Jane Houser Named Jefferson College 2014 Alumna of the Year

1000 Viking Drive
Hillsboro, MO 63050
(636) 481-3000 or 797-3000
www.jeffco.edu
June 2014
Jane Houser Named Jefferson College 2014 Alumna of the Year
T
he Jefferson College Faculty Senate recently selected Jane Houser of
DeSoto as the 2014 Alumna of the Year.
“The enormous task undertaken by Dr. Charles McClain has benefitted many
residents of Jefferson County, like myself, who otherwise would never have had
the opportunity to expand their horizons and realize their dreams,” said Houser.
For as long as she can remember, Houser wanted to attend college. When she
graduated from Southwest High School in 1939 with a scholarship to Saint
Louis University, her dream seemed within reach. However, circumstances
required her to help contribute to the family income, and she went to work at
Southwestern Bell Telephone. She married her husband Branton in 1948 and
together they had four children.
It wasn’t until 1963 that news of a junior college coming to Jefferson County
rekindled Jane’s dream of going to college. “Dr. Charles McClain, founder and
first President of Jefferson College, created a junior college that would benefit
Jane Houser (left) is presented the 2014 Jefferson
College Faculty Senate Alumna of the Year Award
anyone in Jefferson County who
from Social Sciences Division Chair Dr. Sandy Frey.
wanted to explore new avenues and
expand their knowledge,” she said. Brant promised her that they would find a
way for her to attend, and Jane watched Jefferson College being built with eager
anticipation. Somehow they raised the tuition money. “All of our children were
now in school,” said Jane. “They, including Brant, took over the household
chores. I was free to concentrate on my studies. So at 42 years of age I became the
first non-traditional student to enroll.”
“I was scared to death the first semester,” recalls Jane. “It was such a different experience and I was sure I was
going to flunk every class! However, I was starting to get insight into things I had never thought about before or even
heard of.” Far from flunking every class, Jane excelled in college. She was an active member of the student body, serving as
the cartoonist on the Harbinger newspaper, and working in Dr. McClain’s office during a bond drive. She worked briefly
in the Jefferson College library before transferring to the University of Missouri–St. Louis to earn her B.A. in American
History. She eventually returned to work at Bell Telephone and retired in 1983. She was an active member of the DeSoto
P.R.I.D.E organization from 1989–2003. She is currently a member of two quilt guilds and is actively involved in their
outreach programs. She has also volunteered at St. John’s Mercy Hospital and at Delmar Gardens.
To this day, Jane considers attending Jefferson College a pivotal experience in her life. It also created a lasting legacy within
her family. Three generations of the Houser family have attended and worked at Jefferson College, and Brant and Jane
continue to be avid supporters of higher education. “I thought I was mature at 42, but college was what really gave me
maturity,” she said. “It opened my eyes to new ways of thinking.”
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Worth the Walk. . .875 Grads Receive Degrees and Certificates
During 49th Annual Commencement Ceremonies
efferson College recently hosted its 49th annual
commencement ceremonies to recognize graduates
of Arts and Science Education programs (those
receiving an Associate of Arts degree, an Associate of
Arts in Teaching degree or an Associate of Science
degree) and graduates of Career and Technical
Education programs (those receiving an Associate of
Applied Science degree or CTE certificate).
For the class of 2014, the college awarded 743 associate
degrees and 157 certificates to 875 students (3 percent
earned multiple degrees). 480 graduates (53 percent)
received a university transfer oriented degree, while
420 graduates (47 percent) received a career and technical degree or certificate.
The oldest Jefferson College graduate this year is 63 years old and the youngest is 18.
152 graduates (17 percent) were members of the Jefferson College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and 30
students (3 percent) completed the Honors Program.
Additionally, 66 students (42 percent of certificate recipients) earned their certificates with distinction; 109 students
(15 percent of degree recipients) earned their associate degrees with cum laude honors; 47 students (6 percent of
degree recipients) earned their degrees with magna cum laude honors; and 14 students (2 percent of degree recipients)
earned their degrees with summa cum laude honors.
Attorney Jennifer Collins Hansen, owner of The Hansen Firm, LLC,
presented the commencement address at both ceremonies. She is a 1996
graduate of Jefferson College and completed her undergraduate degree in
English Literature from Missouri State University in 1998 before moving to
Washington, D.C. to work as a press secretary for Linda Chavez, nominee
for Secretary of Labor in the Bush administration. She returned to St.
Louis to attend law school and received her law degree from Saint Louis
University in 2004. Before opening her own law firm, Hansen served as a
litigator at a legal firm in St. Louis.
In addition to the conferring of degrees/certificates, several award-winners were recognized: Alumna of the Year, Jane
Houser; Governor’s Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, Dr. Scott Holzer; Emerson Electric Award for Teaching
Excellence winner, Nicholas Nihira; and Phi Theta Kappa Teacher of the Year, Dr. Bruce Carr.
The college also honored four retirees:
Sundaye Harrison, Student Support Specialist – 16 years of service
Larry Holden, Building Services Technician III – 17 years of service
Anthony McCally, Building Services Technician III – 28 years of service
Maryann Shrader, Associate Nursing Professor – 10 years of service
Two former faculty/staff members were honored in memoriam: Lorbert “Lonnie” Price and Jean Marie Trotter.
To view photos from each of the college’s 2014 commencement ceremonies, visit “Jefferson College News and Events”
on Facebook.
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Greased Lightnin’: Summer
Musical “Grease” June 20-22 and
June 27-28
FAFSA Fill-Out Events
Assist New Students with
Financial Aid Application
F
efferson College
will host a series
of upcoming Free
Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA)
fill-out events as a public
service for current and
prospective Jefferson
College students. There
Apply NOW for Priority
is no cost to attend and
Financial Aid Consideration
pre-registration is not
www.fafsa.ed.gov
required. College personnel will be present to provide
personalized assistance and answerJefferson
questions.College
ollowing auditions
in April, the cast has
been selected for the Theatre
Department’s summer musical
production of “Grease” presented
by special arrangement with
Samuel French, Inc., directed
by Speech and Drama Professor
Dr. Rebecca Ellison.
FAFSA
Cast members include Dalton
Mathis of Cedar Hill as Danny Zuko, Taylor Rundel of Festus
as Sandy Dumbrowski, Ashley Rudolph of High Ridge as Betty
Rizzo, Shannon Baldwin of De Soto as Frenchy, Ciara` Hargis
of Festus as Marty, Lauren Goskie of Pevely as Jan, Bradley
Bliven of Barnhart as Doody, Alex Rudolph of High Ridge as
Kenickie, Justin Friedmeyer of Festus as Sonny, Chris Owens of
Arnold as Roger, Logan Brown of Hillsboro as Vince Fontaine,
Haley Korn of High Ridge as Cha Cha DiGregorio, Brody
Aubry of Imperial as Eugene Florczyk, Josef Duing of Cadet as
Johnny Casino and a Burger Palace Boy, Rebecca Ellison of St.
Louis as Miss Lynch, Jessica Gaddy of Barnhart as Patty Simcox,
Wesley Whitfield of Herculaneum as Teen Angel, Rachel
Culbertson of Festus as a Pink Lady, Sarah Harrison of Crystal
City as a Pink Lady, Haley Korn of High Ridge as a Pink Lady,
Kayla Patek of Festus as a Pink Lady, and Daniel Walker of
Fenton as a Burger Palace Boy.
FAFSA Priority Deadline
Fall Enrollment
Federal Student Aid, a part June
of the1 U.S. Department
of
October 1 Spring Enrollment
Education, is the largest provider
of student
financial aid
MArch 15
Summer Enrollment
in the nation. The office provides
more
than
$150 billion
Please note that the State of Missouri FAFSA filing deadline is April 1.
in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to
more than 15 million students paying for college or career
school.
The FAFSA events will be held at the college’s Hillsboro
and Arnold locations:
Jefferson College Hillsboro
(Room 415 of the Arts and Sciences II Building)
June 4, 2 p.m.
June 17, 10 a.m.
July 10, 6 p.m.
July 23, 2 p.m.
August 5, 10 a.m.
It’s 1959 and Rydell high is filled with rebellious, thrill-loving
students. In the midst of this scene, Sandy Dumbrowski enters
as the new girl in school. It turns out that she and the leader
of the Burger Palace Boys gang, Danny Zuko, have had a brief
love affair the summer before. While Sandy stresses to her
new classmates the emotional attachment she and Danny had,
Danny stresses the physical aspects of their relationship. As the
show goes on, the students at Rydell High have to deal with
love, gang violence, teen pregnancy, and friendship. In the end,
Sandy and Danny resolve their differences and end up happily
together. Dancing in the show involves 1950s jazz styles.
Jefferson College Arnold (Room 114)
June 12, 6 p.m.
June 25, 2 p.m.
July 15, 10 a.m.
July 31, 6 p.m.
August 13, 2 p.m.
It only takes about 30-45 minutes to complete the FAFSA
after gathering the required information. The FAFSA
priority deadline for fall enrollment is June 1. Additional
FAFSA information is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For
questions about the FAFSA fill-out events, contact Student
Financial Services at (636) 481-3212.
Performances are scheduled for Friday-Saturday, June 20-21, at
8 p.m., Sunday, June 22, at 2 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, June
27-28, at 8 p.m., in the Fine Arts Theatre on the Hillsboro
campus. The production contains adult language and situations.
Individual event tickets to the Sunday matinee are $2 for
everyone. On Fridays and Saturdays, ticket prices are $5 for
adults and $2 for students and senior citizens.
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2014 Math Contest Winners Announced
efferson College recently hosted its annual Math Contest
to provide students in grades 7-12 the opportunity to
demonstrate their mathematics skills and compete for medals
and trophies. It is one of many education-based activities the
college holds for area junior high and high school students.
11th Grade
First: Jonathan McKinley, Fox Senior High School
Second: Blaise Torrence, Jefferson R-7 High School
Third: Anthony Hoog, St. Pius X High School
Individuals were awarded medals for their achievement and
winning teams received trophies.
12th Grade
First: Kevin Honz, Windsor C-1 High School
Second: Tanner Jeffries, Fox Senior High School
Third: Zach Young, Northwest High School
2014 Math Contest winners and their schools include:
Junior High Teams
First: Festus Middle School
Second: De Soto Junior High School
Third: Windsor Middle School
7th Grade
First: Trey Frank, Windsor Middle School
Second: Michael Esparza, Festus Middle School
Third: Mary Beth Sansoucie, De Soto Junior High School
8th Grade
First: Kylie Farace, Crystal City Junior High School
Second: Emily Pond, Northwest Valley Middle School
Third: Joel Marler, Festus Middle School
High School Teams
First: Fox Senior High School
Second: Windsor C-1 High School
Third: Jefferson R-7 High School
Third: Northwest High School
9th Grade
First: Tyler Warren, Northwest High School
Second: Austin Bearden, Herculaneum High School
Third: Braden Daugherty, Fox Senior High School
Math Contest has been held for over 20 years, involving
the area’s best math students. Faculty members from the
Jefferson College Math Department created the tests, one
for grades 7-8 and another for grades 9-12.
10th Grade
First: Noah Brothers, Windsor C-1 High School
Second: Lucas Bonskowski, Northwest High School
Third: Songhee Lee, Windsor C-1 High School
To view individual and group Math Contest photos, visit
the Jefferson College website at www.jeffco.edu and click on
the “News /Events” link, or visit “Jefferson College News
and Events” on Facebook.
C
Softball and Baseball Seasons Come to End
ongratulations to the Jefferson College Softball team as they ended their amazing season by competing in
the NJCAA national tournament for only the second time in program history, finishing ninth. Beyond
their phenomenal run to the championship tourney, outfielder Anna Reed was named a 2014 All American
and selected as the District J recipient of the NJCAA Softball Marucci Elite Hitter award for having the
highest batting average. Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff on their fine season and many
exciting moments!
The Vikings Baseball team ended their season in the Region 16 baseball tournament, falling to eventual tournament
champions Crowder College. The Vikings won their 8th straight Midwest Community College Conference title and
earned the #1 seed for the Region 16 tournament for the third time in the last five seasons.
In alumni baseball news, Matt Stites was recently promoted from the Mobile BayBears (Double-A) to the Reno Aces
(Triple-A) as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Tyler Thompson was named Honorable Mention
All-MIAA pitcher, finishing his senior season at Pittsburg State University. Sage Boehner was named second team AllRegion outfielder as a senior at Arkansas Tech University. Travis Hayes was named the Ohio Valley Conference CoPitcher of the Year as a junior at Southeast Missouri State where he was also selected as first team All-Conference. Brad
Lombard was named Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year at Indiana State University. Congrats to all
these outstanding Jeffco Viking alumni!
4
May Report
College and Mercy Hospital to Co-Sponsor
On Campus Primary Care Health Clinic
Trustees Extend 2+2 Partnership with
Missouri Baptist University
As an extension of the college’s mission to
support student and employee well-being, the
Board approved a two-year $50,000 contract
with Mercy Hospital to create an on-campus
primary care health clinic, the first of its kind in
Jefferson County.
In order to continue providing residents with
access to bachelor and graduate level classes on the
Jefferson College campus, the Trustees renewed
the college’s longstanding agreement with Missouri
Baptist University as an opportunity for residents
to earn higher education degrees without having to
commute outside Jefferson County. The agreement
extension is for the 2014-15 academic year.
The clinic, which will be operational by the start
of the 2014 fall semester, will be located on the
Hillsboro campus. It will allow the college to
cooperatively provide affordable on-site services
for students, faculty, and staff and will include
acute care, personal wellness visits, management
of chronic disease such as asthma and diabetes,
vaccinations, stress management, and other
services as requested.
Curriculum Proposal Separates
Communication and Theatre Disciplines
In curricular matters, the Board approved the
re-designation of the department of Speech
and Drama to the separate departments of
Communication and Theatre in order to better
align with transfer institutions, the vast majority of
which have separate programs for each discipline.
The clinic will be located in the Viking Woods
complex, next to the college Police Department.
Mercy will employ the appropriate medical
practitioners, provide all necessary medical
equipment and supplies, and manage the clinic
operation including patient scheduling and
billing.
Additional Spring and Tentative Summer
Teaching Assignments Approved
A list of additional college credit course offerings/
teaching assignments for spring 2014 was approved
as was a list of tentative teaching assignments for
the summer session that begins the week of June 9.
Officials anticipate that having a medical
clinic on the Hillsboro campus will provide a
convenient source of medical treatment and
reduce employee and student downtime due
to immediate availability of services. It also has
the ability to reduce medical costs by offering
an affordable alternative to hospital emergency
rooms and acute care centers.
Campus Infrastructure Projects Slated for
Summer
In conjunction with the recent purchase of
fire alarm equipment, the Board approved an
installation contract for the Student Center,
Arts and Sciences I, and Arts and Sciences II
buildings. Streib Electric was the approved low
bidder at $69,398. The college’s Strategic Planning
Committee approved the project as a capital
expense for fiscal year 2014.
Initially, the clinic will operate two days a week,
five hours a day staffed by a nurse practitioner.
Mercy is also reviewing the possibility of having
a physician temporarily available up to five days
a week at no additional cost to the college. The
physician will be new to the area, and will see
patients at the clinic, including Jefferson County
residents, in addition to students and staff.
The Board also approved a contract for sidewalk,
curb, and gutter repair and replacement on the
Hillsboro campus. Brockmiller Construction was
the selected low bidder at $405,659.
5
Board Approves Division Chair, Faculty,
Personnel Actions
Trustees Renew College’s Food Service
Contract
In employment matters, Computer Information
Systems Instructor Chris DeGeare was appointed
as Division Chair of Business and Technical
Education effective May 19. He has been
employed at Jefferson for nine years and has
served as an adjunct instructor of Computer
Information System for six years and a full-time
instructor since 2011.
The Board approved a new five-year contract
for food service with Food Service Consultants,
Inc., which has served as the college’s primary
food service provider since 2003. In addition
to preparing and serving food in the main café
and snack bar on the Hillsboro Campus, FSMC
provides vending on all campuses, prepares and
delivers lunches to the Child Development Center,
and caters many college-sponsored events.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he
has been an active member of the Curriculum
Committee for three years, has collaborated across
disciplines on the development of the Criminal
Justice Cyber Security program, and has served on
the Digital Literacy Subcommittee, and the Credit
for Prior Learning Subcommittee. His leadership
on the Credit for Prior Learning Subcommittee
has resulted in new options and processes for the
students and the college. Chris also established
the local chapter of the National Technical Honor
Society. In addition, he has played an integral role
in the TAACCT grant funded accelerated training
program.
Vendors were evaluated on the basis of several
criteria: food quality, proposed menu pricing and
service, financial arrangements benefitting the
college, suggested improvements, experience with
higher education food service, and references.
Under the new agreement, the college will receive
a 3.5 percent commission on sales, excluding
college sponsored events and child care sales. In
addition, FSMC will invest $20,000 over the
five year period for physical improvements or
equipment.
Contract for Audit Services Renewed for
FY14
The Board also approved the employment of
Amanda Macke to fill the vacant Project Lead The
Way–Area Technical School Biomedical Sciences
faculty position. She has taught life sciences for
12 years at Herculaneum High School, and has
served in several leadership and advisory roles,
including Herculaneum High School Science
Department Chair; member of Jefferson College’s
Respiratory Therapy Program Advisory Board,
and advisor for the Personal Plan of Study
for Health Services ATS program at Jefferson
College. She has also implemented Assessment
for Learning and differentiated instruction in her
classroom and has knowledge of Project Lead the
Way Biomedical Sciences.
Although the existing independent audit services
contract with Daniel Jones and Associates expired
after fiscal year 2013, the Board approved a one
year extension for a total cost of $32,875 (an
increase of $795) to perform services for both the
college and the Foundation for fiscal year 2014.
Next year, the college will solicit bids to provide
audit services for the fiscal years 2015- 2020.
Upcoming Meetings
The next three meetings of the Board of Trustees
are scheduled for June 12, July 17, and August 14
at 8 a.m. in the Administration building on the
Hillsboro campus.
In other personnel-related matters, the Board
accepted resignation letters from Brandon
Russell, Director of the Area Technical School;
Kerry Bruce, Computer Information Systems
Instructor; and Nursing Professor Vicki Brown,
who indicated that she will retire at the end of the
academic year.
6
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS:
Michael W. Walsh
President
Thomas R. Dixon
First Vice President
Richard S. Vest
Second Vice President
Richard B. Francis
Treasurer
Jacquelyn Y. Moran
Secretary
Dennis J. Kehm
Past President
John Winkelman
Trustee Liaison
MEMBERS:
David G. Braun
Robert W. Francis
Wesley R. Griffith
Patrick J. Higgins, Sr.
Ronald Holland
Michelle A. Kennen
Michael G. Kumpf
Steven A. Markus
Steve Meinberg
Glenda M. Potts
Dr. Craig Ruble
Scott M. Seek
Dr. Mark Spurrier
Jack C. Stewart
Gary M. Underwood
JEFFERSON
COLLEGE
Dr. Raymond Cummiskey
President
Richard H. Hardin Jr.
Controller/Asst.Treasurer
Thomas J. Burke
Executive Director of
Development & Foundation
Marie E. Jennewein
Development Assistant
E
Are You Ready to Make a Difference Today?
Your Gift to the Viking Fund Is Vital
very day, talented and
deserving students take a
first step toward a new life by
enrolling at Jefferson College.
Many of these students would
not be able to achieve their
educational goals and dreams
of a better life without the
help of caring people like
you--our donors. Students have needs
ranging from tuition assistance to childcare
and transportation.
In the classroom, we need to keep up-todate with technology and equipment to
train tomorrow’s workforce. And with new
technology, comes the continual need for
faculty and staff development. With your
help, we can meet these challenges head-on.
What Is The Viking Fund?
The Jefferson College Foundation
encourages friends, supporters, vendors,
community members, and alumni to
support the college by making an annual
gift to the Viking Fund.
Gifts from our donors strengthens
Jefferson College’s ability to serve students
and faculty/staff through scholarships,
teaching innovations, updated technology,
comprehensive programs, and facility
improvements. A gift to the Viking Fund
positively impacts our students’ lives, and
preserves the high-quality education they
receive at Jefferson College.
As a donor, you may decide where your gift
is applied, whether it is the area of greatest
need or designate your gift to help support
scholarships or the program of your choice.
Every gift is greatly appreciated and makes
a difference in the lives of students and
Jefferson College as a whole.
7
What Does A Gift To The Viking
Fund Support?
Jefferson College has witnessed remarkable
growth since its inception in the 1960s.
Your support of the Viking Fund will
help change the lives of others forever,
as well as strengthen the future
of our community with your gift
to the Jefferson College Foundation Viking Fund
Campaign.
Jefferson College receives its funding from tuition
and fees, local property taxes and state aid. Because
the Jefferson College Board of Trustees is committed
to keeping education affordable, the Board has
been hesitant to raise significant revenue through
large tuition increases. State funding resources
have decreased dramatically the last several years.
The college relies on Viking Fund contributions
to broaden the range of available resources for our
students.
Beyond the satisfaction of giving to a vital and
growing institution, your gift will offer tangible
rewards. You will help us provide student scholarships
to individuals from all walks of life, and you will help
prepare a strong future workforce right here in your
own community, as 90 percent of graduates in the
area will remain in Missouri and 75 percent plan to
stay in Jefferson College’s multi-county service area.
When you give to the Viking Fund, we will put
your dollars to work immediately. Your gift will
help students, develop new programs, or meet the
education and training needs of our vital area.
Your Generosity and Concern Counts for
Jefferson College
Please make your gift to the Viking Fund today, and
realize the satisfaction of helping shape the future
of your community. To make a gift of any amount,
please call the Foundation at (636) 481-3105 or
go online to www.jeffco.edu/foundation to begin
helping students today!
June 2014
SUNDAY
MONDAY
2
1
TUESDAY
3
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
4
5
2 p.m.
ASII Room 415
9
10
12
11
Board of
Trustees Meeting
Summer Session
Classes Begin
6
SATURDAY
7
13
14
20
21
Last Day of
Intersession
Classes
FAFSA Fill-Out
Event
8
FRIDAY
8 a.m., Board Room
RN Nurses Pinning
(Day & Evening)
6 p.m.
Field House-Gym
FAFSA Fill-Out
Event, 6 p.m.
Jefferson College
Arnold, Room 114
15
16
17
19
18
FAFSA Fill-Out
Event
Summer Musical:
Grease
10 a.m.
ASII Room 415
Friday 8 p.m.
Saturday 8 p.m.
Fine Arts Theatre
22
23
24
26
27
FAFSA Fill-Out
Event
Summer
Musical:
Grease
30
1
2
Dr. Raymond Cummiskey: President
Roger Barrentine: Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Lauren Murphy: Graphic Designer
Amy Coomes: Senior Graphic Designer
Samantha DeClue: Secretary, Marketing & Public Relations
28
Summer Musical:
Grease
2 p.m.
Jefferson College
Arnold, Room 114
2 p.m.
Fine Arts
Theatre
29
25
Friday 8 p.m.
Saturday 8 p.m.
Fine Arts Theatre
3
4
5
It is the policy of Jefferson College that no person shall, on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability,
gender, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status, be subject to discrimination in employment or in
admission to any educational program or activity of the College. If accommodations for a disability are
needed, please contact Christine Platter at (636) 481-3169 or 797-3000, ext. 3169; TDD (636)789-5772.