UCM Magazine - Fall 2023

FA L L 2 0 2 3

The Vision to Serve

Global Vision Endowment funds life-changing student experiences.

I N S I D E : 2023 A N N UA L R E P O RT

CONTENTS 4 T he Vision to Serve

Global Vision program gives UCM students from all walks of life the means — and purpose — to travel abroad.

16 W omen in Science

UCM science professors and alumni are breaking the mold in STEM education.

FEATU R E S TO R I ES

DEPAR T MENT S

10 THE SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY UCM honors three individuals for their generous contributions.

1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2

PHILANTHROPY NEWS

13 ENHANCING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE Donor-funded Opportunity Grant program celebrates 10 years.

26

MULENATION NEWS

34

UCM NEWS

22 BY THE NUMBERS Donors like you helped break fundraising records in fiscal year 2023.

36

CLASS NOTES

38

IN MEMORIAM

41

PLANNED GIVING

42

ATHLETICS

24 STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS Meet FY23 scholarship recipients who are achieving great things!

28 2023 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI Meet six outstanding alumni who exemplify “Education for Service.”

FIND US ONLINE AT UCMFOUNDATION.ORG/MAGAZINE

@ On the cover: Andrew Wania is a marketing major from Wentzville, Missouri, who went to Tanzania in May with UCM’s Global Vision program. Thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor, Andrew and 11 other students had 100% of the service-learning trip’s expenses paid, including airfare, housing and meals. Andrew is shown above at the home of a new mother in the village they visited, talking with Beatrice, a caregiver with the Reaching Children’s Potential program to end stunting caused by malnutrition.

EMAIL US AT ALUMNI@UCMO.EDU

@UCMALUMNIFOUNDATION

@UCM_ALUM @UCM_ALUM

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S AG E

UCM MAGA Z INE FA L L 2 0 2 3 , Vo l. 2 2 , No . 2

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kathy Strickland ART DIREC TOR Linda Harris, ’91 CONTRIBUTORS Eric Boedeker, ’14 Tiffany Cochran, ’05, ’23 Jackie Jackson, ’09, ’12 John Kennedy, ’92, ’13 Jeff Murphy, ’80, ’95 Cloe Pohlman An Quigley, ’94 Travis Seek, ’16 Peggy Shaul, ’91 Susan Smedley Jessica Tart Jace Uchtman

©

2023 by University of Central Missouri.

All rights reserved. Views and submitted content do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of UCM Magazine, the UCM Alumni Foundation or the University of Central Missouri.

Find us online: ucmfoundation.org/magazine.

UCM Magazine welcomes story ideas and letters to the editor at ucmmagazine@ucmo.edu.

Submit address updates at ucmfoundation.org/update, by email at alumni@ucmo.edu or by phone at 660-543-8000.

UCM Magazine is published biannually by the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Printed by Kodi Collective, 3401 Heartland Drive, Liberty, MO, 64068.

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.

Council for Advancement and Support of Education 2022 Best of District VI Award

GENEROUS DONORS ARE CRITICAL TO CAMPUS GROWTH AND STUDENT SUPPORT

A

s the holiday season approaches, I typically reflect on all we have accomplished over the course of the past year, and it remains my privilege to serve with a group of faculty and staff that are intensely focused on the success of our students.

We continue to see gains across many areas, including enrollment, which is up nearly 10% this fall. And, while everyone has a role to play at UCM, the impact of our dedicated, committed and generous alumni and donors cannot be overstated.

The support we’ve received from our donors has grown significantly in recent years, notably resulting this year in the opening of the new Skyhaven Aviation Center, groundbreaking on the Rand and Kelly Harbert Collegiate Golf Center and establishment of the John Hess Endowed Chair in Biology or Chemistry for Student Mentorship.

These projects, among others, will have a positive impact on our students for years to come and would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and the exemplary work of our UCM Alumni Foundation.

As it does every year at this time, the Alumni Foundation publishes its annual report. I am pleased to share the 2023 Annual Report with you in this issue of UCM Magazine, along with stories that demonstrate the profound impact of donor giving and support.

You will learn of our 2023 Founding Philanthropists and the indelible mark they have made on the university through their financial support and philanthropic leadership. You will also discover how a $5 million estate gift from an anonymous donor expanded our Global Vision program, sending students abroad to serve people in need – a testament to our founding motto, “Education for Service.” You will read about the 10th anniversary of the Alumni Foundation’s Opportunity Grant program, which has funded nearly $375,000 in projects and initiatives designed to enhance students’ learning experiences. We also benefit greatly from alumni who return to serve on advisory boards, volunteer their expertise to make us better and provide employment opportunities for our current students.

The students we impact today will emerge as the difference-makers of tomorrow, some of whom one day we will be able to acknowledge as Distinguished Alumni. As you read about this year’s group of inspiring individuals, you will come to understand how they emerged as alumni leaders and came to be recognized as our 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

We are proud of this year’s progress and accomplishments, but we certainly couldn’t do what we do without you. You are critical to the future of our campus and our students. You make us who we are, and we deeply appreciate your support and demonstrated desire to remain connected to MuleNation. On behalf of everyone at UCM, thank you. We wish you the very best!

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

1

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

Alumnus Provides Support Structure to Ensure Student Success UCM Alumni Foundation Board Member Michael S. Harding, ’73, of Tomball, Texas, has established the Harding Family UCM Advantage Scholars Endowment to provide a comprehensive college access and completion program for UCM students. A ribbon-cutting during Homecoming weekend celebrated the endowment and the newly named Harding Student Support Services Center.

“This program is meant to provide personal, professional and academic support for incoming students who do not meet all of the automatic admission criteria but clearly possess the potential to be successful with the advantage of additional equitable structure and support systems,” said Ken Schueller, senior director of student success at UCM. These students include those who are the first in their families to pursue a college education, who come from a low-income background or who have a physical disability.

Participants in the program will benefit from access to a success team that understands their individual needs, targeted academic coursework, tutoring and workshops, mentors and mentoring opportunities, and financial awards.

To make such opportunities possible, Harding worked with the UCM Alumni Foundation to create an endowed fund.

Earnings from the endowment provide financial support in perpetuity.

“What makes an academic institution special and renowned is its alumni support, especially those who have achieved a level of prominence in their careers to keep the legacy alive for future generations,” Harding said. “What more can be asked of an alumnus than to extend a hand up in the form of giving back?”

The Sedalia Police Department donated a former patrol car to the Missouri Safety Center at UCM. The 2017 Dodge Charger with emergency lights helps Central Missouri Police Academy cadets by fostering realistic scenarios that test their driving skills, including learning how to make traffic stops in both daytime and nighttime training. Pictured from left are SPD officers Josh Howell, Adam Hendricks, David Woolery, Police Chief Matt Wirt, UCM President Roger Best and Missouri Safety Center Senior Program Manager Mike Perkins.

From left, Ken Schueller, Phil Bridgmon, Ashley Robinson, Roger Best, Michael Harding and Courtney Goddard cut the ribbon for the Harding Student Support Services Center on Oct. 20.

Diane, ’81, and Joe Zdeb have endowed the James W. & Margaret F. Fisher Thrive Educational Scholarship to support THRIVE students who are in good academic standing and have financial need. The THRIVE program at UCM expands opportunities for students with disabilities so they can live a more independent life. The inaugural scholarship recipient is Blair Miller, who is currently in her fourth year. Pictured are Joe and Diane Zdeb with THRIVE Director Michael Brunkhorst.

Alumni Generosity Creates Opportunities for Students Leeann, ’88, and Randall Blundell have established the Jones-Blundell Military Scholarship Endowment to aid current and former members of the U.S. military in their pursuit of higher education. Their gift honors the memory of two veterans: Leeann’s uncle, Earl Jones, a sergeant in the U.S. Army who was stationed in several bases around the world including the Vietnam War; and Randall’s father, Robert Blundell, a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps who fought in the Korean War as a tank commander.

2

Fall Fall 2023 2023 || ucmfoundation.org/magazine ucmfoundation.org/magazine

J.C. Smith, ’63, made provisions in his estate to support the greatest needs of the university. In recognition of his civic mindedness, as well as his service on the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies Advisory Board, the UCM Alumni Foundation Board of Directors designated the earnings from a newly established endowment that honors his namesake to support the international travel and experience of students majoring in international business for the next five years.

The Robert E. Oliphant Charitable Foundation has established two endowments: one to assist with the programmatic needs of UCM’s Military and Veterans Success Center and one to provide scholarships to students enrolled in the THRIVE program.

The Foundation has also invested in a new “fueling station” project to provide nutrition for UCM’s 600+ studentathletes before and after workouts.

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

Donor-Funded Golf Facility to Serve Generations of Mules and Jennies With site preparation already underway, UCM celebrated the beginning of construction for the new Randall and Kelly Harbert Collegiate Golf Center at Mules National Golf Club this fall.

In June, the university’s Board of Governors approved naming the golf center in honor of UCM alumni and lead donors Randall, ’85, and Kelly, ’86, Harbert. Board members authorized a contract with Reasbeck Construction of Warrensburg to provide all labor, materials and provisions to build the new facility, which is made possible via substantial donor support and university funds.

Harbert commended Poe and Jennies Golf Coach Chris Port for the strong programs they have created. “There’s a reason why kids come here to play their hearts out,” he said, “and that’s because they are leaders.”

The 2,100-square-foot, single-story building is expected to be an exemplary facility among Division II collegiate golf programs, with lounge space for both the men’s and women’s golf teams, offices, restrooms, a recruit lounge/meeting room and a laundry room.

In his remarks at the groundbreaking, Harbert recalled how the vision for this project grew out of a conversation he had previously with Mules Golf Coach Tim Poe, a 40-year friend and former golf teammate at the university. Months before the ceremony, the Harberts donated a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van for use by the Mules golf team. Following acquisition of the van, Harbert asked Poe, “So what’s next?” That’s when the seasoned golf coach shared his dream for a new facility.

From left, Randy Eckert, Matt and Julie Roberts, Courtney Goddard, Matt Howdeshell, Rand Harbert, Roger Best, Chris Port and Tim Poe celebrate the groundbreaking of the new facility at Mules National Golf Club on Sept. 22.

Stephen, ’76, and Ann Lacey established the John Hess Endowed Chair in Biology or Chemistry for Student Mentorship with a $1 million gift. This new endowed fund honors UCM Professor Emeritus of Biology John Hess for his classroom excellence and tireless dedication to the growth and development of students through individualized mentoring. Hess, who taught and mentored Lacey when Lacey was an undergraduate student, retired from UCM in December 2002 after serving the institution for more than 33 years. Lacey, who is a new member of the UCM Alumni Foundation Board of Directors, wants to support other mentoring relationships by establishing the university’s first-ever endowed chair position. Pictured from left are Stephen Lacey, UCM Alumni Foundation Executive Director Courtney Goddard, Ann Lacey and John Hess.

The Western Missouri Educational Technology Consortium has invested funds in the UCM Alumni Foundation to establish the WeMET Dual Credit Scholarship Endowment, which will provide financial assistance to high school students dual enrolled at UCM.

The Hall Family Foundation has made a gift to support the UCM College of Education’s “Grow Your Own Teachers” program. This flexible program is designed to support nontraditional candidates in becoming certified teachers.

Bernice M. (Brown) Williamson, ’57, chose to designate her alma mater as a beneficiary of her trust. This generous unrestricted gift from the Williamson family will be invested through the UCM Alumni Foundation to address the institution’s greatest needs in perpetuity.

Interested in setting up an endowed fund? Learn how at ucmfoundation.org/giving/priorities.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

3

4

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

Global Vision Program Fully Funds Life-Changing Travel Experiences

By Jace Uchtman, Public Relations Undergraduate Student

S

tudents working hard to afford their higher education may only ever dream of traveling abroad.

But at the University of Central Missouri, those who dare to dream can have that transformative opportunity without incurring a single expense, thanks to one anonymous “ It is so donor’s vision.

Since 2015, UCM students have been traveling across the globe to help lift up impoverished communities through the Global Vision Endowment. Thanks to a $5 million estate gift this past year from the donor whose generosity has funded the program, Global Vision will expand to multiple trips annually, sending more students to volunteer and changing more lives.

“For many of our students, this will be their first time to ever leave the country, and for some the first time to go on an airplane,” says Michael Sawyer, dean of UCM’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. “It is so impactful for them to see that even prior to graduation, they can use the skills impactful for they have right now and get out and make an them to see appreciable, meaningful that even prior difference.”

to graduation, they can use the skills they have right now and get out and make an appreciable, meaningful difference.”

The Global Vision program has sent more than 100 UCM students to serve in St. Lucia, Cuba, Peru and Tanzania. On average, about 10 students are selected for each trip, with at least one representative from each of the university’s four academic colleges: — Michael Sawyer the College of Arts, Dean of UCM’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Global Volunteers is an Humanities, and Social Sciences Sciences; the College of international nonprofit Education; the College that helps facilitate of Health, Science, and service learning trips Technology; and the Harmon College connecting volunteers to communities of Business and Professional Studies. All in need of assistance. In partnership with full-time UCM students — including Global Volunteers, UCM’s Global Vision undergraduate, graduate and international program finances the service learning students — are welcome to apply, trips for students, covering 100% of their regardless of their major. expenses, including airfare, housing and meals. The generous endowment provides an extraordinary opportunity for students who might not otherwise have the means to travel abroad.

With increased funding through the estate gift, nearly 50 students will participate in a total of three trips this academic year. In addition to the annual trip to Tanzania,

From left, back row: students Sarah Paulsraud, Stephanie Boan, Joshua Brosnan, Ryan Hall, Moeryae Smith and Salma Sahnoun serve in Tanzania with professors Henry Wambuii and Akis Kalaitzidis (seated) in July 2019.

From left, a Global Volunteers caregiver shows UCM students Anna Kasindi and Kaitie Correll around the village in Tanzania this May. East Africa, students will be volunteering in Nepal and Peru.

“I’ve been in the Midwest most of my life, so I thought that this opportunity would be a really good experience, both helping others and also helping myself grow,” says Kaitie Correll, a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student from Gretna, Nebraska, who volunteered on the May 2023 trip to Tanzania. Correll serves as a graduate assistant in UCM’s Office of Outdoor Education and was excited to see the African wilderness on a trip that included an excursion to Ruaha National Park.

Making the World Your Classroom A Global Vision trip is a transformative experience that leaves an unforgettable mark on each participant. It exposes students to different cultures, valuable lessons, opportunities to forge new friendships and the chance to create lasting memories.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

5

Beyond the classroom, students can apply their academic knowledge while volunteering, thereby enhancing their existing skills and capabilities.

“The whole idea is that you are learning some key transferable skills, communication of cultural sensitivity, and new languages — but also honing your skills,” says Henry Wambuii, a UCM professor who serves as a faculty advisor on the Tanzania trips. “I’ve had a nursing student help deliver a baby, so that’s a key transferable skill that will benefit her career.”

Wambuii was excited to return to Tanzania in May after a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of this latest trip, the UCM volunteers were invited to help name a baby girl who had just been born in the village. The mother wanted her daughter to have an English name, and the students suggested several. The mother chose Sydney, which was the name of two students on the trip.

A native of Kenya, Wambuii has served as a professor of Political Science and International Studies at UCM for 18 years. He teaches a one-credit-hour hybrid course that helps Global Vision participants prepare for the trip by teaching them basic conversational Swahili, background on the region’s culture, safety measures for traveling abroad and generally what to expect.

brainstorm and create interactive sessions to engage the students,” says Trevor Martin, a senior Airport Management major who participated in the trip.

At home visits, villagers openly shared their hardships with the volunteers and sought advice. These interactions were bridges, connecting the volunteers and villagers and forging meaningful bonds. Not only did UCM students give advice, but they also learned countless life lessons in return.

Evelyn Neal, a senior Social Work major, used knowledge from her program of study and her self-taught art skills to give back to the families in Tanzania. During home visits, she was able to uplift parents by introducing them to positive affirmations and reading to their children the book she illustrated last year titled “The Toddler Life: Big Emotions in a Big World.”

“It was definitely life-changing,” says Neal. “Each summer I want to keep going back, because not only was it impactful to other people; it was impactful for me.”

After returning from Tanzania in May, UCM student Evelyn Neal was inspired to sketch some of the children she met on her trip.

Traveling to Tanzania is no easy task. In total, it took the group four different flights, three days, two countries and one bus to arrive at their destination. For the next two weeks, students educated families on hygiene and nutrition, planted EarthBoxes to efficiently grow food and taught English to schoolchildren.

In the Tanzanian classrooms, one of the ways UCM volunteers taught children English was by singing songs like “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”

“We sat down with our group leaders, using the limited resources that we had, to

6

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

UCM student Trevor Martin teaches English words for body parts by singing “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” with elementary students at a Tanzanian school this May.

Making a Lasting Impact During the Global Vision trip in May 2022, a dozen students and two faculty members traveled to Ancón, Peru, where they volunteered at a school and orphanage.

Students experienced a different culture, learned through service and made lifelong connections.

“It was very difficult to leave Peru and especially leave the children behind — the relationships that you formed within a week, you would be surprised,” says Jessica Miller, an undergraduate student from Sedalia, Missouri, majoring in International Studies.

“But what’s best about the experience is that they gave things to remember them by. For example, a kid gave me a drawing of himself and wrote to me to always remember him.

And I plan to.”

Global Vision volunteers in Peru not only forged bonds with the locals, but also with their peers.

soil in gardens and beautify the village to help boost the community’s morale. Intrinsic to all of these projects is helping natives learn English — a skill Kuhlmann says is vital so they can communicate with tourists and earn a living.

“I think what’s underestimated is teaching English,” Kuhlmann says. “Most of the students engage in teaching English as a second language.”

UCM is taking further steps to foster a culture of service among its students.

Plans are underway to sponsor a student organization focused on recruiting participants for the Global Vision program and organizing annual food-packing events on campus. This would be in partnership with Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian nonprofit organization providing additional opportunities to make a positive impact, both locally and globally.

“ The students definitely have a collective experience. They’ve gone through seeing hardships together. They have experienced something very unique. And the bonds they make there definitely will last a lifetime.”

— Robynn Kuhlmann Associate Professor of Political Science

“The students definitely have a collective experience,” says Robynn Kuhlmann, an associate professor of Political Science who twice has accompanied students to Peru on the Global Vision trip. “They’ve gone through seeing hardships together. They have experienced something very unique. And the bonds they make there definitely will last a lifetime.”

Similar to the Tanzania trip, volunteers conducted home visits to educate mothers and families about proper nutrition, breastfeeding and sanitization. Students helped bottle clean water, build and repair structures, till and fertilize the sandy

Students on the 2019 trip to Tanzania distribute food provided by Rise Against Hunger. From left, front row: Moeryae Smith, Salma Sahnoun and Joshua Brosnan; back row: Jordan Thomas, Ryan Hall, Olivia Waddell and Drayhven Flowers.

UCM is partnering with this international nonprofit to organize a food-packing event on campus in March 2024.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

7

“ Let’s go learn new things, new cultures.

But while there, let’s make a big difference in people’s lives.”

— Henry Wambuii Professor of Political Science and International Studies

Through the Global Vision Endowment, an anonymous donor’s generosity will live on, impacting many lives. More trips are now possible for more UCM students every year — trips that can change their perspectives, their career trajectories and their lives. In addition to the three international trips, UCM hopes to add a domestic destination by 2025.

Wambuii encourages any full-time UCM student to apply for a trip through the Global Vision Scholarship at UCM Scholarship Finder.

“Let’s go see the world and make a difference,” Wambuii says. “Let’s go learn new things, new cultures. But while there, let’s make a big difference in people’s lives.”

Learn more at ucmo.edu/globalvision.

Students got to taste the local cuisine during the trip to Peru. Here a teenager at the orphanage is making doughnuts.

8

A group of students from UCM traveled to Peru in May 2022. From left, back row: a Global Volunteers interpreter, UCM staff member Anna Ball, student Jessica Miller, faculty member Robynn Kuhlmann and students Joe Masters and Bonnie Ray. Front row: students Yami Crabaugh, Raegan Holivay, Meilani Cervantes and Alex Swords; Miguel Rodriguez, founder of the orphanage where they served; and students Natalie Buss, Jessica Fugate and Austin Gutmann.

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

HELPING CHILDREN GROW EarthBoxes are exactly what they sound like: a box of soil and seedlings designed to efficiently grow in a limited space. One single container garden can provide a year’s worth of micronutrients for one adult or two children, and the box can be reused for decades.

Empowering villagers to grow their own food is part of the Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) program focused on the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Insufficient nutrition and poor hygiene during this period can lead to irreversible stunting. By equipping families with EarthBoxes, chicken coops, handwashing stations, stoves and other tools — and educating families about their uses and importance — the RCP program has made incredible gains toward eliminating stunting.

In the rural region of Tanzania that Global Volunteers serves, the number of stunted children has decreased 57% since the RCP program’s inception in 2017. When UCM students visited Peru last year, they saw the RCP program begin to be implemented there as well.

At top, Trevor Martin and Ethan Gerst plant EarthBoxes with villagers from Tanzania. In addition to EarthBoxes, the Reaching Children’s Potential program sets up handwashing stations to improve hygiene.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

9

20 23 A N N UA L R E P O RT

ds, great part to you, Dear Alumni and Frien al Missouri! Thanks in ntr Ce of ty rsi ive Un mark on the ly amazing year at the ing to make an indelible nu nti co is It has been another tru rt po sup r M in fiscal year that alumni and dono over $17.6 million to UC ed vid pro rs we are happy to report no do low Together, you and fel age of philanthropy. university community. rying on our rich herit car ), 23 20 , 30 e Jun gh ou M Alumni 2023 (July 1, 2022, thr largest distribution of UC the as r yea al fisc us vio break our own record uncing the pre immediately set out to we y, Furthermore, after anno tor his r ou in nts 1,147 students who to UCM stude rated through each of the nst mo Foundation scholarships de are s ort eff se successes of the in fiscal year 2023. The llion. funds totaling $1.6 mi ip rsh d Match were awarded schola Central Annual Fund an the for ay esd Tu g vin e Gi ized through generous fun-filled giving days, lik This past year included MuleNation was maxim of ct pa im ve cti lle co cility and welcomed where the ger Denker Wrestling Fa Madness for Athletics, Ro w ne the d ate dic de table $2.9 million gift ies. We n Aviation Center. A no matching gift opportunit ave yh Sk w ne the to T.R. Gaines Building. ity members ming renovation of the students and commun co up the rt po sup ll wi undation left significant from the Sunderland Fo se generous individuals the ty, cie So age rit He ich loved members of the Vision Endowment, wh Although UCM lost be ies included the Global iar r named fic he ne Ot Be . . ine nts de gaz stu ma r s in ou ver story of thi co the in ed contributions to invest tur fea as , perpetuity. experiences to students atest needs of UCM, in gre the ss dre provides life-changing ad to s rce vide unrestricted resou the 2023 annual endowed funds will pro , we are thrilled to share ors ect dir of ard bo n’s Founding Alumni Foundatio about the 2023 class of rn lea ll wi On behalf of the UCM u yo ges pa celebrating 10 years ghout the following Appreciation. Join us in of ing en report with you. Throu Ev An at ted few of the students s, who were induc portantly, read about a im st mo Philanthropist honoree d, an m gra pro portunity Grant of the donor-funded Op your philanthropy. m who directly benefit fro transforming the lives steadfast in our vision of are we ty, rsi ive un the better partner than you what’s next for e know that there is no W .

As we look forward to ble ssi po d ne agi im nd what they Go Mules and Jennies! of UCM students beyo ur unwavering support. yo for u yo k an Th it. in this worthy pursu With gratitude,

Homer Kay, ’78 s dation Board of Director President, Alumni Foun

J.D. Courtney E. Goddard, ty Advancement rsi ive Un Vice President, ni Foundation Executive Director, Alum

10

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

2023 A N N UA L R E P O RT

Celebrating the

Spirit of Philanthropy Established in 2021 during the University of Central Missouri’s 150th anniversary Founders Day celebration, the Evening of Appreciation is the Founders Society’s signature event. On this evening, members of the UCM Alumni Foundation’s most prestigious giving society come together to award the society’s highest honor. This year we recognized three Founding Philanthropists.

Organization (PEO) Sisterhood, Zonta International, the Park Hill Art Club of Denver, the American Guild of Organists and many other cultural and civic organizations. She supported her alma mater in numerous ways, including through UCM’s Central Annual Fund and the Alumni Legacy Scholarship. She was avidly interested in art, photography and gardening.

Voncile Bowen Huffman

Voncile passed away in 2002. She and Mervin are buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Posthumous recognition went to Voncile Bowen Huffman, born July 13, 1920, in Clifton Hill, Missouri.

Voncile had a passion for education and attended Central Voncile Bowen Huffman Missouri State Teachers College, now UCM, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education Functions in 1942.

She moved to Denver in 1946, where she met and married Mervin C. Huffman, who was a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and held a patent for a drilling device now produced by Gardner Denver.

After her death, the UCM Alumni Foundation received a $2 million bequest to support students seeking to become educators like Voncile. Now, 20 years later, more than 250 undergraduate students majoring in Education have received the Voncile Bowen Huffman Scholarship at UCM.

Phil Roberts

Phil Roberts embodies UCM’s motto of “Education for Service.” He has spent a lifetime supporting his community and the causes he After Mervin passed away in 1984, Voncile went on to obtain a master’s and a champions, Phil Roberts doctorate in Education from the University including higher education. of Denver. Her dissertation focused on beginning reading materials for bilingual Phil’s father passed away when he was children. She spent 38 years with Denver in elementary school, and he spent his Public Schools, serving as a teacher and youth caring for his mother and working principal. in the family-owned print shop in Kansas City. He graduated from Manual In addition to her passion for education, Career Technical Center in 1945, then Voncile championed Park Hill United Methodist Church, as well as Delta Kappa enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He completed basic training in May 1945, Gamma, Philanthropic Educational

just as World War II was ending. He was stationed in Panama beginning in December 1945 and returned home in October 1946.

Once discharged, Phil went to work in the shipping and metal department for a company that made aviation radios in Kansas City, earning 75 cents an hour.

In 1947, Phil decided to pursue higher education using his GI Bill benefits. He began taking classes at Central Missouri State College, now UCM, before transferring to Southwest Missouri State College, now Missouri State University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1950.

After graduation, Phil went to work for Dun and Bradstreet, a credit reporting agency. He later started a house-moving and logistics company under his own name, moving more than 70 homes from Kansas City to Independence, Missouri. He also built a commercial shopping center and gas station near the HiBoy Drive-In on Highway 40 in Independence, and another gas station in Raytown.

During his career, Phil purchased tax-free industrial bonds with the intention of supporting educational causes later in life. He has supported the Independence School District, Missouri State University and the University of Central Missouri.

A 20-acre park in Independence bears his name.

In October 2021, he made a $1 million gift to the UCM Alumni Foundation to establish the Phil Roberts Scholarship for Business, available to students in a program under the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. As of 2023, more than 30 students have benefited from this scholarship, with many more to come in the years ahead.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

11

20 23 A N N UA L R E P O RT

Natalie Prussing Halpin Natalie Prussing Halpin’s family has been a staple in the Warrensburg community for many years. Her ancestors were early settlers in the area, dating back to 1868.

University, which was also the alma mater of legendary UCM Coach Millie Barnes.

From 1938, the year Natalie Jr. was born, until 1942, Max served on the Board of Regents for the university, then known as Central Missouri State Teachers College.

It was that year when Natalie’s Natalie rode her Shetland maternal great-grandfather, pony, Merry Legs, five Alexander Wilson, moved blocks from the family’s from Ohio to partner in a home to the kindergarten foundry built along the new at CMSTC when she was railroad tracks at the corner of 5 years old. One morning a Pine and Warren streets. Also business owner told her to in 1868, Natalie’s paternal stop riding her pony past great-grandfather, Ferdinand his shop, and she rode home Prussing, relocated from Iowa, crying. Her mother sighed purchasing 100 acres of pasture and said, “Nat, for heaven’s land about five miles east of sake, ride your pony on the Warrensburg. The now 260 other side of the street!” acres is known Not only was this the as the UCM beginning of Natalie’s love Prussing Farm, for horses, which would be Natalie (Wilson) Prussing gifted to the a lifelong passion, but it was university by also a valuable life lesson.

Natalie in 2002.

Whenever presented with an obstacle, she Natalie’s parents, remembers there’s more than one side of Max McKee Prussing the street. Reflecting on her life, Natalie is and Natalie (Wilson) glad she was raised in a saddle instead of a Prussing, both graduated high chair, with a canoe paddle instead of from Normal School a silver spoon in her hand.

No. 2, now UCM. Her Max Prussing After graduating from College mother was a basketball holding Natalie High School, Natalie standout and went on as a baby attended the University to attend Sargent of Arizona in Tucson College of Allied Health before earning a Professions at Boston

degree from the Tobé-Coburn School for Fashion Careers in New York City and working at Saks Fifth Avenue and another major department store. While attending the Tobé-Coburn School, she met an FBI agent named Steve Halpin, who had served as a P-47 fighter pilot in World War II, flying 53 airborne missions. They married in Warrensburg in 1961, and Steve was assigned to Atlanta, Georgia, to investigate civil rights-related violence, including the famous “Mississippi Burning” case, which later inspired a feature film of the same name. Natalie enjoyed a successful career as a fashion buyer for Rich’s Department Stores, the largest department store in the South.

Natalie and Steve Halpin In 1970, Steve retired, and the couple moved back to Warrensburg. After Steve’s passing in 2008, Natalie continued her commitment to the family farm, which is now a designated Missouri Centennial Farm. Natalie’s grandfather, George Prussing, built the mule barn in 1902, and her father built the homestead in 1921.

Thanks to Natalie’s generosity, her family’s land and its historical structures now serve as a living classroom for UCM Agriculture students. Prussing Farm is home to UCM’s Trap and Skeet team and many of the university’s livestock, including hogs, registered Simmental cattle, the oldest closed herd of purebred Aberdeen-Angus cattle in the United States — and, of course, UCM’s live mule mascots.

Natalie Prussing Halpin in front of her family’s mule barn 12

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

2023 A N N UA L R E P O RT

10 Years of Opportunity Grants Influence Generations of Students It is because of alumni and friends like you that the UCM Alumni Foundation celebrated its 10th year of offering Opportunity Grants in 2023. Faculty and staff apply for these grants by outlining how they would implement an innovative idea or technology to enhance the student experience.

Over the past decade, generous gifts to the Central Annual Fund have resulted in: • 131 Opportunity Grants awarded to UCM faculty and staff • $374,571 used to implement student-focused initiatives • Priceless experiences beyond what students imagined possible!

While some grants have been used for short-term research and projects, others have initiated programs that continue to directly impact the campus community. Here are just a few examples of how faculty and staff ingenuity, coupled with donor generosity, creates opportunity for UCM students.

Full Cupboard Helps Students Reach Their Full Potential Campus Cupboard Lets Mules and Jennies Focus on Their Studies, Not Their Stomachs One of UCM’s first Opportunity Grants in 2013 helped fund a campus food pantry that has since served thousands.

With the $5,000 grant, UCM Director of Student Activities Beth Rutt, ’78, ’83, purchased a refrigerator, a chest freezer, shelving and a laptop. In partnership with the Department of Communication Disorders and Social Work and the Department of Nutrition and Kinesiology, Beth established the initial pantry in the lower level of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, an addition to the Morrow-Garrison complex that opened two years prior.

In its first three months, the Campus Cupboard served 257 individuals. Today, the pantry averages more than two times that number each month.

According to Feeding America’s 2021 “Map the Meal Gap” study, 11% of the population in Johnson County, Missouri, is food insecure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life.”

When students face food insecurity, their health and academic performance can suffer. They may have to choose between eating a

Beth Rutt is the “Mother of the Cupboard.” healthy meal and paying for utilities, medicine, rent or other necessities.

Of the households in the Harvesters Community Food Network’s 26-county service area, which includes Johnson County, 63% reported coping with food insecurity by buying the cheapest food available, regardless of its nutritional value.* * According to “Food Assistance and Hunger in the Heartland,” a 2021 report published by Harvesters Community Food Network and the University of Missouri’s Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

13

2023

20 23 A N N UA L R E P O RT

As a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Campus Cupboard gets donations of excess or soon-to-expire food from local grocery stores like Aldi and Walmart and farm-fresh eggs from Rose Acre Farms in Knob Noster, Missouri.

UCM’s Department of Agriculture provides fresh produce, including lettuce, tomatoes and apples grown at the university research farm and orchard. When food items are needed to supplement the donations, the cupboard is able to purchase them for 43 cents on the dollar. For this reason, those interested in helping are encouraged to contribute monetary gifts rather than food items.

The cupboard is open three days a week during fall and spring semesters and one day a week in the summer.

Students are allowed 10 items per week, which can provide a week’s worth of meals if they choose items like fruits, vegetables, bread and peanut butter or pasta and pasta sauce.

In fall 2022 the Campus Cupboard partnered with Sodexo, UCM’s dining services provider, and a national nonprofit called Swipe Out Hunger to also provide students facing food insecurity with 10 free meals per semester in the university’s dining halls.

Ceramics Collection Enables Tactile Experience UCM Art and Design was awarded a 2023 Opportunity Grant to start a functional ceramic art collection in the Art Annex on campus. The grant funded the purchase of 24 works of art and a glass cabinet for safe display.

The ceramic pieces selected represent a variety of building techniques, such as handcrafting or throwing on a pottery wheel, and surface techniques, such as stamping, piercing or burnishing.

The professional artists who created the ceramic ware come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. More than half are featured artists in Kansas City galleries.

Approximately 40 ceramics students per semester are able to interact with

the collection to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this art form.

Students can examine the pieces to understand the techniques used in their creation and experience different textures and ergonomic features.

Each piece will be displayed with a description of how it was made and a QR code that links to the artist’s website. Students can conduct market research to price their own work and Bri Foreman, holding develop industry knowledge a mug created by that will be useful in Sarah Anderson. The mugs their future careers. shown at left are by KC Anthropology artists Nicole Woodard students pursuing and Kate Schroeder. careers in museum curation or archaeology also benefit from handling the collection.

Volunteers and donations are crucial to sustaining the Campus Cupboard. Learn more and donate at ucmo.edu/cupboard.

To continue the Opportunity Grant program for the next 10 years, we need your support! Please consider a tax-deductible gift to the Central Annual Fund. Every gift creates opportunities for students.

Visit ucmfoundation.org/give.

Josh Roscher (seated) examines a mug crafted by Didem Mert of the Artstream Nomadic Gallery while Art and Design Associate Professor Natasha Hovey looks on.

14

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

2023 A N N UA L R E P O RT

OPPORTUNIT Y GRANT HIGHLIGHTS Math Mentoring Program Impacts Countless Students Proficiency in foundational mathematics is essential for success in the secondary grades, higher education and beyond.

However, math is an academic subject area in which many teachers lack skills and confidence.

Funded by a 2023 Opportunity Grant, Mathematical Connections provided the opportunity for undergraduate students majoring in Elementary Education at UCM to improve their content understanding and pedagogical practices.

At the same time, the program helped UCM’s Elementary Mathematics Specialist (EMS) graduate students develop the leadership skills needed to coach their colleagues and guide program-level implementation of new concepts and techniques in their schools and districts.

Five hands-on workshops – each focused on one specific math content area – were

held on the Warrensburg campus during the 2022–23 academic year.

UCM College of Education faculty, alumni volunteers and EMS graduate students mentored undergraduate students, demonstrating effective teaching techniques using math manipulatives like pattern blocks purchased through the Opportunity Grant. All undergraduate participants

surveyed at the end of the program indicated that their level of confidence in teaching all five content areas had increased.

UCM has the state’s longest continuous accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

In 2022, College Factual ranked UCM the No. 1 Most Focused College for Mathematics Education in Missouri.

Front row, from left: Dorothy Bailey, Jennifer Bay-Williams, Tiffanie Birdsong-Hild, Gabby Byers and Sarah Pettengill. Back row: Meredith Beggs, Olivia Goodmon, Kylie Wilbur, Leslie Browning and Charlene Atkins.

THRIVE Creates Kitchen to Teach Food Fundamentals One of the Opportunity Grants awarded during fiscal year 2023 funded a full set of kitchen supplies for students in the THRIVE program. Established in 2009, the program helps students with learning or developmental disabilities build the skills they need for independent living.

Students are able to have the college experience and earn a certificate, often while working toward a bachelor’s degree.

Initially a two-year program, THRIVE expanded to three years in the 2021–22 academic year and added a fourth-year option in 2022–23. Courses in the first two years develop skills in areas like computer applications, communication, personal finance and career readiness.

Students now also take two foods and nutrition classes, where they learn basic food preparation, healthy habits and cooking skills.

THRIVE utilizes the culinary laboratory in the Grinstead Building for hands-on learning that is transferable to students’ own apartment or living situation. Supplies purchased through the Opportunity Grant include blenders, microwaves, hand mixers, air fryers, waffle makers, pots and pans, cutlery and cooking utensils.

All students in the initial foods and nutrition classes earned their food handler’s cards and demonstrated selfsupporting kitchen skills.

Starting in their second year, THRIVE students do an internship every

semester. Those who choose to enroll in the full four years come away from the program with six semesters of job experience.

THRIVE students Logan O'Brien, Jessica Vaughn and Benny Tripp serve a dessert they baked.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

15

16

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

n a m o W

of Science

Anthropology Professor Casts Aside Convention By Kathy Strickland

Hannah Marsh believes it’s important to know where you come from. But her family tree has much deeper roots than your typical genealogy.

the program had a bare-minimum bone collection, and students often had to compare and measure pictures of bones.

S “

“You can show pictures “You gotta know your all day, but it’s nothing cience wears relatives to understand like seeing it in person,” yourself,” Hannah, Hannah says, adding that pink pants and an associate professor the size of the Opportunity sparkly jewelry. of Anthropology at Grant was perfect for her Science is just a UCM, tells her students needs, which exceeded the when staging a “family departmental budget but way of thinking reunion” in UCM’s Rolla were not extensive enough about the world, F. Wood Building. She to appeal to an institution and it comes in lays out casts of humans’ like the National Science closest living relatives: the Foundation. “Having the any package. chimpanzee, followed by casts in hand is going to – Hannah Marsh the gorilla and then the be magical.”

Associate Professor orangutan. “Comparing of Anthropology The Opportunity Grant our teeth, comparing even allowed Hannah to the size of our brains, comparing the offer a new course this fall called Human orientations of our skeletons because we Osteology, where students “take a deep dive move differently. All of this is incredibly into how we grow, heal and vary through important in understanding who we are time and space.” today and how these bones function for us the way they do.”

”

A World of Wonder Hannah has always had an interest in the how and why of human history. Growing up the daughter of a geology professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, she decided as a middle school student to follow in her father’s footsteps.

“I realized that as a science professor I could continuously research and expand all of our knowledge about how the universe functions in the past, the present and the future,” Hannah says. “It feels like not growing up because you get to wonder for the rest of your life.”

Throughout her undergraduate studies in anthropology and zoology, Hannah built a supportive network of colleagues and mentors. When she entered graduate school at a different university, however, she found herself alone. Her doctoral advisor discouraged her, but through drive, determination and the help of her previously established support group,

Hannah points out that, in humans, the leg bones are much longer than the arms, whereas chimpanzees’ arms and legs are similar in length because they use both to traverse the landscape. In contrast, she points to the arm bones of another ape, the gibbon, which are much longer than its legs because it moves by swinging through the trees. Instead of the long stride humans require to walk bipedally, other primates necessitate a longer arm span.

Students are able to handle the durable bone casts and examine them side by side.

This would not have been possible without a donor-funded Opportunity Grant through the UCM Alumni Foundation.

Hannah applied for and was awarded a $5,000 grant to purchase more than 620 bones to be used at every Anthropology course level, from Human Prehistory to Forensic Anthropology. In the past,

University of Central Missouri Magazine

17

Hannah prevailed as the only female student of her cohort in her advisor’s lab to earn her degree and achieve the career she had always planned.

“I had people tell me things like, well, you know, it’s hard to find jobs like that. You’re not really going to enjoy it. You should think about other things,” Hannah recalls. “I just stuck with it no matter what people were saying.”

Now in her 10th year at UCM, Hannah says watching the faculty screening of “Picture a Scientist,” funded by another donor-funded Opportunity Grant, reminded her of her graduate school experience.

S “

“I knew what the theme was, but I was unprepared,” she says of the impact the film had on her personally. “I realized I never dealt with how I was treated by my advisor in graduate school. … In a lot of documentaries, the people wearing white coats and working in the labs will be women, and the people they actually interview are men. Women need to give themselves permission to be heard.”

cientists aren’t all lab coats

”

and stoicism.

– Hannah Marsh Associate Professor of Anthropology

Hannah decided to speak openly about her experience as part of the panel discussion after the student screening of the documentary. Before taking students on a dig or to an industry conference, she and her colleagues have upfront conversations with students about reporting incidents of harassment, discrimination or anything that makes them feel unsafe.

“Reporting needs to be real,” she says. “It needs to be talked about, and people who are leaders need to take that seriously and offer reporting mechanisms early — before anything happens.”

Hannah is a role model for her students at UCM — especially women pursuing a degree in science. Leading by example, she strives to demystify science and students’ preconceived notion of what a scientist should be.

“What is science? It’s not this monumental, scary thing,” Hannah tells students. “Science wears pink pants and sparkly jewelry.

Science is just a way of thinking about the world, and it comes in any package. Most of science actually doesn’t happen in a lab.

Science can happen right here, right now.”

A woman of her word, Hannah walks the walk — and even dances it. She embodies the pink pants and is a competitive ballroom dancer — all while conducting leading research into cranial vault thickness and tooth size variation in Homo erectus and recent humans.

“Scientists aren’t all lab coats and stoicism,” she says. “Sometimes we get things wrong, but we can fix that by asking better questions, tweaking the directions we’re going, measuring better. … That’s the beauty of science, that you’re standing on the edge of that knowledge.”

18

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

Hannah practices her ballroom dancing skills with Stan the Man, a cast of “your basic European male,” who can often be found in the Anthropology lab in the Wood Building. She says female skeleton casts are more expensive to obtain — another example of inequity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

2023 A N N UA L R E P O RT

‘ Picture a Scientist’ Women Professors at UCM Challenge Stereotypes

Melissa and her husband, James, visiting Yale University, where they met as students.

T

he University of Central Missouri works hard to make campus a safe place where everyone can be seen and heard. In an effort to make staff, faculty and students aware of the struggles women in STEM fields can face, the UCM Alumni Foundation awarded an Opportunity Grant to Chemistry Professor Jay Steinkruger to fund screenings of the film “Picture a Scientist.”

The documentary features stories from women scientists who have struggled in their fields against harassment, discrimination and unequal access to opportunities, resources and laboratory space.

The Opportunity Grant funded a screening for faculty and staff members a week before the fall 2022 semester began and another screening for students in October of that year. After students watched the film, a panel discussion was held to address the gender gap students might have experienced in their prior education and raise awareness of inequities they could face in STEM graduate studies or in the workplace.

On the panel were two UCM faculty members, anthropologist Hannah Marsh and instructor of engineering technology Pamela Hoyer, as well as guest alumna Melissa (Swope) Willis, who earned biology and chemistry degrees from UCM in 1992 and the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020.

Melissa Willis As a panelist, Melissa felt a personal connection to the film. She was a graduate student at Yale — the only woman in her cohort in a department with very few female faculty — when Biology Professor Nancy Hopkins and a group of professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) were preparing to shatter the status quo.

In 1999, the year after Melissa earned her Ph.D. in Pharmacology, the results of a five-year “Study on the Status of Women Faculty in Science at MIT” exposed significant gender inequalities in salaries, professional development opportunities, laboratory space and resources. The report made waves in higher education research institutions across the country, including Yale.

One recommendation in the first report of the MIT committee was to “address the family-work conflict realistically and openly.” Having raised two daughters while working in biodefense and biomedical research, Melissa knows how challenging striking a balance can be. After completing her postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University’s Immune Disease Institute, she got married in UCM’s Alumni Chapel. She started her family while working at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she conducted research into treating neuropathic pain based on the way University of Central Missouri Magazine

19

20 23 A N N UA L R E P O RT

spiders inject toxins into their prey to numb their pain receptors.

Melissa raised two daughters while advancing her career in the Washington, D.C., area, working with bacterial toxins at the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), then with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). She eventually became influenza therapeutics chief at BARDA and helped develop a multiantibody cocktail to fight Ebola. In 2018 there was an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the drug, now part of the standard treatment for Ebola

patients, reduced the mortality rate from approximately 70 percent in untreated individuals to less than 6 percent.

Melissa decided to leave the profession to become a secondary educator and motivate more girls to stay in STEM. She is currently in her fifth year as a science instructor at the Academies of Loudon, a STEM magnet school in Leesburg, Virginia.

“By the time they hit college, they’ve already decided whether science is too hard for them,” Melissa says. “I really wanted to impact the next generation of scientists.”

A 2022 study published in an academic journal titled Social Science Research found that having exposure to science at an early age and a role model at home with a degree in science makes children of college-educated parents twice as likely to pursue science in higher education.

True to form, Melissa’s own daughters are in college now, studying astrophysics and geoscience at Berkeley and Penn State, respectively.

Pam Hoyer Pam Hoyer, an assistant professor of Engineering Technology at UCM, volunteered to represent the “E” and the “T” in STEM as part of the “Picture a Scientist” panel.

“The ‘T’ is very much the application of the sciences,” Pam says. “I don’t know how you would bottle enthusiasm for the field, but if you love it, you love it.”

Pam grew up surrounded by engineers — her grandfather, her dad and her brother all inspired her to build, fix and tinker. When personal computers were brand-new in the 1960s, her father went into computer engineering and helped the family build their first PC. “If I didn’t have that family support, I would feel kind of abnormal being good at math,” Pam says. “You can stick out like a sore thumb. It wasn’t all that cool to be good at math, especially as a girl in middle school and high school.”

Melissa, shown at top with former UCM President Ed Elliott and above in a university lab, earned UCM’s Distinguished Scholar Award, which came with strict GPA requirements that helped prepare her for graduate studies in the Ivy League.

20

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

When her high school counselor attempted to sway her decision to pursue an engineering degree, Pam stood her ground and applied. She enrolled at Texas A&M in 1979, when, according to the National Science Foundation, only 10 percent of U.S. college graduates earning a degree in engineering were women.

2023 A N N UA L R E P O RT

Soon after graduation, Pam started her career as a manufacturing engineer and floor supervisor for Westinghouse, working on circuit boards for radar systems in F-16 Fighters. She then took a lead engineer position at Northrop improving B-2 Bombers. She was the first woman that many of her team members had ever worked with — in workspaces that sometimes didn’t have a women’s bathroom. However, the early ’80s was a time when there was a big push to get more women employed in STEM occupations.

“People bent over backward to keep me in the field,” she says. “Women in engineering have to expect and realize that they’re not going to be surrounded by women. You have to respect yourself and say, yeah, I belong here. … It was a very positive experience for me.”

Pam started her family while working for the DTM Corporation developing manufacturing systems for selective laser

sintering (SLS) machines, the precursor to modern 3D printers. It was when she had her second child while helping to launch a new manufacturing facility for Harmon Electronics that she decided the long hours and intense workload the industry demanded were incompatible with raising kids.

Nearly two decades later, in 2018, the percentage of women earning engineering degrees was up only 2 percent, still hovering at approximately one in five. Furthermore, the number of women employed in STEM fields remains low. A 2019 study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau found that only 27% of all STEM positions in the country were filled by women.

In 2003, Pam made a career change to academia, helping to build the Engineering Technology program into what is now the School of Industrial Sciences and Technology at UCM. By that time, the percent of U.S. women earning degrees in engineering had doubled since Pam started college, according to the National Science Foundation’s 2002 Science and Engineering Indicators. However, at 20 percent in 2000, engineering had the least representation of female graduates among STEM degrees, with women representing 33 percent of mathematical and computer science graduates and 56 percent of grads in biological and agricultural sciences.

Pam says women are needed in engineering technology as more manufacturing shifts from manual to automated. While an engineering technologist probably won’t design a robot, they are the ones who will program it, calibrate it and make the systems work better.

“Placement for students is phenomenal.

Robotics is huge,” Pam says. “I want young women to know it’s not going to be an uphill battle all the time.”

Former UCM student Samantha Wright contributed to this article.

“

You have to respect yourself and say, yeah, I belong here.

”

– Pam Hoyer Assistant Professor of Engineering Technology

Students Forestt Hertzog, Sowmya Golla and Norma Romero control a machine during Robotics lab.

Pam directs students Stephanie Umunna and Jeffery Eason as they use a CNC machine in the Noel B. Grinstead Building.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

21

2 02 3 A N N UA L R E P O RT

DONORS GIVE BACK

SO STUDENTS CAN GIVE THEIR ALL Thanks to donors like you, the past four years have been an incredible period of growth for the UCM Alumni Foundation. Supporters from across the globe have invested in our work, and as a result, we are in a better position to support UCM students, faculty, programs and capital projects.

We know that you have many choices for how you wish to give back. We are grateful that donors like you choose to support “Education for Service” at UCM. This annual report demonstrates that the UCM Alumni Foundation has experienced remarkable growth, thanks in significant part to the wise stewardship of your generous investments by our hardworking staff and our partners at Commerce Trust.

Highlights from fiscal year 2023 include:

2.0

1.5

$1.6M

1.0

In Donor-Funded

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

0.5

0.0

FY20

$1.1 million

FY21

$1.3 million

FY22

$1.5 million

FY23

$1.6 million

• $17,623,478 in gifts, pledges and new planned gifts to UCM. • $1,595,422 in donor-funded scholarships awarded to 1,147 students.

• $1,878,949 dispensed for scholarships, programs and capital projects from income earned on the Alumni Foundation endowments.

• An all-time record of $92,255,820 in total assets managed by the Alumni Foundation.

We hope you take pride in the progress we have made together. Because of you, the UCM Alumni Foundation is in a position of immense strength to support the university today and for many years to come.

Continue supporting UCM with your gift to the Central Annual Fund! Visit ucmfoundation.org/give/magazine.

22

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

900

ALUMNI DONORS CONTRIBUTED

$288K TO THE CENTRAL ANNUAL FUND IN FY23

2023 A N N UA L RFEEPAT O RT URE

PAYOUT TO UCM

Businesses and Corporations 9%

from the Foundation’s Endowment FY20 $1.46 million

Alumni 43%

Friends 21%

FY21 $1.57 million

SOURCES OF

GIFTS

FOR FY23 FY22 $1.65 million

Foundations and Trusts 27%

800

FY23 $1.88 million 0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

$17.6M

GIFTS, PLEDGES AND NEW PLANNED GIFTS

700

2.0

600 500

Number of

ENDOWED FUNDS* 552

566

FY20

FY21

595

612

400 300 200 100

$92.3M

0

TOTAL ASSETS IN FY23

HOW

$75M ENDOWMENT MARKET VALUE

FY22

*These are funds that are invested, and the principal balance remains intact forever.

DONOR DOLLARS

WERE SPENT IN FY23

FY23 KMOS PBS 4%

Capital Scholarships Projects 18% 59% Athletics 12%

Academic Support 7%

University of Central Missouri Magazine

23

Tygran Gilligan is a 2023 Music Technology graduate from Carthage, Missouri. He was awarded the Tom Shaffer Memorial Scholarship for Custodial Staff, made possible by a gift from Gaila Shaffer, a ’76 College High alumna.

“I never thought that being a custodian during the COVID-19 pandemic would grant me the opportunity to receive such a generous scholarship,” says Tygran. “You gave me so much hope for my future.”

Tygran is currently interning as a technician at Quimby Pipe Organs, owned and operated by 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Michael Quimby, ’73, ’75. He is also a classical guitarist who plans to further his career in the music industry.

Scholarships Make Everything

UCM Students are Grateful for Your Support 24

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

“My future aspiration is that I will devote myself to learn and experience the world full of knowledge,” says Manish.

“I hope that one day, I will be able to assist struggling students in achieving their higher education goals in the same way you are assisting me.”

During his time at UCM, Manish was a member of the cricket club and an Alumni Ambassador.

He recently launched his career as a software engineer.

Learn more about establishing a scholarship endowment at ucmfoundation.org/giving/priorities.

POSSIBLE

By Cloe Pohlman, Public Relations Undergraduate Student

Manish Mondal is a 2022 Master of Computer Science graduate. As an international student from India, he was awarded the Maynard and Fern Beardsley Scholarship for International Students, made possible by a gift from Toshiyuki Shiohara, ’72, of Tokyo.

2023 A N N UA L R E P O RT

Trever Haugen is a firstgeneration transfer student from Roseau, Minnesota. He is a triple major in Business Management, Economics and Finance. Trever was awarded the Integrative Business Experience Adviser Annual Scholarship, made possible by a gift from Rebecca and Mary McCord in conjunction with Equity Bank.

As a nontraditional student, Trever gained a sense of belonging by joining student organizations like the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, economics club, fencing club and Enactus, an international nonprofit for young leaders working to make a social and environmental impact.

“I try to experience as many things as possible to get the most out of college and to continue bettering myself in every aspect of my life,” he says.

After graduation, he plans to continue his service in the Missouri Army National Guard, where he is currently a staff sergeant. Trever also serves as a firefighter for the Johnson County Fire Department.

Rickeah Henderson is a Bryan Frye is a nontraditional, first-generation student from first-generation student from Columbia, Missouri, majoring Warrensburg, majoring in in Social Work. She received Communication Studies. the Generation Study Abroad He was chosen out of Scholarship and the Shipley500 candidates as the first Hocker Scholarship, made recipient of the Bill Kountz possible by a gift from Helen Jr. Media Fellowship, created M. Hocker, ’37, in memory to help fund students’ of her mother, Anna Shipley living expenses while they Hocker, and her sister, E. Virginia participate in an internship Hocker, ’38. These scholarships with a major public media allowed Rickeah to study abroad entity. Bryan’s dedication to in the Dominican Republic his work at KMOS-TV made over the summer. him a great candidate for a summer internship at PBS in “Learning doesn’t have to be Arlington, Virginia. limited to just the classroom,” Rickeah says. “My heart is in “As I started working, helping people with different my passion for the public ethnic backgrounds, ideas and television sector skyrocketed,” experiences in life.” he says. “Mr. Kountz was especially interested in Rickeah is an active member ensuring that public media is of the National Society of in good hands for generations Leadership and Success, secretary to come. Combining his of the Association of Social Work passion and generosity, this Students and a student employee puts me in a position to fulfill for the UCM day care. his legacy.”

After graduation, Rickeah Bryan loves that UCM gave plans on pursuing a master’s him the opportunity to gain degree in Social Work. She real television experience with would like to help older adults KMOS-TV. After graduation, or become licensed in family he wants to continue working and marriage therapy. in public media.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Emma Braley and Emily York are graduate students pursuing their master’s degrees in Athletic Training.

They are both recipients of the Dr. Ronald VanDam Athletic Training Student Scholarship, made possible by a gift from friends and former students in honor of the longtime UCM professor, Hall of Fame inductee and 2006 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Emma is from Pleasant Hill, Missouri. She is vice president of the Athletic Training Student Association and part of the advisory board for her master’s program.

After graduation, she aspires to become an athletic trainer for a professional sports league. “[Because of the scholarship] I can devote more time to athletic training studies, and I can be more present at my clinical sites,” says Emma. “I get to learn a lot more, I get more hands-on experiences, I get to see a variety of things, and I get to meet more people.

For that I am forever grateful.”

Emily is from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and is president of the Athletic Training Student Association. She is part of the Missouri Student Leadership Council and has her sights set on an internship with NASA before she graduates.

“At the end of the day, I just hope to someday work in a setting that I love and enjoy waking up for every day,” Emily says. “Thank you for this opportunity and support in my journey.”

University of Central Missouri Magazine

25

M U L E N AT I O N N E W S

2023 Mules Football Golf Classic July 14 at Mules National Golf Club

Tau Kappa Epsilon Alumni Golf Tournament – July 21 at Mules National Golf Club

MuleNation Kansas City July 26 at The Maverick

Steve Nix, Taylor Linebach, ’12, ’14, Steve Lierz, Shelley Lierz, Ginger Cline Nix, Adam Peterson, Caitlin Peterson, ’10, ’12, and Daria Byrne, ’00, ’06.

Kyle Crookes, Homer Kay, ’78, Becky Kay, ’78, and Adam Bohac.

MuleNation Mid-Missouri — June 22 at Dale Hollow Winery in Stover

Jean Hagedorn, Phyllis Franklin, Myrna Schroder, ’60, and Evelyn Alpers, ’54, ’64, ’70.

Schuyler Holsten, ’10, Joan Kidwell, ’75, Julie Ann Kidwell, ’09, ’14, Alex Holsten, Jerry Holsten and Cathy Holsten, ’83, ’85.

26

Marilyn Heimsoth, Linda Wade, ’73, ’83, and ’70, ’80, and Rosalie Jagels, ’81. Larry Wade, ’70, ’81.

Spencer Bauer, ’14, Candace Bauer, Raven Eckhoff and Kyle Eckhoff, ’10.

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

Sue Witte, ’76, ’89, ’90, Kathy Marriott, ’78, Larry Witte, ’71, and Bill Geary, ’74.

Doug Craig, ’85, Emily Westermier, ’14, ’18, Kristi Craig, ’86, and Elizabeth Dunkle.

Linda Fox, ’84, and Vincent Fox, ’89.

Cheryl Wood and David Wood, ’83.

M U L E N AT I O N N E W S

MuleNation Arizona — May 23 at Palma, Phoenix

Construction Management Golf Tournament — June 9 at Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs

Yin Zhen, ’11, Georgi Popov and Samantha BurrowsBoykin, ’09, ’12.

Todd Simpson, ’86, Carl Parker, ’64, and Sue Parker, ’64.

Chris Bailey, ’98, Jeff Brinkmeyer, ’90, Steve Hicks ’84, and Doug Putthoff, ’92.

John Zey, ’75, and Mitch Reiber, ’08.

Tom Ankenbauer, Robert Duvenick, ’75, Dave Spencer, ’80, ’88, and Jim Vanhorn.

Dan Kanzler, ’95, Brad Hokanson, ’03, Andrew Peterson, ’17, and Brian Burkett, ’01.

Marshall Farrell, Richard Emilia Rivera, Caleb Bruce, ’01, Katie Pino and McCandless, Steven Crosley, Nathan Mann. ’07, and Adam Hammeke.

MuleNation Mid-Missouri — June 23 at The Cave in Camdenton

Nathan Sheehan, ’22, Zion Vasquez, Jacqui Sheehan and ’21, and Matt Ryan Sheehan, ’20.

Howdeshell.

Steve Kleppe and Shirley Kleppe, ’67.

David Officer, ’76, Rick Frye, ’74, Kayla Vestal and Billy Ukrazhenko.

Paul Engelmann and Sue Engelmann, ’63, ’74.

Mike Joyner, ’03, Casey Cochran, ’06, Levi Spurgeon, David Sheehan, Gina Carlyle, Erica Spurgeon, ’09, ’17, and Paul Chamberlain.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

27

D I S T I N G U I S H E D A LU M N I

“

WE HAVE A S AYING IN OUR FAMILY… TO WHOM MUCH HAS BEEN GIVEN, MUCH IS EXPECTED.

DAV I D AND J E R R I LY N HOFFMA N N, ’74 Distinguished Alumni Award

For more than 50 years, David and Jerrilyn “Jerri” Hoffmann have been both life and business partners, investing their resources in companies, communities and, most importantly, people.

The Hoffmanns met in high school in Washington, Missouri, then enrolled at UCM. David earned a Bachelor of Science in Safety Management in 1974 and went on to complete an executive program at Pennsylvania State University.

In May 2023, UCM bestowed on him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Jerri also graduated from UCM in 1974, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education with majors in English and Spanish.

At the age of 25, David took out a loan to purchase a golf course in his hometown and also invested in rental properties.

He discovered he had a knack for real estate and recruiting. In 1989 he founded executive search firm DHR International, followed by Osprey Capital LLC, which has grown into one of the largest family-owned offices in the world. The Hoffmann Family of Companies, now driven by the couple’s sons, Greg and 28

Geoff, has a portfolio that encompasses more than 90 businesses with 280 locations worldwide.

Such successes contributed to David being named to the 2022 and 2023 Forbes Billionaires List and the Florida Trend 500 list in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

He was recently selected for membership in the prestigious Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a nonprofit that encourages youth to pursue their dreams through higher education.

Philanthropy goes hand in hand with the Hoffmanns’ successes. As David notes, “We have a saying in our family … to whom much has been given, much is expected.”

The Hoffmann family’s generosity has made a difference in many communities where they have lived. In Florida, for example, they made a sizeable contribution to the Naples Children and Education Foundation, an additional donation for the construction of the organization’s headquarters, and a sevenfigure gift to the Naples Zoo to support

Fall Fall 2023 2023 || ucmfoundation.org/magazine ucmfoundation.org/magazine

“

its renovation. In the Chicago area, they built the Jerri Hoffmann Child and Family Center. And in Avon, Colorado, they developed the base of Beaver Creek ski resort. Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate is credited with the revitalization of the downtown shopping and dining areas of Naples; Avon; Winnetka, Illinois; and, most recently, Augusta, Missouri.

A desire to be close to their Missouri roots drove David and Jerri to move to St. Albans, about 20 miles from their hometown of Washington. They are committed to revitalizing America’s first wine region and the small community of Augusta. Doing so has meant investing more than $150 million in more than 50 properties, including the historic Wine Company building that Jerri has transformed into a charming and chic clothing boutique.

“Family businesses are not easy,” Jerri says of their journey together. “Anybody that has or has ever had one will tell you there are hurdles. … There are difficult moments, but when you see everyone come together and work through those difficult moments, it’s really unbelievably satisfying.”

D I S T I N G U I S H E D A LU M N I

“

I REALIZED THEATRE IS FULL OF MAGIC, AND I WANTED TO RECREATE THAT MAGIC.

“

Growing up in Mexico City, Marcela Rodriguez-Gonzalez would go on outings with her parents and two older sisters to the theatre, museums and concerts. She fondly remembers what it was like to be part of a family that instilled an appreciation for the arts – a value that has helped shape who she is today.

“We went to ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ and I saw the chandelier flying, and, to me, that was a moment that changed my life,” Marcela says. “I realized theatre is full of magic, and I wanted to recreate that magic.”

Rodriguez-Gonzalez turned her childhood passion for the arts into a successful career in theatre while also pursuing interests as a community builder and educator. She aims to reach young people who may not have the opportunities she did to experience the arts.

After graduating from Tecnológico de Monterrey University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Digital Media, Marcela explored different opportunities in the field, including working at Univision as a video editor for two years. When she refocused her goals

MARCEL A RODRIGUEZG O N Z A L E Z , ’ 14 , ’ 17 Distinguished Alumni Award for Early Achievement

toward building communities using theatre and education, she turned to UCM, where she had studied abroad one semester while completing her bachelor’s degree.

community development at the Cleveland Play House. She currently manages the implementation and compliance of federal and locally funded educational programs in Cleveland, which serve an average of 1,400 children and youth daily. Her trek toward her current post began as an education apprentice, but within a couple of months, she was offered a full-time position creating programs for children in underprivileged neighborhoods and developing relevant bilingual curricula for historically marginalized community members.

“I went there because of the prestige of the Theatre department,” Marcela recalls. “I had heard of Dr. Richard Herman, and I wanted to work with him, even though my major was in Communication. … It completely changed my life. Seeing all the international students, all the activities and just being in another country, learning in another language. It was a very rich experience.”

She returned to UCM to earn a Master of Arts in Theatre in 2017, with Herman serving as her mentor. Marcela left the university with rich experiences toward meeting her goals, having founded the Student Organization of Latinos, conducted meaningful research on theatre for change, and directed and produced a theatrical performance.

She relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where she now serves as director of

Over the past six years, Marcela has built a reputation in northeast Ohio as someone who has a passion for building communities by using the arts as a tool for social action and as a bridge to connect families with resources in partnership with regional nonprofits.

“Part of my job is to create opportunities based on culturally relevant experiences in which families can come and enjoy some time together while they also get resources about housing, food, mental health, physical health, whatever it is,” Marcela says. “And we do it using the arts as a bridge.”

University of Central Missouri Magazine

29

D I S T I N G U I S H E D A LU M N I

“

FOR ME, IT’S ALL ABOUT FINANCIAL LITERACY. IT’S HELPING FOLKS UNDERSTAND HOW TO TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FUTURES.

B I L L KE E N, ’91 Distinguished Alumni Award for Service

While experiencing the reality of financial challenges as a child living in an 800 square-foot apartment, Bill Keen was inspired by his Great Aunt Nina, who understood investing. She ignited Bill’s interest in finance at an early age, and he opened his first investment account as a high school student. He went on to become a financial service professional who has served in the industry for more than 30 years.

A man of many talents, Bill is CEO of Keen Wealth Advisors, a national fiduciary investment management and retirement planning firm, as well as an Amazon best-selling author. He is also a volunteer pilot and board member for Angel Flight Central, a nonprofit organization that assists individuals in need with flights for health care and humanitarian purposes.

After graduating from UCM with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1991, Bill joined Twentieth Century Investors (now American Century Investments), a prominent mutual fund firm in Kansas City. After about a year in that position, 30

he decided to shift gears and pursue his passion to directly advise clients on their planning and investing.

“With no prior contact, I asked for a job and was hired on the spot,” Bill says of landing a position at the local Dean Witter office. I was handed a phone book and given an inspirational speech: ‘Kid, you’re probably not going to make it. One of 50 survive here, but we’re giving you a shot. Good luck.’”

Bill was up for the challenge. He completed an extensive training program at the Dean Witter headquarters at the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York before returning to Kansas City to begin building his practice. He spent about 20 years at several Wall Street firms before founding Keen Wealth Advisors in 2014 with the mission to help people transition from working to realizing their retirement dreams.

“For me, it’s all about financial literacy,” Bill says. “It’s helping folks understand how to take personal responsibility for their futures.”

Fall Fall 2023 2023 || ucmfoundation.org/magazine ucmfoundation.org/magazine

“

An advocate for the value of financial literacy, Bill co-hosts Keen Wealth Advisors’ long-running podcast, “Keen on Retirement,” and is considered a subject matter expert and thought leader in the financial industry, having been quoted in national media outlets such as U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal’s “Market Watch,” and Yahoo Finance.

Bill is a member of the Forbes Finance Council, an invitation-only organization that consists of financial services industry leaders. He has shared his industry knowledge as a lecturer for the University of Missouri–Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management graduate program and for multiple corporations in the Kansas City area.

He and his wife, Carissa, have demonstrated their dedication to the community as volunteers for many worthy causes and by overseeing the Bill and Carissa Keen Charitable Fund.

Additionally, Keen Wealth Advisors contributes both monetarily and through the donation of time and effort to support those less fortunate.

D I S T I N G U I S H E D A LU M N I

“

WE’RE ALL PART OF A GREATER TEAM, AND THE SUCCESSES THAT WE ENJOY OUGHT TO BE ENJOYED TOGETHER.

“

Growing up on a farm in Ballard, Missouri, Major General Levon E. Cumpton learned early in life the value of hard work and commitment to family.

Along his career path, he has taken to heart the wisdom of many great mentors and has never forgotten the power of building strong relationships.

There are three tenets Levon applies to all aspects of life: care, compassion and commitment. Such qualities have served him well in service to his country, currently as the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard.

“We’re all part of a greater team, and the successes that we enjoy ought to be enjoyed together,” Levon says. “It’s teammates around me who have helped me to be who I am.”

After holding numerous positions of military leadership at the state level, Levon was appointed to his current post by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in 2019. He provides command and control for more than 12,000 soldiers in the Missouri National Guard, and is responsible for ensuring that these troops are trained and equipped with the

MAJOR GENERAL LEVON E. CUMPTON, ’92 Distinguished Alumni Award for Service

resources they need for dual missions in service to the state and nation.

Long before Levon became a highly decorated military officer, he was a standout basketball player at Ballard High School. His court prowess caught the eye of a coach at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri, who encouraged him to come to WMA to play basketball and further his education. Persistence paid off, and Levon graduated from WMA in 1990 with an associate degree as a commissioned second lieutenant in the Army ROTC program. He transferred to UCM the same year to study Conservation Enforcement, and graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree.

“My time at UCM was filled with fond memories,” Levon recalls. “The education I received was instrumental in the successes I have enjoyed throughout my career.”

He got married not long after graduating from UCM, and he and his wife, Linda, began their life as a military family.

Levon was initially an infantry officer

serving in Germany and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He furthered his education with a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

A desire to be near their roots brought the Cumptons back to Missouri, where Levon joined the National Guard’s Active Guard and Reserve program and continues to serve in the military full time. In a career that has included numerous commander and key staff positions, he has been deployed on multiple operational tours, including peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia, stability missions in Bosnia, a combat tour to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, and numerous declared state emergencies.

Levon’s military honors have included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with one silver oak-leaf cluster, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal, Bronze de Fleury Medal, and the Order of Saint Maurice (Legionnaire).

University of Central Missouri Magazine

31

D I S T I N G U I S H E D A LU M N I

“

SKILLS CAN BE TAUGHT AND DEVELOPED, BUT CHARACTER IS SOMETHING THAT MATTERS THE MOST.

SRINIJA AMIS THAPUR, ’17 Distinguished International Alumni Award

Having recently moved to Houston, Texas, Srinija Amisthapur has been settling in as a new mom, learning how to juggle work and family responsibilities. She stresses the importance of support from her husband and other family members.

“Having a supportive family is key for anyone to achieve success in their career,” Srinija says. “My parents were my biggest supporters. My dad always used to say that you have to stand up for yourself.

Nobody will stand up for you as much as you will for yourself. That empowered me to take the driver’s seat in my career.”

This young alumna has a great driving record, having provided ServiceNow information technology operations management solutions for Fortune 400 clients while also pursuing opportunities to teach young people how to discover their passions.

Srinija came to UCM as an international student from southern India to pursue a Master of Science in Technology. After earning her degree, she landed what she calls a “sweet job” using her technology skills in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She has 32

built a career in the corporate world while also creating her own personal brand called Neuron Fire. This allows her to incorporate an interest she has had for many years into efforts to support today’s youth.

“I have been really interested in animation since my childhood,” Srinija says. “I used to watch a lot of animated movies.”

Combining her technological know-how with her longtime love for animation, Srinija developed a YouTube channel called Neuron Fire Growth Works. The mission is to promote a growth mindset among K–12 children, utilizing animation to create titles such as “Empowering Empathy,” “Becoming Brave” and “Feedback is a Gift.” One of her goals is to promote character education.

“

app called NeuronFire.ai, aimed at helping students choose the right college major.

Education has always been important to Srinija, who is continuing her studies at Purdue University in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. She is also a ServiceNow Certified Technical Architect and has implemented information technology projects for nationally known companies.

Srinija’s dedication to her field has paid off with numerous honors. In 2022, she was a global ambassador for the U.S. Hackmakers Hackathon to solve global sustainability problems by using emerging technologies such as AI. That same year, she was recognized as a finalist for the Women in Technology Awards presented by the Technology Council of “Skills can be taught and developed,” she Central Pennsylvania. She has worked insists, “but character is something that with the council to establish programs matters the most. That’s what makes a and activities that motivate girls to get person unique.” involved in STEM fields. Additionally, In 2022, Srinija was selected for a tech Srinija mentors college students through entrepreneurs program through the the Women in Technology program and Massachusetts Institute of Technology volunteered to help Hershey residents (MIT), and she is currently prototyping an who are facing food insecurity.

Fall Fall 2023 2023 || ucmfoundation.org/magazine ucmfoundation.org/magazine

Recognizing UCM Alumni

Since 1978, the UCM Alumni Foundation has presented the Distinguished Alumni Awards annually to recognize outstanding graduates who are distinguished in their field and exemplify the university’s motto of “Education for Service.” More than 150 alumni have received this award to date, and the UCM Alumni Foundation is always seeking nominations for future honorees.

Nominate an exceptional UCM graduate to be considered for this honor at ucmfoundation.org/awards/DA.

BE PAR T OF WH AT’S

NE T! 10

UNDER

40

The UCM Alumni Foundation hosts a program for alumni under the age of 40 called the Next Generation Council.

Through servant leadership, the council provides a voice for young alumni and steers the new “10 Under 40” alumni recognition program, honoring young professionals who are leading in their fields with the aptitude, skills and confidence to succeed.

Nominate a young professional to be considered for this new award at ucmfoundation.org/10-under-40.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

33

UCM NEWS

Faculty/Staff Achievements Micah Alpaugh, professor of History, won the Pacific Coast Conference on British Studies prize for best book in the field with his 2022 publication titled “Friends of Freedom: The Rise of Social Movements in the Age of Atlantic Revolutions.”

Michelle L. Amos, associate professor of Literacy and coordinator of the Master of Science in Literacy Education, was honored with the 2023 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

Eddie Cho, professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, was recognized by the Korean Society of Private Security with its Award of Academic Excellence.

Robert Fernquist, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Studies, was honored with the UCM Outstanding Faculty Advisor award.

Brian Hughes, professor and director of UCM’s Athletic Training program, was inducted into the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association District 5 Hall of Fame.

Joanne Kurt-Hilditch, senior director of the Missouri Safety Center, was elected second vice president and appointed as the Region 7 representative of the National Association of Women in Highway Safety Leaders Board.

Ken Schueller, senior director of student success, received the Missouri Academic Advising Association Outstanding Academic Advising Award for an Academic Advising Administrator.

Aaron Scully, assistant professor of Theatre, was named the Meridith Harmon Sauer Distinguished Professor of Theatre for 2023–2026.

Keira Solon, assistant professor of Management, won the Industry Advocate of the Year award from the Kansas City chapter of Meeting Planners International.

LaGena Spence, senior program manager for the Missouri Safety Center, was awarded the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies PIECES Award for Professionalism and Integrity in 2023.

Scott Strohmeyer, professor of Kinesiology, received UCM’s 2023 Byler Distinguished Faculty Award.

Henry Wambuii, professor of Political Science and International Studies, presented at the Distance Education and Teachers’ Training in Africa (DETA) conference in Uganda over the summer.

Project Documents Veterans’ Stories

By Jeff Murphy, ’80, ’95 Within a half-hour drive of the University of Central Missouri, rows of neatly placed headstones line the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville honoring individuals who served in the U.S. military. With only small bits of information etched into each of the hundreds of gray granite monuments that dot this vast burial ground, the life stories of many underrepresented World War II veterans remain untold.

This will soon change, however, thanks to a $399,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration grant that will also cover project work at 34

Fort Scott National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.

UCM Professor of History Jon Taylor is guiding the Veteran Voices of the Heartland pilot project, which began in August and continues through September 2024.

Partnering with UCM History and Instructional Technology graduate students are the Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) at the Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence, Missouri, and the Greater Kansas City Writing Project.

Lauren Hays, associate professor of Instructional Technology

Fall Fall 2023 2023 || ucmfoundation.org/magazine ucmfoundation.org/magazine

UCM History and Instructional Technology students are researching the lives of military members buried at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. at UCM, will direct students as they use digital technology to capture images of the cemeteries and headstones in Higginsville.

The Greater Kansas City Writing Project will coordinate professional development workshops for secondary teachers

at Fort Scott National Cemetery, which already has a list of Civil War veterans, including Buffalo Soldiers and indigenous soldiers. The emphasis in Higginsville will be on documenting the stories of underrepresented veterans who served in World War II.

Conversation Starters

UCM NEWS

We asked UCM faculty and staff to share their expertise in the form of a Conversation Starter.

Suggest a topic of conversation for a future issue at ucmmagazine@ucmo.edu.

”

Remembering to Remember

David Kreiner, Professor of Psychological Science at UCM

Have you ever meant to do something, but then forgotten to do it? Our ability to actually do the things that we planned on doing is called prospective memory. In some cases, this is a minor hassle, such as forgetting to stop for groceries on the way home. Other times, prospective memory failures can have serious consequences, such as forgetting to take medication on time. Fortunately, there are strategies we can use to improve prospective memory. One of them is to make a specific plan about what will trigger us to carry out the intended action. For example, “When I am driving home and I pass Walgreens, I will turn right toward Hy-Vee to purchase my groceries.”

This strategy is more successful than forming a vague plan, such as, “I need to remember to pick up groceries.”

““

Beyond Mark Twain

Marc Joseph, Philosophy Professor and Chair of UCM’s Department of English

When you think of literature in Missouri, you think of Mark Twain, right? Samuel Clemens was born in the village of Florida, Missouri, which is so small that the U.S. Census recently reported it as uninhabited. He set many of his famous works in his home state. Did you know that another famous writer, T.S. Eliot, is also a native of Missouri? Although he left the state when he went to school, Missouri and its great rivers, which so exercised Twain’s imagination, also left a deep imprint on Eliot and his work. You can explore the world through great literature, then arrive back where you started, as Eliot says, and “know the place for the first time.”

“

Social Media vs. Togetherness

Wendy Geiger, Professor and Chair of UCM’s Department of Communication and Digital Media Production

T.S. Eliot

Daniel Runnels, Assistant Professor of Spanish at UCM

”

¡Oh, cuán lejos llegarás!

Most of us are at least somewhat familiar with the Spanish-speaking cultures of Europe, Latin America and the U.S., but fewer know about the language’s reach in other parts of the world. In parts of northern Morocco, for example, it is not uncommon to hear people speaking Spanish in public. There are also two Spanish-speaking cities – Ceuta and Melilla – that are on the African continent but formally part of Spain. Additionally, nestled between Cameroon and Gabon, the small nation of Equatorial Guinea has Spanish as an official language (alongside others). Spanish can take you lots of places!

” “

Human beings are social creatures, so it is not surprising that we are drawn to social media platforms to meet our interaction needs. Limited use of social media can add to our feeling of belonging, help us keep up with friends and family who are far away, be a creative outlet and help us meet people with like-minded ideas. However, those who Image generated in Adobe Firefly. spend too much time on social media are likely to experience negative impacts, such as increased feelings of isolation, feelings of not measuring up to others and increased depression or anxiety.

Addictions to social media cause people to constantly check their platforms to make sure they are not missing out on anything. If you are feeling more isolated and lonely after spending time on social media, it is time to take a break and perhaps reevaluate how much time you are spending there.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

35

C L A S S N OT E S

Arlene Silvey, ’73, has retired after nearly 50 years with the City of Sedalia.

Gregory Cecil, ’75, has been elected to the board of directors of the Great Rivers Council BSA. William “Bill” Dooley, ’75, ’82, ’91, received recognition from Richmond R-XVI School District for 30 years of service.

Robert Staton Jr., ’75, ’76, was recognized as the California, Missouri, Citizen of the Year for 2022 and honored with the Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award for building the Moniteau County Veterans Memorial.

Robert Belser, ’77, retired this spring as wind symphony conductor and director of bands at the University of Wyoming.

Bruce Lyon, ’81, ’99, was named president of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

Dom Caristi, ’82, received the 2023 Distinguished Education Service Award from the Broadcast Education Association.

Janet Braud, ’84, ’86, retired from North Kansas City 36

Schools and is teaching at Missouri Digital Academy.

Jonathan Cleveland, ’84, was invited to be one of the global jurors for the 2022 International Design Awards.

C. David Turner, ’84, a member of the UCM Alumni Foundation Board of Directors, was appointed vice president of Operations Support for Consolidated Nuclear Securities.

Robin Williams, ’84, ’91, was named 2023 Teacher of the Year by the Sacred Heart School Foundation in Sedalia.

Alice Griffin, ’85, has retired from the University of Arkansas.

David Buck, ’86, has fully retired after serving as a nuclear, missile and weapons safety officer in the U.S. Air Force.

Cindy Conley, ’87, joined Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, as director of the Office of Student Success.

Christine Russell Gruenbaum, ’87, was hired as communications specialist at the Diocese of Kansas City, St. Joseph.

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

Steven Tam, ’88, was named marketing and management department chair at Western Illinois University.

Brian Foster, ’00, was promoted to assistant vice principal of Smith-Cotton Junior High School in Sedalia.

Kimberli Krutsch, ’89, was hired as sales director for Visit Bentonville, Missouri.

Karrie Duke, ’02, ’17, was hired as executive director of Flourish Furniture Bank in Grandview, Missouri.

Timothy Rowden, ’89, has been named editor-in-chief of the St. Louis/ Southern Illinois Labor Tribune.

John Wells, ’92, took a position as architect/ information systems security officer at Alpha Omega Integration.

Patricia Wells, ’92, ’95, assistant vice provost in the University System of Maryland’s Division of Professional Studies, was recognized by the Board of Regents with the 2023–24 Presidential Distinguished Professional Staff Award.

Irasa Downing, ’95, was promoted to principal, Business Human Capital-Branch Development at Edward Jones.

Geoff Jones, ’97, retired as the Columbia police chief in Missouri.

Steve Ritter, ’02, ’07, ’09, a UCM Alumni Foundation Board member, was named the superintendent of Warrensburg R-VI School District.

Tina Ellsworth, ’03, ’10, was elected vice president of the National Social Studies Council (NCSS) for 2023-24.

Taliya King, ’03, has been named president of the board of trustees for The Wilson School in Clayton, Missouri.

Scott Solomon, ’03, a former member of the UCM Alumni Foundation Board of Directors, was recognized as a Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor for 2023.

Kevin Stensberg, ’03, has been named assistant vice provost, student success and residential engagement, at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

C L A S S N OT E S

Angela Flick, ’04, ’08, was hired as assistant principal for Woodridge Middle School in High Ridge, Missouri.

Amanda Jackson, ’05, was named assistant principal of Heber Hunt Elementary School in Sedalia.

Brian Turner, ’05, was promoted to lead media officer for the Clerk’s Office in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Andre Brown, ’06, ’08, was appointed assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion for the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University.

Kenya Clay, ’07, has become a talent acquisition specialist with Orange EV in Riverside, Missouri.

MaryAnne Wilk, ’08, was hired as assistant director of residence life at Eastern Michigan University.

Chi Anne McGrew, ’09, ’10, was hired as principal of Kessler Elementary School at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Chet Kuplen, ’09, creator of the Sports in Kansas media company, was named one

of Ingram’s 2023 “50 Kansans You Should Know.”

Roaring River Fish Hatchery in Cassville, Missouri.

Jesse Briscoe, ’10, was hired as assistant director of first-year programs in the Student Success Center at Pittsburg State.

Chasity Thomas, ’17, was hired as special events coordinator for the St. Louis City Soccer Club.

Nick Wold, ’11, was named principal of Mercer Island High School in Washington state.

Anthony Tarver, ’18, was hired to manage the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport.

Kyle Shell, ’12, was recognized by the New Melle Chamber of Commerce for his community service.

John Goodin, ’19, was selected as principal of Kearney Junior High School in Kearney, Missouri.

Jillian Johnston, ’21, was promoted to branch operations manager for Fastenal in Columbia, Missouri.

John Cleaver, ’22, was hired as a production assistant at KTVO in Kirksville, Missouri.

by Ba rner Co

Marissa, ’15, ’17, ’21, and Jarred Klenda welcomed Ember James Klenda in March 2023.

Stanie Hoover, ’13, was hired as principal at Adrian Elementary School in Adrian, Missouri.

Matthew Faupel, ’13, ’15, received the Cushman and Wakefield Mark of Excellence Award for the St. Louis region.

Brad Driskill, ’14, was named agriculture director at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri.

Jenny Gee, ’15, was promoted to assistant professor of Elementary General and Choral Music Education at San Diego State.

Terry Gerke, ’15, became assistant hatchery manager at

Brian Benton, ’08, welcomed Zaiyah Louise Benton in September 2022.

Karrie Duke, ’02, ’17, welcomed granddaughter Hannah Renae Krumm, daughter of Darrin and Allison Krumm, in January 2023.

Victoria, ’16, ’20, and Ryan, ’12, ’14, ’19, So welcomed Emaline So in March 2023.

Kylie, ’18, and Blake, ’18, Carlin welcomed Kinsley Carlin in March 2023.

Emma, ’18, ’21, and Derek Gardner welcomed Deagan Lee Gardner in December 2022.

Amanda, ’13, and Dustin, ’14, Orton, welcomed Elizabeth Orton in September 2022.

Are you a UCM alum with news to share? Visit ucmfoundation.org/class-notes.

Is your news a baby? Get a free bib when you fill out the form at ucmfoundation.org/baby-news.

University of Central Missouri Magazine

37

IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam The UCM Alumni Foundation holds dear the memory of emeriti, alumni, faculty and friends who have passed away.

Every person listed here was an integral part of the university family and will be missed.

Gordon Scott Bachus

Gordon Scott Bachus, age 89, was born May 29, 1934, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He earned degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas, where he received his doctorate in Education. In 1970, Bachus joined the University of Central Missouri faculty and played an instrumental role in shaping educational leaders for nearly three decades. During this time, he held various academic positions, including heading the newly formed Department of Special Services and serving as graduate coordinator of Educational Leadership. He combined research with a passion for public school education, working with educators to study various topics. Bachus retired from UCM in 1999 as professor emeritus of Education Administration and Adult Education. Prior to his career in higher education, Bachus was a Baptist minister.

Gladys Suzan Brown

Gladys Suzan (Blackmon) Brown, age 70, was born Oct. 25, 1952, in Jackson, Michigan. The family moved to Holden in 1960 where she attended and graduated from Holden High School. Brown was a caring individual, serving as a room mother at her sons’ elementary school for years before becoming an admissions clerk at the University of Central Missouri. From 1991 to 2017, she welcomed and assisted new students as an admissions professional at UCM. In addition to her academic career, Brown was one of the first women firefighter in Holden.

She was also an avid softball player with the Holden Flamingos and attended Holden United Methodist Church.

Jerry R. Brown

Jerry Raye Brown, age 76, was born Sept. 25, 1946, in Missouri. She spent her early life on her parents’ farm in Mayes County, Oklahoma, and graduated from Ruskin High School in Kansas City, Missouri.

Brown went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Central Missouri and a Master of Library Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She returned to UCM in 2000 as an instructor of Library Services and earned her Education Specialist credentials from UCM in 2002. She was quickly granted tenure and promoted to assistant professor, then associate professor, serving in that capacity until her retirement in 2018. Brown particularly enjoyed her role as a library mentor in the McNair Scholars Program.

Richard Raymond Carr

Richard Raymond Carr, age 89, was born Jan. 26, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa. He earned a journalism degree from Kansas State University in 1956 and

38

became news editor of the Pittsburg Morning Sun in Kansas. In a few years, Carr was promoted to news editor of the Pittsburg Headlight, and in 1960 he started his 25-year career as the first full-time public relations director at Pittsburg State University. In 1988, he and his wife, Kathryn, moved to Warrensburg, where she became a reading professor and Literacy Center director for the University of Central Missouri. He served as editor of UCM’s Alumni Today magazine from 1989 until he and Kathryn both retired in 1999. Carr's legacy will live on through memorial contributions to the Carr Graduate Reading Scholarship at UCM and the Warrensburg First United Methodist Church.

Olin Robert Frazier

Olin Robert Frazier, age 93, was born Nov. 11, 1929, on a farm near Cowgill, Missouri. He taught high school business in Smithville, Missouri, before being deployed to Berlin, where he spent 18 months as a steno with the U.S. Military Liaison Mission to the Soviet Union. In 1951, Frazier earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Business Education from the University of Central Missouri. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Western State College of Colorado and a doctorate from Indiana University in Bloomington. In 1958 he accepted a teaching position at UCM and later served as chair of the Department of Business Education and Office Administration, retiring in 1989. Frazier was active in Warrensburg’s First Baptist Church and Oak Grove Bible Church, playing the piano and organ.

Betty Jean Guth

Betty Jean (Stoner) Guth, age 87, was born July 5, 1935, in Honey Creek, Iowa. She joined the University of Central Missouri in 1974 and dedicated the next 21 years of her life to teaching students who were pursuing careers in special education. Guth left the university in 1995 and spent her retirement raising cattle at her country home and traveling with her husband, Durward, who preceded her in death in 2020. She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Sedalia and was known for her support of the local food pantry.

James Dennis Laster

James Dennis Laster, age 75, was born Nov. 12, 1947, in Jefferson City, Missouri. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Missouri State University before enlisting in 1969 in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a cryptologic technician at the Naval Security Group in Augsburg, Germany.

Upon his return to the states, he enrolled at the University of Central Missouri, earning a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1975 and joining UCM’s faculty that same year.

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi and became head of UCM’s Criminal Justice Department before leaving the university in 1981 to attend law school. He served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Cass County, Missouri, then two terms as prosecuting attorney. In 1995, Laster returned to UCM and, in addition to being a full professor, served as advisor for the Pre-Law Student Association and the Mock Trial team before retiring in 2006.

James H. Pendleton

James “Jim” H. Pendleton, age 89, was born July 3, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri. He earned a degree in Accounting in 1955 from the University of Central Missouri, where he played basketball, baseball and tennis. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Pendleton began his nearly 40-year career at Arthur Andersen, rising to the rank of managing partner of the Worldwide Transportation Industry Practice. In 1979 he became a founding board member of UCM’s Alumni Foundation Organization and served as its third president.

In 1982 he was honored with the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Pendleton was a member of the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies Advisory Board and established the Carol and James Pendleton Scholarship in Accounting. He was also a proud Kansas City business and civic leader. One of his most impactful civic contributions was in 1963 as an original member of the Kansas City Chiefs Club, promoting the new AFL team.

Harold P. Sampson

Harold P. Sampson, age 97, was born June 15, 1925, in Jefferson, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces Pacific Ocean Area Command during World War II. Sampson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and Speech Education from the University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, followed by a Master of Science in Speech Communication from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and a Doctor of Philosophy in Rhetoric and Public Address from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He began his 40-year career in education teaching high school before taking a position at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1958. Eight years later, he started his 24-year tenure at the University of Central Missouri as an assistant professor and director of forensics. He later served as chair of the Department of Speech and chair of the Division of Language, Literature and Communication. In 1973 Sampson was appointed dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Extended Campus. He retired in 1990 and moved to Higginsville, where he was a deacon emeritus of First Baptist Church.

IN MEMORIAM

Ames Leslie Stewart

Ames Leslie Stewart, age 86, was born April 11, 1937, in St. Louis. He was introduced to the University of Central Missouri in 1954 as a participant in Missouri Boys State. He returned to UCM to earn his Bachelor of Science in Electronics Technology in 1979, joining the faculty as an assistant instructor the following year. Stewart was promoted to instructor in 1982, the same year he earned his Master of Science in Industrial Vocational Education. He was promoted again to assistant professor in 1986 and held that title until his retirement in December 1995. Prior to working for the university, Stewart served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as an electronics specialist. He also owned and operated a video store, taught a year at Lexington Vocational Technical School and worked at Bendix (Allied Signal).

John Leroy Whitehead

John Leroy Whitehead, age 93, was born Nov. 9, 1929, in Silver City, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War, then worked on the Burlington Northern Railroad as a fireman. In 1967, Whitehead earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Elementary from the University of Central Missouri, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Education/Athletics and Sports Business Administration. He joined the staff in 1968 and served in various positions before being named director of the University Union (now Elliott Student Union). In addition to his full-time job, Whitehead cared for former live mule mascot Roscoe at his family farm and home on West Clark Street. He retired from the university in 1989.

Marvin E. Wright

Marvin E. “Bunky” Wright, age 86, was born Sept. 12, 1936, in Salisbury, Missouri. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of MissouriColumbia in 1958, then served in the U.S. Air Force before returning to earn a law degree in 1964.

Wright served as legal counsel for the University of Missouri System from 1967 to 1979, and as general counsel from 1998 to 2008 – all while working in private practice. In 2008-2009, Wright worked with the University of Central Missouri’s Board of Governors as a consultant and as interim general counsel. He was named to the board in November 2009 and reappointed to a second term in 2016. Throughout his tenure, he served in executive posts that included president and vice president. Honoring his service to higher education, a generous gift was made to the UCM Alumni Foundation establishing the Marvin E. “Bunky” Wright Educational Scholarship for students participating in the THRIVE program.

Make a gift to UCM in a loved one’s memory at ucmfoundation.org/give/in-memory.

1940-1949 Rebecca (Higgins) Brockett, ’43 Dorothy Mae (Peters) Wiggins, ’48, ’75 Mary Ann (Massey) Martin, ’49

1950-1959 Ruth Ann Parkhurst-Darby, ’51 Mary Alice Weber, ’51 Leah Jean Willson, ’52 Norman Lee Barth, ’53 Gordon V. Bradshaw, ’53 Ruth (Dameron) Hammond, ’53 ,’77 John E. Titus, ’53, ’57 Lois Elizabeth (Fehlman) Shipley, ’54 Harvey Lee Kolster, ’55 Jacob “Jake” T. Scherer, ’55, ’58 Charles Lewis Farmer, ’56 Marjorie “Sue” (Veatch) Lister, ’56 Perry Curtis Bales, ’57 Ronald “Ron” Ray Comer, ’57 Joan (Paul) Bland, ’58 William “Bill” Jennings Brown, ’58 Monte R. Kahler, ’58 Barbara Lourene (Limbaugh) Kuncl, ’58 Doris “Elaine” (Wylie) Meyr, ’58 Ruthanne (Zulauf) Phillips, ’58 Robert “Bob” Earl Yockey Jr., ’58 John A. Colley, ’59 Charles William Phillips, ’59

1960-1969 Robert “Bob” D. Conn, ’60, ’63 Martin Edward Dye, ’60, ’64 David Hoyt Kelley, ’60 Helen June (Manking) Bozarth, ’61 James “Jim” Mayo Ellis, ’61 Melvin Dale Poundstone, ’61 Carol Marie (Nicholson) Williams, ’61 Sharon Yvonne (Jones) Winter, ’61 Ray Lee Caskey, ’62 Melinda Gayle (Cook) Stansbury, ’62, ’66 Robin G. Suhl, ’62 Ross E. Coker, ’63 Verlyn Alene (Clark) Hursh, ’63 George “Bill” William Lehman Jr., ’63, ’72 Francis “Gene” Eugene Mudd, ’63 Frank G. Chlipala, ’64, ’67 Shirley Mae (Thoeni) Dover, ’64 DeAnna T. (Lefman) Fulkerson, ’64 Ora Jane Giddens, ’64 Thomas Luther Helms, ’64 James “Jim” Mark Paul, ’64, ’65 Edith Marie Shipman, ’64, ’67, ’83 Gary Ronald Guilford, ’65 Ralph “Wayne” Ruppert, ’65, ’72 James L. Sharpe, ’65 Walter Henry Westrup, ’65, ’67 Larry Ray Clevenger, ’66 Gary Lee Cowdrey, ’66 Linda Esther (Church) Drowns, ’66 Charles Frank Lindberg, ’66 Dale Allen Montgomery, ’66, ’72 Linda (Jensen) Pointer, ’66 Vernon “Vern” Mohler Scott, ’66, ’67 William “Bill” Eugene Fain, ’67

Douglas “Doug” Kent Hamilton Jr., ’67 David “John” Noble, ’67 Mark Hayes Pittman, ’67 Michael “Mike” Albert Sabella, ’67 Gary J. Schwalbe, ’67, ’69 Sondra L. (Shores) Stephens, ’67 Roger Keith Corder, ’68 Dane Jason Bennett, ’69 Samuel “Sam” Ray Davenport, ’69 Teddie Kay (Sink) Farnsworth, ’69 Robert Lewis Henselman, ’69, ’73 Michael Holst, ’69 Gary W. Marsh, ’69 Roger “Stan” Stanley Minnick, ’69 Judith “Judi” (Sihnhold) Domian Nassif, ’69, ’70, ’71 Paul D. Skeans, ’69 John Michael Strain Jr., ’69 Marvin “Clark” Swanson, ’69 Billy Frank Windes, ’69

1970-1979 Alice Virginia (Anderson) Garber, ’70 William “Bill” Beverly Hall Jr., ’70, ’72 Richard “Rick” L. Loft, ’70 Burton Lee Messick, ’70 George Ottimer Reed, ’70 Rosemarie A. (Grasso) Thisdale, ’70, ’72 Dennis John Williamson, ’70 James “Stan” Stanley Woolery, ’70 George M. Arnold, ’71, ’83 John Henry Bartle, ’71 Sadie (Blackmon) Cole, ’71 Francis “Frank” Alva Enos II, ’71 Don L. Feitz, ’71 Mary Elizabeth (Clark) Bentley, ’72 Curtis “Curt” J. Bye, ’72 Robert “Bob” E. Jenkins, ’72 Tommy H. Morgan, ’72 Alden Dale Buerge, ’73 Rockne “Rocky” Kent Gross, ’73 Karen Louise (MacLaggan) Roe, ’73 Johnny “Dean” Swafford, ’73 Patricia “Pat” Ann (Cuele) Wolf, ’73, ’86 Connie Delene Smith, ’74 Earl Dean Stephens, ’74 Gary Franklin Walden, ’74, ’76, ’84 Ronald “Ron” Lee Allee, ’75 Larry J. Anton, ’75 David “Dave” Alan Arnall, ’75, ’87 Mark Lawrence Goslin, ’75 Dennis L. Henry, ’75 Marcia D. Hord, ’75 Richard “Dick” Earl Purnell, ’75 Eleanor Louise (Barton) Reynolds, ’75 Frances Lorene Runge, ’75, ’78 Shirley Ann (Yokley) Smith, ’75 Coleman James Wright, ’75, ’83 Murray Derald Beschnett, ’76 Laurie Sue Jacobsen, ’76 Tommy Lee Jewitt, ’76 Michael “Mike” Chester McIntosh, ’76 Glenn Albert Reding, ’76 Ralph Marion Stonner, ’76 Timothy “Tim” David Vahey Sr., ’76 Carol Margaret Wilson, ’76 June Ann (Beltzer) Bruner, ’77

University of Central Missouri Magazine

39

IN MEMORIAM

Thomas “Tom” John Flick, ’77, ’78 Low “Danny” Daniel Todd, ’77 Thomas “Tom” Henry Condit, ’78 Lorne Joseph Harmon, ’78 Gary Steven Mynatt, ’78 Jerry Lee Arwood, ’79 Thomas “Tom” Eugene Marlow, ’79 Terry Wayne Norwood, ’79 Melanie Aileen Schleininger, ’79 Nedra Louise (Durham) Zimmerschied, ’79, ’90

1980-1989 Lyle C. Cunningham, ’80 Robert “Bob” R. George, ’80 Michael “Mike” Kent Jones, ’80 Michael “Mike” David Nash, ’80 Eric H. Seibel, ’80 Patricia “Patti” Ann (Dines) Vowels, ’80 Kenneth “Ken” Ray West, ’80 Darlene “Dee” Ann (Bueker) Friel, ’81, ’90 Kurt Martin Lutz, ’81 Mark “Dan” Pence, ’81 William “Bill” Reece Tancy, ’81 James “Jim” Douglas Crawford, ’82 Robert “Bob” George Schemenauer, ’82 Todd Duane Schriewer, ’82 Debra Kay Stewart, ’82, ’86 Clarence “Ray” Burns, ’83, ’87, ’00 Marla Beth Maxson, ’83 Paul G. Orvos, ’83 Timothy “Tim” J. Strobel, ’83 Merrie Ann (Woodson) Williams, ’83, ’86 Guy “Alan” Lyberger, ’84 Robert Eugene Motsinger Jr., ’84 Randall “Randy” D. Roberts, ’84 Scott Patrick McMurry, ’86 Angela M. Rucker, ’86 Kathye Asheyll (Watkins) Quick, ’86 Craig Allen Wilhelm, ’86 Paulette Allison (Philipp) Augustine, ’87 Dana Jaylene (Criswell) Greco, ’87 Aaron Randolph Moore, ’87 Audrey Ann (Beeler) Bridges, ’88 Steven “Steve” Thomas Petty, ’88 Douglas “Doug” S. Redhead, ’88 Barbara Ann (Brown) Tilley, ’88 Yousef “Joe” Al-Mohtadi, ’89 Dianne Marie (Tullis) Gonzales, ’89 Julie Ann (Verhulst) Miller, ’89

1990-1999 Kathryn Lynn (Ricker) Paine, ’90 Mark Robert Shaffer, ’91 Carol Ann (Roth) Linneman, ’93 Sharon Kay Van Ostrand, ’93 Susan Marie (Price) Flappan, ’94 Steven “Steve” Ray Shattuck, ’94, ’98 Orlyn A. Heimsoth Sr., ’95 Tony Shawn Rohs, ’95 Darren Keith Vaughn, ’95 Charles Christopher “Chris” Schoenthal, ’97 Bellenda Lee Laughlin, ’98

2000-2009 Zinabu Seyoum Degife, ’00 Tamara Kay Jonas, ’01 Curtis Lee Matthews, ’01

40

Belinda DeAun (Stearman) Young, ’03 Trisha Caye (Lujin) Dorsey, ’04 Ronald “Ron” Keith Gulick Jr., ’04 Jimmy “Jim” Lee Ebers, ’05 Andrew Alan Rives, ’05 Teresa Lynne (Jones) Berry, ’06 André Derrel Green, ’06 John Patrick Lyon, ’08 Andrew Phillip Derrossett, ’09, ’11

2010-2019 Tina L. Charles, ’11 Jamin Tenille Landreth-Juarez, ’12 Michael A. Treece, ’14

2020-2023 Travis Wayne Bishop, ’21 Andrew “Drew” Joseph Proehl, ’22

College High Alumni Roger Dwayne Ellis Verlyn Alene (Clark) Hursh Marla Beth Maxson Ellen B. (DeAtley) Nace Vivian Ruth (Jackson) Parsons Mark Hayes Pittman James “Jim” Clay Powers Dale Franklin Repp Ruby Nadine (Parman) Sullins

Former Students William “Bill” Edward Akin Loretta Alice (Schroeder) Allred Melanie Ann (Teague) Anderson Judith “Judy” Gail (Blackburn) Andrews Vietta (Lampman) Begemann James “Jim” Robert Blackburn Ilagean “Geanie” (Roofener) Blair Henry Monroe Bowers Gene Bremer Terry (Annen) Brosnihan Joy Anne (Selover) Brown Gary Lee Coleman Christopher “Chris” David Crane Richard “Rick” Randall Crews Gary K. Crnic Thomas E. Dewey Richard “Rick” Dutzel Markus Ronald Eldringhoff, Jr Roger Dwayne Ellis Billy Keith Engelhardt Richard Lamont Ersery Thresia Deanne (Crowley) Fewell Homer Lee Foote Gerald “Jerry” Mark Fults Carol Jane (McFadden) George Alison Leigh (Barner) Gerken Paul Nathaniel Gibson Jr. John William Graham Robin Lei Green Odell Hamilton Jr. Diane Jane Hansell Betty Ann (Keithley) Haynes Johnie Bob Hendrix Berneice May (Anderson) Humphreys Charles C. Hunt Jr. Rubyanne Laverne Hunter

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

Rosemarie “Rosie” Ann (Lubsch) Hussey Mary Alice (Chandler) Irvine Kenneth Wayne Johnson Mark Alan Johnson Mary Louise (Meyer) Kahl Mary Lou (Bresee) Kirksey Lenda Kay (Gibler) Leavell Martha “Marti” D. (Nagel) Lester Jimmy “Jim” E. Long Karen Linea (Young) McKenzie Goldsberry Mabrey Roger Thomas Marrone Betty Jean (Maxey-Whorton) Martin Lucy Catherine (McQuitty) McArthur Iowana (Meredith) McBurney Portia (Bynum) McCoy Ethan Lee Obenauer Deborah Lynn Smock Parks Vivian Ruth (Jackson) Parsons Ray Don Paul Jesse Dean Penley George Walker Rea Dale Franklin Repp Jane Ola (Curtis) Riley Lois Mariann (Hackerott) Russell Lillian Jeptoo Saina Margaret L. (Estes) Schlickelman James “Jamie” Douglas Schroeder Darlene A. (Wright) Schuenemeyer Jesse A. Schuler Ruth Ann (Johnson) Sellers Dennis Dareld Sharp Lawrence “Larry” Lee Shoemake Dan Silverthorn Patricia “Pat” Gale (Dutoit) Spears Robert “Bob” Lawrence Stephens Norma Kathleen (Wagaman) Swank Mary Ann (Schifferdecker) Sweeney Joan Lenori Swoboda Gary “Scott” Townsend Rachel Jane (Spry) Twitchell Kathryn “Kit” (Labahn) Voigt Erma Lee (Green) Morris Wainscott Floyd M. Wilkerson Jr. Jeffrey “Jeff” Dale Wiltfang Doris (Jackson) Wittig

Faculty/Staff Herman Richard Bonett Frank G. Chlipala Kenneth “Ken” R. George Theresa M. Monaco James “Jim” Clay Powers Shirley (Robertson) Riedel Steven “Steve” Ray Shattuck Paul D. Skeans Waunita Alean (Arnold) Wade James “Stan” Woolery

Friends Earlene Ann (Ijams) Christie Joyce Lynn (Aurig) Hagerman Shirley Dean (Muller) Hurst Phyllis (Corbett) Steckel James L. Studer Paul Warren Willard Gary Womble

Couple Invests in UCM’s Bright Future

Y

ou never know where you might meet a fellow Mule. Mike Davidson, ’72, worked with several UCM alumni during his three and a half decades with State Farm Insurance.

The team headed up by Mike and Rand Harbert, ’85, conceived one of the industry’s longest-running, most successful advertising campaigns: “Jake from State Farm.” The campaign saw a golden resurgence this NFL season as actor Ryan Reynolds arranged for the current “Jake” to sit next to Donna Kelce at an Eagles game in Philadelphia a week after singersongwriter Taylor Swift was spotted at her side at a Chiefs game in Kansas City.

Rand and Mike also launched the State Farm Marketing and Sales Competition, which is now an annual event where students from universities across the country have come to Warrensburg to test their sales skills and marketing prowess. When Mike retired in 2012, Rand replaced him as State Farm’s vice chairman and chief agency and marketing officer.

Despite Mike’s aptitude for marketing, it was not the career path he expected to take. Mike and Patti Davidson, ’72, were high school sweethearts growing up in Richmond, Missouri.

Mike initially enrolled at Missouri Valley College after receiving scholarships in football and baseball. However, the couple couldn’t stay apart long, and Mike transferred as a sophomore to join Patti at what was then Central Missouri State College. He proposed at Pertle Springs, and they were married during winter break of their junior year. Patti moved out of Yeater Hall and Mike left the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity facility to spend the remainder of their time in married student housing.

“If one of our kids would have told us that they wanted to get married at 20 years old, we would probably have gone ballistic,” Patti says. “But after over 50 years of marriage, I guess it worked out for us.”

In 1972, Patti and Mike both became the first in their families to graduate from college — Mike with a degree in Physical Education and Patti with an Elementary Education degree.

After graduation, they taught for a few years in Excelsior Springs before fraternity brother Jim Kenney encouraged Mike to become a State Farm agent in his hometown of Richmond.

Mike’s career culminated in a move to State Farm’s headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois,

Along with the Davidsons, through documented planned gift intentions the following alumni and friends are now members of UCM’s Heritage Society.

Patti and Mike Davidson where he later retired as the company’s vice chairman and chief agency and marketing officer.

In 2007, Mike received the UCM Alumni Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

That same year the couple founded the first named professorship at UCM: the Mike and Patti Davidson Distinguished Marketing Professorship. The Davidsons recently made an unrestricted (greatest need) planned gift from an Individual Retirement Account.

Establishing this gift was as simple as making the university the beneficiary of an existing IRA. The Davidsons also give annually to the Central Annual Fund supporting initiatives to enhance the student experience and serve the university’s greatest needs.

In addition to investing financially in UCM, the Davidsons give back by volunteering.

From November through April, they reside on Marco Island, Florida, and serve on the leadership team for the MuleNation Florida chapter. They also attend mid-Missouri chapter events when staying at their home in Osage Beach and encourage other alumni to attend an event in their region as one of many ways to reconnect to their alma mater.

One of the most significant ways Mike has connected is by serving for the past eight years on the UCM Alumni Foundation Board of Directors.

“You really are privileged to get a firsthand, real-time snapshot of what the situation is on campus,” he says of the perspective serving on the board provides. “You get a firm idea of what the needs are. … The university is very well-run and is definitely not an organization that is satisfied with the status quo. The future of UCM is undeniably bright.”

R. Tyler Habiger has made provisions for his planned gift to create a new scholarship endowment for graduate students pursuing a degree in History, and a named endowed opportunity fund to provide unrestricted support for the greatest needs at the university, by designating the UCM Alumni Foundation as a beneficiary on his life insurance policy.

Homer and Becky Kay, both ’78, have documented their intentions to provide continued support for the established Homer & Becky Kay “I Matter” Scholarship Endowment for Operation Breakthrough Ignition Lab through a donor-advised fund.

Professor Emerita Mary McCord and her husband, Henry Croes, have named the UCM Alumni Foundation as a beneficiary of their trust to provide financial support for entrepreneurship and social enterprise education at UCM. Brent Ross, ’89, ’90, has named the UCM Alumni Foundation as a beneficiary of his retirement plan through his employer in order to endow the Ross Safety Research Fund in honor of Don and Donis, ’93, Ross.

There are many ways to leave your legacy!

To learn more, contact the UCM Alumni Foundation at 660-543-8000, giving@ucmo.edu or ucmo.giftlegacy.com.

University of Central Missouri Magazine 41

AT H L E T I C S

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

MULES BASEBALL Mules Baseball enjoyed another fantastic season in 2023, compiling an overall record of 43-15 and an MIAA mark of 27-6. The Mules captured the program’s 29th MIAA Regular Season Championship and 16th MIAA Postseason Tournament Title. UCM advanced to the NCAA-II regional tournament for the 33rd time in program history and hosted a regional at Crane Stadium/Tompkins Field in Warrensburg for the 19th time. Thirteen student-athletes garnered All-MIAA accolades, highlighted by MIAA Coach of the Year Kyle Crookes and First Team honorees Conner Wolf, JD McReynolds, Jack Schark, Carter Young and Vance Tobol. McReynolds, Tobol and Young were named All-Americans. In addition, the Mules earned the American Baseball Coaches’ Association Team Academic Excellence Award for their performance in the classroom.

Mules pitchers Harrison Babbitt and Luke Livian, pictured above, had an amazing experience this summer playing with the Aussie Drop Bears in the first-ever international Banana Ball game. Although two of their matches were rained out (also a first for this emerging sport), Harrison and Luke got to slide around with the Savannah Bananas for two games at Georgia’s Grayson Stadium.

WINTER/SPRING 2022-23 MULES BASKETBALL

The 2022-23 Mules Basketball team finished the season with an overall record of 11-17 and 7-15 in MIAA play under ninth-year Head Coach Doug Karleskint. The Mules ended the season with the second most steals per game (7.86) while collecting the fourth most assists (375), the fourth best turnover margin (3.04) and the fourth best assist/turnover ratio (1.11) in the conference. Redshirt senior forward Gaven Pinkley was named to the 2023 All-MIAA Honorable Mention team and ended his career with 1,379 points, tying him with Spencer Reaves (2015-18) for seventh in all-time scoring, while his 167 made three-pointers is fifth most in program history.

Upon completion of the season, Doug Karleskint resigned, and the search for the 25th head coach resulted in the hiring of Adam Bohac from Southern Nazarene University out of the GAC Conference. Bohac led the Crimson Storm to a 312-146 overall record, including four conference regular season championships, two conference tournament titles and four NCAA tournament appearances in 14 seasons.

Gaven Pinkley

MULES WRESTLING

Mules Wrestling opened the 2022-23 season under new Head Coach Cody Garcia with three straight tournaments where they picked up eight place-winners. Later, at the Bongo Bayly Open, the Mules placed 12 individuals, a tournament-high for the season. The Mules hosted the Roger Denker Open in Warrensburg, where they picked up six place-winners.

UCM’s dual match action was highlighted by a 28-19 victory over the Newman Jets on Senior Night, Feb. 13. In the postseason, the Mules finished sixth out of 11 teams at the NCAA Division II Super Regional before advancing Darick Lapaglia and Tommy Frezza to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. Lapaglia earned First Team All-MIAA honors, while Nolan Saale was a Second Team honoree.

42

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

Darick Lapaglia

AT H L E T I C S

JENNIES BASKETBALL

Jennies Basketball went 25-5 overall and finished second in the MIAA with a conference mark of 19-3. UCM finished runner-up at the MIAA Women’s Basketball Championship in Kansas City and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II Central Regional in Duluth, Minnesota. The berth in the big dance was UCM’s 24th in program history.

The Jennies started the season in a historic manner, winning their first 16 games to set a new program record for most victories to begin a season. Two Jennies earned AllMIAA accolades: Brooke Littrell was named the conference’s Player of the Year and a First Team All-MIAA honoree. She became the seventh player in Jennies Basketball history to earn multiple All-American honors in a career after being named a WBCA Coaches’ All-American. She also received D2CCA Third Team All-American recognition and was a D2CCA First Team All-Central Region honoree.

Olivia Nelson garnered MIAA All-Defensive Team and Second Team All-MIAA accolades, along with the inaugural MIAA “A Game” Scholar Award, recognizing one individual who has contributed to their team’s success while also achieving the highest academic standard among their peers. Nelson earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average with 103 credits completed as a Chemistry major.

JENNIES SOFTBALL

Jennies Softball enjoyed a resurgence in 2023 as they ended the year with a record of 33-21 overall and 16-10 in MIAA play under Coach Susan Anderson, who picked up her 500th win in her 17th year as head coach.

Senior left fielder Ashlyn Cook became the sixth player in program history to collect 200 career hits, ending her career with 223, the second most hits by a Jennie. Fellow senior third baseman Jessica Sader also eclipsed 200 career hits, finishing with 210, good enough for sixth best in program history.

MULES GOLF The 2022-23 Mules golf team posted two tournament wins and nine Top 10 finishes in 11 tournaments. Their two first-place finishes were back-to-back, as the Mules won the NSIC Preview Invitational on March 28 before a thrilling, three-hole playoff victory over Missouri Western at Mules National Golf Club on April 4. Individually for UCM, Alex Gentry captured the 2023 MIAA Men’s Golf Individual Championship and posted a team-best four Top 5 performances. Gentry earned All-MIAA men’s golf honors for his performance during the season.

Alex Gentry

Be a super fan! Support the student-athletes on your team with a gift to ucmfoundation.org/muletrain.

Brooke Littrell

JENNIES GOLF The 2022-23 Jennies Golf season was one for the history books, as the Jennies captured the program’s first-ever MIAA Women’s Golf Championship and won a school-record four tournaments. In addition, Rosie Klausner became UCM’s first women’s golf All-American as she earned WGCA Second Team All-American honors. Klausner was also a First Team All-MIAA and WGCA All-Central Region honoree.

Joining Klausner on the All-MIAA First Team and WGCA All-Central Region Team was Hayley Jones.

McKenna Rice earned Honorable Mention All-MIAA accolades, while Head Coach Chris Port was named the MIAA Women’s Golf Coach of the Year and Mia Rallo garnered MIAA Freshman of the Year honors.

The Jennies also excelled in the classroom, as Jones, Rice and Claire Solovic earned WGCA All-American Scholar accolades, and the team ranked No. 21 on the WGCA Top 25 for team GPA. University of Central Missouri Magazine

43

AT H L E T I C S

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD

UCM President Roger Best has been appointed to a two-year term as the next chair of the MIAA CEO Council. The council consists of presidents from all 14 MIAA member institutions. It oversees the governance of the MIAA through budget oversight, policy setting and future planning. The council also appoints and leads the MIAA commissioner.

Matt Howdeshell was named UCM’s vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, following in the footsteps of Jerry Hughes.

Matt comes to UCM after serving in athletics at Northern Arizona University for more than 12 years, most recently as senior associate athletic director for Administration and Capital Projects. He earned his bachelor’s degree in History Education from Missouri State University, followed by Master of Educational Leadership and Doctor of Educational Leadership degrees from NAU.

WINTER/SPRING 2022-23

Roger J. Best

Matt Howdeshell

Mules and Jennies Track and Field tallied a combined six AllAmericans at the 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in Pueblo, Colorado, highlighting another outstanding season for both programs. Evans Yamoah paced UCM, finishing as the national runner-up and an All-American in the high jump after clearing a school-record height of 2.21m (7-3.00) on his third and final attempt. It was his second-career high jump All-American honor. In the pole vault, Madi Wulfekotter secured her fourth-career All-American honor after placing third while Reagan Ulrich picked up his fifth-career All-American award with a third-place finish and Jack Hodge earned his third-career All-American honor after finishing eighth. Kayla Goodwin and Claire Luallen wrapped up the All-American performances for UCM. Goodwin earned her ninth-career All-American honor after finishing seventh in the women’s heptathlon while Luallen secured her second All-American recognition at UCM, finishing eighth in the women’s heptathlon. Goodwin, Wulfekotter and Hodge all earned prestigious College Sports Communicators Academic All-America honors for their performances in competition and in the classroom, while both the Mules and Jennies teams received the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Award.

UCM’s Board of Governors voted to rename the Multipurpose Building the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center. The facility, which was built in 1976, became Hughes’ “home away from home” during a 40-year career in athletics leadership in which he saw 10 team-based national championships.

Join the university community for a dedication of the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center at 11:30 a.m.

February 17, 2024. Keep an eye on our social media for more details closer to the event date.

Madi Wulfekotter

Evans Yamoah

Jerry Hughes

JENNIES BOWLING

Jennies Bowling competed in 12 tournaments during the 2022-23 regular season. The team earned seven Top 10 finishes and two back-to-back Top 5 finishes at the Maryville University Saints Classic and Lewis University Flyer Invitational.

The Jennies started their season hot, placing in the Top 10 in their first six tournaments. They later earned their sixth Top 10 finish at the always tough Nebraska Big Red Classic before finishing 12th in their final regular season tournament, the Vanderbilt University Music City Classic.

The Jennies regular season performance earned them the fourth seed going into the GLVC Women’s Bowling Tournament. UCM split both days of the tournament, defeating Lewis University and falling to top-ranked McKendree on Day 1 prior to taking down Quincy, and dropping an elimination contest to second-seeded Maryville University on Day 2. Norma Alicia Romero Alarid and Andrea Perez Perez were both named to the All-GLVC Second Team, while Cayla Bortz earned the James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award.

The Jennies finished their season with a 72-48 NCAA record and earned their 27th consecutive postseason berth.

44

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine

Andrea Perez Perez

University of Central Missouri Magazine

45

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Warrensburg, MO 64093 Permit No. 102

P. O. BOX 8 0 0 WA RREN S BURG, MO 64 0 9 3 -5 0 3 8

SNOUTS OUT

FOR YOUR SUPPORT! “Snouts Out” is a symbol of UCM — a source of pride and belonging.

It derives from the university’s century-old mascot: the mule. UCM students and alumni embody many qualities of the mule, including hard work, strength, intelligence and perseverance.

When making the “Snouts Out” hand sign, your pointer and pinky fingers point up to symbolize the mule’s ears, and your thumb and middle fingers press together to represent the mule’s snout.

No matter where you go, fellow alumni will recognize “Snouts Out” as a symbol of pride in MuleNation.

Once a Mule or Jennie, always a Mule or Jennie!

Help new generations of students discover what UCM stands for! Make your tax-deductible gift to the Central Annual Fund today at ucmfoundation.org/give/magazine.

Thank you for your support!

46

Fall 2023 | ucmfoundation.org/magazine