TODAY - Fall 2010

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university of central missouri

Think about the benefits of making a Charitable Gift Annuity to Central Missouri.

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Income tax deduction

The charitable income tax deduction varies according to your age and is taken in the year the gift is made.

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Favorable capital gains treatment

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Tax-free portion

If you make the gift with appreciated property, you generally avoid paying capital gains taxes on the gift portion of the transfer.

The payments you receive may be partially tax-free, whether they begin now or in the future. For gifts established with appreciated property, the payments also will be partially taxed at capital gains tax rates.

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Lifetime payments

You (and/or a second individual) receive a fixed and secure amount for life.

Estate taxes

If you are the sole annuitant, the payments cease at death and are not included as part of your estate. If your spouse is the remaining annuitant, his or her interest may qualify for the estate tax marital deduction. If an individual other than a spouse is the remaining annuitant, the value of the remaining payments is included in your estate for estate tax consideration.

Charitable Gift Annuity Are you interested in enjoying these benefits?

Are you at or near retirement age?

Learn more at ucmo.edu/plannedgiving or call for an individual consultation.

Contact: Dale Carder Interim Executive Director of the UCM Foundation

email: carder@ucmo.edu phone: 660-543-8000 toll-free: 866-752-7257

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2 New Spice for Old Spice Pesky television commercials. Most of the time they simply irritate us, but every now and then one captures our attention and becomes embedded in American culture.

Mean Joe Greene. The Apple computer. Cindy Crawford drinking the icy Pepsi. The Budweiser-croaking frogs. Eric Baldwin, a University of Central Missouri graduate, helped to create what may become another such classic.

FALL 2010, VOL. 10 NO. 2

Published by the Office of Alumni Relations and Development. © 2010

by University of Central Missouri.

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

Send your address updates to alumni@ucmo.edu or telephone, 660-543-8000 or toll-free, 1-866-752-7257.

Editor

Dalene Abner ’09 Designer

Julie Babcock Photographer

Bryan Tebbenkamp ’03 Class Notes

Jody Ritter Today (USPS 019-888) is published quarterly by the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Printed by Greystone Graphics, 101 Greystone, Kansas City, KS 66103. Periodicals postage paid at Warrensburg, MO, and additional offices.

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

F E ATURE S

8 Something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to Beebes Honored as 2010 Distinguished Alumni

11 Merging Three Worlds

Baile Receives 2010 UCM Distinguished Alumni Award

12 A Business Lesson in Freedom

Loya Honored as 2010 UCM Distinguished International Alumnus

14 The Nature of Oz

Hawksley Marks Missouri and Students with Conservation Zeal

20 Selling Success

State Farm Funds National Competition at UCM

SECTIONS

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Campus Currents

18 Philanthropy 24 Class Notes 27 Awards & Honors 28 In Memoriam

University of Central Missouri | today

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THE

UCM GR AD IND

ITS

INGENIOUS

BEH

COMM

P

esky television commercials. Most of the time they simply irritate us , b u t e v e ry now and t h en o ne ca p t u r es o u r attention and becomes embedded in American culture.

Mean Joe Greene and the kid in the tunnel. The Apple computer. Cindy Crawford drinking the icy Pepsi. The Budweiser-croaking frogs. Then there are the phrases we adopt, such as “wassup, just do it, got milk, plop plop fizz fizz, where’s the beef, or that’s a spicy meatball.”

Eric Baldwin, a University of Central Missouri graduate, has helped to create what may become another such classic. The 1999 alumnus is a creative director for Old Spice’s The Man Your Man Could Smell Like commercial. It’s a big hit with the public, the media and creative critics.

With more than 20 million views, the commercial is one of the top 10 viral videos of all time on YouTube. This summer, it also won three massive industry awards: the best-in-show single commercial distinction from the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, a Film Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Federation and the Creative Arts Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial.

The latter was a celebrity-studded event at the Nokia Theatre in Los

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ERCI

ALS

20 million views, the commercial is one o f top 10 viral videos o f all time on Y o u T u be . T his s u mmer , it also won 3 massive industry awards.

W ith more than the

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“ IT

TOOK AN

OLD, S L BRAN EEPY D AND

W O K E I T U P.”

Posing with his Colleagues and the celebrities

Angeles, congratulating such other awardwinners as Betty White, Neil Patrick Harris and Ryan Seacrest.

“Winning the Emmy was a surreal experience. It was such a great honor to be recognized by the entertainment industry,” Baldwin says. “I heard from my parents after winning the Emmy. It just seems to be an award that more people are familiar with.”

Baldwin is a creative director at the ad agency, Wieden+Kennedy, headquartered in Portland, OR. He joined the company as an art director in 2006 after having worked for agencies in St. Louis and San Francisco.

“I followed my brother to UCM. I loved the campus when I visited there,” Baldwin says. “Since I was paying for my own schooling, I also liked its affordability.

I also appreciated the art program’s accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.”

After graduating with a bachelor of fine arts degree from UCM, Baldwin worked as a graphic designer for agencies such as Phoenix Creative and Zipatoni in St. Louis. In 2003, he moved to San Francisco and became a designer and art director at Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners.

He ran the design department there before moving to W+K, where he quickly proved himself. His progression from designer to art director to creative director built on his

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who they have either worked with producing commercials or met receiving major industry awards, UCM graduate eric baldwin is part of the team behind the old spice man phenomenon.

visual skills. Each advancement increased his responsibility level for integrated campaigns, scripts, taglines, mentoring, client management and strategy.

At W+K, after producing award-winning work for CareerBuilder.com and Target (you might remember last year’s holiday commercials with comedian Maria Bamford), he was promoted to creative director for Old Spice and Electronic Arts. His recent work for EA has earned him honors, too, from Cannes and other competitions, but it’s the Old Spice ads most people recall.

The commercial features Isaiah Mustafa, a former NFL wide receiver with a polished sense of humor and washboard abs. In a cheeky appeal to “ladies,” the shirtless, towel-wrapped actor recites a monologue about how anything is possible if their men use Old Spice.

Hailed for its classic filming techniques, the commercial has only one computergenerated image, the diamonds and body wash rising from Mustafa’s palm. It was shot in a single uninterrupted take that shifts the setting from the shower to a yacht to Mustafa riding a horse. Most people remember the horse.

ERIC BALDWIN CREATIVE DIRECTOR F O R O L D S P I C E ’ S “ T H E M A N Y O U R M A N C O U L D S M E L L L I K E ” C O M M E R C I A L . it’S A HIT W I T H T H E u cm g rad

IS A

P U B L I C , T H E M E D I A A N D C R E AT I V E C R I T I C S .

“It took an old, sleepy brand and woke it up,” critiques Mark Tutsell, global creative officer of Leo Burnett Worldwide. He adds that it showed the “power of creativity to ignite a sleeping giant.”

Hearing this comment, Baldwin quickly adds, “That quote always strikes me funny. When Old Spice came to W+K four years ago, they were questioning whether or not to kill the brand. Working with W+K was a last ditch effort. We’ve done a lot of award-winning work over the past four years and have gained a lot of trust with our clients, as well as reviving love for the brand with young males.

We wouldn’t have been able to create the latest campaign without first reinvigorating the brand over the past four years.”

There were actually four television commercials featuring Mustafa. In the second ad, he rides a horse backward. In the third, he goes from the shower, to log rolling, to walking across water, to baking a gourmet cake, to constructing a dream kitchen to swan diving into a hot tub that collapses to a running motorcycle. In the fourth, Mustafa explains the benefits of a moustache.

Stephanopoulos, Olympics speed skater Apolo Ohno and gossip blogger Perez Hilton. “We purposefully selected people with huge online followings,” he says, and it worked. Even bigger than that, they seeded the work with online communities such as Anonymous, Digg and Redit.

Baldwin has worked with many celebrities producing marketing materials for Old Spice. There was Will Ferrell in his Semi-Pro movie role as Jackie Moon. There’s also been LL Cool J, Ray Lewis (in the current commercial, covered in soapsuds riding away from the shower on a bird), Brian Urlacher and Tony Stewart.

Getting attention in today’s overloaded television commercial world is not easy.

Baldwin says his philosophy originated in a

class taught by his favorite UCM art history teacher, Leroy McDermott.

“He would always talk about Ernst Haeckel and his theory, Ontogeny Recapitulates Phylogeny. Somehow that stuck in my head,” says Baldwin.

“The theory talks about how the growth of a species can be summarized in the growth of the individual. The theory is false, but McDermott applied it to art and it made sense. Looking at it from that perspective, if you study everything that came before you and everything going on around you now, only then can you make something fresh and new. Picasso, for one, is evidence of this.

I didn’t do well in Dr. McDermott’s classes, but I always enjoyed them and that theory has long been my mantra.”

eric baldwin has used humor in producing campaigns In both his agency and freelance career. humor and online interaction contributed to old spice’s marketing success. As people tweeted the old spice man, baldwin was part of the team behind the scenes furiously writing jokes and finding props.

Even greater than the buzz created by the commercials was the buzz generated by the social media strategy on YouTube that followed.

“We produced the spots, 186 commercials in all, in 2 ½ days,” Baldwin says. “It was part of our strategy from the start, but doing it got pretty crazy. We worked as a fourman team: me, Jason Bagley, Craig Allen and Eric Kallman. Three of us would write while the other directed. It was probably the most creative and collaborative project I’ve ever been part of.”

Part of their strategy was to feature responses to inquiries from celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Demi Moore, Christina Applegate, Alyssa Milano, George

University of Central Missouri | today

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campus currents

UCM Drumline Leader Entertaining Chiefs Fans Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is

drum set, and auxiliary percussion instruments in the

known for its loud, enthusiastic fans. This fall, another

front of the band.” Sekelsky, former Marching Mules

fan added to its crazy environment when Central

band director, started the format in 1996.

Missouri junior Ian McClaflin was selected to join the team’s drumline, the Chiefs Rumble.

Central Missouri’s drumline features five bass drums, four cymbals, six snare drums and two tenor drums. The 10

“When I heard they were holding auditions, I sent them

members in the Frontline Ensemble perform everything

a tape while I was on tour with a marching drum corps

from marimba and timpani to slide whistle and shaker.

this summer,” he says. “Being a diehard Chiefs fan, this job is a dream come true.”

The competitive process to make the drumline began with 40 students last May, Sekelsky says. “The audience

The Rumble began in 2009, making Kansas City the

sees the 27 students who worked the most diligently

14th of the 32 NFL cities to have an official drumline.

on their playing technique and musicianship, showed

Rumble members roam the parking lots and provide

outstanding attitudes, had a love for UCM and Mules

a soundtrack for one of NFL’s greatest tailgating

athletics, and had a personality that could be featured

experiences. McClaflin also shares his brand of

in the drumline shows,” he notes. They practice six

imaginative, stimulating musicianship with Mules’ fans.

hours a week — four hours with the Marching Mules

The music performance major is a member of the UCM

and two with the drumline.

Marching Mules and team leader of the snare drums.

McClaflin marched one season with the University of

Music professor Michael Sekelsky notes the UCM

Missouri before transferring to Central Missouri where

drumline predates his arrival to campus 26 years ago.

he, too, tried out for UCM’s drumline. “I just enjoy the

“The difference now is that we have both a battery

fun we have in our section,” he says.

section, which is the group that marches on the field, in parades and does the drumline show for fans, as well as a Frontline Ensemble, the keyboard, timpani,

Drumlines fascinate audiences, says Sekelsky, because of their rhythm and fast-paced visual nature. “Most people relate to a strong, interesting, recurring beat.

Blend that with speed, stick twirls, body movement, a little dash of the unexpected, and you have the UCM Drumline,” he explains.

He notes that the high-energy show presented to audiences during halftime, tailgating and pregame shows is McClaflin’s original product. “Not only is he one of the most talented and hard-working percussionists that UCM has had, but he also is one of the most creative. The recent popularity of our drumline is because of him.”

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A Lesson from Hiroshima Survivors

60 students, and South Korea, China and

Courses relate directly to the curriculum

Kenya, each with 35.

and incorporate assignments and activities

In addition to increases in African-American and Hispanic students, he observed that graduate student enrollment reached a decade high.

Grant Expands Retrofit Workforce Pilot Program With cooperation from key partners

that teachers can put to use immediately in their classrooms. Subjects cover a wide range of areas, including instructional strategies, instructional technology, math, reading, language arts and science. Learn more at www.ucmo.edu/teacherline.

Family of the Year Honors

in business, industry, community and government, a pilot program is being Three survivors of the atomic bombing

developed by the University of Central

that ended World War II left a powerful

Missouri to promote and expand “green”

impression on the Central Missouri and

consumer demand while also training and

Warrensburg communities this fall. They

mobilizing an energy retrofit workforce.

engaged nearly 3,200 people during the

The university has received a $190,000

week they were here.

Missouri State Energy Sector Partnership

In addition to the lecture, No More

and Training grant to establish the program,

Hiroshimas: Stories of War and Peace

the only one of its kind nationally that

in Hendricks Hall, they presented their

focuses specifically on the residential

personal stories 22 times to 26 classes.

energy-efficiency sector.

Kiyomi Kohno was 14 years old, Sadae

The program addresses the need for more

she talked about the valuable lessons her

qualified personnel to conduct energy

family learned coping with her younger

audits and energy retrofit projects covering

brother’s illness, earned them honors this

a wide range of household improvements

fall as the 2010 Family of the Year.

to curb energy usage, which results in

“My family has not just strengthened me

Kasaoka was 13, and Emiko Okada was eight during the Aug. 6, 1945, bomb attack.

They shared their individual stories of survival and their joint commitment to peace. They were accompanied by three interpreters as well as a media specialist and the co-director of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan.

Their visit was part of UCM’s observation of Unity Week. Other activities included a paper crane folding event; the documentary, White Light, Black Rain; and the art exhibit, No More Hiroshimas: Remembrances of War, Calls for Peace.

Student Count Exceeds 11,000 Some 11,351 students are taking classes at the University of Central Missouri this fall, marking the sixth consecutive year of enrollment growth.

utility cost savings for the homeowner.

hard to survive but for Anna Nabzdyk, it was even more difficult. Her essay, where

as a person; they form me as a person,”

“Through partnerships, we’re building

wrote the graphic design major. “Through

a foundation for the home energy

my family’s guidance, I have found who I

retrofit industry that will create career

am and where I am going. The values they

opportunities for a wide range of people

instilled in me have shaped my life goals,

considering this field. Once proven locally,

including a college degree so I can better

the program is planned to extend across

serve the world. They continually challenge

Missouri and, potentially, across our nation,”

and inspire me to realize and fulfill my

says Scott Boyce, Workforce Development

potential while giving me the support I

representative in UCM’s School of Graduate

don’t always deserve. Most importantly, my

and Extended Studies.

family has taught me how to love, which

New Learning Opportunity for K-12 Teachers With a long history of working with PBS through campus public television station KMOS-TV, the University of Central Missouri

Bob Adebayo, director of institutional

is strengthening that partnership while

research, says the data shows 160 more

providing professional development

students are enrolled this semester, up

opportunities for K-12 educators. The

1.4 percent from a year ago. He notes the

School of Graduate and Extended Studies,

increase is driven mostly by larger numbers

College of Education, and College of

of minority and international students.

Science and Technology are participating in

“This is our largest number of international

Many students find their freshman year

PBS TeacherLine.

is the greatest gift they could ever give me.”

Family members were recognized during halftime of the Sept. 25 Mules vs. Washburn football game. Posing with UCM President Chuck Ambrose, they include sophomore Anna Nabzdyk, center; her father, Ray; sisters Elsie and Becky; her mother, Heidi; and brother, Wally.

RECORD-BREAKING FALL Central Missouri athletic teams had one of the most successful seasons

students in five years,” he explains.

UCM is one of only two partnering

in school history this fall.

Students are attending UCM from 56

institutions in Missouri to provide offerings

At one point, every sport

countries with the largest number, 133,

through this completely online program and

was nationally ranked.

coming from India. Joining the top five

is one of only eight institutions in the nation

Follow the Mules and Jennies

sending countries are Saudi Arabia, with

offering graduate credit opportunities.

at ucmo.edu/athletics.

University of Central Missouri | today

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Something

As debaters at Central Missouri, Susan and Steven

to do

Beebe talked about writing a public speaking

love

is a bestseller used in college classrooms

someone to and something to

lo o k forward to

textbook together. Forty years later, their book, Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others, throughout the world, including UCM. The Beebes, who first met when both decided to join the Talking Mules debate team, are acclaimed academicians at Texas State University-San Marcos. Susan ’73 is director of lower-division studies for the Department of English; Steve ’72, ’73 is regents and university distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Communication Studies and associate dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

The two were honored Oct. 22 when the UCM Alumni Association presented them the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award.

The couple noted that receiving the award together was especially meaningful since Central Missouri has so influenced their lives. In addition to meeting each other, they developed lifelong interests, such as travel and opera, when they experienced both for the first time at UCM. “To be happy, someone once said, a person must have three things: something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to. Over the past 40 years, my UCM education has fulfilled for me all three requirements, making it possible for me to live a happy and successful life,” says Susan.

Since that first book, the Beebes collaborated on many communication studies textbooks and received countless awards.

Susan has received the Texas State Presidential Award for Excellence in Service as well as all three Texas State College of Liberal Arts awards for excellence in teaching, in scholarly and creative activities, and in service. She’s listed in Who’s Who in American Education

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and Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.

Her leadership in building a volunteers in public school program resulted in her being honored as a State of Texas Friend of Education by the Texas Classroom Teachers’ Association.

Steve is a leading international author of communication texts. He has been a visiting scholar at both Oxford and Cambridge universities in England and has given lectures and conference presentations throughout Europe, Asia and Central America. He is in demand as a communication consultant, trainer, executive coach and conference speaker.

He was named Outstanding Communication Professor in America by the National Speakers Association and was selected as the first Regents’ Professor in the Texas State University System. He recently was elected president-elect of the National Communication Association, the oldest and largest communication association in the world.

Steve credits his successes to his UCM experience, and he keeps two favorite mementos in his office. One is a cape from a Marching Mules band uniform; the other is a black and white photo of the 1971 Talking Mules. Both Beebes are in the picture, as well as Richard Cheatham, then the team’s assistant coach and now dean of the college where Steve teaches.

Taken on the steps of the the-new Martin Building, the photo is 40 years old.

“Each day that image reminds me how much UCM has been central in enriching both my family and career. UCM has indeed enriched my life – a wonderful life,” he says.

B EE B E S HO N ORED AS

2010 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

The Beebes, who first met when b oth decided to join the Talking M ul es debate tea m, a re acc la imed academicians at Texas State University-San Marcos.

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Even though he has experienced life on many campuses during his career, Baile says his deepest ties are to UCM .

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BAILE RECEIVES

2010

UCM DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD Humans started using biotechnology when they first planted crops and raised animals. When people next questioned how food processes work, such as fruit turning into wine or milk becoming cheese and yogurt, the study of biotechnology began.

MERGINGTHREEWORLDS For his entire career, Clifton Baile has studied biotechnology. That includes 28 years in academia and faculty positions at two Ivy League universities as well as 17 years in industry. His success in taking university research to industry is so great that it was cited in Nature as a “model for others to emulate.”

in first grade through College High. His father, two sisters, brother and numerous cousins also graduated from College High.

As the D.W. Brooks Distinguished Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar of Agricultural Biotechnology at the University of Georgia, he has leveraged a heightened understanding of transferring research results to industry. During his research at Harvard, Pennsylvania and Georgia universities, he focused on controls of food intake and obesity, specializing in biotechnology.

“My UCM training served me well for the many challenges of a career in science and in combining science and technology with business,” he says. “I have had successes in academia and in industry managing projects involving teams of hundreds of people and hundreds of millions of dollars. I have leveraged these experiences in founding and managing eight biotechnology companies.”

Baile says the experience was invaluable.

“College High was pivotal for my career choices. It was designed to train teachers.

As students, we experienced many new teachers every year and benefited from Baile’s vita covers more than 42 pages and their high energy and fresh methods,” he lists in small type the lectures, seminars and explains. symposia he’s presented throughout the His wife of 50 years, Beth, attended UCM United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Israel, and finished two degrees at the University Russia and Australia. His achievements of Missouri. Their son, Christopher, include more than 300 abstracts, 350 journal graduated from UCM in 2000. Baile still articles, 18 patents and $50 million in owns a portion of the family farm just research and faculty grants. outside Warrensburg.

For these and other remarkable achievements, Baile received the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from the UCM Alumni Association. He was honored Oct. 22 as part of the university’s homecoming festivities.

Even though he has experienced life on many campuses during his career, Baile says his deepest ties are to UCM. His family also has deep roots in Warrensburg. The 1962 agriculture and business graduate practically grew up on Central Missouri’s campus, attending the lab school starting

Baile is the current CEO of InsectiGen, Inc. and AptoTec, Inc. His industrial experience includes titles of distinguished fellow and director of research and development for Monsanto, and manager of research for SmithKline and French. He has guided other researchers and entrepreneurs as they look for ways to create companies based on promising scientific research to fight diseases like cancer, obesity and osteoporosis. Asked why, he says that he “envisions biotechnology for a crowded planet providing better and healthier foods and disease prevention.”

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Loya Honored as 2010 Distinguished International Alumnus

From his college days at the University of Central Missouri, Shree Loya embraced the heart of the American dream: that by working hard, there was no limit to what he could achieve.

He returned to his homeland of India determined to succeed in business. First, he would have to quit his job, paying him $100 a month. Next, he would have to develop partners to get start-up money. He had one solid asset, the master of business administration degree that he earned from UCM in 1974.

A Business Lesson in “When I came to Warrensburg, India was a closed economy with heavy leftist leanings, officially aiming to achieve a socialistic pattern of society and modeling their economy on the Soviet Union. Profit was a bad word and the government manufactured everything,” he says.

Now, India is the fourth largest economy in the world, and the biscuit (or cookie as we know them in America) manufacturing industry that Loya embraced is the third largest, second only to the United States and China.

Since graduating from Central Missouri, Loya utilized his classes in research methods, management accounting and computers to start five cookie manufacturing plants in different parts of India. He currently owns and operates two of them, employing about 600 people and producing about 130 tons of cookies a day. He’s manufactured cookies for some of the world’s largest brands, such as Kellogg’s, Britannia and Glaxo SmithKline. His business ventures also include furniture, engineering goods and imports/exports of vegetable oil, cocoa and ventilation equipment.

Loya was honored on campus Oct. 22 when he received the UCM Alumni Association’s 2010 Distinguished International Alumnus Award.

“UCM gave me an education,” he says, “and America gave me the attitudes that I carry today.

America taught me equality of humans, the dignity of labor and freedom of speech.”

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He recalls attending Central Missouri as a college student in the early 1970s and being amazed by the “total freedom of speech” he observed during the Watergate scandal. “It taught me to trust and become trustworthy. These are the things the country taught me. I was only 21 years old and very impressionable. America was my teacher in terms of freedom. Thank you, UCM, for this honor and thank you, USA.”

Loya’s colleagues attribute his success to his innovative ideas, analytical skills and work ethic.

Loya will tell you that UCM had a profound impact on both his abilities and attitudes, especially in his exposure to Western culture and free enterprise market ideals.

The most valuable lesson Loya learned at UCM didn’t come from books but from people.

“It changed my philosophy of the way the planet should work in terms of economics,” he says. Being from India, he says he was expected to embrace socialism or communism. He chose capitalism and views his business success as a result of that thinking. His approach is a mixture of Western entrepreneurship and Eastern fatalism.

He observes, “Success can never be expressed as a mathematics formula. You put this in and you get out this much. Many people put in effort. Some get rewarded more and others less. You give it your full faith, your full heart and full integrity but what happens is left to the universe.”

Freedom

“Ucm gave me an education, and America gave me the attitudes that I carry today. America taught me equality of humans, the dignity of labor and freedom of speech.�

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“ He’s the kind of person who really influences others. He was one of those people in my life who really directed and helped form my career and philosophy of life.”

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The

Nature of Oz hawksley marks missouri and students with conservation zeal

By Matt Bird-Meyer

Oz Hawksley is a ferocious conservationist.

Ironically, the basic protocol in studying and preserving prairies, caves and waterways is to leave nothing behind, but this retired Central Missouri professor has left an indelible impression. He’s promoted legislation to protect scenic waterways, published extensive research on caves and fossils discovered there, established a prairie in his hometown, and started a scientific journal, a statewide caving organization and a Kansas City-based floating group. He’s also inspired students of natural history and science to be good stewards of the earth.

“It’s satisfying getting something constructive done,” Hawksley says during an interview one day before his 90th birthday. “You don’t always win ’em all though.”

Hawksley taught biology and other courses with a strong emphasis on field studies at UCM. He and his late wife, Dorothy, started

the Outing Club in 1950 and took biology students on floating and backpacking adventures in the Ozarks and occasionally to Colorado and Arkansas. He retired in 1979.

Preventing environmental destruction clearly fueled his passion for the outdoors and his support for conservation over the years. “I guess, for me, [it’s] not wanting to see beautiful things screwed up,” he adds.

To help preserve Missouri’s numerous caves, Hawksley cofounded the Missouri Speleological Survey in 1956. “So, we were able to change it from a gangbang

University of Central Missouri | today

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approach to caving to a productive thing that produced scientific information,” he explains. “I always considered that a real success, and it surprised the hell out of me.”

Hawksley started the scientific journal, Missouri Speleology, in the mid-1950s to record fossil discoveries, cave mapping and biological issues.

One of his former students, Jack Reynolds, studied Ice Age fossils from Missouri caves for his master’s thesis with Hawksley.

Several other graduate students began studying the same issue, and soon, Hawksley says, he had a large collection of Ice Age fossils. He donated the collection to the Illinois State Museum.

“There was no place in Missouri where geologists were interested in that type of research,” he notes.

Reynolds, a retired firefighter, police trainer, whitewater guide and former teacher, says his relationship with Hawksley began “quite by accident.”

Reynolds, who still lives in Warrensburg, came to UCM in the fall of 1954 and drew Hawksley as his student adviser and his primary professor for his major.

Reynolds went on many floating trips with Hawksley, including whitewater trips to Idaho.

The two eventually led an ambitious expedition along the Selway River in Idaho. They were the first ones to run and document the river, which eventually became protected through the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. They filmed this adventure in 1960 and gave a copy to the Sierra Club, which used the film to push for passage of the legislation.

“Oz was always into adventurous things, as was I,” Reynolds says. “He has been a very big influence in my life.”

Hawksley’s interest in boats and floating began as a teenager growing up near the Catskill Mountains of New York. He and a friend built boats, starting with a rather unsteady model with barrel hoops for ribs and fabric from car tops for covering.

Later as an adult, Hawksley made many canoeing trips to the Ozarks and founded the Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club, which is still active some 50 years later.

He used his extensive experience floating southern Missouri to write a popular canoeing guide titled Missouri Ozark Waterways, published by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1965.

Hawksley may not be able to crawl around

The

Oz Inspiration To say Oz Hawksley was an

“Students majoring in biology

Journal editor, acknowledged

was an education itself, to

effective biology professor

were required to take Oz’s

Hawksley’s influence on his

compare the differences

is an understatement. Many

course in ornithology,” he

former students.

between ecosystems found

of his students, inspired by

adds. “I especially remember

Hawksley’s approach of taking

a field trip that Oz set up

students on river and prairie

for the class to watch prairie

excursions, became leaders and

chickens booming on a lek

professionals in conservation-

(courtship display) near

related fields.

Windsor. There were about

Glenn Chambers, a board member of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, notes, “Dr. Hawksley’s influence led to my career as a wildlife research biologist and eventually to a career in wildlife photography and wildlife film-making.”

Chambers grew up on a farm in Bates County, MO, near the small town of Passaic. He said their farm was situated “in the heart of prime prairie chicken range.”

There were some 50 birds per

a dozen males booming in a winter wheat field, which we could observe from a nearby road. I was so excited about that opportunity that I borrowed an 8-millimeter movie camera from a former high school teacher and filmed the booming activities.

During March and April of the past three years, I have continued photographing prairie chickens in the Flint Hills of Kansas.”

“The Missouri Prairie Foundation is proud to have not only Dr. Hawksley as a longtime member, but also many of his students, including Marcia Nelson, Ron Oesch, Glenn Chambers and Len Gilmore,” she says. “All four of these

in Missouri. The first place we stopped on the trip was on a prairie and other mixed grasslands. I remember the number of flowers on the one hay prairie we stopped at was just awesome, and the birds hollered everywhere.”

individuals, to name just a few

Gilmore says he learned the

of his students, have dedicated

most from Oz when he worked

themselves to careers or

for him in his office and lab.

volunteer endeavors in conservation.”

“Within three months of

For Gilmore, “It was not

to work on the prairies for

until my senior year at UCM,

the Missouri Conservation

when I took Dr. Hawksley’s

Department and have been

course on field ecology, that

working on grasslands in one

Oz taught me there were

form or the other for 30 years,”

specific plants and animals

he says. “Oz sure had ways of

graduating from UCM, I went

square mile on their farm at that

Carol Davit, Missouri Prairie

that indicated historic prairie.

inspiring students and they

time, but Chambers said the

Foundation development

Oz led the class on a field trip

were never easy. In looking back

birds have all since disappeared.

coordinator and Missouri Prairie

down to the Ozarks, which

today...I’m glad.”

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caves any longer, but he still floats, stays active with the Citizens for Environmental Action in Warrensburg, and occasionally participates in workdays with the Missouri Prairie Foundation.

He plans to take a natural history trip in November to Costa Rica with another former student, Marcia Kelly Nelson, who works for the U.S. Geological Survey.

Nelson came to UCM in 1972 as a graduate student in biology. Specifically, she was interested in ornithology, which led her to Hawksley and a lifelong friendship. She became a member of the Outing Club and went on excursions nearly every weekend.

“He’s the kind of person who really influences others,” Nelson says. “He was one of those people in my life who really directed and helped form my career and philosophy of life.” She adds that philosophy of life is knowing that what we do affects entire ecosystems.

Hawksley has done his part in preserving local ecosystems and built trails so people could better appreciate the parks. As a member of the Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Department several years ago, he helped develop trails and was instrumental in establishing a prairie on the west edge of town, the Turkey Foot Prairie. Hawksley says the seven-acre prairie is in need of a burn to prevent woody encroachment. The trouble is finding volunteers to do the work.

“If I were physically up to it, I would be over there working on it,” he says.

Preventing environmental destruction clearly fueled his passion for the outdoors and his support for conservation over the years. “I guess, for me, [it’s] not wanting to see beautiful things screwed up.”

University of Central Missouri | today

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philanthropy 18

Scottish Rite Gift Establishes Literacy Lab for Children The ability to use language, both spoken and written, is critical to children’s development into adults. Yet,

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Jack Kairy, president, RiteCare Board of Directors, presents a gift to UCM, accepted by President Charles Ambrose, right.

language disorders impact 20 percent of preschoolers.

The gift will allow the Welch-Schmidt Center to

A new literacy lab established within Central Missouri’s

expand its services to children in the community, notes

Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders

Blaine Duesing, interim chair of the Department of

will target this problem.

Communication Disorders.

The lab is being funded through a gift to the UCM

“The Early Language and Literacy Lab is in the

Foundation from the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbia.

visionary state of creation,” she says. “When

Officials from the Scottish Rite Freemasons Valley

established, it will assist children with language

of Columbia organization and RiteCare Valley of

and literacy deficiencies while providing unique

Columbia, Inc. recently joined university officials

opportunities for student clinicians pursuing careers as

in signing an agreement to create the facility. In

speech-language pathologists.”

addition, Bill Shansey, personal representative of the

Duesing adds that the lab will provide materials and

Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Scottish Rite

facilities to identify children who are at high risk for

Freemasons in Missouri, presented a gift from RiteCare

reading differences and disorders. The new facility

provided by Missouri DeMolay, the young men’s

also will offer interactive, language-enriched reading

organization affiliated with Scottish Rite, in support of

material to support an early passion for reading in

the center.

children preschool-aged to third grade. Parents

“We appreciate the support of the Scottish Rite and

also will be able to obtain information to support

DeMolay as they join the staff of the Welch-Schmidt

pre-literacy skills in their children.

Center in their commitment to serving children with

The Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication

literacy and communication disorders,” says UCM

Disorders is an 8,600-square-foot, self-contained

President Charles Ambrose. “These gifts will have a

unit located in UCM’s Martin Building. Under the

direct impact on the success these young people will

supervision of faculty, students in the Department

have as they continue their education. We’re grateful

of Communication Disorders provide diagnostic

that these groups can come together to fulfill a

and rehabilitative services to communicatively

mission of importance to both.”

handicapped children and adults from the community.

“The Scottish Rite Columbia Valley, working through

The center treats nearly 100 clients every semester.

RiteCare, continues to providing educational

RiteCare is an outgrowth of a commitment by the

opportunities for young children,” says Jack Kairy,

Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction of the

president of the RiteCare board of directors. “We

United States to build a clinic for children with speech

are pleased to have the opportunity to build this

and language disorders in the 1950s. Today there are

partnership allowing us to reach the goal of helping

178 RiteCare clinics, centers and special programs

children with special needs.”

operating or planned across the country.

Browns Fund Scholarship for Teacher Education Students

Marth Gift Benefits Iota Sigma Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega

Charles and Mary Ann Brown appreciated the scholarships and

A gift from Frank Marth is benefiting the university’s Iota Sigma

loans that helped them finance their college education. The

Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega. Marth owns an insurance agency in

two Central Missouri graduates are making an annual gift to the

Mexico, MO, and has pledged an annual gift. A matching gift from

UCM Foundation to fund a scholarship returning the favor for

Shelter Insurance makes it possible for two scholarships to be

today’s students.

awarded annually.

Residents of Littleton, CO, the couple graduated from Harrisonville

Marth graduated with a bachelor science in business

High School. Charles taught for eight years, including at a

administration in 1987 and was a member of Alpha Tau as a

one-room schoolhouse in Gunn City, to earn the money to finish

student. “The Iota Sigma chapter started on campus in 1992 and

his undergraduate degree in 1968. He completed two more

since then, loyal Taus have focused on academics, community

degrees from UCM in 1974 and 1984 and eventually became

and brotherhood. I funded this scholarship to recognize that

assistant superintendent of the Harrisonville School District. He is

loyal Tau for all he does both inside and outside the classroom,”

now retired. Mary Ann, who earned degrees in 1975 and 1983, is a

he says.

middle school librarian.

The Charles and Mary Ann Brown Scholarship in Education will help students pursing a degree in teacher education who demonstrate

Family Gift Creates Bill Colvin Criminal Justice Scholarship

financial need.

“We had great experiences at Central Missouri,” says Charles, “and respect the quality of education that the university provides. This is our way of continuing the work of the people whose gifts made our college dreams possible.”

Scholarship Promotes International Relations By creating a scholarship in memory of their brother, the Kozaburo Teno family had one goal — to build a stronger bond between the U.S., Japan and other Asian countries.

“My brother, Kozaburo, and I were thankful for our study at UCM

An alumnus of the University of Central Missouri’s criminal justice

and for the opportunity to live in the United States,” says Hidejiro.

program, Bill Colvin served his community through a career in law

“The experience helped us to better understand the country and

enforcement and professional investigation. Following his death this

its people.”

spring, his family and friends established the Bill P. Colvin Criminal

The Kozaburo Teno Memorial Scholarship will help students who are U.S. citizens attending Central Missouri and pursuing coursework that promotes international relations. The scholarship

Justice Scholarship, providing students who possess Colvin’s passion for law enforcement with similar opportunities to further their education and professional careers.

was funded through gifts by Hidejiro; Kozaburo’s widow, Kazuko;

A longtime resident of Warrensburg, Colvin was born in Denmark

and Acacia Japan Ltd., a corporation where the two brothers were

and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents in 1960. He enrolled in

directors. Kozaburo, a 1964 political science graduate, died in 1993.

criminal justice classes at UCM in 1980, the same year he began his

Gruvers Start Scholarship to Boost Access John and Fran Gruver of Albuquerque, NM, have made a scholarship gift to help students with financial need.

law enforcement career with the Warrensburg Police Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department. He completed his undergraduate work in 1982 and his master’s degree in criminal justice in 1988.

While pursuing his graduate degree, Colvin began teaching classes

While stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, John, a 1978 alumnus,

in the Department of Criminal Justice. After retiring from the

wrote Reid Hemphill, then dean of the Graduate School, asking

Warrensburg Police Department in 1991, he began a career as an

him to establish a course of study that would combine elements

insurance fraud investigator for State Farm and Zurich International

of psychology with security. Hemphill agreed, and John brought

insurance companies.

20 security police officers from the base to attend. All of them completed graduate degrees in criminal justice administration.

“We are honored that the Colvin family and their friends chose to honor Bill’s legacy by establishing this scholarship,” says

The Gruvers’ decision to start this scholarship was based on that

Betsy Kreisel, chair of the UCM Department of Criminal Justice.

positive experience and their belief in increased access to higher

“Bill’s professionalism and commitment to service to society

education. “We hope this scholarship will help qualified students who

will continue to be an example to future generations of law

are struggling to afford today’s increasing college costs,” he says.

enforcement professionals.”

University of Central Missouri | today

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SELLING

SUCCESS

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State Farm Funds National Competition at UCM

By Jeff Murphy

I

n the 45 years Larry Haase has taught classes at the University of Central Missouri, he has witnessed how a good education helps graduates achieve high levels of professional success. The longtime chair of the Department of Marketing and Business Law shares examples ranging from a graduate who landed a job with a six-figure income right out of college to others who have advanced to leadership posts in nationally known companies.

To a dedicated professor, such achievement is reward enough, but when a group of UCM alumni working for State Farm recently supported, through the company, a sales lab and collegiate competition, it was a special gesture. It is an effort greatly appreciated by Haase and his colleagues, but also one that will benefit UCM students pursuing sales careers for many years.

“As a teacher, you go along year after year, and you know you’re doing something meaningful, and you’re affecting students and their future. But let’s face it, just like many of us have done with our old high school and grade school teachers, how many times does someone come back and tell you, ‘Hey, you really made a difference,’” Haase says, leaning back in his office chair in the Dockery Building. “So, when alumni provide financial support and contact opportunities with their companies like this, it is very rewarding. It says that we did something valuable and important… I don’t know anything that is more gratifying for people in education than that.”

Haase says Central Missouri alumni working for State Farm were inspired by a generous gift in 2007 that led to the Mike and Patti Davidson Distinguished Marketing Professorship in the Harmon College of Business Administration. The Davidsons established the professorship through the UCM Foundation. The two 1972 UCM alumni began their careers as teachers. Mike Davidson later joined State Farm as an agent and advanced through the ranks to become the company’s vice chairman, chief agency and marketing officer at its national headquarters in Bloomington, IL.

To a dedicated professor, such achievement is reward enough, but when a group of UCM alumni working for State Farm recently supported, through the company, a sales lab and collegiate competition, it was a special gesture.

Since the Davidsons’ gift, discussions about additional ways to benefit students have provided a good networking opportunity between Haase, his department colleagues and State Farm’s many UCM alumni, including area agents and executives such as

Helping to forge a new partnership with UCm were State Farm employees, left to right, Paul martin, Jerry Nevins, Patti Killian and jeff davis.

University of Central Missouri | today

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the State Farm Marketing and Sales Competition held Nov. 12 on campus.

Having accompanied UCM students to the national collegiate sales competition at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, Schwepker was well prepared to work with the students and faculty attending the sales and marketing competition. They came from the University of Southern California, University of Illinois, Ohio University, Wake Forest (North Carolina), Duquesne University (Pennsylvania), University of Texas and Louisiana State University. Each school selected two student competitors, who each received a $1,000 scholarship and traveling expenses from State Farm, to attend. A faculty member from each school accompanied the students and served as a coach for the individual and team activities.

Larry Haase has taught classes at the university of central missouri for 45 years.

Davidson and Rand Harbert ’85, senior vice president of State Farm’s California operations. Personal meetings on campus, numerous phone calls and other efforts resulted in the company making gifts to support the education of students seeking sales careers.

The competition may have provided a learning experience for students, but State Farm also learned from the participants.

One of the unique aspects was that each competitor was asked to sell a mock auto insurance policy to young adult customers.

Students had to put together a written sales portfolio, which was judged in addition to their oral sales presentation.

One such benefit was financial support for a lab on the third floor of the Ward Edwards

“The students who put the information together are the same folks State Farm is trying to target, and they want to know more about the young The competition may have provided a learning insurance buyer, so experience for students, but State Farm also who better to go to,” is learning from the college participant s. One Schwepker says. “The of the unique aspects of the contest was that students did research each competitor was asked to sell a mock auto among their peers to insurance policy to young adult customers. see what attracts them and what would make them want to see a Building, which has been named the State State Farm agent to purchase insurance.”

Farm Sales Lab. The space consists of a block State Farm sees this as an opportunity of five rooms on the northeast side of the to contribute to student learning, says building, which will be used year-round for State Farm Agency Vice President John instruction and training. The space also is Langcuster. “As the leading home the site for an annual sales and marketing and auto insurer in the country, State competition the company established in Farm has an interest in the strength cooperation with Harmon College. of our schools and communities. The “We’re really excited about this opportunity with State Farm. We think it’s great for our program,” says Charlie Schwepker, who holds the Davidson Distinguished Marketing Professorship. He also directed

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partnership with UCM helps students learn about sales and prepare them for a career in the workforce.”

Haase believes the partnership with State Farm provides a tremendous opportunity

to strengthen the university and corporate connections between students, faculty and State Farm professionals. Many UCM alumni have already established the quality and value of their education through their success with the global insurance giant. He hopes the company will discover and recognize students who have the skills and confidence they need to succeed and consider them for future employment.

“Obviously, we are interested in financial support for our department and our programs, but if we can help our students get on the inside track with a successful company like State Farm, then that’s what we’re here for,” he says.

UCM Students National Competitors Students from the University of Central Missouri have a reputation for being tough competitors in the National Collegiate Sales Competition.

Marketing professor Charles Schwepker notes UCM produced a national champion in 2006, finished seventh in 2007, fourth in 2008 and third in 2009.

The NCSC takes place every year at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Each student who participates provides a 20-minute sales presentation judged by college professors teaching sales and marketing, as well as sales and marketing executives.

In addition to their presentations, participants interact with CEOs, directors of marketing, sales managers and human resource directors from major corporations at a job fair held during the competition.

The 2010 competition took place in March and included 61 teams comprising 122 students from universities throughout the U.S. Central Missouri students prepared for the event months in advance with coaching assistance from Schwepker and Cheryl K. Shattuck, assistant professor of marketing.

Something rare and unique for your home or office.

w w w. u c m o. e d u /au c t ion

BIDDING

The pair is being offered as a set through an online auction.

They stand between 14-16 inches tall, 10-12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Proceeds will support the programming and operations for the two stations, providing benefits to thousands of listeners and viewers over the coming year.

P lace your bid at CLOSES AT

Sculptor Elizabeth Ritter has generously made a gift of this beautiful paired set of raku mule sculptures to public broadcast stations KMOS-TV and 90.9-The Bridge.

MIDNIGHT,

DEC. 15

University of Central Missouri | today

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class notes

1960-1969 Jimmy Edwards ’61 and Duetta (Knier) Edwards ’59 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May. Both are retired from teaching. Jim served as director of the Southwest Baptist University Center in Salem, MO. In 2009, he received an honorary doctor of education degree from SBU. They live on a farm near Salem.

They have three children and 12 grandchildren.

Mary (Rion) Ragland ’61, ’93 continues to coordinate and teach in the developmental writing program in the Department of Academic Enrichment at the University of Central Missouri. She resides on a small farm north of Warrensburg with many “critter” friends. She would love to hear from her friends and classmates at ragland@ucmo.edu.

Imogene (Walker) Clark ’62 retired in May 2010 after teaching kindergarten for 31 years in Cameron, MO and 10 years in Denver, CO. She and her husband, Gerald ’62, reside in Osborn, MO. They plan to travel and enjoy their three grandchildren: Andrew, Kelsey and Cheyenne.

Rosalee Jordan ’63, ’78 retired from Smithton R-VI School District as an English teacher.

Jordan, who currently publishes the Alexander newsletter, resides near Sedalia, MO. Regis McDonald ’66 has been elected to the board of trustees of Wentworth Military Academy and College in Lexington, MO; he graduated from Wentworth in 1964.

He is presently vice president of the Children’s Village in Dobb’s Ferry, NY, and serves as the secretary of the Board of Directors of the New York State Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services.

1970-1979 Michael C. Davidson ’72 was elected chair of the American College Board of Trustees. He is the vice chairman and chief agency and marketing officer at State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. He began his career with State Farm in 1978 as an agent in

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Richmond, MO, and has since held a variety of positions in agency and corporate areas. He was honored in 2007 as UCM Distinguished Alumnus. American College is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services.

the classroom and 10 years in administration. He is currently working part time for the district as an eMINTS trainer. Dooley recently earned certification as an education technology specialist and as a comprehensive/METS Teacher with the eMints national office.

Leonard Buddenbohm ’73 retired from the Atchison County counselor’s position Dec. 30, 2009, after 32 years of service. He served as president of the Association of Kansas County Counselors. He was honored with a reception at the courthouse in Atchison, where he continues his private law practice.

Karen (Helge) Dewey ’77, ’78, ’83, who has been teaching 32 years, is moving from a self-contained classroom to Title I reading and math. She is on the board of directors of the West Burlington Booster Club, is a member of the West Burlington Planning and Zoning Commission and vice president of the fine arts boosters.

She and her husband, John, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Aug.10.

Teresa (Fry) Brown ’73, ’75 was promoted to full professor of homiletics and director of the Black Church Studies Program in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Robert Markovics ’73 has published a book, 54 Secrets to Playing Better Golf, after 7½ years of dedicated work. He began playing golf at the age of seven and turned pro in 1976, playing for two years before a viral infection forced him to retire. He has won more than 40 individual and team tournaments during the past five decades and credits UCM coach, the late Earl Keth, as a mentor, coach and friend. Markovics and his wife, Mercedes, live in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

David Salmon ’73 has written the book, Tornado Watch-Meteorology

of Severe Storms for Spotters, Chasers and Enthusiasts. Salmon runs a consulting business for the impact of weather on energy and agricultural commodities. He and his wife, Yvonne (Banister) ’73, reside in Belton, MO. Yvonne is now in banking, after teaching school in Belton for 25 years.

Douglas Y. Tatum ’74 was appointed general manager for the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN. Tatum previously spent 17 years as the executive director of the Arts Foundation of Kansas City.

William Dooley ’75, ’82, ’91 retired from the Richmond R-XVI School District after 23 years in

1980-1989 Connie (Daley) Workman ’81, ’10 is an instructional coach in the Kansas City, MO, School District.

Her husband, Nick ’84, is the building official in Grandview, MO. Their children are also alums.

Alex ’07 has a degree in business management and is working on an MBA; Bridget ’09 earned a degree in graphic design and is working on a master’s in psychology.

Terry Jarrett ’82 sent us a clarification regarding his “30-year engagement” and later marriage to Sharon Pohlman ’82. They became engaged as UCM students, then broke up and married other people.

When Terry’s wife died in 2008 and Sharon divorced, they reconnected and married March 4, 2010. They are living in Jefferson City, MO. Ronald Walker ’84 exhibited 25 paintings this summer at the Ghost Pony Gallery in Taos, NM. Doug Slinker ’85, ’88 recently opened SLINKFIT, a sports training and performance fitness facility in Mission, KS. Slinker is a nationally certified strength coach and personal trainer. He has trained Olympic athletes, professional boxers and MMA fighters, high school and college scholarship athletes along with top executives and business professionals. Find SLINKFIT on Facebook or go to www.slinkfit.com.

Greg Williams ’85 is the new director of research parks for the University of Missouri system. He has worked 24 years as an economic development professional and most recently was senior vice president of economic development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Greg is the father of triplets: twin girls and a boy.

Cynthia Prudden ’87 was appointed by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to the Board of Probation and Parole for a term ending April 25, 2015. She has served as warden for the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia, MO, since 2004. Prudden resides in Bowling Green, MO. Jill (Dudding) Berry ’88 was promoted to vice president of sales at Elan-Polo International after 13 years of service. The shoe import company, based in St. Louis, designs, sells and produces 240 million pairs of shoes annually.

Craig Olson ’88 retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2008 and is now president of Salus Education in San Antonio, TX.

1990-1999 Jeff McLanahan ’90, senior director of restaurant training for Papa John’s International Inc., competed in his second full marathon in Akron, OH, Sept. 25.

He resides in Crestwood, KY. Candy Hawks ’93 competed in the World Duathlon Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sept 3-5. She qualified for the competition at the U.S. Duathlon National Championships in April in Richmond, VA. The race consisted of a 6.2 mile run and 25-mile bike race. Hawks substitute teaches at Camden Elementary School and is an aerobic instructor at the YMCA. She and her husband, Larry, and their two daughters reside in Crestwood, KY. Fred Liggett ’93 has earned the status of certified television operator by the Society of Broadcast Engineers after passing his CTO exam. He is employed at ION Media Network.

Lynn Ross ’93 is the senior claims representative in the occupational claims department (toxic exposure litigation), Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Corporate Campus in Ft. Worth, TX. She has two grown children residing in Kansas City, MO.

doctoral program at Northeastern University in Boston.

Brian Palmer ’01 and wife, Leslie (Zander) ’01 announce the birth of their first child, Ava Marie June 4, 2010. The family resides in Lee’s Summit, MO.

Robin (Hobbs) Webb ’97 and husband, Eric, announce the birth of Aubrey Feb. 18, 2009. The family resides in Lee’s Summit, MO.

Brady Sowers ’01, ’07 and his wife, Elizabeth (Fitzwater) ’03, announce the birth of Emmilee Beth April 15, 2010. The family resides in Hannibal, MO.

John Comerford ’98 is the new vice president for institutional advancement at Westminster College in Fulton, MO.

Caleb Housh ’02 and his wife, Hilary, announce the birth of a daughter, Coley, April 22, 2010. The family resides in Seymour, IA.

Jason Scales ’98, ’02 received the Honorary American Farmer Degree at the Future Farmers of America national convention Oct. 22 in Indianapolis. It is the highest honor given by the national FFA organization, recognizing Scales’ contribution to agriculture education. He is an associate professor at UCM. Heather (DeGarmo) Callaway ’99 and husband, Jeff ’00, announce the birth ofa son, James Thomas, March 30, 2010. The family resides in Corpus Christi, TX. Julie (Major) Reardon ’99 and husband, John, welcome a daughter, Vivian Paige, July 15, 2010. They live in Kahoka, MO. Ryan Stone ’99, ’04 is a tenured teacher of composition, literature and creative writing at Danville Area Community College in Illinois. His first collection of short stories, Best Road Yet, is being published by Press 53. For reading dates and other information go to ryanpstone.com.

2000-2009 Jeff Callaway ’00 earned the rank of Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy. He is an instructor pilot stationed in Kingsville, TX. Jeremy Lackman ’00 graduated with a master’s degree in education at Brooklyn College in New York and has been accepted into the Ph.D. program at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Courtney (Halter) Pellegrino ’00, ’04 was accepted into the

Christopher Wolf ’02 and his wife, Sara, announce the birth of Ella Rose April 13, 2010. She joins a brother, Parker Christopher, 3. The family resides in Ballwin, MO. Keegan (David) Nichols ’03 married May 2010. She received her doctoral degree in adult and higher education from Northern Illinois University also in May. She is vice president of student affairs at Colby Community College in Kansas.

Brett Altenhofen ’04 is a firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Southern Platte Fire Protection District in Missouri.

Michael Mayer ’04 has been appointed executive director of Theta Chi fraternity’s international headquarters staff. Previously, he was associate executive director.

Before joining the staff, he was employed by Pennington & Company as a capital campaign consultant. Mayer was the 2004 recipient of Theta Chi’s Reginald E.F. Colley Memorial Trophy and a 2005 recipient of the North American Interfraternity Conference’s Award of Distinction.

Tara Rieck ’04 and Clark Grell were married July 3 and are residing in Lincoln, NE. Sarah Frazelle ’05, ’07 has begun her Ph.D. in public administration at the University of Kansas. She is the assistant director for the Kansas City Area Education Research Consortium. She married Seth Ritter in June 2009 and has two children Isobel, 13, and Joshua, 8.

Isobel is a violinist in the Kansas

Travel Bug Leads Thiessen to Teach in Japan Crystal Bock Thiessen refuses to stay in one place or career for too long.

She’s too busy fulfilling a lifelong goal to travel, meet new people, teach and take photos.

She’s nearly fulfilled her goal of visiting 30 countries by the time she turns 30. And Thiessen credits her time at UCM for helping to meet her goals. “Being from a teeny town in the middle of Kansas, that’s a goal that is incredibly hard to even fathom, let alone carry out,” she says.

Thiessen attended UCM from 1999 to 2004. She majored in photography and Spanish with a minor in art. Through the university, she studied abroad in the Netherlands and 13 European countries. She also studied Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Thiessen notes these experiences made her realize that she did not want to shape her life around a career.

“I instead wanted to work while filling my life with experiences: traveling, photographing, speaking with people of all backgrounds and of different languages, and generally having the kind of zest for learning and living that my high school Spanish teacher had,” she says.

Thiessen graduated from UCM in 2004 and went to Ireland, where she worked in a wine bar and café. She returned to UCM and earned a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language in 2006 and married her sweetheart, Jacob, in Mexico in 2007. They are now on their third year of living and working in Sapporo, Japan. Jacob is a chef there, and Thiessen teaches English through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program.

“So, I will be 30 in February, and I have traveled to 29 countries so far,” she says. “South Korea and Vietnam are on the list for this fall and winter, and as I approach actually achieving my high school dream, all these experiences I’ve had in just a short amount of time have taught me that it’s not about the number of countries you travel to or experiences you can check off of your list, but instead the people who you interact and surround yourself with.”

WE WANT YOUR Have you moved? Been married? Changed jobs? Retired?

Gotten a new email? Received an award? We want your news! cmo.edu/alumni Go online to www.u ucmo.edu i@ mn Email us at alu , Alumni Association Write us at UCM souri, rsity of Central Mis ive Un

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64093 MO , urg nsb Warre

University of Central Missouri | today

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City Youth Symphonette. The family resides in Lawrence, KS. Diane Frisbie ’05 and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of Kevin Michael Aug. 5, 2010. The family resides in Olathe, KS. Johnna Irey ’05 is working in the UCM Office of Alumni Relations and Development. She left UCM in 1999 after working in the registrar’s office, 1995-1996, and the revenue office, 1996-1999. She is a member of the advisory board for the UCM Department of Agriculture. Her daughter, Lorann, 15, is a sophomore at Knob Noster High School.

Marcus Reiter ’05 graduated with a master’s degree in environmental policy and management from the University of Denver.

Devin Donley ’04 and husband, Rick ’04, announce the birth of a daughter, Harper Lenae, Feb. 26, 2010.

The family resides in Leonard, MO. Kari Soule ’07 and Zack Johnson married June 26 and are residing in Kansas City, MO. Kelly Jo Blake ’08 is the creative designer for the haunted Benjamin Ranch in the Kansas City metro area. Steeped within its 100-year frontier history, the ranch is the area’s only westernthemed haunt. Blake designed

the attraction, which includes haunted stables, a quarantined animal barn, stockpen cage maze, forest of lost cowboys and haunted hayride. She credits her UCM theatre involvement for helping her to create this interactive experience.

Richard Steckel ’08 retired from Boeing in 2009 after 24 years as a quality engineer. He is now a research assistant with the Center for Aviation Safety Research, Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology at St. Louis University. He also is an adjunct professor in the aviation science department and has been accepted into Parks’ doctorate in aviation program. His current research interest is accident investigation and prevention.

Brandon Badgley ’09 is working for Keesling Seed Farms in Lyons, KS, as a retail sales representative for Dekalb, Asgrow, Stine Seeds, AgriPro Wheat and other companies.

Art Teacher at the Top In the educational art world, Leesha Dunkesen is a star. The Knob Noster Middle School art teacher won the 2010 National Middle Level Art Educator Award from the National Art Education Association.

“It was very humbling to look out at all those other middle school art teachers as I accepted this award and know that I had been chosen of all those great teachers,” she says.

Dunkeson grew up in Odessa and earned her bachelor’s degree from UCM in 1986.

She taught art for all grades kindergarten through 12 at Wellington-Napoleon for six years before joining the Knob Noster district in 1991. She is serving on the council of the Missouri Art Education Association as the advocacy chair. She was named Missouri Middle School Art Educator of the Year in 2006 and Missouri Outstanding Art Educator in 2009.

Dunkeson was nominated for the NAEA award by Rahila Weed, UCM associate professor of art and design. She says the award honors teachers who promote art education and

2010

help other teachers through professional development.

Michael Papadopoulos ’10 has accepted an adjunct position in the Department of Education of Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. He also began his 14th year of teaching at the middle and secondary levels.

“Being an art teacher is more of a calling than a job for me, I believe that being a middle school art teacher is what I was made to be,” she says. “I love my middle schoolers and figured out early on that the way to survive in a middle school classroom is to keep them busy all the time.”

Dunkeson takes professional development to the grassroots level as she hosts her 23rd student teacher this school year.

Alumni Needed to Solve Painting’s History Mystery

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“They need to get a taste of what it’s really like,” she says.

Although she enjoys watercolor painting, Dunkeson says teaching consumes most of her time. She does find enough time to occasionally submit a few pieces at local fairs.

“I joke when I grow up I want to be an artist,” she adds.

Calling all UCM history

Among these finds was this

of the ramp coming from the

detectives for a mystery that

painting mounted to a wall

Garrison Equipment Check-Out

surfaced during the renovation

in the basement of Garrison,

Room. He also advised that

of the Morrow-Garrison

hiding behind a door. Based

at one time this area was the

complex. As construction

on the many layers of paint

Athletic Training Room. In most

progressed, it was not unusual

over the frame, its age is

recent years, the painting was

to find artifacts when the

estimated between 30 and 40

hiding in the men’s student

departments of kinesiology

years old.

locker room. The door it

and nutrition moved out of

Speaking with Myron “Mike”

Morrow-Garrison — baseball

Carter, who has been with

bats labeled men’s PE, track &

the university for more than

Do you know anything about

field discus labeled women’s

45 years, faculty members

this painting? Know who

PE, snorkeling equipment for

determined that the wall it hung

painted it? If so, email us at

the pool.

on was once at the bottom

today@ucmo.edu.

was hiding behind led to the wrestling locker room.

Robert Shatto ’69 is co-owner of Shatto Milk north of Kansas City.

At the World Dairy Exposition in Madison, WI, the dairy won three awards, placing first in the world for its root beer milk, second for its strawberry milk, and second for its two percent milk in the white milk category. Shatto was profiled in the spring 2010 Today magazine. He and his wife, Barb, owner of the dairy, reside in Osborn, MO. Warren Utsler ’70 received the 2010 Arkansas Association of Instruction Media “Technology Leader of the Year” award. He is technology chair and EAST Lab facilitator of the Green Forest School District in Arkansas.

Bob Orf ’73 was inducted into Missouri Western State University’s Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame Sept. 25. Orf began his broadcast career in 1975 in St. Joseph, MO, at the MissouriNet affiliate KFEQ, where he is now program director. He has been the “voice of the Griffons” for 35 years, starting with the men’s basketball team in 1989 and adding the women’s basketball team in 1992.

David Hariton ’74 was awarded the 2010 Paul Burrell Volunteer of the Year Award from Special Olympics Florida at the Special Olympics State Leadership Conference in Orlando. This award is presented to the individual whose voluntary service and participation have improved the quality of the county, area and state Special Olympics programs.

Dale Kirby ’75 is the recipient of the 2007 California State Rural Healthcare Leader Award. He also was named chair of the board of directors for the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California. Kirby is the chief executive officer of Colusa (CA) Regional Medical Center.

Charles Lane ’79, associate vice president of career and safety services at the University of Southern California, has been inducted into Southwest Baptist University’s Athletics Hall of Fame for his college tennis achievements.

He lives in Pasadena, CA, with his wife, Natasha, and daughter.

Melanie Popejoy ’80, ’89 was named Choral Director of the Year by the North Dakota chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. She also served as the conductor of the 2010 North Dakota All-State Junior High Mixed Chorus. Popejoy is director of choirs and voice instructor at Valley Middle School in Grand Forks, ND, and founder and artistic director of the Grand Cities

Children’s Choir. She was also honored in 2005 with the Distinguished Music Alumnus Award from the UCM Department of Music.

James Popejoy ’81 was promoted to full professor of music at the University of North Dakota where he serves as director of bands. He received the North Dakota Spirit Faculty Achievement Award in 2009 from UND and was awarded the Citation of Excellence by the National Band Association in 2010.

At the 2010 College Band Directors National Association North Central Division Conference, he presented the music of Pulitzer Prize winning composer Joseph Schwantner.

He was honored in 2005 with the Distinguished Music Alumnus Award from the UCM Department of Music.

Mildred “Millie” Barnes ’99 was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators.

She was the first woman to be appointed to a U.S. Olympic

awards & honors

Robert Buhrkuhl ’69, ’71, honored in 2009 as UCM Distinguished Alumnus, received rare national recognition Aug. 20 when the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, named the conference room in the Center for Financial Management the Dr. Robert L. Buhrkuhl Conference Room. His portrait and a plaque will permanently be displayed in the room. An annual leadership award also was named in his honor.

Buhrkuhl served as the command’s first chief financial officer, and under his leadership, the center was created as a stand-alone organization.

Committee by the NCAA and to be elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees.

Barnes served as a professor of physical education at UCM before her retirement.

Lucas Boyce ’03 was named to the Orlando Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list. The recognition spotlights top young business and civic leaders under the age of 40 classified as “well-rounded individuals with a positive attitude who show consistent, outstanding professional achievement and commitment to community service.” Boyce is director of multicultural insights and cause marketing for the Orlando Magic. He joined the Magic in July 2008 after serving in the White House in the Office of Political Affairs and Public Liaison. Boyce’s recent honor coincides with the launch of his personal web site, lucasdanielboyce.com, and his first book, Living Proof: From Foster Care to the White House and the NBA, to be published in December.

Ruined Pilot Career Leads to Award-winning Documentary Epilepsy ended Susan Arthurs’ career as a pilot, but it also became the driving force of an internationally acclaimed documentary that she produced and directed. The 1994 UCM alumna and former aviation department faculty member recognized a need for further research after she was diagnosed with epilepsy. She co-founded the Alliance for Epilepsy Research, a nonprofit group dedicated to generating funding for research and increasing public awareness about the disease. Her passion to communicate a better understanding of the disorder continued with her production of It Is Epilepsy: The Challenges and Promises of Automated Seizure Control. The documentary spans nine years, giving an overall look at epilepsy and the impact it has on patient’s lives.

Arthurs partnered with UCM alumnus, Doug Underwood ’00, as her co-producer and editor.

The associate communication professor taught video production until retiring this summer.

Their hard work and dedication have garnered major awards in 2010 including the El Capitan Film Award at the Yosemite Film Festival, Gold Kahuna Award for Excellence at the Honolulu Film Festival, the Van Gogh Award for Best Educational Film at the Amsterdam Film Festival, the Silver Ace Award at the Las Vegas Film Festival, and the Silver Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival. — by Danielle Myers ’11

University of Central Missouri | today

27

1940-1949

1960-1969

Current Students

Friends

Rue Porter ’40

Carol Teague ’62

Raymond A. Buzzanga ’77

Terrence Barkley

Billy M. Anderson

Frank E. Myers

Velda O. Keeney ’43

Helen K. Wollard ’62

Francis E. Owens ’77

Lincoln J. Louis

Harriet I. Boyer

Edward E. Opich

Ellen G. Wood ’43

Roberta Jean Johnson ’66

Pamela Z. Kielholz ’78

Matthew W. Parker

John K. Brecht

Harold L. Parker

William E. Young ’45

Karen S. Tesreau ’66

George H. Vermillion ’78

Carly E. Ross

Nan Cocke

Mary R. Reeder

Dorothy L. Burbridge ’46

Eugene C. Honeywell ’67

Tina A. Schneider

Richard M. Collins

Robert C. Shaw

Charles P. Elliott ’46

Gary D. Clem ’69

1980-1989

Mary B. Dankenbring

Terrance Earl

Mary Louise Cromley ’49

Virginia M. Foree ’69

Joyce G. Allcorn ’83

Former Students

Mary E. Dankenbring

Margaret S. Southall ’49

Donald G. Ric hey ’69

Susan L. Province ’83

Beverly Belle Augustine

Phoebe B. Goodman

Glenn Vance Lee E. Wells

Robert G. Dark

Wilma Green

1990-1999

Judy Lee Elders

Willa Gregory

Betty C. Staley ’69, ’78 1950-1959 Hallie J. Mantle ’50

1970-1979

Shelley S. Bryan ’92

Glen H. Elrod

Fredrick B. Hammert

Carl H. Martin ’51, ’62

Dorothy I. Schillereff ’70

Troy A. Nutter ’92

Wayne C. Granger

Lawrence N. Hicks

Betty Lou Arwood ’54, ’84

Gilbert J. Andruk ’72

Nathan Robert Maxwell

Elinor L. Johnson

Hollis E. Dyer ’54

Lee D. Rainey ’72

2000-2009

Beverly Ostervich

B.H. Kearns

Marilyn B. Giltner ’53

Harry F. Messinger ’73, ’74

Ronald D. Swalley ’01

Walter Wesp

Donald D. Lamb

Virgil W. Wood

Marion J. LeFevre

(College High), ’56

Janet G. Smith ’73

Janice W. Mahl ’58

Charles D. Cramer ’74

College High Alumni

Orval Lenger

Richard R. Morse ’59

David E. Boles ’75

Lyman Lyne Sr. ’56

Shana L. Mahanes

VanBuskirk

Central Missouri Loses Theatre Great James Highlander arts degree in theatre from the University of Illinois-Urbana.

James L. Highlander was one of Central Missouri’s all-time greats whose contributions to the university and to its theatre program were so transformative that the Highlander Theatre is named for him. He died Oct. 14, 2010, at age 82 in Georgetown, TX. Highlander served UCM from 1961 to 1991. He served as the first chair of the Department of Theatre, developed the undergraduate and graduate theatre programs, assisted in the planning and building of the Highlander Theatre, and personally directed nearly 40 productions.

He was born in Galesburg, IL, in 1928 to Myra (Palmer) and Clarence Highlander. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1946 and attended Eureka (IL) College. He studied pre-engineering before changing his major to speech and drama, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in 1951. The following year he received his master of

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In 1952 he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was sent to Korea in 1953 where he was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division and served as a combat casualty clerk at an aid station with the 65th Regiment.

He later became head of personnel records at Division Headquarters and was discharged in August 1954, having risen to the rank of sergeant first class. While serving in Korea, he received the Bronze Star.

He began his first teaching job when he returned home at Moorhead State College in Minnesota. There he met his future wife, Norma Hornbacher.

They married Aug. 4, 1957.

theatre history and architecture, he researched and constructed six theatre models, which represent the development of theatre design.

These are on permanent display in the theatre’s lobby.

The final production of his career was The Glass Menagerie, a play he loved and directed three times at UCM. After the last show there was an onstage tribute to him with quotes from letters that his former students and colleagues had written telling of his influence and inspiration.

In 1958 they moved to Urbana, IL, where he continued his studies and graduated in 1960 with a doctorate in theatre from the University of Illinois. He taught for one year at Chicago Teachers College before moving to Warrensburg, MO, and joining the faculty of Central Missouri.

A scholarship established in his honor, noted, “Dr. Highlander’s artistry, scholarship, integrity, and commitment served as an example and inspiration to countless theatre students who had the pleasure to work with him in the classroom, backstage, and on stage during his 30 years at UCM. As a teacher and mentor, Dr. Highlander enriched the personal and professional lives of his students and colleagues in theatre education throughout his illustrious career.”

During his 30 years at UCM, he directed nearly 40 productions, expanded and developed the theatre program and was instrumental in planning and designing the new theatre, which opened in 1971. As a consequence of his interest in

After his retirement in 1991, the theatre was named in his honor at a dedication ceremony in March 1992. In the fall of 1991 he and Norma moved to Georgetown, TX, where they enjoyed their retirement

spending much of their time golfing, traveling to Europe, taking cruises, and enjoying more time with their children and grandchildren.

Highlander was an avid reader of military history. He enjoyed collecting and reading books about the Civil War, World War II and Korea. He also was a master woodworker, building furniture, refinishing and repairing antiques and constructing many craft items for family and friends. He was the ultimate handyman, fixing just about anything around the house. He was always a perfectionist who, when dissatisfied with his work, would take it apart and do it over again because he took such great pride in his projects.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; son, Steven and wife, Christa of Austin, TX; daughter, Susan and husband, Reed Fritz of McKinney, TX; and grandchildren, Geneva Highlander and Derek, Rachel and Kevin Fritz.

Memorials may be made to the James L. Highlander Theatre Scholarship. Send to the UCM Foundation, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or make a gift at www.ucmo.edu/giveonline.

Jerry Adams

Jerry Adams, host of the popular KMOS-TV show,

Jerry Adams Outdoors, died Aug. 11, 2010. The avid outdoorsman hosted the show for 25 years.

He was born and raised in Poplar Bluff, MO. After playing college football and graduating at Southeast Missouri State University, he traveled around the country singing and emceeing gospel music concerts. He was lead singer for the Ozarkians Quartet for more than 15 years. Nearly 25 years in the insurance business took him to Texas and Florida. A desire to be nearer his family drew him back to Missouri, and finding a home at the Lake of the Ozarks renewed his passion for fishing.

Adams soon found himself behind the wheel of a boat as host of Jerry Adams Outdoors. In addition to many of Missouri’s lakes and rivers, the host of this Emmy-nominated and award-winning program ventured out and caught trout in Montana, crappie in Alabama, hybrids in Texas, and salmon and halibut in Alaska.

While he considered it a privilege to have fished with so many celebrities, country music stars, professional athletes and professional anglers, Adams most cherished the time he spent with kids.

Memorials are suggested to the Jerry Adams Outdoors Take a Kid Fishing Program, KMOS-TV, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

William Brewster

William J. Brewster, 85, a Central Missouri alumnus who was the driving force behind the development of many parks and programs for the youth of Independence, MO, died July 23, 2010. He and his wife, Dorothy, had established a scholarship to help Central Missouri physical education majors.

Brewster grew up in St. Louis where his neighbor, Dorothy Peterson,

Oleta Maurer

captured his heart at age 16. He returned home to marry her in 1946, after serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After completing a degree in physical education from UCM in 1949, he taught at Greenwood School and Bishop Glennon High School followed by 25 years at Southwest High School. In 1966, he was honored as Missouri State Teacher of the Year. In 1956, he began a part-time job with the City of Independence Department of Parks and Recreation, leading to his promotion as its director for 36 years. The city recently named the baseball field at Chrysler Stadium Bill Brewster Field in his honor.

was the serials department. She was responsible for paying bills, keeping accounts and receiving mail. In 1980, she transferred to the acquisitions department as the bookkeeper for all library purchases. She retired in 2002.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the William & Dorothy Brewster and Nancy SaundersCromer Scholarship Fund, University of Central Missouri Foundation, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or at ucmo.edu/giveonline.

Fields grew up in New Mexico and was valedictorian of his high school class in Santa Fe. For his test scores, he received a national scholarship from Pepsi-Cola allowing him to graduate in music from Southern Methodist University. After one year of teaching music and chorus in Alva, OK, he was drafted into the Army for the Korean Conflict. Discharged as a corporal, he continued in the Army Active Reserve where he earned the rank of sergeant, while also finishing a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico.

Jean Greer Oppenheimer Britton

Jean Greer Oppenheimer Britton, the daughter of philanthropists Julius J. and Florence Greer Oppenheimer, known for establishing two of the university’s most prominent guest lecture series, died March 27, 2010.

Born in 1923, in Columbia, MO, she grew up in Kentucky, where her father was a professor and dean at the University of Louisville. She earned degrees from Louisville, Columbia University and the University of Chicago. For many years, she taught in the College of Education at Penn State.

She and her husband, Joseph Britton, who survives, coauthored many research articles and a book on gerontology. After retiring from Penn State, the couple traveled the world extensively and enjoyed many summers with family and friends at their cottage in Bay View, MI. Geneva Clothier

Geneva J. Clothier, 75, who retired from the UCM library’s technical services department, died Sept. 22, 2010. She worked 23 years for the library, quietly behind the scenes.

Clothier began her job at the library in 1977 as a clerk in what

Gene Fields

Gene Fields, 81, director emeritus of clinical services and certification, well known for the many years that he directed the university’s student teaching and certification program, died Sept. 3, 2010. His wife preceded him in death in 2001.

After earning a doctorate of music education in 1965 from New Mexico, Fields moved to Warrensburg and joined the UCM faculty as assistant professor of education and supervisor of student teachers. One year later, he became coordinator of the student teaching program. He was subsequently promoted to assistant, associate and full professor.

He directed UCM’s student teaching program from 1966-1981. For the next 12 years, he directed UCM’s clinical services and certification program.

He especially became popular for teaching the graduate course, EDTE, Improvement of Teaching.

Prior to his retirement in 1993, he led a six-year, campus-wide effort that resulted in successful continuing accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teaching Education in 1991. He also provided the leadership for the first program evaluation by the Missouri Department of Education.

Oleta Breshears Maurer, the youngest daughter of a family of educators with deep ties to the University of Central Missouri, died July 3, 2010. She was born May 3, 1916, in Benton County, MO, to Jasper and Martha Breshears. She earned three degrees from UCM: a bachelor’s in 1956, a master’s in 1960 and an education specialist in 1968.

After teaching in one-room schools in Benton and Hickory counties, she taught in Raytown. From 1950-1984, she taught first grade in the Hickman Mills School District, including the last 12 as principal of Warford Elementary School.

She retired in 1984 after 41 years in public education. After retiring, she became active with the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, including serving on its executive board for 10 years. In 1962 she received UCM’s Distinguished Service to Education Award. In 2003, she was honored as the Missouri Retired Teacher of the Year.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the William Jasper and Martha Ann Breshears Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Send contributions to the UCM Foundation, University of Central Missouri, Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or go to ucmo.edu/giveonline.

Tina Schneider

Tina A. Schneider, 53, of Warrensburg, died Sept. 11, 2010. She was employed for 18 years at UCM, including several years as a textbook buyer and recently as a supply buye for the University Bookstore.

She was born Aug. 23, 1957, in Lake Charles, LA. Her family later moved to Knob Noster, MO, where she graduated from high school.

She married Mark Schneider in 1976. He survives, along with their three children, her parents, a brother and four grandchildren.

Her sister, Traci Butler, works at UCM as administrative assistant to the dean of The Honors College.

University of Central Missouri | today

29

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