TODAY — Summer 2014

TODAY U N I V E R S I T Y

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Vol. 14, No. 1 | ucmo.edu/today

Vol. 14, No. 1 | ucmo.edu/today

C E N T R A L

M I S S O U R I

M A G A Z I N E

$5.3 MILLION DUE TO YOUR GENEROSITY We all love the success of record achievements.

At UCM, that success translates into record enrollments, record graduating classes, a 20th consecutive year of

above-national graduation job placement rates...and thanks to you, our donors, a fiscal year that reached $5,324,379 in gifts, making

it one of our strongest years ever.

You are building the future of our country and our world, thanks to your financial support of our mission to create greater learning opportunities for our students...and we sincerely appreciate it.

Learn more about all the ways you can give at ucmo.edu/foundation.

CONTACT:

Your gift to the UCM Foundation directly impacts students’ lives and their education experience. It also strengthens UCM’s reputation for excellence and legacy of achievement so that the value of your degree remains strong! Show your support today.

UCM FOUNDATION EMAIL: GIVING@UCMO.EDU PHONE: 660-543-8000 TOLL-FREE: 866-752-7257

TODAY UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI MAGAZINE

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

ON THE COVER

8 RACING FEVER In the quintessential American sport of racing, students and alumni discover what it takes to succeed, from area dirt tracks to the world’s largest spectator stadium, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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SUMMER BAND, BOY SCOUT CAMP SET GENERAL’S FUTURE

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UCM PROFESSORS INFLUENCE TELEVISION CAREER

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AVIATION, EPILEPSY SHAPED HER LIFE

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BIG DREAMS, HARD WORK EQUAL GOOD LIFE

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THE RUNNING MAN

2 CAMPUS CURRENTS 15 CLASS NOTES 19 IN MEMORIAM

TODAY 2014, VOL. 14, NO. 1 Published by the UCM Alumni Association and the UCM Foundation. ©2014 by University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved.

Contact the editor at today@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4545.

Send your address updates to alumni@ucmo.edu or call 660-543-8000 or toll-free, 866-752-7257.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dalene Abner ’09 STUDENT DESIGNER Amanda Fuson ’15 PHOTOGRAPHER Bryan Tebbenkamp ’03 PAGE 11 PHOTO John Gentry Today (USPS 019-888) is published quarterly by the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Printed by Lane Press, 87 Meadowland Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403. Periodicals postage paid at Warrensburg, MO, and additional offices.

The Energy of a New Academic Year One of the great things about our campus is the surge in energy that happens at the beginning of the new academic year. Everywhere you turn, there is plenty of activity, whether it’s a long string of students walking across the quadrangle to class or the Elliott Student Union abuzz with activity. With enrollment approaching 13,000 students the first day of class, we are poised for a fourth consecutive record, and with projects moving forward like The Crossing – South at Holden, our energy and momentum are stronger than ever.

As we begin a new year at UCM, we continue to make the success of our students our number one priority.

Undoubtedly, we may continue to face financial challenges, but we will make strategic use of our resources to ensure that students reap the rewards of their investment in a UCM education and truly experience learning to a greater degree.

Sharing this new issue of the Today magazine, we see many examples of alumni who have succeeded in their professional careers or personal endeavors and are making a difference through their efforts. From health care reporting and commanding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division to producing an award-winning documentary and being a senior vice president and CFO for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, you’ll read about four alumni who set examples in which other students may aspire.

As an institution, we want to provide the type of environment that nurtures and inspires student success and achievement. While doing so, we look forward to sharing many more positive success stories through this magazine.

Joining you in service, Chuck Ambrose, PRESIDENT

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Today, Smiser Alumni Center, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

To view the University of Central Missouri’s Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Statement, visit ucmo.edu/nondiscrimination.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI | TODAY

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CAMPUS CURRENTS

Enrollment continues to set new records with many of the new students gathering at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center for Week of Welcome activities.

12,907 Students and Counting

AS THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI began

the fall semester Tuesday, Aug. 19, preliminary data indicated the university was on track for a record student enrollment for the fourth consecutive year.

Although UCM’s official census is Sept. 16, Rick Sluder, vice provost for recruitment and outreach, said 12,907 students were taking classes at UCM when the semester began. This is a five percent increase over the first day of the fall semester in 2013, when enrollment was 12,297.

An increase in graduate students is contributing to the overall increase in student numbers. Total enrollment includes 3,369 graduate students, up 35.4 percent over a year ago. Many

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graduate students are coming from other countries. With 1,796 international students taking classes, UCM is on track to set a new record for international student enrollment. On census day 2013, there were 863 international students at UCM, a number that has since doubled.

Interest in technology-related courses is contributing to a positive enrollment outlook, particularly at the graduate level.

“We have unprecedented demand for computer science, computer information systems-information technology programs, and industrial management programs,” Sluder said.

“Faculty and academic leaders work hard to serve students in areas where there is high demand,” Sluder added. “UCM has a commitment to do that in any and every area where we can provide high-quality programs.”

He said UCM implemented its Learning to a Greater Degree Contract for student completion in fall 2013, which is designed to help keep students on track toward completion of a degree in four years. The contract includes requirements such as regular class attendance, meeting regularly with academic advisers and communicating with professors.

Sluder believes the contract is having a positive impact on student success and overall enrollment.

DONOR GIVING EXCEEDS $5 MILLION The UCM Foundation finished the 2014 fiscal year with one of the strongest performances in its 35-year history, raising more than $5.3 million for students and programs, according to early unaudited numbers.

“The $5,324,379 that we raised exceeded our goal by nearly $1 million,” said Jason Drummond, vice president for alumni relations and development and executive director of the foundation.

“This remarkable year says a lot about the generosity of our donors and the energy that our board and university community are putting into student success.”

In addition, the foundation awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships benefiting 977 students through UCM’s four academic colleges. Another growth factor is the foundation’s assets, which exceeded a record $50+ million.

RETIREMENT WISHES TO 17 EMERITI FACULTY, STAFF Seventeen faculty and staff, with a collective 432 years of service, retired this past year and received emeriti status. They are Nancy Sue Bartley, programmer; David Gillespie, network analyst; Glenda Goetz, instructor of reading and study skills; Carol Heming, professor of history; Joan Mansfield, professor of management and former dean of Harmon College; Larry Michaelson, professor of management who started UCM’s Integrative Business Experience Program; Kathleen Morrell, custodian; Mark Pearce, manager of broadcasting corporate and member services; Roger Pennel, professor of criminal

justice; Joanne Reinke, instructor of academic enrichment; Catherine Sarantakos, instructor of sociology; Marla Selvidge, professor of religious studies; Richard Sluder, vice provost of recruitment and outreach; Shing So, professor of mathematics; Joy Stevenson, director of the International Center; Kim Vansell, director of public safety; and Joe Vaughn, dean of Graduate and Extended Studies.

MAKING MISSOURI HIGHWAYS SAFER

on their credentials and resources used in class while students are judged on how well they retain the knowledge and skills taught in the academic program.

NATIONAL HONORS FOR WELLS, UCM BOWLING TEAM Two recent awards have brought national attention to the UCM Jennies Bowlers.

First team member Mary Wells was named the top US female bowler at the World Bowling

Youth Championship in Hong Kong. Facing players from 46 countries, she averaged 203.18 over games and finished with three top-five finishes. She earned a bronze and silver medal, increasing her medal count to four. Firsts for Wells include the 15-hour flight and seeing Victoria Peak and the Avenue of Stars.

Next, the team was one of 20 recognized by the National TenPin Coaches Association for its cumulative grade point average. With a team GPA of 3.42, the Jennies ranked 11th

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration honored Bob Welsh, program manager of UCM’s Breath Alcohol Instrument Training Program, with a public service award in August, recognizing “his outstanding dedication to the field of drug- and alcoholimpaired driving.”

Walsh cofounded the program in the Missouri Safety Center in 1989. He has trained thousands of law enforcement efforts in DWI detection, drug recognition, court testimony, and more.

He also is recognized as a leading expert in the area of synthetic drugs.

PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL CERTIFICATION Central Missouri’s public relations program earned a significant honor this fall, becoming one of only 40 schools nationwide to hold the Public Relations Society of America Certification in Education for Public Relations.

CEPR standards are based on curriculum, faculty, resources, facilities, students, professional relationships, strength of the university’s PRSSA chapter and other factors. Faculty are graded

At the Art Center’s Gallery Kids workshop this summer, art education students helped several children, ages 5-12, create masks based on the popular book, “Where the Wild Things Are.”

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI | TODAY

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Summer Band, Boy Scout Camp Set General’s Future A HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER BAND

trip introducing David Turner to the University of Central Missouri set his life on course to become a brigadier general in the U.S. Army.

The St. Louis native, now commander of the South Atlantic Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is being honored this fall with the UCM Alumni Association’s 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award.

2014 DISTINGUISHED

ALUMNI

When Turner graduated from high school, college wasn’t in his plans until he attended a Boy Scout summer camp at the University of Tennessee and liked the college atmosphere. When his roommate told him he planned to attend UCM, Turner decided also to apply. He was accepted and finished a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences in 1984. He also completed the university’s Reserved Officers Commissioning Program.

“The guidance and coaching I received from professors like Al Tinsley and Curtis Cooper taught me about the most important value of leadership, caring,” he said. “My BA degree gave me the confidence to lead in the technical career field of engineering. Those fundamental academic and leadership principles that I learned at UCM paved the way for my current success.”

Turner followed up his math degree with a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Wichita State University. That combination helps him solve complex engineering problems.

“His character and winning personality

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shine, infusing his teammates with positive energy,” said one colleague.

“He’s an incredible talent with a heralded record of achievement.”

His colleague remarked, “General Turner is comfortable in all settings, from briefing senior political appointees in the Pentagon to crafting a design with the staff of a Fortune 1000 engineering firm or leading a public meeting in a Baghdad neighborhood.”

Turner’s biography reflects an amazing array of military responsibilities.

Following stints in Desert Storm and Iraq, he has fulfilled multiple leadership positions, including the war on terrorism and recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina and the Sri Lanka tsunami.

“Few can match Gen. Turner’s ongoing career as an engineer in the U.S. Army,” said one colleague. “He served in Afghanistan as chief of staff for a joint interagency task force. He’s been district engineer for the Far East District of the Army Corps of Engineers, directed a $10-billion design and construction program for U.S. armed forces in Korea and led the army’s $18-billion Base Realignment and Closure, the largest transformation of the U.S. Army since World War II.” For sure, his successes would make his parents and grandmother proud. When he made the rank of Eagle Scout, he said they told him, “There’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”

He has one more achievement in his goals after his retirement from the military, to teach high school math.

UCM Professors Influence TV Career WHEN YOU ARE THE DAUGHTER

of Central Missouri’s first homecoming queen, it seems natural that your earliest memories of campus are “playing parade” with your tricycle and wagon on College Street. Decades later, that same girl is a renowned health care reporter for Kansas City’s FOX 4 and is being honored this fall with the UCM Alumni Association’s 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award..

For more than 30 years, Meryl Lin McKean has been a consistent voice on medical issues, serving as a firsthand witness to changing technology, treatments and financial aspects of health care. Along with weather, medical reports often beat out crime and political reports for audience attention.

“In a lot of viewer polls, it’s the most important thing they see on the news,” McKean said.

Richard Whitaker who encouraged her to become a TV news reporter “even though at the time there were few women in the profession.”

History and film art professor John Smead “opened my eyes to the beauty of storytelling that combines images, sounds and words. It is an art I practice every day.” Because of David Eshelman’s law class, she said, “I have never come close to being sued.”

There’s more than journalism to this Warrensburg native, though, who returns home every week to check on her 96-year-old mother, Willa Mae, and who volunteers for many causes, including cancer (she’s a survivor), heart disease, arthritis, her sorority Delta Zelta and more.

The 1980 UCM graduate takes her journalism responsibilities seriously.

Her reporting has received multiple awards, including Emmys from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Her health tips have literally saved many people’s lives.

“She is greatly respected and admired not just at FOX 4 but among all media in the Kansas City region and nationally,” said her colleague, anchor Phil Witt. He described her as “extremely talented, knowledgeable, ethical, thorough, creative, incisive, empathetic and highly motivated. She’s also an avid traveler, seeking exciting new experiences around the world. And she is a wonderfully inquisitive person.”

She credits much of her success to her years as a UCM student. There was McKean’s first journalism professor, Peggy Meinders, who emphasized the reporting basics of who, what, when, where, how and why. “That is second nature to me after more than 30 years as a television news reporter,” McKean said. She commented on her broadcast journalism professor

Retired U.S. Major General Barbara Fast, a sorority sister, also praised McKean. “Meryl Lin’s integrity is impeccable. In an era when journalistic professionalism is often questioned, her straight-talking, well-researched and informed reporting places her at the apex of her field. She demonstrates that a journalist can be totally trusted and respected.”

2014 DISTINGUISHED

ALUMNI

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI | TODAY

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Aviation, Epilepsy Shaped Her Life SUSAN ARTHURS KNOWS HOW

epilepsy can change a life. The Central Missouri alumna spent 11 years flying Boeing 737s through the nation’s skies until asleep one night, she had a seizure.

She was diagnosed with epilepsy, stripping away her job, career and hobby.

Even though her seizures could be controlled by medication, she could never again fly a plane.

2014 DISTINGUISHED

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“I tried every angle to get it diagnosed as something else, so I could fly, but eventually I gave up my dream and desire,” says Arthurs, who in 1978 became the eighth woman ever hired as a pilot by United Airlines. She found a new passion, producing an award-winning documentary, starting the nonprofit Alliance for Epilepsy Research and creating a series of books with interactive CDs for grades K-12. For her efforts to promote epilepsy awareness and research, she will receive the UCM Alumni Association’s 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award for Service this fall.

Epilepsy affects more than three million people in the U.S. and at least 60 million people worldwide. More Americans have epilepsy than have muscular dystrophy, AIDS, HIV, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined, said Arthurs.

“My first seizure ended my career as an airline pilot and ended my hobby of flying my own small airplane,” she said. “I was convinced that I was being forced down a totally different path but I kept coming back to aviation.”

That path brought her to UCM in 1993 to work on a master’s degree in aviation

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safety. She finished the degree in one year and stayed in Warrensburg another 11, teaching in the university’s nationally renowned aviation program. Her work as assistant professor opened a door for her to teach online courses at a college near her home in Michigan.

In addition to teaching aviation classes at UCM, she also made friends with communication professor, Doug Underwood, now retired. Together they produced the documentary, “It is Epilepsy – The Challenges and Promises of Automated Seizure Control.” The nine-year effort won awards throughout the world, including the El Capitan Film Award at the Yosemite Film Festival, Gold Kahuna Award for Excellence at the Honolulu Film Festival, Van Gogh Award for Best Educational Film at the Amsterdam Film Festival, Silver Ace Award at the Las Vegas Film Festival, and Silver Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival.

“Now looking back, I see myself on two parallel paths, aviation and epilepsy,” said Arthurs. “They intersected several times at UCM and resulted in the university playing huge parts in my life.”

Along the way, Arthurs has inspired thousands of people.

One colleague said, “Susan is an international leader in epilepsy research, not because she wanted to be but because she had to be. Her grassroots efforts in epilepsy research have affected more people around the world than many of the international epileptologists studying the disease today.”

Big Dreams, Hard Work Equal Good Life ANAND MEHTA KNOWS HOW TO

dream big and work hard. Since leaving his family, career and country some 40 years ago for America, he’s learned that success comes from education, hard work, and support from family, friends and mentors. He brings that belief to the Boys and Girls Club of America as its senior vice president of financial services and chief financial officer. Considered by colleagues as a “leader among leaders,” he’s being honored this fall by the UCM Alumni Association as its 2014 Distinguished International Alumnus.

“I consider myself extremely blessed to have led one of the fastest growing youth development organizations in America,” Mehta said. The Boys and Girls Club serves nearly four million youth in its 4,100 facilities. Mehta provides financial leadership to the organization, which has a combined budget of $1.5 billion.

Mehta graduated from UCM in 1975 with a master’s degree in business administration. He arrived in Warrensburg riding a bus from New Jersey, carrying two heavy suitcases to reach his campus dorm room.

“I had no idea what was in store for me in this little midwestern town. No car, no ride, no vegetarian meal, challenges galore! The journey was initially very bumpy. The culture, language, weather, education system. No family or friends. No cricket! Being in college was hard in many ways, financially, academically, personally, socially and physically,” he said.

He often considered returning to India but “priceless mentoring from faculty members such as Dr. Khan, Dr. Perfett and Dr. Drake kept me on track.” He learned to respect other classmates’ views, developed listening skills and gained the experience to present his “thoughts and ideas with courage of conviction.” His MBA provided him increasing career opportunities in financial management, strategic planning, accounting, auditing, risk management, grants, contracts and information systems. In 1991, he joined the Boys and Girls Club.

“Anand is a man of great character, courage and compassion,” said Roxanne Spillett, Boys and Girls Club president emeritus. “He is a leader among leaders of an unparalleled effort to build and bring to the Atlanta area one of the largest and most extraordinary Indian temples in the world that also serves as a center for all faiths.”

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Mehta has a big heart, helping to raise thousands of dollars for flood victims in northern India, the earthquake in Haiti and Hurricane Katrina. The philanthropic leader has served as one of the founding board members and treasurer for Child Rights and You, CRY America, a nonprofit organization committed to the rights of children. He currently is vice president of BAPS Charities, which raises support for international communities in need.

“Anand is a true believer,” said another colleague. “He is a prime example of the concept that if you do the right thing, you’ll always come out ahead in the end.”

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Stock car racing is considered the fourth most popular sport in America, right behind the NFL, baseball and college football. With roots in the law-evading moonshining runs of Prohibition followed by post-World War II mechanical advances, it’s become the number one spectator sport in the United States.

Distinguished by the style of cars and type of tracks, the sport is quintessential America, gaining millions of fans every year. To understand and compete in this

BY DALENE ABNER AND CHELSEY BUSECK

sport, with its complexities, rules and variations, requires technical, business and physical savvy. The two most important aspects of success are cars and money, whether you built and now race a B-modified car at area dirt tracks like the UCM Society of Automotive Technology students and their driver, alumnus Dean Wille, or find yourself, like UCM graduate, Lou Gilbert, involved at the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (continued next page)

TO FANS, CAR RACING IS ALL ABOUT

blistering speed, gutsy driving and unlimited power. To several University of Central Missouri students, members of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the sport has been a lesson in life as they confronted the behind-the-scene realities to build, finance, race and maintain a B-modified race car.

Ryan Craig

“We faced many, many obstacles,” said Ryan Craig, SAE president. “I don’t remember any part of it being easy. Finances come to mind first because we needed to buy a million things and were perpetually broke. We

“WE’RE PROBABLY THE POOREST TEAM OUT THERE BUT THROUGH INGENUITY AND EFFORT, WE ARE GETTING SOME OF THE BEST RESULTS.” – RYAN CRAIG worked hard on meeting nights doing minor car repairs for donations and raised maybe $150 but would need $500. We were constantly needing money to get things done.”

Dean Wille

Craig has been interested in cars for most of his life. A fan of “old Chrysler muscle cars,” he sold his 1968 Charger to finance college. He became interested in the SAE student chapter after seeing their float in the Homecoming parade. For nine years straight, SAE had won first place in the parade float competition, a streak broken in the 10th year when they placed second.

“We spent $3,000 on that float. It was the best we had ever built and we lost,” Craig said. The chapter decided it was time to take on a new project.

The idea of a B-modified race car hit home. “There were a lot of people who were skeptical and rightfully so,”

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said Craig. “But we had many seniors who were all for it, so we staked our reputation on getting this car done within five months.”

People were skeptical because the students had no plans or financial backing. None had ever done this type of project. All that changed after a chance meeting between Craig and Dean Wille of Warrensburg, a 1997 automotive technology alumnus, who had raced since age 16 and was a well-known local modified stock car owner and driver. He and James McMillin, a 1992 automotive technology graduate, helped locate funding and equipment and eventually became the experienced drivers needed to win with the car.

Even with the industry’s strict rules on how to build the car, SAE was able to modify many of the parts, increasing their chances of winning. “There is so much more to a car then the engine,” Craig said. “From tire preparation, wheel balance, overall handling and driver experience, it all has a place in how successful your car will run.”

This year, the UCM B-modified race car has won eight of 18 races. Craig, who will graduate in December, feels confident that the team he is leaving behind will be fully prepared for the 2015 racing season.

“Building and racing the car has been a very valuable experience, something I would not have gotten sitting in a classroom,” he said. “I have dealt with intense deadlines and tight budgets, and have learned there are no guidelines in life. To be successful, you have to think, plan ahead, and deal with the unknown that is coming.”

ON A MILLION DOLLAR SCALE in a warehouse, part time at night, to managing multi-million dollar product launches for a company started by one of the founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

HOW DO YOU MOVE UP FROM WORKING

Lou Gilbert credits his power technology management degree from the University of Central Missouri.

One year after graduating in 1993, he was hired by an Allison Transmission distributor. Five years later he relocated to Indianapolis and began working for Allison Transmission, a company started in 1915 by James Allison, one of the founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500-mile race.

Gilbert worked his way from the warehouse in 1994 to parts then to sales. From there, he became a service engineer, technical trainer and supervisor of sales engineering. He currently holds the position of Director of North American Marketing and Global Brand Development. In 2011, he also negotiated and executed sponsorship of Sarah Fisher’s No. 67 car for the Centennial Indianapolis 500.

“The Indianapolis 500 is the largest sporting event on the planet and perhaps the world’s most recognized sports entertainment brand. Allison Transmission’s world headquarters are located just a half mile away from the speedway in Speedway, Ind. Being neighbors has created a great business relationship that allows us to host customer events using the Indianapolis 500 as a draw. These events have allowed me to experience some great races and meet some great people.”

His colleagues credit his career rise to smart decisions and good impressions. He tackles the impossible and makes them happen, setting examples for others to replicate. One said, “Lou is a winner on every level. His humble personality and relatable warmth make an effective combination with his ‘no excuses’ approach to work and life.”

Gilbert said his success comes from his “common-sense” ability combined with the practical and technical foundation he got from his degree. “I can trace the roots of my success back to the TR Gaines Building and professors Ted Nichol, Bill Tipton and Scott Wilson.

“When I look back on my UCM experience, I recognize key moments in my life that occurred in Warrensburg that led to my success. College was a critical time for me. I clearly remember how it felt to graduate and take the leap in the working world,” Gilbert said. He met his wife, Jana, at UCM and they have two daughters.

He’s also published a book, “Separate Yourself – a Common Sense Approach to College and Career,” drawing from his personal and professional experiences to help young people navigate the business world, never forgetting his days of being twenty-something.

“If I had to pinpoint one lesson that I have relied on most in my career, it would be a specific approach to decision making. I call it ‘documentable logic,’ which is the ability to explain the reason why you made a decision, no matter how long ago you made it. This quality seems very simple,” he said, “but in reality, it is very rare.”

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The

Running Man

BY CHELSEY BUSECK

THE HEART OF AMERICA MARATHON

in Columbia, Mo., has been a popular race for locally and nationally ranked long distance runners since 1960. The 26-mile, 385-yard course has gained the attention of thousands across the nation and continues to drive runners to finish first.

That wasn’t why one runner, the one at the end of the pack, competed. Dick Carr, the first person to earn the Dave Schulte Memorial Award, had a more personal goal; to work on his personal time and finish a marathon in less than four hours.

You can’t stop, you must keep going, even if it is slower.

Carr, former editor of the “UCM Today” magazine, started running in the 1960s after he was introduced to the book “Aerobics” by Dr. Kenneth Cooper.

I was a non-athletic desk worker facing a mid-life crisis at 35, I needed a challenge.

Reading the heart healthy benefits of running long distance, Carr decided to challenge Cooper’s aerobic research and take up jogging.

Long story short I found myself an addicted runner.

In 1973, Carr competed in his first marathon, which happened to take place at the Heart of America. His goal at the time was to at least finish the race,

which he did in 4 hours, 36 minutes and 26 seconds.

It was a miracle for me to complete it.

A year later and with a new direction, Carr was determined to compete again.

This time he needed to overcome a barrier that had slowed him down in 1973, Easley Hill. Carr and his wife, Kathy, arrived the day before the marathon to take on the challenge.

I wanted to convince myself – more mentally than physically – that I could do it.

The following morning, at the sound of the gun, Carr was ready to go. For miles, he was alone and well outdistanced by the other runners. When he arrived at Easley Hill, the race had already been won by Lynn Lee of Exria, Iowa, in 2 hours, 41 minutes and 47 seconds. What might have dampened the spirits of others did not deter Carr from his momentum.

As I jogged, I encouraged myself with thoughts of monumental accomplishments since the days when I was a student.

Finishing 53rd out of 78 starters, Carr completed the marathon at 3 hours, 58 minutes and 8 seconds, a personal victory.

The most memorable moment of all came when the awards were announced.

Carr was the first person to receive the Dave Schulte Memorial Award for the most improved performance in the Heart of America Marathon.

The award is named in honor of former Columbia Track Club member, Dave Schulte, who died the previous year of melanoma cancer. Inspired

by Schulte’s philosophy, the award is given to runners who have bettered their performance, achieving a personal victory.

The Columbia Track Club commissioned Olympic Medalist and sculptor artist, Larry Young, to create the award. Cast in the lost wax process, Young shaped the bronze trophy in replica of former Olympic teammate, Frank Shorter, winner of the 1972 gold medal in the marathon.

“I thought a replica of him would be a fitting subject,” said Young.

Young won bronze medals at the 1968 Mexico City and the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, and has been an artist for the last 25 years, placing over 50 monumental outdoor sculptures nationally and abroad.

Young’s sculpture “Introspection” won UCM’s national sculpture competition,

(continued next page) UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI | TODAY

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The Running Man (continued from page 13)

and was installed on the university’s campus in 1994. “‘Introspection’ is designed to represent an interior life form within an exterior life form,” said Young.

Located between the Elliott Union and Audrey Walton Stadium, the piece fits well on campus. It reflects the lives that college students often find themselves a part of, a time of looking inward and outward simultaneously.

One of 20 awards given, the Dave Schulte trophy Carr received is unique for its dated nameplate, heavy base and Young’s autograph burned into the back of the base on the day of its presentation, Sept. 2, 1974.

“How many Olympic medalists do you know would do that?” said Carr.

By 1989, Carr had run 29,000 documented miles and received an Around the World trophy from the Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners in Springfield, Mo. He continues to jog to this day and occasionally tries a 5K run, for charity and his health.

“Only a dedicated marathoner can appreciate the deep afterglow that stays with you for many years following a successful finish,” said Carr.

In fact, several days following the 1974 marathon, Carr was asked by the little girl next door if he had really run a 4-minute mile, to which he responded, “No honey, that was FOUR HOURS and it was a marathon.”

He added, “I couldn’t have been happier, though, considering I’d never done an athletic thing in my life until the age of 35.”

Carr continues to be a part of campus. In 1999, he and his wife established the Kathryn and Richard Carr Graduate Scholarship in Reading. Kathryn devoted much of her life to instilling in others an appreciation for literature.

After 12 years of service to UCM, she retired as professor emeritus of reading.

This summer, Carr donated his Dave Schulte Award as a gift to the university.

The detailed bronze sculpture will become part of the McClure Archives and University Museum collection.

“The 1974 Heart of America Marathon is the ultimate high point of my running life and I owe the Columbia Track Club for a major boost in the confidence and endurance needed for a full and rewarding existence,” he said.

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CLASS NOTES 1950-1959 Richard Dahms ’53, a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon, has served as assistant attorney general and assistant city attorney of St. Joseph, Mo.; assistant prosecuting attorney of Buchanan County; public defender for the Fifth Judicial Circuit; and judge of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Buchanan County. He and his wife, Deloris, have five children and currently reside in Country Club Village, Mo. He recalls his UCM days serving as manager of the football, basketball and track teams and bartending at the Top Hat. His other great memories include Mother Brown’s Tea Room and the Voo Doo Hamilton Dance Orchestra.

first grandson, Nicholas, born in July 2013. The grandparents live in Florissant, Mo. Sherry (Call) Altis ’73 and her husband, Tim ’91, retired from Knob Noster High School in May 2013. They were the first teachers to be honored as commencement speakers multiple times at KNHS. Sherry is now teaching English at UCM. Joyce Kinkead ’75, ’77 authored the textbook “Farm: A Multimodal Reader,”

which was used in a course, “The Farm in Literature and Culture,” that she developed at Utah State University.

Patrick McLaughlin ’75 retired from Northwest Missouri State University after 36 years as a professor of law and insurance. He also retired as head coach of the Bearcat Women’s Golf Team, a varsity golf program he started seven years ago.

music at Hannibal-LaGrange University for 28 years. She continues to provide lessons for woodwind and piano students in her private studio.

Her husband, Henry, is the director of the Mark Twain Boyhood home and museum in Hannibal, Mo. Patricia Long ’78 has retired after serving seven years as president of Baker University in Baldwin, Kan.

Nancy (Riley) Sweets ’75 retired after teaching

1960-1969 Ruthie Wornall ’63, ’71, ’76 taught for 17 years in the Raytown School District. She is the author of a cookbook series and four culinary murder mystery novels, including her most recent, “Murder at the Wornall House.” Ruthie is the author of a food column, Reluctant Chef in the “Weston Chronicle.”

Tom Karczewski ’67 and his wife Rosalie (Cowdry) ’67 are enjoying their retirement together. Rosalie spent 25 years teaching elementary school in Kansas City; Tom was a media representative, selling radio and television advertising to both local and regional accounts. Now, they enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.

Rosalie is a Tri Sigma alum, and Tom stays in touch with Phi Sigma Epsilon.

1970-1979 Daniel Huggins ’71 and his wife, Mary, are celebrating the one-year birthday of their

50 YEARS AND STILL ROCKIN’ Known as the Fabulous Morticians, several UCM alumni are celebrating 50 years of performing in a traveling rock and roll band. They are recording and releasing a CD for their anniversary concert Oct. 18 at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa.

Formed in fall 1964, the group performed rock and roll songs at roller skate parties, club functions, talent shows and other events. Dressed in black and driving a 1951 Cadillac hearse, “The Gray Ghost,” the rock band developed a small but loyal group of fans.

By 1965, the Morts were recruited to perform in local clubs in Iowa and Missouri.

Students lined their cars and drove behind the band headed to clubs, similar to a funeral procession.

Concerned about the safety of students following The Fabulous Morts around the state, Graceland suggested the band break up or transfer to another university.

Three of the band members – Jack Cave ’69, Steve Gunlock ’69, and Fred Silvester – transferred to the University of Central Missouri.

After recruiting band member, Larry Pollard, they picked up were they left off.

“While I was attending what was then CMSC, I played lead guitar. Jack Cave was keyboards, Fred Silvester, rhythm guitar and sax; and Larry Pollard, drums. We played several times on campus, both in the Union and at Pertle Springs,” said Gunlock.

After graduating in 1969, the band members laid down their instruments. Thirty-two years later, the band was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association Hall of Fame.

Read more about The Morticians, listen to their music and see more pics at thefabulousmorticians.com.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI | TODAY

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CLASS NOTES 1980-1989

1990-1999

Johnie Wood ’80 retired from J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., as vice president of corporate security and audits. He has written two fictional books, “Crystal Hill” and “Seditious Conspiracy.” Johnie and his wife, Shirley, reside in Bentonville, Ark., and enjoy traveling and landscaping.

Brad Bodenhausen ’91 is director of the International Leadership and Training Center, a collaboration between Missouri State University and the Springfield (Mo.) Chamber of Commerce, where he previously served as executive vice president.

Ronald Walker ’81, ’84 had a solo art exhibit “Suburban Primitive Paintings” displayed at Merced College in California.

James Magditch ’84 accepted a position as quality engineer for General Cable.

He resides in Lawrenceburg, Ky., with his wife, Gina (Salazar) ’86, and their two children.

Stephen Jones ’91 is a dispatch coordinator for ZieglerCat. His work involves coordinating the movement of power systems, agricultural and construction machines in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Missouri.

Dennis Zolotor ’91 works at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City as a senior technical support analyst. He resides in Kansas City, Kan.,

STILL SCALING THE HEIGHTS After reaching his goal to climb all the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado at the age of 50, Mike Mitchell ’79 took on yet another challenge. He and his wife, Verna (Smith) ’79, climbed Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina.

At 6,600 feet, Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It also is the centerpiece of the Blacks, the highest mountain range in the Appalachians.

The Mitchells had gone to North Carolina to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mike’s mother and had talked

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about this climb for years.

Undeterred by a storm of epic proportions that had hit the mountains with ice, snow and 70 mph winds, the two faced a trail clogged by downed massive trees. They wore microspikes to not skid on the ice.

Their one-day climb turned out to be 12 miles and 4,000 feet of elevation gain. They succeeded, though, becoming the first people up the popular peak in almost two weeks.

Someday, they may return with their two sons, including Zach, a former Mule football player.

with his wife, Dolores, and their three sons.

Robert Exendine ’93 and his wife, Leslie ’93, opened Anne’s Acres Blueberry Farm in Lincoln, Mo., four years ago. Home to 4,000 plants, the farm welcomes customers to pick blueberries annually.

Robert also is serving as vice president of the Missouri Blueberry Council.

Judy (Wurl) ’93, resides in Warrensburg with her two sons, Tyler and Peyton.

David Luoma ’96 received a Master of Science in Nursing Education, is teaching at Johnson County Community College, and living in Spring Hill, Kan. Scott Alvested ’97 is manager of alumni relations and annual giving for the Metropolitan Community College Foundation in Kansas City, Mo. Eric Cline ’97 has written various fiction magazine articles. His work has appeared in “Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine,” “Stupefying Stories,” “James Gunn’s Ad Astra,” “Every Day Fiction” and the original anthology, “Writers of the Future Vol. 29.”

Shawn Jones ’97, ’11 is director of athletics at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Formerly UCM’s senior associate athletic director for external operations, he was well known to fans as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Mules.

Beth (Johnson) Caldwell ’99 was elected to the Board of Aldermen for Ste. Genevieve, Mo. She resides

there with her husband, Bo, and son, Austin. Beth and her mother own the Station 2 Café, a restaurant located downtown in the city’s historic fire department.

2000-2009 Carolyn (Clark) Brown ’00 and her husband, James, announce the birth of a son, Chase Edward Brown, on April 2, 2014. He joins his older brother, Tyler. The family resides in St. Charles, Mo. Stacie (Littrell) Wild ’00, psychology instructor and guidance and career services coordinator for the State Fair Career and Technology Center, was named Adjunct Instructor of the Year. She has worked at SFCC for 10 years and is involved with the Allied Health Academy, core advising and SkillsUSA competition.

Tommy Myers ’01 is now director of athletics facilities at his alma mater, Pittsburg State University in Kansas.

The former Mules head baseball coach is managing the campus’ Robert W. Plaster Center and the Garfield Weede P.E. Building.

Marlies K. Ozias ’01 earned a Master of Science in Nutrition and Toxicology from Iowa State University in 2004 and now has completed a Ph.D. in medical nutrition science from the University of Kansas. The former co-captain of the Jennies basketball team is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Phoenix, Va. Samantha “Sam” Jones Purcell ’02 moved to Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Shane, and their seven-year-old son. She is substitute teaching for the Meridian school district.

Christopher Rodriguez ’02 and his family welcomed Ryan Scott Rodriguez on Dec. 9, 2013.

Lucas Boyce ’03 was named to the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees.

He is director of business development and legislative affairs for the Orlando Magic basketball team.

Jessica Dulle ’03 accepted a position as executive director for the Strand Centre for the Arts in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Previously, she was executive director for the Center for Contemporary Arts in Abilene, Texas. She also has been executive director for Capital City Council on the Arts in Jefferson City, Mo. Jason Richey ’03 and his wife, Julie, welcomed their second son, Keegan James, on March 15, 2014. Jason works for Metal Exchange Corporation as a safety manager. He and his family reside in St. Louis, Mo. Melissa Felkner ’04 was promoted to reimbursement accountant at Freeman Health System. Melissa resides in Joplin, Mo. Clinton Longwell ’04 accepted a position as head baseball coach at Rolla (Mo.) High School where he also teaches history. Longwell was the starting pitcher for the Mules baseball team in 2003 when it won the

NCAA Division II National Championship.

Rhonda Munoz ’04 has completed the requirements to become a Certified Safety Professional. The CSP certificate is awarded to individuals who meet academic standards, satisfy professional safety experience requirements, and have passed two examinations covering engineering and management aspects of safety, applied sciences, legal and regulatory matters, professional affairs and other safety-related topics.

Brent Zweifel ’04 and wife, Ashley ’02, met their daughter for the first time Feb. 25, 2013. They celebrated 10 years of marriage May 30 before Brent accepted a position as director of distance learning June 2 at Wentworth Military Academy and College.

Jamie (Fischer) Patterson ’05 is the digital marketing manager at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. Erin Morrison ’06, ’14 accepted a position as assistant director of telemarketing for alumni giving and engagement at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Mike Jeffries ’08 accepted a position as the state director of fundraising for the Greater Kansas Chapter of the March of Dimes. He and his wife,

Amanda Schmittling Jeffries, ’10, reside in Lenexa, Kan. Nathan Caywood ’09, starred in a television commercial launching a new marketing campaign for the Hopper on Dish Network during March Madness.

Nathan’s mother, Lana (Miller) ’77 and father, Thomas ’77, ’81, report their son is busy in Hollywood.

His commercial can be seen at http://m.youtube.com/ watch?v=uWU0hdL3bXA.

Joshua Seeley ’13 departed June 17, 2013, to serve 27 months with the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa. He teaches biology and other sciences.

Joe Migdal ’14 qualified to play in the U.S. Amateur Aug. 11-17 at the Atlanta Athletic Club. The former Mules’ golfer earned his way into the nation’s top amateur tournament with a first-place finish in the 36-hole qualifier at the Jefferson City Country Club.

2010-2019 Scott Melton ’10 accepted a position as district safety and health manager for the Kansas City District of the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Scott resides in Marshall, Mo. Rachel Simmons ’12 opened the Ivory and Lace Bridal Boutique in July 2014.

Located in Warrensburg, the boutique specializes in personal figure and shape consultations, wedding gowns, dresses, tuxedoes and bridal accessories.

Kim Welch ’12 recorded his first experience in electronic voice phenomenon on the second floor of the Old Washoe Club in Virginia City, Nev. The recording, titled “Kim Welch – Old Washoe Club EVP,” is available on YouTube.

Kim teaches third grade in Moberly, Mo.

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Adriatic wonders come to life with visits to ports on the shores of Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia.

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To learn more, find out about other offers, or get a free, no-obligation quote, call us at 1-800-981-2372 or visit LibertyMutual.com/ucmo.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI | TODAY

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CLASS NOTES

REMEMBERING THE NAVY V12’ERS “I was a farm kid from Oklahoma who joined the Navy in 1943,” emails Bob Thomas ’45, who contacted us to share some photos and memories of his UCM days with the Navy V-12 unit.

He and some 200 other navy men lived in Morrow Hall and attended class from 8 a.m. until

5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 until noon Saturday.

He recalls taking between 18 and 21 hours per semester and that each calendar year had three semesters. After two semesters, he transferred to an ROTC unit at Notre Dame before he was commissioned into the Navy.

“They told me to stay in the Navy until the war was over but I forgot to ask which war and stayed for three: World War II, Korea and Vietnam” he said.

In his 27 years of service, Thomas had three commands at sea, including a submarine, a group of submarines and a large surface warship during

Vietnam. Before he retired with the rank of captain, he also taught at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

He currently lives in Monterey, Calif. and will turn 90 years old next March.

AWARDS & HONORS 1960-1969

2010-2019

Larry “Bo” Bossaller ’65 was awarded the RE/MAX International Hall of Fame Lifetime Award in 2013. He is a broker with Boone Realty in Columbia, Mo.

Kaitlyn Roach ’10 received the Regions Private Wealth Management Award from the Mississippi College School of Law during its annual Law Day ceremony. The award honors the student with the highest average in wills and estates.

Roach, a former Charno Award recipient, and her husband, Matt Maupin ’10, reside in Mayview, Mo.

1970-1979 Charles Fann ’77 was selected as the Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College 2014 Dragon Educator of the Year. He retired this May after 24 years as an instructor and coordinator of the criminal justice program.

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Krystal Snell ’10 received the 2014 New Teacher of the Year award from the Missouri Educators of Family

and Consumer Sciences and Human Services. Krystal has taught classes at Warrensburg High School for four years.

Amanda Sasek ’13 won the 2014 Miss Greater Wichita contest and the 2014 Miss Kansas title. She will compete in the Miss America pageant in September.

Zach Davis ’14 was selected in the 25th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. He is the 31st Mule to be drafted by a major league team and will be the 56th to sign with

a major league franchise.

Davis will play in the Astros’ rookie league affiliate in the Appalachian League, the Greenville Astros.

Kyle Gehrs ’14 has also signed with the Houston Astros as a free agent. He’s been assigned to the Astros’ Gulf Coast League affiliate, the GCL Astros. He is the 57th Mule baseball player to sign with a major league franchise.

IN MEMORIAM 1930-1939 Alice G. Woodby ’30 Mary F. Carter ’35 Dorothy B. Dunn ’39

1940-1949 Kathryn L. Strong ’40 Esther L. Francis ’41 Gera V. Smith ’41 Mary E. Evans ’43 Melveleah Wachs ’43 Frances M. Baile ’44 Lena L. Faigle ’46 Mildred L. Arnold ’47 Andree M. Petersen ’47, ’65 Marjorie F. Scovill ’47 Gerald O. Lachner ’48 Audrey L. Mittendorf ’48 Roger J. Eggleston ’49 Charles F. Pitts ’49

1950-1959 Wilfred C. Lee ’51 Evalee A. Fergason ’52 Edgar B. Freund ’52 Doris E. McIntyre ’52 Robert B. Campbell ’54 George B. Henley ’54 Jean L. Frudeger ’55 Wilbern C. Hayes ’55 Patricia A. Stapleton ’55 Norma L. Reed ’56 Jane S. Kneemiller ’57 Joyce A. Luschen ’57 Richard H. Norris ’57 Donald W. Donath ’58 Normand E. Fontaine ’58, ’60 David D. Helmuth ’58 Dorothy F. Smith ’58

1960-1969 Marvin L. Baker ’60, ’63 Karel L. Reuck ’61 Esther E. Jarrett ’62 Lawrence R. Baker ’63 Rebecca J. Crouch ’63, ’75 Dianna L. Gibler ’63, ’81 Cora L. Lister ’63 Ruth E. Massey ’63, ’71 Martha E. Stephenson ’63 Robert R. Dunning ’64 William D. Malloy ’64 Carol A. Schafer ’64, ’68, ’85 Robert M. Bauer ’66 Joseph B. Brown ’66 Dorothy H. Hodes ’66, ’69 Elaine M. Laursen ’66 Juanita L. Rhodes ’66

Russell D. Stone ’67 William J. Gnefkow Jr. ’69 Janice C. McKeehan ’69, ’90 Morris W. Rockwood ’69 Beverly J. Schwaab ’69 Richard M. Sharp ’69, ’74

2000-2009

Friends

Lee W. Dubois-Bailey ’00 Brett A. McCulloch ’02 Kristina K. Ahmad ’06

1970-1979

Mary Talken ’11 Scott Savage ’12

Lila Adams Robert G. Askren Paul M. Ballew Ed Barnes George T. Barrows Jane S. Beudette James C. Bedwell Joyce A. Boosinger Warren Carter Lawrence E. Christian Eleanor W. Drake Edna M. Egbert Harold L. Enloe William E. Finn Anna Fleischmann Rose H. Gallemore Winifred Gard Robert M. Gnefkow Ruby M. Hatfield Ruth C. Hofstetter Dwight C. Johnson Demova J. Keffer Sherman H. Kneemiller William J. Kremer L. D. LeResche Kathryn M. Lewis Delores D. Looney William D. Lynch William R. Mann Lowell R. McCuskey Bud McDaniel Kenneth McMurtrey Vera L. Menefee Frances W. Messerly Patricia D. Murray Kenneth E. Norman Sharon Proett G. Dale Reesman Jack B. Ridley Jr. Richaed J. Rippeto E. Benedick Samson Donald. E Schomacker Myron G. Sheddrick Dorothy M. Smith Donald L. Spencer Marilyn M. Spradling Clair R. Swan Robert T. Vostal Miriam G. Wakeman Betty L. Watkins Tim Williams

Jean G. Miller ’70 Keith N. Ridgway ’70 Clark G. Anderson ’71 Gary A. Baranyai ’71, ’77 Denzell B. Ekey ’71 Richard A. Maas ’71, ’90 Virginia A. Smith ’71 Glenn W. Bill ’72 Raymond W. Huggett ’72 Jean Potts ’72 Mark Schulze ’72, ’76 Mitzi L. Dentler ’73, ’78 Danny L. Gillam ’73 James E. Taylor ’73 James S. Grigsby ’74 Ralph W. Behrens ’74 Jean D. Booth ’74 Michile D. Bosch ’74 Kenneth E. Jennings ’74 Stephen L. Mullins ’75 David D. Upton ’75 Earl R. Fredrich ’77 Jefferson R. League ’77 James W. Rudd ’78 J. Diane Schumacher ’78 Lyle M. Pointer ’79

1980-1989 Dennis D. Grotjan ’80 Dale G. Redel ’80, ’81 Kristin L. Snoble ’81 Ron E. Festa ’82 Stephen R. Mullen’82, ’86 T. Diane Simpson ’82 Rhonda M. VanSickle ’82 Mary K. Williams ’82 Stefan K. Teles ’83 Clark E. Brinkmeyer ’85 Dwight A. Heming ’86 David P. Simpson ’86, ’87

1990-1999 Deborah L. Jones ’91 Oliver S. Preiss ’92 Peggy S. Seitz ’93 Dianna L. McBaine ’94 Joseph W. Bunch ’95 Cheryl K. Taraskewich ’98 Shelly D. Groff ’99

2010-2019

College High Charlene V. Brown ’48 Elbert M. Gallemore Jr. ’50 Ethel Goring ’33 Mary F. Hall ’42 Marjorie L. Miller ’41 Marvin A. Rhodes ’35 William E. Smith ’53

Former Students Rebecca L. Blackburn Faye L. Castle Waunda L. Comeaux Sherri A. Dade Stansel E. Defoe William V. Denton Nina L. Dixon Andrew J. Dorman Lorene B. Emmerson Lucille Farris Emile Gauchat Evelyn D. Gelb Ann J. Goddard William E. Goodwin Rachel Green Fall C. Mac Nora D. Marsh Aaron R. Miller Tonia D. Miller Victor D. Nielsen Janet G. Norris Dalton S. Rardon Mary L. Roach Howard R. Shifflett Robert Stafford V. Carol Stith Johnye C. Sturcken Dustin L. Watkins Cory W. Wierman

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI | TODAY

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IN MEMORIAM (continued) Jacqueline Adair Jacqueline Lewis Adair, age 92, a generous friend and former student of the University of Central Missouri, died June 13, 2014, at her home in Stillwater, Okla., where she was an active community leader.She was born in 1921, the only child of Overton M. and Martha Helen (Cooper) Lewis.

She married Joseph Adair in 1939 when they attended Central Missouri State Teachers College. The couple lived in Kansas City until 1948 when they moved to Stillwater. Her husband preceded her in death in 1994. She remarried in 2002 to Wilton T. Anderson; he preceded her in death in 2012.

Her volunteer activities included the Daughters of American Revolution, Daughters of American Colonists, P.E.O. Stillwater, Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Stillwater Country Club, First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater Hospital Auxiliary, Stillwater Literary Program, American Legion Auxiliary, Oklahoma City Petroleum Club, Stillwater Women’s Club, Delta Zeta Epsilon Gamma Chapter, Payne County Genealogy Society, Delta Zeta Alumna Chapter of Stillwater and the Sheerar Cultural Center and Museum. She was active in nursing homes and lobbied the Oklahoma legislature for improving them throughout the state.

Memorials are suggested to the James W. and Minnie Waugh Adair Scholarship, UCM Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

(Hoover) who survives, attended UCM and completed two degrees at the University of Missouri. His son, Christopher, graduated from UCM in 2000. His father, Harold, graduated from College High in 1926.

Herbert Eschliman Herbert Eschliman, 88, the first person to head the University of Central Missouri English department, died Aug. 4, 2014, at his home.

He was born Oct. 31, 1926, in Freeman, S.D., to Alvin Eschliman and Anna Mary Allgyer. A staff sergeant in the Counterintelligence Corps during World War II, he received a B.A. from Dakota Wesleyan University, an M.A. from the University of South Dakota and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He married Verlyn “Lynn” Thomson in 1951, and they moved to Warrensburg in 1960.

A retired English language, literature, and composition teacher at the college level, he taught for 37 years, mostly at UCM. He was head of the Language and Literature Division and the first head of the English department when it became a separate entity. He also began team teaching, started a tutorial program for all composition students and designed the office complex in the Martin Building.

Evalee Fergason Clifton Baile Clifton A. Baile, 74, a 1962 agriculture and business University of Central Missouri alumnus who received the UCM Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010, died May 19, 2014, following a cerebral aneurysm.

Baile’s career spanned three decades in academia, including faculty positions at two Ivy League universities and 17 years in industry. Most recently he was the D.W. Brooks Distinguished Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Biotechnology at the University of Georgia. His research focused on the physiology and biochemistry of obesity and bone disorders and in 2012, he became director of UGA’s campus-wide obesity initiative.

His achievements included more than 300 abstracts, 350 journal articles, 18 patents and $50 million in research and faculty grants. He helped found eight biotech companies. His industrial experience included the titles of distinguished fellow and director of research and development for Monsanto and manager of research for SmithKline and French. He received many other honors, including in 2011 being named a Fellow of the American Society for the Advancement of Science.

Baile had deep ties to UCM and Warrensburg. He attended the university’s lab school from first grade through College High. His two sisters, brother and numerous cousins also graduated from College High. His wife of 53 years, Beth

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Evalee Fergason, 96, a 1952 Central Missouri alumna, died Feb. 9, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo. She was born July 23, 1917, to John and Myrdith Melissa Eldridge Adrian in Carroll County and graduated from Bogard High School in 1934.

During her 42-year education career, she taught elementary school for Round Grove and Floyd in Carroll County, Lexington Elementary and Tina from 1954-1979. She retired from Raytown Public Schools, where she spent the last 25 years of her career.

Memorials are suggested to the Charles G. Kuhn Memorial Scholarship Fund, UCM Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Alphadine “Dean” Martin Alphadine “Dean” Martin, 86, professor emerita and former chair of the Department of Physical Education, died June 20, 2014, after battling cancer.

Martin was born in Laurel Branch, W. Va., March 21, 1928.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater College, a master’s degree form Peabody College in Nashville, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. From 1950-1954, she taught physical education and coached athletic teams at Montevideo High School in Virginia.

She came to Warrensburg in 1954, teaching at the Laboratory School and the University of Central Missouri until she retired in 1991 as a physical education professor and department chair. She created and developed the first fitness center on campus for faculty, staff and students engaged in the fitness curriculum. Upon her retirement, she was honored with a monogrammed park bench on the campus quad.

Memorials are suggested to the Dr. Alphadine Martin Scholarship, UCM Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

LeRoy McLaughlin LeRoy “Mac” McLaughlin, 82, a University of Central Missouri alumnus and generous donor, of Bates City, Mo., died June 19, 2014.

He was born Oct. 20, 1931, in Osceola, Mo., to Ivy and Georgia McLaughlin. He earned three degrees from UCM: a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts and technology in 1957, followed by a master’s degree in 1960 and an education specialist in 1967. He was a teacher for the Raytown school district and St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School in Kansas City.

Memorials are suggested to the LeRoy and Doris McLaughlin Endowed Scholarship, UCM Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Dalton Rardon Dalton Shane Rardon, 22, of Polo, Mo., died June 16, 2014, in an automobile accident. He was born Sept. 20, 1991, in Liberty Mo., to Shane and Jill Rardon. A current student at the University of Central Missouri, he was working on a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He was a member of the Knoxville Community Church and was beginning his third year of coaching as an assistant at the Lexington, Mo., school district. He was active with the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

Memorials are suggested to the Dalton Rardon Scholarship Fund, UCM Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Jack Ridley, Jr. Jack Bernard Ridley Jr., former campus security officer, died May 10, 2014, at his home. Ridley married Ann Verdin ,who survives, in 1955 in Twickenham, England. He moved to Knob Noster, Mo., with his family in 1969 and retired from Whiteman Air Force Base in 1975. He was a policeman for UCM for 10 years, after which he became a bus driver for the Knob Noster School District.

Chuck Smith Chuck Smith, 87, former Mules basketball coach, died July 27, 2014. He was born June 27, 1927, in Ridgway, Ill. He enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis in 1947 after serving in the Navy during World War II. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1951 and a master’s in 1952. He was a three-year basketball letterwinner for the Bears.

Smith coached the men’s basketball team at the University of Missouri St. Louis from 1959-1965. After posting a school-best 21-6 record his final season, he came to Warrensburg and coached the Mules from 1965-66.

He was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990 and the UMSL Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.

Ronald “Doc” VanDam Ronald “Doc” VanDam, 77, legendary and beloved head athletic trainer at the University of Central Missouri, died July 26, 2014.

He was born Jan. 22, 1937, in Kalamazoo, Mich., the son of Rev. Leonard and Marian Perkins VanDam. He married Jonell Willis May 30, 1964, in Milton, Ky. She survives as well as two daughters, two brothers and five grandchildren.

Following his arrival on campus in 1969, he assumed a split assignment between athletics and academics. He developed the athletic training program into one recognized throughout the country while developing and expanding the Athletic Training Education Program into one of the nation’s premier degree programs for preparing future generations of athletic trainers. During his 31 years at UCM, he was an integral part of 78 MIAA Championships, 41 MIAA Conference Tournament Championships, 26 NCAA Regional Championships and three NCAA National Championships.

In 1993, the Student Trainer Alumni Club of UCM established the Dr. Ronald VanDam Student Athletic Training Scholarship.

In 2011, the university named the new 6,000-square-foot athletic training facility in the recently renovated MorrowGarrison complex in his honor. VanDam was inducted into the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Hall of Fame in 1988, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, the District V Mid-American Athletic Trainers’ Hall of Fame in 1997, and the UCM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

Memorials are suggested to the Dr. Ronald VanDam Student Athletic Training Scholarship, UCM Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI | TODAY

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Periodicals Postage PAID at Warrensburg, MO and Additional Mailing Offices

P.O. Box 800 Warrensburg, MO 64093-5038

Stay connected with us through your favorite social media platform at ucmo.edu/social

Oct. 18 EVENT SCHEDULE

It’s our biggest party of the year, and we hope you’ll join us for the fun!

Breakfast 8 a.m. @ Smiser

Parade

9 a.m. Downtown

Tailgate

11 a.m. @ Achauer House

Football Game

1:30 p.m. vs Central Oklahoma

For more information visit ucmo.edu/homecoming

Stay connected with us!

Check out the UCM Alumni Association on your favorite social media

UCM Alumni Association

@UCM_Alum

You can also visit us in person at the Achauer House (314 S. Holden St.)