UCM Magazine Vol. 18 No. 2 - Winter

UNIVERSIT Y OF CENTRAL MISSOURI MAGAZINE VO L . 1 8 , N O. 2

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW

University of Central Missouri Magazine

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CONTENTS A CAREER-LONG ADVANTAGE: The Impact of a UCM Degree on Law Enforcement PAGE 8

COVER S TO RY

6 2018 YEAR IN REVIEW F EATURE S

5 HOMECOMING HIGHLIGHTS 8 A CAREER-LONG ADVANTAGE: THE IMPACT OF A UCM DEGREE ON LAW ENFORCEMENT

S EC T IONS 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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PHILANTHROPY NEWS

13 CLASS NOTES 14 IN MEMORIAM 15 PLANNED GIVING

10 GLOBAL VISION ENDOWMENT CELEBRATES A DECADE OF LIFE-CHANGING TRIPS 11 UCM ALUMNI FOUNDATION MAKES COLLEGE DREAMS A REALITY

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Vol. 18, No. 2 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S AG E

UCM MAGA Z INE Vo l. 1 8 , No . 2 EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathy Strickland ART DIRECTOR

Linda Harris, ‘91 CONTRIBUTORS

Ellen Blaize, ‘11, ‘13 Benecia Carmack, ‘90 Sarah Chamberlin, ‘97, ‘16 Ruth Dickson John Kennedy, ‘92, ‘13 Jacalyn Leake Joy Mistele, ‘76, ‘83 Jeff Murphy, ‘80, ‘95 An Quigley, ’94

Published by the UCM Alumni Foundation. © 2018 by University of Central Missouri.

All rights reserved.

Find us online: ucmfoundation.org/magazine Contact the editor or submit your address updates by email to alumni@ucmo.edu or telephone, 660-543-8000.

UCM Magazine (USPS 019-888) is published quarterly by the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Printed by Spangler Graphics, 2930 S. 44th St., Kansas City, Kansas 66106. Periodicals postage paid at Warrensburg, MO, and additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to

UCM Magazine, 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.

ENGAGING WITH YOUR ALMA MATER

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uring the fall semester, my wife, Robin, and I had the opportunity to see the Homecoming Parade from a new perspective. We rode in a red and black golf cart with our grandson among the many marching bands, floats, cars and walking entries that make up this wonderful community-campus tradition.

Throughout the entire week of Homecoming events, it was enlightening and heartening to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at all the hard work and efforts of the many people who annually make this experience possible. It also was an extraordinary opportunity to see and meet countless alumni and their families, who turned out to show their University of Central Missouri pride.

I’m grateful to be part of an institution where engaged and passionate students and alumni are an essential part of who we are. The same enthusiasm that we observed during Homecoming has been evident in other events such as Mules and Jennies athletics, Theatre and Dance productions, academic competitions, our recent fall commencement and much more.

These events affirm that, while we offer degrees that change lives, immersing ourselves in special events and activities is part of the lifelong UCM experience that we all share. Your ongoing engagement as alumni is greatly appreciated and valued as we continue to work collectively to create an environment of opportunities for networking and interaction while also nurturing student success in a way that promotes Learning to a Greater Degree.

I ask that you remain fully engaged with UCM and stay informed of opportunities, challenges and the great accomplishments of our faculty, staff, students and alumni, which contribute to the success and reputation of your alma mater. As you view this edition of UCM Magazine, you will learn more about our exceptional alumni, what makes this university an incredible place for students to live and learn, and the many outstanding individuals who are making this possible.

We look forward to your continued engagement in the life and success of UCM. We also encourage you to share your success stories with us so that we may share them with others.

Roger J. Best, Ph.D. UCM President University of Central Missouri Magazine

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P H I L A N T H RO P Y N E W S

By Joy Mistele, ‘76, ‘83

GENEROUS ALUMNUS POWERS GIVING TUESDAY FUND DRIVE

MAYAA AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

This Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Dan Power, ’73 and ’74, once again engaged in the type of generosity that earned him the UCM Distinguished Alumni Award for Service in 2016. Power, who also has served on the Alumni Foundation Board of Directors, helped raise $43,177 for the UCM Alumni Foundation’s Fund for Student Success by offering to match every contribution, up to $25,000.

The Mid-America Youth Aviation Association (MAYAA) recently made a gift to establish a new scholarship endowment for students pursuing a degree in aviation. The Mid-America Youth Aviation Association (MAYAA) Scholarship Endowment will be available beginning in fiscal year 2020 for UCM juniors and seniors who are citizens of the United States.

Jackie Jackson, the UCM Alumni Foundation’s director of annual giving, said the amount raised on Giving Tuesday could be quantified Dan Power by how many students it will help. Since the average financial barrier preventing UCM students from graduating is $672, the Giving Tuesday efforts will assist 64 students in advancing to graduation through the Fund for Student Success, which is dedicated to providing the scholarships that high-performing learners need to cross the degree finish line.

Power was recruited to campus by wrestling coach Roger Denker and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1973 and a master’s in 1974 while wrestling for the Mules.

He taught and coached high school wrestling in the Odessa School District after earning his degrees from UCM. Power worked as a real estate agent, then opened a branch for financial investments and advising firm Edward Jones Investments in Hutchison, Kan., where he also served on the Board of Education for public schools. He is a regional leader in the financial advisement field in western Kansas and a lifetime friend of UCM. 4

MAYAA started nearly 20 years ago with the goal of fostering and supporting the future of aviation by bringing together youth and aviation professionals.

Executive Director Ed Noyallis and Director Marquita Pace have spent their careers in the field of aviation. Working as a team, they have hosted the Kansas City Air Show and produced numerous youth programs over many years. MAYAA has a long association with UCM as well as valued friendships with UCM School of Aviation faculty and staff.

“I got my wings over 55 years ago, and it is something I will never forget,” Noyallis said. “The aspect of flying and affording the opportunity to allow youth to get the same thrill is something that is important to me. We are at a stage that we want to promote the highest possible opportunities for all youth that will enhance their ability to acquire educational opportunities in aviation and aerospace.”

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI has many amazing alumni who embody a spirit of philanthropy.

This is shown in the much-appreciated generosity of alumni who choose to give back or pay it forward through their alma mater. These gifts create a legacy of opportunity and enrichment for UCM students.

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FRED WORMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE The family of Fred Worman, UCM professor emeritus, has established the Fred Worman Scholarship Endowment for International Agriculture to honor his legacy and encourage others to carry forward his vision of building Fred Worman an international food production system that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. The first scholarship award will be available in fiscal year 2020 for undergraduate and graduate international or domestic students pursuing a degree in agricultural science and interested in international agriculture and/or sustainable agriculture.

Worman served from 1992 to 2008 in what was then UCM’s Department of Agriculture as a professor and department chair. As an agricultural economist, he believed that farming at all scales, from the mega-farms of western Kansas to the humble plots of horticulturalists in southern Africa, should provide a dignified means of making a living while also caring for the environment.

Worman completed his Ph.D. at Kansas State University in 1985 and accumulated a wealth of experience in agriculture, farming systems research and rural community development in Honduras, Botswana and the United States before joining the UCM faculty.

At UCM, he continued to coauthor publications for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and consulted on agricultural production, storage, transportation and marketing in the United States, Kenya, Paraguay, El Salvador and the Philippines. Worman’s legacy of finding real-world solutions to food-related problems will live on through the work of recipients of this new scholarship endowment.

HOMECOMING HIGHLIGHTS

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2018 YEAR IN REVIEW

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or students, faculty, staff and alumni, 2018 was a transformational year for the University of Central Missouri.

Not without challenges, the past 12 months have been a testimony

By Ruth Dickson to the resolve, perseverance, commitment and pride shown by our community to our institution. By sharing these attributes, the UCM family has worked together to deepen our commitment to Learning to a Greater Degree.

opening of the on-campus Success Advising Center in October. This center is a landmark in demonstrating UCM’s commitment to student success, and is an integral part of implementing a new intrusive advising model that delivers student support at just the right time, minimizing the individual risk of students dropping out and increasing year-over-year retention. At the Oct. 10 ribbon-cutting ceremony, Best noted that the center is “the physical embodiment of our commitment to students to make sure they leave with a degree to be successful in whatever career path they choose,” and Under the then interim presidency of Dr. Roger this support is often provided through gifts Best — former faculty member, dean of the from UCM alumni. The Success Advising Harmon College of Business and Professional Center is located on the lower level of Studies and chief financial officer — UCM the Elliott Student Union, which is launched its first new recruitment campaign in undergoing another campus improvement seven years. Replacing the successful “Choose project expected to be completed in fall Red” campaign, “Opportunity in Action” speaks 2019. This renovation will transform the to individuals at every stage of their educational student experience within the student journey — from undergraduate and graduate union walls, providing an updated space degree completion to workforce development and for students to better utilize important their important role in supporting student success resources and get involved in campus life. through alumni giving. Interim President Best launched the new campaign during his State In addition to physical campus of the University Address on Aug. 22, 2018. improvements, 2018 has been a year of In his address, transformation academically for UCM. Best also In addition to multiple significant unveiled a grants, including a $744,923 award from new academic the USDA in February and a separate mark, designed $150,000 grant from the USDA in to represent October, both benefiting initiatives by UCM’s rich UCM’s agriculture faculty, the university academic was awarded the largest grant in its history and be 147-year history. Received from the a permanent part of UCM’s identity.

U.S. Department of Education, the This mark features the beloved Strengthening Institutions Grant helps and widely recognized university institutions expand their ability to serve Administration Building as the focal low-income students through academic point of the design. quality and fiscal stability. The $2.7 million received by UCM over five years will be As 2018 continued, the Alumni integral in strengthening the model for Foundation made several important student success, and will be used to support strides in supporting the success of our students, the attainment of an 80 percent retention including the launch of our Gift of Success initiative. With the objective of raising more than goal set over the past 12 months. $1 million in annual scholarships, this initiative As UCM expands its ability to serve showcases the important role that our alumni students by providing individual support, have in providing a direct impact on student the university is continuing to establish outcomes, including enabling high-performing and maintain a high standard of academic students to overcome financial barriers and stay excellence through the development of new on track to graduate. academic programs and partnerships that help meet the workforce needs of our The impact of alumni support on student regional, national and global economy. outcomes also was a key takeaway at the

C OV E R S TO RY

The launch of new graduate and undergraduate programs in competitive fields such as big data, athletic training, bioinformatics and software engineering ensures that UCM is providing academic pathways for students looking for real career opportunities.

This commitment to meeting the needs of the workforce also has been reflected through the strategic partnerships established with our extended campus at The Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Over the past 12 months, UCM has formed important partnerships with organizations such as the Full Employment Council, KC Digital Drive and the Missouri National Guard to develop workforceready programs in areas such as sterile processing, gigabit technology and cybersecurity to reduce the current skills gap in evolving technologies.

In November, UCM’s Board of Governors appointed Dr. Best as the 16th president of the university, following a successful interim presidency. This exciting decision allows UCM to conclude the year poised for even further success in 2019. Best led his first commencement address on Dec. 7, recognizing the commitment of UCM’s faculty and staff by telling the graduating class, “They have had your backs for this entire experience … If you remember nothing else, remember this: We will always be here for you.”

As UCM continues its trajectory for success in academic quality, student support and retention, the university has been named one of the 2019 Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, Top Public Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report. These important recognitions reflect the significant improvements UCM has made over the past 12 months as our community focuses on providing opportunities for our students through quality college degrees. This platform of success — crafted by the dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni and students — is one that not only supported 3,259 graduates in receiving their degrees in 2018, but also will carry all subsequent UCM graduates to greater success in the future.

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A CAREER-LONG ADVANTAGE: The Impact of a UCM Degree on Law Enforcement

By Benecia Carmack, M.B.A., J.D., ‘90 Assistant Professor and Internship Coordinator, Criminal Justice and Criminology Program

The University of Central Missouri’s criminal justice and criminology program has prepared students for careers in law enforcement since 1962.

Students can take courses in law enforcement, institutional and community corrections, juvenile justice, victims’ services and law. Because of the duration of our program, the department has many alumni working in these challenging professions.

Our alumni have taken their academic degrees and applied them to practical problem-solving in professions that benefit the community, state and nation. These alumni are now professionals who give back to current students through guest speaking, internships and new initiatives to solve criminal justice problems.

Smith, who is responsible for 1,300 sworn officers and 560 civilian employees, now gives back to current UCM students by providing internships. “Internships are a wonderful opportunity for KCPD to show students the quality of our department, and would be beneficial to other great organizations for the same reason,” Smith said. “KCPD, in turn, has the opportunity to help guide students and hopefully set them up for success when they choose to start their careers.”

Chief Smith continues to use what he learned at UCM to innovate new solutions, including placing a social worker at each patrol division to help officers approach issues that are more complex and require specialized knowledge and resources. With funding from the Hall Family Foundation and the city, KCPD has a social worker assigned to each of its

One such alumnus is the 45th chief of police of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, Richard C. Smith, who received a Master of Science in criminal justice from UCM in 2012. The decision to go back to school was difficult for many reasons, and Chief Smith had to balance the time commitment with his professional duties. Once he began the degree program, Smith enjoyed his classes, the discussions with other students and the sense of accomplishment that increased as he approached graduation.

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Richard C. Smith, ‘12, Chief of Police of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department

patrol divisions. This new social worker program could provide opportunities for future UCM students and professors in evaluating and enhancing the program.

John E. Ham, ‘96, Public Information Officer for the Kansas City Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

F E AT U R E

“ Internships are a wonderful opportunity for KCPD to show students the quality of our department … KCPD, in turn, has the opportunity to help guide students and hopefully set them up for success when they choose to start their careers.” – Chief Richard C. Smith, ‘12

Another UCM alumnus, Trooper Tyler Cunningham, ’11, of the Missouri Highway Patrol, also is providing support to UCM students. He is a guest speaker in classes, serves as an Advisory Board member, conducts career services mock interviews and meets with students at career fairs. In addition to enforcing traffic laws, he is a recruiter and crisis negotiator for the Hostage Team. Trooper Cunningham graduated with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from UCM and is currently working on a master’s degree in leadership and management.

At UCM, Cunningham participated in an internship with the Security Department of Worlds of Fun, an opportunity that provided valuable experience in important law enforcement functions. His career was also influenced by a student alliance program offered at UCM — a special course in partnership with the Missouri Highway Patrol. In the class, Cunningham experienced Highway Patrol operations such as accident reconstruction, canine uses, commercial vehicle inspections and the aviation helicopter unit. This invaluable experience provided him with career-ready skills upon graduation.

The impact of UCM’s Criminal Justice program extends to the federal level. John E. Ham, public information officer for the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), graduated from UCM in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration.

He serves as the media and public information consultant to the Special Agent in Charge and other members of the Division Management Team.

Officer Ham is the primary point of contact for congressional staff members, local and state government representatives, community groups and representatives of private industry within the Kansas City Field Division.

While at UCM, Ham participated in an internship with Missouri’s Independence Police Department.

This firsthand experience provided immense value, and affirmed his desire to seek a career in law enforcement. Ham now serves as the primary recruiter and intern coordinator for the division, a role that allows him to work closely with UCM interns at the ATF. “It is certainly no surprise to me that the quality of the interns coming to us from UCM is

absolutely top-notch,” Ham said. “The consistent professionalism, demeanor and confidence they bring into our internship program are all reasons we can continually place them in our offices and expose them to exciting work that our agents are doing every day.”

As UCM criminal justice and criminology majors continue to serve and protect their local, regional and national communities, they are supported in their careers by the education they received at UCM and by their fellow alumni in law enforcement. “UCM’s criminal justice program is so wellrespected throughout the law enforcement community,” Ham said. “Whether students realize this or not, they are already part of an enormous network of law enforcement. The number of UCM alumni who are leaders, managers and recruiters with federal agencies throughout the United States is significant. To those executives, a degree from UCM is an instant connection and an important indicator of the quality education, professionalism and self-motivation of the applicant.”

Trooper Tyler Cunningham, ’11, of the Missouri Highway Patrol University of Central Missouri Magazine

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Global Vision Endowment Celebrates a Decade of Life-Changing Trips

By Ellen Blaize, ‘11, ‘13 Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous member of our alumni family, the UCM Alumni Foundation created a summer outreach program, the Global Vision Endowment, in 2008. Through this scholarship, more than 80 individuals over the past 10 years have been given a unique learning opportunity to spend two weeks abroad, partnering with Global Volunteers.

This past summer, 10 UCM students traveled to Iringa District, Tanzania, and worked alongside a Global Volunteer host to learn a local village’s needs. They focused on three main areas: English camp, home visits and a labor team.

Katie Kim, a UCM international studies major, said she applied for the scholarship because of something she learned in a class at UCM called Oil, Water and Food Insecurity regarding stunted growth due to malnutrition or a lack of appropriate nutrition. “I wanted to take what I had learned, just a little bit from that class, and see if it would be at all helpful in a totally different environment,” she said. “I didn’t know anything about Tanzania before.

I thought it would be super cool to see hands-on what Global Volunteers is doing.”

At the English camp, volunteers taught young children the alphabet, shapes and numbers, and instructed older children in vocabulary and how to have conversations in English.

Mikayla Cowan, a social work major, said the children were eager to learn because their opportunities grow infinitely once they know English. “We would teach the kids, and then we would have playtime,” she said. “We’d go in the fields, but often they would take the books that we used to 10

teach them, and they would sit down in the grass and read the books to us, read with us or look at the pictures, play with your hair or just hold your hand. They wanted to be with you, and they wanted to be near you, and they wanted to learn and interact, and that was really cool.”

On home visits, students were paired with a caregiver and went to four to six houses per day. They educated mothers about hygiene, boiling water, nutrition and family planning, while making sure their babies were growing properly. “If they had any questions or concerns, we would talk to them about it,” Cowan said. “They were so welcoming and inviting, and so polite.”

internationally, and teach English, but I never had an opportunity to actually do it. There’s a difference between wanting to do something and knowing that you can.” Bock said the trip helped her build confidence, a structure for her future, and connections she’ll have for life.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity because I wouldn’t have gotten to know any of that if I didn’t go on this trip,” she said.

Kim said the trip has influenced her to focus her career on teaching English to non-English speakers — her breakthrough moment. She has decided to pursue a graduate degree in linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language. A career path wasn’t the only thing she discovered, however. “I learned a lot about generosity and kindness, because everyone in Tanzania just shared so much with me, and they were so welcoming,” Kim said. “They had no reason to welcome a foreigner into their house who doesn’t know anything about their language or culture, but they did.”

The labor team worked alongside the men of the village, men from surrounding villages, and some women as well. “They would be carrying a bucket of bricks on their heads downhill, while I was barely carrying a bucket of water trying not to spill it,” Cowan recalled. “We had to make Cowan agreed the trip concrete was a life-changing ourselves, experience. “Even through so we got the language barrier, even the sand through the age gaps, even and water through the completely and mixed different cultural lifestyles, them up.

I learned that I can connect They just with a human all the way across used everything the world,” she said. “It opens they had, and your eyes to other people, and it was a they were so resourceful; it was VIEW VIDEO very important change of perspective.

The world is so big, and we’re so small, amazing.” The team helped create an emergency vehicle parking lot and but we can also make such a big impact.” a new generator pad for the village.

The Global Vision Endowment aims to encourage a culture of service and Annie Bock, a Middle School Education volunteerism. Over the past decade this major, said she applied for the scholarship funding also has taken students to China, because of her interest in teaching India, Peru, Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Cuba. internationally. “My whole future has been changed by this trip,” she said.

“I always wanted to teach abroad, teach

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By Jacalyn Leake

UCM Alumni Foundation Makes College Dreams a Reality

The University of Central Missouri is committed to helping all students learn and graduate with the skills they need to be successful. Unfortunately, many students struggle with the cost of higher education, especially first-generation students — those who are the first in their family to attend college.

When Del Toro first enrolled at UCM, he thought tuition was due at the beginning of each school year. Being a first-generation student, he was unaware tuition was paid on a per-semester basis. By the time tuition came due for the second semester, he had already exhausted other means of financing, such as work study, to pay for college.

“I want to be a role model for my youngest siblings,” he said. “My brother who just graduated, I want to show him there is a way to do this. It’s hard and it’s rigorous, but it’s also very rewarding. Being a student is not easy, but when you make it through the challenges, you see the light.

I saw the light.”

Sergio Del Toro is not only a firstgeneration college student, but also the first generation to graduate high school on his father’s side of the family.

He experienced extreme stress while trying to find a way to continue to pay for his education. It was a scholarship from the UCM Alumni Foundation that relieved

First-generation students are not the only ones who struggle to pay for college.

“ One big reason why I wanted to go to college was to be the difference maker in my family.” – Sergio Del Toro “One big reason why I wanted to go to college was to be the difference maker in my family,” he said. “I wanted to be the first one in my family to try this college stuff. No one in my family has ever attended college. They barely graduated high school and think that is the greatest achievement, but I feel like that’s just the early stages.”

his stress and provided the much-needed financial support allowing him to stay enrolled at UCM. Del Toro is now in his second year as an electrical engineering technology major and said he has ambitious plans about continuing to be a trailblazer in his family.

Olivia Ferdig is a legacy student whose mother attended UCM. Olivia didn’t start out her college career at UCM. After pursuing a degree at another college, she began to struggle financially. Her mother found out about a UCM transfer scholarship that would allow her to continue her education. “At my old school, where I transferred from, I couldn’t afford it without an athletic scholarship, and I lost that scholarship when I made the decision to focus on academics,” Ferdig explained.

VIEW VIDEO “So coming here and receiving the transfer scholarship made my final decision.”

Ferdig said she feels that the support from the UCM Alumni Foundation has aided her in both her success in college and her future plans. She is studying to be a physical therapist and has high hopes of attending a prestigious graduate program. She knows graduate school will

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F E AT U R E

students it’s getting their degree; for others it’s study abroad or other research.”

In addition to the financial help he’s received from the UCM Alumni Foundation, Din said he feels his involvement through the Alumni Foundation, with programs like the Red Call Phonathon, has helped him develop more as an individual.

“I would like to express my gratitude and thanks,” he said.

“You are helping and changing lives in a positive way. You are helping to build a better future.”

” I just wanted to say thank you to the alumni who donated because that made it possible for me to continue my education.” – Olivia Ferdig be expensive and is aware she needs all the help she can get now toward completing her undergraduate program of study.

“I just wanted to say thank you to the alumni who donated,” Ferdig said, “because that made it possible for me to continue my education.”

Another student who has experienced the positive impact of alumni generosity is Farhan Din, a biology major. He plans to attend law school to be able to practice environmental law, and has received multiple scholarships from the UCM Alumni Foundation.

Building that better future and helping students graduate with meaningful degrees is a key goal for both the university and the UCM Alumni Foundation.

The generosity of alumni giving to the Fund for Student Success helps students like Del Toro, Ferdig and Din achieve their educational dreams.

VIEW VIDEO

finish line because of the generosity of UCM’s alumni.

“I think there are so many students who are affected by their generosity,” Din said.

“They might not know them by name or face, but they are out there, and they appreciate the help that the alumni and other donors have given to the university.

The impact is amazing. For a lot of

For more information on giving, visit ucmfoundation.org/fundforstudentsuccess

“I really appreciate the generous support that the alumni have extended,” Din said. “Without these scholarships it wouldn’t be possible for me to even think of going into a professional degree.”

He said he knows he is just one of many who have been able to get closer to the degree

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“ You are helping and changing lives in a positive way.

You are helping to build a better future.“ – Farhan Din

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VIEW VIDEO

C L A S S N OT E S

STRIKING A CHORD WITH MUSIC STUDENTS Mary Ann Hart, ’73, is chair of the Voice and Opera Department of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a UCM Music alumna. Hart attended

the UCM Music Distinguished Alumni presentation for Douglas Tatum and gave voice students a master class that

1970–1979 Gregory Cecil, ’75, was appointed by the Columbia, Mo., mayor and city council to a three-year term on the newly formed Parking Advisory Commission.

J. Dennis Bogart, ’78, ’80, has retired after 38 years with the North Kansas City School District. He continues to be musically active as a private violin teacher and performs with many community orchestras in the Kansas City area. The late Walter J. Halen, professor emeritus of music at UCM, was his most influential teacher.

1980–1989 Carolyn True, ’86, is a UCM Music Distinguished Alumna and a faculty member at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. On Sept. 17,

afternoon. Students were treated to a wonderful learning opportunity, both through voice instruction and the question-and-answer session that followed.

It was a celebration of one generation connecting with another.

Douglas Tatum, ’74, vice president of programming at the Center for the Performing Arts in Indianapolis, Ind., is the newest UCM Music Distinguished Alumnus.

Tatum returned to campus to receive the award and to speak to our UCM Music community about his life journey since his days as a jazz-loving clarinet student.

Prior to his tenure at the Center for Performing Arts, Tatum served as executive director of the Arts Foundation of Kansas City and Folly Theater for 17 years. For students, it was a priceless reminder that graduation is only the step during which a seed is planted.

Pictured from left: Alice Coleman, Russell Coleman, Douglas Tatum, Mary Ann Hart and Eric Honour

True (seated in the photo) performed an amazing recital of three classic American piano sonatas — two of which she first learned as a student in the basement of the Utt building.

1990–1999 Jeff McLanahan, ’90, recently accepted the role of senior vice president of human resources and training for Cici’s Pizza in Irving, Texas. He lives in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area with his wife of 24 years, Jackie.

College at the University of Central Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in graphic technologies with a focus in web media technology and a minor in computer science. He also holds a Certificate in Technology from UCM’s Honors College and a Certificate in Graphic Design from State Fair Community College CTC.

Former Student

Steve Abney was appointed to the UCM Board of Governors to fill a seat previously held by Weldon Brady, whose term expired. Abney is the chairman, 2000–2009 president and CEO of Central Bank Matt Merrigan, ’06, announces the birth of Warrensburg. He studied at UCM in 1971 before graduating from the of his daughter, Ava Sloane Merrigan, Mid-South School of Banking and the born Aug. 8, 2018. He has started Trust School of Banking. Abney serves working as a paralegal for Lathrop Gage on UCM’s Athletic Committee and is a LLP in Overland Park, Kan., and Brent Teichman ’98, of Stormy Taylor ’98, Chamber Ken Landes ’12, member the Warrensburg married Autumn (Weno) Merrigan on Tyler Henselman ’04 & ’05, Jackie Jackson of Commerce, Warrensburg R-VI’09 & ’12, Matt March 31, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. Lue ’06, Mark Basinger ’14, Melissa and Truex Educational Foundation the’13, and Hannah Koger are participants in the 2018 CLIMB Class. CLIMB Warrensburg Rotary Club. His term 2010–2018 is a 10-week will program designed to encourage citizens in expire Jan. 1, 2024.

Johnson County to become involved in community affairs.

Kyle Meek, ’16, was recently promoted The program improves the skills participants need in order at Sedalia, Mo.-based Callis Integrated to assume community leadership responsibilities.

Marketing to the role of digital marketing manager. Meek is a graduate of the Honors

2018 CLIMB Class

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IN MEMORIAM

Wanda Ruth (Wheeler) Beard

Wanda Ruth (Wheeler) Beard, age 83, was born on Nov. 15, 1934, in Gray Ridge, Mo. She was a home economics teacher at University High in Warrensburg, then taught vocational home economics for 19 years at Central Missouri State University, where she completed her master’s in home economics. Beard also served a term as president of the Missouri State Teachers Association.

William Wallace Bushmeyer Jr.

William Wallace Bushmeyer Jr., age 86, was born on April 6, 1932, in Steubenville, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Navy for nearly four years before embarking on a career in education. Bushmeyer earned a Ph.D. and moved to Warrensburg in 1969,

where he taught for 38 years in the field of agricultural education at the University of Central Missouri.

James Francis D’Alesio

James Francis D’Alesio was born in 1941 in Mingo Junction, Ohio.

He graduated from Central Missouri State University with a degree in economics, followed by a master’s in business. D’Alesio played football in high school and college, then briefly with the Denver Broncos, and eventually returned to coach football at his alma mater from 1975 to 1979.

Joyce A. Jablonski

Joyce A. Jablonski, age 62, served 15 years as a professor of art and head of the Ceramics Department at the University of Central Missouri. She earned a Master of Fine Arts from

1930–1939

1960–1969

Martha I. Irvine, ’38

Cozetta J. Van Dolsen, ’60 Pauline S. Silvers, ’60 Arlene E. Coyle, ’61 James B. Pulley, ’61 Mary A. Morie, ’61 Harold K. Wilson, ’62 Herman J. Hudson, ’62 Neal E. Peck, ’62 Fredric D. Brandt, ’62 Lyle H. Beebe, ’62 James F. D’Alesio, ’63 Thomas L. Carter, ’64 John B. Spiegel, ’64 Michele M. Granger, ’65 Roger D. Nelson, ’65, ’67 Carol A. Schemmer, ’66 Ronald R. Beckham, ’67 Michael R. Bosch, ’67 Jeffrey L. Peterson, ’67 Susan M. Miller, ’67 Larry W. Hughes, ’68 Deborah E. Grechus, ’68 Linda C. Marolf, ’68 Charlene A. Williams, ’68 Jon M. Gates, ’68 Sarah L. Sissel, ’69 David N. Walker, ’69 Kathy S. Godfrey, ’69 Joyce L. Caldwell, ’69 LaVina J. McMillan, ’69

1940–1949 Margaret G. Hall, ’40 Wilma I. Carleno, ’41 Lois L. Brownsberger, ’44 Vera A. Kerr, ’45 Lucy B Rebstock, ’47 Mary E. Ottinger, ’48 Joan Scarbrough, ’49

1950–1959 Kenneth W. Hoehns, ’50 Della M. Nesbit, ’50 Owen C. Dahlor, ’51 Emil M. Cross, ’52 Norman D. Childs, ’52 Ruth E. Rightmyer, ’53, ’73 Donald L. Grigsby, ’56 Richard B. Smith, ’56 Edward R. McCarty, ’56 Daryl T. Dodson, ’56 Mary E. Powell, ’57 Darrell E. Koelling, ’57 Martha E. Stanback, ’57 Larry E. Wertz, ’57 Homer H. Smith, ’57 Harry D. Dierker, ’58 Alice L. Wiley, ’58 M. LeRoy Heman, ’58 William S. Cordonier, ’59 Joseph M. Belt, ’59 Kenneth N. McCully, ’59 Wilton F. Dod, ’59 David N. Sims, ’59 Earlene C. Knoernschild, ’59 14

1970–1979 James E. Hess, ’70 Timothy J. Hare, ’71 Irena Schedlbauer, ’71 Leo H. Snelling, ’71, ’82, ’84

Vol. 18, No. 2 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jablonski leaves behind a legacy of art, which will be carried on through the Joyce Jablonski Artists Memorial Fund.

Margaret, “Peg,” (McFall) Miller

Margaret, “Peg,” (McFall) Miller, age 95, was born in Amherst, Mass.

She attended college just before and during World War II, graduating with a degree in economics from Barnard College on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Miller had a rewarding political career, serving two terms in the Missouri Legislature, and was a friend of the University of Central Missouri.

Lucy Walkup

Lucy Walkup, age 101, was born in Benton, Wis., and served as a

longtime educator. She earned a master’s degree in education from Rosary College in River Forest, Ill., and taught at the elementary and high school levels. Walkup was a friend of the University of Central Missouri and a UCM Alumni Foundation Heritage Society member.

Lynnette Yagel Yearns

Lynnette Yagel Yearns, age 69, was born on Sept. 11, 1949, in Brookfield, Mo. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northeast Missouri State University and a master’s in library science from Central Missouri State University. She was a library assistant at James C. Kirkpatrick Library and was in charge of the children’s collections until 2017.

Rosalyn F. Borchers, ’72 David E. Lenz, ’72 Barbara J. Musgrave, ’72, ’83 Hardy K. Hutchison, ’73 M. Keith Allen, ’73 Richard D. Eagan, ’73 Wanda R. Beard, ’74 Lorna M. Bloss, ’74 Marietta E. Johnson, ’74 Susan K. Cindric, ’75 Celeste P. Obermiller, ’75 Stephen F. Diser, ’76 Jerry L. Harley, ’76 Ronnie L. Elliot, ’76, ’87 Thomas J. Thornburg, ’77 Audrey C. Kriegshauser, ’77 Dale D. Myers, ’78 Timothy D. Willoughby, ’78 Russ W. Haerer, ’78 William R. Busby, ’78 Michelle M. Luecal, ’79 Lester A. Anderson, ’79 Better A. Burns, ’79 S. Lynnette Yearns, ’79

2000–2009

1980–1989

Gladys L. Bernstein William W. Bushmeyer Joyce A. Jablonski

Dennis J. Whitehead, ’80 Corrie D. Helber, ’80 Vickie L. Whalen Brence, ’81 Sharon L. Linnenbringer, ’82 Bruce W. Titus, ’82 Ruth E. Blackey, ’83 Mary A. Holden, ’84 Pamela K. Gal, ’84, ’86 Raymond K. Jacobs, ’88

1990–1999 Christian A. Smith, ’92 Jeffery T. Gouldie, ’93

Anne I. Connole, ’00 Kevin B. Hart, ’01 Michael E. Loehring, ’03, ’06

2010–2019 Kathleen J. Miller, ’10, ’13, ’18 Todd K. Pettus, ’11 Jeffery M. Hayes, ’11 Dana M. Reynolds, ’12 Nina I. Garcia, ’16 Bradley M. O’Conner, ’17

Alumni Without Degree Mabel Harvey Jean E. Heerwald-Leonard Nita J. Hitchcook Jack W. Hoey Alice J. Murphy Norman R. Patrick Helen M. St. John Carmen P. Techau

Faculty/Staff/Emeriti

Friends Ronald G. Burgess William J. Burnham Gary J. Canaday Dave Falk Dorothy Fairless Cora D. Haldiman Frances M. Kelly Margaret E. Miller Doris J. Nothnagel Lucy Walkup

Future Thinking Now

By Joy Mistele, ‘76, ‘83

E

ugenia Crain’s career as an educator provided her with opportunities to meet interesting people who encouraged her to explore new challenges. The professor emerita of accounting has made those same opportunities available to new generations of University of Central Missouri students by establishing the Stanley and Eugenia R. Crain Scholarship for undergraduate students in accounting. In addition to annual gift support, Crain has funded two charitable gift annuities that eventually will provide even greater financial resources for students.

A native of Sturgeon, Mo., Crain graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University) and, after a number of career moves, took a position as an accountant in the financial affairs office at UCM. She was encouraged to teach a class in accounting, and it turned into a new career preparing students for the business world.

“My years at UCM were filled with wonderful friendships on campus and in Warrensburg,” she said. “I wanted to enable future students to share the same benefits I received at UCM. Those benefits included the counsel of teachers and administrators who worked hard to provide the leadership and service to enable quality education enjoyed by UCM students.”

Everyone has the ability to give. Like Eugenia Crain, sharing your resources now and in the future helps more students succeed. “Education is important,” Crain stated. “It is important to support the schools that educate the American public. The success of our democracy depends on an educated public.”

For more information about making a planned or blended gift to the UCM Alumni Foundation or including a gift in your estate plans, please contact Director of Planned Giving Joy Mistele at 660-543-8000 or mistele@ucmo.edu.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

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d a e r Sp Keep your fellow alumni informed by sending us Class Notes to be featured in UCM Magazine. If you want to submit information about a marriage, birth, obituary, job status change, professional award or achievement, please visit ucmfoundation.org/alumni-update.

Information will be used at the discretion of the university and may be edited to fit available space.

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