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university of central missouri
Think about the benefits of making a
Charitable Gift Annuity to Central Missouri.
1
Income tax deduction
The charitable income tax deduction varies according to your age and is
taken in the year the gift is made.
2
Favorable capital gains treatment
3
Tax-free portion
If you make the gift with appreciated property, you generally avoid paying
capital gains taxes on the gift portion of the transfer.
The payments you receive may be partially tax-free, whether they begin
now or in the future. For gifts established with appreciated property, the
payments also will be partially taxed at capital gains tax rates.
4
5
Lifetime payments
You (and/or a second individual) receive a fixed and secure amount for life.
Estate taxes
If you are the sole annuitant, the payments cease at death and are not
included as part of your estate. If your spouse is the remaining annuitant,
his or her interest may qualify for the estate tax marital deduction. If an
individual other than a spouse is the remaining annuitant, the value of the
remaining payments is included in your estate for estate tax consideration.
Charitable Gift Annuity
Are you interested in enjoying these benefits?
Are you at or near retirement age?
Learn more at ucmo.edu/plannedgiving
or call for an individual consultation.
Contact:
Dale Carder
Interim Executive Director
of the UCM Foundation
email: carder@ucmo.edu
phone: 660-543-8000
toll-free: 866-752-7257
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2 New Spice for Old Spice
Pesky television commercials. Most of the time they simply irritate us, but every now
and then one captures our attention and becomes embedded in American culture.
Mean Joe Greene. The Apple computer. Cindy Crawford drinking the icy Pepsi. The
Budweiser-croaking frogs. Eric Baldwin, a University of Central Missouri graduate,
helped to create what may become another such classic.
FALL 2010, VOL. 10 NO. 2
Published by the Office of Alumni
Relations and Development. © 2010
by University of Central Missouri.
All rights reserved. Contact the editor
at today@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4545.
Send your address updates to
alumni@ucmo.edu or telephone,
660-543-8000 or toll-free, 1-866-752-7257.
Editor
Dalene Abner ’09
Designer
Julie Babcock
Photographer
Bryan Tebbenkamp ’03
Class Notes
Jody Ritter
Today (USPS 019-888) is published
quarterly by the University of Central
Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.
Printed by Greystone Graphics,
101 Greystone, Kansas City, KS
66103. Periodicals postage paid at
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes
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F E ATURE S
8 Something to do, someone to love
and something to look forward to
Beebes Honored as 2010 Distinguished Alumni
11 Merging Three Worlds
Baile Receives 2010 UCM Distinguished Alumni Award
12 A Business Lesson in Freedom
Loya Honored as 2010 UCM Distinguished International Alumnus
14 The Nature of Oz
Hawksley Marks Missouri and Students with Conservation Zeal
20Selling Success
State Farm Funds National Competition at UCM
SECTIONS
6
Campus Currents
18 Philanthropy
24 Class Notes
27 Awards & Honors
28 In Memoriam
University of Central Missouri | today
1
THE
UCM GR AD
IND
ITS
INGENIOUS
BEH
COMM
P
esky television commercials. Most of the time they simply
irritate us , b u t e v e ry now and t h en o ne ca p t u r es o u r
attention and becomes embedded in American culture.
Mean Joe Greene and the kid in the tunnel. The Apple computer. Cindy
Crawford drinking the icy Pepsi. The Budweiser-croaking frogs. Then
there are the phrases we adopt, such as “wassup, just do it, got milk, plop
plop fizz fizz, where’s the beef, or that’s a spicy meatball.”
Eric Baldwin, a University of Central Missouri graduate, has helped
to create what may become another such classic. The 1999 alumnus
is a creative director for Old Spice’s The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
commercial. It’s a big hit with the public, the media and creative critics.
With more than 20 million views, the commercial is one of the top 10 viral
videos of all time on YouTube. This summer, it also won three massive
industry awards: the best-in-show single commercial distinction from
the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, a Film Grand
Prix at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Federation and the
Creative Arts Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial.
The latter was a celebrity-studded event at the Nokia Theatre in Los
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ERCI
ALS
20 million views, the commercial is one o f
top 10 viral videos o f all time on Y o u T u be . T his s u mmer ,
it also won 3 massive industry awards.
W ith more than
the
University of Central Missouri | today
3
“ IT
TOOK AN
OLD, S
L
BRAN EEPY
D AND
W O K E I T U P.”
Posing with his Colleagues and the celebrities
Angeles, congratulating such other awardwinners as Betty White, Neil Patrick Harris
and Ryan Seacrest.
“Winning the Emmy was a surreal
experience. It was such a great honor to be
recognized by the entertainment industry,”
Baldwin says. “I heard from my parents after
winning the Emmy. It just seems to be an
award that more people are familiar with.”
Baldwin is a creative director at the ad
agency, Wieden+Kennedy, headquartered
in Portland, OR. He joined the company
as an art director in 2006 after having
worked for agencies in St. Louis and
San Francisco.
“I followed my brother to UCM. I loved
the campus when I visited there,” Baldwin
says. “Since I was paying for my own
schooling, I also liked its affordability.
I also appreciated the art program’s
accreditation by the National Association
of Schools of Art and Design.”
After graduating with a bachelor of fine
arts degree from UCM, Baldwin worked
as a graphic designer for agencies such
as Phoenix Creative and Zipatoni in
St. Louis. In 2003, he moved to San
Francisco and became a designer and art
director at Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners.
He ran the design department there before
moving to W+K, where he quickly proved
himself. His progression from designer to
art director to creative director built on his
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who they have either worked with producing
commercials or met receiving major industry
awards, UCM graduate eric baldwin is part of the
team behind the old spice man phenomenon.
visual skills. Each advancement increased
his responsibility level for integrated
campaigns, scripts, taglines, mentoring,
client management and strategy.
At W+K, after producing award-winning
work for CareerBuilder.com and Target
(you might remember last year’s holiday
commercials with comedian Maria
Bamford), he was promoted to creative
director for Old Spice and Electronic
Arts. His recent work for EA has earned
him honors, too, from Cannes and other
competitions, but it’s the Old Spice ads
most people recall.
The commercial features Isaiah Mustafa, a
former NFL wide receiver with a polished
sense of humor and washboard abs. In a
cheeky appeal to “ladies,” the shirtless,
towel-wrapped actor recites a monologue
about how anything is possible if their men
use Old Spice.
Hailed for its classic filming techniques,
the commercial has only one computergenerated image, the diamonds and body
wash rising from Mustafa’s palm. It was
shot in a single uninterrupted take that
shifts the setting from the shower to a
yacht to Mustafa riding a horse. Most
people remember the horse.
ERIC BALDWIN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR F O R O L D S P I C E ’ S “ T H E M A N Y O U R
M A N C O U L D S M E L L L I K E ” C O M M E R C I A L . it’S A HIT W I T H T H E
u cm g rad
IS A
P U B L I C , T H E M E D I A A N D C R E AT I V E C R I T I C S .
“It took an old, sleepy brand and woke it
up,” critiques Mark Tutsell, global creative
officer of Leo Burnett Worldwide. He adds
that it showed the “power of creativity to
ignite a sleeping giant.”
Hearing this comment, Baldwin quickly adds,
“That quote always strikes me funny. When
Old Spice came to W+K four years ago, they
were questioning whether or not to kill the
brand. Working with W+K was a last ditch
effort. We’ve done a lot of award-winning
work over the past four years and have
gained a lot of trust with our clients, as well as
reviving love for the brand with young males.
We wouldn’t have been able to create the
latest campaign without first reinvigorating
the brand over the past four years.”
There were actually four television
commercials featuring Mustafa. In the
second ad, he rides a horse backward. In
the third, he goes from the shower, to log
rolling, to walking across water, to baking
a gourmet cake, to constructing a dream
kitchen to swan diving into a hot tub that
collapses to a running motorcycle. In the
fourth, Mustafa explains the benefits of a
moustache.
Stephanopoulos, Olympics speed skater
Apolo Ohno and gossip blogger Perez
Hilton. “We purposefully selected people
with huge online followings,” he says, and
it worked. Even bigger than that, they
seeded the work with online communities
such as Anonymous, Digg and Redit.
Baldwin has worked with many celebrities
producing marketing materials for Old
Spice. There was Will Ferrell in his Semi-Pro
movie role as Jackie Moon. There’s also
been LL Cool J, Ray Lewis (in the current
commercial, covered in soapsuds riding
away from the shower on a bird), Brian
Urlacher and Tony Stewart.
Getting attention in today’s overloaded
television commercial world is not easy.
Baldwin says his philosophy originated in a
class taught by his favorite UCM art history
teacher, Leroy McDermott.
“He would always talk about Ernst Haeckel
and his theory, Ontogeny Recapitulates
Phylogeny. Somehow that stuck in my
head,” says Baldwin.
“The theory talks about how the growth of
a species can be summarized in the growth
of the individual. The theory is false, but
McDermott applied it to art and it made
sense. Looking at it from that perspective, if
you study everything that came before you
and everything going on around you now,
only then can you make something fresh
and new. Picasso, for one, is evidence of this.
I didn’t do well in Dr. McDermott’s classes,
but I always enjoyed them and that theory
has long been my mantra.”
eric baldwin has used humor in producing campaigns In both his agency and freelance career. humor
and online interaction contributed to old spice’s marketing success. As people tweeted the old
spice man, baldwin was part of the team behind the scenes furiously writing jokes and finding props.
Even greater than the buzz created by
the commercials was the buzz generated
by the social media strategy on YouTube
that followed.
“We produced the spots, 186 commercials in
all, in 2 ½ days,” Baldwin says. “It was part
of our strategy from the start, but doing
it got pretty crazy. We worked as a fourman team: me, Jason Bagley, Craig Allen
and Eric Kallman. Three of us would write
while the other directed. It was probably
the most creative and collaborative project
I’ve ever been part of.”
Part of their strategy was to feature
responses to inquiries from celebrities
such as Ellen DeGeneres, Demi Moore,
Christina Applegate, Alyssa Milano, George
University of Central Missouri | today
5
campus currents
UCM Drumline Leader
Entertaining Chiefs Fans
Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is
drum set, and auxiliary percussion instruments in the
known for its loud, enthusiastic fans. This fall, another
front of the band.” Sekelsky, former Marching Mules
fan added to its crazy environment when Central
band director, started the format in 1996.
Missouri junior Ian McClaflin was selected to join the
team’s drumline, the Chiefs Rumble.
Central Missouri’s drumline features five bass drums, four
cymbals, six snare drums and two tenor drums. The 10
“When I heard they were holding auditions, I sent them
members in the Frontline Ensemble perform everything
a tape while I was on tour with a marching drum corps
from marimba and timpani to slide whistle and shaker.
this summer,” he says. “Being a diehard Chiefs fan, this
job is a dream come true.”
The competitive process to make the drumline began
with 40 students last May, Sekelsky says. “The audience
The Rumble began in 2009, making Kansas City the
sees the 27 students who worked the most diligently
14th of the 32 NFL cities to have an official drumline.
on their playing technique and musicianship, showed
Rumble members roam the parking lots and provide
outstanding attitudes, had a love for UCM and Mules
a soundtrack for one of NFL’s greatest tailgating
athletics, and had a personality that could be featured
experiences. McClaflin also shares his brand of
in the drumline shows,” he notes. They practice six
imaginative, stimulating musicianship with Mules’ fans.
hours a week — four hours with the Marching Mules
The music performance major is a member of the UCM
and two with the drumline.
Marching Mules and team leader of the snare drums.
McClaflin marched one season with the University of
Music professor Michael Sekelsky notes the UCM
Missouri before transferring to Central Missouri where
drumline predates his arrival to campus 26 years ago.
he, too, tried out for UCM’s drumline. “I just enjoy the
“The difference now is that we have both a battery
fun we have in our section,” he says.
section, which is the group that marches on the field,
in parades and does the drumline show for fans, as
well as a Frontline Ensemble, the keyboard, timpani,
Drumlines fascinate audiences, says Sekelsky, because
of their rhythm and fast-paced visual nature. “Most
people relate to a strong, interesting, recurring beat.
Blend that with speed, stick twirls, body movement, a
little dash of the unexpected, and you have the UCM
Drumline,” he explains.
He notes that the high-energy show presented to
audiences during halftime, tailgating and pregame
shows is McClaflin’s original product. “Not only
is he one of the most talented and hard-working
percussionists that UCM has had, but he also is one
of the most creative. The recent popularity of our
drumline is because of him.”
6
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A Lesson from
Hiroshima Survivors
60 students, and South Korea, China and
Courses relate directly to the curriculum
Kenya, each with 35.
and incorporate assignments and activities
In addition to increases in African-American
and Hispanic students, he observed that
graduate student enrollment reached a
decade high.
Grant Expands Retrofit
Workforce Pilot Program
With cooperation from key partners
that teachers can put to use immediately
in their classrooms. Subjects cover a wide
range of areas, including instructional
strategies, instructional technology, math,
reading, language arts and science. Learn
more at www.ucmo.edu/teacherline.
Family of the Year Honors
in business, industry, community and
government, a pilot program is being
Three survivors of the atomic bombing
developed by the University of Central
that ended World War II left a powerful
Missouri to promote and expand “green”
impression on the Central Missouri and
consumer demand while also training and
Warrensburg communities this fall. They
mobilizing an energy retrofit workforce.
engaged nearly 3,200 people during the
The university has received a $190,000
week they were here.
Missouri State Energy Sector Partnership
In addition to the lecture, No More
and Training grant to establish the program,
Hiroshimas: Stories of War and Peace
the only one of its kind nationally that
in Hendricks Hall, they presented their
focuses specifically on the residential
personal stories 22 times to 26 classes.
energy-efficiency sector.
Kiyomi Kohno was 14 years old, Sadae
The program addresses the need for more
she talked about the valuable lessons her
qualified personnel to conduct energy
family learned coping with her younger
audits and energy retrofit projects covering
brother’s illness, earned them honors this
a wide range of household improvements
fall as the 2010 Family of the Year.
to curb energy usage, which results in
“My family has not just strengthened me
Kasaoka was 13, and Emiko Okada was
eight during the Aug. 6, 1945, bomb attack.
They shared their individual stories of
survival and their joint commitment to
peace. They were accompanied by three
interpreters as well as a media specialist
and the co-director of the World Friendship
Center in Hiroshima, Japan.
Their visit was part of UCM’s observation
of Unity Week. Other activities included
a paper crane folding event; the
documentary, White Light, Black Rain;
and the art exhibit, No More Hiroshimas:
Remembrances of War, Calls for Peace.
Student Count
Exceeds 11,000
Some 11,351 students are taking classes
at the University of Central Missouri this
fall, marking the sixth consecutive year of
enrollment growth.
utility cost savings for the homeowner.
hard to survive but for Anna Nabzdyk, it
was even more difficult. Her essay, where
as a person; they form me as a person,”
“Through partnerships, we’re building
wrote the graphic design major. “Through
a foundation for the home energy
my family’s guidance, I have found who I
retrofit industry that will create career
am and where I am going. The values they
opportunities for a wide range of people
instilled in me have shaped my life goals,
considering this field. Once proven locally,
including a college degree so I can better
the program is planned to extend across
serve the world. They continually challenge
Missouri and, potentially, across our nation,”
and inspire me to realize and fulfill my
says Scott Boyce, Workforce Development
potential while giving me the support I
representative in UCM’s School of Graduate
don’t always deserve. Most importantly, my
and Extended Studies.
family has taught me how to love, which
New Learning Opportunity
for K-12 Teachers
With a long history of working with PBS
through campus public television station
KMOS-TV, the University of Central Missouri
Bob Adebayo, director of institutional
is strengthening that partnership while
research, says the data shows 160 more
providing professional development
students are enrolled this semester, up
opportunities for K-12 educators. The
1.4 percent from a year ago. He notes the
School of Graduate and Extended Studies,
increase is driven mostly by larger numbers
College of Education, and College of
of minority and international students.
Science and Technology are participating in
“This is our largest number of international
Many students find their freshman year
PBS TeacherLine.
is the greatest gift they could ever give me.”
Family members were recognized during
halftime of the Sept. 25 Mules vs. Washburn
football game. Posing with UCM President
Chuck Ambrose, they include sophomore
Anna Nabzdyk, center; her father, Ray;
sisters Elsie and Becky; her mother, Heidi;
and brother, Wally.
RECORD-BREAKING FALL
Central Missouri athletic
teams had one of the
most successful seasons
students in five years,” he explains.
UCM is one of only two partnering
in school history this fall.
Students are attending UCM from 56
institutions in Missouri to provide offerings
At one point, every sport
countries with the largest number, 133,
through this completely online program and
was nationally ranked.
coming from India. Joining the top five
is one of only eight institutions in the nation
Follow the Mules and Jennies
sending countries are Saudi Arabia, with
offering graduate credit opportunities.
at ucmo.edu/athletics.
University of Central Missouri | today
7
Something
As debaters at Central Missouri, Susan and Steven
to do
Beebe talked about writing a public speaking
love
is a bestseller used in college classrooms
someone to
and something to
lo
o
k
forward to
textbook together. Forty years later, their book,
Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others,
throughout the world, including UCM.
The Beebes, who first met when both
decided to join the Talking Mules debate
team, are acclaimed academicians at Texas
State University-San Marcos. Susan ’73
is director of lower-division studies for
the Department of English; Steve ’72, ’73
is regents and university distinguished
professor and chair of the Department
of Communication Studies and associate
dean of the College of Fine Arts and
Communication.
The two were honored Oct. 22 when the
UCM Alumni Association presented them
the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award.
The couple noted that receiving the award
together was especially meaningful since
Central Missouri has so influenced their
lives. In addition to meeting each other,
they developed lifelong interests, such as
travel and opera, when they experienced
both for the first time at UCM.
“To be happy, someone once said, a person
must have three things: something to
do, someone to love and something to
look forward to. Over the past 40 years,
my UCM education has fulfilled for me
all three requirements, making it possible
for me to live a happy and successful life,”
says Susan.
Since that first book, the Beebes
collaborated on many communication
studies textbooks and received
countless awards.
Susan has received the Texas State
Presidential Award for Excellence in
Service as well as all three Texas State
College of Liberal Arts awards for
excellence in teaching, in scholarly and
creative activities, and in service. She’s
listed in Who’s Who in American Education
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and Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.
Her leadership in building a volunteers
in public school program resulted in her
being honored as a State of Texas Friend
of Education by the Texas Classroom
Teachers’ Association.
Steve is a leading international author
of communication texts. He has been
a visiting scholar at both Oxford and
Cambridge universities in England
and has given lectures and conference
presentations throughout Europe, Asia
and Central America. He is in demand
as a communication consultant, trainer,
executive coach and conference speaker.
He was named Outstanding
Communication Professor in America by
the National Speakers Association and
was selected as the first Regents’ Professor
in the Texas State University System. He
recently was elected president-elect of the
National Communication Association,
the oldest and largest communication
association in the world.
Steve credits his successes to his UCM
experience, and he keeps two favorite
mementos in his office. One is a cape from
a Marching Mules band uniform; the
other is a black and white photo of the
1971 Talking Mules. Both Beebes are in
the picture, as well as Richard Cheatham,
then the team’s assistant coach and now
dean of the college where Steve teaches.
Taken on the steps of the the-new Martin
Building, the photo is 40 years old.
“Each day that image reminds me how
much UCM has been central in enriching
both my family and career. UCM has
indeed enriched my life – a wonderful
life,” he says.
B EE B E S HO N ORED AS
2010
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
The Beebes, who first met when b oth decided to
join the Talking M ul es debate tea m, a re acc la imed
academicians at Texas State University-San Marcos.
University of Central Missouri | today
9
Even though he has experienced life
on many campuses during his career, Baile
says his deepest ties are to UCM .
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BAILE RECEIVES
2010
UCM DISTINGUISHED
ALUMNI AWARD
Humans started using biotechnology when they first planted
crops and raised animals. When people next questioned how
food processes work, such as fruit turning into wine or milk
becoming cheese and yogurt, the study of biotechnology began.
MERGINGTHREEWORLDS
For his entire career, Clifton Baile has
studied biotechnology. That includes 28
years in academia and faculty positions
at two Ivy League universities as well as
17 years in industry. His success in taking
university research to industry is so great
that it was cited in Nature as a “model for
others to emulate.”
in first grade through College High. His
father, two sisters, brother and numerous
cousins also graduated from College High.
As the D.W. Brooks Distinguished
Professor and Georgia Research Alliance
Eminent Scholar of Agricultural
Biotechnology at the University of
Georgia, he has leveraged a heightened
understanding of transferring research
results to industry. During his research
at Harvard, Pennsylvania and Georgia
universities, he focused on controls of
food intake and obesity, specializing in
biotechnology.
“My UCM training served me well for the
many challenges of a career in science and
in combining science and technology with
business,” he says. “I have had successes
in academia and in industry managing
projects involving teams of hundreds
of people and hundreds of millions of
dollars. I have leveraged these experiences
in founding and managing eight
biotechnology companies.”
Baile says the experience was invaluable.
“College High was pivotal for my career
choices. It was designed to train teachers.
As students, we experienced many new
teachers every year and benefited from
Baile’s vita covers more than 42 pages and
their high energy and fresh methods,” he
lists in small type the lectures, seminars and explains.
symposia he’s presented throughout the
His wife of 50 years, Beth, attended UCM
United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Israel, and finished two degrees at the University
Russia and Australia. His achievements
of Missouri. Their son, Christopher,
include more than 300 abstracts, 350 journal graduated from UCM in 2000. Baile still
articles, 18 patents and $50 million in
owns a portion of the family farm just
research and faculty grants.
outside Warrensburg.
For these and other remarkable
achievements, Baile received the 2010
Distinguished Alumni Award from
the UCM Alumni Association. He was
honored Oct. 22 as part of the university’s
homecoming festivities.
Even though he has experienced life on
many campuses during his career, Baile
says his deepest ties are to UCM. His family
also has deep roots in Warrensburg. The
1962 agriculture and business graduate
practically grew up on Central Missouri’s
campus, attending the lab school starting
Baile is the current CEO of InsectiGen, Inc.
and AptoTec, Inc. His industrial experience
includes titles of distinguished fellow and
director of research and development for
Monsanto, and manager of research for
SmithKline and French. He has guided
other researchers and entrepreneurs as
they look for ways to create companies
based on promising scientific research
to fight diseases like cancer, obesity and
osteoporosis. Asked why, he says that he
“envisions biotechnology for a crowded
planet providing better and healthier foods
and disease prevention.”
University of Central Missouri | today
11
Loya
Honored as
2010 Distinguished
International
Alumnus
From his college days at the University of Central Missouri, Shree Loya embraced
the heart of the American dream: that by working hard, there was no limit to
what he could achieve.
He returned to his homeland of India determined to succeed in business. First,
he would have to quit his job, paying him $100 a month. Next, he would have to
develop partners to get start-up money. He had one solid asset, the master of
business administration degree that he earned from UCM in 1974.
A Business Lesson in
“When I came to Warrensburg, India was a
closed economy with heavy leftist leanings,
officially aiming to achieve a socialistic pattern
of society and modeling their economy on the
Soviet Union. Profit was a bad word and the
government manufactured everything,” he says.
Now, India is the fourth largest economy in the
world, and the biscuit (or cookie as we know
them in America) manufacturing industry that
Loya embraced is the third largest, second only to
the United States and China.
Since graduating from Central Missouri,
Loya utilized his classes in research methods,
management accounting and computers to start
five cookie manufacturing plants in different
parts of India. He currently owns and operates
two of them, employing about 600 people and
producing about 130 tons of cookies a day. He’s
manufactured cookies for some of the world’s
largest brands, such as Kellogg’s, Britannia
and Glaxo SmithKline. His business ventures
also include furniture, engineering goods and
imports/exports of vegetable oil, cocoa and
ventilation equipment.
Loya was honored on campus Oct. 22 when he
received the UCM Alumni Association’s 2010
Distinguished International Alumnus Award.
“UCM gave me an education,” he says, “and
America gave me the attitudes that I carry today.
America taught me equality of humans, the
dignity of labor and freedom of speech.”
12
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He recalls attending Central Missouri as a college
student in the early 1970s and being amazed by
the “total freedom of speech” he observed during
the Watergate scandal. “It taught me to trust and
become trustworthy. These are the things the
country taught me. I was only 21 years old and
very impressionable. America was my teacher
in terms of freedom. Thank you, UCM, for this
honor and thank you, USA.”
Loya’s colleagues attribute his success to his
innovative ideas, analytical skills and work ethic.
Loya will tell you that UCM had a profound
impact on both his abilities and attitudes,
especially in his exposure to Western culture and
free enterprise market ideals.
The most valuable lesson Loya learned at UCM
didn’t come from books but from people.
“It changed my philosophy of the way the
planet should work in terms of economics,” he
says. Being from India, he says he was expected
to embrace socialism or communism. He
chose capitalism and views his business success
as a result of that thinking. His approach is
a mixture of Western entrepreneurship and
Eastern fatalism.
He observes, “Success can never be expressed as a
mathematics formula. You put this in and you get
out this much. Many people put in effort. Some
get rewarded more and others less. You give it
your full faith, your full heart and full integrity
but what happens is left to the universe.”
Freedom
“Ucm gave me an education, and
America gave me the attitudes that
I carry today. America taught me
equality of humans, the dignity of
labor and freedom of speech.”
University of Central Missouri | today
13
“ He’s the kind of person who
really influences others. He
was one of those people in
my life who really directed
and helped form my career
and philosophy of life.”
14
FA L L 2 0 1 0
The
Nature of Oz
hawksley marks missouri and students
with conservation zeal
By Matt Bird-Meyer
Oz Hawksley is a ferocious conservationist.
Ironically, the basic protocol in studying and preserving prairies, caves and
waterways is to leave nothing behind, but this retired Central Missouri
professor has left an indelible impression. He’s promoted legislation to
protect scenic waterways, published extensive research on caves and fossils
discovered there, established a prairie in his
hometown, and started a scientific journal,
a statewide caving organization and a Kansas
City-based floating group. He’s also inspired
students of natural history and science to be
good stewards of the earth.
“It’s satisfying getting something constructive
done,” Hawksley says during an interview
one day before his 90th birthday. “You don’t
always win ’em all though.”
Hawksley taught biology and other courses
with a strong emphasis on field studies at
UCM. He and his late wife, Dorothy, started
the Outing Club in 1950 and took biology
students on floating and backpacking
adventures in the Ozarks and occasionally to
Colorado and Arkansas. He retired in 1979.
Preventing environmental destruction
clearly fueled his passion for the outdoors
and his support for conservation over the
years. “I guess, for me, [it’s] not wanting to
see beautiful things screwed up,” he adds.
To help preserve Missouri’s numerous
caves, Hawksley cofounded the Missouri
Speleological Survey in 1956. “So, we
were able to change it from a gangbang
University of Central Missouri | today
15
approach to caving to a productive thing
that produced scientific information,” he
explains. “I always considered that a real
success, and it surprised the hell out of me.”
Hawksley started the scientific journal,
Missouri Speleology, in the mid-1950s to
record fossil discoveries, cave mapping and
biological issues.
One of his former students, Jack Reynolds,
studied Ice Age fossils from Missouri caves
for his master’s thesis with Hawksley.
Several other graduate students began
studying the same issue, and soon,
Hawksley says, he had a large collection of
Ice Age fossils. He donated the collection to
the Illinois State Museum.
“There was no place in Missouri where
geologists were interested in that type of
research,” he notes.
Reynolds, a retired firefighter, police
trainer, whitewater guide and former
teacher, says his relationship with
Hawksley began “quite by accident.”
Reynolds, who still lives in Warrensburg,
came to UCM in the fall of 1954 and
drew Hawksley as his student adviser
and his primary professor for his major.
Reynolds went on many floating trips
with Hawksley, including whitewater trips
to Idaho.
The two eventually led an ambitious
expedition along the Selway River in
Idaho. They were the first ones to run and
document the river, which eventually
became protected through the Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. They filmed this
adventure in 1960 and gave a copy to the
Sierra Club, which used the film to push
for passage of the legislation.
“Oz was always into adventurous things, as
was I,” Reynolds says. “He has been a very
big influence in my life.”
Hawksley’s interest in boats and floating
began as a teenager growing up near the
Catskill Mountains of New York. He and
a friend built boats, starting with a rather
unsteady model with barrel hoops for ribs
and fabric from car tops for covering.
Later as an adult, Hawksley made many
canoeing trips to the Ozarks and founded
the Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club,
which is still active some 50 years later.
He used his extensive experience floating
southern Missouri to write a popular
canoeing guide titled Missouri Ozark
Waterways, published by the Missouri
Department of Conservation in 1965.
Hawksley may not be able to crawl around
The
Oz Inspiration
To say Oz Hawksley was an
“Students majoring in biology
Journal editor, acknowledged
was an education itself, to
effective biology professor
were required to take Oz’s
Hawksley’s influence on his
compare the differences
is an understatement. Many
course in ornithology,” he
former students.
between ecosystems found
of his students, inspired by
adds. “I especially remember
Hawksley’s approach of taking
a field trip that Oz set up
students on river and prairie
for the class to watch prairie
excursions, became leaders and
chickens booming on a lek
professionals in conservation-
(courtship display) near
related fields.
Windsor. There were about
Glenn Chambers, a board
member of the Missouri
Prairie Foundation, notes, “Dr.
Hawksley’s influence led to my
career as a wildlife research
biologist and eventually to a
career in wildlife photography
and wildlife film-making.”
Chambers grew up on a farm in
Bates County, MO, near the small
town of Passaic. He said their
farm was situated “in the heart
of prime prairie chicken range.”
There were some 50 birds per
a dozen males booming in
a winter wheat field, which
we could observe from a
nearby road. I was so excited
about that opportunity that
I borrowed an 8-millimeter
movie camera from a former
high school teacher and
filmed the booming activities.
During March and April of
the past three years, I have
continued photographing
prairie chickens in the Flint
Hills of Kansas.”
“The Missouri Prairie Foundation
is proud to have not only
Dr. Hawksley as a longtime
member, but also many of
his students, including Marcia
Nelson, Ron Oesch, Glenn
Chambers and Len Gilmore,”
she says. “All four of these
in Missouri. The first place
we stopped on the trip was
on a prairie and other mixed
grasslands. I remember the
number of flowers on the one
hay prairie we stopped at was
just awesome, and the birds
hollered everywhere.”
individuals, to name just a few
Gilmore says he learned the
of his students, have dedicated
most from Oz when he worked
themselves to careers or
for him in his office and lab.
volunteer endeavors in
conservation.”
“Within three months of
For Gilmore, “It was not
to work on the prairies for
until my senior year at UCM,
the Missouri Conservation
when I took Dr. Hawksley’s
Department and have been
course on field ecology, that
working on grasslands in one
Oz taught me there were
form or the other for 30 years,”
specific plants and animals
he says. “Oz sure had ways of
graduating from UCM, I went
square mile on their farm at that
Carol Davit, Missouri Prairie
that indicated historic prairie.
inspiring students and they
time, but Chambers said the
Foundation development
Oz led the class on a field trip
were never easy. In looking back
birds have all since disappeared.
coordinator and Missouri Prairie
down to the Ozarks, which
today...I’m glad.”
16
FA L L 2 0 1 0
caves any longer, but he still floats, stays
active with the Citizens for Environmental
Action in Warrensburg, and occasionally
participates in workdays with the Missouri
Prairie Foundation.
He plans to take a natural history trip in
November to Costa Rica with another
former student, Marcia Kelly Nelson, who
works for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Nelson came to UCM in 1972 as a graduate
student in biology. Specifically, she was
interested in ornithology, which led her
to Hawksley and a lifelong friendship. She
became a member of the Outing Club and
went on excursions nearly every weekend.
“He’s the kind of person who really
influences others,” Nelson says. “He was
one of those people in my life who really
directed and helped form my career
and philosophy of life.” She adds that
philosophy of life is knowing that what we
do affects entire ecosystems.
Hawksley has done his part in preserving
local ecosystems and built trails so people
could better appreciate the parks. As a
member of the Warrensburg Parks and
Recreation Department several years
ago, he helped develop trails and was
instrumental in establishing a prairie on
the west edge of town, the Turkey Foot
Prairie. Hawksley says the seven-acre prairie
is in need of a burn to prevent woody
encroachment. The trouble is finding
volunteers to do the work.
“If I were physically up to it, I would be
over there working on it,” he says.
Preventing environmental destruction
clearly fueled his passion for the outdoors
and his support for conservation over the
years. “I guess, for me, [it’s] not wanting
to see beautiful things screwed up.”
University of Central Missouri | today
17
philanthropy
18
Scottish Rite Gift Establishes
Literacy Lab for Children
The ability to use language, both spoken and written,
is critical to children’s development into adults. Yet,
FA L L 2 0 1 0
Jack Kairy, president, RiteCare Board of Directors, presents
a gift to UCM, accepted by President Charles Ambrose, right.
language disorders impact 20 percent of preschoolers.
The gift will allow the Welch-Schmidt Center to
A new literacy lab established within Central Missouri’s
expand its services to children in the community, notes
Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders
Blaine Duesing, interim chair of the Department of
will target this problem.
Communication Disorders.
The lab is being funded through a gift to the UCM
“The Early Language and Literacy Lab is in the
Foundation from the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbia.
visionary state of creation,” she says. “When
Officials from the Scottish Rite Freemasons Valley
established, it will assist children with language
of Columbia organization and RiteCare Valley of
and literacy deficiencies while providing unique
Columbia, Inc. recently joined university officials
opportunities for student clinicians pursuing careers as
in signing an agreement to create the facility. In
speech-language pathologists.”
addition, Bill Shansey, personal representative of the
Duesing adds that the lab will provide materials and
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Scottish Rite
facilities to identify children who are at high risk for
Freemasons in Missouri, presented a gift from RiteCare
reading differences and disorders. The new facility
provided by Missouri DeMolay, the young men’s
also will offer interactive, language-enriched reading
organization affiliated with Scottish Rite, in support of
material to support an early passion for reading in
the center.
children preschool-aged to third grade. Parents
“We appreciate the support of the Scottish Rite and
also will be able to obtain information to support
DeMolay as they join the staff of the Welch-Schmidt
pre-literacy skills in their children.
Center in their commitment to serving children with
The Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication
literacy and communication disorders,” says UCM
Disorders is an 8,600-square-foot, self-contained
President Charles Ambrose. “These gifts will have a
unit located in UCM’s Martin Building. Under the
direct impact on the success these young people will
supervision of faculty, students in the Department
have as they continue their education. We’re grateful
of Communication Disorders provide diagnostic
that these groups can come together to fulfill a
and rehabilitative services to communicatively
mission of importance to both.”
handicapped children and adults from the community.
“The Scottish Rite Columbia Valley, working through
The center treats nearly 100 clients every semester.
RiteCare, continues to providing educational
RiteCare is an outgrowth of a commitment by the
opportunities for young children,” says Jack Kairy,
Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction of the
president of the RiteCare board of directors. “We
United States to build a clinic for children with speech
are pleased to have the opportunity to build this
and language disorders in the 1950s. Today there are
partnership allowing us to reach the goal of helping
178 RiteCare clinics, centers and special programs
children with special needs.”
operating or planned across the country.
Browns Fund Scholarship
for Teacher Education Students
Marth Gift Benefits Iota Sigma Chapter
of Alpha Tau Omega
Charles and Mary Ann Brown appreciated the scholarships and
A gift from Frank Marth is benefiting the university’s Iota Sigma
loans that helped them finance their college education. The
Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega. Marth owns an insurance agency in
two Central Missouri graduates are making an annual gift to the
Mexico, MO, and has pledged an annual gift. A matching gift from
UCM Foundation to fund a scholarship returning the favor for
Shelter Insurance makes it possible for two scholarships to be
today’s students.
awarded annually.
Residents of Littleton, CO, the couple graduated from Harrisonville
Marth graduated with a bachelor science in business
High School. Charles taught for eight years, including at a
administration in 1987 and was a member of Alpha Tau as a
one-room schoolhouse in Gunn City, to earn the money to finish
student. “The Iota Sigma chapter started on campus in 1992 and
his undergraduate degree in 1968. He completed two more
since then, loyal Taus have focused on academics, community
degrees from UCM in 1974 and 1984 and eventually became
and brotherhood. I funded this scholarship to recognize that
assistant superintendent of the Harrisonville School District. He is
loyal Tau for all he does both inside and outside the classroom,”
now retired. Mary Ann, who earned degrees in 1975 and 1983, is a
he says.
middle school librarian.
The Charles and Mary Ann Brown Scholarship in Education will help
students pursing a degree in teacher education who demonstrate
Family Gift Creates Bill Colvin
Criminal Justice Scholarship
financial need.
“We had great experiences at Central Missouri,” says Charles, “and
respect the quality of education that the university provides. This is
our way of continuing the work of the people whose gifts made our
college dreams possible.”
Scholarship Promotes
International Relations
By creating a scholarship in memory of their brother, the
Kozaburo Teno family had one goal — to build a stronger bond
between the U.S., Japan and other Asian countries.
“My brother, Kozaburo, and I were thankful for our study at UCM
An alumnus of the University of Central Missouri’s criminal justice
and for the opportunity to live in the United States,” says Hidejiro.
program, Bill Colvin served his community through a career in law
“The experience helped us to better understand the country and
enforcement and professional investigation. Following his death this
its people.”
spring, his family and friends established the Bill P. Colvin Criminal
The Kozaburo Teno Memorial Scholarship will help students
who are U.S. citizens attending Central Missouri and pursuing
coursework that promotes international relations. The scholarship
Justice Scholarship, providing students who possess Colvin’s
passion for law enforcement with similar opportunities to further
their education and professional careers.
was funded through gifts by Hidejiro; Kozaburo’s widow, Kazuko;
A longtime resident of Warrensburg, Colvin was born in Denmark
and Acacia Japan Ltd., a corporation where the two brothers were
and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents in 1960. He enrolled in
directors. Kozaburo, a 1964 political science graduate, died in 1993.
criminal justice classes at UCM in 1980, the same year he began his
Gruvers Start Scholarship
to Boost Access
John and Fran Gruver of Albuquerque, NM, have made a
scholarship gift to help students with financial need.
law enforcement career with the Warrensburg Police Department
and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department. He completed his
undergraduate work in 1982 and his master’s degree in criminal
justice in 1988.
While pursuing his graduate degree, Colvin began teaching classes
While stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, John, a 1978 alumnus,
in the Department of Criminal Justice. After retiring from the
wrote Reid Hemphill, then dean of the Graduate School, asking
Warrensburg Police Department in 1991, he began a career as an
him to establish a course of study that would combine elements
insurance fraud investigator for State Farm and Zurich International
of psychology with security. Hemphill agreed, and John brought
insurance companies.
20 security police officers from the base to attend. All of them
completed graduate degrees in criminal justice administration.
“We are honored that the Colvin family and their friends chose
to honor Bill’s legacy by establishing this scholarship,” says
The Gruvers’ decision to start this scholarship was based on that
Betsy Kreisel, chair of the UCM Department of Criminal Justice.
positive experience and their belief in increased access to higher
“Bill’s professionalism and commitment to service to society
education. “We hope this scholarship will help qualified students who
will continue to be an example to future generations of law
are struggling to afford today’s increasing college costs,” he says.
enforcement professionals.”
University of Central Missouri | today
19
SELLING
SUCCESS
20
FA L L 2 0 1 0
State Farm Funds National
Competition at UCM
By Jeff Murphy
I
n the 45 years Larry Haase has taught classes at the University of
Central Missouri, he has witnessed how a good education helps
graduates achieve high levels of professional success. The longtime
chair of the Department of Marketing and Business Law shares examples
ranging from a graduate who landed a job with a six-figure income right out of college
to others who have advanced to leadership posts in nationally known companies.
To a dedicated professor, such achievement is reward enough, but when a group of
UCM alumni working for State Farm recently supported, through the company, a
sales lab and collegiate competition, it was a special gesture. It is an effort greatly
appreciated by Haase and his colleagues, but also one that will benefit UCM students
pursuing sales careers for many years.
“As a teacher, you go along year after year, and you know you’re doing something
meaningful, and you’re affecting students and their future. But let’s face it, just like
many of us have done with our old high school and grade school teachers, how many
times does someone come back and tell you, ‘Hey, you really made a difference,’”
Haase says, leaning back in his office chair in the Dockery Building. “So, when alumni
provide financial support and contact opportunities with their companies like this,
it is very rewarding. It says that we did something valuable and important… I don’t
know anything that is more gratifying for people in education than that.”
Haase says Central Missouri alumni working for State Farm were inspired by a
generous gift in 2007 that led to the Mike and Patti Davidson Distinguished Marketing
Professorship in the Harmon College of Business Administration. The Davidsons
established the professorship through the UCM Foundation. The two 1972 UCM
alumni began their careers as teachers. Mike Davidson later joined State Farm as an
agent and advanced through the ranks to become the company’s vice chairman, chief
agency and marketing officer at its national headquarters in Bloomington, IL.
To a dedicated
professor, such
achievement is
reward enough, but
when a group of UCM
alumni working for
State Farm recently
supported, through
the company, a sales
lab and collegiate
competition, it was a
special gesture.
Since the Davidsons’ gift, discussions about additional ways to benefit students have
provided a good networking opportunity between Haase, his department colleagues
and State Farm’s many UCM alumni, including area agents and executives such as
Helping to forge a new partnership with UCm were State Farm employees,
left to right, Paul martin, Jerry Nevins, Patti Killian and jeff davis.
University of Central Missouri | today
21
the State Farm Marketing and Sales
Competition held Nov. 12 on campus.
Having accompanied UCM students to
the national collegiate sales competition
at Kennesaw State University in Georgia,
Schwepker was well prepared to work
with the students and faculty attending
the sales and marketing competition. They
came from the University of Southern
California, University of Illinois, Ohio
University, Wake Forest (North Carolina),
Duquesne University (Pennsylvania),
University of Texas and Louisiana State
University. Each school selected two
student competitors, who each received a
$1,000 scholarship and traveling expenses
from State Farm, to attend. A faculty
member from each school accompanied
the students and served as a coach for the
individual and team activities.
Larry Haase has taught classes at the
university of central missouri for 45 years.
Davidson and Rand Harbert ’85, senior
vice president of State Farm’s California
operations. Personal meetings on campus,
numerous phone calls and other efforts
resulted in the company making gifts to
support the education of students seeking
sales careers.
The competition may have provided a
learning experience for students, but State
Farm also learned from the participants.
One of the unique aspects was that each
competitor was asked to sell a mock auto
insurance policy to young adult customers.
Students had to put together a written sales
portfolio, which was judged in addition to
their oral sales presentation.
One such benefit was financial support for
a lab on the third floor of the Ward Edwards
“The students who put the information
together are the same folks State Farm is
trying to target, and
they want to know
more about the young
The competition may have provided a learning
insurance buyer, so
experience for students, but State Farm also
who better to go to,”
is learning from the college participant s. One
Schwepker says. “The
of the unique aspects of the contest was that
students did research
each competitor was asked to sell a mock auto
among their peers to
insurance policy to young adult customers.
see what attracts them
and what would make
them want to see a
Building, which has been named the State
State Farm agent to purchase insurance.”
Farm Sales Lab. The space consists of a block State Farm sees this as an opportunity
of five rooms on the northeast side of the
to contribute to student learning, says
building, which will be used year-round for State Farm Agency Vice President John
instruction and training. The space also is
Langcuster. “As the leading home
the site for an annual sales and marketing
and auto insurer in the country, State
competition the company established in
Farm has an interest in the strength
cooperation with Harmon College.
of our schools and communities. The
“We’re really excited about this opportunity
with State Farm. We think it’s great for
our program,” says Charlie Schwepker,
who holds the Davidson Distinguished
Marketing Professorship. He also directed
22
FA L L 2 0 1 0
partnership with UCM helps students
learn about sales and prepare them for a
career in the workforce.”
Haase believes the partnership with State
Farm provides a tremendous opportunity
to strengthen the university and
corporate connections between students,
faculty and State Farm professionals. Many
UCM alumni have already established
the quality and value of their education
through their success with the global
insurance giant. He hopes the company
will discover and recognize students who
have the skills and confidence they need
to succeed and consider them for future
employment.
“Obviously, we are interested in financial
support for our department and our
programs, but if we can help our students
get on the inside track with a successful
company like State Farm, then that’s what
we’re here for,” he says.
UCM Students
National Competitors
Students from the University of
Central Missouri have a reputation
for being tough competitors in the
National Collegiate Sales Competition.
Marketing professor Charles
Schwepker notes UCM produced a
national champion in 2006, finished
seventh in 2007, fourth in 2008 and
third in 2009.
The NCSC takes place every year
at Kennesaw State University
in Georgia. Each student who
participates provides a 20-minute
sales presentation judged by
college professors teaching sales
and marketing, as well as sales and
marketing executives.
In addition to their presentations,
participants interact with CEOs,
directors of marketing, sales managers
and human resource directors from
major corporations at a job fair held
during the competition.
The 2010 competition took place
in March and included 61 teams
comprising 122 students from
universities throughout the U.S.
Central Missouri students prepared
for the event months in advance with
coaching assistance from Schwepker
and Cheryl K. Shattuck, assistant
professor of marketing.
Something rare and unique
for your home or office.
w w w. u c m o. e d u /au c t ion
BIDDING
The pair is being offered as a set through an online auction.
They stand between 14-16 inches tall, 10-12 inches wide and
12 inches deep. Proceeds will support the programming
and operations for the two stations, providing benefits to
thousands of listeners and viewers over the coming year.
P lace your bid at
CLOSES AT
Sculptor Elizabeth Ritter has generously made a gift of
this beautiful paired set of raku mule sculptures to public
broadcast stations KMOS-TV and 90.9-The Bridge.
MIDNIGHT,
DEC. 15
University of Central Missouri | today
23
class notes
1960-1969
Jimmy Edwards ’61 and Duetta
(Knier) Edwards ’59 celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary
in May. Both are retired from
teaching. Jim served as director of
the Southwest Baptist University
Center in Salem, MO. In 2009,
he received an honorary doctor
of education degree from SBU.
They live on a farm near Salem.
They have three children and 12
grandchildren.
Mary (Rion) Ragland ’61, ’93
continues to coordinate and teach
in the developmental writing
program in the Department of
Academic Enrichment at the
University of Central Missouri. She
resides on a small farm north of
Warrensburg with many “critter”
friends. She would love to hear
from her friends and classmates at
ragland@ucmo.edu.
Imogene (Walker) Clark ’62
retired in May 2010 after teaching
kindergarten for 31 years in
Cameron, MO and 10 years in
Denver, CO. She and her husband,
Gerald ’62, reside in Osborn, MO.
They plan to travel and enjoy their
three grandchildren: Andrew,
Kelsey and Cheyenne.
Rosalee Jordan ’63, ’78 retired
from Smithton R-VI School
District as an English teacher.
Jordan, who currently publishes
the Alexander newsletter, resides
near Sedalia, MO.
Regis McDonald ’66 has been
elected to the board of trustees
of Wentworth Military Academy
and College in Lexington, MO; he
graduated from Wentworth in 1964.
He is presently vice president of the
Children’s Village in Dobb’s Ferry,
NY, and serves as the secretary of
the Board of Directors of the New
York State Coalition for Children’s
Mental Health Services.
1970-1979
Michael C. Davidson ’72 was
elected chair of the American
College Board of Trustees. He is
the vice chairman and chief agency
and marketing officer at State Farm
Mutual Automobile Insurance
Co. He began his career with
State Farm in 1978 as an agent in
24
FA L L 2 0 1 0
Richmond, MO, and has since held
a variety of positions in agency and
corporate areas. He was honored
in 2007 as UCM Distinguished
Alumnus. American College is
the nation’s largest nonprofit
educational institution devoted to
financial services.
the classroom and 10 years in
administration. He is currently
working part time for the district
as an eMINTS trainer. Dooley
recently earned certification as an
education technology specialist and
as a comprehensive/METS Teacher
with the eMints national office.
Leonard Buddenbohm ’73
retired from the Atchison County
counselor’s position Dec. 30, 2009,
after 32 years of service. He served
as president of the Association of
Kansas County Counselors. He was
honored with a reception at the
courthouse in Atchison, where he
continues his private law practice.
Karen (Helge) Dewey ’77, ’78, ’83,
who has been teaching 32 years,
is moving from a self-contained
classroom to Title I reading and
math. She is on the board of
directors of the West Burlington
Booster Club, is a member of the
West Burlington Planning and
Zoning Commission and vice
president of the fine arts boosters.
She and her husband, John,
celebrated their 25th wedding
anniversary Aug.10.
Teresa (Fry) Brown ’73, ’75 was
promoted to full professor of
homiletics and director of the
Black Church Studies Program in
the Candler School of Theology at
Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
Robert Markovics ’73 has
published a book, 54 Secrets to
Playing Better Golf, after 7½ years
of dedicated work. He began
playing golf at the age of seven
and turned pro in 1976, playing for
two years before a viral infection
forced him to retire. He has won
more than 40 individual and team
tournaments during the past five
decades and credits UCM coach,
the late Earl Keth, as a mentor,
coach and friend. Markovics and his
wife, Mercedes, live in southwest
Missouri and northwest Arkansas.
David Salmon ’73 has written
the book, Tornado Watch-Meteorology
of Severe Storms for Spotters, Chasers
and Enthusiasts. Salmon runs
a consulting business for the
impact of weather on energy and
agricultural commodities. He and
his wife, Yvonne (Banister) ’73,
reside in Belton, MO. Yvonne is
now in banking, after teaching
school in Belton for 25 years.
Douglas Y. Tatum ’74 was
appointed general manager for the
Center for the Performing Arts
in Carmel, IN. Tatum previously
spent 17 years as the executive
director of the Arts Foundation of
Kansas City.
William Dooley ’75, ’82, ’91
retired from the Richmond R-XVI
School District after 23 years in
1980-1989
Connie (Daley) Workman ’81,
’10 is an instructional coach in the
Kansas City, MO, School District.
Her husband, Nick ’84, is the
building official in Grandview,
MO. Their children are also alums.
Alex ’07 has a degree in business
management and is working on an
MBA; Bridget ’09 earned a degree
in graphic design and is working on
a master’s in psychology.
Terry Jarrett ’82 sent us a
clarification regarding his “30-year
engagement” and later marriage to
Sharon Pohlman ’82. They became
engaged as UCM students, then
broke up and married other people.
When Terry’s wife died in 2008 and
Sharon divorced, they reconnected
and married March 4, 2010. They are
living in Jefferson City, MO.
Ronald Walker ’84 exhibited 25
paintings this summer at the Ghost
Pony Gallery in Taos, NM.
Doug Slinker ’85, ’88 recently
opened SLINKFIT, a sports training
and performance fitness facility in
Mission, KS. Slinker is a nationally
certified strength coach and
personal trainer. He has trained
Olympic athletes, professional
boxers and MMA fighters, high
school and college scholarship
athletes along with top executives
and business professionals. Find
SLINKFIT on Facebook or go to
www.slinkfit.com.
Greg Williams ’85 is the new
director of research parks for the
University of Missouri system. He
has worked 24 years as an economic
development professional and most
recently was senior vice president
of economic development for
the Springfield Area Chamber of
Commerce. Greg is the father of
triplets: twin girls and a boy.
Cynthia Prudden ’87 was
appointed by Missouri Governor
Jay Nixon to the Board of Probation
and Parole for a term ending
April 25, 2015. She has served as
warden for the Women’s Eastern
Reception, Diagnostic and
Correctional Center in Vandalia,
MO, since 2004. Prudden resides in
Bowling Green, MO.
Jill (Dudding) Berry ’88 was
promoted to vice president of
sales at Elan-Polo International
after 13 years of service. The shoe
import company, based in St. Louis,
designs, sells and produces 240
million pairs of shoes annually.
Craig Olson ’88 retired from the
U.S. Air Force in 2008 and is now
president of Salus Education in San
Antonio, TX.
1990-1999
Jeff McLanahan ’90, senior
director of restaurant training
for Papa John’s International
Inc., competed in his second full
marathon in Akron, OH, Sept. 25.
He resides in Crestwood, KY.
Candy Hawks ’93 competed
in the World Duathlon
Championships in Edinburgh,
Scotland, Sept 3-5. She
qualified for the competition
at the U.S. Duathlon National
Championships in April in
Richmond, VA. The race consisted
of a 6.2 mile run and 25-mile bike
race. Hawks substitute teaches
at Camden Elementary School
and is an aerobic instructor at
the YMCA. She and her husband,
Larry, and their two daughters
reside in Crestwood, KY.
Fred Liggett ’93 has earned
the status of certified television
operator by the Society of
Broadcast Engineers after passing
his CTO exam. He is employed at
ION Media Network.
Lynn Ross ’93 is the senior claims
representative in the occupational
claims department (toxic exposure
litigation), Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Railway Corporate
Campus in Ft. Worth, TX. She has
two grown children residing in
Kansas City, MO.
doctoral program at Northeastern
University in Boston.
Brian Palmer ’01 and wife, Leslie
(Zander) ’01 announce the birth of
their first child, Ava Marie
June 4, 2010. The family resides in
Lee’s Summit, MO.
Robin (Hobbs) Webb ’97 and
husband, Eric, announce the birth
of Aubrey Feb. 18, 2009. The family
resides in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Brady Sowers ’01, ’07 and his
wife, Elizabeth (Fitzwater) ’03,
announce the birth of Emmilee
Beth April 15, 2010. The family
resides in Hannibal, MO.
John Comerford ’98 is the new
vice president for institutional
advancement at Westminster
College in Fulton, MO.
Caleb Housh ’02 and his wife,
Hilary, announce the birth of a
daughter, Coley, April 22, 2010. The
family resides in Seymour, IA.
Jason Scales ’98, ’02 received
the Honorary American Farmer
Degree at the Future Farmers of
America national convention
Oct. 22 in Indianapolis. It is
the highest honor given by
the national FFA organization,
recognizing Scales’ contribution
to agriculture education. He is an
associate professor at UCM.
Heather (DeGarmo) Callaway
’99 and husband, Jeff ’00, announce
the birth ofa son, James Thomas,
March 30, 2010. The family resides
in Corpus Christi, TX.
Julie (Major) Reardon ’99
and husband, John, welcome a
daughter, Vivian Paige, July 15,
2010. They live in Kahoka, MO.
Ryan Stone ’99, ’04 is a tenured
teacher of composition, literature
and creative writing at Danville
Area Community College in
Illinois. His first collection of
short stories, Best Road Yet, is being
published by Press 53. For reading
dates and other information go to
ryanpstone.com.
2000-2009
Jeff Callaway ’00 earned the rank
of Lt. Commander in the U.S.
Navy. He is an instructor pilot
stationed in Kingsville, TX.
Jeremy Lackman ’00 graduated
with a master’s degree in education
at Brooklyn College in New York
and has been accepted into the
Ph.D. program at the University of
Georgia in Athens.
Courtney (Halter) Pellegrino
’00, ’04 was accepted into the
Christopher Wolf ’02 and his
wife, Sara, announce the birth of
Ella Rose April 13, 2010. She joins a
brother, Parker Christopher, 3. The
family resides in Ballwin, MO.
Keegan (David) Nichols ’03
married May 2010. She received her
doctoral degree in adult and higher
education from Northern Illinois
University also in May. She is vice
president of student affairs at Colby
Community College in Kansas.
Brett Altenhofen ’04 is a
firefighter and emergency medical
technician for the Southern Platte
Fire Protection District in Missouri.
Michael Mayer ’04 has been
appointed executive director of
Theta Chi fraternity’s international
headquarters staff. Previously, he
was associate executive director.
Before joining the staff, he was
employed by Pennington &
Company as a capital campaign
consultant. Mayer was the 2004
recipient of Theta Chi’s Reginald
E.F. Colley Memorial Trophy
and a 2005 recipient of the
North American Interfraternity
Conference’s Award of Distinction.
Tara Rieck ’04 and Clark Grell
were married July 3 and are
residing in Lincoln, NE.
Sarah Frazelle ’05, ’07 has begun
her Ph.D. in public administration
at the University of Kansas. She is
the assistant director for the Kansas
City Area Education Research
Consortium. She married Seth
Ritter in June 2009 and has two
children Isobel, 13, and Joshua, 8.
Isobel is a violinist in the Kansas
Travel Bug Leads Thiessen
to Teach in Japan
Crystal Bock Thiessen refuses to stay
in one place or career for too long.
She’s too busy fulfilling a lifelong goal
to travel, meet new people, teach and
take photos.
She’s nearly fulfilled her goal of
visiting 30 countries by the time she
turns 30. And Thiessen credits her
time at UCM for helping to meet her
goals. “Being from a teeny town in
the middle of Kansas, that’s a goal that is incredibly hard to even
fathom, let alone carry out,” she says.
Thiessen attended UCM from 1999 to 2004. She majored in
photography and Spanish with a minor in art. Through the
university, she studied abroad in the Netherlands and 13 European
countries. She also studied Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Thiessen notes these experiences made her realize that she did
not want to shape her life around a career.
“I instead wanted to work while filling my life with experiences:
traveling, photographing, speaking with people of all
backgrounds and of different languages, and generally having the
kind of zest for learning and living that my high school Spanish
teacher had,” she says.
Thiessen graduated from UCM in 2004 and went to Ireland,
where she worked in a wine bar and café. She returned to UCM
and earned a master’s degree in teaching English as a second
language in 2006 and married her sweetheart, Jacob, in Mexico
in 2007. They are now on their third year of living and working
in Sapporo, Japan. Jacob is a chef there, and Thiessen teaches
English through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program.
“So, I will be 30 in February, and I have traveled to 29 countries so
far,” she says. “South Korea and Vietnam are on the list for this fall
and winter, and as I approach actually achieving my high school
dream, all these experiences I’ve had in just a short amount of
time have taught me that it’s not about the number of countries
you travel to or experiences you can check off of your list, but
instead the people who you interact and surround yourself with.”
WE WANT YOUR
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University of Central Missouri | today
25
City Youth Symphonette. The
family resides in Lawrence, KS.
Diane Frisbie ’05 and her husband,
Michael, announce the birth of
Kevin Michael Aug. 5, 2010. The
family resides in Olathe, KS.
Johnna Irey ’05 is working in the
UCM Office of Alumni Relations
and Development. She left UCM in
1999 after working in the registrar’s
office, 1995-1996, and the revenue
office, 1996-1999. She is a member
of the advisory board for the UCM
Department of Agriculture. Her
daughter, Lorann, 15, is a sophomore
at Knob Noster High School.
Marcus Reiter ’05 graduated with
a master’s degree in environmental
policy and management from the
University of Denver.
Devin Donley ’04 and husband,
Rick ’04, announce the birth of a
daughter, Harper Lenae, Feb. 26, 2010.
The family resides in Leonard, MO.
Kari Soule ’07 and Zack Johnson
married June 26 and are residing in
Kansas City, MO.
Kelly Jo Blake ’08 is the creative
designer for the haunted
Benjamin Ranch in the Kansas
City metro area. Steeped within
its 100-year frontier history, the
ranch is the area’s only westernthemed haunt. Blake designed
the attraction, which includes
haunted stables, a quarantined
animal barn, stockpen cage
maze, forest of lost cowboys and
haunted hayride. She credits
her UCM theatre involvement
for helping her to create this
interactive experience.
Richard Steckel ’08 retired from
Boeing in 2009 after 24 years as
a quality engineer. He is now a
research assistant with the Center
for Aviation Safety Research, Parks
College of Engineering, Aviation
and Technology at St. Louis
University. He also is an adjunct
professor in the aviation science
department and has been accepted
into Parks’ doctorate in aviation
program. His current research
interest is accident investigation
and prevention.
Brandon Badgley ’09 is working
for Keesling Seed Farms in Lyons,
KS, as a retail sales representative for
Dekalb, Asgrow, Stine Seeds, AgriPro
Wheat and other companies.
Art Teacher at the Top
In the educational art world, Leesha
Dunkesen is a star. The Knob Noster
Middle School art teacher won the 2010
National Middle Level Art Educator
Award from the National Art Education
Association.
“It was very humbling to look out at all
those other middle school art teachers
as I accepted this award and know that I had been chosen of
all those great teachers,” she says.
Dunkeson grew up in Odessa and earned her bachelor’s
degree from UCM in 1986.
She taught art for all grades kindergarten through 12 at
Wellington-Napoleon for six years before joining the Knob
Noster district in 1991. She is serving on the council of the
Missouri Art Education Association as the advocacy chair. She
was named Missouri Middle School Art Educator of the Year in
2006 and Missouri Outstanding Art Educator in 2009.
Dunkeson was nominated for the NAEA award by Rahila
Weed, UCM associate professor of art and design. She says
the award honors teachers who promote art education and
2010
help other teachers through professional development.
Michael Papadopoulos ’10 has
accepted an adjunct position in the
Department of Education of Grand
Canyon University in Phoenix,
AZ. He also began his 14th year
of teaching at the middle and
secondary levels.
“Being an art teacher is more of a calling than a job for me,
I believe that being a middle school art teacher is what I
was made to be,” she says. “I love my middle schoolers and
figured out early on that the way to survive in a middle school
classroom is to keep them busy all the time.”
Dunkeson takes professional development to the grassroots
level as she hosts her 23rd student teacher this school year.
Alumni Needed
to Solve Painting’s
History Mystery
26
FA L L 2 0 1 0
“They need to get a taste of what it’s really like,” she says.
Although she enjoys watercolor painting, Dunkeson says
teaching consumes most of her time. She does find enough
time to occasionally submit a few pieces at local fairs.
“I joke when I grow up I want to be an artist,” she adds.
Calling all UCM history
Among these finds was this
of the ramp coming from the
detectives for a mystery that
painting mounted to a wall
Garrison Equipment Check-Out
surfaced during the renovation
in the basement of Garrison,
Room. He also advised that
of the Morrow-Garrison
hiding behind a door. Based
at one time this area was the
complex. As construction
on the many layers of paint
Athletic Training Room. In most
progressed, it was not unusual
over the frame, its age is
recent years, the painting was
to find artifacts when the
estimated between 30 and 40
hiding in the men’s student
departments of kinesiology
years old.
locker room. The door it
and nutrition moved out of
Speaking with Myron “Mike”
Morrow-Garrison — baseball
Carter, who has been with
bats labeled men’s PE, track &
the university for more than
Do you know anything about
field discus labeled women’s
45 years, faculty members
this painting? Know who
PE, snorkeling equipment for
determined that the wall it hung
painted it? If so, email us at
the pool.
on was once at the bottom
today@ucmo.edu.
was hiding behind led to the
wrestling locker room.
Robert Shatto ’69 is co-owner of
Shatto Milk north of Kansas City.
At the World Dairy Exposition in
Madison, WI, the dairy won three
awards, placing first in the world
for its root beer milk, second for its
strawberry milk, and second for its
two percent milk in the white milk
category. Shatto was profiled in the
spring 2010 Today magazine. He and
his wife, Barb, owner of the dairy,
reside in Osborn, MO.
Warren Utsler ’70 received the
2010 Arkansas Association of
Instruction Media “Technology
Leader of the Year” award. He is
technology chair and EAST Lab
facilitator of the Green Forest
School District in Arkansas.
Bob Orf ’73 was inducted into
Missouri Western State University’s
Intercollegiate Athletics Hall
of Fame Sept. 25. Orf began his
broadcast career in 1975 in
St. Joseph, MO, at the MissouriNet
affiliate KFEQ, where he is now
program director. He has been the
“voice of the Griffons” for 35 years,
starting with the men’s basketball
team in 1989 and adding the
women’s basketball team in 1992.
David Hariton ’74 was awarded
the 2010 Paul Burrell Volunteer
of the Year Award from Special
Olympics Florida at the Special
Olympics State Leadership
Conference in Orlando. This award
is presented to the individual whose
voluntary service and participation
have improved the quality of the
county, area and state Special
Olympics programs.
Dale Kirby ’75 is the recipient of
the 2007 California State Rural
Healthcare Leader Award. He also
was named chair of the board
of directors for the Hospital
Council of Northern and Central
California. Kirby is the chief
executive officer of Colusa (CA)
Regional Medical Center.
Charles Lane ’79, associate vice
president of career and safety
services at the University of
Southern California, has been
inducted into Southwest Baptist
University’s Athletics Hall of Fame
for his college tennis achievements.
He lives in Pasadena, CA, with his
wife, Natasha, and daughter.
Melanie Popejoy ’80, ’89 was
named Choral Director of the Year
by the North Dakota chapter of
the American Choral Directors
Association. She also served as
the conductor of the 2010 North
Dakota All-State Junior High
Mixed Chorus. Popejoy is director
of choirs and voice instructor at
Valley Middle School in Grand
Forks, ND, and founder and artistic
director of the Grand Cities
Children’s Choir. She was
also honored in 2005 with the
Distinguished Music Alumnus
Award from the UCM Department
of Music.
James Popejoy ’81 was promoted
to full professor of music at the
University of North Dakota where
he serves as director of bands. He
received the North Dakota Spirit
Faculty Achievement Award in
2009 from UND and was awarded
the Citation of Excellence by the
National Band Association in 2010.
At the 2010 College Band Directors
National Association North Central
Division Conference, he presented
the music of Pulitzer Prize winning
composer Joseph Schwantner.
He was honored in 2005 with the
Distinguished Music Alumnus
Award from the UCM Department
of Music.
Mildred “Millie” Barnes ’99
was honored with the Lifetime
Achievement Award from the
National Association of Collegiate
Women Athletics Administrators.
She was the first woman to be
appointed to a U.S. Olympic
awards & honors
Robert Buhrkuhl ’69, ’71,
honored in 2009 as UCM
Distinguished Alumnus, received
rare national recognition Aug. 20
when the U.S. Special Operations
Command at MacDill Air Force
Base in Tampa, FL, named the
conference room in the Center for
Financial Management the
Dr. Robert L. Buhrkuhl Conference
Room. His portrait and a plaque
will permanently be displayed in
the room. An annual leadership
award also was named in his honor.
Buhrkuhl served as the command’s
first chief financial officer, and
under his leadership, the center
was created as a stand-alone
organization.
Committee by the NCAA and to be
elected to the Naismith Basketball
Hall of Fame Board of Trustees.
Barnes served as a professor of
physical education at UCM before
her retirement.
Lucas Boyce ’03 was named to
the Orlando Business Journal’s “40
Under 40” list. The recognition
spotlights top young business
and civic leaders under the age
of 40 classified as “well-rounded
individuals with a positive
attitude who show consistent,
outstanding professional
achievement and commitment
to community service.” Boyce
is director of multicultural
insights and cause marketing for
the Orlando Magic. He joined
the Magic in July 2008 after
serving in the White House in
the Office of Political Affairs
and Public Liaison. Boyce’s
recent honor coincides with the
launch of his personal web site,
lucasdanielboyce.com, and his
first book, Living Proof: From Foster
Care to the White House and the NBA,
to be published in December.
Ruined Pilot Career Leads to
Award-winning Documentary
Epilepsy ended Susan Arthurs’ career as a pilot, but
it also became the driving force of an internationally
acclaimed documentary that she produced and
directed. The 1994 UCM alumna and former aviation
department faculty member recognized a need
for further research after she was diagnosed with
epilepsy. She co-founded the Alliance for Epilepsy
Research, a nonprofit group dedicated to generating
funding for research and increasing public awareness
about the disease. Her passion to communicate a better understanding of the disorder
continued with her production of It Is Epilepsy: The Challenges and Promises of Automated
Seizure Control. The documentary spans nine years, giving an overall look at epilepsy and
the impact it has on patient’s lives.
Arthurs partnered with UCM alumnus, Doug Underwood ’00, as her co-producer and editor.
The associate communication professor taught video production until retiring this summer.
Their hard work and dedication have garnered major awards in 2010 including the El
Capitan Film Award at the Yosemite Film Festival, Gold Kahuna Award for Excellence at the
Honolulu Film Festival, the Van Gogh Award for Best Educational Film at the Amsterdam
Film Festival, the Silver Ace Award at the Las Vegas Film Festival, and the Silver Palm Award
at the Mexico International Film Festival. — by Danielle Myers ’11
University of Central Missouri | today
27
1940-1949
1960-1969
Current Students
Friends
Rue Porter ’40
Carol Teague ’62
Raymond A. Buzzanga ’77
Terrence Barkley
Billy M. Anderson
Frank E. Myers
Velda O. Keeney ’43
Helen K. Wollard ’62
Francis E. Owens ’77
Lincoln J. Louis
Harriet I. Boyer
Edward E. Opich
Ellen G. Wood ’43
Roberta Jean Johnson ’66
Pamela Z. Kielholz ’78
Matthew W. Parker
John K. Brecht
Harold L. Parker
William E. Young ’45
Karen S. Tesreau ’66
George H. Vermillion ’78
Carly E. Ross
Nan Cocke
Mary R. Reeder
Dorothy L. Burbridge ’46
Eugene C. Honeywell ’67
Tina A. Schneider
Richard M. Collins
Robert C. Shaw
Charles P. Elliott ’46
Gary D. Clem ’69
1980-1989
Mary B. Dankenbring
Terrance Earl
Mary Louise Cromley ’49
Virginia M. Foree ’69
Joyce G. Allcorn ’83
Former Students
Mary E. Dankenbring
Margaret S. Southall ’49
Donald G. Ric hey ’69
Susan L. Province ’83
Beverly Belle Augustine
Phoebe B. Goodman
Glenn Vance
Lee E. Wells
Robert G. Dark
Wilma Green
1990-1999
Judy Lee Elders
Willa Gregory
Betty C. Staley ’69, ’78
1950-1959
Hallie J. Mantle ’50
1970-1979
Shelley S. Bryan ’92
Glen H. Elrod
Fredrick B. Hammert
Carl H. Martin ’51, ’62
Dorothy I. Schillereff ’70
Troy A. Nutter ’92
Wayne C. Granger
Lawrence N. Hicks
Betty Lou Arwood ’54, ’84
Gilbert J. Andruk ’72
Nathan Robert Maxwell
Elinor L. Johnson
Hollis E. Dyer ’54
Lee D. Rainey ’72
2000-2009
Beverly Ostervich
B.H. Kearns
Marilyn B. Giltner ’53
Harry F. Messinger ’73, ’74
Ronald D. Swalley ’01
Walter Wesp
Donald D. Lamb
Virgil W. Wood
Marion J. LeFevre
(College High), ’56
Janet G. Smith ’73
Janice W. Mahl ’58
Charles D. Cramer ’74
College High Alumni
Orval Lenger
Richard R. Morse ’59
David E. Boles ’75
Lyman Lyne Sr. ’56
Shana L. Mahanes
VanBuskirk
Central Missouri Loses Theatre
Great James Highlander
arts degree in theatre from the
University of Illinois-Urbana.
James L. Highlander was one
of Central Missouri’s all-time
greats whose contributions to
the university and to its theatre
program were so transformative
that the Highlander Theatre is
named for him. He died Oct. 14,
2010, at age 82 in Georgetown, TX.
Highlander served UCM from 1961
to 1991. He served as the first chair
of the Department of Theatre,
developed the undergraduate and
graduate theatre programs, assisted
in the planning and building of the
Highlander Theatre, and personally
directed nearly 40 productions.
He was born in Galesburg, IL, in
1928 to Myra (Palmer) and Clarence
Highlander. He graduated from
Galesburg High School in 1946 and
attended Eureka (IL) College. He
studied pre-engineering before
changing his major to speech and
drama, graduating with a bachelor
of arts degree in 1951. The following
year he received his master of
28
FA L L 2 0 1 0
In 1952 he was drafted into the
U.S. Army. He was sent to Korea in
1953 where he was attached to the
3rd Infantry Division and served as
a combat casualty clerk at an aid
station with the 65th Regiment.
He later became head of personnel
records at Division Headquarters
and was discharged in August 1954,
having risen to the rank of sergeant
first class. While serving in Korea, he
received the Bronze Star.
He began his first teaching
job when he returned home
at Moorhead State College in
Minnesota. There he met his
future wife, Norma Hornbacher.
They married Aug. 4, 1957.
theatre history and architecture,
he researched and constructed six
theatre models, which represent
the development of theatre design.
These are on permanent display in
the theatre’s lobby.
The final production of his career
was The Glass Menagerie, a play he
loved and directed three times at
UCM. After the last show there
was an onstage tribute to him
with quotes from letters that his
former students and colleagues had
written telling of his influence and
inspiration.
In 1958 they moved to Urbana, IL,
where he continued his studies and
graduated in 1960 with a doctorate
in theatre from the University of
Illinois. He taught for one year at
Chicago Teachers College before
moving to Warrensburg, MO,
and joining the faculty of Central
Missouri.
A scholarship established in his
honor, noted, “Dr. Highlander’s
artistry, scholarship, integrity, and
commitment served as an example
and inspiration to countless theatre
students who had the pleasure to
work with him in the classroom,
backstage, and on stage during his
30 years at UCM. As a teacher and
mentor, Dr. Highlander enriched
the personal and professional lives
of his students and colleagues in
theatre education throughout his
illustrious career.”
During his 30 years at UCM, he
directed nearly 40 productions,
expanded and developed the theatre
program and was instrumental in
planning and designing the new
theatre, which opened in 1971. As
a consequence of his interest in
After his retirement in 1991,
the theatre was named in his
honor at a dedication ceremony
in March 1992. In the fall of
1991 he and Norma moved
to Georgetown, TX, where
they enjoyed their retirement
spending much of their time
golfing, traveling to Europe,
taking cruises, and enjoying
more time with their children
and grandchildren.
Highlander was an avid reader
of military history. He enjoyed
collecting and reading books
about the Civil War, World War II
and Korea. He also was a master
woodworker, building furniture,
refinishing and repairing antiques
and constructing many craft
items for family and friends. He
was the ultimate handyman,
fixing just about anything
around the house. He was always
a perfectionist who, when
dissatisfied with his work, would
take it apart and do it over again
because he took such great pride
in his projects.
He is survived by his wife, Norma;
son, Steven and wife, Christa of
Austin, TX; daughter, Susan and
husband, Reed Fritz of McKinney,
TX; and grandchildren, Geneva
Highlander and Derek, Rachel and
Kevin Fritz.
Memorials may be made to the
James L. Highlander Theatre
Scholarship. Send to the
UCM Foundation, Smiser
Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO
64093 or make a gift at
www.ucmo.edu/giveonline.
Jerry Adams
Jerry Adams, host
of the popular
KMOS-TV show,
Jerry Adams
Outdoors, died
Aug. 11, 2010. The
avid outdoorsman hosted the show
for 25 years.
He was born and raised in Poplar
Bluff, MO. After playing college
football and graduating at
Southeast Missouri State University,
he traveled around the country
singing and emceeing gospel music
concerts. He was lead singer for
the Ozarkians Quartet for more
than 15 years. Nearly 25 years in
the insurance business took him
to Texas and Florida. A desire to be
nearer his family drew him back
to Missouri, and finding a home at
the Lake of the Ozarks renewed his
passion for fishing.
Adams soon found himself behind
the wheel of a boat as host of Jerry
Adams Outdoors. In addition to many
of Missouri’s lakes and rivers, the
host of this Emmy-nominated and
award-winning program ventured
out and caught trout in Montana,
crappie in Alabama, hybrids in Texas,
and salmon and halibut in Alaska.
While he considered it a privilege to
have fished with so many celebrities,
country music stars, professional
athletes and professional anglers,
Adams most cherished the time he
spent with kids.
Memorials are suggested to the
Jerry Adams Outdoors Take a Kid
Fishing Program, KMOS-TV,
University of Central Missouri,
Warrensburg, MO 64093.
William Brewster
William J.
Brewster, 85, a
Central Missouri
alumnus who
was the driving
force behind
the development of many parks
and programs for the youth of
Independence, MO, died July 23,
2010. He and his wife, Dorothy,
had established a scholarship to
help Central Missouri physical
education majors.
Brewster grew up in St. Louis where
his neighbor, Dorothy Peterson,
Oleta Maurer
captured his heart at age 16. He
returned home to marry her
in 1946, after serving in the U.S.
Army Air Corps during World
War II. After completing a degree
in physical education from UCM
in 1949, he taught at Greenwood
School and Bishop Glennon High
School followed by 25 years at
Southwest High School. In 1966,
he was honored as Missouri State
Teacher of the Year. In 1956, he
began a part-time job with the City
of Independence Department of
Parks and Recreation, leading to
his promotion as its director for 36
years. The city recently named the
baseball field at Chrysler Stadium
Bill Brewster Field in his honor.
was the serials department. She
was responsible for paying bills,
keeping accounts and receiving
mail. In 1980, she transferred to
the acquisitions department as
the bookkeeper for all library
purchases. She retired in 2002.
Memorial contributions are
suggested to the William & Dorothy
Brewster and Nancy SaundersCromer Scholarship Fund,
University of Central Missouri
Foundation, Warrensburg, MO
64093 or at ucmo.edu/giveonline.
Fields grew up in New Mexico and
was valedictorian of his high school
class in Santa Fe. For his test scores,
he received a national scholarship
from Pepsi-Cola allowing him to
graduate in music from Southern
Methodist University. After one year
of teaching music and chorus in Alva,
OK, he was drafted into the Army for
the Korean Conflict. Discharged as a
corporal, he continued in the Army
Active Reserve where he earned the
rank of sergeant, while also finishing a
master’s degree from the University of
New Mexico.
Jean Greer Oppenheimer Britton
Jean Greer Oppenheimer Britton,
the daughter of philanthropists
Julius J. and Florence Greer
Oppenheimer, known for
establishing two of the university’s
most prominent guest lecture
series, died March 27, 2010.
Born in 1923, in Columbia, MO,
she grew up in Kentucky, where
her father was a professor and dean
at the University of Louisville. She
earned degrees from Louisville,
Columbia University and the
University of Chicago. For many
years, she taught in the College of
Education at Penn State.
She and her husband, Joseph
Britton, who survives, coauthored
many research articles and a book
on gerontology. After retiring from
Penn State, the couple traveled the
world extensively and enjoyed many
summers with family and friends at
their cottage in Bay View, MI.
Geneva Clothier
Geneva J. Clothier, 75, who retired
from the UCM library’s technical
services department, died Sept. 22,
2010. She worked 23 years for the
library, quietly behind the scenes.
Clothier began her job at the
library in 1977 as a clerk in what
Gene Fields
Gene Fields, 81,
director emeritus
of clinical services
and certification,
well known for
the many years
that he directed the university’s
student teaching and certification
program, died Sept. 3, 2010. His wife
preceded him in death in 2001.
After earning a doctorate of
music education in 1965 from
New Mexico, Fields moved to
Warrensburg and joined the UCM
faculty as assistant professor of
education and supervisor of student
teachers. One year later, he became
coordinator of the student teaching
program. He was subsequently
promoted to assistant, associate and
full professor.
He directed UCM’s student teaching
program from 1966-1981. For the
next 12 years, he directed UCM’s clinical
services and certification program.
He especially became popular for
teaching the graduate course, EDTE,
Improvement of Teaching.
Prior to his retirement in 1993, he led
a six-year, campus-wide effort that
resulted in successful continuing
accreditation from the National
Council for Accreditation of
Teaching Education in 1991. He also
provided the leadership for the first
program evaluation by the Missouri
Department of Education.
Oleta Breshears Maurer, the
youngest daughter of a family of
educators with deep ties to the
University of Central Missouri,
died July 3, 2010. She was born
May 3, 1916, in Benton County,
MO, to Jasper and Martha
Breshears. She earned three
degrees from UCM: a bachelor’s
in 1956, a master’s in 1960 and an
education specialist in 1968.
After teaching in one-room schools
in Benton and Hickory counties,
she taught in Raytown. From
1950-1984, she taught first grade in
the Hickman Mills School District,
including the last 12 as principal
of Warford Elementary School.
She retired in 1984 after 41 years in
public education. After retiring, she
became active with the Missouri
Retired Teachers Association,
including serving on its executive
board for 10 years. In 1962 she
received UCM’s Distinguished
Service to Education Award. In 2003,
she was honored as the Missouri
Retired Teacher of the Year.
Memorial contributions are
suggested to the William Jasper
and Martha Ann Breshears
Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Send contributions to the UCM
Foundation, University of Central
Missouri, Smiser Alumni Center,
Warrensburg, MO 64093 or go to
ucmo.edu/giveonline.
Tina Schneider
Tina A.
Schneider, 53, of
Warrensburg, died
Sept. 11, 2010. She
was employed for
18 years at UCM,
including several years as a textbook
buyer and recently as a supply buye
for the University Bookstore.
She was born Aug. 23, 1957, in
Lake Charles, LA. Her family
later moved to Knob Noster, MO,
where she graduated from high
school.
She married Mark Schneider in
1976. He survives, along with their
three children, her parents, a
brother and four grandchildren.
Her sister, Traci Butler, works at
UCM as administrative assistant to
the dean of The Honors College.
University of Central Missouri | today
29
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