Winter 2014 - William Woods University

Transcription

Woods
WINTER 2014/15
MA GA ZI N E
CELEBRATING
OUR HEROES
William Woods
celebrates and
embraces change
by recognizing
its heroes. p. 14
Make your
career flourish.
“The MBA program was, above
all, timely. Every course coincided
with the challenges I was facing
in creating my business plan and
marketing strategy.”
Benjamin Gakinya ‘08, MBA ‘12
Managing Director
Plaza Event Center at Parkade Center
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurial Leadership
> Rigorous coursework with real-world relevance
> Accredited two-year program
> Convenient 8-week courses
> Classes offered at various sites in the evening and online
2
WINTER 2014/15 WOODS MAGAZINE
WOODS MAGAZINE
Learn
more about graduate and online programs at www.williamwoods.edu.
WINTER 2014
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURE STORIES
12
Thank You for
Imagining With Us
17
The campaign is officially wrapped up
and new buildings are rising on the
WWU skyline!
14
Sharpening Our Focus,
Telling Your Stories
William Woods gets a brand update
and so much more.
17
A Celebration of Life
Remembering Dr. Ed Easterling and
the many lives he touched.
20
Leaving a Legacy
34
An unexpected gift opens the door for
more students to attend The Woods.
21
The Science of Success
28
A look at the lives of seven students
continuing their education into the
medical field.
28
30
Healing America’s Veterans
Two of WWU’s horses retire to a
new- found purpose.
30
40 Years of Paralegal Studies
Celebrating the anniversary of the
paralegal program at William Woods.
32
WATW 2014
Follow a group of students, faculty,
staff, and friends of WWU on a trip
through Turkey and Greece.
34
32
Speaking With Color
Meet Sarah Williams, WWU alum and
artist extraordinaire.
36
Alumnus Designs
TMNT creatures
36
One William Woods alum lives out his
dream making it in Hollywood.
IN EVERY ISSUE
3
4
30
32
34
39
President’s Perspective
Woods News
Athletics Update
Commencement
Alumni Gatherings
Class Notes
ON THE COVER:
The Mabee Match Challenge has
been met, which means the Imagine Campaign
is offically closed! This
is the largest campaign in WWU
history and it never could have
happened without you. So this
issue of Woods is for you. We thank you!
WOODS MAGAZINE WINTER 2014 /15
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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Jahnae H. Barnett
President
president's
perspective
Scott T. Gallagher
University Vice President
Jahnae H. Barnett, Ph.D.
As I look back on the past year and
consider all that William Woods has
to celebrate, the one word that keeps
coming to mind is “relationships.”
Whether it is the success of the
Imagine Campaign, the numerous
triumphs of our athletes, both on
the field and in the classroom, or
the transformational generosity of
an alumna, these success stories
stem from the unique bond they
share with their alma mater.
Meaningful relationships are
deeply rooted. In some cases the
bond is established in the short
time that a faculty member connects
with a student. In other cases, these
connections take years, even decades,
to truly flourish. In all cases and for
a variety of reasons, these unsung
heroes touch the lives of the
students and the campus
community, as a whole.
We need to look no further than
our own faculty and staff to see the
outgrowth of this special connection.
Well over 90 percent of faculty
and staff invested in the Imagine
Campaign. The gift amounts varied
from $5 to well over $10,000. Large
or small, these gifts are testament to
the devotion to the mission of William
Woods which is “… committed to the
values of ethics, self-liberation, and
lifelong education …”
Our alumni share in this sentiment.
In the following pages, you will read
the story of Janice Gartshore, a 1954
graduate who donated nearly $3
million to William Woods through a
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bequest. During her time at William
Woods, Gartshore was elected Service
Queen because of her “… valuable
contributions to the welfare of the
school as a whole.” Janice Gartshore’s
generosity will certainly lead to the
welfare of future generations of
William Woods students.
Our students are our reason
for being, and education takes place
both in and out of the classroom. In
athletics, the relationships between
coaches and student athletes
transcend the “Xs” and “Os”
of the playing field.
Each student is individually
mentored and monitored to bring out
the best of his or her athletic ability.
The results are truly astounding. This
past academic year, the Owls totaled
83 AMC All-Conference winners, 19
NAIA All-Americans, and 10 AMC
Championships. The classroom results
are equally impressive. For the ninth
consecutive semester, WWU athletes’
collective GPA was above 3.0.
The success of William Woods
is built one person at a time … then
multiplied by thousands. It is richly
rewarding for me to see the diverse
and unique personalities of our
students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni,
and friends combine for the welfare of
this wonderful university in the heart
of America.
Thank you for being one of those
special people. Join us now in the
celebration of your success. }}}
MARKETING AND
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Crystal Aulbur
Director of Strategic Communications
Mary Ann Beahon
Director of University Relations
Editor of Woods Magazine
Laura Harcharick
Graphic Design Coordinator
DEVELOPMENT AND
ALUMNI RELATIONS
Daniel Diedriech
Vice President for University Advancement
Abigail Anderson
Loyalty Fund Coordinator
Michael D. Barnes
Development Officer
Peggy McGrew ’99, ’01
Director of Advancement Information
and Donor Relations
Becky Bean Stinson ’72
Director of Alumni Activities
Woods magazine is produced annually
for alumni, parents, and friends of
William Woods University.
www.williamwoods.edu
WOODS NEWS: ALUMNI
Alumna Named CASE Volunteer of the Year
By Mary Ann Beahon
Photo courtesy of Alpha Chi Omega
“
In all of the ways
in which Judy has
supported her
alma mater, she
has exemplified
what it means
to be a loyal,
engaged, alumna
volunteer.
”
Judy Kuergeleis Schmuck, a 1972
graduate of William Woods and longtime
donor and volunteer, has been named
Volunteer of the Year for 2013 by
District VI of CASE (the Council for the
Advancement and Support of Education).
A resident of Wildwood, Missouri,
Schmuck was nominated by Dr. Jahnae
H. Barnett, WWU president, “in
recognition of her many, many years of
faithful service to her alma mater.”
Named to the WWU Alumni Board
in 2001, Schmuck was elected president
in 2009. Jennifer Vescovo, another
past president, describes Schmuck as “a
worker and leader who has impacted the
alumni association with her enthusiasm
and her energy—always leading by
example.”
Schmuck has been a member of the
William Woods University Board of
Trustees since 2010 and was a founding
member of the WWU President’s Club
Giving Society in 2003. She has received
two prestigious awards from the WWU
Alumni Association—the Outstanding
Service Award in 2000 and the WWU
Green Owl Award in 2007.
Her service to WWU started as a
student when she was actively involved
on campus. Since her college days, she
has continued her service to William
Woods University as an alumna, trustee,
and donor. Her contributions have been
large and varied.
Schmuck served the Alpha Chi
Omega chapter at William Woods as
chapter adviser for 13 years and was
named WWU Adviser of the Year
four consecutive years—the only years
the award was given. She served on
the sorority’s national nominating
committee and now serves on the board
of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.
With Judy’s assistance and oversight,
the chapter at William Woods has
received the Alpha Chi Omega National
Council Trophy four times, most recently
in 2014. This is the highest award given
to any collegiate Alpha Chi Omega
chapter in the country.
She was a dynamic member of the
steering committee for William Woods
University’s Imagine Campaign, which
concluded this summer and raised
$10.8 million. Schmuck took the lead
in garnering support over a 16-month
period, recruiting, helping to train and
mentor committee members, leading
regular conference calls, and personally
soliciting a huge number of her sorority
sisters in support of the construction of a
university-owned residence hall.
“In all of the ways in which Judy
has supported her alma mater, she has
exemplified what it means to be a loyal,
engaged, alumna volunteer,” Barnett said.
“She financially supports the university
to the maximum of her capacity. She
gives selflessly of her time, and she does
both, whether noticed or not.”
She added, “Recognition is not the
motivation for Judy’s service to William
Woods University. She supports WWU
altruistically because she believes in its
mission, its value, and most importantly,
its students. In addition, she challenges
her peers to do likewise and inspires
current students and alumni to serve in a
similar manner.” }}}
L to R: Alpha Chi Omega National President
Diane Blackwelder and her husband, Murry,
Lisa Burke Heischman ’11, Daniel Diedriech,
Becky Bean Stinson ’72, Judy Schmuck, Scott
Gallagher, Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, Liza Payne
’12, Eddie Barnett, and Jim Schmuck.
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WOODS NEWS: HEADLINES
WWU Recognized in
Rankings for Quality
and Affordability
Four Years Strong
By Mary Ann Beahon
By Mary Ann Beahon
When U.S. News and World Report
released its findings on the quality
of online degree programs this year,
William Woods University ranked
exceptionally high for bachelor’s
degrees offered through
distance learning.
WWU ranked seventh overall in
Missouri and 141st in the country for
online bachelor’s degrees.
In addition, AffordableCollegesOnline.
org (AC Online), a resource for
college affordability and financial aid
information, identified WWU as one of
the colleges and universities in Missouri
with the most affordable online degree
programs. William Woods ranked 14th
among private, not-for-profit schools.
A proponent of online learning, Dr.
Jahnae H. Barnett, WWU president,
said, “Online classes allow students to
have a choice that best fits into their
lifestyles. They have the same objectives
and assessments with online classes as
they would have in the traditional faceto-face delivery method.”
The methodology used by U.S. News
for its rankings took into account
student engagement, including best
practices, graduation rates, assessments,
class size, retention rates, and time-todegree deadline.
Another area considered was faculty
credentials and training, which included
Ph.D. faculty, preparedness to teach
distance learners, tenured faculty,
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faculty who have more than a B.A., and
technical staff available to faculty.
A third criteria evaluated student
services and technology, including
student indebtedness, technological
infrastructure, and support services.
For the first time, peer reputation was
also measured.
When it comes to online degrees, AC
Online found that two core elements
take center stage: quality and cost. The
best online degree programs (and the
colleges that offer them) have been fully
vetted by a national and/or regional
accrediting body. In addition, many top
programs have full distance learning
programs with reasonable price tags,
allowing a wider range of students to
work toward success. }}}
Students can pursue
associate, bachelor's, and
master's degrees through
e-learning at William
Woods University. Online
degree programs include
an associate of arts, B.S.
degrees in management,
paralegal studies, and
interpretation studies in
ASL–English; Master of
Business Administration
degree; and Master of
Education degrees in
equestrian education and
in teaching and technology.
William Woods University once again
is living up to its nickname, The Woods,
as it was declared a Tree Campus USA for
the fourth year in a row by the Arbor Day
Foundation. In 2010, WWU was the first
university in Missouri to achieve
this status.
Tree Campus USA honors colleges
and universities and their leaders for
promoting healthy trees and engaging
students and staff in the spirit
of conservation.
WWU has met the five core standards
for sustainable campus forestry required
by Tree Campus USA, including
establishment of a tree advisory
committee, evidence of a campus tree-care
plan, dedicated annual expenditures for
its campus tree program, an Arbor Day
observance, and sponsorship of student
service-learning projects.
A student organization is dedicated to
environmental stewardship. Knowing
the Woods participates in the Campus
Tree Care Committee, helping to ensure
that the university’s trees are cared for in
the best possible manner. Each year, the
club partakes in Arbor Day celebrations,
working with donors to plant new trees
on campus to enhance the biodiversity of
The Woods.
“I think it is awesome not only to be
able to recognize our beautiful campus
but to also work with our community to
educate about the importance of trees,”
said Brittany Lenhart, past president of
Knowing the Woods. }}}
WOODS NEWS: GRADUATE COLLEGE
Graduate Education Participants
Named Community College Presidents
By Mary Ann Beahon
John Wood Community College
has a new president—selected for his
character, his charisma, and his ability to
answer questions—and he attributes his
success to William Woods University.
“My experiences through the Ed.S.
program at William Woods allowed me
to grow and gain valuable knowledge
and leadership skills to prepare me for
this presidential position,” Michael Elbe
said. “The class facilitators provided
real-life experiences for our cohort,
which was critical in developing our
leadership styles and philosophies.”
The college’s board of trustees selected
Elbe as the sixth president of the
Quincy, Illinois, institution last spring.
An educational leadership doctoral
candidate at WWU, Elbe recently
earned an Education Specialist in
Administration (Ed.S.) as part of his
doctoral work. He received a Master
of Science degree in education from
the University of South Alabama and a
Bachelor of Science degree in education
from Quincy University.
Randy Sims, JWCC board and
presidential search committee chair,
said, “Mike proved himself every step
of the way against some incredible
candidates. We are proud to say
that we have a respected new leader
committed to this community who will
collaboratively grow the college through
relationship building with students,
employees, and private business.”
He added, “Mike is just a likeable
person. I think when you have a
conversation with Mike Elbe, you come
away and you’re happy that you had
that conversation. Not a lot of people
have that ability to do that.”
Elbe has served as JWCC’s vice
president for student services since
2012. In that role, he led the areas of
admissions, records, career and advising,
educational support grant programs,
financial aid, veterans’ affairs, student
life, and athletics.
“I feel like those relationships that
I’ve been able to nurture and build over
the last 30 years of my life have really
helped me to obtain this position but
also will assist me in the transition to
become president,”
said Elbe.
Over the course of his 26 years of
professional experience, Elbe has served
at four four-year colleges in addition
to his 13 years of service as director of
student life and athletics at JWCC. He
served as director of student life and
as assistant dean of students for the
University of Dubuque.
He was an academic adviser for
the University of North CarolinaWilmington, served as a resident
director for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian
College in North Carolina and also
served as a graduate assistant for the
University of Southern Alabama. Elbe
served as a faculty member at each of
the four-year colleges where his was
employed. }}}
Dr. Joanna Anderson is another William
Woods University graduate who is serving
as president of a community college—
State Fair Community College in Sedalia,
Missouri. Bringing 26 years of community
college experience to the job, she was
appointed president in 2013.
Anderson earned her Master of
Education degree from WWU in 1998,
20 years after completing her Bachelor
of Science degree at the University of
Missouri. She earned her Doctorate of
Education degree at MU in 2010.
Prior to being appointed president of
State Fair, she served six years as vice
president for student services at Casper
College in Wyoming. Before that, she
spent 21 years at North Central Missouri
College in Trenton, where she was director
of admissions, director of public relations,
and dean of student services.
A strong proponent of campus
involvement, Anderson said, “I always
encourage students to get involved in
some kind or organization to develop
leadership skills. To be really independent,
you have to build confidence. Our faculty
and staff are our tools to showing students
how successful they can be.” }}}
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WOODS NEWS: GRADUATE COLLEGE NEWS
College Database Identifies
William Woods as a Top College
for Teacher Education
By Mary Ann Beahon
William Woods University ranks ninth
in the state for education degrees awarded,
and is one of three private, not-for-profit
institutions listed in the top 10.
The Online College Database’s ranking,
“Top Colleges in Missouri Shaping the Next
Generation,” honors the post-secondary
institutions in the state that graduated the
most education and teaching professionals
in 2012.
William Woods serves the largest
population of graduate students earning
principal and superintendent certification
in Missouri, and graduates hold more than
600 school administrative positions within
the state.
“This speaks about the long-standing
quality of our academic programs,
particularly the graduate programs for
educators,” Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, WWU
president, said.
Education is one of the top five
undergraduate majors at William
Woods, too. In addition to elementary
and secondary education, WWU offers
majors in art education, biology education,
English education, history education,
physical education, special education, and
speech/theatre education.
According to the College Database,
“Missouri is without compare when it
comes to the best degrees in education
in the nation. With outstanding facilities
and premier research centers, these
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programs offer their students a superior
environment in which to earn a degree.
“Diverse teaching experiences and
internships in the community round out
the expected coursework, and all under
the leadership of the most respected
faculty in the country. Not only do
these programs deliver a comprehensive
education, they also make room for
students to choose concentrations in
which to specialize. These combined
advantages make for some of the best
education degree programs in Missouri.”
Doug Jones, founder of The College
Database, said many colleges and
universities have tremendous teacher
education programs.
“But which ones are producing the most
young educators today? We wanted to
identify the colleges making the largest
impact on our students,” he said.
The College Database is a not-for-profit
organization whose goal is to provide free
information about education options both
nationally and locally to students, parents,
and other interested parties.
The goal is accomplished by making
all information and tools on the site free
and easy to access. While still a relatively
young company, The College Database has
become a leader in providing educational
information to libraries, high schools, and
career centers across the country. }}}
Hootin’ about
#WWU
@mrscriber
Everyone’s posts are really making
me miss @WilliamWoodsU.
I couldn’t have asked for
a better experience!
#willywoods #best4yearsofmylife
Heléne Lulich, LinkedIn
A beautiful little campus that
is a fabulous launching point
for successful graduates.
Building confidence in
students through small class
sizes and individual attention
from professors, this school is
a hidden gem!
Mary Gurin, LinkedIn
William Woods was not a
university when I attended;
however, I had a great four
years and have remained
friends with many people
that I met there. If you want
a warm, friendly hands-on
university then look no further!
WOODS NEWS: GRADUATE COLLEGE
MBA Grad Named Missouri Police Chief of the Year
Lane Roberts honored for his efforts in the midst of the Joplin F5 tornado
By Sam Parsons ’15 and Mary Ann Beahon
Nearly everyone can remember where
they were and what they were doing in
times of disaster. Almost anyone can recall
the details of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and,
for earlier generations, the assassination of
President John F. Kennedy.
For former Joplin Police Chief Lane
Roberts, the events surrounding the
devastating tornado of May 22, 2011, are
still vivid in his mind. Despite having his
city nearly turned upside down, Roberts
found strength and began rebuilding with
the extraordinary efforts of volunteers—all
while in the middle of pursuing a degree
from William Woods University.
Three years later, hard work and
persistence paid off for the police chief.
Roberts was named the 2013 Donald “Red”
Loehr Police Chief of the Year—the highest
possible honor for a policeman in the state.
Given by the Missouri Police Chief
Association, the award recognizes
outstanding law enforcement experience,
organization affiliations, innovative
programs initiated by the police chief, and
dedication to service. Other qualifications
include being a fair, balanced, and
insightful leader.
Roberts began his career in law
enforcement in 1971 and began working
with the Joplin Police Department in 2007
as the police chief, a position he held until
his retirement last March.
During his tenure, the department’s
sworn staff increased from 78 to 111
police officers. All of the provisions of
the Public Safety Sales Tax were
implemented. The JPD South Station
opened, providing convenient services
for south Joplin residents. The jail was
expanded from 42 beds to 60 beds and
operates more efficiently.
The Joplin Police Department was
accredited through the Commission on
Accreditation for Law Enforcement
Agencies (CALEA) and is preparing for
its third on-site CALEA accreditation
process.
Total crime was reduced by 27 percent;
violent crime decreased by 15 percent; and
traffic crashes declined by 21 percent. The
Public Safety Training Center is operating
in its temporary facility and the project to
build the new permanent facility has
been initiated.
All of these accomplishments were
probably worthy of the Police Chief of the
Year award, but what really set Roberts
apart was his role in keeping the city calm
after the tornado.
"Life didn't stop because we had a bad
storm," Roberts said. "When Katrina hit
New Orleans, that city descended into total
and complete anarchy when the police
forsook their role as the keepers of the
rule of law and became search and rescue,
rather than law enforcement officers. I
was determined not to let that happen."
Roberts initially had no grasp of the
magnitude of the storm.
"My wife and I rode out the storm in our
shelter. Consequently, I was not able to see
it, nor did I know how significant the event
had been," he explained.
Very soon, however, reality hit the
police chief, as well as his city.
The F5 tornado that ripped through
Joplin caused severe damage six miles
long and up to one mile wide, with
everything in the tornado's path facing
total destruction. The city was in need of
leadership, and Chief Roberts was ready
to fill that spot with the help of volunteers
from around the nation.
"At any one time, I had access to
approximately 1,200 police officers, plus
the National Guard," Roberts said. "Their
assistance allowed me to utilize my own
staff to maintain city services while
assisting agencies maintained security in
the tornado zone."
While beginning to rebuild a city
ripped apart by a natural disaster, Chief
Roberts was also accomplishing something
especially important in his personal life.
In the midst of the destruction, the police
chief was pursuing his MBA degree from
William Woods University.
"As things began to develop a routine,
it became easier to keep up, but the first
month could have led to my failure
without patience and tolerance from
the cohort and instructor, Bud Fitzpatrick,"
Roberts said.
Just as he did with his coursework,
Chief Roberts credits his law enforcement
achievements to being a team effort.
"Being recognized by one's peers is a true
honor and quite humbling. Coming near
the end of a long career, it is especially
gratifying," Roberts explained. "In truth,
I think this particular award is less about
any one individual's performance and
more about the performance of Joplin as a
whole and the police department
in particular."
Despite his honors and many
accomplishments, Chief Roberts remains
humble and appreciative of the help
surrounding his career.
"To be quite honest, I'm not sure that
I deserve this award, but Joplin and its
police officers certainly do. I've chosen to
receive it in that spirit." }}}
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WOODS NEWS: FACULTY AND STAFF
Boyer Ferhat Named
Distinguished Professor
By Mary Ann Beahon
Described by a student as “a
wonderful, hard-working, determined
lady who has really made William
Woods (University) a better academic
place in which to learn,” Dr. Caroline
Boyer Ferhat was rewarded for her
efforts this year.
Last spring, Boyer Ferhat, an
assistant professor of psychology at
William Woods, received the school’s
Louis D. Beaumont Dad’s Association
Distinguished Professor Award for
Excellence in Teaching. This summer,
she was promoted to chair of the Arts
and Behavioral Sciences Division.
“This professor has helped the
department to blossom and reach into
the community,” commented one of
her students. “She truly goes above and
10
beyond for her students.”
According to another,
“While she is a wife and
mother, she manages to
find the time to assist her
students when we need her,
as well as be a part of the
university that she shows
she loves by working with
us and participating in
campus activities,”
The award was presented
at the university’s academic
honors convocation. It
carries an honorarium
and is given annually to a
faculty member who has
displayed dedication to
teaching. Recipients of the
award are nominated and
chosen by students.
“Teaching at William
Woods University these
past three years has been
an amazing experience,”
Boyer Ferhat said. “I have
truly enjoyed being a part of
such a wonderful university
and have appreciated the
opportunity to develop
relationships with my students. I am
honored to have received such an
award, especially because it is for doing
something that I love.”
Boyer Ferhat taught psychology at
George Mason University, in Fairfax,
Virginia, from 2007 to 2011, when she
joined the WWU faculty.
She earned a Bachelor of Science,
cum laude, in psychology at Ursinus
College in 2007 and a Ph.D. in applied
developmental psychology with
an emphasis in cognitive and early
childhood development from George
Mason University in May 2011. In 2010,
she was the recipient of the Elyse B. and
Donald R. Lehman Graduate Student
Research Award. }}}
William Woods
Graphic Design
Coordinator
Wins Gold
By Mary Ann Beahon
Laura Harcharick, William Woods
University graphic design coordinator
from April of 2012 through October
2014, won a Gold award from CASE
(Council for the Advancement and
Support of Education) District VI.
Harcharick won in the category
“Communications and Marketing
Programs: Student Recruitment
Publications Packages” in January of
this year, with silver going to Kansas
State University, and bronze to
MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Her award was for the traditional
undergraduate recruitment pieces
she designed with the “Let’s Do This”
campaign. The pieces included the
viewbook, financial aid booklet,
academic booklet, and postcards.
Originally from Quincy, Illinois,
Harcharick graduated with a BFA in
graphic design from Stephens College
in 2011 and is currently working on
her MBA at WWU. }}}
WOODS NEWS: FACULTY AND STAFF
Professor Garrett Named Among
50 Missourians You Should Know
A William Woods University professor
has been recognized by Ingram’s as one
of 50 Missourians You Should Know. The
Kansas City-based business magazine hit
the newsstands in late June.
Dr. Barbara Garrett, program director
and professor of American Sign Language
Studies and Interpreting Program, joined
the ranks of Tim Wolfe, president of the
University of Missouri system; Fred
Parry, publisher of Inside Columbia;
and Lou Brock, Hall of Famer from the
St. Louis Cardinals.
In the introduction to the 50
Missourians section, Ingram’s wrote,
“Here are 10 things you probably didn’t
know about Missouri and the people
who live here … Fewer than 50 people
nationwide have doctoral degrees in signlanguage interpretation and
instruction, and one of them is based
at William Woods University in Fulton.”
Garrett built the program at WWU
from an associate degree program to a
bachelor’s degree program in 1993 and
was department chair and assistant
professor from 1993 to 1998. After
working in Missouri, Colorado,
California, Washington, and Minnesota,
she returned to William Woods in 2010
in her current position.
Upon her return, she set out to develop
an online four-year interpreters’ degree
program to meet the needs of interpreters
trying to satisfy new national certification
requirements. Since July 1, 2012, national
certification for interpreters requires a
four-year degree.
As a result of Garrett’s efforts, the
university was approved by its accrediting
body, the Higher Learning Commission,
to provide a Bachelor of Science degree in
interpretation studies in American Sign
Language-English through distance
education delivery.
There are around 100 associate
(two-year) degree programs and about
30 BA/BS degree programs in this field
in North America. The WWU Bachelor
of Science degree in interpretation
studies in American Sign LanguageEnglish is one of only two online
degree-completion (four-year)
programs in the country and the
By Mary Ann Beahon
only one from a long-established
interpreting program.
Garrett earned an associate degree
from Northwest University, Kirkland,
Washington; a B.A. in Deaf Ministry at
World Evangelism Bible College, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana; an M.A. in Education
of the Deaf from Missouri State
University; and a Ph.D. in Intercultural
Education from Biola University, La
Mirada, California.
“My heart is with the Deaf,” Garrett
said. “All my close friends are either
Deaf or fluent in ASL. I am only where
I am today because of Deaf people who
have so generously allowed me to be in
their community.”
She added, “My life focus has always
been teaching. I am a people person and
a teacher and want to see my students
become more talented than me. I have
presented at many workshops and
conferences and been on several boards,
etc., but my publications are few because
I am a teacher first who is an avid reader
of research.” }}}
11
Imagining
thank you for
with us
By Daniel Diedriech
#1
We “Imagined” and you turned it into reality! The Imagine Campaign
was a huge success, raising $10.8 million; $600,000 over goal. By meeting
the Mabee Challenge, the total includes $1 million from the J.E. and
L.E. Mabee Foundation.
The funds will support the three campaign initiatives: the construction
of Sorority Circle, an endowment to support the Center for Ethics and
Global Studies, and the renovation of the Tom and Claudine O’Connor
Alumni and Visitors Center.
Alumni, students, parents, and friends all contributed to the success.
So did the faculty and staff. “Our faculty and staff so strongly believe in
these objectives that 91 percent contributed to the campaign,” Dr. Jahnae
H. Barnett, WWU president, said.
Saluting our Heroes! The President’s Giving Society Dinner during
Alumni Weekend 2014 was a time to celebrate the success of the Imagine
Campaign and say “Thanks!” to all those who supported the cause.
Who better to say “Thank You” to our supporters than our students?
Ashley Bauer ’16 took us on a visual tour of Turkey and Greece to
demonstrate the importance of the Woods Around the World program,
which is sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Global Studies. Anthony
Dewey ’16 told why he looks forward to returning to campus as an alumnus
to enjoy what will be the newly renovated Alumni and Visitors Center. The
excitement in senior Alicia Delaney’s voice was evident as she described the
improved “learning and living” conditions coming with the completion of
Sorority Circle and Amphitheatre.
President Barnett joined the students in expressing her appreciation when
she presented Pat O’Rourke ’52 and ’72 with the first Emerald Society pin,
noting Pat’s 28 years of consecutive giving to WWU.
#2
12
Photo by Dak Dillon
#3
Though “Imagine” was the
name of the recently completed
William Woods University
capital campaign, with each
passing day less imagination is
needed to envision the completed
Sorority Circle housing project.
From early morning until dusk,
sometimes seven days a week,
the bang of the hammer, buzz of
the saw, and whir of electrical
equipment can be heard
throughout campus.
In the fall of 2015, the complex
will be home to the four William
Woods sororities: Alpha Chi Omega,
Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, and Chi
Omega. Together, the sorority alumni,
students, and friends raised more than
$1.2 million for construction. As part
of the project, the packed dirt nearest
to Bluff Street will soon transform
into the Sam B. Cook Amphitheatre.
Theatre students and community
actors, alike, are excited about
performing in this new venue.
13
SHARPENING OUR FOCUS.
TELLING YOUR STORIES.
14
The William Woods brand
gets a strategic new look.
By Daniel Diedriech
There’s a new wind blowing through
William Woods University, the wind of
change. The wind carries bright and bold
new colors; a new look that is warm and
elegant; new designs that include a new
interlinked and refined “WW” logo. You
can already see these changes
in our current recruitment and
marketing materials.
to help students discover their own
talents and passions, and connect with a
promising future.
That story is waiting to be told.
We found a partner to help us tell it: a
branding agency, called Elliance, which
specializes in higher education. They came
to the campus. They listened to our stories,
and they listened to our students, faculty,
Why the change?
and alumni.
What they heard is what you already
“For the future” may be the best way
know: that this is a place that will
to answer. We sat down about a year
challenge you. It will surround you with
ago and asked each other, “What are we
academic excellence. And most of all, it
doing to communicate to the next class
will support you, personally, in a way that
of prospects, and to the class after that,
few other institutions will. It will make
everything that’s great about this very
sure that you flourish.
unique learning institution? What are we
It takes more than a shiny new logo
doing to help the right students choose
and a color palette to get this message
William Woods University?”
across, and there
is more. If you
It takes more than a shiny new
read through
our recruiting
logo and a color palette to get this
materials, you’ll
message across, and there is more.
see the stories:
Students as
heroes.
Faculty
and
staff
as mentors
And what more can we do?
and friends. Alumni who have gone on
to successful careers. And, on campus,
The answer came back loud and
an inclusive and diverse community
clear: We’re doing a great job of getting
that is committed to learning, inside the
out the facts and figures about our
classroom and out.
affordable tuition and our success in
You know—everything you
placing graduates and post-graduates into
experienced when you were a student
satisfying careers.
at William Woods.
But there’s more to a quality university
We took this step because we believe it
experience than facts and figures. We
will help us do a better job of connecting
need to tell our story by sharing what’s
with the students who are a fit for us. It
unique about William Woods through our
will play to our strengths. And in doing
heroes: our students, faculty, alumni, and
so, it will help secure our future as a
all who come together to create the heart
university, so we can keep on doing what
and soul of William Woods University.
we’re doing.
Because let’s face it: there are a lot of
That’s a lot to ask from a branding
institutions with affordable tuition and
strategy. Of course, the branding strategy
high placement. And, when you look at
isn’t really doing the work; it’s just a
just the numbers, they all look alike.
sharper focus on the narrative of the spirit
But they’re not William Woods. They
that makes this place special.
don’t have our history. They don’t have our
And that story has always had a
culture. They don’t have our faculty and
happy ending. }}}
staff, and they don’t have our commitment
“
”
15
flourish!
You can find William Wood’s new
brand campaign all across
Missouri. Efforts include:
• Print ads in prominent publications
• Online ads connecting us to
the world
Take a look!
Join William Woods University
for an information session on
MBA graduate programs.
When:
Jan. 28, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Where: William Woods University
Columbia Site
3100 Falling Leaf Court
Columbia, MO
Info:
WilliamWoods.edu/GradRSVP
Register at WilliamWoods.edu/GradRSVP
An MBA in Entrepreneurial Leadership
can help your career flourish.
Benjamin Gakinya ‘08, MBA ‘12
Managing Director
Plaza Event Center at Parkade Center
OVER 140 YEARS OF
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
U N D E R G R A D U AT E
16
16
|
G R A D U AT E
WilliamWoods.edu
|
ONLINE
a
Celebration
of
Life
William Woods remembers Dr. Ed Easterling
By Mary Ann Beahon
Four times. That’s how often Ed Easterling, professor of
business and economics at William Woods University, received
the Louis D. Beaumont Dad’s Association Distinguished Professor
Award for Excellence in Teaching. It was more than any other
professor.
It was an indication of how loved and respected Ed, who passed
away Jan. 7, 2014, was at WWU.
“The spirit of a university is measured through the character
of its people, and over the course of his distinguished career
with William Woods, Ed certainly left a beautiful mark upon
our community,” President Jahnae H. Barnett said in an email
message to the university community.
“Ed’s life was an inspiration to all. In the classroom, he was a
gifted educator who had a passion for learning and a genuine
commitment
to his students. Out of the classroom, he lived his life to the
fullest, a man of many interests who did what he loved in the
company of those he loved.”
17
The Distinguished Professor Award was
presented at the university’s academic
honors convocation in April 2013, during
a time he was undergoing treatment for
cancer. Easterling also received the award
in 1987, 1991, and 1999.
In addition, he received the Governor’s
Award for Excellence in Teaching in
2001 and was awarded the 2004 T.A.
Abbott award for faculty excellence from
the Higher Education and Leadership
Ministries (HELM).
Easterling taught at William Woods
from 1985 until his death. He took one
semester off for treatment and returned
to teaching in the fall because he missed it
so much.
Ed’s widow, Lori Osbourn, said he
loved teaching at William Woods due
to a wonderful balance of family, job,
community, and church.
“He had a strong sense of commitment
to every aspect of his life. In life, he really
loved learning and at William Woods,
he really loved teaching. He wanted
his students to truly grow and be more
than they ever thought possible. He
saw their potential, and sometimes was
misunderstood by students who were not
yet willing to reach or accept what they
possessed within them.”
The Easterling family joined many of
the trips, and Osbourn said, “We have
some of the fondest memories ever—of the
wonderful expanses and majesties of our
nation, of William Woods students, and
of the close intergenerational bonds those
student excursions provided.”
Ed also was involved in numerous
activities on campus, including being a
faculty adviser to Alpha Chi Omega social
sorority and
Alpha Chi
He had a strong sense of commitment
honorary
to every aspect of his life.society.
In life, he
regularly
really loved learning and He
at William
attended
Woods, he really loved teaching.
sporting events,
art exhibitions,
His interaction with the students went
theatrical performances, and other
far beyond the classroom, however. In
student activities, often with his wife and
2000 he and Marshall Robb, then a fellow
two sons, Schuyler and Ralls, in tow.
WWU professor, took students on a
In addition to everything he did on the
hiking/backpacking/biking trip to Utah.
WWU campus, Ed also was active
Osbourn recalls that he was “excited for a
in his church, serving as chairman of
new professional and personal experience
the trustees and elders, president of
… (but) he truthfully admitted after the
the congregation, and on education
experience, the trip darn near killed him …
and scholarship committees. He taught
(and he) vowed to get back into shape.”
Sunday school for junior-high students
He ran and lifted weights with Robb every
and adults and was actively involved in
day and joined him and the students on
the Boy Scouts.
several more trips.
In fact, Ed assumed a major undertaking
“They added an environmental
for the Scouts in 2010—that of National
economics course option in addition to the
Jamboree scoutmaster for Great Rivers
courses Marshall offered,” Osbourn said,
Council, which covers about a fourth
“and took students to the Grand Canyon,
of Missouri. Osbourn said his primary
Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, numerous
motivation for taking on this huge
national and state parks throughout the
responsibility was his love for his two
West, and to the east and south as well.”
sons, who both attained Eagle Scout status.
“
18
”
“He wanted them—and the boys from
our region—to experience the outdoors, see
another part of the country, and meet with
boys from all over the world.”
He received enormous satisfaction
in having gathered a full group, with
the three Easterling men experiencing
the Jamboree together—one son as a
participant and the other as an
assistant scoutmaster.
Before coming to William Woods, Ed did
economic research for the U.S. Department
of Agriculture and earned a Certificate of
Merit for outstanding research and staff
analyses in 1985.
Ed received all of his degrees from
schools with Tiger mascots—his Bachelor
of Science degree at Clemson University,
his Master of Science degree at Auburn
University and his doctorate at the
University of Missouri. But his first
love, Clemson, was his true love. At
his memorial service, faculty, staff, and
students were asked to wear orange and
purple—Clemson colors.
“On the day Eddie died,” Osbourn said, “a
package arrived at his hospital room. We
opened it for him, finding a full-fledged
big, orange flag with a Clemson tiger
paw on it. It was from Kate Chrisman,
a 2000 WWU graduate, who echoed in
her kind words what many had told him,
and what many have said after his death
… that he taught them much more than
any economics graphs—he taught them
life lessons about loving your family and
job, being responsible, and enjoying the
blessings of life.” }}}
Facebook
Memoriums
“My time at William Woods was
life-giving and formational in so
many ways. Dr. Easterling played
a big role in this formation as my
favorite professor, my adviser, and a
consistent voice of encouragement.”
-Donna Claycomb Sokol ’93
“R.I.P. Dr. Easterling. … You were
such a great teacher, role model, and
person. You challenged us like none
other and I will always remember
lessons learned from you.”
-Stacie Bonte Weffelmeyer ’09
“This is a sad day for WWU and the
hundreds of students whose lives
were touched by Dr. Easterling. So
blessed to have been one of them.”
Top Left: Ed with his son, Ralls, and wife, Lori, receives a Distinguished Professor Award.
Top: Ed relaxes, fishing in his farm’s pond.
Bottom: Alpha Chi Omega honors their academic adviser by wearing Clemson colors.
-Sarah Jo Wilson Morgan ’94
“Wow! My heart hurts. During my
college career Dr. Easterling was a
key to my success. As an adviser.
As a professor and as a boss. Even
after graduation he gave advice
when I stayed in the community.
He helped me when I struggled,
with never a judgment. He was a
Father figure when I was so far from
home!! He will be greatly missed by
all. WWU and his family have lost a
great man!!!!”
-Alethea Salsbury Dzurick ’96
19
Leaving a
Legacy
By Mary Ann Beahon
20
Service was second nature to this
1954 alumna and earned her the title
of Service Queen as a student. William
Woods learned late this summer that
Janice Gartshore had left a $2.7 million
estate gift to her alma mater.
Gartshore died in 2011, at the age of
78, and made the donation in memory
of her mother, Edna Seifert Gartshore.
It is the largest estate gift WWU
has received to date. The funds are
designated for endowed scholarships
for students in business, law and music.
Born in Wooster, Ohio, Gartshore
earned an associate of arts degree at
William Woods and spent the next 50
years living in Denver. She worked
in the book department for Daniels
& Fisher Department Store, which
merged with The May Company and
later became part of Macy’s. According
to her obituary, books were her passion
and she thrived in this position.
The 1954 yearbook, Woods Echoes,
describes the Service Queen as
someone with “an active interest in
school projects, leading to valuable
contributions to the welfare of the
school as a whole.”
“What a perfect description for
someone who later left a legacy that
will impact William Woods University
for years to come,” Dr. Jahnae H.
Barnett, WWU president, said. “We are
indebted to Janice Gartshore for her
extremely generous donation to our
scholarship fund. Many future students
will benefit from her benevolence.”
In addition to being Service Queen,
Gartshore was Y.W.C.A. president,
publicity chair of Alpha Iota (an
international honorary business
sorority) and a member of Cosmopolitan
Club.
La Trisia Kinney Heard was
Gartshore’s roommate in Bartley Hall
their senior year.
“I think Janice was a merchandising
major,” Heard said. “Our second
semester, she was approved or selected
(like an internship) to work in sales
in Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. I
think it was for six weeks, not a full
semester. It was so exciting!!”
Heard remembers Gartshore as being
a tall girl, maybe close to 6 feet. “We
were a ‘Mutt and Jeff’ since I was 5'3"
(no borrowing each other's clothes Ha!).
She was a good roommate, organized,
sweet, intelligent, and a good leader. It
would not surprise me that she would
become a successful business woman.”
Brenda Popp, chair of the business
law and technology division, is grateful
for Gartshore’s generosity.
“I am elated whenever any of our
students have an opportunity to
receive more scholarship funding,”
she said. “I think the fact that a female
alumna has given such a large gift to a
professions-oriented academic area may
be indicative of the changing female
role in history.” }}}
THE
Science
Stephanie Walker was born and raised in Scotland
and still has family there. Now, with the help of
faculty at William Woods University, she has returned
to her homeland to become a veterinarian.
She is one of seven recent biology graduates who
applied to and were accepted at professional schools—
three to veterinary school, two to medical school, one
to pharmacy school, and one to a physical therapy
graduate program. That gave biology majors a 100
percent acceptance rate!
OF
Success
By MaryAnn Beahon
“Our success rate, especially with veterinary
school, is historically high,” Dr. Nicholas Pullen, Cox
Distinguished Professor of Biology at WWU, said. “In
my opinion a lot of this is due to two main factors:
capable science students and intense advising. By
intense advising, I mean we really are after them to
figure out what they need to do fast, and then follow
through with doing it, whether it’s classes, shadowing,
or other internships.”
21
Meet
the
Students
Lexi Scott is congratulated by Dr. Kevin Dorsey, dean (left), and James Connor, president of the
alumni board, during the white coat ceremony.
Another reason for high acceptance
rates for veterinary schools is that
students frequently come to William
Woods because of their love for horses.
The hands-on equestrian studies courses,
coupled with a strong biology program,
give WWU students an upper hand when
applying to vet school.
As for medical school applications,
“interests vary by year,” Pullen said. “I
think the 2013 and 2014 classes were
comparatively enriched with ‘future
doctors.’ Or at least people
who bothered to do
the appropriate
preparatory work
and fill out the
applications.”
Walker
applied and
was offered
admission
to both the
University of
Glasgow School
of Veterinary
Medicine and
the University of
Edinburgh Royal School
of Veterinary Studies. She
chose Glasgow to earn her B.V.M.S. degree.
According to Pullen, “The B.V.M.S.
degree is the D.V.M. equivalent in the U.K.,
and they are fully accredited for practice
in the USA.”
Walker said, “I honestly don't know
whether I could have made it through the
process of applying to vet school without
22
the biology department. They kicked my
butt when I needed it the most and were
always there for me to answer all
my questions.”
She said the classes were challenging,
but fun, and helped her realize that being
a vet was exactly what she wanted to do
with her life.
Another vet student, Amanda Marty,
spent five years at WWU, doublemajoring in equestrian science and
biology with a concentration in prevet and a minor in business. Now she’s
enrolled at the University of Missouri
College of Veterinary Medicine.
“I loved my time at The Woods and
feel like it prepared me well for vet
school. The biology department was
great; I had amazing teachers and even
got to participate in research. The
equestrian science program really
helped me feel prepared for working
with and handling horses, particularly
because I want to specialize in
equine medicine.”
Cristina Christianson, too, attributes
her success to William Woods.
"The faculty not only taught me the
educational material that I will use in my
graduate career, but additionally helped
further my interpersonal skills, passion
for the sciences, and problem-solving skills
that will become essential as I begin my
career in veterinary medicine,” she said.
Christianson spent the summer in
Scottsdale, Arizona, working with
veterinarians to further her experience
before entering veterinary school at
Julia Peairs
Northern Arizona University, Physical Therapy
Stephanie Walker
University of Glasgow, Veterinary Medicine
Cody Kern
University of Missouri, Medicine
Danielle Propst
UMKC , Pharmacology
Purdue University this fall. At Purdue she
plans to study a mixed animal veterinary
track with the career goal of specializing in
equine reproduction and exotic animals.
Medical student Lexi Scott graduated
in May 2013 and now attends Southern
Illinois University School of Medicine. She
said the one-on-one attention at WWU
helped her grow academically, socially,
and professionally.
“I am ecstatic. It still doesn't feel real
after all the hard work that I and my
professors did to get me into a position
to be a great med school candidate … it’s
clear how excited they are, too, to see their
students move on and be successful.”
Since graduating, Scott has been
working as a pediatric nursing assistant
in a private practice in Peoria, Illinois.
She also does part-time work at OSF St.
Francis in Peoria, at the new Jump Trading
Simulation Center as a standardized
patient, acting in roles to help train nurses,
nurse practitioners, residents, and doctors
in administrative and clinical situations.
Girardeau area and hopes to focus his
attention on providing quality medical care
to the surrounding rural areas.
Danielle Propst took a
different route from
her fellow biology
students. She
enrolled in the
University of
Missouri-Kansas
City pharmacy
program to
pursue a Pharm.D.
degree, and she says
she believes WWU
fully prepared her for
graduate school.
“The professors always expected
100 percent from you, but were always
there if you needed them. They wanted
you to succeed as much as you wanted
yourself to. When I told them I was
accepted into pharmacy school, they were
all genuinely excited. If I had gone to a
bigger school, I would not have had a
“
Amanda Marty
University of Missouri, Veterinary Medicine
Lexi Scott
Southern Illinois University, Medicine
Cristina Christianson
Purdue University, Veterinary Medicine
If I had gone to a bigger school, I would
not have had a personal relationship with
my professors and I don’t think I would
have been as successful. They make all the
difference. They are all truly amazing.
Cody Kern, another medical student,
graduated from WWU a semester early, in
December 2013, and was accepted by the
University of Alabama School of Medicine
and the University of Missouri School of
Medicine, where he is now.
Kern thanked his teachers “for their
commitment in preparing me for medical
school. Without their extra effort, I would
not be able to take this next step. The
staff here did not hesitate to help with
whatever I asked of them, whether it
was proofreading my application,
performing mock interviews, or
writing reference letters.”
His future plans include specializing
in either oncology or gastroenterology.
He plans to live and work near the Cape
”
personal relationship with my professors
and I don't think I would have been as
successful. They make all the difference.
They are all truly amazing.”
Julia Peairs also is on another path. She
is pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy
at Northern Arizona University, and said
her experience at William Woods was an
invaluable part of her preparation.
“I learned not only how to manage a full
course load, but also how to appreciate
and use my support systems as I grew
into a more-educated and well-rounded
individual. I look forward to combining
my personal and professional interests in
physical therapy, massage therapy, and
animal rehabilitation into a unique career
that will never seem like a job." |||
23
ATHLETICS UPDATE: OWLS BY NUMBERS
It’s a Great Time to Be an Owl!
Owls’ Athletics had an awesome 2013-14 year,
and the proof is in the numbers.
27 8
AND
Scholar-Athletes
Scholar Teams
10
American Midwest
Conference Championships
6
Teams Qualified for the NAIA
National Championships
19 3.1
NAIA All-Americans
Department GPA
109 83
AND
American Midwest Conference
All-Academic Recipients
8
American Midwest
Conference First Team
All-Conference Selections
Individuals Qualified for the
NAIA National Championships
3
Consecutive AMC
President’s Cups
Keep up with all of the latest Owls’ news at www.wwuowls.com, or follow
them at www.facebook.com/wwuowls and www.twitter.com/wwu_owls.
24
ATHLETICS UPDATE
Other 2013-14
Achievements
by the Owls
Athletic Director Scores
Win of His Own
Men’s golf finished
tied for third at NAIA
national championships
Women’s golf finished
fourth at NAIA national
championships
Women’s cross/track
won the AMC triple
crown: cross country
champions, indoor
champions, and
outdoor champions
Men’s 4x400 meter
relay team finished
fourth at NAIA outdoor
and fifth at NAIA indoor
Anthony Stockton
finished runner-up at
NAIA indoor national
championships
Jason Vittone of William Woods
University has been selected by his
peers as the 2013-14 American Midwest
Conference Athletic Director of the Year.
This is the first time Vittone has received
this prestigious honor, but not the first
time someone from WWU has. Vittone’s
predecessor, Larry York, received the
award in 2007.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive
the award, but the credit for our success
at William Woods lies with the faculty,
staff, administration, alumni, boosters,
and students,” said Vittone. “I was very
fortunate to inherit an exceptional
coaching and support staff and am truly
blessed to be a part of a great institution.”
Vittone was named director of
intercollegiate athletics in September
2011 after four years as sports
information director and Champions of
Character coordinator at William Woods.
Since his appointment, he has instituted a
number of new initiatives.
During the fall of 2012, Vittone
announced the creation of the William
Woods University Athletics Hall of
Fame, which already has inducted Lana
Unnewehr-Brooks, Helen Stephens,
Roger Ternes, Ashley Windmiller, Erin
Jewell-Zamora, Patricia Wilderman, and
the 2002 men’s volleyball team.
Vittone also initiated a corporate
sponsorship fundraising program and, to
date, 20-plus companies have joined the
program. Funds raised from this initiative
have been used to improve team travel,
equipment, and facilities.
One of Vittone’s achievements this
year was securing the host school
designation for the NAIA Women’s
Basketball National Championship,
which will be played March 18-24 in the
Independence (Missouri) Events Center.
As the host school, WWU will receive
the automatic bid to play in the field of 32
teams for the 2015 and 2016 events.
Also, under Vittone’s leadership,
tennis is coming back to William Woods.
Competitive play will begin in the fall
of 2015, and Lauren Meier has joined
WWU from Georgia Gwinnett College
as the new tennis coach. At GGC, Meier
helped start the men’s and women’s
programs; both won the NAIA National
Championship in 2013-14, and she was
named the NAIA men’s and women’s
assistant tennis coach of the year. }}}
25
COMMENCEMENT: SPRING 2014
Follow Your Passion and Work Hard
Words of advice from a successful alumna
Amber Cox ’96, MBA ’98 currently serves as vice
president/chief marketing officer at Houston Dynamo, a
major league soccer club. She previously was associate
commissioner for women’s basketball for the BIG EAST
Conference. Cox also spent nine seasons with the WNBA’s
Phoenix Mercury, most recently as president and chief
operating officer. Following are excerpts from her speech
to the graduating class of 2014—essentially career advice
that would apply to anyone.
26
COMMENCEMENT: SPRING 2014
Snippets from Cox’s Speech
My young friends, it feels like yesterday
that I was taking the court wearing #24 at
Helen Stephens Sports Complex, eating at
Tucker, hanging out with my teammates
in Smith Hall, and trying to find ways to
avoid professors and coaches at the Tap
Room.
I tried to think back to where you
are today, in my cap and gown, in the
same seats where you are sitting. I was a
small-town kid with a degree in English
communications who loved basketball
and really didn’t have a clue how to turn
that into a career. What could the speaker
standing up here on that day have said
that would have helped me find my way
faster and easier?
Unfortunately folks, there is no golden
nugget of advice I can share that will
immediately propel you to the top of your
desired industry … The truth is, the single
most important weapons in your arsenal—
along with this highly valuable education—
are determination, perseverance, and a
strong work ethic …
Life FLIES by. The old saying
opportunity knocks—forget it. Opportunity
never knocks. What this great education
and your professors have provided you
with is choices. And when those choices
are in front of you, kick the door down
… Taking chances is what leads to great
change in our world and we are counting
on you to be agents of positive change.
Challenges and rough spots are really
opportunities in disguise … Don’t wait to
chase your dream. And don’t limit yourself
based on the goal that is in your head
today. Be open to allowing your dream to
evolve into something different …
I implore you—wherever you land,
raise your hand when your boss asks for
someone to take on a new project, even
if it’s outside your comfort zone. You are
expected to do the things you are hired
to do. You will make your mark by being
willing to do the things you are NOT hired
to do and especially by taking on projects
that NOBODY wants to do …
I had great mentors who put me in
positions to learn and then lead. Money
and security are important, but what
I have found is that if you follow your
passion and work hard, money and
promotions will follow and it will mean
so much more when you are doing
what you love …
Relationships are and will always be
the key to success, both professionally
and personally. Work for and with the
people around you to turn challenges
into opportunities and opportunities
into contributions …
Look people in the eye when you talk
to them, remain humble, work hard, be a
good teammate, make sure you spellcheck,
put your phone away at dinner – the devil
is in the details people. The smallest things
will set you apart from the pack … }}}
27
H E A L I NG
VETERANS
By Alaina Leverenz ‘16 and Mary Ann Beahon
28
T
wo veteran thoroughbred horses from
William Woods University have moved to
New Mexico to help war veterans.
Glory Road (JJ), 15, and Rampart, 18,
are in exciting new careers with the
therapeutic program, Healing America’s
Heroes. The nonprofit organization
provides healing opportunities to veterans
and their families and helps them enrich
and create a meaningful quality of life.
The goal of Healing America’s Heroes
is to help veterans help themselves by
developing and enhancing skills, achieving
greater self-reliance, promoting healing
and restoration, and empowering veterans.
The grand opening pilot program was
Sept. 14-20 in Plaza Blanca, New Mexico,
and included meals, tent lodging, and
therapeutic programs for four Vietnam
veterans. Separate sessions will be held for
female veterans and veterans of Iraq and
Afghanistan.
“This is a win-win situation for our
wonderful veteran equines, and for the
soldiers who participate in the HAH
program,” said Susie Ouderkirk, WWU
hunter/jumper instructor. “Our horses are
enjoying the country life on a beautiful
ranch in northern New Mexico and giving
trail rides and peace of mind to those who
went to war for us.”
“
leads to chronic mental illnesses that
threaten the soldiers, their families and
their communities.”
The horses donated by William Woods
will play a large role in the rehabilitation
of veterans and their families, who are
welcomed at no charge, as well.
Healing America’s Heroes helps veterans
and their families develop problem-solving
skills, interpersonal skills, leisure skills,
and build confidence through adventure
and recreational experiences such as
horsemanship, horseback rides, fly fishing,
fly tying, trail and guided tours, hiking and
camping, barbeques and picnics, and skillsbuilding workshops.
Participants are encouraged to attend
four group skills-building sessions. These
sessions will cover topics such as seeking
safety, which builds safety skills to manage
symptoms of PTSD and substance abuse.
Healing America’s Heroes also is
working with the local community to
provide a growing variety of therapeutic
experiences such as animal husbandry,
wool weaving, farm operations, fish farm/
hatchery, and tire recycling.
A Vietnam veteran, Eddie Crain, is
founder and president of Healing
Anna Burman
rides Rampart
during a hunter/
jumper derby at
William Woods.
(photo by Kayla
Cardinal)
This is a win-win situation for our wonderful
veteran equines, and for the soldiers who
participate in the HAH program.
Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, president of
William Woods, and her husband, Eddie,
made the initial connection with Healing
America’s Heroes.
“We are happy to support such a good
cause and give new purpose to horses that
have served our students well but were
ready for retirement. JJ and Rampart
will provide relief for veterans and their
families in a natural environment, where
they will be groomed, played with, and
ridden on a beautiful ranch.”
According to a University of CaliforniaSan Francisco/San Francisco Veterans
Administration Medical Center study, 40
percent of U.S. soldiers returning from
Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from a mental
disorder or related behavioral problem.
“Studies show that if left untreated,
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as
well as other mental concerns, including
depression and alcohol and drug abuse,
”
America’s Heroes. He is excited about
receiving the William Woods horses and
very appreciative. He believes their new
“retirement home” will benefit the horses
as much as the veterans.
“Rampart and JJ both are doing well, and
they have acclimated to the high elevation.
I believe the rest and exercise have been
good for them. JJ will be used for our very
beginners and Rampant will be used for
our more experienced riders. They both
have a job and a good home for life.”
Jennie Petterson, chair of the equestrian
studies division, agrees the move to New
Mexico was good for the horses.
“Both Rampart and JJ had been
wonderful school horses, but were ready
for a slower and easier lifestyle. As
show horses ready for retirement, the
combination of steady but light work and
lots of turnout was just what we wanted
for them.” }}}
WiWU student Eilie
Cole with Glory
Road, whose barn
WOODS
MAGAZINE WINTER 2014 /15
name is
JJ. (photo
by Kayla Cardinal)
29
R
A
P
of
S
L
A
G
ALE
S
E
I
D
U
T
By Leigh Rice ’14
William Woods University’s paralegal
program, which is celebrating its 40th
anniversary this year, is highly regarded by
the legal community nationwide and is a
member of the American Association of
Paralegal Educators.
Paralegal studies began at WWU in the fall
of 1974 when 18 sophomore-level students
were admitted to the program. Since then,
approximately 2,200 students have completed
Bachelor of Science degrees with a major
in paralegal studies.
Most recent graduates are adults
who have advanced in their
positions or have changed
careers completely.
A degree in paralegal
studies allows a
person to function
as a paralegal or
legal assistant
(the terms
30
WINTER
WINTER 2014/15
2014/15 WOODS
WOODS MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
are often interchangeable). Paralegals are
members of the professional legal staff (not the
clerical staff) who are employed or retained by
a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental
agency, or other entity and who perform
specifically delegated substantive legal work for
which a lawyer is responsible.
A paralegal can work in all types of
legal environments, including law offices,
governmental agencies, financial institutions,
health organizations, corporations, insurance
companies, entertainment/sports companies,
courts, and both prosecutors’ and
defenders’ offices.
According to Peggy Nickerson, director of
the paralegal studies program, graduates
have achieved great success in the legal field,
many going on to law school themselves.
And the future is bright. According to a U.S.
Department of Labor report, the paralegal
profession remains a top 10 growth career
for the 21st century.
1
“As the number and complexity of lawsuits continues to grow,
so will the need for paralegals,” Nickerson says.
To ensure that WWU paralegal students receive a distinguished
education, they are taught by attorneys and practicing graduatedegree paralegals.
“The advantages of being taught by active practitioners is
immeasurable,” said Cynthia Kramer, an attorney and professor
of legal studies at WWU. “Students receive added value when
the professor has actually used a legal theory or procedure in the
representation of a client. Application of theory to practice is the
primary skill sought after by employers. Our students have an
advantage in this regard because our faculty have actually been
active in legal practice.”
3
The advantages of being
taught by active practitioners
is immeasurable.
“
”
The paralegal program is continuously evolving to adapt to
changing requirements and the needs of paralegal students.
From requiring a keyboarding course at the ’80s to introducing
computer-assisted legal research, the program has always strived
to keep up with the developments in the way law is practiced.
Most recently, WWU began offering an online bachelor’s degree
in paralegal studies for accelerated entry into this fast-paced
legal industry.
“I have been with William Woods since 1997,” said Kramer.
“The paralegal studies program was an exemplary program
when I arrived and it has continued to maintain high academic
standards. The program has become more accessible to students
with the addition of the accelerated cohort model and now the
online paralegal program.”
She added, “In addition, we have been very fortunate that the
university has supported the growth of the program through
the addition of the Weitzman Model Courtroom, establishment
of a mock trial program, improved technological and research
resources, and overall expansion of the legal studies program.” }}}
2
4
Some Paralegal Studies Alumni Include:
} Penny Umstattd-Cope ’87, attorney for Carran,
Bridges and Bridges at the Lake of the Ozarks.
} Kelly (Boehmer) Broniec ’92, attorney and
associate circuit court judge for the 12th Circuit
Court in Missouri (Montgomery County).
5
} Dori DeCook ’94, Office of the Chief Disciplinary
Counsel, an agency of the Missouri Supreme Court
responsible for investigating and prosecuting
allegations of misconduct by lawyers; past president
of the Missouri Paralegal Association
} Bridget Gehm ’94, paralegal in the field of labor/
employment within the educational setting for a large
law firm in St. Louis
} Donna DeYoung Meyr ’96, paralegal for the Social
Security Administration, Office of Disabilities
} Rebecca Burkemper Richardson ’06, assistant
prosecutor, Lincoln County
1. Margaret Booker ’85, Peggy Nickerson, Kathey Sheridan ’08, and Penny Umstattd-Cope ’87
2. Leslie Smith Yocum ’07 and Sidney Smith-McCormick ’10 (sisters and members of the National
Championship mock trial team in ’07)
} JoAnne Mackey ’09, law school,
Ohio Northern University
3. Rachel Moser ’14 and Jackie Merritt Jaques ’84
} Sidney Smith-McCormick ’10, attorney in
Bloomington, Ill.
5. Rebecca Eye ’04, Cynthia Kramer, and Mandy Lambert ’03
4. Stacey Irwin ’13, JoAnne Mackey ’09, Peggy Nickerson, Donna DeYoung Meyr ’96, and Cynthia Kramer
31
WOODS AROUND
THE WORLD 2014
For spring break 2014,
students traveled to Turkey
and Greece, experiencing
the treasures of the
Mediterranean world.
Each year, William Woods University sends students on trips through
Woods Around the World (WATW), led by the Rev. Travis Tamerius,
WWU chaplain and director of the Center for Ethics and Global
Studies. Their educational and cultural adventures have led them to
Peru, Italy, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, and Turkey,
as well as the civil rights trail in the Southern United States and Pine
Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
“At William Woods, we view education as a journey of discovery … we
believe the very best journeys are fed by curiosity in the world around
us,” Tamerius said. “Woods Around the World is a unique approach to
education that takes the student beyond the classroom and the
textbook and into the real world of another culture.”
A new service-based scholarship program, Project 123, is making it
easier for students to make the trip. Students who are selected and
complete 123 hours of community service are given a generous
stipend to participate.
32
32
Last year it was the Harlem Shake in an Edinburgh
train station. This year, Woods Around the World
paid tribute to the Oscar Awards and the Turkish
demonstrators who recently did their group selfie
in the back of a police van. We did ours in the spice
market. And just like Ellen and friends at the Oscars,
we had a stranger photobomb us. Those Turkish
vendors are good. They're real good.
No matter who we
are, no matter where we live and
no matter what our circumstances, each
day brings with it a gift. Today’s gifts? First,
the U.S. dollar is stronger than the Turkish Lira.
Secondly, our hotel is within walking distance from
one of the world’s oldest and largest shopping malls,
the Grand Bazaar. Imagine the joy when Beth Oseroff
did the math and announced on the bus, “it’s just
like a 50 percent off sale!” Here is our group with
their game faces on, just before we entered
into alleyways of old
world bargaining.
This picture was taken by Selcuk, our
tour guide, and has it all. He managed to
capture a strutting stray cat, a Japanese
tourist with a camera, two grown men
playing dress-up and the happy faces of
those who just landed in the ancient city
of Troia (Troy).
33
speakingcolor
with
34
By Danielle Propst ’14
Left: Williams with one of her pieces.
Top: Williams’ paintings on display in the
Mildred M. Cox Art Gallery.
Bottom: 1. “Television,” 2. Williams and the
self portrait she did as a student, and
3. “Brookfield Fleet.”
1
2
3
Sarah Williams, a 2006 graduate of
William Woods University, has always
had a love for art.
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t
painting or drawing something,” she said.
That love for art is what led her to The
Woods, where she earned her Bachelor
of Fine Arts in studio art. She also was a
member of the golf team and Chi Omega.
Williams grew up in Brookfield, a small
town in northern Missouri where art
didn’t have much of a presence. With no
idea what career options or paths were
available to her, she turned to the faculty
at WWU for guidance. They gave her the
necessary skills to thrive in the field and
offered a formal education, which she
noted is somewhat uncommon in current
art programs.
“
faculty at UNT, as well as Brookhaven
Community College, Austin College, and
Richland Community College.
In 2012 she moved to Springfield,
Missouri, where she is an assistant
professor of art at Missouri State
University. She also maintains a studio
practice and is represented by galleries in
cities across the country, including Dallas,
Houston, Los Angeles, and Kansas City.
Williams’ inspiration for art comes
from personal experiences in her home
environment.
“I see my whole life as preparation
for the way I paint and the work I am
currently making,” Williams said.
Her recent body of work is focused on
her roots in the rural American Midwest,
where she sees the “seemingly mundane,
anonymous
scenes
existing on
the periphery
that tend to
be ignored.”
Williams is specifically drawn to places
tied to feelings and emotion.
“Strong emotions can be prompted by
a place. Over time, ways of life shape
and define the people and the spaces in
which they live. I am drawn to areas and
structures that show character acquired
from the history and memory of the
people that formed that environment,”
Williams said.
Williams likes the idea of bringing
paintings of small town life to the
contemporary art scene in urban settings.
She hopes her work makes people think
about where they’re from and take
pride in it.
Her advice for art majors is to work hard
and get out in the world to see as much art
as possible. Practice fundamental studio
skills and familiarize yourself with the
current conversation in the art world.
“Dedication to your practice is the main
component in any scenario,” Williams said.
You can see more of Williams’ art at
www.sarahwilliams-paintings.com. }}}
I see my whole life as preparation
for the way I paint and the work I
am currently making.
“I learned to manipulate painting and
drawing materials, color theory, and
elements of composition that set me up
with a visual language I could confidently
use to speak about issues that I felt
passionate about, “ Williams said.
But perhaps the most valuable tool the
professors gave her was their support.
Whether it was weekend trips to the
University of Missouri’s model sessions
with Jane Mudd, Terry Martin’s mentoring
that led to shows at conservation centers,
or Paul Clervi’s lessons in the shops,
Williams knew the professors would go
above and beyond to help.
“It was clear to me that they would go
the extra mile for my education,”
Williams said.
That “extra mile” is what drives her as
she finds herself in the same position with
her students.
After graduating from WWU, Williams
attended the University of North Texas
(UNT) in Denton, where she earned a
Master of Fine Arts degree in painting and
drawing. She then took a job as adjunct
”
35
TEENAGE MUTANT
J
NIN A
creatures
ONE ALUM SHARES HIS STORY OF SUCCESS IN HOLLYWOOD
By Katherine Cummins, reporter, The Fulton Sun
With contributions from Mary Ann Beahon
36
“We want to make sure that we
him for what is turning into a busy career
When Jared Krichevsky was young, he
paid homage to the characters and the
in film.
loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
franchise, while at the same time
“I definitely think that my degree
He had all the figures and vehicles and his
in theatre arts at WWU allowed me
mother “always carried
updating them for a new
to become a better character artist.
around a ninja turtle in
generation,” Krichevsky
Understanding where interesting
her purse, just in case.”
said, noting the design
WE WANT
characters come from really influences
Never in his wildest
process included a lot of
how I approach character design today.
dreams did he imagine
SURE
feedback from director
TO MAKE
Because I believe compelling characters
he would one day
Jonathan Liebesman.
THAT WE
create compelling designs.”
design costumes for
PAID
Technology also played
He said being a founding father at Phi
a TMNT movie.
an
important
role.
HOMAGE
Gamma Delta also helped.
Krichevsky is a
“We wanted to push
“Those experiences made me a better
creature designer, and
the design to take
TO THE communicator and gave me the confidence
the 2005 graduate of
advantage of what they
CHARACTERS
I needed in myself,” Krichevsky said. “Even
the William Woods
could do with them now,”
though I graduated nearly 10 years ago,
University theatre
Krichevsky
said.
AND THE
I still remember those days very fondly.” }}}
department worked on
The team used a
FRANCHISE,
the team that designed
program called Zbrush
the digital title characters
to help design the turtles
WHILE AT
THE
for the “Teenage Mutant
in 3D. Krichevsky, who
Ninja Turtles” movie
has also worked on “Once
SAME TIME
released in August.
Upon a Time,” “Falling
UPDATING
Joe Potter, assistant
Skies,” “I, Frankenstein,”
professor of performing
and “The Amazing
THEM FOR
arts and artistic director
Spider-Man 2,” said
of theatre at William
working on “Teenage
A NEW Woods, said, “I am
Mutant Ninja Turtles”
GENERATION.
extremely proud of Jared,
was a dream come true.
as I am of all of our WWU
“It was a total blast…
theatre alumni ... it is
for a longtime fan of the
always so nice to hear about our theatre
franchise,” Krichevsky said. “The most fun
Donatello is Krichevsky’s favorite TMNT.
alumni and their creative successes. It
was when Director Jonathan Liebesman
means The Woods faculty has, in some
would come in and
small way, helped students realize
work with us. He
their dreams.”
has a lot of energy
After William Woods, Krichevsky
and a great sense of
attended Gnomon, a school for visual
humor, so the sense of
effects in Hollywood. He said he was first
camaraderie with the
connected with Teenage Mutant Ninja
team was great.”
Turtles when it was initially sent to The
Although TMNT is
Aaron Sims Company in 2011 where
his first work on a big
he was working as an intern (he is now
franchise, Krichevsky
employed there).
said the first major
“I was a huge fan of the show so I begged
movie he worked on
them to let me take a pass at one of the
was “Jupiter
turtles. I did Donatello, because he was
Ascending,” a science
Krichevsky works on a character.
always my favorite, but the design I did
fiction epic starring
was sooo awful it became the example of
Mila Kunis and
what not to do,” Krichevksy said. “Later
Channing Tatum,
TMNT ended up coming back to us in 2012,
set for release in
by that time I was a more experienced
February 2015.
artist, with a few shows under my belt,
“It was a really wild
and I was given the opportunity to work
and fun movie to
on it with the team.”
work on so I’m really
His team’s role “was to try to bring
looking forward to it,”
the Turtles into the real world as much
he said.
as possible and give them each unique
Krichevsky said
appearances based on their already wellhis time at William
established personalities.”
Woods helped prepare
Krichevsky’s original sketches for Donatello
“
”
37
ALUMNI GATHERINGS: ALUMNI WEEKEND 2014 - LET’S DO THIS!
LET ’S DO THIS !
WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY
A LUM N I W E E K E N D 2 014
1
2
3
4
1. Andy March ’06, Justin Doss ’07 2. Front: Tim Steinbeck, Naomi
Trevor York ’06, MBA ’08, Steven
Starr ’13, and Ilana Archuleta ’13
Maupin ’07, celebrate
Back: Cassie Doepke-Kunkel ’82,
winning the annual Alumni
Laura Hill Steinbeck ’85, Dan
Golf Tournament
Patten, Kathleen Kunkler ’82,
Denning Key, Jan Feaster Key ’84
38
3. Marissa Ballard, Alexis Guth,
4. Brittany Kline ’13, Megan
Nakisha Black, Naomi Starr,
Lovino ’13, Drew Neudecker ’12, Stacey Irwin, and Ilana Archuleta, Cassie Strope ’13, Adam
all ’13
Dresden ’09, Gillian Tracey ’12, and Derrick Hunolt ’12
1. Fred Binggeli, Ann Whitman Binggeli ’72, Judy Kuergeleis Schmuck ’72, and
Jamie Tennyson
2. Lisa Burke Heischman ’11 and
Liza Payne ’12, MBA ’14
3. Jessica Kampmeyer ’12 and Paige Graves ’12
4. An alum visits with Professor Emeritus
1
2
Florence Krause
5. Andrea Weed ’11, Anna Farha ’12, Rachel
Sennett ’12, Patrick Waters
6. Back: Tom Northcott, Amy Orr Michel ’87,
Margaret Holmquist ’87
Front: Susan Davis Harrison ’87 and Dana Harrison
3
4
7. Christi Slizewski Tennyson ’97; Liza Payne ’12, MBA ’14; Nakisha Black ’13; Laura Hill Steinbeck ’85; Ilana Archuleta ’13; and
Stacey Irwin ’13
5
6
7
39
Reunion Years’
Class Photos
2014 marked the various
reunions for the classes of
’64, ’74, ’84, ’89, and ’94
Class of 1964
Claire Burghardt Hodge and Gail Emmons Kurtz
Class of 1974
Front row: Cindy Dietriech Logan, Katherine Matthews, and Deborah
Bunn Hutchison
Back row: Chris Pennington Anderson, Jan Thompson Anderson, Sandra
Lawrence Henage, Kathy Dabrowski-Poe, and Janet Brittle Snea
Class of 1984
Front row: Debbie Barnett Johnson, Karry Schmidt Matthews, Maria
Zarzem Coggins, Jackie Merritt Jacques, and Shari Stroup
Back row: Lora Hackmann Kokjer, Alicia Hickman Kaufman, Trudy Hodge
Kemper, Kathy Glane Beeler, Laura Bloom Shatto, and Janet Smith
Class of 1989
Class of 1994
Mona Rawlings Spoon, Cindy Bruce, and Stacey Batterton Canterbury
Cyndi Bodnar Cumette and Nicole Shearer Rhoades
40
Alumni Board
Meet the board behind the planning
ByJennifer Finch ’16
Board members of the William Woods University Alumni Association gather for a group photo during Alumni Weekend. New members are Gwen
Mersky (seated, far left), Jennifer Furkin (standing, far left), Adam Patchett (standing, center) and Susan Lowry (standing, fifth from right).
Not shown: Laura Steinbeck.
New board members have been
elected to the William Woods University
Alumni Association.
Elected for three-year terms are Jennifer
Daggs Furkin ’88, Columbia, Missouri;
Susan Werbach Lowry ’91, Jefferson City,
Missouri; Gwen Erickson Mersky ’72,
Minneapolis, Minnesota; Adam Patchett
’02, Columbia, Missouri; and Laura Hill
Steinbeck ’85, Fulton, Missouri.
Members of the William Woods
University National Alumni Association
act as leaders and contributors of
time, ideas, and funding to William
Woods University with the intention of
strengthening the school and giving
future students the same opportunities
that they had. }}}
S AV E
THE
D AT E !
WilliamWoods
WoodsUniversity
Univeristy Alumni
Alumni Weekend
William
Weekend 2015
APRIL 24-26
41
Alumni Awards
Lt. Col. Joy Henderson Primoli ’97 accepting her award via Skype.
From distinguished to honorary, we celebrate you
Speaking from Afghanistan via
teleconference, a William Woods
University alumna received a standing
ovation from the crowd assembled in
Dulany Auditorium during Alumni
Weekend as she accepted the Alumni
Award of Distinction.
The award, presented to Lt. Col. Joy
Henson Primoli, honors a graduate who
has achieved national or international
fame in his or her chosen field.
Primoli graduated from William Woods
in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree
in paralegal studies. After graduation, she
attended St. Louis University School of
Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor
degree in 2000.
Currently, Primoli serves as the deputy
staff judge advocate for the combined
joint interagency Task Force 435 in
Kabul, Afghanistan. During her career,
she has earned a number of awards and
42
decorations, including meritorious service
medal, Air Force commendation medal,
national defense service medal, global war
on terrorism service medal, and air and
space campaign medal.
Primoli’s award was one of five
presented to alumni during Alumni
Weekend. Another person was named an
honorary alumnus.
Anna Marchesi Shy ’02 of St. Charles,
Missouri, was awarded The Order of the
Owl Award, which is designed to honor
spouses of William Woods alumni who
have shown a special interest in
promoting and supporting the activities
of the university.
Dr. Julie Dill Ed.D. ’12 of Warsaw,
Missouri, received the Graduate College
award. The award was created in 2011
to honor successful individuals who
completed their degrees through the
William Woods Graduate College.
Jennifer Beggs Vescovo ’86 of Memphis,
Tennessee, received the Outstanding
Service Award, which honors an alumnus
for his or her many years of support in
multifaceted areas and outstanding service
to the university.
Adam Patchett ’02 of Columbia,
Missouri, was awarded The Green Owl
Award, which is presented to those who
have given years of service to the Alumni
Association and the university.
Dr. Sue Hallgarth of Corrales, New
Mexico, was named an honorary alumnus.
Honorary alumni are selected for their
distinguished personal achievement,
outstanding community service, and
dedication to WWU.
Shy is the wife of Justin Shy, who
is the alumni board president. Both
graduated from William Woods in 2002.
As an alumna and spouse, Anna Shy has
supported her husband’s commitment
to WWU in a variety of ways, such as
recruiting students to come to WWU,
hosting “Senior Send-Off” events at their
home for seniors in the St. Louis area,
creating thematic children’s baskets for
the silent auction, attending every Alumni
Weekend since her graduation, and all but
three Greek recruitments. The Shys are
contributors for the Imagine Campaign
and the Loyalty Fund.
Dill became the first doctoral graduate
from William Woods University in
December 2012. She is the superintendent
of schools at Johnson County R-VII school
district in Centerview, Missouri, and an
adjunct faculty member for WWU.
Vescovo has been a member of the
National Alumni Board since 2002, and
has served in numerous roles on the
executive committee, including second
vice president, first vice president, and
president. As first vice president, she
oversaw every aspect of Alumni
Weekend and appointed chairpersons.
Additionally, she has hosted numerous
alumni gatherings.
Patchett attended WWU on academic
and athletic scholarships and graduated
in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
mathematics. After earning his juris doctor
degree from Oklahoma City University
in 2006 and his Master of Laws degreetaxation from the University of MissouriKansas City in 2008, he returned home
and now practices law in Columbia.
A valued member of the alumni
board since 2007, Patchett has assisted
in numerous ways, including serving as
the nominating committee chairman.
He also has given countless hours to
helping rewrite the bylaws, a process
that took a full year.
Hallgarth taught English at WWU from
1968 until 1985 and served as department
chair for two years. She later was a writing
consultant and editor for the National
Council for Research on Women and held
a fellowship from the American Council of
Learned Societies.
She has written scholarly articles
on Willa Cather and Edith Lewis, but
“On the Rocks” is her first book of fiction.
The book was featured in O, the Oprah
magazine, as one of the “Top 10 Titles to
Pick up Now.” }
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. Karla DeSpain ’79 presents the Green Owl
Award to Adam Patchett ’02.
5. Dr. Doug Ebersold presents the Graduate
College Alumni Award to Dr. Julie Dill ’12
2. Leigh Hailey Kieffer ’72 gives Jennifer Beggs
Vescovo ’86 the Outstanding Service Award.
6. Susan Werbach Lowry ’91 congratulates Chip
Primoli, husband of Lt. Col. Joy Henson
Primoli ’97, on her receipt of the Alumni
Award of Distinction.
3. Christi Slizewski Tennyson ’97 gives Anna
Marchesi Shy ’02 the Order of the Owl Award.
4. Former professor Dr. Sue Hallgarth speaks as
she accepts her honorary alumnus award.
43
ALUMNI GATHERINGS: SUMMERFEST 2014
Summerfest
Thank You, Alumni!
Thank you for showing your William Woods pride by joining us for Summerfest 2014!
We also are grateful for the many other ways you support The Woods — through
volunteering for the Alumni Association, referring traditional and graduate program
students, participating in the Loyalty Fund, backing Owls athletics, attending
Alumni Weekend, speaking to students (Alumni Speaker Series), donating to
our successful Imagine Campaign, and providing internships and employment
opportunities. You truly are amazing, and we thank you all!
Columbia area alumni celebrate Summerfest.
44
ALUMNI GATHERINGS: SUMMERFEST 2014
45
Weddings
CLASS NOTES
Undergraduate
1947
1980
Mary Lou Snook Corn, St. James, Mo.,
had a solo watercolor exhibition at Gallery
Zeke in Steelville, Mo., in October 2013.
Mary Lou has exhibited and won in
national juried shows.
Polly Donnelly Strickland, Lebanon, Mo.,
is celebrating the 30-year anniversary
of Donnelly Studio. As a professional
photographer, she specializes in individual
portraits, family groups, and
children’s photographs.
1958
Kay Corser Harr, Glenview, Ill., has
worked for the Avon Company for 52
years. She and husband, Bob, a retired
professional architectural photographer,
have been married for 54 years.
1972
Ann Erlbacher Dombrowki, Cape
Girardeau, Mo., and her husband,
Cord, are the managing partners of the
Dalhousie Golf Club, the number onerated 18-hole golf course in Missouri. They
will host the 2015 USGA Women’s State
Team Championship.
1973
Lisa Ray Helm, Louisiana, Mo., is director
for Missouri School Board Association,
Medicaid Consortium.
1974
Sandy Lawrence Henage, Bentonville,
Ark., is the office manager at Bailey and
Oliver Law Firm in Fayetteville.
Kim Bavin Cowart, Statesville, N.C.,
and her husband, Peter, received the
Richard E. Lavery Professional
Horseman’s Award from the United
Professional Horsemen’s Association
during the UPHA 2013 convention.
Kristen Holt ’09, St. Peters, Mo., wed
Jonathan Very June 28, 2014. She is
employed as a validation coordinator
at Meridian Medical Technologies
and he works for Western Extralite
in the shipping department.
1983
The Rev. Marilyn Gamm, New Berlin,
Wis., is serving as the interim associate
pastor of Crossroads Presbyterian
Church in Mequon, Wis. She was
elected vice moderator of the
Presbyterian Mission Agency
board’s Worshiping Communities
Committee and serves as the board
liaison to the Mission Development
Resources Committee.
Sonya Weitzel, Columbia, Mo.,
was promoted to billing manager at
Women’s Wellness Center in Columbia.
1984
1975
Barbara Blackburn Danuser, Columbia,
Mo., is celebrating five years as executive
director of Boone Hospital Foundation
in Columbia.
1977
Romney Nesbitt, Oklahoma City, Okla.,
is one of the 12 finalists for the 2015
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Award.
Romney teaches art at Jenks West
Intermediate School.
46
1981
Marsha Moore, Fulton, Mo., has been
promoted to vice president and director of
human resources at The Callaway Bank.
1987
Amy Orr Michel, West Des Moines,
Iowa, is a senior consultant with
Business Resource Group (BRG),
which provides initial strategic and
independent insight to develop fully
integrated solutions for national and
global companies in the area of real
estate and facility management.
Lacey Sweeten ’11, MBA ’13, and
Mark Randall ’09, Columbia, Mo., wed
June 21, 2014. Attending the couple
were Stephanie Doorack Kessler ’09,
Columbia, Mo.; Paige Graves ’12, Cuba,
Mo.; Abby Cable ’13, Fulton, Mo.; Tara
Rattray ’09, Williamsburg, Mo.; Kendall
Carter ’08, Ballwin, Mo.; Teresa Rosa
’10, Seabrook, N.H.; Jeff Harris ’06 ,
Overland Park, Kan.; Cody Whalen
’10, Mexico, Mo.; Josh Stephenson ’07,
Villa Park, Ill.; Jimmy Bushard ’06,
Adell, Wis.; and Tanner Coleman ’06,
Russellville, Mo.
CLASS NOTES
1988
1995
Jean Selby, Ashland, Mo., is the new
middle school principal in the Belton
School District in Belton, Mo.
Missy Montgomery-Carberry,
Columbia, Mo., Columbia College’s
director of development, was
recognized as a Chartered Adviser
in Philanthropy.
1989
Andrea Beardslee Howerton, Jefferson
City, Mo., was promoted to assistant vice
president and relationship manager with
Central Bank and Investment Company.
Vandee Waits DeVore, Columbia, Mo.,
deputy state Social Security administrator
for Missouri, is a member of the RIS’s
Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and
Government Entities.
1990
Michelle Reek, St. Louis, Mo., wed Dr.
Gregory Edstrom, a third-generation
chiropractor, Oct. 5, 2013, in Forest
Park. Michelle is the senior paralegal
with the firm of Sandberg Phoenix &
von Gontard P.C.
Wendy Cullifer Harrington, Shelbyville,
Mo., is the chief executive officer and
president of Hannibal Regional
Hospital Foundation.
1996
Stacey Hackmann Desmond, Washington,
Mo., is the new loan compliance officer for
Bank of Washington.
Michele Slizewski Hodge, Owasso, Okla.,
was awarded her first Emmy at the 2014
Heartland Regional Emmy presentations.
She was recognized for noon reporting for
FOX 23 News.
Shelly Vincent-Masek, Fulton, Mo., has
been promoted to project manager at
University of Missouri Health Care.
1998
Sara Mayer, Phoenix, Ariz., is the
executive director for the new Anthem
College –Bryman School campus at
Black Canyon.
1999
Bonnie Cruickshank, Williamsburg, Mo.,
a retired English teacher, is the author
of “A Soddy Christmas: A Story of the
Prairie,” a children’s book taking place
in the Nebraska winter of 1869.
Jocelyn Colbert-Schluss, M.Ed. ’03,
Hermann, Mo., is principal of
Marthasville Elementary School
in Marthasville.
Katina Steinbeck, St. Thomas, Mo.,
was named the Excellent Educator
Teacher of the Year by the Missouri
Retired Teachers Association
Foundation and KRCG-TV.
2000
Scott Harvey, MBA ’04, Moberly, Mo.,
has retired after 35 years of working
for Associated Electric Cooperative.
1993
Ashli Wilson Cohen, Charlotte, N.C., is
vice president of Vino Vino Selected
Italian Estate, a wholesale wine distributor.
Kelley Swanson, Cape Coral, Fla., is a
legal assistant for the Puccio Law firm
and volunteers at Florida Guardian ad
Litem Foundation.
1994
Amy Ramsey Berendzen, Holts Summit,
Mo., has joined the Jefferson City public
schools leadership team as the assistant
to the superintendent for schoolcommunity relations.
Jennifer “Jenny” Stuerzl, Overland Park,
Kan., received the William and Margaret
Harsh Award April 15, 2014. It is the
highest award given to an American
Royal volunteer each year. Jenny was
described as a dedicated American
Royal volunteer who contributes time
and talent to equine shows, livestock
shows, World Series of Barbecue,
the American Royal Museum, and in
administrative capacities.
study, and provide hospital and home
visits as needed.
2001
Mimi Arnold, St. Louis, Mo., is an
outside residential sales
representative with Midwest Bock
and Brick.
Josh Rice, Kansas City, Mo., joined the
Tri-County Mental Health Services team
as employment specialist.
1997
Christi Slizewski Tennyson, Saint
Peters, Mo., is a student chaplain for
Emmaus, which serves approximately 250
developmentally disabled clients. It is a
mission of the United Church of Christ’s
Council for Health and Human Services
Ministries. She will assist with and lead
weekly worship services and weekly bible
2002
Heather Baum, Lynchburg, Va., is the
store manager at Virginia
Furniture Market.
47
CLASS NOTES
Weddings
Betsy English Bell, Auxvasse, Mo., is the
founder and publisher of Professional
Daym, a women’s business magazine.
Allison McIntosh Carenza, Blue Springs,
Mo., created “Looky Loo,” the first
professional-grade electronic “distraction”
tool to capture the attention of children
during photography sessions.
2003
Leighanne Robnett Lamb, MBA ’09,
Columbia, Mo., is vice president of real
estate lending at Landmark Bank.
Kenny Wright, Newbury, Mass., is an
EMT with Lifeline Ambulance.
2005
Dr. Andria (AJ) Beabout-Anderson,
Floresville, Texas, has been the chief of
staff of Banfield Pet Hospital, San Antonio,
Texas, since 2011.
Nathan Reid, M.Ed. ’07, Osage Beach, Mo.,
owner of an American Family Insurance
Agency, was recognized with multiple
awards in April. Nathan received the
prestigious All-American Top 100 award,
Gold Key Business award, AFLIC Life
award, and Rising Star award.
Kris Wallace, Columbia, Mo., is co-owner
of the Columbia Equestrian Center, a fullservice horse boarding and training facility
that specializes in saddlebreds, Arabians,
national show horses, and Morgans.
2006
Carissa Biele, MBA ’11, Nashville, Tenn.,
will co-host the International Hot Rod
Association (IHRA) and IRG Sports’ new
Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series television
show airing on MAV TV this fall. Carissa
has experience working with motorsports
shows such as Pinks and Pass Time and
has worked alongside the IRG team with
events at Memphis International Raceway.
Her co-host is Clay Millican, one of the
most decorated racers in the history of
the IHRA.
Heather Brake Brown, MBA ’12, Linn
Creek, Mo., is the director of member
48
Heather Roberts ’05, Lakewood, Colo.,
wed Nick Hammerschmidt May 31,
2014. Attending were matron of honor,
Kandice Cummings Poloa ’06, Kapaa,
Hawaii, and bridesmaids Breena Cook
Eddy ’05, Ashland, Mo., and Angela
Cooper ’04, Las Vegas, Nev. Additional
attendants were Melissa Cole Johann
’05, St. Peters, Mo., and Nickie Smith ’05,
Columbia, Mo. Heather is the assistant
volleyball coach for Colorado School of
Mines and was named AVCA Division
II National Assistant Coach of the
Year. Nick teaches health and physical
education at Thornton International
Middle School.
Lisa Burke ’11,
Louisburg, Kan., wed
Rich Heishman July
2014. Bridesmaids
included Jessica
Bargate ’12, Columbia,
Mo.; Patrice Basso
’12, Dallas, Texas;
and Lucy Fuelle
’11, Milford, N.J.
Attendants were
Alicia Delaney ’14, St.
Peters, Mo.; Brittany
Kline ’13, Columbia,
Mo.; Julie Marchesi
’14, Foristell, Mo.; and
Katherine Wortmann
’13, Independence,
Mo. Lisa is the donor
relations officer for
the Leadership Circle
and Young Leaders
Society of the United
Way of Greater
Kansas City and
Rich is a recruiter for
Thrivent Financial.
CLASS NOTES
services for the Lake of the Ozarks
Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Megan Means, St. Louis, Mo., married
Robert Thomas March 13, 2013. She
works for Medical West in St. Louis.
Kylie Long ’11, Houston, Texas,
wed John Thomas March 8, 2014.
Graduates of 2012 attending were
Lauren Greenwald, Houston,
Texas; Liz Cato, Grapevine, Texas;
Jessica Bargate, Columbia, Mo.;
Patrice Basso, Dallas, Texas; and
Kelcie Spradley, Westminster, Colo.
Samantha Cooper ’14, Wentzville,
Mo.; Julie Marchesi ’14, Foristell,
Mo.; and Sally Bohlinger ’13,
Lake Elmo, Minn., were also in
attendance. Mother of the bride is
Cindy Burgess Long ’79,
Austin, Texas.
Kelsey Sanders ’12, Jefferson City,
Mo., wed Christopher Hile May
3, 2013. Attending the bride were
Melissa Roewe ’13, O’Fallon, Mo.,
and Jessica Varner ’14, Alton,
Mo. Kelsey is a physical education
teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle
School and Christopher is a lead shift
coordinator with Unilever.
Zac Stokes, Adelaide, South Australia, has
been named the senior baseball coach of
the Sturt Baseball Club.
Ashley Miller, Tebbetts, Mo., graduated
with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and
is a staff pharmacist at the Walgreens
Pharmacy in Fulton, Mo.
2009
Alex Dvorski, Lexington, Ky., works
for Churchill Downs Incorporated’s
Technology Initiative Division as the
assistant supervisor of Twinspires.com.
Sarah Williams, Springfield, Mo., is an
assistant professor of art at Missouri
State University and taught painting in
Florence, Italy, this summer. Sarah has had
several recent solo art shows, including
the Nicolausen Museum of Art in Casper,
Wyo., and the Mildred M. Cox Gallery on
the WWU campus.
Gabriel George, MBA ’11, Columbia, Mo., of
Bucket Media, led a session on optimizing
business website at the Lake Business
Conference in April.
2007
Jenn White, Jakarta, Indonesia, is the
director of studies for an English Center.
Molly Borgmeyer, Columbia, Mo., is
the coordinator of student conduct at
Columbia College. She works with day,
evening, and online students on cases of
academic and behavioral misconduct.
Lynn Frydrych, Ann Arbor, Mich., was
awarded a Doctor of Medicine degree
in May 2014 from the University of
Wisconsin School of Medicine and
Public Health. Lynn is a general surgery
resident at the University of Michigan
in Ann Arbor.
Bradley Prasuhn, MBA ’11, Camarillo,
Calif., is an implementation manager
for OmniUpdate.
Kate Woodward, Tucson, Ariz., is an
ambulatory equine veterinarian with
Reata Equine Veterinary Group.
2011
Michael Dodson, San Francisco, Calif., has
moved to San Francisco for a dual career in
banking and theatre.
Brett McKnight, St. Joseph, Mo., is
coordinator for student employment at
Missouri Western State University.
2008
Riley Bagwell, Springfield, Mo., has moved
to St. Paul, Minn., and accepted a sales
specialist position with Fastenal.
Kendall Simcoe Stradford, Fulton, Mo.,
is the Bush Elementary School librarian
in Fulton.
Megan Bornhauser, Chicago, Ill., is the
talent development manager at Saks Fifth
Avenue Chicago.
Anne Osborne, Columbia, Mo., was
recognized by the Missouri Association
of Colleges for Teacher Education for
beginning teacher excellence.
Kendall Carter, Ballwin, Mo., is an agent
for American Family Insurance.
Kristen Clark ’08, Columbia, Mo.,
wed Chrissy Jacoby June 28, 2014.
Attendants were Shanna Lonsberry
’06, Wentzville, MO.; Lauren
Ortego ’07, Columbia, Mo.; Chrissy
Burkholder Dixon ’07, Belle, Mo.;
and Lindsey Scheets ’09, Columbia,
Mo. Kristen is a teacher in the
Boonville R-1 School District and
Chrissy teaches in the Maries R-1
School District in Vienna.
Sable Handke Gonyea, Coppell, Texas, is
the student assistant counselor at Coppell
Middle School. She will serve as their
suicide liaison and crisis counselor.
2012
Andre Cook, MBA ’14, retired from the
Fulton Police Department as chief of
detectives. He is now an investigator for
Medicaid fraud with the State of Missouri.
Jessica Doak, Jacksonville, Ill., is an area
coordinator for Illinois College.
49
CLASS NOTES
Weddings
Anna Farha, Oklahoma City, Okla., is the
community manager at
Koch Communications .
Riley Groves, Mexico, Mo., was recognized
by the Missouri Association of Colleges
for Teacher Education for beginning
teacher excellence.
Drew Neudecker, MBA ’14, Kansas City,
Mo., is a delivery consultant for Cerner.
David Ridenour, St. Louis, Mo., works
for MLive Media Group as an inside sales
national account executive in Michigan.
Michael Stradford, Fulton, Mo., is a
second-grade teacher at Bush Elementary
and also completing his training in the Air
National Guard.
Ashlee Schlueter ’11 and Adam
Wojciechowski ’11, Maryland Heights,
Mo., wed June 14, 2014. The wedding
party included Zach Secoy ’12, East
Prarie, Mo.; Kip Batye ’10, Ashland,
Mo.; Brian Bishop ’10, Lohman, Mo.;
Naomi Starr ’13, Columbia, Mo.;
Kathleen Berhorst ’13, High Ridge, Mo.;
Amber Vieth ’11, Salt Lake City, Utah;
and Kate Wells Bennett ’09, Columbia,
Mo. Ashlee is an executive assistant for
Arcturis, an architecture and interior
design firm, and Adam works as a
demand planning analyst at
ConAgra Foods.
Kristen Withrow ’13, Camdenton,
Mo., wed Justin Campbell Nov. 13,
2013. Maids of honor were Brie
Lehnhoff ’12, Blue Spring, Mo.,
and Shannah Withrow, Odessa,
Mo. Bridesmaids included Sharon
Mehl ’13, Independence, Mo., and
Bethany Campbell Reid ’05, Osage
Beach, Mo. Kristen is a certified sales
representative for American Family
Insurance, the Nathan Reid Agency,
and Justin is an occupational therapist
at Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach.
Kate Wells ’09, MBA ’11, Columbia,
Mo., wed Lane Bennett ’09 July 5,
2014. Attending the couple were Ross
Bennett ’01, MBA ’04, Seattle, Wash.;
Brandon Bennett ’04, Columbia,
Mo.; Ilana Archuleta ’13, Fulton,
Mo.; Adam ’11 and Ashlee Schlueter
Wojciechowski ’11, Maryland Heights,
Mo.; Whitney Gorman Dinsdale ’09,
Camdenton, Mo.; Lindsey Scheets
’09, Columbia Mo.; Michelle Baker
’09, Creve Coeur, Mo.; Mike ’11, MBA
’13, and Olivia Koselansky Towle ’13,
Raymore, Mo.; Blake Eastwood ’09,
MBA ’11, Fulton, Mo.; and Gabe George
’09, MBA ’11, Columbia, Mo. Parents
of the groom are Liz ’93, MBA ’04, and
Bill ’02, MBA ’04, Bennett. The father
of the bride, Ben Wells, is honorary
alumnus and WWU board member.
Dustin Z. West is a stage management
intern at The Julliard School in New
York City.
2013
Ilana Archuleta, Fulton, Mo., is the event/
sponsorship coordinator at the Missouri
Wine and Grape Board.
Mallory Means Morice, Fulton, Mo.,
teaches first-grade at McIntire Elementary
School in Fulton.
Jenny Morris, Springfield, Mo., has
accepted a graduate assistant position
in the provost’s office at Missouri State
University.
Naomi Starr, Columbia, Mo., is a property
manager with Starr Properties.
2014
Samantha Berry, Kearney, Mo., has been
accepted to the chiropractic program
at Cleveland Chiropractic College in
Overland Park, Kan.
Grace Crampton, Coppell, Texas, is an
equestrian instructor and trainer for
Summer Hill Farms in Flower
Mound, Texas.
Amy Gibson, Kansas City, Mo., is the
marketing coordinator for Bott
Radio Network.
50
Legacies
CLASS NOTES
Graduate
1997
2003
Gaspare Calvaruso, MBA, Jefferson City,
Mo., is the new president of Capital Region
Medical Center.
Brian Tooney, MBA, Columbia, Mo., is the
CEO of the Columbia Board of Realtors.
1998
Aimee Goins Miskov ’95, Ballwin,
Mo., and husband, Jon, welcomed
a baby girl Oct. 22, 2013. Harper
Miskov joins older sister, Madison.
Aimee is a loan officer and margin
trader for Edward Jones, and Jon
owns a Sprint franchise in St. Louis.
Shara Paterson, M.Ed., Dixon, Mo., was
selected Teacher of the Year by VFW Post
4238 & Ladies Auxillary.
1999
Michael Hagan, MBA, Hannibal, Mo., is
the chief operating officer for F&M Band
and Trust Company.
Ben Tilley, M.Ed/Ed.S ’04, Columbia, Mo.,
is the new assistant superintendent of
elementary education with the Columbia
School District.
2000
Jan Bailey, M.Ed, Fulton, Mo., was named
Fulton’s Public School District’s Teacher of
the Year.
2001
Jesse Goodman Kreeb ’00, Tulsa,
Okla., and husband, Christopher,
welcomed Emma Marie on
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 2013.
Jesse is the marketing manager for
Goodman-Baker Insurance, LLC.,
and Christopher is a manager at
Ametek Engineering.
Gabe Edgar, M.Ed., Ed.S. ’05, Bucklin, Mo.,
is the superintendent of Marceline R-3
School District.
Jeff Hamann, MBA, Puxico, Mo., was
re-elected to the Puxico School Board.
Jeremy Siebert, M.Ed, Ed.S. ’04, Holcomb,
Mo., was named the new Twin
Rivers superintendent.
2002
Rodney Bax, MBA, Jefferson City, Mo.,
is an executive vice president for Bank
Star One.
Allison McIntosh Carenza ’02 and
Jon Carenza ’02, Blue Springs, Mo.,
welcomed a son, Kellen McIntosh,
March 10, 2014. Allison is owner of
Allison Carenza Photography and
Jon is an application architect with
Contra Software.
Stephanie Logan, MBA, Columbia, Mo., is
on the board of directors for Services for
Independent Living, a not-for-profit that
provides programs and services to
individuals with disabilities.
Gary Wheeler, MBA, Jefferson City, Mo.,
is executive director/CEO for the Missouri
Soybean Association.
2004
Vincent Darnell, MBA, St. Louis, Mo., is
material handling partner at Indoff, Inc.
Dan Henderson, M.Ed, Springfield, Mo.,
is the new football coach at Branson
High School.
Mike Mabe, M.Ed, Ed.S ’13, Neosho, Mo.,
is superintendent of the Diamond R-4
School District.
Todd Park, M.Ed., Ed.S. ’11, Carrollton, Mo.,
is the new Carrollton High School principal.
2004
Eric Ross, MBA, Moberly, Mo., is director
of plant operations for Moberly Area
Community College.
2005
Amber Crane, M.Ed., Hallsville, Mo., is
the principal of Eugene Field Elementary
School in Mexico.
Heather Hall, MBA, Kahoka, Mo., is a senior loan officer at the Bank of Monticello.
Paul Hopkins, MBA, Columbia, Mo., is the
assistant director at Truman Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia.
Al Voelker, Ed.S., Ed.D. ’13, Belton, Mo.,
is the new superintendent of academic
affairs of the Ray-Pec School District.
Tod Winterboer, Ed.S., Smithville, Mo., is
an assistant principal Smithville
Middle School.
Ben Yocom, M.Ed., Ed.S. ’07, Houston, Mo.,
is the new superintendent at Milan
C-2 Schools.
2006
Matt Huntley, M.Ed, Carthage, Mo., is the
new Carthage High School principal.
51
CLASS NOTES
Legacies
Preston Kramer, MBA, Vichy, Mo., an
area engineer with MoDOT, was a guest
speaker at the Phelps County genealogical
monthly meeting in February.
Matt Schofield, MBA, Jefferson City, Mo.,
is the new fire chief of the Jefferson City
Fire Department.
2007
Amanda Depriest, M.Ed., Louisiana, Mo.,
teaches high school art and coaches the
football cheerleaders in Louisiana.
Jennifer Gschwender, M.Ed., Louisiana,
Mo., teaches high school history and is
the assistant varsity basketball coach
in Louisiana.
Jessica Labby-Gilhooley ’02, Los
Angeles, Calif., and husband Matt,
welcomed baby Colin Edward
Gilhooley March 27.
Kelly Holtcamp Hohe ’03, MBA ’06
and Kenny Hohe ’03, Cuba, Mo.,
welcomed a daughter, Landry, Nov.
21, 2013. She joins 4-year-old twins,
Reese and Gibson. Kelly is key account
manager at Paramount Apparel,
International. Kenny is the head
baseball coach (three district titles) in
Cuba and assistant football coach.
Jim Lawrence, MBA, Cape Girardeau, Mo.,
is the director of business development for
Saint Francis Medical Center.
Lynsie Penrod, M.Ed., Louisiana, Mo., has
12 years in education and teaches for
Iowa Connections Academy, an online
public school.
Loretta Kehoe Roney, MBA, Springfield,
Mo., is the president and CEO of
Community Financial Credit Union.
Kris Schuler, Ed.S., Raymore, Mo., is the
2014 Teacher of the Year for the Ray-Pec
School District.
Noveta Shepherd, Ed.S., Louisiana, Mo.,
retired from teaching elementary school
at Louisiana R-II School after 32 years.
Taylor Forbes Wicker ’02, St. Louis,
Mo., and husband, Bill, welcomed a
daughter, Maizie Deane, July 12, 2014.
Bill is an attorney.
Christy Pinz Boulware ’04, MBA ’07
and Troy Boulware ’04, MBA ’07,
Wentzville, Mo., welcomed a daughter,
Lila, April 29, 2013. She joins brothers,
Nolan, 6, and Landon, 4. Christy is
co-owner of Glory Photography and
Troy is a sales representative for
Medical West in St. Louis.
2008
Jarrod Boyles, M.Ed., Blairstown, Mo.,
was named the Central Region MASSP
2013-2014 Assistant Principal of the Year.
Chris Condray, M.Ed., Warsaw, Mo., is the
art teacher at John Boise Middle School.
Amy Jo Estes, M.Ed., Rosebud, Mo., was
appointed to Missouri Farm Bureau’s
Promotion and Education Committee.
David Heeb, M.Ed., Kennett, Mo., is
principal of Clarkton High School in
Clarkton, Mo.
52
David ’03 and Patty Heppner
Anderson ’05 welcomed a son, Malik
Socorro, June 19, 2014. Malik joins big
sister, Rhea. David is CEO at Chimaeric
and Patty is an admissions recruiter for
Columbia College.
Abby Funderburk ’06, M.Ed. ’08 and
TJ Quick ’09, M.Ed. ’11, Fulton, Mo.,
announce the birth of their son,
Grayson Walter, born June 16, 2014.
Abby is a kindergarten teacher at
South Elementary School in Jefferson
City and TJ is a physical education
teacher at Bartley Elementary in
Fulton and women’s varsity basketball
coach at Fulton High School.
Legacies
Paige Hombs Kircher ’07, Fayette,
Mo., and husband, Danny, welcomed
a daughter, Britton, June 1, 2014.
Paige is a claims representative for
the Social Security Administration
and Danny is a farmer.
Steven ’07 and Cheryl Perkins
Maupin ’10, MBA ’12, Columbia, Mo.,
welcomed Ralston Maupin
Aug. 6, 2014.
CLASS NOTES
Brian Hummel, M.Ed., Vandalia,
Mo., is the principal at Van-Far
Elementary School.
Andy Turner, M.Ed., Tipton, Mo., is
the assistant principal at Sedalia
Middle School.
Jeremiah Hunter, MBA, Columbia, Mo.,
has been promoted to assistant police
chief in Columbia.
2009
Frances Jones, M.Ed., Edina, Mo., is
the principal for Knox County
Elementary School.
Tina Kauffman, M.Ed., Lohman, Mo., is
the elementary librarian at Cole County
R-1 Schools.
Randall Gooch, M.Ed., Ed.S. ’13, Mexico,
Mo., is the new director of the Columbia
Area Career Center for the Columbia
Public Schools.
Marissa Marnholtz, M.Ed., Warrensburg,
Mo., is the new principal for Ridgeview
Elementary School.
Joseph Minks, M.Ed., Ed.S. ’13, Centerville,
Mo., is the new administrator of the
Centerville R-I School District.
Jeff Nichols, MBA, Columbia, Mo,
is a forensic consultant specializing
in crime scene investigation and
facial reconstruction. He also works
for The Insurance Group.
Isaac Sooter, M.Ed., Nixa, Mo., has been
named the Principal of Reeds Spring
High School.
Courtney Rutledge, M.Ed., Poplar Bluff,
Mo., was named Oak Grove’s Teacher of
the Year.
Parisa Stoddard, M.Ed., Moberly, Mo.,
is the assistant superintendent for the
Moberly Public Schools.
Scott Speer, M.Ed., Quincy, Mo., has
completed his 10th year of teaching special
education at Hannibal High School.
Marta Stoneking, M.Ed., Urich, Mo., is the
elementary Sherwood Teacher of the Year.
2010
Bre Gustke Glisan ’08, Valparaiso,
Ind., and husband, Jason, welcomed
their first child, Lucy Adele, March
18, 2013. Bre is the property sales
manager at Caesars Entertainment
Corp. and Jason is the sous chef at
Bistro 157.
Daren Ellsworth, M.Ed., Poplar Bluff, Mo.,
is the new high school principal in the
Campbell School District.
Stacy Hamlett, Ed.S., Vandalia, Mo., is
the elementary school principal in
Louisiana, Mo.
Gina Hackmann Genenbacher, MBA,
Fowler, Ill., is managing a multispecialty
physicians group in Quincy Ill.
Josh Shoemaker, M.Ed., Marceline, Mo., is
the new principal at Keytesville
R-III School.
Whitney Gorman Dinsdale ’09,
Camdenton, Mo., and husband,
Tyler, along with big brother
Zeke, welcomed Harlow Addison
June 23, 2014. Whitney is the
business development coordinator
at Lake Regional Health System and
Tyler is a seventh-grade social studies
teacher at Camdenton Middle School.
Kristina (Tina) Perry Proctor ’09,
Springfield, Mo., and husband,
Madmartigan, announce the
birth of Boston Levi, born
April 28, 2014. He joins big
brother, Henley Michael Lee.
Tina is in her fifth year at
Willard Middle School, coaching
volleyball and teaching life skills
special education. Her husband is
employed at CNH Reman.
Tim Weiss, MBA, Columbia, Mo.,
is director of sales at Les
Bourgeois Vineyards.
2011
Elaine Anderson, MBA, California, Mo.,
is the 4-H youth specialist with University
of Missouri Extension in Miller County.
53
CLASS NOTES
Jeff Heeley, MBA, Columbia, Mo.,
is director of sales for U.S. Cellular
in Columbia.
Ed Gargas, MBA, Dexter, Mo., is the sales
manager for Bagby Wealth Management
in Dexter.
Shawn Guethle, M.Ed., Dexter, Mo., is
an investment consultant for Bagby
Wealth Management with eight years
of experience.
Jackie Jenkins, Ed.S., Ozark, Mo., is the
new director of the Lake Career &
Technical Center.
2012
Tina Sippely Chidster, Ed.S., Louisiana,
Mo., is the early childhood special
education case manager in Louisiana.
Keep the William Woods
University family strong
If you are like most of us, your William Woods education was a
defining experience in your life. You value what you
accomplished, the relationships you formed, and the help you
received on your journey to professional life or other personal
milestone. Now you can keep the William Woods University
family strong — so that others can have the same experience —
far into the future.
2013
Tonya Goosen, Ed.S., Cole Camp, Mo.,
married Zachary Nelson May 25. She is
a fifth- and sixth-grade math teacher at
Cole Camp Middle School and he works at
Farmer’s Mutual Insurance.
Jake Kenney, M.Ed., Clinton, Mo., is the
new assistant principal at Henry
Elementary School.
Dustin Perkins M.Ed., Carl Junction, Mo.,
is the new assistant principal at Carthage
High School.
2014
Stephanie Eckler, M.Ed., Shelbyville, Mo.,
teaches vocational agriculture at North
Shelby and is the FFA adviser.
Mardy Leathers, MBA, Washington, Mo.,
is the new executive director for the
Center for Workforce Development
at East Central College.
There are many ways you can contribute to this effort. New
alumni often choose to participate in the GOLD (“Young
Alumni”) program. Parents, friends, and family can support
students through the Parents’ Club. Regular annual givers can
participate at a variety of gift levels through the President’s Club.
However you contribute, know that the future of
William Woods University and its students depends on strong
and competitive academics, athletics,facilities and activities.
Thanks for doing your part!
Ways to give:
4Donor Honor Roll
4Endowment Fund
4Endowed Scholarships
4GOLD
4Honorary and Memorial
4Ivy Legacy Society
4Loyalty Fund
4Planned Giving
For more information on ways to give to WWU, visit
www.williamwoods.edu/giving or email [email protected]
54
CLASS NOTES
In Memorium
1934
Marie “Trudy” James Hall, DeQuoin, Ill.,
died June 12, 2014, at the age of 100. She
was an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles
and word games. Trudy was DeQuoin’s
first Life Master at bridge.
1944
Anna Bess Loewenstein, Mexico, Mo.,
passed away April 2014. A school teacher
for many years, she retired after 35 years
from A.P. Green Refractories. Anna
enjoyed reading, knitting, traveling, and
was active with her church.
1937
Virginia Warterfield Carlson, Tulsa,
Okla., died March 31, 2014. She was a
kindergarten teacher for 28 years and
was the first state president of Oklahoma
Kindergarten Teachers Association.
Marion Schweer Lloyd, Arvada, Colo.,
passed away Sept. 13, 2011. Her student
activities included YWCA, Lineage Group,
Home Ec Club, and Brushes.
1938
Allene Hart, Tulsa, Okla., died Dec. 17,
2012. Her hobbies included gardening,
fishing, cooking, and spending time at
church with family and friends.
1939
Jane Mitchell Hollingsworth, Dallas,
Texas, died May 30, 2014. She was an
active member of the Hockaday Alumnae
Association, Dallas Women’s Club, and the
Dallas Junior League.
Ella Newbery Hunt, Stockton, Calif.,
passed away May 3, 2014. She was an
elementary school teacher. Ella and her
husband, the late Rev. Bill Hunt, founded
Stockton’s first support group for families
of people with AIDS.
Mary Fisher Maerz, Columbia, Mo., died
Feb. 9, 2013. She and her husband owned
and operated Maerz Jewelers in Fulton
and was the elder in her church.
1940
Betty Ross Lakin, Murrayville, Ill., passed
away in May 2014. She was an active
member of Murrayville Methodist
Church. Betty and her husband were in
the meat-processing business for 45 years.
Eden Byler Peterson, Bunker Hill, Ill.,
died Dec. 22, 2013. She was the president,
owner and general manager of Valhalla
Memorial Park Cemetery.
Anne Caldwell Rawlins, Bartlesville, Okla.,
passed away Aug. 18, 2014. She worked as
a secretary in the Engineering Department
of the Defense Plant at Phillips Petroleum
Company. Anne enjoyed playing golf,
bridge, and volunteering with the
American Red Cross.
Evangeline “Lyn” Horn Blattner, Fulton,
Mo., died Jan. 28, 2014. She was the
recipient of the Order of the Bronze Owl
award in 1983 and the wife of the late
Howard Blattner, a chairman of the WWU
Board of Trustees. In honor of his wife,
Howard established the Lyn Blattner
Scholarship Fund at William Woods. She
was the mother of Betsy Tutt, Fulton,
Mo., WWU professor of education; Mary
Blattner Landman ’78, Nashville, Tenn.;
mother-in-law of Janis Christopher
Blattner ’73, Fulton, Mo.; and grandmother
of Bridgette Blattner ’08, Fulton, Mo.
1941
Sarah “Sally” Blackwood Hickman,
Billings, Mont., died May 1, 2013. She
was an educator and founding director
of the Community Day Care and
Enrichment Center in Billings, a
facility still in operation.
Esther “Bootsie” Proctor Specht, Salem,
Ore., passed away May 1, 2014. A
homemaker and community volunteer,
Bootsie volunteered for political
campaigns, taught Sunday school, and
was a 65-year member of the Salem First
Baptist Church.
Dorothy Means Langer, Oklahoma City,
Okla., died Sept. 1, 2014, at the age of 90.
She had worked as a preschool aide and
a medical office receptionist. She was a
lifelong member of her church and sang
in the choir.
Noye “Virginia” Lacy Rippley,
Wernersville, Pa., died Nov. 19, 2013.
She spent her years after college as an air
traffic controller and enjoyed traveling the
world with her husband.
1942
Bonnie Mae Dunlap, Jefferson City, Mo.,
passed away Sept. 16, 2013. She was an
active community volunteer and she
taught swimming lessons in her
spare time.
Marianne Robbins Hilger, Griffin, Ga.,
died Dec. 12, 2013. She enjoyed working
in her church and served on the flower
committee for many years. On campus she
was involved with the YWCA, Campus
Players, College Social Choir, and many
other organizations.
1945
Mona Morris Coolidge, passed away
May 17, 2012. While on campus she was
president of the Chicago Club and involved
with Campus Players, Paddock Club, Green
Owl, and International Relations Club.
1946
Leta Potter Duffin, Winston Salem, N.C.,
passed away May 1, 2014. She taught
fourth grade for 28 years and was active in
P.E.O., an avid bridge player, and a life-long
Cardinals baseball fan.
Nathalie Mason Heskett, Palo Alto, Calif.,
died Aug. 25, 2012. She was instrumental
in establishing her husband’s opticianry
practice. Nathalie enjoyed entertaining
family and friends and was a champion
breeder of Lhasa Apsos.
55
Community
Passings
CLASS NOTES
Mary Alice Jaeger Middleton, Bowling
Green, Mo., died Feb. 19, 2014. She taught
fourth grade for many years in the Pike
County School District. She was very
involved with the DAR, her church,
volunteered for PTA activities, Cub
Scout, and Boy Scout programs.
Dorothy Maresh Robertson, Tulsa, Okla.,
died Sept. 2, 2014. She was a graduate of
Oklahoma A&M and a member of Alpha
Delta Pi sorority’s Diamond Circle. After
retiring from teaching first grade, she
enjoyed organizing trips and tours
for friends.
1947
Anna Whalen Brown, Corpus Christi,
Texas, passed away Feb. 20, 2014. She
was a high school English and journalism
teacher. Anna enjoyed duck hunting,
traveling, and fine dining.
Jackie Killion Garland Fox, Rockford, Ill.,
died Nov. 1, 2013. She was a homemaker,
who enjoyed golfing and entertaining
friends. Jackie and her second husband,
Donald Fox, shared 38 years together.
1948
Guinevere Lund Crawford-Ellis, Chicago,
Ill., died March 1, 2014. Her survivors
include her husband, C. Howard Ellis,
two sons and a daughter, Jenny Crawford
Eastman ’84.
Joyce Simmons Hildebrand, Lebanon,
Tenn., passed away Feb. 8, 2012. She
was active on campus with the YWCA,
president of Phi Beta, Campus Players, and
Glee Club.
Lois Unger Knaack, Arlington Heights, Ill.,
died Aug. 14, 2012. She co-owned Lynn’s
Company with her husband for 35 years.
Lois was active with her church.
Dr. Betty Bryant Martin, Fulton, Mo.,
passed away Feb. 22, 2014. She was an
educator her entire life, teaching in
elementary schools and at the college
level as a professor for the University of
Missouri in the College of Education. Betty
was an active supporter of the WWU
Alumni Association, attending Fulton area
alumni gatherings.
56
Frankie Glatz Reifsteck, Tolono, Ill.,
passed away June 19, 2013. She taught
kindergarten, was a member of Delta
Gamma sorority, and was a founding
member of the Junior Women’s League
in Champaign.
Marguerite Tharp Tozer, Mukwonago,
Wis., died Sept. 11, 2013. She followed
her passion for education by becoming a
teacher’s aide and a social worker for the
Head Start Program.
Albina Grimes Williams, San Antonio,
Texas, passed away June 9, 2014. She
worked numerous jobs ranging from
program director for KMOX radio to
modeling for Kline’s Department Store
and Frost Brothers. Bina enjoyed being
a Girl Scout Leader, cooking,
and entertaining.
1949
Audrey Lange Black, Minneapolis, Minn.,
died Jan. 1, 2012. Her student activities
included president of the Senior Class,
CGA, YWCA, Home Ec Club, and Chicago
Club. Audrey enjoyed spending time with
family and friends.
Janie Lee McAtee, Lubbock, Texas, died
Feb. 18, 2014. She owned and operated
Hobby Horse Stable in Lubbock.
Virginia Hawley Ross, Lake Forest, Ill.,
died March 1, 2014. She ran her own
design firm, working with many
corporate clients. Virginia was a
member of the American Society
of Interior Designers and active in
her church.
Elizabeth “Ebby” Mattson Wessen,
Wayzata, Minn., passed away Oct. 29,
2012. She was active in the YWCA,
International Relations Club, and the
Minnesota Club while on campus.
1950
Patricia Heebner Bauerle, Omaha, Neb.,
died Aug. 26, 2013. She was 82. She is
survived by her husband, John R.
Bauerle Sr.; two sons; a stepson
and stepdaughter; a brother;
and grandchildren.
Dr. Mary Vernon Brown, Sturgeon,
Mo., passed away June 3, 2013.
She taught at William Woods for
20 years, alongside her husband,
Richard Brown.
Lauralie Normand Munson, Baton
Rouge, La., passed away Sept. 22,
2013. She was a French teacher
for 35 years, teaching at many
universities, including
William Woods.
Dr. Edward DeRoy Robertson Sr.,
Kansas City, Mo., died March 19,
2014. He was awarded an honorary
doctorate from William Woods and
served as member of the WWU
Board of Trustees. Dr. Robertson
served as the Baccalaureate speaker
for the May 1979 commencement.
Surviving relatives include
daughters, Melanie Robertson
Christopher ’75, Maumelle, Ark.,
Melissa Robertson Klaus ’79, San
Antonio, Texas, and Susan Elizabeth
“Libby” Robertson Bergman ’81,
Overland Park, Kan., along with
daughter-in-law, Renee Beal
Robertson ’73, Jefferson City, Mo.
Charles Sweeney, Kansas City,
Mo., died June 15, 2013. He was a
long-time friend of William Woods.
Charles was a charter member
of the WWU Ivy Legacy Society,
supporter of the WWU Brick
Pathway and, in 2003, established
a scholarship in memory of his
daughter, the late Jane Lull
Sweeney ’83.
CLASS NOTES
Patricia Simpson Cleveland, Brookfield,
Mo., passed away July 9, 2014. She
worked as an office manager at Cleveland
Real Estate in Brookfield. Patricia was
also a member of Chapter AG of P.E.O.
Sisterhood, Athena Club, Mothers Club,
and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 182.
1951
Susan Shale Dragich, Glen Carbon, Ill.,
died Feb. 21, 2012. She was a grade school
teacher and an avid bridge player. Susan
loved to read and travel with family
and friends.
Jean Michaels Slocum, Palo Alto, Calif.,
died April 29, 2014. She taught physical
education and was interested in sports all
of her life. Jean was a community activist
and a gifted cook.
Marjorie “Marge” Willis Springgate,
Kalamazoo, Mich., passed away Oct.
31, 2013. She was an elementary school
teacher and community volunteer. In 2008
Marge was recognized for her community
contributions as a recipient of the YWCA
Lifetime Woman of Achievement award.
Mary-Margaret Kissinger Walker, Peoria,
Ill., died Jan. 9, 2014. She was a high
school English teacher, retiring in 1992.
Mary-Margaret was a charter member
of the Corn Stock Theatre, and a member
of Lakeview Museum, the Chicago Art
Institute, and the Peoria Symphony Guild.
June Wickell Russell, Fulton Mo., passed
away May 10, 2014. She worked in the
business office of William Woods College
and for the Missouri State Highway
Patrol F for 31 years, retiring in 2008.
June was active in the Court Street
United Methodist Church and served as
an election judge for numerous years.
Survivors include two daughters, Shauna
Russell Qualls ’72, Mexico, Mo., and Rita
Russell Adams ’75, Millersburg, Mo.
1952
Barbara Kinsey Martin, Belleville, Ill.,
died July 22, 2013. She was a member of
her church, past president of Memorial
Hospital Auxiliary, and member of the St.
Clair County Dental Wives.
Patricia Hancox Stanford, Scottsdale, Ariz.,
died June 5, 2012. At William Woods she
was involved with the YWCA, Woods
Echoes staff, and the Kansas City Club.
1954
Mary Jane Risko-Lipp, Blairsville, Ga.,
passed away April 20, 2014. She worked as
an administrative assistant and remained
lifelong friends with her roommate and
suitemates, Charlene Rorer Kendrick,
Pryor, Okla.; Donna Holland Jones,
Graham, Wash.; and Ellen Rose Auyong,
Grand Forks, N.D.
Nell Russell Miller, Helena, Ark., passed
away Nov. 23, 2013. She was a successful
business woman, opening Nell Miller’s
Fashions for Ladies in 1967, which she
actively managed until her death. Nell
and classmates, La Trisia Kinney Heard,
Ormond Beach, Fla.; Dorothy Saunders
Clement Fortney, North Little Rock, Ark.;
Carolyn Williams Forsen, St. Louis, Mo.;
and Jackie Smith Coulter, Richardson,
Texas, remained close friends.
1955
Catherine “Sue” Nipps Nichols, Oklahoma
City, Okla., passed away Oct. 3, 2013. She
was a homemaker, who enjoyed watching
soap operas and reading.
June Kunzelman Rieth, Sarasota, Fla., died
July 18, 2013. She was a member of the
YWCA, International Relations Club, St.
Louis club, Glee Club, Green Owl, Chapel
Choir, and secretary of Edwards Hall.
Sally loved traveling and was a member
of numerous groups, including P.E.O., Tri
Kappa, East Group-Indianapolis Symphony
Orchestra, Ideas Unlimited Homemakers,
Irvington Young Mothers, and several
book clubs.
Ann Isbell Geisert, Carthage, Mo.,
passed away May 23, 2013. She
was an active member of Grace
Episcopal Church, Mimosa Garden
Club, P.E.O., and a volunteer for the
hospital auxiliary.
Jane Hall Grant Martin, Naples, Fla.,
died May 18, 2014. Originally from
Kansas City, Mo., she was active on
campus as a member of the Woods
Echoes staff.
1960
Carolyn Laib Lasch, Wauconda, Ill.,
died June 21, 2013. She was a member
of the Red Hat Society. Carolyn lived in
Wauconda for more than 30 years.
1961
Diana Abrahamson Ensign, Stillwater,
Minn., died Oct. 4, 2013. She was a
teacher and an EAP counselor. An avid
outdoorswoman, Diana enjoying
kayaking, canoeing, and fishing with
her life partner, Debbie.
Judy Rominger McNeil, San Jose, Calif.,
died Feb. 16, 2013. She taught fourth and
fifth grades, retiring in 2003. Judy enjoyed
playing bridge and spending time with
family and friends.
1956
Mary Janice “Jan” Markland Bloemker,
Independence, Mo., died April 26, 2014.
She was a quilter, artist, and cat-lover.
Jan is survived by her husband of
54 years, Jerry.
Ann McCampbell, Brentwood, Tenn.,
passed away Oct. 26, 2014. At William
Woods, Ann was secretary of Alpha Iota.
1958
Sally Gaskins, Indianapolis, Ind.,
passed away Aug. 19, 2014. She was an
instructional aide with the Metropolitan
School District of Warren Township.
Susan Heitman Omberg, West Palm
Beach, Fla., died Jan. 1, 2011. She was
involved with the Home Ec Club,
YWCA, International Relations Club,
CGA, and served as a hostess for
prospective students.
1964
Phillis Waite Laniak, Alexandria, Va.,
passed away Feb. 11, 2013. Her activities
on campus included the YWCA, dorm
chaplain, achievement list, Home Ec
Club, International Relations Club,
secretary of Phi Theta Kappa, and VP
of SNEA.
57
CLASS NOTES
1965
Marjorie Stewart Lowe-Francis, San
Gabriel, Calif., died May 11, 2013. She
loved her family, friends, volunteering,
gardening, entertaining, and fashion.
Her San Marino store, Margie’s Andover
Boutique, has operated for 24 years.
Her late father, Dr. William S. Lowe,
was chairman of the WWU Board of
Trustees and her late mother, Pearl, was
named honorary WWU alumnus in 1976.
Marjorie is survived by a sister, Barbara
Ann Lowe Rynearson ’57, Glenwood
Springs, Colo., and two nieces, Barbara
Sanner Marshall-Lambert ’81, Damascus,
Md., and Cheryl Sanner Strawn ’88,
Columbia, Mo.
Marcia Gilmore Rezeau, Melbourne, Fla.,
died April 15, 2014. She was dedicated to
her three children and husband, Gary
(CDR USN, Ret.), and loved the family
cottage in Door Country, Wis.
1966
Diane Jennings Willis, St. Louis, Mo.,
died Dec. 19, 2013. She spent 33
years as a counselor and academic
adviser at Washington University,
St. Louis. Diane is survived by her
husband of 47 years, James.
1967
Ruth Ann Fike Atkinson, Kingdom City,
Mo., passed away June 17, 2013. She
was a choir director for many years
and active in children’s and
youth ministries.
Susan Ellis Goodrum, Hot Springs, Ark.,
passed away May 23, 2014. She was a
charter member of Alpha Phi sorority at
William Woods. Susan loved teaching,
retiring in 2000. She served as church
choir director for over 10 years and
enjoyed teaching, performing, and
sharing music.
Nancy Horn, Maryland Heights, Mo.,
passed away Aug. 20, 2013. She
worked for Monsanto before retiring
from Silgan Plastics, a Monsanto spinoff. Nancy was an avid golfer and
quilter, making special quilts for
family and friends.
58
Jackie Garland Fox, Rockford, Ill., passed
away Nov. 1, 2013. She was a homemaker
who enjoyed golf and entertaining her
friends. Jackie was a member of the
Rockford Country Club, Junior League,
RMH Pink Ladies, and an antiques group.
Jerry Sangster Parlin, Sarasota, Fla.,
passed away April 19, 2014. She was a
charter member of Chi Omega fraternity
Tau Theta chapter at William Woods.
Jerry was a homemaker, raising her
children. She moved to Florida in 1993
for the climate.
Sally Sheets, Manitou Springs, Colo., died
April 20, 2014. She was an elementary
school teacher, social worker, professor at
Wichita State University, and a property
manager. Sally was an avid hiker and fly
fishing expert.
Jane Malen Yantis, St. Joseph, Mo.,
died March 21, 2014. She served for
many years as a substitute teacher,
volunteer for the American Cancer
Society and was active in P.E.O. Jane
helped found the St. Joseph Figure
Skating Club and was both a coach
and judge for many years.
1971
Patricia S. McCurry, Maryville, Tenn., died
Aug. 9, 2014. She enjoyed photography,
walking, and spending time with friends.
Patricia was president of Chi Omega
at William Woods. She held many
careers, including a buyer at Mam’selle
International, a marketing instructor at
Blount County Schools, and a Tennessee
curriculum writer.
1972
family and eating out with “The Girls.”
1981
Flora Elaine Rehmer, MBA ’10,
Columbia, Mo., died Nov. 29, 2013.
She worked in the Cosmopolitan
Diabetes Center at the University of
Missouri and taught online classes at
State Fair Community College.
1984
Mary Helen “Helen” Timbrook, Columbia,
Mo., died Sept. 5, 2013. She taught for
many years in Missouri schools and was
a sought-after conference leader on the
subject of “Parents of Children with
Special Needs.”
1991
Rachel Magana, Kansas City, Kan., died
July 29, 2014. She was the founder and
director of Southwind Rising. In her
downtime she enjoyed traveling to see
Broadway shows, New York City, and
historical sites.
2001
Susan Marshall, MBA, Springfield, Mo.,
passed away June 29, 2014. She worked as
a youth specialist with the Department of
Social Services.
2004
Nancy A. Bone, MEd., Cape Girardeau,
Mo., died July 10, 2014. She taught
at Meadow Heights, Delta and Cape
Girardeau Public Schools and was an
adjunct professor for Southeast Missouri
State University. Nancy was the recipient
of the Edna C. Kinder Award for
Excellence and the Cape Public School
Foundation Teacher Grant.
Nancy Nunnally Estep, Tampa, Fla., died
April 16, 2014. She began a successful real
estate career, but her primary job was that
of caring for her children. Nancy loved
boating, gardening, reading, investing,
cooking, bridge, and politics.
2005
1974
2006
Lola Cook Dzurick, Fulton, Mo., died June
25, 2013. She worked for 37 years for
the South Callaway School District. Lola
enjoyed spending quality time with her
Sara Beth Chappell Deines, Lincoln,
Neb., died June 20, 2014, in a scuba
diving accident at Table Rock Lake in
Missouri. She worked as a social worker
Natassja Nicole Byrd, M.Ed.,
Cottleville, Mo., passed away Dec. 23,
2013, at her home. She worked as a
claims adjuster for American
Family Insurance.
WWU LOGO STORE
The WWU Logo Store has great WWU gear for current
students, alumni, family, friends, and future alumni!
CLASS NOTES
and was a member of Alpha Phi sorority
at The Woods. Sara enjoyed reading and
traveling, and visited Spain, Italy, Romania,
Mexico, and the Caribbean with her
husband, Chris, who survives.
Sarah Catherine Dyer, Raytown, Mo., died
Aug. 4, 2014. Sarah received her Bachelor
of Science degree in equestrian science
from William Woods University.
2007
Gerald “Jerry” Harmon, Higbee, Mo.,
died Feb. 22, 2013. He was a member of
the Marine Crop and also held careers as
a minister, musician, and sign language
interpreter. Jerry’s hobbies included wood
crafting and making jewelry.
2008
Located in McNutt Campus Center
1.800.995.3159 ext. 1142 } WilliamWoods.edu/LogoStore
AND DON’T FORGET ABOUT
OUR ONLINE APPAREL!
Travis Davis, M.Ed, Ed.S. ’13, Carrollton,
Ill., died March 14, 2014. He was a junior
high and high school principal and
volunteer firefighter. Travis was a member
of Stuart Pierson Masonic Lodge, Ansar
Shrine Temple, and Sigma Nu fraternity.
2013
Elizabeth Ann Spillers, MBA, Kansas
City, Mo., died April 13, 2014. She worked
as a compliance associate at FCStone
International. Elizabeth enjoyed traveling,
cooking, reading, playing volleyball, and
spending time with family and friends.
Class Notes Deadline
Please submit your additions to
Class Notes by Aug. 15, 2015, to
[email protected].
Information received after
Aug. 15 will appear in the
next issue of Woods magazine.
Updated Contact Info
Please send your current
email and mailing addresses to
[email protected].
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Fulton, Missouri 65251
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flourish!
Three WWU Golfers Finish
Patriot All-America Invite in Top 20
By Ben Mizera and Mary Ann Beahon
William Woods University was one
of only two schools represented
by three golfers in the prestigious
Patriot All-America Invitational,
and the trio of David Houlding,
Billy McKenzie, and Julian Taylor
left a lasting impact, all finishing in
the top 20.
The 54-hole amateur tournament
was held at the Wigwam Golf
Resort in Litchfield Park, Arizona,
in December. Each golfer in the
Patriot All-America traditionally
represents a fallen service member.
“It’s a tremendous honor for our
players to be able to participate in
this prestigious event, while
representing our fallen heroes from
our armed forces,” said WWU head
coach Barry Doty.
60
WINTER2014/15
2014/15 WOODS
WOODSMAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
WINTER
In only its fourth year, the Patriot
All-America is recognized as a top
amateur event, attracting 84
nationally recognized golfers from
the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, and
AJGA rankings. Invitations are
based primarily on individuals
earning PING All-America honors
the previous season.
Houlding, a sophomore from Leeds,
England, finished the tournament
in a tie for sixth place after scoring
a 7-over par 217 (74-71-72) over the
three-day event.
place finish, after closing out with a
10-over par 220 (73-73-74).
According to Doty, the WWU men’s
team “is having a very good year
and is ranked #1 in the country by
both Golfstat and the NAIA
Coaches Poll. We are ranked #1 in
every statistical category and only
one college golf team in the country
has a lower stroke average
versus par.”
A senior from York, England,
Taylor finished in 10th place,
after turning in his final
scorecard with an 8-over par
218 (74-74-70).
McKenzie, who is from Portsmouth,
England, also closed out on a high
note, earning the sophomore a 19th
Julian Taylor, David Houlding, and Billy McKenzie

Winter 2014 - William Woods University

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