National Debate: Survival Kit for Life? A Liberal Arts Education
The Magazine of Westminster College
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IN THIS ISSUE Westminster Goes West A bold new vision of one college, two campuses
National Debate: Survival Kit for Life? A Liberal Arts Education Five Westminster professors defend their academic disciplines
Brock Ayers ’82, and wife Laura join daughters Kathryn ’11, Caroline ‘14 , Amelia ’16, and Sarah in the Coulter Science Center.
IN EVERY ISSUE 04 05 08 42 49 52 53
President’s Column Campus News Board of Trustee Update Class Notes Baby Blue Jays Wedding Album In Loving Memory
Leadership Magazine, Summer 2012 Leadership is published twice a year. Please submit suggestions and comments to alumni@westminster-mo.edu. Interested in advertising in Leadership? Call 573-592-JAYS or email westminster@westminster-mo.edu. Kris Lensmeyer, Executive Director of Marketing & Strategic Communication Rob Crouse, Director of Media & Public Relations Melanie Barger, Director of Alumni Engagement & Event Management Jamie Patterson, Marketing Manager Kyle Gunning, Interim Marketing Manager Sarah Carnes, Multimedia Designer Diane Hammerstone, Class Notes Dak Dillon (Contributor, Photographer)
The Houses and The Hill: Tumultuous Love Story New era and new direction
President’s Club Special Recognition Thank you to the 2012 President’s Club members
Walking the Walk Not just talking the talk — Brock Ayers, a living example
Make the Connection Alumni renew their connections with each other and Westminster during Alumni Weekend
Blue Jay Road Trip 2012 Traveling Blue Jays spread Westminster spirit throughout the southwest
Tale of Two Authors Two Westminster professors publish their works
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Dear Alumni and Friends of Westminster College, As Trustee Brock Ayers points out in this issue of Leadership, the successes of Westminster students and graduates and their recognition by the outside world as leaders that stand out above the rest are solid proof of the special liberal arts educational experience they receive here. The vision of our strategic plan for the future is that people all across the nation will be aware of these facts. We want everyone to know that Westminster College develops leaders in a global community. According to our strategic plan, we make our vision a reality by achieving three goals. First, we ensure our academic and student life programs benefit our students in ways they could not receive at any other undergraduate institution. For example, in the upcoming semester, our unique Westminster Symposium will bring the entire College community together September 18-19 for two days to listen to presentations from experts from across the country on “Religious Experience in Global Society”—its place in ethics, culture, and politics and the relationship of science, religion, and intellectual progress. An international peacemaker from Palestine, Arda Aghazarian, will spend five days on campus with our students in October. Our second goal is to ensure we are maximizing our college resources and operations to achieve our vision. We have made it clear to all departments that our energies should be fully concentrated on student achievement and graduate success. We continue to upgrade our information technology system to keep pace with this constantly changing field and to provide the excellent technological support our students need and expect. Also, we are taking a detailed look at our facilities to determine what enhancements must be made to keep our campus beautiful and to ensure it meets our needs for the next decade. Third, we want to extend our brand to new constituencies and explore new educational ventures that will attract new students to our school. In this past year, we developed a tagline to capture the Westminster brand—Educated to Lead. Inspired to Achieve. - and have begun to be much more aggressive in promoting it in new and wider markets. Also in this issue, you will find out the latest in our bold and exciting plan to establish a campus in Mesa, Arizona, moving the Westminster experience into a totally new student market and offering our current Westminster students the kind of new experiential learning Westminster has become known for providing. We are indeed moving into another new era of dramatic changes that will make the Westminster educational experience even more meaningful to students and nationally recognized for quality. I invite you to be a part of our journey.
George B. Forsythe, Ph.D. 4
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CAMPUS NEWS
The Westminster graduating class of 2012 received commencement words of wisdom from former U.S. Senator from Missouri John C. Danforth.
The Westminster class of 2012 received baccalaureate inspiration from Rev. Terry Minchow-Profitt, whose daughter Hannah was a member of the graduating class.
Chris Ghan, who had sat on Senator Dan forth’s lap twenty years earlier as a child had the opportunity to visit with him again at his graduation.
Sean Peterson, a business administration graduate from Chesterfield, MO, and Rachel Backes, a biology graduate from Tipton, MO, were named 2011-2012 Westminster College Male and Female Athlete of the Year.
2012 seniors celebrate as they walk through the columns.
Thanks to a $10,000 Projects for Peace grant, Muzubran Gebrekidan from Ethiopia, Riley Zull from St. Peters, MO, and Sheila Nimoh from Ghana, spent the summer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to renovate and expand a community center and tutor and mentor street children that wander the city.
Student-led organization WestMO for Hope spent the spring semester with various fundraising efforts to reach their $20,000 goal so they could build water wells in underdeveloped countries to provide clean, fresh drinking water for people. 6
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Westminster athletes and members of the Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) hold the $5,000 check they won by campus vote in the March Madness Tournament sponsored by Paul, ’81, and Debbie Kavanaugh.
Westminster fans of the St. Louis Cardinals descended on Busch Stadium 800 strong on May 21 to cheer the Redbirds on to victory against the San Diego Padres.
Sir David Cannadine, Dodge Professor of History at Princeton University and Honorary Professor in the University of London, delivered the annual Kemper Lecture.
Dr. Stephanie Krauth from Simpson College brings 22 years of higher education experience to Westminster as the new Vice President and Dean of Student Life.
Philip J. Daniels from Walsh University has assumed the reins of Vice President for Business and Chief Financial Officer for Westminster.
Professor of Classics Bob Seelinger has been appointed Dean of the new Westminster campus in Mesa, Arizona.
John M. Hooker has joined the Westminster Institutional Advancement team as Executive Director of Development. www.westminster-mo.edu
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Four New Trustees Join Westminster Team Westminster Board of Trustees Chair Bob Muehlhauser welcomed three outstanding new Trustees to the Board who were approved by Board members at their last meeting in May and one that was approved in February. Westminster Board of Trustees members give of their time, talent, and resources to safeguard the traditions, assets, and values of the College; ensure the College’s strategic direction and mission are followed and its enhanced capacity to service society is met; and provide oversight and guidance for the activities of the College. Leadership is pleased to provide brief profiles of these four new members who will help to shape the future of Westminster.
Bill Roedy from London, England, who was the architect of the global expansion of MTV, retired last year as Chair and CEO of MTV Networks International (MTVNI) after 22 years of building its broadcast operation to a level that reaches more than 162 countries. Prior to joining MTVNI, Roedy was a Vice President for HBO for ten years as one of the pioneers of the cable television industry. He was decorated with the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Silver Star) for his nine years in the U.S. Army. 8
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Major General Byron S. Bagby, class of ’78, from Alexandria, Virginia, recently retired from the U.S. Army after 32 years of distinguished service. He has served in such prominent positions as Director of Operations for the Allied Joint Forces Command of NATO, Director of the Combined Joint Task Force in Afghanistan, and Commandant of the Joint Forces Staff College and is a recipient of the Army’s highest peacetime award, the Distinguished Service Medal. He was awarded a Lifetime Alumni Achievement Award in 2011.
Charles Buford Carden, class of ’67, from Atlanta, Georgia, worked for many years as the Chief Financial Officer for the John Harland Company, the nation’s largest check printing and bank software company. He has served as Director of Supermedia, Inc., since 2009 and is a member of the Board of Directors for Ivox Corporation, a privately-held software company and a member of the advisory board for Dialog Medical, another privately-held software company. He has served as Director of Fairmont Theatre for the Deaf and the Bellflower Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
Trustees Honored With Emeritus Distinction The Board of Trustees has awarded two Board members the prestigious status of Trustee Emeritus. Trustee Emeriti contribute to the vision and future of the College through their advocacy and support. John M. Panettiere ’59, retired Chairman of the Board, CEO, and President of Blount International Corporation and Trustee for 15 years, and Suzanne Drummond Richardson, who is a Board of Governors member of the National Churchill Museum and Trustee for 13 years, received this recognition for their years of service.
Trustee Member Farewell The May Board meeting also brought the departure of five outstanding Board members with almost half a century of Board service among them. Westminster College thanks them for the valuable contributions they have made over the years to help the College reach the level of academic and student development excellence and national prominence it has attained today. Scott Boswell ’86 President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Trust Company’s West Region Twelve Years of Board Service Harry Phillips Kliewer, class of ’74, from Cordell, Oklahoma, has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones since 2000. He served as Mayor of Cordell from 1995-2003 and is past President of the Cordell Chamber of Commerce and Cordell Rotary Club and past Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League. Active in his fraternity, he was a member of the Campaign Executive Board, the 1974 Class Leader, and now serves as chair for the Phi Delta Theta House Campaign. He is a President’s Club member and a member of the Trustee’s Roll of Honor.
Thomas Mangan ’91 Chief Executive Officer United Benefit Advisors Three Years of Board Service Lloyd Taylor ’63 Former Corporate Vice President of Information Technology Cargill Incorporated Ten Years of Board Service William (Bill) H. Tyler President Resource Management Group Twenty-One Years of Board Service Scott J. Wilson ’74 President S.M. Wilson & Company Three Years of Board Service
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estminster College took an exciting step forward in its strategic plan to bring the unique Westminster experience to even more students with the April announcement of a new second campus in Mesa, Arizona. College officials from Westminster and city officials from Mesa had been working for over a year before the nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding to move forward with the project was signed in Mesa April 23 and approved by the Mesa City Council three days later. Chairman of the Board Bob Muehlhauser, President Barney Forsythe, Dean of Faculty Carolyn Perry, and Professor Bob 10
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Seelinger, who has been appointed Dean of the Mesa campus, were all present for the ceremony. “Partnering a growing, engaged community with a College that has been providing outstanding educational experiences for over 160 years is a win-win,” says Muehlhauser. “Westminster College and Mesa are creating an opportunity to have a positive and lasting effect on the lives of many.” A comprehensive analysis of the Mesa college market revealed a tremendous opportunity for Westminster to extend its mission into another market. Arizona has an over-crowded
public higher education system with no strong private college options. Of particular interest to Westminster is a large number of private high schools and international baccalaureate programs in the Mesa area that have the potential to provide a substantial pool of students interested in what Westminster has to offer. In addition, the Maricopa Community College system there is one of the largest in the country and would provide a pool of students interested in an in-state private liberal arts college education. Under this unique educational model, Westminster will be one of four higher education institutions
The landscape of higher education and the American economy are changing rapidly and both cities and colleges must find creative ways to adapt. – Dr. Barney Forsythe, President of Westminster College
to partner with Mesa. Two of the three others have come on board recently—Benedictine University of Chicago and Albright College in Pennsylvania. While each college or university will have its own educational niche so institutions are not competing for students, the group will share some services so this new educational environment can be even more efficient and effective.
Westminster programs offered will include International Business, Environmental Studies, Transnational Studies, Pre-Law, and Pre-Med. The intent is to keep classes small so students will receive the individual attention, quality instruction, and strong mentoring that is the hallmark of a Westminster education. Classes are scheduled to begin in the fall 2013 semester.
Westminster will share academic space for its programs with another institution in the Mesa Center for Higher Education, a 53,000 square foot facility that was formerly the Mesa City Court building. Along with a strong general education background,
One of the major benefits of a new Mesa campus is the significant role of the city of Mesa in supporting the new campus and its educational programming. The city is not only going to partner with the college in providing classroom space but work with local developers
to provide safe student housing downtown. The City Library will be available for study space and a host of educational materials. The YMCA will be used for intramural sports. Students will be able to attend regular events at the local museums and magnificent Mesa Arts Center. Mesa’s beautiful main street will be a student commons where students can gather for coffee or lunch, study, or just hang out. Westminster will also work with the city to create strong student internships and to find ways students can live the Westminster mission, giving back through service-learning. “The opportunity to take our Westminster education to Mesa www.westminster-mo.edu
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Dr. Bob Seelinger, Professor of Classics, has
been named the Campus Dean of the new Westminster College campus in Mesa. Seelinger has been involved in extensive planning and discussions of the project for over a year. He believes the educational traditions of Westminster are an ideal match for the goals and interests of Mesa. “Our institutional strengths and emphasis on engaged-learning will be particularly attractive to students in the Mesa area,” says Dr. Seelinger. “In turn, we strongly believe that Westminster’s academic programs and emphasis on personal development will enable students to acquire and refine the skill sets necessary for personal success and for making significant contributions to the world around them.” As well as teaching the classics, Dr. Seelinger has served as Dean of Faculty and Vice President of the College; Director of Assessment; Coordinator of the Fine Arts Department; Chair of the Humanities Division; Chair of the Department of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion; Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature; and Marshall of the College. He has received the Missouri Governor’s Teaching Award, the Patricia Kleine Liebling Parents Association Faculty Award and the Excellence in Teaching Award of the American Philological Association.
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opens up a host of opportunities to students on both our Midwest and Southwest campuses,” says Dr. Carolyn Perry, Dean of Faculty. “We plan to see our Fulton students come to Mesa for a semester, summer, or year to engage in an urban experience, take special classes, or receive outstanding internships. Mesa students will have the opportunity to experience our beautiful campus in its rural setting of Mid-Missouri and enjoy treasures such as the National Churchill Museum. Because we will be one college with two campuses, we will be able to offer all our students a superior grounding in the practical liberal arts, a dynamic developmental experience, while learning within a global context.” From their perspective, Mesa officials believe the new Westminster campus will increase the vibrancy of their urban core with a new downtown campus population, create new high paying jobs, increase the higher education offerings for residents, and attract students from outside the region and the state. The Westminster family owes a huge debt of gratitude to Bob Muehlhauser, Frank Absher, Frank Turner, Wally Head, Kent Mueller, Jim Morton, Harold Oakley, Westminster President Barney Forsythe, and Heather Biehl for recognizing the importance of this new campus to Westminster’s future and providing the financial commitment to move forward with this visionary plan. Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona and the 38th largest city in the United States with major industries that include Boeing and Empire Southwest/Caterpillar. “The landscape of higher education and the American economy are changing rapidly and both cities and colleges must find creative ways to adapt,” says Westminster President Dr. Barney Forsythe. “Given the growing needs for access and affordability in higher education, students are looking for a greater range of options. We believe our unique new Mesa model, partnering with the city and other colleges, will be extremely attractive to prospective students and result in a successful collaborative learning environment that others will try to replicate.”
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For more information, visit us online at www.westminster-mo.edu or call (800) 888-WCMO (9266). Contact choir director, Dr. Natasia Cain, about vocal music scholarship awards at 573-592-5214.
THE VALUE OF A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION
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elevision bombarding you with political ads? Doors stuffed with political flyers? Radio voices, telephone messages, and e-mails pressing you to support a candidate? A cause? An issue? The election cycle is in full swing.
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Meanwhile a debate just as important as any political issue is raging in living rooms and kitchens across America. In this challenging economy families are questioning college affordability and the value of a liberal arts education.
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PROFES
SOR CINNAMON BROWN
SOR PROFES
JAMES
McRAE
PROFESSOR SUSAN DIVINE
I
n this article, five different Westminster professors lay out a case for survival of human civilization based on their teaching of individual academic disciplines. Who has the strongest, most compelling argument? At the end of the article, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote for your favorite candidate‌which could turn out to be easier than picking what political candidates to support this November.
Professor of History, Cinnamon Brown
As a historian I possess every lesson needed to survive and make a new civilization. By studying the past, we can analyze every possible scenario human beings have encountered and how they met challenges and devised solutions. History will become the Google of our new society. Whenever we have a question—somewhere in our past we can find an answer. Where Science and Math can give us the tools, History allows us to evaluate the proper use of them. Where Philosophy can give us abstract ideas of the human condition, History can show us in concrete terms what it is to live a good and meaningful life from those who have. Where literature can inspire us, so too can tales of our past triumphs and trials. Whereas all of my colleagues bring valuable knowledge and
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experience of one unique tree, I bring the whole forest. I am reminded of the historical example of the Titanic. An engineer can tell us that it sank because of faulty rivets. A scientist could tell us about the effects of global warming on the size of the iceberg. But a Historian would have studied the whole tragedy and would have learned next time bring life jackets for everyone!
Professor of Philosophy, James McRae First, philosophy is the mother of all disciplines. For millennia, philosophy was the only discipline, which is why the terminal degree in every field is a Ph.D. Philosophy gave birth to the sciences, social
sciences, and humanities, and continues to inform the theory and practice of these disciplines. I am a Renaissance man with breadth of expertise in many fields and great depth in a few. In a survival situation, you want a Leatherman Tool, not a scalpel. Second, ethics and political philosophy are essential for rebuilding society. Without a just society, life will be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. If you want a life beyond simple subsistence, you need leadership. Philosophers, because of their background in critical thinking, ethics, and political philosophy, are excellent problem-solvers and leaders. Third, survival skills are important. Like many environmental ethicists, I’m a survivalist. I know how to hunt and fish (and construct the necessary tools to do so), build fires and shelters, practice field medicine, navigate, etc. Survival situations demand self-defense skills, particularly if our group has to compete with others for scarce resources, and I’m certified as an instructor in multiple martial arts.
PROFESSOR
TO B I A S G I B S O N
OR M P ROFESS
Professor of Spanish, Susan Divine The discipline of foreign language is so much more than verb conjugations and vocabulary lists. Learning language is learning a culture, literature, history, philosophy, economy, and psychology of different groups. It is also the basis of communication itself– written, oral, and kinetic. In a diverse and multicultural world, having this metalinguistic ability to not just speak, but to understand how languages and cultures function is an essential tool to have. Within the discipline of foreign language Spanish is important: there are more Spanish speakers on the planet than English speakers. Chances are, if we encounter other survivors, I’ll be able to speak to them and teach everyone to communicate no matter the barrier. Lastly, I have to know how to make people feel at ease in a high anxiety situation and the foreign language classroom definitely qualifies. I excel at getting groups of scared
IKE AM
SPOKER
V OT E N OW !
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freshmen in 101 to have fun conversing in Spanish, getting intermediate students to have sophisticated dialogues about controversial topics, and leading advanced students through 17th century texts in the original early modern Spanish. Doesn’t this make Spanish a critical academic discipline?
it allows the practitioner to use the skills that have been acquired rather than simply sitting around thinking about them all day without a useful outlet. In conclusion, Aristotle himself, perhaps history’s greatest thinker, referred to politics as “the master science.”
Professor of Biology, Mike Amspoker Professor of Political Science, Tobias Gibson Political science should be the clear winner. Part of the importance of determining the winner is the ability to recreate society; there is no better discipline than the study of governmental structure to ensure the quality of humankind. The discipline is important, as nearly everything is impacted by politics. Without understanding how politics works, and how you can impact politics, you have very little control over many, or even most, aspects of your life.
Moreover, political science represents much of what the other disciplines have to offer. If one is to master the discipline of political science, then scientific method, history, mathematics and philosophy must also be used and understood. Political science takes aspects of several other disciplines and culls from them the most useful aspects. Political science truly is stronger than the sum of its component parts. Political science is the most relevant discipline to people’s daily lives, from the before the cradle to the grave. Moreover, it is the apex of academic disciplines because
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So what would an academically trained marine biologist with degrees in zoology, biology and botany, an Eagle Scout, a former commercial scuba diver and a leader of 14 off-campus courses to three different continents have to offer? Experience, knowledge and leadership. Until I arrived at Westminster my life revolved around the ways of the ocean and many a happy hour was spent wandering along beaches, fishing off piers, diving in kelp beds and sailing on all sorts of vessels. I suspect there isn’t a macroscopic or microscopic life form that I can’t identify – on land or in the water. And with that knowledge I have a pretty good idea what one can eat and what one should avoid. Remember that all forms of human endeavor begin with the stomach. In addition my training as a microbiologist has taught me how to identify yeasts in the wild and employ those yeasts to produce refreshing fermented beverages. I have led off-campus courses to Mexico, Belize, Peru, Ecuador and Kenya – and haven’t left a student behind. Furthermore I don’t eat much and wouldn’t take up much space.
W
hile the details of these professors’ arguments may differ, there are several common threads in their arguments that demonstrate why receiving a liberal arts education is so valuable.
First, by its very nature, a liberal arts education presents students with a wide range of different viewpoints. Students then have to sift through the evidence and apply critical thinking skills in making decisions about what is the right answer to fit the circumstances. After all, isn’t that what decisions in life and career are all about as well? National evidence indicates that all people will hold somewhere between five to seven different jobs in their lifetime. Frequently, these job changes will not even be related to the career path they chose in college. As a result, gaining a job and succeeding in it is more about strong communication skills, excellent critical thinking, creativity, flexibility, and leadership capabilities—all advantages stressed by these debaters and all tools young people acquire when they receive a liberal arts education at Westminster. The other piece of the equation is because of all the technological advancements of the past few years, the world is a much smaller place than it once was. For example, in recent years we have seen what an impact the economic problems of Europe have had on America’s economy. Graduates of today will work with people of different cultures, customs, habits, religions, languages, and
legal and governmental systems, in working through problems. Those who have lived and succeeded in a diverse global community such as Westminster will be ready to handle those situations. A liberal arts education offers graduates that type of real world preparation. So who wins the debate? All of the presenters because the ultimate value is not predicated on one academic discipline over another, but whether graduates have the range of skills and past experience to succeed…the range of skills and experience received from a liberal arts education.
V OT E N OW !
WHO SHOULD WIN THE DEBATE? YOU DECIDE. Voting ends on 10/15/12. Vote now at www.westminster-mo.edu/go/debate
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The Tumultuous Love Story
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or 144 years, the “houses” and the “hill” have had an on-again, off-again love affair. Yes, there was that time in 1893 when the Board admonished fraternities for giving “frequent and expensive banquets.” Or fall of 1908 when a major student hazing incident prompted faculty to lay down the ruling that all Greek functions must end by 11:30 and students must be in their quarters by midnight. But, generally the relationship between a given administration and Greek students ebbed and flowed like a sometimes tumultuous relationship. The love affair has found more stable ground of late, and people are taking note. “Fraternities and sororities aren’t just nice to have,” says President Barney Forsythe, “They offer our students a special opportunity for leadership development, which is our mission at Westminster College.” It may be hard to pinpoint exactly when the recent connection between Greeks and the College began, but there are several theories.
Concept for Student Development In 2007, Westminster first published the Concept for Student Development. “It was an effort to put into full practice what we think makes Westminster so unique,” reports Dean of Faculty Carolyn Perry. It has always been the case that Westminster alumni point to great professors and great leadership opportunities, like those offered in Greek chapters, as the things that made the most impact on them. Art Hoge ‘75, President of the Alumni Council and past international president of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, agrees, “Nowhere else could I have had professors like Dr. Brauer and the hands-on leadership experience of being one of the leaders of Phi Delta Theta’s Missouri Beta chapter.” The Concept focuses on developing Westminster students across five domains: intellectual, social, professional, ethical, and wellness. “I was Dean of Faculty at the time, and it was clear then that we could not accomplish this just through classroom
experiences,” says President Forsythe, “We had to acknowledge the importance of what was happening outside of traditional classrooms.” That is, the leadership development and learning happening in fraternities and sororities finally had their place at the core of what Westminster does. “We’re committed to capitalizing on the great leadership development that already occurs in fraternities and sororities,” says Vice President and Dean of Student Life Stephanie Krauth. Dr. Krauth is leading the implementation of a strategic plan where what students learn on the hill compliments what they learn in the houses, and vice versa. “Students should be treated holistically,” add Krauth, “Only then will they be able to apply theory to practice in the chapters as leaders and bring their experiences to deepen classroom learning.” By 2020, Krauth envisions a Greek Life advising office that can train and support student leaders at every turn, an involved alumni network that supports every chapter, and a Greek system that can be called one of the best in the country.
Fraternity Housing Around the same time, a number of fraternity chapters began discussing the need to renovate or replace their houses. It seems that decades of housing students had taken its toll on most of the houses. They looked their age and many alumni leaders worried that housing that was noticeably less attractive than College residence halls and apartments would eventually hurt fraternity membership numbers. There is no reason on its face that a desire for renovated or new houses would bring chapters and the College closer together, but three factors led them to each other. First, the College offered to invest in the facilities along with the donors. As it could issue debt, the College could contribute towards the construction of a new facility. In the case of a renovation, the College could take on significant deferred maintenance not addressed by fundraising. www.westminster-mo.edu
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Greek Facts & Figures 43% of the Student Body 62% of Alumni 71% Graduation Rate Oldest Chapter – Beta Theta Pi, 1868 Newest Chapter – Alpha Gamma Delta, 2007 Average Fraternity GPA – 3.09 (Spring 2012) Average Sorority GPA – 3.54 (Spring 2012)
Second, the involvement of the College offered a way to maintain the facilities that would guarantee donors’ investment in them would last. Alumni on house corporations often lived some distance from Fulton and were not always in a good position to respond to maintenance concerns. The College, on the other hand, has a professionally staffed physical plant staff able to clean, repair, and provide preventative maintenance on the houses daily. It seemed to many that College maintenance was a model that could replace what house mothers and local alumni had done in years past. Finally, the Internal Revenue Code does not allow for a fraternity or sorority house corporation to be a charitable organization to which tax-deductible gifts can be made. Knowing that raising gifts without a tax deduction is much more difficult, the College and some chapters entered agreements to raise the funds together. Gifts could be made to the College, which would then build or renovate the chapter house, which would then be leased back to the chapter’s house corporation. The College would have to own the house according to IRS guidelines, but fraternities could maintain exclusive occupancy through the lease. The Betas were the first to take advantage of this optional program. Kirk Carpenter ‘65, the leader of the Beta House fundraising effort and former House 22
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Corp President, has been very pleased. “It really has worked out quite well,” he says, “Despite some concerns from alumni, College ownership of the house has been a significant positive. The house has been wellmaintained and the chapter functions as it did before.” The SAEs have likewise signed on to the program and have turned over their house to College ownership and maintenance. The Phi Delts have agreed to do so when their fundraising is complete, and other chapters are considering the program as well.
Sorority Housing Westminster has had sororities for thirty years now. Kappa Kappa Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta have been here since the beginning and Alpha Gamma Delta was founded in 2007. The Delta Delta Delta chapter operated from 1993 to 2005. All three chapters occupy lounges in Wetterau, Weigle, and Sweazey Halls that are used for meetings, socials, and study halls. One of the most frequently asked questions from alumni, students, and even prospective students is the plans for sorority housing. “Under our strategic plan, a Sorority Housing Task Force will be created to investigate possible sorority housing options for the future,” says Dean Krauth.
“By collaboratively and creatively envisioning the future of sorority life at Westminster, we can intentionally develop and grow our sororities, taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.” One significant obstacle could exist to agreeing on a single plan, however – the chapter members themselves. While some certainly desire exclusive sorority housing, other members prefer the ability to live in housing of their choice, including the College’s new apartments and townhouses. Yet another reason for some opposition is that national sorority rules would be stricter than current College housing rules in regard to social opportunities— parties and guests. “Sororities are key to our future, and finding facilities that can best support them is critically important.” says Krauth.
Moving Forward Together The importance of a Greek community at Westminster College cannot be overstated. “I meet with alumni all the time who tell me how critical their chapter experience was to their success,” says President Forsythe, “It is fair to say Westminster would not be as strong and as vibrant a campus community today without our Greeks and that our students are still benefiting today from their presence.” What has shifted is a sense of partnership that may not have always existed previously. Rather than offering divergent interests and philosophies, the “houses” and the “hill” have come together with the betterment of students as their touchstone.
Chapter Fundraising News Phi Delta Theta – Raised $1.7 million to date with $700,000 remaining to renovate Beta Theta Pi – Constructed a new house in 2007 Sigma Chi – Completed work on bathrooms and kitchen with more to come Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Completed renovations of bedrooms and bathrooms, raising $200,000 more to complete work on kitchen and common areas Kappa Alpha – Upgrades completed over the summer with early planning for a significant project and funded Kappa Alpha Order Endowed Scholarships in the names of David Hickem and Erna Mae Gess Delta Tau Delta – Paid off a College loan in 2011 Kappa Kappa Gamma – Raised $25,000 to endow a scholarship for a chapter member Kappa Alpha Theta – Raising $25,000 to endow a scholarship, installed wood plank flooring in 2010 Alpha Gamma Delta – No plans at this time
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President’s Club Special Recognition Westminster’s loyal alumni and friends share two characteristics — a fierce pride in the College and the desire to ensure that future generations of students receive an excellent Westminster education. This commitment has been the foundation of the President’s Club since its inception in 2000. The President’s Club is Westminster’s most prestigious annual giving society, recognizing donors who provide leadership support to the College each year. Their support ensures that Westminster’s proud heritage and tradition of academic excellence continue to thrive for generations to come. Westminster is proud to recognize and thank the President’s Club members of fiscal year 2012.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. (’69) Absher Mrs. Patricia H. Aitken Mr. William A. Anderson ’64 Mr. and Mrs. Brock E. (’82) Ayers Dr. and Mrs. Bryce A. (’92) Ayers Mr. John W. Bachmann Mr. and Mrs. Howard R. (’52) Backer Major General and Mrs. Byron S. (’78) Bagby Mr. and Mrs. Jack T. (’73) Bangert Mr. and Mrs. John W. (’59) Barber Ms. Kathryn-Elaine G. Barden Dr. and Mrs. Bruce K. (’76) Barrow Mr. and Mrs. John T. (’67) Baumstark, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel W. (’56) Beck Mr. David W. Clapp ’70 and Ms. Jane Bell Mr. and Mrs. James F. (’92) Bennett Mr. and Mrs. William A. (’62) Bennett Mr. and Mrs. R. Arthur (’61) Bickel Mr. Robert H. and Mrs. Heather A. (’89) Biehl Mrs. Jane Bierdeman Fike* Mr. Craig S. Biesterfeld ’75 Mr. and Mrs. R. Kent (’76) Blochberger Mr. and Mrs. Scott S. (’86) Boswell, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Terry W. Bowmaster Dr. and Mrs. Clifford R. (’62) Bragdon Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. (’67) Brauer Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan W. (’77) Brinlee Dr. and Mrs. Bruce K. (’68) Brookby Mr. and Mrs. Peter W. (’66) Brown Mr. and Mrs. John M. (’70) Brus Ms. Barbara Bryant Dr. and Mrs. William L. (’66) Buchanan
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Mr. W. Gordon Buckner ’56 Mr. and Mrs. Raymond F. (’63) Burfeind Dr. and Mrs. Charles R. Burnett, Jr. Mr. Robert C. Butler ’90 Rev. Dr. Clifford Cain and Dr. Natasia Cain Mr. and Mrs. David W. (’91) Callis Mr. J. Bruce Campbell ’65 Dr. H. Ann Cashion and Mr. Ted H. Cashion ’77 The CBJR Foundation Mr. Peter A. Childs ’58 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. (’86) Christensen Mr. and Mrs. Brian K. (’80) Claire Mr. Joseph B. Clarke, Jr. ’45 Mr. and Mrs. Blake C. (’00) Cogbill Dr. and Mrs. David G. Collins Dr. and Mrs. John L. Comerford Mr. and Mrs. Neal Creighton Mr. George W. Dahnke ’62 Dr. William H. Danforth ’48 Mr. Brian and Mrs. Kim K. (’90) Daniel Mrs. Ruth P. Daniels Mr. and Mrs. William D. (’71) Daniels Mr. Andrew G. Darkow ’09 Mr. and Mrs. G. Reuben (’66) Davis Dr. Faith B. Davis and Dr. Paul J. Davis ’59 Mr. and Mrs. Shelby M. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. DeFer Dr. and Mrs. Craig A. Dennison Mr. and Mrs. David O. (’84) Egner Mr. John R. Elrod ’68 Mr. and Mrs. Warren K. (’81) Erdman Mr. and Mrs. P. Lee (’75) Evans
Mr. and Mrs. William E. (’64) Everheart, II Mr. and Mrs. Prentiss E. Feagles Mr. and Mrs. William D. (’80) Felder, IV Mr. and Mrs. Victor J. (’79) Ferrugia Mr. Russell Fischer ’28 Mr. and Mrs. James D. (’83) Flink Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. (’97) Fordyce Dr. and Mrs. Gary G. (’65) Forrest Dr. and Mrs. George B. Forsythe Mr. and Mrs. William F. (’57) Fuhrmeister Mr. and Mrs. Richard O. (’63) Garber Mr. and Mrs. J. Peter (’62) Gattermeir Dr. and Mrs. G. David (’74) Gearhart Mr. Kevin D. Gordon ’81 and Mrs. Janice L. Mathews-Gordon ’81 Dr. and Mrs. David W. (’55) Gray The Honorable and Mrs. Gene (’64) Hamilton, Jr. Mr. Robert A. Hamilton, Jr. ’60 Mr. Joshua M. ’06 and Mrs. Jenna R. ’06 Harlow Mrs. Ramey W. Harper Ms. Cathryn L. Harris Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. (’70) Harris Col. and Mrs. Hugh G. (’59) Harris Mr. O. T. Harris ’50 Mr. and Mrs. James W. (’57) Harrod Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. (’43) Hawkins, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace L. (’72) Head Dr. and Mrs. William H. (’61) Hervey, II Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. (’57) Hicks, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley J. (’86) Hilsabeck Mr. Johnson C. Ho ’75 and Dr. Jessie Shih Dr. Milburn W. Hobson ’51 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hoertel Mr. and Mrs. Arthur F. (’75) Hoge, III Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Hook Mrs. Janie M. Houf Mr. and Mrs. Jack M. House Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. (’66) Hubbell Mr. Steven B. ’83 and Mrs. Elizabeth S. ’83 Humphreys Mr. and Mrs. Frank O. (’77) Hunter Mr. William C. Ives Mr. David M. Jackson ’10 Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey W. (’65) Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. (’60) Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. (’58) James Mr. and Mrs. Randall P. (’74) Johnson Mr. and Mrs. John D. Kapeller Dr. Deborah Kavanaugh and Mr. Paul F. Kavanaugh ’81 Mr. and Mrs. Darren S. (’91) Kay Dr. and Mrs. Jerry D. (’69) Kennett
Mr. T. Ben King ’02 and Ms. Sara Hart Weir ’04 Mr. and Mrs. Monte W. (’59) Klein Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. (’61) Kleinschmidt Mr. and Mrs. H. Phillips (’74) Kliewer Mr. Ronald J. Kostich ’63 Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. (’56) Kurrus, III Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. (’65) LaBelle Mr. and Mrs. Valentin (’05) Leppert Dr. and Mrs. John A. Lewington Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. (’80) Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Richard K. (’58) Lieser Mr. and Mrs. Duke R. (’63) Ligon Mr. and Mrs. D. Michael (’63) Linihan Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. (’79) Lofe, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Clay S. (’70) Logan Mr. and Mrs. Alan C. (’77) Lullman Mr. Robert I. MacDonald Mr. and Mrs. John B. (’49) Mahaffey Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Mahoney Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. (’91) Mangan Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Mannion Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. (’72) Marker Mr. and Mrs. David E. (’64) Marshall The Estate of Mr. John E. Marshall ’53 Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. (’62) Marshall Mr. and Mrs. James D. (’65) Mayes Mr. and Mrs. John R. (’62) McFarland Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. (’49) McIntosh Mr. David G. Mee ’82 Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. (’65) Mellor Mr. and Mrs. Philip H. (’76) Merry, Jr. Mr. Kenneth E. Meyer Dr. and Mrs. Jerry N. (’59) Middleton Dr. and Mrs. Mark R. (’85) Miller Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. (’72) Miranti, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. C. Robert (’68) Monroe Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. (’44) Morrison Mr. and Mrs. James C. (’67) Morton, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. G. Robert (’68) Muehlhauser Mr. and Mrs. Kent C. (’62) Mueller Mr. and Mrs. Christopher W. (’64) Nattinger Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Patrick (’76) Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. (’74) Niles, III Justin M. Nolan, Ph.D. ’93 Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. (’88) Norton Mr. and Mrs. William E. (’60) Noyes Mr. and Mrs. Earl L. (’51) O’Rourke, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Harold B. (’90) Oakley Reverend and Mrs. Harold L. (’40) Ogden
www.westminster-mo.edu
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Mr.* and Mrs. John R. (’48) Opel Mr. and Mrs. Mikhail E. (’96) Orlov Mrs. Laura R. Orthwein Colonel Clifford D. (’50) Overfelt, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. William D. (’61) Owens Mr. and Mrs. J. Christopher (’93) Panettiere Mr. and Mrs. John M. (’59) Panettiere Dr. and Mrs. George K. (’67) Parkins Mr. Cornell D. Pasley, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Victor Pasley Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. (’60) Peck, Sr. Dr. Carolyn J. and Mr. Greg Perry Mr. Mark A. (’82) Phariss Ms. Celia Phillips Mr. and Mrs. William R. Piper Mr. and Mrs. Stephen G. (’84) Pontius Mr. and Mrs. Sam E. (’62) Powell, III Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. (’65) Price, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald R. (’71) Prout Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Quinn Mr. Troy N. Rainbolt, II ’87 Mr. Johnnie L. and Mrs. Leigh A. (’84) Reaves Mr. and Mrs. James R. (’60) Reed Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. (’68) Reid Mr. William E. Reller ’56 Mr. David A. Renaud ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Phillip L. (’61) Reynolds Mr. Gregory A. Richard ’88 Mr. and Mrs. David J. Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. (’76) Rickards Mr. Nico Roberts ’10 Mr. and Mrs. William P. Robinett Mr. and Mrs. Ford W. (’62) Ross, Jr. Mrs. Paul M. Ross Dr. and Mrs. Thomas R. (’61) Russell Mr. Travis L. Sartain ’97 Mr. and Mrs. Dale Schenewerk, Sr. The Honorable and Mrs. Gary (’69) Schmidt Dr. and Mrs. James M. (’72) Schmuck Mr. Ray F. and Mrs. Anne E. (’85) Schneider Dr. and Mrs. John E. (’58) Schultz Dr. and Mrs. Charles M. (’82) Schumacher Dr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Scott Dr. Robert A. Seelinger, Jr. and Dr. Cathy Callaway Mr. and Mrs. Norbert R. (’63) Sewing
Rev. and Mrs. Harry G. (’60) Sharp, III Mr. James E. Sharp ’62 Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. (’52) Shields Mr. and Mrs. Alfred C. (’61) Sikes Dr. Gene E. Sloan ’77 and Dr. Mimi Lee Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Smette Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. (’81) Springmeyer Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. (’67) Stanley, III Mr. John C. Steger, Jr. ’51 Mr. Timothy S. Steinbeck ’82 Dr. Mark R. Streater ’82 and Dr. Debbie S. Streater Dr. and Mrs. Drennon D. (’54) Stringer Ms. Jane E. Stubbs ’00 Mr. Thaddeus A. Stubbs ’99 Mr. and Mrs. James E. Stueve Mr. Jack C. Taylor ’44 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen K. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd B. (’63) Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Patrick G. (’77) Thomason Ms. Litsa D. Tsitsera Mr. Franklin P. Turner ’84 Mr. and Mrs. William H. Tyler, III Dr. Irene M. Unger Mr. Barclay Van Dyke ’36* Mr. and Mrs. J. David (’73) Veitch Mr. Drew Veitch ’05 Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. (’54) Volz Mr. and Mrs. George L. (’51) Wachtell Mr. and Mrs. H. Richard (’70) Walton Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. (’63) Well Dr. and Mrs. Gus S. (’63) Wetzel, II Mr. Scott J. Wilson ’74 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. (’63) Wilson Mr. and Mrs. William B. (’69) Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Ronald D. (’64) Winney Mr. Donald D. Wood, III ’00 Mr. and Mrs. L. Bailey (’60) Word Dr. and Mrs. Peter S. (’59) Yu Dr. Lana C. Zerrer ’95 and Dr. Jason D. Zerrer ’96
*Denotes Deceased President’s Club membership is based on gifts, not pledges, made during the fiscal year, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012.
Membership in the President’s Club is open to anyone who contributes $1,250 or more to the College during the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). For alumni who have graduated within the last ten years, a special Young Alumni Membership is available for $625 per year. Stay tuned for more information about exciting changes to the President’s Club, including new membership benefits, events and more. To learn more about the President’s Club, visit www.westminster-mo.edu/go/ presidentsclub or call 573-592-5370.
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Y O U ’ re invited to attend
WESTMINSTER SYMPOSIUM Religious Experience in Global Society | September 18-19, 2012 Sponsored by Jane & Barney Forsythe www . westminster - mo . edu / go / symposium
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Westminster faculty or staff member gets a note of appreciation. A student receives a helping hand with a first job. A familiar face moves among the crowd at every Westminster function or event. Brock Ayers, an ’82 alumnus from Ballwin, MO, is at work. There is a reason he has been awarded the SGA Alumni Service Award not once, but twice. His love and devotion to Westminster College is so complete that even though his profession is in the world of markets and finance, his second career is helping Westminster and the students who walk through its Columns succeed. “I learned to love this College when I was here,” says Brock. “At a small school you have to develop interpersonal relationships, and I was fortunate to build personal relationships that have lasted for life. Now I like to give back by spending time helping our students. Because I get to know the character, personality, and work habits of many of them, it makes it easy for me to give great personal references and recommendations for them when they enter the work force.” A native of Freeburg, IL, Brock was drawn to leadership and Westminster early. He took a day off school in his junior year to come to Fulton on a 28
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college visit with Tom Parker, ’81, who was on student council with him. Brock not only followed in Tom’s footsteps the next year as Student Council President but a return visit Brock’s senior year sold him on Westminster College and its Greek system. In fact, other student council presidents and members from Freeburg would follow Brock and Tom to Westminster for the next decade. Along with leadership, Brock’s interest in entrepreneurship sparked an early start as well. Brock was running his own business as a chimney sweep at the age of 15 and continued to make money through that job all the way through college. Going into people’s homes to clean their chimneys enabled Brock to get to know many Fulton people and develop a love of the community and Westminster in particular. He met the other great love of his life during those years as well—a young William Woods student named Laura Dierberg (WWC ’82). During his years at Westminster, working toward a degree in economics and business administration, Brock learned to appreciate the value of scholarship and a helping hand. His 4-year ROTC scholarship and his chimney sweep business put him through school. Many Westminster mentors along the way prepared
him for success. For example, Placement Director Sally Reynolds let him go to any open interview slots to get his feet wet even though he was headed into the Army upon graduation and not a business career just so he could learn the ropes of job interviewing firsthand. His proclivity for leadership carried him far as well. He was President of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity chapter and named Outstanding Senior of the Year at graduation. Upon graduation, Brock was commissioned an Army Second Lieutenant and began a long relationship with the American intelligence community, stationed first in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. In fact, due to a change in orders, he almost missed his own wedding to Laura that first year. The Army cancelled his orders and told him he could have a proxy ready to stand in for him at the altar. Fortunately, for Brock, Col. Ed Tivol, who had been his Westminster Professor of Military Science, had also been assigned to Ft. Huachuca and helped Brock solve the proxy problem. The Army relented, changing his orders, and Brock returned to St. Louis long enough to walk down the aisle. For three years he was stationed with the 25th Infantry in Hawaii, deploying to Korea, Japan, and Australia. Though far away, Westminster was not forgotten.
Brock started an alumni club in Hawaii. His military leadership potential did not go unnoticed by the Army, and he was recommended for Defense Intelligence College, a move to Washington, D.C. that allowed Laura to earn her law degree there. Brock earned a Masters of Science degree in Strategic Intelligence in 1987 and gradually moved up the intelligence ladder from a position in McLean, VA to the National Security Council and White House Situation Room Staff in 1988. He was one of only two analysts selected out of 200 applicants and for two years was part of a team that wrote geopolitical and intelligence summaries and briefings for the National Security Council and White House Staff, including the President. Although extremely busy, he still found time for Westminster, helping to rejuvenate its DC alumni group, and Laura and he opened their home to Westminster student Louis Riggs to live with them while he was interning there. Once first child Kathryn was born, both Brock and Laura yearned to be closer to family back in Missouri. So when the opportunity arose in 1990 for Brock to transfer to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois as a Staff Intelligence Officer and Command Briefer for Desert Shield/Desert Storm operations, he took it www.westminster-mo.edu
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GET INVOLVED —————————————————————————————————
Career Services
Speak on campus and share wisdom with student groups, share personal contacts, and help with internships and job searches.
Alumni
Serve on Alumni Council, donate to the College, organize an alumni group in your area if there is not one, find graduates in your area and help them meet people, attend alumni events such as alumni weekend, and return to campus whenever possible. Greek Life Advise and mentor, donate to your fraternity or sorority, help with recruitment, or serve on a House Corporation. Recruiting Go to high school college fairs, visit high school counselors and tell them about Westminster, and encourage the sons and daughters of your friends to make a campus visit. National Churchill Museum Become a Friend of the Museum, donate and attend its fundraisers and events, and encourage others to visit the Museum and its special exhibits. Academics Offer to visit or speak to a class in a subject area and donate to a scholarship and endowed chair. Marketing Buy and wear Westminster College gear. Tell the Westminster story.
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and remained there, advancing to Production Manager and Branch Chief in the Joint Intelligence Center for USTRANSCOM, a position he held in the US Army Reserve until 1999. During that time, being back in the Midwest allowed him to reconnect with Westminster mentors such as Jack Marshall, Warry Williams, Phil Reynolds, Peter Kim, Pat Kirby, and his beloved Delta Tau Delta fraternity. When the Army began drawing down in 1992, Brock felt it was time to return to the field where Westminster had prepared him to succeed. He took a position with A.G. Edwards that year as Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner. In the summer of 1994, he hired the first of what would be a long line of Westminster interns. In 1996, Brock saw a television feature about a group of college graduate students who were doing well at investing part of the school’s endowment. He had bought his first stock at the age of 8 and started an investment group with his own money in his senior year of 1981-82 and invested in the new Apple computer so the investment group concept was not new to him. However, with graduation, the group disbanded. Intrigued by the idea once more after the television viewing, Brock started the Westminster Blue Blazers Investment Committee, assisted by his interns at the time, Brandon Eckhardt, ’97, and Jenn (Stumpf) Warren, ’97. The group, nicknamed “the Blazers,” is composed of Westminster students and has been successfully managing an investment portfolio and learning about the stock market firsthand with Brock as their financial advisor for 16 years. One of the highlights of being a member of the Blazers is the periodic trips the group takes to visit the major financial institutions in New York City such as NASDAQ, NYSE, JP Morgan, CNBC, Fox Business News, and Bloomberg. Each of these trips is painstakingly planned by Brock, who relies heavily on personal and professional relationships. His military experience in logistics, movement, and operational planning are put to good use as he spends an unbelievable amount of time making phone calls, sending e-mails, and scheduling to ensure the trip is the educational experience of a lifetime for the students. To date, over 120 students have gone on one of the six NYC trips and over 550 of them count themselves as Blue Blazers.
As is customary whenever he is on campus, Brock welcomed the opportunity to visit with Westminster students at an Alumni Weekend Reception this spring.
Yet Brock’s involvement with Westminster students extends way beyond working with the Blue Blazers and helping students get internships. The number of graduates he has helped land their first job is countless—over 20 within the last two years. Why? “No matter where I’ve been—Hawaii, D.C., Missouri—there has been someone with a Westminster connection there to give me a hand,” says Ayers. “I’m just returning the favor….and the quality of students we produce at Westminster through that special liberal arts experience makes it easy. Most Westminster graduates have exceptional interview skills, they are comfortable working on a team, and they have the ability to solve problems and communicate well. I didn’t realize how significant and noticeable those skills and abilities were until I started to hear other people at companies say: ‘He’s a Westminster grad. Wish I had more of them.’” Obviously, the Ayers family believes in the value of a Westminster education. Besides Brock, his brother Bryce, ’92, brother-in-law David Dierberg, ’85, and daughter Kathryn, ’11, have graduated from Westminster. Daughter Caroline is a junior education major, Amelia is an incoming freshman.
Brock continues to serve in leadership positions at the College. He is a member of the Board of Trustees and has served as President of the Alumni Council and President of the Delts’ House Corporation. When a graduate is looking for some way to get involved with the College and help it grow and be successful, Brock is the living example. “Start in an area where you have a passion,” he says. “It might be Greek life, sports, music, adult mentoring, or alumni engagement. But get involved.” “I would encourage everyone to come back to campus and visit the College and the Museum so they can see what exciting things are happening here,” says Ayers. “Then they can see the impact they can have...what a difference they can make, even if it’s in a small way. At Westminster, you learn the value of relationships and networking. Building on those relationships and expanding them has a cumulative effect that can’t be appreciated. I wish everyone would get to know our students. They are the best calling card and marketing tool Westminster has, and they are truly ‘educated to lead, inspired to achieve’.” www.westminster-mo.edu
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lumni traveled from around the corner and across the globe to Make the Connection during Alumni Weekend 2012. Over 500 alumni and friends (that we know of ) were on campus for the weekend’s festivities! The Alumni Weekend Central tent was the hub of activity this year. Conveniently located on The Hill, the Alumni Weekend Central tent housed registration, a luncheon and served as a meeting and hang out place between events. Blue skies on Saturday made the tent a great place to enjoy a beverage and reconnect with friends, as well as engage in a game of Party Pillar.
The Westminster community honored beloved faculty Dr. Dave Collins and Dr. Butch Lael in a moving retirement sendoff. Always ready to continue learning, alumni and students gained insight on global resilience and security from Dr. Cliff Bragdon ’62, and careers in the non-profit field from Pat Nichols ’76 and Eric Coppenger ’98. Dr. Bill Parrish educated us on the early Westminster presidents. The Class of 1962 celebrated their Golden Anniversary with 27 classmates in attendance, and was recognized along with the 9 outstanding alumni award recipients at the Alumni Honors Convocation.
Weather once again threatened, but did not damper the competitive spirit of the annual Westminster/ William Woods Golf Tournament on Friday and over 75 Westminster golfers teed off.
The Westminster community showed off their passion for fitness and philanthropy by participating in the Westminster Triathlon and the Iron Phi 5K Run/Walk raised funds for the ALS Association.
William Woods hosted the annual Cocktail Party this year, while the Westminster Alumni Association welcomed the newest class of alumni with a Senior Soirée and their first, official Westminster Alumni t-shirt.
Alumni were able to support students from a variety of organizations at the Affinity Networking Receptions. The weekend wound down with a coffeehouse style student concert and an alumni and friends church service.
Save the Date! Alumni Weekend 2013 – April 19-21 Get engaged and motivate your friends to be a part of Alumni Weekend 2013. Contact the Alumni Office with event suggestions or to help organize a reunion at alumni@westminster-mo.edu or 573-592-5319.
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1. Betsy (Schultz) Humphreys ’83 and Jaime (Ogden) Jamieson ’83 2. Kent ’62 & Judy Mueller 3. The Class of 1962 celebrates their Golden Anniversary. Front Row: Ron Krueger, Cliff Bragdon, Dick Marshall, John O’Brien, Dr. Bill Parrish, John McFarland, Gordon Anderson, Joe Holt, Jim Holmes. Second Row: George McDonald, Kent Mueller, Paul Rollins, Sam Powell, George Dahnke, Ken Latham. Back Row: Ford Ross, Richard Smith, Lenny Miller, Bill Bennett, Lee Leonard. (Not pictured: Bob Brell, Carter Broach, Tom Hervey, Steve Johnson, Warren Kendall, Tom Kurrus, Tom Schopp, Justin Williamson) 4. Ginger & David ’73 Veitch 5. Delts reconnect at the Cocktail Party. From left: Bill ’80 & Katharine Felder, Chris ’83 & Kari Ursitti, Steve Humphreys ’83 and Warren Hollrah ’76 6. Byron Bagby ’78 connected with alumni, faculty, staff and students during the African American Alumni Networking Reception 7. Jim Boeckman ’83, Doug Wilson ’89 and Phil Boeckman ’88 www.westminster-mo.edu
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8. 2012 Alumni Achievement Award recipients (from left): Phil Boeckman ’88, Steve Erdel ’73, Bill Felder ’80, Chris Ursitti ’83, Tim Harlan ’71 and John O’Brien ’62 9. Rachel Drennan ’11, Jessica (Spanglehour) Macy ’95 and Kathryn Ayers ’11 10. George Dahnke ’62 and Bill Hervey ’61 11. David Jackson ’10 and Claire Vatterott ’10 12. Alumni Weekend Committee members Liz Icenogle ’05 and Travis Sartain ’92 catch up with Kris Lensmeyer 13. Dr. Cliff Bragdon ’62 shares his expertise in global security to the Westminster classroom 14. Alumni award winners Eric Coppenger ’98 (left) and Chris Ursitti ’83 (second from right) take a tour of the EcoHouse and learn about the new campus bike loan program from residents Andrew McHugh ’12, Chris Givan ’13 and Jack Haskins ’13
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15. Current and future educators shared lessons on finding a job and managing the classroom at the Education Association Alumni Networking Reception 16. Renamed in honor of the late Jack Marshall ’53, brothers David Marshall ’64 (left) and Dick Marshall ’62 (right) presented Betsy (Schultz) Humphreys ’83 with the 2012 Jack Marshall Alumni Loyalty Award 17. Dr. Parrish presents another lesson in Westminster history 18. Sheldon Crossette ’55 and Tom Shields ’52 19. Barney and Jane Forsythe with Wally Head ’72 20. Patti & Dick ’62 Marshall www.westminster-mo.edu
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Cliff ’62 & Sarah Bragdon and Catherine & Ford ’62 Ross enjoy time with President Forsythe at the President’s Club Reception Eric Coppenger ’98 and Courtney (Stubbs) Swan ’01 were recognized with the 2012 Young Alumni Achievement Award Heather (Triplett) Biehl ’89 and Lea Graham ’89 Students say “thank you” to Westminster alumni for supporting their education through gifts to the Westminster Fund Michael Lintecum ’80 and Joan David (WWU ’82) SAEs Frank Hunter ’77, Jeff Leeka ’77, Norman Smith ’77 and Lee Peterson ’77 meet at Alumni Weekend Central after their golf outing
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27. The Skulls of Seven Alumni Networking Reception brought together the traditions keepers from the past 60 years! Bob McBee ’52 and John Schultz ’58 represented the Old Guard, and shared their wisdom and experience with the newest members. 28. Beth (Howard) Stubbs ’00 takes a stab at playing Party Pillar. Thanks to Keith Daus ’96 for providing a custom Westminster Party Pillar set for the weekend 29. Phi Delts welcome back a nice group of alumni 30. Liz Blood ’08, faculty member David Collins and Rachel Nichols ’08 pose for a photo during the retirement celebration 31. Retiring faculty David Collins and Butch Lael were honored by many former students 32. Karen & John ’62 McFarland catch up with Suzanne Richardson at the President’s Club Reception www.westminster-mo.edu
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s the road trip has come to a close, it has become easier to look at the trip from an aerial view. I think it’s safe to say that this year’s crew had the luck of experiencing some of the most memorable moments in road crew history, at least from our perspective. We had the pleasure of meeting over 500 alums, prospective students, family members, and friends of the college—living in Missouri all the way to California. We were able to enjoy the jaw-dropping, breath-taking drive of Highway 1, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and even the beauty of the majestic Grand Canyon. We had an unlikely encounter with border patrol and were even able to confidently handle the situation of a serious bug bite. All in all, at the end of the day, we each were able to not only further develop our love and pride in Westminster but see our part in the Westminster Story. Along our trip, we were frequently asked the same question: was the trip a success? This, of course, became a difficult question to thoroughly answer. For one, the trip was definitely multi-facetted and, two, our success ultimately was not ours to decide. However, after much contemplation and after much needed time away from ‘the van,’ I have finally come up with an answer. Amongst the most memorable moments of the trip were conversations I was able to have with alums. I began the trip with the objective of gaining as much Westminster knowledge as possible in order to answer any questions alums or students may
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have about the college. I quickly realized, however, that I was able to gain much more from these conversations than they were interested in learning from me. I took away a piece of wisdom and a bit of inspiration from every person I met. I learned about what each did, I learned from their perspective of the college or the meaningfulness of their time spent there. I began to not only treasure the time I spent at Westminster but started to learn what it meant to continue my Westminster Story. There is an undying Blue Jay Spirit that lives on past the columns. During our trip to Oklahoma City, every guest that attended yelled out in blue jay pride. In Houston we spotted a Westminster ‘beanie’ still hanging with pride. In San Antonio we met Mr. McBee, the ‘proudest Westminster alum’ we have ever met. After our trip, it was nearly impossible not to be moved by the pride so many still cherished all across the nation. My final answer: yes. To put it simply, our trip was most definitely a success. Our objective of the trip was to bring together the Westminster Family, and this, I feel, is the best gauge of our success. Each event we held and every person we met was a proud member of our Westminster Community. It became obvious to me that the fire started in good ol’ Fulton, MO lives on as far west as the Pacific! We were able to bring together 563 members of the Westminster Family, and that was a grand success.
– Katie Hasenmueller & Road Crew
Road Trip Fun Facts 563 6,945 2,236 24 11 22 $4.09 $3.15 8 94o 107o 61o 2,146 19 4 3 «
Alumni, Students, Family, and Friends engaged events and stops Miles Driven Pictures Taken Cities Visited State Lines Crossed Gas Fill-Ups High - $4.09/gallon – San Diego, CA Low - $3.15/gallon – Fort Worth, TX States Visited Average temperature of cities visited Highest temperature of cities visited Lowest temperature of cities visited Website Visits # of times the Crew ate BBQ on the trip Service Projects Completed Injuries Sustained (but only 1 ER visit) Road Crew’s Favorite Event: San Antonio
FUEL THE FUND $1,869 $1,191 $3,398
in raffle ticket sales in Cards t-shirt sales in out-of-pocket expenses for events and road crew support
$7,300 in sponsored events $4,770 in cash donations/pledges ——— $18,528 2012 Total Support *This figure reflects submitted receipts through 7/31/12
Where are they now? Catch up with former road crew members online! www.westminster-mo.edu/ go/roadtripalumni
Becca
Favorite memory of the trip? All of the service projects we did: helping out with Water Day at the Southminster VBS, conducting surveys in Joplin, working in the storage room at the Oklahoma City Infant Crisis Center, and talking with the youth who participated in Climbing for Life. Westminster is a service oriented college and it was great to be able to incorporate that into the Road Trip as well as spread the Westminster values across the country.
KEVIN
What will you miss most about being on the road? The beautiful sights, goofy antics and friendships made. The connections and friends I made during the trip will endure for many years to come. This was the trip of a lifetime!
ABDULLAH
What was your favorite event and why? El Paso – I had the chance to meet the eldest alum to attend an event during the trip – Jackson Moody ’47.
KATIE
What was the most rewarding part of your Road Crew experience? I loved the events where we were had the opportunity to sit down and have genuine conversations with our alumni – I met some amazing people!
CRESTWOOD, mo
COLUMBIA, MO
ST. LOUIS, MO
Jefferson CITY, MO
oklahoma CITY, OK
arlington, TX
FORT WORTH, TX
HOUSTON, TX
SAN DIEGO, CA
LOS ANGELES, CA
BERKELEY, CA
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
CAPTIONS Crestwood, MO – The Road Crew helps with water games during vacation bible school at Southminster Presbyterian Church. Westminster alumnus and former parent Joe Marting ’69 is the senior pastor. Columbia, MO – Andrew Darkow ’09, Courtney Darkow ’13, Van & Caryl Darkow St. Louis, MO – Brooke Sloss ’95 and Kurt Feigley ’73 Jefferson City, MO – Chris & Gary ’69 Schmidt and Fred ’73 & Ann Binggeli Springfield, MO – Michael Nesbitt ’03, Janel (Arnold) Nibert ’03 and Katie Hoesch ’02 Joplin, MO – Dan ’67 & Melanie Stanley, Katie, Kevin, Becca and Jon Gatz ’04 Tulsa, OK – Matt, Justin ’15 and Bailey Wollmershauser, Lauren and Jackie Petty, and Laurie Wollmershauser Oklahoma City, OK – Kristen (Leone) Jackson ’06 and son Will Oklahoma City, OK – The Road Crew put their organizational skills to work helping sort and inventory supplies at the Oklahoma City Infant Crisis Center. Arlington, TX – David Vassar ’88, John Smith ’85 and Dan Goetz ’84 Fort Worth, TX – The Road Crew was given a tour of Fort Worth by Dr. Audrey Remley Houston, TX – Dale Wilson ’68, Katie, Fritz Beich ’69 and Mark Ehrlich ’72 San Antonio, TX – Bob McBee ’52 and Cliff Overfelt ’50 El Paso, TX – The Road Crew with Lenore & Jackson ’47 Moody and John Nelsen ’76 Mesa, AZ – Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and President Forsythe Phoenix, AZ – Scott Porter, Pam & John ’63 Sharkey San Diego, CA – Sandy Bourquin ’10, Scott Crosby ’01 and his fiancé Lauren Los Angeles, CA – Todd Reutlinger ’13, Kevin, Becca, Katie, John Hughes ’89, Pete Miranti ’04 and Abdullah Berkeley, CA – The Road Crew with Don ’79 & Lorraine Lofe Albuquerque, NM – The Road Crew with Andrew Buxton ’08, Dick Carruthers ’58 Santa Fe, NM – The Road Crew with Alanna (Neff ) ’01 & Dan ’01 Goodman Denver, CO – While in Denver, the Road Crew volunteered with Climbing for Life and led a group of urban youth on a climb. Denver, CO – Mark ’69 & Lynn Zoller Kansas City, MO – Barbara & Peter ’62 Gattermeir
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Leadership summer 2012
SPRINGFIELD, MO
joplin, MO
tulsa, OK
oklahoma city, OK
SAN ANTONIO, TX
EL PASO, TX
MESA, AZ
PHOENIX, AZ
SANTA FE, NM
DENVER, CO
DENVER, CO
KANSAS CITY, MO
Special Thanks Katy Eden ’13 Bob Muehlhauser ’68 Bill Felder ’80 Barbara & Peter ’62 Gattermeir Brock Ayers ’82 Kathryn Ayers ’11 The Humphreys Family Kris Lensmeyer Judd Presley ’61 Louis Riggs ’83 Bob Feltmeier ’74 Van & Caryl Darkow Mary Majerus Beth (Howard) Stubbs ’00 Jason Gatz ’05 Mike Grote ’96 John ’62 & Karen McFarland Jim ’72 & Judy Schmuck Joe Marting ’69 Anne (McIntosh) Schneider ’85 Mike Reid ’68 Sam Licklider ’66 Gary Schmidt ’69 Joe ’72 & Susan Miranti Chris Moritz
Dan ’67 & Melanie Stanley Jon ’77 & Jackie Brinlee David ’73 & Ginger Veitch Peter Childs ’58 Art ’75 & Margaret Hoge Phil Kliewer ’74 David Vassar ’88 Audrey Remley Bailey Mills ’12 & Family Fritz Beich ’69 Dale ’68 & Naomi Wilson Ben Rollert ’53 Jeff ’77 & Joanne Leeka Bob McBee ’52 Jeff Watts ’75 Mesa Mayor Scott Smith Jennifer Graves Scott & Joyce Porter John Hughes ’89 Bill Reller ’56
Dorothy Moore Don ’79 & Lorraine Lofe Dick Carruthers Andrew Buxton ’08 Alanna (Neff ) ’01 & Dan ’01 Goodman Doak Jacoway ’71 Metropolitan State University of Denver – Mark Jastorff and Gini Mennenga Liz Icenogle ’04 & Mark Joseph Matt Greaves ’10 Sean Manners ’09 Texas Rangers - Nate Devlin Oklahoma City Infant Crisis Center - Liz Moon Climbing for Life - Ryan Campbell
View more event & trip photos online at www.bluejayroadtrip.com!
www.westminster-mo.edu
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class notes 1. 2. 3. 4.
01
Westminster alumni and entrepreneurial business partners, Dr. Ralph Rinne ’51 [1] of Bellevue, WA and Frederick Matthews ’90 [2] of Miami, FL, are positively impacting the face of global health. Their company, INSURGICAL, designs high performance powered surgical instruments that are pre-sterilized, disposable and cost-effective. INSURGICAL has a strong global presence with sales throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East, and plans to commercialize in US markets later this year.
1930’s
John Harris ’39 [3] was named Director Emeritus to the Callaway Bank in Fulton, MO by the Board of Directors in December 2011.
1950’s
Dr. Gene Barbour ’53 was featured in the book The Wilma Chestnut Story and was responsible for creating the Wilma Chestnut Fund. Dr. Bob Volz ’54 was featured in the University of Arizona Arthritis Center’s Spring 2012 newsletter. 42
Leadership summer 2012
02
03
Dr. Chuck Cozean ’58 has donated his practice, Cozean Eye Institute, to SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau, MO to enable them to build a regional eye institute.
1960’s
Bill Thompson ’63 received a Lifetime Achievement award from the American Saddle Horse Association in Lexington, Kentucky. He was publisher of Saddle & Bridle Magazine for 28 years. Thompson is retired and living at Fieldstone Farm in Elsberry, MO, a charity he created for the retirement of horses. Vance Winningham ’63 is listed in Best Lawyers in America for the 25th consecutive year in the field of immigration law. His law firm, Winningham, Stein & Basey, located in Oklahoma City, OK, has been designated a “Best Law Firm” by U.S.News & World Report. Paul Alexander ’68 joined Arnold & Porter LLP as a Trial Attorney in their Silicon Valley office in California. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Dr. Ralph Rinne ’51 Frederick Matthews ’90 John C. Harris ’39 Mark Ehrlich ’72 met with the French Ambassador to the US, Francois Delattre during a Houston, TX visit in Spring
04
Dr. Jerry Kennett ’69 was named Master of the American College of Cardiology, one of 102 cardiologists nationwide who have earned this title. He serves as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO.
1970’s
Brec Woodbridge ’70 is retired and volunteers as golf coach with the First Tee of San Francisco and a Golf Tournament Rules Official for the Northern California Golf Association. He worked the 10th hole at the July 2012 US Golf Open held at Olympic Club in San Francisco. Woodbridge and his wife, Annie, will move to their home in the Sierra Mountains summer 2013. Wally Head ’72 is the Vice Chairman and Principal of Gresham Partners in Chicago, IL. Walter Logan ’74 is running for Eastern District Commissioner of Pike County, MO. Bob Glaze ’75 is Founder and Curator of Globalphile.com, a free sophisticated traveler information resource and blogging site.
05
Greg Willard ’76 has been named partner with Carmody McDonald, PC in St. Louis, MO. Bruce Cameron ’78 released A Dog’s Journey in May 2012. This is the sequel to his best seller A Dog’s Purpose. Greg DeLong ’78 was elected to a six-year term as a Trustee of Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, MO, and is the Vice President of the Board of Trustees. DeLong is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. Wayne Wayde ’79 recently won the Baltimore Film Festival’s screenwriting award for his script Spotts: An American Legend. This work previously won the Virginia Governor’s Sreenwriting Award. Wayde is the Public Information Officer for Loudoun County, VA Public Schools.
1980’s
Nathan Carrington ’80 relocated to American Family in St. Louis, MO. Lou Van Horn ’80 [5] was named 2012 CFO of the Year by the Kansas City Business Journal in the Small Company category. Harold Martin ’82 is a Vice President with Schwartz Benefit Services, Inc. in Chicago, IL.
06
08
07
Louis Riggs ’83 completed Mediation Training for Civil Cases in Missouri at the University of Missouri School of Law Center for the Study of Dispute Resolution. This qualifies Riggs to serve as a Mediator in Missouri nondomestic relations civil cases.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
09
Louis Van Horn ’80 Ed Lewis ’80 and his son Jack (2) were featured in the Hartfort Courant playing mini-golf at Celebrate West Hartford Dr. Audrey Remley, Faculty Emeritus & Melinda Veatch ’83 Dr. Audrey Remley, Faculty Emeritus & Roy Birk ’96 Abigail, daughter of Ken Murer ’87
Col. Murray Hansen ’84 has been named a 2012 Significant Sig.
Director of Assessment for Carr and Associates, an industrial psychology firm in Overland Park, KS.
Nathan Nickolaus ’85 was named City Administrator in Jefferson City, MO.
Greg Richard ’88 is an Executive Vice President with StrataDX in Lexington, MA.
Paul Hoe ’86 was awarded the 2011 Volunteer Leader of the Year Award from the Network of Volunteer Leaders (Hawaii). Hoe is the Assistant Vice President and Manager of the Employee Volunteer Program at Bank of Hawaii.
Jim Champlin ’89 is heading up a multi-million dollar hotel project in Fayetteville, AR.
Ross Stough ’86 is a Principal Hyperspectral Image Scientist with British Aerospace Engineering Systems in Nashua, NH. Kent Noel ’88 recently completed his term as President of the Missouri Chapter of the American Counseling Association (ACAM). During his time in office, he helped develop “ACAM ACAdemy” a program that received the ACA’s Best Innovative Practices Award for the Midwest Region. He is beginning his 12th year as
Katharine Kim ’90 was featured on the TODAY Show regarding best apps and websites to help you eat healthier. Her company is HealthyDiningFinder.com. Thom Mangan ’91 is the CEO of United Benefit Advisors in Indianapolis, IN. Nicole Kirk ’93 is the Frank and Alice Schulman Chair in Unitarian Universalist History at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, IL. Chet Lauck ’95 started the Lauck Law firm in Little Rock, AR.
www.westminster-mo.edu
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09
12
Shawna (Fitzgibbon) Moore ’95 was promoted to Vice President at Capital Advisors in Tulsa, OK.
Leslie (Brooke) Hunt ’99 [13] was named a Shareholder with Decker Jones Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX.
Carey (Clemons) Bailey ’96 released a spiritual product for mothers called Cravings.
Jeff Palmer ’99 is a Vice President- Investments and Investment Management Consultant with Graystone Consulting in Boston, MA.
Andrea (Wiley) Sagely ’96 [9] [11] is an Educational Sales Consultant for Oklahoma and Kansas with Curriculum Associates. As Mrs. Tulsa 2012 she competed in the Mrs. Oklahoma International Pageant and came home with the Mrs. Congeniality Award. Leigh Hildebrand ’97 was named the winner of the 2013 Alpha Chi Distinguished Alumni Award. Hildebrand will receive her award and deliver a keynote at the national convention in Nashville. Brian McCook ’97 [12] was named Partner with Anders Minkler & Diehl, LLP in St. Louis, MO. Dao Le ’98 is the Director of Nuclear Medicine, Radiopharmacy at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. Robert Mather ’98 and associates launched The Hancock Consulting Group in Edmond, OK. 44
11
Leadership summer 2012
Donald Wood ’00 is the Executive Director of the Arkansas Hospice Foundation in Little Rock. Brad Kiesling ’01 is the Director of Government Affairs with PetSmart, Inc. in Phoenix, AZ. Jeanneane Maxon ’02 is the Corporate Counsel and Vice President of External Affairs with Americans United for Life in Washington, DC. Casey (Lionberger) Zastrow ’02 is an Insurance Agent with American Family Insurance in Washington, MO. John Eccher ’03 was recently recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the top 40 trial attorneys in Missouri under the age of 40. He is a partner in the St. Louis law firm of Ward, Hollingshead & Eccher. Matt Michelson ’03 has been elected to serve on the Missouri
13
10. 11. 12. 13.
Andrea (Wiley) ’96 & Dennis Sagely Beth (Hart) Gann ’97, Andrea (Wiley) Sagely ’96, Kristen (Woodall) Howell ’96, Heather (Foster) Jain ’96, & Ashley (Maurer) Soldatke ’96 Brian McCook ’97 Leslie (Brooke) Hunt ’99
Professional Auctioneers Association Board of Directors. Robbie Murray ’03 [14] earned his 200th career high school coaching win. Murray is the head coach of the boys and girls soccer teams at Moberly, Mo High School. He is also the Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach at Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO. Tiffany (Norris) Schwartz ’03 [15] is a member of the Intellectual Property Practice Group with Armstrong Teasdale LLP in St. Louis, MO guiding brand owners in matters involving trademark selection, registration, policing and protection strategies. Schwartz also counsels clients in copyright, internet and anticounterfeiting matters. Sara Bagley ’04 received a PhD in experimental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from St. Louis University. She joins the faculty at Loras College in Dubuque, IA as an Assistant Professor of Psychology. Phillip Carlson ’04 [16] is Special Teams Coordinator, Wide Receiver and Defensive Back Coach for the Kornmesser Rangers Conference team in Mödling, Austria. He is also the Head Coach for the scholar level youth team.
14. 15. 16. 17.
14
Justin Conyers ’04 is a Physical Education Teacher and Assistant Head Football Coach at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, MO. Conyers has been named Head Football Coach at Columbia’s new Battle High School which will open in the fall of 2013. Dan Dokovic ’04 [17] was featured in the April edition of the St. Louis Business Journal. Dokovic is the Chief Operating Officer of Intelica CRE in St. Louis, MO. Kasey Hames ’04 earned a PhD in Plant, Insect and Microbial Sciences from the University of Missouri. She is currently working a postdoc position under Dr. Felix Fritschi at the University of Missouri. Danny Jackson ’04 finished his OB/GYN residency in June and began a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine with University of Oklahoma in July 2012. He presented a research paper at The American Urogynecologic Associations Annual Meeting in Rhode Island entitled “Antibiotic Prophylaxis after Midurethral Sling: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” He also wrote a chapter in The Placenta: From Development to Disease entitled
15
16
“The Role of the Placenta in Autoimmune Disease and Early Pregnancy Loss.” Sara Hart (Weir) King ’04 is a Vice President for the National Down Syndrome Society in Washington, DC. Pete Miranti ’04 is the Manager of Revenue and Receivables with Miramax LLC in Santa Monica, CA. Rizia (Bardhan) Pint ’05 accepted an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering position at Vanderbilt University. Bill Skaggs ’05 earned a Master’s in Human Resource Management from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Robert Goodson ’06 completed teacher certifications in Generalist 4-8, Science 4-8, and Science 8-12. He is currently teaching engineering classes at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy in Mansfield, TX. Kristen (Leone) Jackson ’06 earned a Masters in Educational Counseling from Stephens College. Michael Ornburn ’06 earned a Doctor of Oesteopathic Medicine from Lincoln Memorial University.
John M. Eccher ’03 Tiffany (Norris) Schwartz ’03 Phillip Carlson ’04 & Antonia Pulkert Dan Dokovic ’04
17
Beau Peterson ’06 is a Project Manager for CMC Paving Solutions, a division of Commercial Metals Company. Peterson is currently working on an MBA at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Maggie Thiel ’07 earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri. Ryan Veatch ’07 is working at the Incheon Foreign Language Training Center in Incheon, South Korea. Drew Buxton ’08 is a Senior District Manager with Anheuser-Busch in Albuquerque, NM. Landon Kurz ’08 is an Assistant Mens Basketball Coach at Webster University in St. Louis, MO. Jennifer Roehrs ’08 earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine at AT Still University. Jonathan Roop ’08 is the Assistant Varsity Football Coach at Grandview High School in Hillsboro, MO. He also teaches World History, Sociology, Psychology, and is the Student Government sponsor. www.westminster-mo.edu
45
Jennifer Sanders ’08 earned a Masters in Higher Education from Western Illinois University. Dustin Davis ’09 is a Production Assistant for American Idol in Los Angeles, CA. Allison Gerli ’09 earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law. Marie Gonzalez-Deel ’09 was featured in the Stltoday.com. Julia Katich ’09 earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law. Samantha Mathieson ’09 is a Kappa Alpha Theta advisor at Centre College. Khizir Aydamirov ’10 has been accepted to the Heidelberg University. Sandy Bourquin ’10 is a Vertical Launching System Technician aboard the Guided Missile Cruiser USS Wayne E. Meyer stationed in San Diego, CA. Mark Hiza ’10 is a Business Analyst with Deloitte Consulting in Tanzania. Sara Beth Leininger ’10 is the Patient Care Specialist for the Associated Physicians Group in O’Fallon, IL. Meredith Gibbons ’11 is an Assistant Media Buyer for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. 46
Leadership summer 2012
Zach McDaniel ’11 is the Physical/Character Education Teacher, Head Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach, and Head Junior High Boys Baseball Coach with Holcomb R-III School. Trey McKenzie ’11 is a Legislative Correspondent with the United States House of Representatives. Bernardo Vimpi ’11 was featured in Western University Magazine in an article about his life as a child in Angola and coming to the US. He is pursuing a Masters in Political Science with a focus on African International Relations from Western University. Justin Arnold ’12 is pursuing a Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University School of Law. Rachel Backes ’12 is a Velocity Professional Service Consultant with Cerner Corporation in Kansas City, MO. Lara Banner ’12 is pursuing a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology in Munich, Germany. Amy Baumhoer ’12 is a 5th Grade Teacher at St. Elizabeth Elementary School. Caitlin Beckett ’12 is a Private Investments Senior Analyst with Cambridge Associates in West Chester, OH. Stephen Bishop ’12 works with Enterprise Rent-a-Car in St. Louis, MO.
Jordan Bitticks ’12 is a Front Desk Receptionist with EdgeWild Restaurant and Winery in St. Louis, MO. Mandela Byam ’12 received a CORO Fellowship in St. Louis, MO. Gabrielle Caddell ’12 is a Residential Camp Counselor with Hidden Villa in Los Altos, CA. Laura Clayton ’12 is pursuing a Juris Doctorate at Washington University Law School. Max Edele ’12 is pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Washington University. Gregory Finger ’12 is a Financial Representative with Northwest Mutual in Perryville, MO. Nicole Gaither ’12 is pursuing a Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University School of Law. Leah George ’12 is a Delivery Consultant with Cerner Corporation in Kansas City, MO. Chris Ghan ’12 is pursuing a Masters in Religious Studies at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Lee Goatley ’12 is pursuing an MBA at the University of Kentucky. Alessandra Graber ’12 is in the Rotational Development Program with Edward Jones. Kyle Gunning ’12 is an Interim Marketing Manager with Westminster College.
Jonathan Haller ’12 is a Loan Documentation Specialist with Wells Fargo Advisors in St. Louis, MO. Megan Hardeman ’12 is attending the University of Reading in Reading, UK for International Marketing and Management. Chris Hassien ’12 is attending the Crosby MBA Program at the University of Missouri. Thomas Homan ’12 is pursuing a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri. Hayley Huffman ’12 is an Admissions Counselor with Missouri University of Science and Technology. Erin Hunter ’12 is an Accountant with Bechtel Corporation in Glendale, AZ. Rachel Hyde ’12 is a Network Specialist with Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, UT. Lorryn Jackson ’12 is a Customer Service Manager with Walmart in, Fulton, MO. Sara Janisewski ’12 is pursuing a Masters in Psychology at Middle Tennessee State University. Zhengtao Ji ’12 is pursuing a degree in Engineering from Washington University. Lauren Keller ’12 is pursuing a Juris Doctorate at the University of Missouri School of Law. Phillip Klahs ’12 is pursuing a Masters in Biomathematics from East Tennessee State University.
Nathan Kuhn ’12 is a Vinyard Assistant with the Hermannhoff Winery in Hermann, MO. Kurt Kovach ’12 is a District Manager for ADLI in O’Fallon, MO. Caitlin Lamkin ’12 is teaching at Lakewood Montessori Schools in Lee’s Summit, MO. Heather Letourneau ’12 is a District Manager with ALDI in O’Fallon, MO. Grady Lincalis ’12 is Junior Accountant with Red Arch Solutions in Columbia, MD. Lyndsey Luschen ’12 is a Legislative Assistant with Oklahoma State Senator Charlie Laster, in Oklahoma City, OK. Hannah Minchow-Proffitt ’12 is the Community Engagement & Service Learning Fellow at Westminster College. Ethan Mobley ’12 is a Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Tanzania. Andrionia Molder ’12 is pursuing a Masters in Counseling Psychology at Washington University. Nathan Moulton ’12 is pursuing a Medical Degree at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. Julie O’Hearn ’12 is a Substitute Teacher at Fort Zumwalt School District in O’Fallon, MO. Sharon Okello ’12 is attending Monterey Institute of International Studies.
Kristen Painter ’12 is an Assistant Manager with Maurices and a Membership Services Representative with the YMCA in Fulton, MO. Paola Protti-Nunez ’12 is the Multicultural Student Development Fellow at Westminster College. Sean Peterson ’12 is a Position Brand Coordinator with DirectBuy. Pradipti Rajbhandari ’12 is an Assurance Staff Representative with Ernst & Young in St. Louis, MO. Becca Reape ’12 is a Communication Arts Teacher and Dance Team Coach at Fort Zumwalt School District in O’Fallon, MO. Brittney Regal ’12 joined the Teach for America Corps and will be teaching Secondary Spanish in Jacksonville, FL. Eric Riggs ’12 is attending the New Hire Training and Placement Program with Wells Fargo in St. Louis, MO. Michael Robnak ’12 is attending Logan College of Chiropractic. Margaret Rowland ’12 is a Laboratory Technician with Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur, IL. Yunior Santiago Riveron ’12 is working with Clearview Global Technologies in New York, NY. Erin Schell ’12 is pursuing a degree in Journalism at the University of Missouri. www.westminster-mo.edu
47
John Scott ’12 is attending the University of Tennessee for a Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Kelsey Weymuth ’12 is an Assurance Associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Kansas City, MO.
Geneva Steck ’12 is pursuing a Masters in Bioethics at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Matt Weber ’12 is a Sophomore & Junior Social Studies Teacher at Kennedy Catholic High School in St. Louis, MO.
Michael Stroup ’12 is an Agent in Training with American Family Insurance in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Bryan Whitman ’12 is a PASS Associate/FA Trainee with Edward Jones in St. Louis, MO.
Jon Thompson ’12 is pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Washington University.
Jasmine Williams ’12 is an Office Assistant with Kramer Family Eyecare in Columbia, MO.
Dustin VanCamp ’12 is pursuing a Masters in the Science of Finance from the University of Tulsa.
Haoyi Yang ’12 is pursuing a PhD in Finance at Washington State University.
Eric Warner ’12 is pursuing a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Weston Warren ’12 is the Vice President of Research and Product Development with Global Environmental Technologies in Camdenton, MO.
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Leadership summer 2012
baby blue jays
01
04
05
06
07
08
02
Jim Concannon [01] and wife Joy welcomed Brett Zachary Concannon on January 22, 2012. Brett joins older sister Sophia, age 6. The family resides in Columbia, MO. Concannon is an Assistant Professor of Education at Westminster College. Grant Reid ’93 [02] and wife Leslie welcomed Sophia Catherine Reid on December 20, 2011. The family resides in Pflugerville, TX. Reid is a Quality Control Manager with the City of Austin Housing Authority. Raymond Bozarth ’00 [03] and wife Sara welcomed Annabelle Katelynn Bozarth on November 29, 2011. The family resides in O’Fallon, MO where Bozarth is an Attorney with Gamache & Myers, P.C. Jennifer (Whitaker) Schaefer ’00 [04] and husband Tom welcomed Katelyn Noelle Schaefer on February 16, 2012. Katelyn joins older sisters Jocelyn, age 6 and Madelyn, age 3. The family resides in Creve Coeur, MO where Schaefer is a Tech Support Specialist with Parkway School District.
03
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Brett Concannon Sophia Reid Annabelle Bozarth Jocelyn, Madelyn & Katelyn Schaefer Lit Stromblad Charlotte McConnell Jack Byram Elise (3), Audrey (1) & Rex Grimshaw
MO where Mark is a Medical Sales Consultant with Physicians Sales & Services and Melissa is a Partner with The Creative Word PR. Tom McConnell ’01 [06] and wife Laura welcomed Charlotte Carolyn McConnell on April 17, 2012. The family resides in Phoenix, AZ where McConnell is Vice President of Sales with Walton International. Olivia (Hale) Byram ’01 [07] and husband Jack welcomed John William “Jack” Byram on March 8, 2012. Jack joins older sister Charlotte, age 3. The family resides in Leawood, KS. Byram is a Speech-Language Pathologist with Olathe Medical Center and Mid-America Rehabilitation Hospital. R. Gene Grimshaw ’01 [08] and wife Denise welcomed Rex Daniel Grimshaw on April 25, 2012. Rex joins older sisters Elise, age 3, and Audrey, age 1. The family resides in St. Charles, MO. Grimshaw is an Assistant Principal at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, MO.
Mark ’00 and Melissa (Box) ’01 Stromblad [05] welcomed Travis Littrell Stromblad on February 12, 2012. The family resides in Webster Groves, www.westminster-mo.edu
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Libby (Murrie) Paulsen ’01 [09] and husband Andrew welcomed Grant Murrie Paulsen on March 9, 2012. The family resides in Minneapolis, MN where Paulsen is a Senior Salesperson for PARS International Corp. 09
10
Marissa (Meeks) Dudley ’02 [10] and husband Jerry welcomed Emma Kaytlin and Joshua Raymond Dudley on July 13, 2011. The family resides in Raymore, MO where Dudley is a Financial Analyst with Sprint. Correction from winter 2012 issue. Jamie (Spurrier) Kondis ’02 [11] & husband Nikos welcomed Marina Joy Kondis on October 26, 2011. The family resides in St. Louis, MO where Kondis is a Pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Chris Rodriguez ’02 [12] and wife Rebekah welcomed Vaughan Patrick Rodriguez on December 6, 2011. The family resides in Gilbert, AZ where Rodriguez is an Operations Generalist with Edward Jones.
11
12
13
Pam (Miranti) Spain ’02 [13] and husband Jake welcomed Katherine Gayle Spain on December 30, 2011. The family resides in Nixa, MO where Spain teaches business classes at Ozarks Technical Community College. Katherine is the granddaughter of Joe Miranti ’72, and niece of Pete Miranti ’04. Tonya (Miller) Stopke ’02 [14] and husband Doug welcomed Hailey Renee Stopke on November 11, 2011. The family resides in Weldon Springs, MO where Stopke is a National Account Executive with World Wide Technology. Danny ’04 and Kristen (Leone) ’06 Jackson [15] welcomed William James Jackson on December 25, 2011. The family resides in Edmond, OK. Danny is a Fellow in Maternal Fetal Medicine with the University of Oklahoma. Will is the grandson of Mike Jackson ’75 and nephew of David Jackson ’10. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
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Leadership summer 2012
Grant Paulsen Emma & Joshua Dudley Marina Kondis Vaughan Rodriguez Katherine Spain Hailey Stopke
15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Will Jackson Annabelle Starritt Camille Lee Thomas Higuchi Sofia Quintero Will House Max McDorman Alyssa May
15
16
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Ashley (Driggers) Starritt ’04 [16] and husband James welcomed Annabelle Catherine Starritt on February 18, 2012. Annabelle joins older sister Charlotte, age 2. The family resides in Liberty, MO. Starritt is a Labor and Delivery Nurse with North Kansas City Hospital. Phil ’04 and Jennifer (Swan) ’04 Lee [17]welcomed Camille Estelle Lee on February 7, 2012. The family resides in Saint Augustine, FL where Phil is an Account Executive with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Jennifer is an Attorney with the State of Florida. Eric ’05 and Sarah (Schieffler) ’05 Higuchi [18] welcomed Thomas Knox Higuchi on May 21, 2012. The family resides in Denver, CO where Eric is a Clinical Informatics Specialist with Exempla Healthcare and Sarah is a Middle School Mathematics Teacher in the Cherry Creek School District.
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Matt Quintero ’05 [19] and wife Betsy welcomed Sofia Elizabeth Quintero on April 29, 2012. The family resides in Columbia, MO where Quintero is an Assistant Branch Manager with Regions Bank. 20
Matt ’06 and Joanna (Carpenter) ’06 House [20] welcomed William Louis House on December 21, 2011. The family resides in St. Louis, MO where Matt is a Programmer/Analyst and Joanna is a Procurement Agent for Boeing. David ’06 and Eva (Rader) ’06 McDorman [21] welcomed Max David McDorman on May 3, 2012. The family resides in Liberty, MO David is a Secondary Education Teacher with North Kansas City Schools and Eva is an Adult Studies Advisor with Mid-America Nazarene University. Emily (Jarosz) May ’07 [22] and husband Chris welcomed Alyssa Lillian May on May 10, 2012. The family resides in Sugar Hill, GA where May is a Corporate Tax Accountant at YKK Corporation of America.
21
22 www.westminster-mo.edu
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wedding album 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
01
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Mark Boulton & Cinnamon Brown [01] on May 17, 2012 in Hawaii. The couple resides in Columbia, MO. Boulton and Brown are Assistant Professors of History at Westminster College. 04
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Marcus Wilbers ’04 [02] married Julia Porter on September 24, 2011 in Charleston, SC. Cole Gustafson ’03 performed the ceremony. The wedding party included Fibbens Koranteng ’01, Brad Thoenen ’04 and Bryan York ’05. The couple resides in St. Louis, MO where Wilbers is an Attorney with Greensfelder Hemker & Gale. Jessica Bass ’05 [03] married Tyler Bolander on May 12, 2012 in San Antonio, TX. The couple resides in Dallas, TX where Bass is a Vice President of National Accounts Sales with United Healthcare.
Mark Boulton & Cinnamon Brown Marcus ’04 & Julia Wilbers Jessica (Bass) ’05 & Tyler Bolander Jeremy ’07 & Sarah Huelsing Katie (Ward) ’07 & Tim Gordon
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Jeremy Huelsing ’07 [04] married Sarah Anderson on July 16, 2011 in St. Louis, MO. The wedding party included Josh Moore ’07, Josh Harlow ’06, Zach Stubbs ’07, Jake Marshall ’07, Andrew Buxton ’08, Landon Kurz ’08, and ushers, Phil Walter ’07 and Spencer Daniels ’08. The couple resides in Glens Falls, NY where Huelsing is a Director of Finance for Global Spectrum with Glens Falls Civic Center. Katie Ward ’07 [05] married Tim Gordon on August 20, 2011 in Breckenridge, CO. The couple resides in Columbia, MO. Ward is completing a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy.
SHARE YOUR NEWS... We encourage you to submit your latest news to be published in the Class News & Notes section of Leadership Magazine. Emailed photos should be taken in at least 300 dpi resolution in tif or jpg format. Submit class notes to: alumni@westminster-mo.edu. The deadline for the next issue is December 15, 2012. Class News & Notes Office of Alumni Engagement & Event Management Westminster College 501 Westminster Ave Fulton, MO 65251-1299
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IN LOVING MEMORY 1930’s
Alroy “Brad” Phillips ’37 of Boulder CO on May 16, 2012. He was a member of Kappa Alpha. He attended Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, MO. Phillips served in the US Coast Guard and saw duty in the Gulf of Mexico and river control on the Mississippi River. He then transferred to the Naval Reserve for flight training. He served on anti-sub patrol on the east coast and in the Caribbean Sea as far south as British Guiana, then at Midway Island and the Philippines. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Among his awards were the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat Star, five Air Medals, American Area, Asiatic-Pacific Area, and Philippine Liberation with Bronze Star. He was on the staff at the Nuclear Physics Laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He was Cyclotron Engineer at the University of Colorado Boulder Nuclear Physics Laboratory.
1940’s
Robert M. Sperber ’40 of Greensboro, NC on March 1, 2012. He was a member of Kappa Alpha. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a flight instructor. Following Pearl Harbor he served with the US Army Air Force Ferry Command and was selected as the personal pilot to the commanding general of the African wing. He moved to Greensboro, NC in 1949, where he worked in sales, retiring in 1978. Jeremiah “Jerry” H. Wyatt ’41 of Roanoke, VA on May 3, 2012. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He served in WWII as a PBY patrol plane commander in the Aleutian. After the war he started a career with Reeves Brothers Inc., a Fortune 500 diversified textile manufacturer and rose through management to become an Executive Vice President and Director of the corporation. His vision to diversify the company into industrial products and develop pure R&D contributed to long-term inventiveness of the company.
Horace B. Barks ’42 of Chicago, IL on May 1, 2012. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He served in the US Navy during WWII as a communications officer. He earned a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He founded Bark’s Publications, Inc. in St. Louis, MO serving as President before moving to Chicago. Richard W. Watkins ’43 of St. Louis, MO on April 13, 2012. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He served in WWII as a Naval Officer aboard the USS Intrepid. Watkins then joined his father in their photo engraving business. Fred A. Gross, Jr. ’45 of White Rock, NM on February 17, 2012. He earned a bachelor and master degrees in Physics from the University of Wisconsin. He served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1963. He served as a B-24 Heavy Bomber, navigator, instructor, post engineer, and nuclear weapons research and development officer. After retiring he spent four years with Sandia Corporation, nine years as Vice President of NDRC, Inc., and two years as Associate and Interim Director of the Western Interstate Energy Board/WINB in Denver, Co. He retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1988 after serving as group leader in the Budget Division and as an analyst in the Engineering and Analysis Division. In 1968 he was appointed to fill an unexpired term in the New Mexico State Senate and was re-elected in 1970 and 1972. He served on the Finance, Rules, Conservation, and Education Committees; the Land Use Advisory Council; the Legislative Interim Energy Committee and the Energy Task Force of the National Conference of State Legislatures. His military honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf cluster, American Campaign Medal, EuropeanAfrican-Middle East Campaign Medal, World War www.westminster-mo.edu
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II Victory Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters. David H. Sivright, Sr. ’45 of Bigfork, MT on February 4, 2012. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He was in the US Army during WWII and served with the Occupational Forces in Japan. Sivright worked for JC Penny as a Store Manager, RG Dickinson, Inc as a Stock Broker, then owned and operated Coors Western Slope, Inc. Billy J. Baumgartner ’46 of Columbia, MO on March 5, 2012. He served in the US Navy and was at Pearl Harbor during WWII. Donald S. Buzard ’47 of Chenequa, WI on April 15, 2012. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He served in the US Army Replacement and School Command Headquarters. He graduated from Northwestern Law School. He was a member of the American, Wisconsin and Milwaukee Bar Associations and the American Law Institute. He was 1st Vice President, General Counsel and a Director of Firstar Trust Company (US Bank) for 30 years. Rev. Robert W. Kroening ’47 of New Haven, MO on April 29, 2012. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He earned a Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law. He was named a Senior Counselor by the Missouri Bar and practiced law in St. Louis, MO for many years. He entered parish ministry and became an ordained minister, retiring in 1977. He served as President of the Missouri Federation of Young Republicans and Vice Chairman of the National Federation of Young Republicans. He also served in Washington, DC as Executive Secretary to James P. Kem, a US Senator from Missouri. Richard D. “Red” Ebersole ’47 of St. Charles, MO on January 18, 2012. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He was in the US Marine Corps during 54
Leadership summer 2012
WWII. Ebersole then worked as a Metal Salesman for American Smelting and Refining Company, Allied Metals and Trialco, was a Salesman for Oliver Farm Implements, and was a High School Teacher and Basketball Coach in Perry, MO. Walter G. Markham ’48 of Hartford, CT on April 15, 2012. He served in the US Navy during WWII. He received his commission, completed flight school and served as a Naval Aviator and administrative officer until he retired in 1967. After retiring he received a Ford Foundation Fellowship to attend the University of Pennsylvania where he earned a PhD in Political Science and was awarded the Edward S. Corwin Award for his dissertation. He spent the next 22 years as a faculty member and 5 years as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences with the University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT before retiring in 1993. John H. “Jack” Aitken ’49 of Houston, TX on March 5, 2012. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He spent his life in the insurance industry before retiring in Houston, TX. Fredrick J. Copeland ’49 of Auburn, CA on March 13, 2012. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He served in the US Air Force flying 31 missions as a Top Turret Gunner on the B-17 during WWII. He entered the retail car business and successfully managed several car dealerships for 35 years, including the Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Millbrae, CA for 10 years.
1950’s
Dr. Arthur E. Baue ’50 of Hamden, CT on December 28, 2011. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He served as a Captain in the US Air Force. He retired as the VP of St. Louis University Medical Center. Baue served as an active member on Westminster’s Board of Trustees from 1986-1995 and a Life Trustee in 1995. He received the Alumni Achievement Award in 1975.
William K. McCall ’50 of Columbia, MO on March 26, 2012. He was a member of the Highlanders. He served in the US Navy on the USS Constellation. He retired as a broker from his real estate business in 1988. Norman H. Riechman ’50 of Los Alamos, NM on January 9, 2012. He was a member of Sigma Chi. He was in the US Air Corps stationed near England. Donald D. Wren ’51 of Manalapan, FL on April 16, 2012. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He served in the US Army and was transferred to the Counter Intelligence Corps in Washington, DC. He was a member of both The Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade where he held seats as a professional futures trader. He opened the St. Louis, MO office for Heinhold Securities which later became Refco. Wren was a partner in Miller’s Ale House Restaurants of Jupiter, FL. Colonel Harry G. Dangerfield, MD ’52 of Frederick, MD on April 23, 2012. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He earned a Medical Degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine. He served in the US Army where he commanded a Medical Research Team in Vietnam from 1966-67, was the Chief of Bacteriology Division and Deputy Commander USAMRIID, a staff officer, Medical Division and Chief for the US Army at Ft. Detrick, a Research Fellow and Instructor for the Department of Medicine at the University of Florida, Commander and Scientific- Technical Director for the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Ft. Detrick, Commander and Scientific- Technical Director for the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, Deputy Commander, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Ft. Detrick, Commander for the US Army Medical Material Development Activity, Ft. Detrick and Executive Assistant and
Executive Officer for the Health Care Systems for the office of the Surgeon General, DA. After retiring from the Army he accepted a research position with SAIC where he worked for 12 years. Milton G. Freiberger ’52 of Allen, TX on December 9, 2011. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri and a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kansas. He was a certified engineer with consulting status and worked as a Chemical Engineer in the petroleum industry for 20 years. His Uncle Bill Bedsworth ’37 and brother Dr. Norman Freiberger ’55 also attended Westminster College. James W. Forsen ’52 of St. Louis, MO on April 24, 2012. He was a member of Kappa Alpha. He served as a medic in Korea from 1953 to 1955. He was employed by Ralston Purina Co. and later Purina Mills for over 30 years, working in Wilmington, DE and Bloomington, IL before serving as Plant Manager in Richmond, VA. In 1971 he returned to St. Louis to work in the commodities department and retired in 1989 as a Director of Purchasing. Tom A. Herndon ’52 of Fulton, MO on March 24, 2012. He served in the US Air Force during WWII as a B-29 pilot. He was a flight instructor at the Elton Hensley Memorial Airport, and owned an automotive dealership in Fulton, MO for many years. William F. Sherman ’52 of Washington, DC on April 17, 2012. He earned a masters degree from the University of Iowa. He began a career at the National Archives where his active and volunteer service would span almost 50 years. His ingenuity and innovation resulted in significant contributions to the mission of the National Archives. He was a life member of the Society of American Archivists.
www.westminster-mo.edu
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Dr. William W. McCue ’53 of Amarillo, TX on January 3, 2012. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He received a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School and practiced pediatrics for nearly four decades in Amarillo, TX.
1960’s
Stanley R. Chirnside ’57 of Fulton, MO on March 21, 2012. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He worked at Gasper-Atkinson Truck Stop and Restaurant from 1958-1964. He then began his career at the Callaway Bank, where he was employed for 37 years. Chirnside was a recipient of the Atkinson Award and was an ABWA Associate of the Year.
George “Dennie” Neilson ’62 of University City, MO on January 31, 2012. He was a member of Kappa Alpha. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Washington University and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Minnesota. Neilson was an associate at many St. Louis architectural firms throughout his career including Claybour Associates, HOK and William B. Ittner. He worked on diverse projects from the Tuntex 85 Sky Tower in Taiwan to the rehab of the Fox Theatre and Plaza Frontenac in St. Louis, MO.
Lorenzo J. Bruno ’58 of Collinsville, IL on June 16, 2012. He was a member of Sig Alpha Epsilon. He was a Purchasing Agent with John J. Steuby Company and part owner of the Bruno Family Bakery in Collinsville, IL. David V. Brydon, Sr. ’59 of Lohman, MO on June 11, 2012. He graduated with a Bachelors in Political Science from the University of Missouri where he served as President of Men’s Honor Society, a member of Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society and was president of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He entered the University of Missouri Law School and put it on hold when he entered active military service as a commissioned First Lieutenant in the US Army as a result of ROTC training. When his active military service was complete he returned to the University of Missouri School of Law and graduated. He practiced in Jefferson City, MO, started a firm in Brydon, Swearengen & England, PC. He also served his community as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Cole County. He was certified to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, was President of the Cole County Bar Association and President of the Missouri University Fraternity Counsel.
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Thomas E. Baumgardner ’60 of Columbia, MO on May 31, 2012. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He served in the US Navy at Pearl Harbor during WWII. He was a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Council.
Daniel G. Staudt ’63 of Tulsa, OK on February 13, 2012. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He served in the US Army from 1963-65, retiring from the Reserves as Captain. He began his career in real estate with Crouch Davison Mulhall Realtors in 1965, and worked for Merrill Lynch Realty and Prudential Realty. In 1990 he bought and became president of Prudential Properties of Oklahoma and retired as president of the commercial division of Prudential Detrick Realty in 2008. In 2010 he was awarded lifetime membership to the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors. Ernest “Cope” Winters ’67 of Jacksonville, FL on January 31, 2012. He was a member of Sigma Chi. He served in the US Air Force. Winters earned a Masters in Business from Arizona. Mr. Winters worked in marketing and management for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company and Mobil Oil Corporations. He owned and operated several successful businesses and retired at the age of 48.
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1970’s
Lawrence L. Daniel ’75 of Rogers, AR on April 30, 2012. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He attended graduate school at the University of Arkansas and received an MBA in Finance and Economics from Northeastern University. He started his banking career in Rogers, AR retiring as president of a local bank in 2010.
of the Coif. Lesley started his law career with Stinson Mag and Fizzell where he became partner, continued with Sonnenschein and then as partner in the trial department of Lathrop and Gage. He served as a member on Westminster’s Board of Trustees from 2001-2010 and as Alumni Council President from 2000-2001.
1980’s
Theodore C. Bodley, Jr. ’79 of Eagle River, AK on March 12, 2012. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He graduated from Southern Methodist University. Bodley and his wife started Eagle River Knife Company.
Alex A. Cooper ’80 of Oakland, CA on January 27, 2012. He received a degree in culinary arts from Laney College. He was a veteran of the US Army, and was site supervisor at McKesson Headquarters in San Francisco, CA.
Robert O. Lesley ’79 of Kansas City, MO on December 10, 2011. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He received a Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law where he was editor of the law review and elected to Order
2000’s
George W. Shelby ’08 of Columbia, MO on February 3, 2012. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. His father Roy Shelby ’81 also attended Westminster College. www.westminster-mo.edu
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his spring Westminster had its first book signings ever on campus to promote the works of two of its own— Professor of Religion Cliff Cain and Professor of English Debra Brenegan.
Two Westminster professors publish their works
Many Heavens, One Earth, the work of Professor Cain, is a well edited anthology that explains what a “crucial and transforming influence” nine of the world’s great religions can have on how people respect the environment. In fifteen articles, the writers reveal the contributions religious traditions make to informing and motivating an environmentally conscious response to the issues that beset our planet. Published by Lexington Books, the volume will be used in Professor Cain’s Spiritual Ecology class this fall and can be purchased at the Westminster Bookstore or on Amazon.com. Shame the Devil, by Professor Brenegan, is an historical novel based on the life and works of 19th century journalist and feminist Fanny Fern (1811-1872). Fern was the most popular, highest paid, and most published writer of her day but lived a personal life that took her from fame and fortune to the depths of poverty. A widow who escaped an abusive second marriage, she wrote one of the country’s first repnuptial agreements and served as a 19th century “Oprah” to hundreds of thousands of fans. Published by SUNY Press, the novel can be purchased at the Westminster Bookstore or on Amazon.com.
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Vital scholarship aid for students. Support for exceptional faculty and staff. Enriching programs and student activities. A transformational Westminster education.
The Westminster Fund provides the power behind all these things and more. Through generous support each year from alumni, parents and friends, the Westminster Fund fuels the people and programs that are at the core of the Westminster mission. Help fuel the Westminster mission this year. Support the Westminster Fund. www.westminster-mo.edu/giving
WESTMINSTER COLLEGE 501 Westminster Avenue Fulton, Missouri 65251
CHURCHILL’S ENGLAND TO NORMANDY TOUR 2013 TOUR A: MAY 21 - JUNE 1, 2013 | TOUR B: JULY 7 - JULY 18, 2013 FEATURING PRIVATE EVENTS & BEHIND-THE-SCENE TOURS Relive the epic story of the Invasion of Normandy 1944
A close and personal look into Churchill’s leadership of a nation under siege and enormous task ahead for D-Day, June 6, 1944. Experience this epic story as only the National Churchill Museum can tell it with expert guides and behind the scenes access!
Tour Details
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Escorted 12-day tour in England and France with Dr. Rob Havers Private events with military historians and expert guides All breakfasts, welcome event and farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine Tour transport includes luxury motor coach and ferry boat to France Partal listing of venues: Westminster Abbey, Imperial War Museum Duxford, Portsmouth and D-Day Museum, Partal listing of venues: Westminster Abbey, Cabinet War Rooms, Imperial War Museum Duxford, Portsmouth and D-Day Museum, D-Day Beaches and Caen Memorial, Musée Memorial d’Omaha, Pointe du Hoc, Saint-MereEglise, Musee de L’Armee, Arc de Triomphe and Musee Jean Moulin Deluxe Hotel Accommodations in London and Paris, all applicable taxes, meal gratuities and baggage handling fees Spaces on this tour are limited to 24 travelers per tour Land Program – airfare is not included $4,800 per person/double occupancy $6,220 per person/single occupancy
For additional tour information, contact Kit Freudenberg by calling 573-592-5022 or email kit.freudenberg@churchillmemorial.org.