and field meet last spring to cheer on their niece, Anna Gladstone (right), a human services major at Northwest and member of the Bearcat track and field team.

in agricultural tax practices, in Worth, Missouri.

But farming remains her first love. As owner of Gladstone Family Farms – an active farm with cattle, soybeans and corn that Susan’s ancestors established in 1848 – she runs the business side of the operation.

“People don’t realize there’s a lot of business to a farming operation,” Susan said, adding she has continued to enroll in courses offered by Northwest and other universities to learn about agriculture taxation and build additional finance knowledge.

That is one reason, she believes, the addition of the Agricultural Learning Center to Northwest’s programming is so important.

“Farming just can’t be learned trailing along on the tractor with somebody in this day and age,” she said. “There’s so much with the seeds and the chemicals and the business side of it and the marketing, the grain and the livestock and the science around it. There’s just so much that you can’t internship it. You need some classroom education if you’re going to be profitable.”

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

The Goppert Foundation of Kansas City has been a strong supporter of scholarships at Northwest during the last decade through its funding of the Goppert Foundation American Dream Grant Scholarship. In recent years the Kansas City-based charitable foundation also has provided a major boost to the University’s Agricultural Learning Center, gifting a total of $500,000 to the project.

Those gifts resulted in the naming of the facility’s Goppert Foundation Classroom.

“We are motivated to support the Agricultural Learning Center because of the growing needs of the School of Agricultural Sciences,” Corey Strider ’96, who is president and chief executive officer of Goppert Financial Bank, said.

“The respect for Northwest and the quality of education has and will continue to increase the growth in this School and the University, and preparations need to be made for this perpetual growth. It is very important to make sure Northwest has the facilities to provide a premier education and experience to students.”

The Goppert Foundation, a charitable foundation, was established in 1959 by C.H. Goppert of Kansas City, Missouri.

It supports health care facilities, colleges throughout western Missouri and eastern Kansas through scholarship endowments and community building projects. It also assists many area 501(c)(3) organizations that serve underprivileged individuals and families in its trade area.

ADVANCING NORTHWEST

BOLIN HONORS FAMILY THROUGH GIFT TO AGRICULTURAL LEARNING CENTER As the owner of an auto and truck parts business his grandfather started in 1951, Rob Bolin ’83 came to know the importance of agriculture to northwest Missouri.

“Most of my customers are agricultural-based,” said Bolin, a long-time owner of Bolin Auto and Truck Parts in St. Joseph, Missouri. “My ‘fleet’ is the successful farmer today who has multiple semitrucks, numerous tractors and an assortment of different vehicles. Those agriculture fleets are vital to our business.”

Family and Northwest are important to Bolin, too. All those reasons inspired his gift toward the Agricultural Learning Center.

With a $50,000 gift to support the project, Bolin and his wife, Sue, joined the University’s Homesteaders society. Their gift was dedicated to Bolin’s parents and provided for the facility’s Robert Bolin Family Kitchen.

“My great-grandfather was former mayor of Bolckow and a grain thresher with steam engines in the Bolckow area during the Great Depression,” Bolin said. There’s a strong connection in my family to northwest Missouri and agriculture.”

Bolin earned his bachelor’s degree in business management at Northwest, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and one of the University’s first student ambassadors when that program launched in the early 1980s.

He joined Bolin Auto and Truck Parts as a salesman after his graduation from Northwest and soon advanced to a management role. He began serving in 2004 as president and sold the 70-yearold business in September to FleetPride, where he now serves as general manager.

Simultaneously, Bolin has stayed closely connected to Northwest.

He was a member of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors from 1995 to 2002, which included a term as its president from 1998 to 2000. The Northwest Alumni Association honored him in 2007 with its Distinguished Alumni Award for his professional success, service to the University and community involvement in St. Joseph.

“It was really great – a fantastic learning experience,” he said.

“Not all grads get to do that kind of thing and realize there are opportunities at the University, post-graduation, that can help you so much in life. I really encourage more people to get involved with the Foundation Board, Alumni Association and Bearcat Booster Club – give something back.”

JOIN THE

DREAM TEAM! In the average year, approximately 500 INCOMING FRESHMEN display exceptional financial need.

OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ALL 500.

By donating $15,000 or more, you will become part of the NORTHWEST SCHOLARSHIP DREAM TEAM

and help us achieve that goal.

AND, for a limited time, the Northwest Foundation is providing a $15,000 match for the first 35 gifts, meaning your $15,000 scholarship gift becomes

$30,000!

“With the American Dream Grant I was able to continue my higher education at the school I love! Without this grant, my family and I wouldn’t have been able to afford going to Northwest, and I would have had to transfer.”

— Liz Swafford American Dream Grant recipient

For more information about the American Dream Grant, contact 660.562.1248 or advance@nwmissouri.edu.

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ADVANCING NORTHWEST

LASTING LEGACIES

As Jim ’72 and Jan Young ’72 Meyer reflect on their respective careers spanning four decades in business and education, they appreciate the many ways their Northwest experiences prepared them for professional success.

Jan, a Maryville native, earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics, while Jim, a native of Stanhope, Iowa, completed his bachelor’s degree in marketing. Both were involved in Greek life and valued the mentorship of their instructors.

Jim took his degree to the agribusiness sector where he worked nearly 40 years, primarily in sales and marketing management within the seed industry and then with Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company during the last 15 years of his career. Jan, meanwhile, found her niche in budget and grant work as she filled a variety of administrative and student services roles in high school, community college and large university settings. She retired after nearly 20 years at Iowa State University.

To show their gratitude for Northwest, the couple will provide the Northwest Foundation with a deferred gift from a percentage of their estate.

They also are loyal members of The 1905 Society, Northwest’s premier giving society for annual gifts.

“Northwest Missouri State University was there long before us, and we trust it will continue to be there, providing value to others long after we’re gone,” Jim said.

“Over the years, Jan and I have witnessed the positive results of the investments the University and others have made in people, curriculum and facilities. We feel Northwest Missouri State University has been blessed with leaders, past and present, who are driven to see to it that a degree from Northwest is and will continue to be a worthwhile value, offering all graduates an opportunity to succeed in their chosen career field and realize a fair return for their investment. We want to help ensure, as much as we’re able financially, that Northwest will continue a legacy of value for all students.”

Jim Meyer ’72

One of 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.

Contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or advance@nwmissouri.edu to learn about the many advantages of bequests, beneficiary designations, IRA charitable rollover gifts and other ways to give.

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NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

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. Twenty-four alumni chapters comprise the Alumni Association, and more are being formed.

HAVARD NAMED DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Duane Havard ’90 joined Northwest and its Office of University Advancement Oct. 18 as the next director of alumni relations.

Havard is responsible for planning and implementing programs, events and projects that engage the University’s 80,000-plus alumni and friends and provide benefits to alumni as well as students.

He also will lead the Northwest Alumni Association’s 24 alumni chapters across the United States and Japan in collaboration with its 19-member Board of Directors.

“Duane will be a strong addition to Northwest’s alumni program and the Office of University Advancement, bringing with him an impressive background in working with volunteers and creating enthusiasm while being responsible for important elements such as public relations, communication, budget oversight and fundraising,” Mitzi Marchant ’91, ’09, vice president of university advancement and executive director of the Northwest Foundation, said. “As a student at Northwest, Duane was very involved in academics and co-curricular activities, and even after graduation he was a recruiter for our admissions office – all of which will enhance his success in his new role.”

Havard, a native of Moravia, Iowa, earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting with a minor in music at Northwest. His professional career as an accomplished chief executive officer in the nonprofit sector includes extensive experience and success in service, fundraising, budget and personnel management, and staff and volunteer board leadership.

He returned to Northwest after 26 years as a non-profit director, serving in Nebraska, Maine and the last 14 years in Erie County, Pennsylvania. He began his professional career at Northwest, working for three years as an admissions representative, focusing on recruitment in the St. Louis area.

As a Northwest student, Havard was heavily involved in the music program as a member of the Celebration show choir, Madraliers, Tower Choir, University Chorale and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, in addition to working at KDLX, the University’s student-led radio

NORTHWEST ALUMNI SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS /nwmissourialumni

@NorthwestAlumni

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

station. He and his wife, Polly Ketterman Havard ’87, met as Northwest students and reconnected 30 years after leaving the University; she completed her bachelor’s degree in music education.

Since their graduation, the couple have remained connected to Northwest and visited the campus often.

“I am very excited to return to Maryville and work for the University that I graduated from,” Havard said. “Over 30 years have passed since I attended classes, but walking on campus brings back memories like they happened yesterday. I look forward to involving our alumni as we share our experiences through on-campus and off-campus events.”

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N O RT H W E ST M I SSO U R I STATE UNIVERSITY

ALUMNI CHAPTERS

For more information about a chapter or to get involved, contact the Northwest Alumni Association at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu.

ARIZONA ATLANTA BAND ALUMNI BLACK ALUMNI CAROLINAS CENTRAL IOWA CHICAGO COLORADO DALLAS EASTERN IOWA GRIDIRON JAPAN KANSAS CITY

MARYVILLE MID-MISSOURI WESTERN IOWA/ EASTERN NEBRASKA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN IOWA SPRINGFIELD ST. JOSEPH ST. LOUIS THEATRE ALUMNI TWIN CITIES WASHINGTON, D.C.

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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

ALUMNI CHAPTER

NEWS

NORTHWEST

ALUMNI

TRI SIGMA GATHERING

Alumni of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority gathered Oct. 16-17 at the home of Emily Wormsley Greene ’71 in Riverside, Missouri. Pictured left to right are (front row) Claudia Cadle Scott, Judy Peters Humphrey, Arlene Horner Alexander, Debbie Snodgrass Hinman, (middle row) Vicki Horton Hargens, Veronica Jones Alderson, Kathy Sweeney Hora, Denise Bower Kretzschmar, Debbie Long Kirkpatrick, Vicki Snell Kephart, Emily Wormsley Greene, Cheri Watkins Boehner, (back row) Paula Moyer Savaiano, Becky Summa Sullivan, Jane Ingles Pepper, Caroline Alderson White, Carolyn Van Horne Cross, Jeanie Pyles Burnett, Kim Koestner Torpey, Keddy Springer Vaccaro, Debbie Palaska Levitch, Connie Worden, Diane Engelbrecht Buckley and Barb Lundergan Jensen.

KANSAS CITY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS CHAPTER

The Kansas City Chapter gathered Nov. 1 at KC Bier for a Kansas City Chiefs watch party and sponsored a silent auction to raise funds for their chapter scholarship.

BEARCAT CHEER ALUMNI

Former Bearcat cheerleaders Gloria Sherman Miller ’70 and Linda Snell Daniels ’69 visited with current members of the cheer squad prior to the Family Weekend football game Sept. 25.

KANSAS CITY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS CHAPTER The Kansas City Chapter watched Sept. 2 from Jazzy B’s as the Bearcat football team won its season opener against Fort Hays State.

DELTA SIGMA PHI REUNION

Alumni of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity reunited Aug. 27-29 in Maryville. The alumni group has hosted the reunion every other year since 2011.

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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

2022

Alumni Awards Banquet

The Northwest Alumni Association’s 2020 and 2021 Alumni Award recipients are (first row, left to right) Thomas Carneal; the Honorable Anne-Marie Clarke; Faith Carey-Spark; Kathy Thompson, accepting on behalf of the late Gary Thompson; Dr. Tyler Tapps; (second row) Laura Widmer; Linda Nichols Place; Bilal Clarence; Jerry Moyer; J.R. Kurz; and Dr. Gretchen Thornsberry. Not pictured are John Richmond, Sharon Cross Bonnett and Jason McDowell.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS 14 FOR SUCCESS, SERVICE Fourteen distinguished members of the Northwest family were honored during the annual Alumni Awards Banquet in September for dedicating their time, talent and service to the University as well as for accomplishments in their chosen fields.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the 2020 banquet, the Alumni Association honored both its 2020 and 2021 award recipients this fall.

To read more about the award recipients and their accomplishments, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/magazine/.

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N O RT HW E ST M ISSO U R I STAT E U NI V E R S I T Y

MISSION: The Northwest Alumni Association fosters lifelong relationships through initiatives and opportunities that advance the University and its alumni, future alumni and friends.

2021-2022 NORTHWEST ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Allison Kahre-Kreifels ’06, ’11, ’19, St. Joseph, Mo. VICE-PRESIDENT Matt Gaarder ’97, Maryville PAST-PRESIDENT Dustin Wasson ’03, Perry, Mo. MEMBERS Brandon Benitz ’00, ’08, Kearney, Neb. Damian Valline Bridges ’84, Kansas City, Mo. Janice Erickson Corley ’70, Maryville Michelle Mattson Drake ’98, Maryville Sean Gundersen ’10, ’13, Boone, Iowa Kimberly Massey Heslop ’93, Overland Park, Kan. Sue Johnson Hockensmith ’72, Manchester, Mo. Kurt Jackson ’88, Maryville Debra Parsons James ’82, Kearney, Mo. Terrance Logan ’07, ’10, Blue Springs, Mo.

Melissa Moody Mincy ’06, West Des Moines, Iowa D’Vante Mosby ’18, Kansas City, Mo. Elizabeth Motazedi, Joplin, Mo. Dave Teeter ’86, Montgomery City, Mo.

Now accepting nominations!

The Northwest Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the 2022 alumni awards, which annually honor alumni, current and retired faculty, and friends who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the University.

Nominate individuals who personify the University’s tradition of excellence through their service and achievements. www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/ events/awards/nominations.htm

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Duane Havard ’90, Director of Alumni Relations Carma Greene Kinman ’85, Constituent and Alumni Relations Specialist Tess Lovig ’20, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Specialist Dr. Joyce Piveral ’70, ’74, ’82, Northwest Foundation Board of Directors Mitzi Craft Marchant ’91, ’09, Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the Northwest Foundation Inc.

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

Lori McLemore Steiner ’85, Assistant Vice President of University Advancement and Chief Financial Officer of the Northwest Foundation Inc.

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ADVANCING NORTHWEST

BEARCATS RETURN, ‘REMEMBER WHEN’ DURING

HOMECOMING

1

Northwest embraced the theme of “Bearcats Remember When” during its annual Homecoming week, Oct. 24-30, and celebrated with traditions that included the Variety Show, the International Flag-Raising Ceremony, the Homecoming parade and the Homecoming football game.

The University also welcomed the classes of 1970 and 1971 during its annual Golden Years Society Reunion.

2

3

4

5 1. Representing the Class of 1970 during the Golden Years reunion were (front row, left to right) Gary Boyd, Connie Seuell, Wayne Woolsey, Rita Wagner Poppa, Jan Erickson Corley, (back row) Eduardo Almanza Jr., Barb McAvoy Drake, Barbara Beeson Kenney, Ellen Hamilton Zuniga and Mark Hargens.

2. Representing the Class of 1971 during the Golden Years reunion were (front row, left to right) Linda Strain McFarlane, Venita Scholl Escher, Nancy Jones Thomson, Gail Emrick Roberts, Jeanne Briggs Cracraft, Linda Flachsland Balducci, Anna Hendren Schwarz, Rick Schwarz, David Camper, (second row) Raymond Smither, Mary Kilgore Tyrrell, Jackie Lionberger Damiani, Wayne Peterson, Bonnie White Sutton, Vicki Horton Hargens, Mark DeVore, (third row) Jim Ingle, Emily Wormsley

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Greene, Steve Sutton, Tim Milner, (fourth Row) Mike Monk, Richard Houts, Mike Schofield, and Ken Timke.

3. At the conclusion of the Variety Show, Ryan Shurvington and Annie Punt were crowned Homecoming king and queen. Shurvington, of Clever, Missouri, is a senior agricultural education major. Punt, of Omaha, Nebraska, is a senior communication major with a public relations emphasis.

6 No. 8 at the time, defeated the University of Nebraska at Kearney, ranked No. 17 at the time, by a score of 66-13.

6. Students performed skits and olio acts during the Variety Show in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.

4. The Bearcat Marching Band thrilled crowds gathered along Fourth Street during the Homecoming parade.

5. Bearcat quarterback Mike Hohensee sprinted for a 56-yard touchdown run during the football game and received the Don Black Award given annually to the MVP of the Homecoming game. The Bearcats, ranked

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

2021 | BEARCATS REM EBER

WHEN

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

HOMECOMING WEEKEND CELEBRATES JOE BELL AS FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN GRADUATE Northwest, during its Homecoming weekend Oct. 29-30, welcomed home its first African American graduate and made him its Homecoming grand marshal in honor of his legacy at the University.

Joe Bell ’63 earned a bachelor’s degree in health and secondary physical education while minoring in industrial arts. That paved his way to a teaching career that spanned 37 years and a coaching career that lasted 26 years.

Among a number of recognitions throughout the Homecoming weekend, University President Dr. John Jasinski presented Bell with a plaque “in honor of his perseverance, pursuit of higher education, and his long and distinguished career as an educator” at Northwest’s Board of Regents meeting.

“Everything’s been great – more than what I expected,” he said during a break at the Homecoming football game. “People wanted to take pictures with me, and I was glad that they really noticed me. Things have changed since the late ’50s and ’60s, and I’m glad to see that.”

The civil rights movement was gaining momentum when Bell arrived in Maryville for the fall semester in 1959, and the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 wouldn’t pass until after he graduated. Black students had come to Maryville before, but none stayed. For most of his time at Northwest, Bell was its only Black student.

Joe Bell arrived at Northwest in the fall of 1959 and was a running back for the Bearcat football team.

“THINGS HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE LATE ’50s AND ’60S, AND I’M GLAD TO SEE THAT.” JOE BELL

Joe and Judy Bell were recognized during the Homecoming football game.

Bell stayed with encouragement and support from Judy, whom he had known since their junior high school days and married during his sophomore year at Northwest. “Instead of going to Kansas City and St. Joe and Omaha, looking for a date, I got married my sophomore year with a girl that I knew back in Waterloo, Iowa,” he said.

Away from the football field, Bell devoted his time to studying. He lived on campus with Judy and worked at a clothing store in Maryville and later an electronics store. A photo in the 1962 Tower yearbook shows the couple with their toddler son, Chris, under the headline, “Married students are vital part of college enrollment.”

“His education was more important to him than anything, and that was his goal,” said Judy, who spent 30 years working for American Honda and says she regrets not pursuing a degree of her own during the

Joe and Judy Bell married during Joe’s second year at Northwest and lived in campus housing for married couples with their oldest of two sons, Chris.

couple’s time in Maryville. “He wanted a better life.”

After graduating from Northwest, Bell began his career at the Annie Wittenmyer Home, an orphanage in Davenport, Iowa.

Two years later, he began teaching at Riverdale High School, just across the Mississippi River in Port Byron, Illinois, where he spent the next 35 years. During that span, he taught electronics, drafting, physical education and summer drivers education.

The Bells, who have been married 60 years, enjoyed raising their two sons on a farm in rural Port Byron. Now retired and residing in East Moline, Illinois, they have five grandchildren. “We’re close to the cities – Rock Island, Moline and all that – but we loved the country life,” Joe said.

For more of this story, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/magazine/.

Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski presented a plaque to Joe Bell during the Oct. 29 Board of Regents meeting in honor of Bell’s distinction as the University’s first African American graduate.

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BEARCAT SPORTS

RAISING

BAR

THE

Northwest fans just witnessed the greatest fall season the Bearcats have ever produced.

For the first time in school history, the Bearcats were part of four fall NCAA Championship tournaments or events. The Bearcat football, soccer and volleyball teams all earned berths in their respective NCAA tournaments, and cross country sent a runner to its national championship meet.

For some, it was old hat as the football squad secured its 25th overall NCAA Division II playoff appearance. Northwest football also has taken part in an NCAA-record 17 consecutive Division II postseasons.

For others, the 2021 season was a culmination of finally knocking down the door and arriving on the national scene. The Bearcat volleyball squad began its season having reached the NCAA Tournament

BEARCAT TEAMS SET NEW HIGHS, COMPETED NATIONALLY DURING FALL only once in program history, in 2010.

Under head coach Amy Phelps Woerth ’05 the Bearcats had secured 20 wins during three of the previous four seasons but were snubbed when it came time for the NCAA postseason. In 2021, the Bearcats climbed into the top-10 rankings and finished the regular season ranked No. 4 to secure the program’s second NCAA Tournament bid.

For the Bearcat soccer squad, 2021 meant taking the program to a completely new height – its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the program began in 1999. Head coach Marc Gordon has guided a complete turnaround of the program since taking over in 2018.

The Bearcat football team raised its 31st overall MIAA regular season title Nov. 13 after a 35-7 victory over Emporia State.

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BEARCAT SPORTS

“It boils down to understanding the playoff structure and playing tough teams,” Director of Athletics Andy Peterson ’07, ’08, ’10, said. “Every sport in our league – if you can compete for conference titles, then you can compete for national titles. I’m proud of the growth of the programs. Those coaches believe in the student-athletes, believe in our programs and believe in the kids they recruit and the families they come from. It’s a by-product of how they treat people. We are reaping a lot of rewards as a result of that. It’s obviously a lot of

fun, and it’s why we do what we do.”

Not to be outdone, the Bearcat cross country squads were represented

by Jacob Nkamasiai at the NCAA Division II men’s cross country national championship meet Nov. 20 in St. Leo, Florida. Nkamasiai secured an at-large bid to the championship after an all-region performance at the Central Region meet.

A year ago, Northwest teams did not have a season or compete for a championship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Bearcat

teams got better with a year of practice and training.

“Along with practice and workouts, our student-athletes did compete and set an all-time record GPA in the classroom,” Peterson said. “Now, it’s cool to see those kids who stuck through it and came back. We had a lot of kids graduate but still come back and compete for the Bearcats. It is great to see our student-athletes go all-in and compete for their coaches, teammates and University.”

FOOTBALL

The Bearcats always set the bar high on the football field, and this fall’s squad did not disappoint as Northwest captured the program’s 31st overall MIAA regular season title with a mark of 9-1 in MIAA play. It was Northwest’s 21st outright MIAA title.

For head coach Rich Wright ’96, the campaign earned his third MIAA title and first outright crown since taking over the program prior to the 2017 season.

Senior defensive lineman Sam Roberts was tabbed the MIAA’s Defensive Player of the Year after he wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. Roberts was a two-time MIAA Defensive Player of the Week during the season. He is the fifth straight Bearcat defensive lineman to earn the league’s top defensive honor.

The Bearcats produced 18 all-MIAA performers, including six first-team honorees. Joining Roberts on the first team were senior running back and Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Al McKeller, senior offensive lineman Tanner Owen, junior defensive lineman Zach Howard, senior linebacker Jackson Barnes and redshirt freshman defensive back Cahleel Smith.

Northwest had eight players earn MIAA Player of the Week honors with Roberts, Barnes and sophomore quarterback Mike Hohensee each receiving the honor two times.

DONORS FUND REMODEL, UPGRADES OF FOOTBALL LOCKER ROOM

When the Bearcat football program ushered in a new season in August, it did so with a reimagined locker room supported by $1.6 million in contributions from Northwest donors.

The reconstructed locker room in Lamkin Activity Center is now a destination where members of the program can gather and feel a prideful connection to the University. The expanded 4,900 square-foot facility boasts a number of branding elements and modern amenities, including an illuminated Bearcat paw ceiling logo and personalized lockers with enhanced equipment storage. The renovation also included upgraded

HVAC, energy efficient lighting, new restrooms, individual shower stalls and flooring.

“This project was made possible with dozens upon dozens of people,” head coach Rich Wright ’96 told donors attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the locker room during Family Weekend. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart and our football program thanks you from the bottom of theirs.”

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BEARCAT SPORTS

VOLLEYBALL

The Bearcats put together one of the finest volleyball seasons Northwest has ever seen, finishing with a 26-6 record and an NCAA tournament appearance.

In a season of firsts, it came as no surprise on Oct. 15 when the Bearcats knocked off their first No. 1-ranked foe in Washburn.

The Bearcats scored a five-set win over the top-ranked Ichabods.

Northwest defeated Washburn again during the regular season finale Nov. 13 in Topeka, Kansas, when the Ichabods were ranked No. 2 in the country, completing a season sweep of Washburn for the first time since 1999.

The regular season also featured Northwest posting its first-ever win at then-No. 10 Nebraska-Kearney and its first season sweep of Central Oklahoma.

Northwest recorded a school-best 17 MIAA wins, eclipsing the previous mark of 14 wins during the 2018 season and placing them in a tie for second with Washburn in the league standings, one game out of first place. Head coach Amy Phelps Woerth ’05 also surpassed the 150-win mark since taking over as head coach prior to the 2013 season.

Redshirt freshman outside hitter Payton Kirchhoefer became only the third Bearcat to be named MIAA Freshman of the Year. She was joined on the MIAA First Team by junior outside hitter Kelsey Havel and sophomore setter Alyssa Rezac. Sophomore outside hitter Jaden Ferguson, junior libero Hannah Koechl and junior middle hitter Rachel Sturdevant were named to the MIAA Second Team. Redshirt freshman middle hitter Abby Brunssen secured MIAA honorable mention status.

L-R: Hannah Koechl, Kelsey Havel, Morgan Lewis, Jaden Ferguson and Alyssa Rezac

Hannah Koechl

SOCCER

Bearcat soccer earned the program’s highest-ever finish, taking third in the MIAA with eight league victories. Northwest hosted its first-ever home MIAA Tournament match Nov. 7 and walked away with a resounding 5-0 shutout of Washburn before Emporia State knocked out the Bearcats in the semifinal round a few days later.

The Bearcats then made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II national tournament on Nov. 21, losing 2-0 to Emporia State.

The soccer season included a five-match win streak, setting a new mark for the longest in-season streak in program history. The tremendous season was recognized by MIAA coaches when they selected Bearcat leader Marc Gordon as the league’s Co-Coach of the Year.

Junior Letycia Bonifacio and sophomore Kaylie Rock tallied firstteam all-MIAA honors. Bonifacio keyed the Bearcats’ defensive approach, while Rock’s offensive efforts led the other end of the field.

Senior Madi McKeever came full circle with the soccer turnaround as she joined the program in 2017. She was a key midfielder for the Bearcats and earned second-team all-MIAA status this fall.

Sophomore forward Teagan Blackburn generated plenty of offense and earned third-team all-MIAA honors. Defender Sydney Mueller and forward Sophie Cissell, a pair of redshirt freshmen, also netted honorable mention all-MIAA accolades. Mueller played lock-down defense, while Cissell drove the Bearcats with an offensive mindset that set the single-season assist record.

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Kaylie Rock

Teagan Blackburn

BEARCAT SPORTS

Jacob Nkamasiai

Andrea Zamurri

Franco Oliva

TENNIS

Men’s tennis student-athletes Franco Oliva and Andrea Zamurri captured wild card entries and participated in the ITA Cup Oct. 14-17 in Roma, Georgia.

Oliva and Zamurri each produced strong performances at the ITA Central Region championships in Edmond, Oklahoma, to get consideration for the wild card selections. Oliva, competing in his second ITA region final after he won the 2018 crown, reached the Central Region singles final with five victories in Edmond. Zamurri entered the Central Region as the topranked singles player.

No. 4-seeded Zamurri reached the national semifinals before falling to No. 1-ranked Alvarao Regalado of Columbus State, 6-3, 6-4. Franco got some revenge for a loss at the Central Region as he knocked off No. 3-seed Marko Nikoliuk of Southern Arkansas in the consolation draw.

The Northwest women had a pair of seeded participants at the ITA Central Region Tournament. No. 2-seeded Vera Alenicheva scored a first-round win before falling in a secondround matchup in three sets. No. 5-seeded Julia Aliseda reached the round of 16 before she was defeated.

CROSS COUNTRY

Under the direction of first-year cross country coach Wick Cunningham ’17, ’19, the Bearcat cross country programs delivered strong performances throughout the fall.

Both the men’s and women’s teams opened the season by winning the Bearcat Open on their home course. The women also earned a first-place finish at the Woody Greeno/Jay Dirksen Invite in Lincoln, Nebraska.

At the MIAA Championships in Kearney, Nebraska, the women placed fourth and had two of the top four runners in second-place finisher Caroline Cunningham and fourth-place finisher Kaylee Harp. The Bearcat men placed third with a quartet of runners earning honorable mention all-conference honors in Fedrick Kipyego, Jake Norris, Tucker Dahle and Jacob Nkamasiai.

Northwest produced five all-region accolades at the NCAA Central Region Championships in Joplin, Missouri. On the women’s side, Cunningham placed eighth, Harp placed 19th and Amber Owens placed 21st. In the men’s race, Nkamasiai and Kipyego secured all-region honors.

To read more about the Bearcats’ fall seasons and follow athletics throughout the year, visit bearcatsports.com.

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BEARCAT SPORTS

NORTHWEST WELCOMES 2021 M-CLUB HALL OF FAME CLASS

M-CLUB

Five former student-athletes and the 2005 Bearcat football team joined Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame during the annual induction ceremony Oct. 29.

The M-Club Hall of Fame was established in 1980, and the 2020-21 class brings the total number of individual inductees to 158. Teams, which now total 25, were enshrined beginning in 1989.

Marla Sapp Tolliver ’85, basketball

Jeremy Davis ’09, football • First-Team All-MIAA pick on offensive line in 2007 and 2008 • First-Team All-America choice by Associated Press, Division II Conference Commissioners Association, American Football Coaches Association, Don Hansen Gazette in 2008 • Transferred from the University of Houston and played three seasons for the Bearcats

• CoSIDA Academic All-America selection in 1985 • First-Team All-MIAA honoree in 1985, Second-Team All-MIAA pick in 1984 • Ranks No. 8 on Northwest’s all-time scoring list with 1,445 points and No. 7 in assists with 302

Carl Jenkins ’74, basketball

• Holds MIAA career records for putouts (1,732) and total chances (1,855) • School-record holder in hits (239), RBI (200), runs scored (170), at-bats (747) and games played (214) • Ranks second in school history with 36 home runs

Britt Westman ’07, ’09, baseball

• Northwest’s first MIAA MVP in 1971 • First-Team All-MIAA selection in 1971 • Led Northwest in rebounding in 1970 (8.8 per game) and in 1971 (8.9 per game) • Scored 321 points as a junior and 337 points as a senior

Conrad Woolsey ’02, track and field • Won 2002 NCAA indoor track and field national championship in the shot put (57’ 11.75”) • Four-time All-America honoree in 2002 for outdoor shot put and discus and indoor shot put and discus • 2002 MIAA champion in indoor shot put

2005 Football Team Representing the 2005 football team at the induction ceremony were, left to right, players Dave Tollefson, Andre Rector ’08, Jordan Wilcox ’06, ’07, and head coach Mel Tjeerdsma ’77.

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The “Road Dogs” won four consecutive road games against nationally-ranked opponents to reach the 2005 NCAA Division II national title game. Led by consensus first-team All-America selection and MIAA Defensive Player of the Year Dave Tollefson, the Bearcats finished the year 11-4 overall and 6-2 in MIAA play.

BEARCAT SPORTS

BEARCAT FOOTBALL ALUMNI HONORED BY MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME Steve Savard ’88 joined some of the most notable sports figures in Missouri Nov. 14, when he was enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

As a middle linebacker with the Bearcat football team, he was a four-year starter, three-year captain and made 441 total tackles, which ranks No. 2 all-time at Northwest. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1986, but an injury the next year cut his NFL career short.

Savard has enjoyed more than 30 years in sports broadcasting, winning six Emmy Awards. He was the voice of the NFL’s St. Louis Rams from 2000 to 2015, coinciding with 26 years at KMOV-TV in St. Louis, where he was sports director for 19 years before becoming a lead anchor.

In May, he joined KOLR-TV in Springfield, Missouri, as its lead anchor.

In October, the Hall of Fame also honored Lance Johnston ’94, ’01, as one of its Elite 11, which recognizes former high

Steve Savard

Lance Johnston

school and college standouts who have made positive contributions to the game. Johnston was a four-year letterman at Northwest from 1989 to 1992 and was First Team All-MIAA in 1992 as an offensive lineman.

After departing Northwest, he was head coach at North Platte, Polo, Lexington and California high schools in Missouri between 1995 and 2009.

His 1998 North Platte team won the Class 1 state championship, and his Polo and Lexington teams won district titles. Since 2010, he has taught in the Jefferson City Public School District, where he is an assistant coach with Capital City High School.

TELLEZ NAMED BEARCAT SOFTBALL HEAD COACH Naomi Tellez arrived at Northwest in July to become the 10th head coach in Bearcat softball program history.

“I’m excited for Naomi to join our team,” Director of Athletics Andy Peterson ’07, ’08, ’10, said. “She’s a young and energetic up-and-comer in the profession, and we’re lucky to have her at Northwest. It’s a unique situation for the program, so it’s going to be fun to see how the young women respond to the change of pace and a fresh start.”

Tellez served as pitching coach at the University of North Dakota for the previous three seasons. The Fighting Hawks lowered their team earned run average for the second straight season under her direction, and the 2021 squad produced a 3.63 ERA, which ranked third-best in the Summit League.

“I am excited to be a part of the Bearcat athletics family,” Tellez said. “The athletics department has a championship culture, and I look forward to implementing it into the softball program. This team is young, hungry and eager to embark on this new journey.”

She split her collegiate playing career at the University of New Mexico and DePaul University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications in 2016.

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CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES DOING THE MATH

Drake marks five decades of teaching at Michigan college Steve Drake ’64 wasn’t sure he would last as a teacher when he graduated from Northwest with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and biology. Now, 57 years later, he can’t imagine being any place but a classroom, and last spring he surpassed 50 years as a faculty member at Northwestern Michigan College, becoming the first to reach the milestone in the college’s 70-year history.

“I wanted people to learn mathematics,” he said. “I wanted them to be able to do something with it. I always teach a tremendous number of applications and a wide variety of uses for mathematics and show them why they have to learn about logarithmic and exponential functions and how systems of equations work.”

A native of Mt. Ayr, Iowa, Drake chose Northwest because it was close to home and it was affordable. “The prices were very reasonable, and that meant a lot to me back then. My parents were farmers, and 30

they had money to get along well, but they didn’t have enough money to just send me to college.”

He worked to save enough money to cover his first year’s tuition and then persisted to complete his two bachelor’s degrees in four years. During three of those years he was a member of the Bearcat wrestling team.

Among the faculty who left an imprint on Drake were George Barratt, an associate professor of mathematics, and Dr. Irene Mueller, a member of the biology faculty.

“She knew every tree on that campus personally and there were a lot of trees, and nobody dared touch a tree without permission from Dr. Mueller,” Drake said.

“I really enjoyed the biology class and Dr. Mueller and our field trips and naming the trees.”

Drake’s professional career began with teaching stints at the former St. Joseph State Hospital and then in King City, Missouri. Subsequently, he received a

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(photo courtesy of Northwestern Michigan College)

Steve Drake, pictured participating in a Northwestern Michigan College commencement ceremony, has maintained a passion for learning and teaching that now spans 57 years.

National Science Foundation grant to complete a master’s degree in nuclear physics at the University of Wyoming – the first in a series of grants, in fact, that also took him for study and teaching to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, Kansas State University and the University of Michigan.

“They kept giving me grants to go places,” he said. “All told, they had sent me to about eight different universities to study anything from computer science to mathematics and physics. The National Science Foundation was very kind.”

But as Drake completed his study at the University of Michigan with six job offers, he believed a community college setting provided the best fit for him. He chose Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City.

“I could tell that they had a lot of smart people,” he said. “The faculty is another reason I came. They didn’t want to just play

CLASS NOTES

games and get people to pass.”

In his half-century at the college, Drake has watched his students go on to advanced study at institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and successful careers with companies such as The Dow Chemical Company. One student, he recalls, was just 13 years old when she enrolled in his calculus course before going to study in England and writing flight control software.

He has witnessed tremendous changes to technology but none more disruptive than the COVID-19 pandemic that forced him to transition his teaching landscape from marker boards to livestreams and Zoom sessions. Meanwhile, among his numerous honors, Drake, now 79, says he’s most proud of receiving Northwestern Michigan’s Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award – which he has received twice.

“I just enjoy the teaching profession, and that’s why I’m still doing it,” he said. “I suppose I’ll have to quit someday. I take it a year at a time.”

For more of this story, visit nwmissouri.edu/ alumni/magazine.

1960s Jack Anderson ’61 is retired after 20 years as a superintendent of schools in Iowa. He also is a member of the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame.

He resides in Jefferson, Iowa.

Steve Clark ’69 is the author of “A Miracle: Blessings and Hope of a Polio Survivor,” published in February by Christian Faith Publishing. He retired as a superintendent of schools, concluding 42 years in education in Iowa, which included recognition as 2007-08 Superintendent of the Year by the Green Valley Area Education Agency. He resides in Melissa, Texas.

Roger Martin ’69 retired in January after 39 years with Altec Industries Inc. in St. Joseph, Missouri.

After returning from Vietnam and before joining Altec, he worked at a John Deere dealership and owned a small engine repair business. In retirement, he enjoys volunteering and spending time with family.

1970s

Jeanne Briggs Cracraft ’71 retired after 27 years of teaching French in the Cainsville (Missouri) R-I School District. She also taught part-time

WYATT FAMILY NAMED NORTHWEST FAMILY OF THE YEAR The Wyatt family, of Independence, Missouri, is Northwest’s 2021 Family of the Year, a recognition bestowed each fall during the University’s Family Weekend activities.

Left to right in the front row are Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski; Mitzi Craft Marchant ’91, ’09, the vice president of university advancement and executive director of the Northwest Foundation; Mirissa Corbin; Joslin Wyatt; Alpha House; Erica Wyatt; Paula Rector Davis ’91; and Student Senate President Bailey Hendrickson.

Left to right in the back row are Calvin Davis, Vincent Wyatt, Marcellus Corbin and Northwest Director of Campus Dining Spencer Martin ’09. Zerryn Gines and Briona Monroe are not pictured.

at Ridgeway and North Harrison schools and previously taught English at a private school in Okinawa, Japan, while her husband was stationed there with the Air Force.

Randy Euken ’75 and his family received the 2020 Iowa Environmental Stewardship Program Award from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association in recognition of outstanding beef farmers who care for the land with as much dedication as they care for livestock. Randy began his farming career and launched the farm operation in Lewis, Iowa, in 1978.

1980s

’81

John Timberlake ’86 was appointed in April as president and chief executive officer of Berkshire Biomedical, a privately-held digital health company. His career spans more than 30 years of bringing products to market in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries.

Jeff Hutcheon ’89 works as a NCAA Division I college football official and recently was promoted to the PAC 12 football conference as an on-field official. He resides in Castle Pines, Colorado, where he is self-employed as the founder and executive director of The Remnant, a non-profit ministry focused on uniting, developing and mobilizing leaders throughout the world.

Sherry Turner was honored in October with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Athena Leadership Award. She is executive director of the Kansas City Women’s Business Center and founder of OneKC for Women Alliance, an umbrella organization that brings together the Women’s Employment Network, Women’s Business Center, Women’s Capital Connection and Women Lead Initiative.

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CLASS NOTES

JAZZED ABOUT FOOD Simpson serves unique cuisine, maintains connections at diner

Brandon Simpson ’99 gets a twinkle in his eye when he talks about the time as a child that he helped his grandmother bake a cherry pie. When she served the pie at a family gathering, she deflected the compliments, giving young Brandon all the credit.

The moment spurred something in Simpson that continued through his teenage years in Waterloo, Iowa, from get-togethers with family and friends to cooking his own meals while his mother worked multiple jobs.

“You get to playing with stuff and you find these flavors,” Simpson said. “We had some very eclectic neighbors where I got to try some of their stuff and how they do things, and you just evolve. I just knew that if I was going to do anything outside of sports, it was cooking.”

Simpson arrived at Northwest in the fall of 1997 to join the Bearcat football team as a transfer student and was a part of the program’s first two national championships in 1998 and 1999. But food was as much a part of Simpson’s college experience as his football success, and he created a business plan as a food science and restaurant management major for a restaurant he dubbed Jazzy B’s.

“It cost way too much for a kid coming out of college to start something like that,” he said.

“It was just a mock. I think I got an okay grade on it.”

But in 2010, after honing his skills through a series of restaurant management roles, sales jobs and a catering gig on the side, Simpson took his first steps toward making Jazzy B’s a reality and launched his idea as a food truck.

“I jazz up what a traditional dish looks like or tastes like,” he said.

“Jazzy is the guy that’s in the kitchen doing all the crazy creations – the brisket tacos, the rueben rolls, the smoked chilichangas – that I’ve done over the years. That’s my alter ego.”

1990s Dr. Lara Gilpin ’90, ’97, ’01, began in the fall as principal of Benton High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. She has spent 30 years in education, including the last 28 as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal in St. Joseph.

’97

Rick Reeve was named senior vice president of development and fraternal relations for Masonic Homes Kentucky.

He has more than 25 years of experience in philanthropic management, major gifts and endowment development and most recently served with the USDA Farm Services Agency as the Lyon/Osceola County executive director in Iowa.

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Tom Kruse ’90, ’92, was inducted into halls of fame of the Missouri Football Coaches Association and the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association in 2020. He retired after 28 years in education, including the last 20 at RaymorePeculiar High School where he was the activities director and won three state championships as head football coach.

Marty Liles ’91 was named in June as the district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Northwest District. He has held a variety of positions since beginning his MoDOT career in 1994 as a construction inspector in the Kansas City District.

Jeff Snyder ’94 was named director of recycling at Rumpke Waste & Recycling in Cincinnati

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Through years of trial and error, Simpson built a brand, and his mouth-watering menu – with its crab cakes, shrimp po’boys and barbecue sushi – eventually gained traction. In 2016, he opened his diner in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where his Jazzy Fries, burnt ends and crab balls are popular.

With a loft dedicated to Northwest and displaying memorabilia from Simpson’s Bearcat football days, Jazzy B’s also has become a gathering place for alumni in the Kansas City area. In recent years, the restaurant has hosted numerous social events for alumni and watch parties.

The Bearcat football team also visits occasionally, triggering fond memories for Simpson of road trips with his teammates.

“I love it,” he said. “There’s something to be said about the connection, that ‘Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat,’ and the friendships that we formed. Then, once you start meeting other people, different years of graduation, different ages, the memories and the conversations are just so similar, and you connect with them.”

For more information about Jazzy B’s, visit jazzybsdiner.com.

and oversees its 12 recycling facilities. He joined Rumpke in 2020 as senior recycling manager and previously worked as a mill buyer, operations manager and recycling plant manager.

Marcy Acosta Schumacher ’95 received the WIDA Fellow Award for the 2021-22 academic year. The fellowship, housed within the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, brings together expert teachers and professional learning specialists to enhance the development of WIDA professional learning products and services. She is employed as an English language development teacher in the Park Hill School District in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jennifer White ’96 was promoted in August to senior vice president and director of commercial payments account management with Commerce Bancshares. She has served in various roles during her 23-year tenure with Commerce, most recently as national account manager on the payments team, and has been involved with product development, implementations, system conversions and overall client experience.

CLASS NOTES

Sam Anselm ’98 began work in April as the city administrator for the city of West Plains, Missouri. He has 22 years of experience working for municipalities in the state of Missouri and previously served as city administrator for the city of Wildwood and as city manager for the city of Joplin.

Dr. Matthew Bonsignore ’99 began in the fall as director of bands for the Platte County (Missouri) R-3 School District. He had served as assistant director of bands, associate director of bands and director of jazz studies during the past 22 years at Platte County.

Dr. Rosalyn Manahan ’99 received a 2020 Spirit of Maryville award from the School of Education at Maryville University in St. Louis. She is an assistant principal at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, Missouri, and is active with Maryville’s National Leadership Council, having earned her Doctor of Education from the university.

2000s Bob Jerome ’00 began work in July as superintendent of the Blue Springs School District.

Previously, he was a social studies teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal in the district. He had served as assistant superintendent since 2018.

Valerie Lemke Hunt ’04 recently was promoted to director of philanthropy and major gift officer for Bryan Health in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Dr. David Stallo ’04 began work in the fall as principal at Midway Heights Elementary School in Columbia, Missouri. Previously, he was an assistant principal at two other elementary schools and taught for seven years.

Nathan Rivera ’05 recently was appointed second vice president of digital products and channels of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. He resides in Lincoln, Nebraska, with his wife, Emily Benes Rivera ’06.

’03

Sara Wolff Sutherland and her husband, Dane, welcomed their fourth child, Ava Isabel, on June 1. Sara is a multi-business entrepreneur in fitness and a small business consultant.

Grant Venable ’05 recently co-authored “Hand Delivered Hope,” a book chronicling the work

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CLASS NOTES

of Be The Change Volunteers and its overseas partnerships. He has worked since 2010 with Be the Change Volunteers, a development aid organization that coordinates volunteers to assist with education focused development aid projects.

Dr. Shaunda French-Collins ’06 received Chadron State College’s 2021 Teaching Excellence Award. She began her teaching career in 2009 and joined Chadron State in Nebraska in 2011. She is a professor of communication and chair of the Department of Communication, Music, Art and Theatre.

Anthony Hile ’07 is in his 14th year of work in education and his fourth year of work in administration. He serves as assistant principal and athletics director in the Raytown (Missouri) School District.

Charron Whitener ’07 recently published a children’s book, “ABC ... I’m Loving Me!” She has worked for the U.S. government for more than a decade in multiple capacities and currently is employed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

She resides in Aubrey, Texas, with her daughter, Lirra.

Justin Vaden ’09 recently was promoted from assistant controller to controller for The Wilson Law Group in Little Rock, Arkansas. He had worked in public accounting and as a risk and insurance manager before joining The Wilson Law Group in 2020.

2010s Mitchell Bailey ’10 was named in July as chief executive officer of GRM Networks, a memberowned cooperative providing communication services in northern Missouri and southern Iowa. He has been employed with GRM for seven years as an accounting supervisor, assistant controller and controller.

Heather Stukey ’10 recently began as principal at Windy Hills Elementary in Kearney, Nebraska.

Previously, she was principal of Nashua Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri, and was an assistant principal at elementary schools in Gladstone, Missouri, and worked as an instructional coach and classroom teacher.

’18 ’20 Clayton Wilson and Sassie Matzen, were married July 4, 2020, in Maryville. They reside in Brookfield, Missouri.

Jacob Mercer ’13 graduated from Harvard Law School with his juris doctorate in May and in September joined Winston & Strawn’s corporate practice group in Chicago.

Bryston Williams ’14, ’16, joined Indiana State University as an assistant coach in June. Previously, he spent two seasons as an assistant and player development coach with the G-league team of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and the last three years as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons.

Dr. Maci Hicks ’16 recently completed medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina and has entered residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Smoky Hill in Salina, Kansas.

Nate McDonald ’19 recently began as a secondary principal in the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School District in Iowa.

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 or complete the online class notes form at www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/magazine/classnotes.htm.

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

Review the Northwest Foundation’s annual report and donor gift society listings online.

Visit www.nwmissouri.edu/foundation/ for a recap of the Northwest Foundation’s fiscal year, financial report, scholarship recipients, donor listings and more.

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NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

CLASS NOTES

“OUR 5K IS THE LARGEST DISPLAY OF COLLECTIVE JOY YOU WILL EVER EXPERIENCE. IT’S ABOUT THE GIRLS FEELING THE PRIDE OF DOING SOMETHING THAT WAS OUTSIDE THEIR REALM OF WHAT THEY THOUGHT WAS POSSIBLE.” Gina Lichte

RUNNING THE SHOW Lichte empowering young women in Kansas City

Gina Lichte ’06 found a love for empowering the people in her community when she came to Northwest and became involved in student life. She has carried that love with her throughout her career.

Lichte grew up in Lexington, Missouri, and continued to discover who she was as an individual when she stepped onto the Northwest campus. Her involvement in numerous campus organizations — including as a student mentor with TRIO, Student Support Services and mass media honor societies — exposed her to different people and a desire to support others.

In 2013, she started her non-profit career in Kansas City, Missouri, with Women Leaders in College Sports. The organization helps promote the growth, leadership and success of women in intercollegiate athletics. Lichte’s work with Women Leaders allowed her to meet women with amazing careers and backgrounds who needed help building a foundation of confidence for leadership roles.

At a Women Leaders leadership development session five years ago, women were introducing themselves and their dream jobs. When it was Lichte’s turn to speak, she shared her desire to invest in a community and lead a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young women.

“I hugely believe in putting out into the world what it is that you want for yourself,” Lichte said. “Always be ready to take your shot.”

Soon after, Lichte received a call with an interview offer to become chief executive officer and president of Girls on the Run-Kansas City, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering girls in third through eighth grades to live joyful and healthy lives through an eight-week after-school curriculum that involves running with a team. Girls are paired with mentors who cheer them on to be bigger, bolder versions of themselves while helping the girls discover their own values and find their voices.

As CEO and president, Lichte serves as an ambassador for the organization. She not only

empowers her team but the young women in her community. She says one of her favorite events is a community 5k run at the end of each season that celebrates everything the girls learned.

“Our 5K is the largest display of collective joy you will ever experience,” Lichte said.

“It’s about the girls feeling the pride of doing something that was outside their realm of what they thought was possible. I love our people, from my amazing team to being with the girls during practices, being with our families and volunteers who are dedicated to our mission. It’s hard, obviously, to name just one aspect of this work that I love.”

Lichte believes her time at Northwest and campus involvement helped prepare her to enter her career field. Her experience working with diverse groups of people, talking with potential students and helping them figure out their own paths helped her find her passion for empowering others.

“I really try to live life always learning from every experience and really not say there is ever a regret,” Lichte said. “My experience at Northwest helped me figure out more of who I am. I always love to be green and growing, always learning and evolving, and I feel like my time at Northwest continued me on that path and really helped open me to who I am.”

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

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IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

Northwest extends its condolences to the families and friends of these individuals.

Ronald Acord ’68, age 75, of Advance, Missouri, died July 19. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a captain in Vietnam. After nearly a decade in logistics and manufacturing for large national companies, he launched his own industrial adhesives business and later retired from the corrugated manufacturing industry.

Bob Beeson ’77, age 75, of Riverside, Iowa, died Sept. 20. He taught social studies and physical education while coaching numerous sports in Carroll, Council Bluffs, Treynor and Solon.

Paul Boedeker ’60, age 83, of Maryville, died Sept.

13. He served in the U.S. Army reserves and spent 39 years as an accountant and financial analyst in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Utah before retiring with LaRoche Industries Inc. in Atlanta.

Daniel Bohlken ’84, age 59, of Shawnee, Kansas, died Aug. 1. He served in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 1987 and founded a wine and spirits distributorship, Valley Beverage.

Matthew Bosisio, age 68, of Seattle, died Sept.

5. He served in the U.S. Air Force and then worked as a newspaper journalist in Portland, Maine; Ruidoso, New Mexico; Roswell, New Mexico; Hays, Kansas; and Richmond, Missouri; as well as a news writer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Peoria, Illinois, and he owned The New Mexico Senior Digest in Albuquerque.

He was an associate professor of journalism at Northwest from 1992 to 2005 and then at Augusta State University in Georgia before retiring.

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Dr. Patricia BowersSchultz, age 80, of Lenexa, Kansas, died July 13. She was a Northwest faculty member in music from 1985 to 2002.

A coloratura soprano, she soloed on national television, toured Europe with Dave Brubeck and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and she sang in New York’s Philharmonic Hall. She also researched, wrote and performed a historical drama throughout the United States and the United Kingdom with her husband, Charles.

David Catherall ’98, age 46, of Bellevue, Nebraska, died April 5. He taught music at Bellevue West High School.

Maxine Christensen ’62, age 87, of Carroll, Iowa, died Oct. 12. She taught elementary school for 10 years in Ohio before returning to Iowa.

Effie Moffitt Crawford ’50, age 93, of Osceola, Iowa, died July 24. She began her career as a home economics teacher at Osceola High School, where

NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

she taught for 41 years, retiring in 1991. She served on several boards and was honored in 1976 as Iowa’s most outstanding home economics teacher.

James Davis ’56, age 91, of Overland Park, Kansas, died July 28. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked with the Missouri Inspections Bureau and was a property manager on the Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, which led to a 27-year career in sales and sales management with Mead Corporation.

David Duvall ’74, ’76, age 68, of Maryville, died May 7. He began his career as a vocal music teacher and then taught electronics and applied physics.

Beginning in 1996, he worked at Northwest for 12 years as a project manager and environmental services director.

Bob Gragg ’60, age 85, of Bolckow, Missouri, died July 24. He served with the Missouri National Guard and worked for Continental Can, the state of Missouri as an inspector and Energizer Battery.

He owned and operated Gragg’s Mini Mart and later DMR Plastics for 20 years.

Leona Ringold Greever ’53, age 89, of Stanberry, Missouri, died Aug. 2. She taught in Hopkins and Moberly.

Daryl Hane ’72, age 74, of Cameron, Missouri, died Feb. 13. He taught middle school education

IN MEMORIAM

and coached in the Cameron R-I School District for 34 years, retiring in 2007.

public schools for several years and then co-owned a business school in Spencer with her husband.

Dr. Harman “Mitch” Hanna Jr. ’68, ’72, age 74, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, died June 20. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and became vice principal at Savannah High School. He then was principal at Maryville High School for three years, superintendent of schools in King City for four years and superintendent of the Pleasant Hill R-3 School District for 17 years, retiring in 2001.

Gary Lausch ’70, age 77, of Kansas City, Missouri, died Sept. 6. He had a 37year career with the Social Security Administration and retired in 2018.

Father Mark Harrington ’72, age 70, of Phoenix, Arizona, died July 12. He served in the U.S. Army as a legal clerk at Fort Sam in Texas. He was ordained in 1979 as a Catholic priest and served within the Diocese of Sioux City (Iowa) and the Diocese of Phoenix.

Nancy Salfrank Huffman ’76, age 67, of St. Joseph, Missouri, died Oct. 7. She was assistant director of the River Bluffs Regional Library and authored two children’s books.

Loretta Roach Kissinger ’62, age 87, of Maryville, died May 21. She and her husband owned and operated Kissinger Flowers and Gifts in Maryville for 45 years.

Elsie Youngberg Lake ’56, age 86, of Mesa, Arizona, died Sept. 15, 2020. She taught in Iowa

Lucille Otte Lawrence ’61, ’86, age 81, of Clarinda, Iowa, died Dec. 16, 2020. She taught elementary school in St. Joseph, Missouri, for several years and later dedicated herself to volunteer work.

Dr. Arnold Lyon ’60, age 82, of Helena, Montana, died Sept. 14. He was a periodontist in Wichita, Kansas, and Helena, where he and his wife also owned a McDonald’s franchise.

Elaine Mallen ’58, age 85, of Kanawha, Iowa, died April 25. She worked at EDS/Meredith Corporation in Clarion for 20 years and was a substitute teacher.

Jim Marley ’60, age 83, of Chillicothe, Missouri, died June 14. He taught high school math and science during a span of 46 years at the Roosevelt Naval Base in Puerto Rico, the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri, and at Chillicothe High School, retiring in 2001.

Dortha Shupe Martin ’51, ’60, age 94, of St. Charles, Missouri, died May 13. She was a teacher in Grant City and Conception Junction before relocating with her family to St. Louis, where she taught business education courses for more than 40 years, mostly at Forest Park Community College.

Ray McClaran ’52, age 90, of Blue Springs, Missouri, died Sept. 18. He began his career as a certified public accountant and became financial vice president and comptroller for Hudson Oil Co. In 1975, he accepted an appointment as a full-time minister with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in various roles until retiring in 1993. He also was a charter member of Battery D, 129th Field Artillery Battalion of the Missouri National Guard, later commanded Company B, 135th Signal Battalion and retired as a captain after 20 years of service.

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IN MEMORIAM

Byron Myers ’57, age 88, of St. Joseph, Missouri, died July 12. He taught vocal music at Central High School and received the Outstanding Educator Award from the St. Joseph School District. Additionally, he was a small business owner and directed numerous choruses and quartets throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.

Richard New, age 87, of Maryville, died Sept.

14. He was a faculty member in Northwest’s education department from 1967 to 1996. He also served as chair of the former Department of Curriculum and Instruction, coordinator of outreach education, director of library science and director of elementary education.

Martha “Ann” Wilson Nichols ’69, age 73, of Montrose, Colorado died Aug. 3. She spent 43 years as a teacher and coach.

Bill Norton ’54, age 91, of Independence, Missouri, died April 7. He taught industrial arts, coached basketball and football at Maryville High School, Union Star High School and William Chrisman High School in Independence. He then was junior high school principal for 22 years.

Paul Patterson, age 78, of Mooresville, Indiana, died Sept. 20. He was an assistant basketball coach at Northwest from 1971 to 1975 and coached in Ohio and Kentucky before moving to Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he coached 34 years, retiring in 2013 with 734 wins, 15 league championships and an NAIA Final Four appearance. He is a member of several halls of fame.

Charlotte Brown Poe ’73, age 102, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, died May 1. In addition to her service as wife of a Methodist minister, she worked with the Head Start Program in Nodaway County and was a substitute teacher in Kansas City, Missouri.

Diana Pope ’07, ’16, age 69, of Maryville, died May 11. She was an adjunct faculty member at Northwest, where she taught labs in geology and geography.

Stanley Rock ’70, age 77, of St. Joseph, Missouri, died June 16. He worked at Western Regional Diagnostic Correction Center in Cameron and in St. Joseph as a teacher.

Janice Eilts Rosenquist ’61, age 83, of Bellevue, Nebraska, died Aug. 16. She taught at elementary schools in Omaha and then was librarian at Burken High School and Swanson Public Library in Omaha. Later, she became a church secretary and preschool teacher.

Roger Schraufek ’61, age 84, of Columbus, Georgia, died Aug. 30. He worked in pharmaceutical sales in Fargo, North Dakota, and then became a registered nurse at the Fargo VA Hospital until his retirement.

Dorothy Harvey Sheets ’53, age 95, of Bethany, Missouri, died April 11. She retired in 1990 after 42 years as a business teacher.

Richard Spiegel ’70, age 73, of Hamburg, Iowa, died Aug. 15. He was a farmer and operated Spiegel Farms.

Dr. Phyllip Standlea ’60, age 86, of Raymore, Missouri, died April 15. He served in the U.S. Army as a medical technician stationed in Aurora, Colorado. He was an educator from 1960 until 1987, mostly as a biology professor at Longview Community College. He then became director of instructional services for Metropolitan Community College, retiring in 1996 but continuing part-time until 2002.

Dick Thomson, age 81, of Overland Park, Kansas, died June 8. He was member of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors from 2008 to 2013

and loyal supporter of Northwest. He practiced law in Maryville with the Beavers, Thomson & Beavers Law Firm and retired as president of Nodaway Valley Bank in 2004.

Clarence “Lee” Triplitt ’61, ’71, age 89, of Mesa, Arizona, died April 14. He was a band director in Skidmore, Missouri, and in Leon, Woodbine, Iowa Falls and Jesup in Iowa, during a 40-year career.

John Viau, age 51, of Maryville, died April 12. He was employed at Northwest for more than 20 years as a painter, maintenance staff member, carpenter supervisor and sustainability coordinator.

Dr. Roger Von Holzen ’87, age 68, of Maryville, died Aug. 9. He retired from Northwest in spring 2020 as an associate professor of computer science and information systems after 33 years of service to the University. He was the first director of Northwest’s Center for Information Technology in Education (CITE) from 1999 until 2013. He also served in the roles of director of textbook services and vice president of information systems.

Jo Ellen Wilson ’53, age 90, of Louisville, Colorado, died May 15. She began her career in student housing management at the University of Northern Iowa and retired after 25 years with the University of Colorado Housing Department.

Janice Wright ’64, age 84, of Des Moines, Iowa, died Aug. 28. She worked in microbiology for 38 years and then volunteered for 10 years as an advocate for victims of violence.

Julie Burk Yepsen ’77, ’81, age 65, of Jefferson, Iowa, died Oct. 12. She taught in Pleasant Hill, Jefferson and Havelock-Plover schools.

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, or email alumni@nwmissouri.edu. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity.

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NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021

NORTHWEST

POSTCARD Will ’03, ’09, and Leslie Hubner ’08, ’11 Murphy stood by as their twin sons, Liam as an air traffic controller and Thatcher as an airplane pilot, picked candy from a bowl Oct. 26 in Hudson Hall during the Residence Hall Association’s annual “Trick-or-Treat in the Halls” event.

The long-standing Northwest tradition provides children with a safe place to trick-or-treat and gives on-campus students a chance to engage and be involved with the local community. Many students decorate their doors and rooms and dress in costumes for the occasion.

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