An alumni publication of the University of Central Missouri summer

An alumni publication of the University of Central Missouri
summer 2007, vol. 7
6 no. 1
4
Table of Contents
Cover Story
From Pigs to Pizzas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Keith Sullins Finds Success in Franchise World
Campus Today
Not Your Average Student Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mold Search Takes Students to Extreme Tree Heights
Redefining Undergraduate Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About Sponges, Road Kill and Oxygen Consumption
Bobblehead Mo: A Business Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
PRESIDENT
Lawrence H. Fick ’63,
Columbia, MO
VICE PRESIDENT
Deleta Parmley Williams ’84,
Warrensburg, MO
SECRETARY
Jennifer Hill Nixon ’73,
Warson Woods, MO
MEMBERS
Anthony Arton, student representative,
Warrensburg, MO
Edward L. Baker,
Columbia, MO
Delores J. Hudson,
Warrensburg, MO
Richard Phillips ’65, ’67, ’72,
Lake Tapawingo, MO
Michelle Patterson Wimes,
Kansas City, MO
UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
Aaron Podolefsky,
Warrensburg, MO
Published by the Office of Alumni
Relations & Development and the Office
of University Relations. Send comments
and feedback to today@ucmo.edu or call
660-543-4640.
Editor Dalene Abner
Designer Gail Greble
Photographer Bryan Tebbenkamp ’03
Writers Jeff Murphy ’76 hs, ’80, ’95
Mike Greife ’74
Class Notes Tina (Tock) Bell fs ’85-’87
Contributor Jenne Vanderbout
page Athletics Today
Softball Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Coach’s Playing Days Revisited
Athletic Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Updates on UCM Sports, People and Alumni
Teacher Tackles to Head of Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Seventh Grade Female Teacher Plays Pro Football
Development Today
Compute Age Pioneer Honors UCM Professor . . . . . . . . 11
John White’s Gift Creates Mathematics Scholarship
Kuhn’s Teaching Legacy Turns to Generosity . . . . . . . . . 12
Former Professor Honors Parents with Three Scholarships
Elfrinks Establish Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
First Recipient is Crest Ridge High School Graduate
Alumni Today
UCM Alumna Tuned in to Helping Veterans . . . . . . . . . . 16
Courtney Cooper Named Outstanding Recent Alumnus
Daily Life Is Woolsey’s Writing Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Newspaper Columnist Gets ‘Malled’ by Daughter
Someday You’ll Make a Million Dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mancow Honored as Distinguished Theatre Alumnus
A Day in the Life of Spiderman III Producer . . . . . . . . . . 26
Alumnus Grant Curtis Talks about Latest Movie and New Book
Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
UCM Today (USPS 019-888) is published quarterly
by the University of Central Missouri,
Warrensburg, MO 64093.
Printed by Tribune Publishing Company, P.O. Box 798,
Columbia, MO 65205
Periodicals postage paid at Warrensburg, MO, and
additional offices.
summer 2007
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UCM Today,
Smiser Alumni Center, University of Central Missouri,
Warrensburg, MO 64093.
campus today
Have you ever wondered about
unseen dangers in a typical household
or locker room shower? What about the
creatures lurking around highway bridges?
These are just a few of the many questions
inquisitive students are investigating at the
University of Central Missouri. Teamed up with
faculty mentors, they are taking on tough projects that
redefine student research while snaring opportunities to
be published in national journals and make presentations
at professional conferences. From studies taking them to
the treetops of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to
being inside Leavenworth federal prison, UCM students
are looking well beyond the campus library to produce
research with practical applications and benefits for
everyone involved. Read about several of these projects on
pages 4-7.
summer 2007
page campus today
UCM TODAY
Mo ld Search
Takes Students
to Extreme Tree
Heights
I recently observed an exciting demonstration of the extreme lengths
and heights dedicated scientists will go in pursuit of
knowledge. The demonstration was part of this year’s
Macbrideola
annual meeting of the Great Smoky Mountains
scintillans, a myxomycete
fruiting on bark of American ash
Association at the Appalachian Highlands
collected
at 30 feet high in Kentucky.
Learning Center near Purchase Knob, NC.
This is a new record species in Kentucky.
Two master’s degree candidates in biology
at the University of Central Missouri, Sydney
Everhart and Courtney Kilgore, demonstrated
their tree climbing skills. Courtney is from
Photo by
Sydney
North Carolina but Sydney grew up in
Everhart
Atlantic, IA, and earned a bachelor’s degree in
biology from the University of Iowa.
During the demonstration, Sydney climbed
higher, she claims, than most of the buildings in
Iowa City and Atlantic. She demonstrated the unique
climbing techniques she uses for her tree canopy research.
An audience of spectators, eager to learn, watched in amazement as
Sydney began her ascent. Like the other earthbound bushwhackers, I stayed
safely on the ground (although I did get a painful neck strain from having
to tilt my head back for several hours to watch all the aerial action).
5,086’ Elevatio n, Plus 100’ Mo re
Just fo r Fun
These mad, or maybe just extreme, scientists are part of a research
program in the Smokies looking for myxomycetes (slime molds). The head
of the program is UCM professor emeritus Harold Keller. Funding for this
adventurous search for high-altitude arboreal slime comes from National
Geographic, Discover Life in America (the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory),
and the National Science Foundation, among others.
Nowadays Keller leaves most of the climbing to his grad students,
but in his younger years he did his share. He is also a graduate of the
University of Iowa.
We watched the girls gear-up in a climbing harness with all sorts of
jangling metal snaps and clips and a jumble of ropes and straps of all
widths, colors and configurations. They each carried a fixed blade knife, a
big contractor’s tape measure and who knows what else.
“I climbed a lot of trees for the Forest Service back in the old days when
the only equipment we had were gaffs and a belt,” Keller said. Gaffs are
the wicked-looking, spur-like, strap-on spikes telephone pole-climbing
linemen wear on their boots when they can’t use a cherry-picker. Their
use is forbidden in the national park and no longer used by commercial
arborists.
Big Sho t
The first hurdle in attempting to climb extremely tall trees is getting a
rope across a likely-looking limb. In the Smokies, the lowest limb might be
80 feet from the ground.
To cope with this logistical snag, some maniac invented a slingshoton-steroids, or a rope-launcher, called a “Big Shot.” It’s a 7-foot tall pole
with huge rubber bands that require most of the student’s body weight to
stretch. It will hurl a special pouch containing a pound or two of shot, tied
to one end of a rope, over 100 feet into the air. And the beast is accurate.
The students generally make their shot on the first try.
page The University of Central Missouri tree canopy biodiversity team and Berea College forest students.
One can’t lay eyes on an item like the “Big Shot” without a dozen
scenarios of vandalism and mayhem instantly playing through your mind.
At least I couldn’t.
Resting Upside Dow n
Climbing, it seems, is quite an arduous affair, requiring all sorts of stress,
strain and technical expertise. And a trip up a tree to conduct slime mold
research usually means hanging in mid-air for at least a couple of hours,
sometimes more. This causes some serious circulation issues and associated
leg pain and numbness.
Apparently using bats as their role models, the girls occasionally hang
upside down to restore blood flow to their legs. Although it’s counterintuitive to invert one’s self in order to send blood to the legs, the climbing
harness pinches high on the upper thighs, so hanging upside down helps.
It’s the only viable alternative position in a climbing harness anyway.
Sydney demonstrated this trick. While upside down 40 feet in the
air, even dressed in a plaid shirt and blue jeans, she bears an uncanny
resemblance to a trapeze artist. After a few moments, her face turned bright
red and she swiveled easily back into a seated position.
Sydney works out 5-6 times a week to get the upper body strength to
summer 2007
campus today
UCM TODAY
climb and the endurance to stay up in the trees for hours at a time.
I asked and was told that the climbing method used in the Sean
Connery movie about tree canopy researchers, Medicine Man, was different
and used a single rope technique and Jumar ascenders.
A professional arborist who was in the audience told me, “An old lady
can climb with ascenders and not get out of breath, but if you climb that
way, you can’t take the rope loose at the top and relaunch it to go higher,
the one throw is all you get.”
The students doing the demonstration made a sequence of climbs and
rope launches to reach the top of the tree. Sydney has climbed as high as
100 feet to take bark samples. Hearing this, I felt faint.
deal to cut large trees in Europe these days, so European arborists have had
to develop more finesse in dealing with them.
Their innovative knots are gradually coming into use in the U.S. My
favorite is the Blake’s, a hitch especially for ascending which makes it easy
to go up but harder to go down. The knot slides up easily when shoved
from underneath, but then it locks itself in place. To go down, the knot has
to be held down. If climbers lose their grips on the rope while climbing,
they won’t fall.
Seco nd Mo st Dangero us Jo b
in the Wo rld
Sydney kicked at some dead branches and they fall, crashing to the
ground far below her. Hanging around underneath these people
Why, you ask, is slime mold generating this level of interest? I
looks dangerous.
asked this question myself. It seems that Keller has already
Crabtree tells me that a falling object gains its weight
discovered a, believe it or not, gorgeous golden slime
every second it falls. I attempt to calculate what that
that may eventually translate into golden bullion
would mean for me falling on someone from,
because these slimes may have a tendency to give
say 50 feet. I am unable to cipher this out in my
off antibiotics and chemical compounds that
head, but I feel sure that after a fall of a few
have never been seen before.
brief seconds, whatever I fell on would have
Who knows what those will turn out to be
no chance whatsoever of survival.
good for? Not I. But I do know that a bacteria
By searching with Google on the Internet,
which thrives at 158 degrees Fahrenheit was
I found out that it takes a skydiver with a
recently discovered in a Yellowstone hot
closed parachute 5.5 seconds to reach his
spring, and this lowly bacteria gave birth to
maximum falling velocity of 120 mph. The
the $300-million DNA testing industry.
same person can reach 200 mph in his fall by
Several new slime mold species have
pulling in his arms and legs. This is the same
recently been discovered. Some slime molds
velocity of a Peregrine falcon.
gleam with amazingly attractive glints of gold,
A tree climber falling from a tree could
Perichaena chrisosperma, a myxomycete fruiting
silver and a rainbow of irridescent metallic colors.
inflict the same predatory effect as say 75
on the bark of American ash and grapevine
Peregrine falcons.
collected 50 feet high in Kentucky.
Go ing fo r the Go ld
No Trees Like This
in Misso uri
Photo by Sydney Everhart
“The trees in Iowa and Missouri look like toothpicks
compared to the trees in the Smokies,” said Sydney. She laughs as she tells
me about seeing a black bear up in a tree in Cades Cove. “All the nearby
tourists were missing the bear because he was so high up in a black cherry
tree,” said Sydney.
“What kind of tree is this?” I ask.
“Black cherry,” professor Keller whispered.
Uh oh. I instantly back up a few paces and scan for overhead bears.
Out o n a Limb
Several hours later, no one is left in the audience but me. Now Sydney
is doing the really scary and difficult stuff. Her long-sleeved shirt is off
now and her sleeveless undershirt reveals her highly developed back and
shoulder muscles. My arms don’t look like that. My arms have never looked
like that.
The mood is different now. She occasionally shows fear and even
more guts.
Barry Crabtree, an arborist from north of Charlotte, is teaching her how
to walk out on a limb.
“Keep walking,” Crabtree shouts.
“I’m NOT walking out anymore,” Sydney says adamantly.
“Then skootch,” he suggests.
I hear Sydney deep breathing to try to get her nerve up. Then in a few
moments she says, “Okay.”
Kno ts Sailo rs Never Dreamed
I am fascinated by the large, complicated knots tree climbers use. These
knots have been developed, some recently, by people interested in what is
known as “high-angle rope disciplines.”
Sailors did not invent these knots. They are special friction hitches,
often known by European names, like French Prusik. I learned that it’s a big
Ro pe Burns
Eventually, the show is over and Sydney presses down on her
Blake’s Hitch and zips toward the ground at top speed.
“Students!” said Keller, in frustration. “They like to come down as
quickly as possible.
They keep burning up
my ropes! They’re just
big kids. You can’t
slow ’em down.”
Once everyone
was back on the
ground, the students
and their professor
stood close together
for a group photo.
The professor quickly
and surreptitiously
flashed up two
fingers, devil’s horns,
behind each of the
girl’s heads.
I shake my head
and smile. Keller
wasn’t slowing
down either.
— Reprinted by
permission of The Iowa
Horticulturist and by
author Carolyn Jourdan
of the Great Smoky
Mountains Association, The University of Central Missouri Tree Canopy Biodiversity Team:
Courtney Kilgore, Harold Keller and Sydney Everhart. www.CarolynJourdan.com
summer 2007
Photo courtesy of Barry and Jesse Crabtree
page campus today
UCM TODAY
UCM Students Redefine
Undergraduate
Research
The world invents
fast, UCM is inventing
ways to learn even
faster. Central
Missouri professors are
encouraging students’
curiosity by helping
them do research
projects that other
institutions often reserve
for graduate students.
Happy or miserable?
Performance major Paul Rundle
wrote a play about a happily
married couple in an unhappy marriage.
Confused? Advised by theatre professor Julie Rae
Pratt, Rundle blended twisted humor, sex and
homicide for his dark comedy.
Sponge or loofah? Biology major Cheryl
Dunham was curious about athletes’ skin
abrasions so she conducted an experiment,
under the mentorship of associate professor
Anna Oller. The result of her staphylococcus
aureus and escherichia coli concentration
comparisons of sponges and loofahs — sponges
are germier.
Pat Decker, director of undergraduate
research, says UCM’s approach is a win-win for
students and faculty. “Students learn about the
research process, and faculty get some assistance
with projects.”
Decker is well acquainted with the
benefits of student scholarly achievement.
She supports student researchers by helping
them make connections with faculty mentors
and obtain grant funding for supplies and
travel. Each spring, she coordinates the annual
Central Scholars Symposium, which this year
highlighted about 140 different undergraduate
page student research
and creative
projects, music,
theatrical and oral
presentations.
Decker
currently is
working with six
students through
the Summer
Scholars Program.
Each student works
with a faculty mentor and
receives a $2,500 stipend, up
to $1,000 for supplies and $300 to
$500 for travel expenses associated with making
presentations. “It’s a great opportunity to learn.
It really forces me to expand my knowledge of
my subject matter,” said Mike Dillon, senior
exercise science major. Dillon expects to
complete his degree in 2008, then
go to graduate school. He hopes
to eventually earn a Ph.D.
Dillon is working with
faculty member Steve
Burns in the Department
of Health and Human
Performance on a study
ambitiously titled
“Differences in Oxygen
Kinetics and Running
Gait Kinematics during
Stressful Running in Elite vs.
Recreational Runners.” He’s
using new equipment in the
Health and Human Performance
Lab to look at oxygen consumption
and the physical effects of high intensity
running on trained vs. untrained runners.
summer 2007
“My main goal is to get something published
in a peer-reviewed journal. I think that would
help my chances of getting into a graduate
school,” Dillon remarked.
Faculty members who are interested in
pursuing research often find willing assistants in
students. That’s the case with biology instructor
Chad King, who collaborated with senior
Jonathan Slade on a study titled “Mammalian
Assessment of Road Kill and Travel Corridors
under Bridges in Western Central Missouri.”
King said the idea for the research
project evolved from a conversation he
and a colleague had about the possible
construction of a Highway 13 bypass on
the east side of Warrensburg. They wanted
to know more about its potential impact
on the local wildlife population.
“We were interested in doing
a prestudy to find out
what kind of animals
are crossing over
highways, moving
underneath
the bridges.
So, Jonathan
thought it
would be
a neat idea
to take this
and use it
for a research
project. We’re
hoping it will
become long
term, but he is
spearheading the first
part of it for us,” King said.
In his research project abstract,
campus today
UCM TODAY
on Bathroom Sponges and
a microbiology conference at the University of
Loofahs over Time.”
Missouri in March, and hopes to get it published
“I wanted my project
in a scholarly publication, such as the Journal of
to be medically or disease
Athletic Training.
related,” she said, noting that
So how can people apply this to everyday
her goal is to pursue a Ph.D.
life? Oller stressed that people need to replace
in neurobiology. “Staph
shower loofahs and sponges, according to
infections are a concern for
manufacturer’s guidelines. The sponges, of
sports teams and methicillincourse, should be the first to go.
resistant straphylococcus
aureaus outbreaks have been
previously documented to
UCM’s approach is a win-win for
spread among members of
students and faculty. “Students
sports teams, the military and
families. Possible reservoirs
learn about the research
for these disease-causing
process, and faculty get some
agents could be loofahs
(synthetic mesh balls) or
assistance with projects.”
Could today’s road kill save future wildlife? Biology instructor Chad King is looking for the
sponges.” She believed it’s
— Pat Decker
answer with help from an undergraduate student researcher.
possible these cleansing
utensils help transmit
Slade pointed out public roads can be viewed
infectious bacteria. So, after some consultation
in many ways with relevance to ecology. He said
with her mentor, the project was launched.
“A lot of people will have loofahs or sponges
roads cause a fragmentation of habitat and force
“Dr. Oller helped me fine-tune the project.
in their showers for months on end,” she said.
wildlife to cross them in search of adequate food,
She was instrumental in helping me with the
“They need to be replaced on a regular basis. If
water, shelter and mates. As a result of expanding
overall design and showed me methods that I
you don’t, you run the risk of infection.”
roadways and traffic, thousands of animals are
needed to complete it,” Dunham said.
Decker said undergraduate students find
killed each year on Missouri highways. Hence,
Her two-fold research consisted of studies
research attractive for many reasons.
there is something to learn from road kill.
in the lab and with “real-life” subjects. Using
“It’s really an opportunity to learn more
“By assessing the location of road kills
standardized soap, three volunteers washed
in-depth than what you can do in class. It’s an
in relation to habitat, it could be possible
with loofahs and sponges three times a week
opportunity for students to work one-on-one
to decrease mortality rates of wildlife by
for 30 seconds. These cleansing utensils were
with a faculty person and to learn more about
constructing more ecologically friendly public
then tested each week for four weeks. Lab
their major and their potential degree,” she
highways systems,” Slade noted.
tests were conducted to determine the relative
said. “Some people have a lot of preconceived
His study was done in two parts. He collected
concentration of organisms. The results showed
ideas about what research is, so it helps them to
data on road kills along Highway 13 and their
higher concentrations of bacteria on sponges
understand how it works and what is involved.”
proximity to bridges using a handheld GIS unit
than in loofahs. She presented her research at
to collect waypoints of the road kill
and GIS software to perform the
analysis. He also set up digital trip
“game” cameras underneath five
bridges in Johnson, Lafayette and
Ray counties to see what types of
animals are using the corridors.
Anytime there was animal
movement beneath a bridge, the
camera took photos. Slade said the
results suggest that underpasses
are utilized by mammals as safe
travel corridors.
Before she graduated summa
cum laude in May, biomedical/
molecular technology major
Cheryl Dunham was curious
about athletes’ skin sores, so
she literally took her research
to the shower. With help from
faculty mentor, Anna Oller, she
conducted an honors student
project, titled “Comparison
of Staphylococcus Aureus and
Research by faculty member Anna Oller, left, and Central Missouri undergraduate student, Cheryl Dunham, shows some of the hidden bacterial dangers
Escherichia Coli Concentrations
lurking in ordinary shower loofahs.
summer 2007
page athletics today
Rachel Adams
rounds the
bases.
Susan Anderson and the 1997 Jennies team.
Susan Anderson found herself in familiar
territory this spring, even though it was 10 years
later. Anderson was a senior on the Jennies
softball team in 1997, the last time it earned a
spot in NCAA II postseason play. In 2007, she led
the Jennies return to regional competition.
The trip to North Mankato, MN, capped off
a successful first season for Anderson as Jennies
coach. She was named MIAA Co-Coach of the
Year en route to a 14-4 conference record, the
best since 1998.
Her team also racked up a 30-23 record
overall and amassed a number of individual
awards. This includes MIAA Player of the Year,
National Fastpitch Coaches Association ThirdTeam All-American and Daktronics First-Team
All-American honors for senior shortstop Rachel
Adams, Barnhart, MO.
“It is truly special to come back to your alma
mater and guide a program that you were once a
part of,” Anderson said.
“I’m excited about the season that we had. I
page think all of the players learned a lot with regard
to expecting a little bit more out of each other
and themselves every single day. They definitely
did that…At the beginning of the season, our
goal was to get to post season. It’s great when
you actually get to accomplish that goal.”
Anderson attributes contributions of six
seniors to the team’s success. Among them was
Adams, a first-team All-Region selection, who led
the Jennies in virtually every offensive category,
while setting three career records and five single
season records. She finished the season with a
.457 batting average, and holds career records
in home runs (25), batting average (.406), and
slugging percentage (.755). She also holds single
season records for batting average (457), home
runs (16), runs batted in (58), total bases (121)
and slugging percentage (.776).
“She’s just a great player and an amazing
individual. She had a fabulous senior year,”
Anderson said. “She put up all the numbers she
needed and is by far one of the best shortstops to
summer 2007
come through this program.”
Joining Adams on the All-MIAA first team
was senior Lauren Young, Lenexa, KS. Senior
catcher Megan Hollenbach, Ballwin, MO, and
freshman pitchers Kristal Holland, Basehor, KS,
and Lindsey Wagaman, Emerson, IA, earned
honorable mention honors. It was Young’s
fourth consecutive selection to the All-MIAA
squad, having earned second team honors as a
freshman and honorable mention honors as a
sophomore pitcher, and honorable mention last
season as a designated player.
Even though the team lost its first two games
in postseason, first to Emporia State and then to
Minnesota Duluth, Anderson says her team has a
better grip on what it takes to succeed.
She is looking forward to next season, with
expectations for the returning players.
“Our team got a little bit of a taste of the
postseason and hopefully will be hungry to
continue that tradition,” she said.
athletics today
UCM TODAY
victory in the men’s masters 800.
The 41-year-old claimed 15
decathlon crowns before winning
the master’s event last year with
a time of two minutes and 3.33
seconds. This year, he’s become
even faster; his time of 1:53.89
bettered the previous mark of
1:55.65 set by Dan Futrell in 1998.
Senior sprinter
Bruce Williams
Outstanding Senior Athletes
Mules,
Jennies
Sweep
MIAA
Track Titles
The Mules and
Jennies successfully
defended their MIAA
outdoor track and field
titles this spring. The
Mules took a 26.5point win over Missouri
Southern while the Jennies
edged out Pittsburg State by eight
points. In winning seven events, the
Mules were led by senior sprinter
Bruce Williams who took titles in
the 100- and 200-meter dashes
while running on the winning
4x100- and 4x400-meter relay
squads. Dan Raithel captured the
hammer throw (200-03) and broke
the facility record. Adam Akers took
the 5,000 meters (14:57.81) and
Kai Roper won the 400-meter dash
(47.89).
For the Jens, Anne Carlson won
the heptathlon and long jump
(18-02.50) while placing in the
triple jump, 100-meter hurdles and
javelin. Brittanie Roldan grabbed
the triple jump (37-06.75) while
Elise Johnson won the 100-meter
dash (11.91). The 4x100 relay team
(47.26) also took home a win.
Drake Relays Title #17
for UCM Coach Janvrin
Central Missouri co-head track
and field coach Kip Janvrin won his
17th title at the Drake Relays this
spring in record fashion, cruising to
Katie Tarka in volleyball and
Tina Peak in bowling were named
Top UCM Female Senior Athletes
of the Year. Theo Jones, basketball,
received the Vernon Kennedy Award
for the Most Outstanding Male
Student Athlete.
Tarka is the best defensive
volleyball player in UCM history.
The three-time All-American,
four-time All-Region and four-time
All-MIAA pick holds the school and
MIAA record for digs in a season
(902) and a career (3,016).
Peak, a four-time All American
and four-time All-Region, was
Division II and III Rookie of the
Year in 2003-04. She is the first
player in NCAA history to roll a
Baker 300 and is a member of the
2007 U.S. Junior National Team.
Jones, MIAA Defensive Player of
the Year and member of the South
Central Region All-Tournament
team member, was a key inspiration
to the Mules’ school-record season
wins. He led the team in threepoint shooting, hitting 47 percent
and nailing 80 threes.
on the 2007 All-MIAA Baseball
Team, including five selected to the
first team. Unanimously selected
MIAA Most Valuable Player, Paul
was one of four Mules to receive
unanimous selection to the first
team along with Seth Gilleland,
Gered Mochizuki and Iain Dykins.
Bryan Collins was also a first-team
all-conference selection
Darin Hendrickson received
the Wilson/Coach of the Year
honor. The Mules posted a 5113 record this spring, marking
the seventh time in the past
eight years UCM has recorded
at least 50 wins in a season.
Pro Watch: Mule Style
Keeping track of Mules now
competing professionally brings
updates about four:
Former quarterback Toby
Korrodi has gotten plenty of media
attention in his selection by the
Arizona Cardinals.
Todd Devoe, formerly with the
Denver Broncos, is now with the
Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian
Football League.
Junior relief pitcher Bryan
Collins was selected in the 32nd
round of the Major League Baseball
Draft by the Oakland A’s. He was
the 988th selection overall. Collins
is the 10th player drafted in the
last four seasons under Mules head
coach Darin Hendrickson. He
finished the season with six saves,
a 3-0 record and a 1.42 ERA. He
Catching Up with Mules
Baseball Honors
Josh Paul continues to add to
his post-season awards list after
selection to the Rawlings/ABCA
All-American Team for 2007. Paul
was a third-team pick on the elite
group. He also was selected to the
2007 Daktronics All-American
Team and is joined by Iain Dykins
on the NCBWA All-American Team.
Paul hit .363 with the secondhighest home run total in school
history at 18, despite playing the
final month of the season with
a broken hand. Paul also belted
16 doubles and five triples while
leading the squad with 67 RBI. He
was also solid on defense, recording
a .987 fielding percentage. His
29 career home runs rank fourth
all-time at UCM.
Paul was one of a dozen Mules
also recorded 45 strikeouts in 31.2
innings and opposing batters hit
only .157 against him.
Former closer Nick Webber has
been promoted to the Springfield
Cardinals. He formerly was with
High-A Palm Beach where he
was 2-0 with a 4.63 ERA in eight
appearances.
Nation’s #1 Fans
Central Missouri led the nation
in attendance during the magical
2006-07 Mules basketball season.
With an average crowd of 3,640,
UCM was one of only four schools
in NCAA Div. II to break the 3,000
per game mark.
At the Mules’ 18 home games,
65,520 fans came through the
turnstiles and not one saw the
Mules lose a game. UCM finished
with a perfect 18-0 record in the
UCM Multipurpose Building and
have won the last 23 home games
dating back to Jan. 14, 2006.
There were nine home
games with more than 4,000 in
attendance, with the biggest crowd
of the year at the South Central
Region Championship game when
6,300 fans watched the Mules
defeat Southeastern Oklahoma for
a trip to the Elite Eight. Fans waited
in line for tickets two hours before
tip-off and stormed the floor after
the Mules won the title.
Central Missouri also ranked
highly when put up against
Division I schools. The Mules
had better attendance than
approximately 60 percent of
their Division I counterparts and
averaged more than schools like
the University of Colorado and the
University of Miami in Florida.
UCM Bowling Has Div. II
Player, Rookie, Coach of Year
Bowler Bryanna Caldwell is the 2007
NCAA-Division II Player of the Year.
summer 2007
For the third straight season,
UCM bowler Bryanna Caldwell has
achieved NCAA Division II Player of
the Year honors from the National
Ten Pin Coaches Association.
The junior averaged 202.5 for 74
games in nine tournaments in which
she made five all-tournament teams.
Caldwell was also a repeat first-team
All-American selection. She was
joined by teammate Tina Peak.
The honors continued for UCM’s
bowling team with Jamie Mitchell
named NCAA Division II Rookie of
the Year and Ron Holmes selected as
NCAA Division II Coach of the Year.
page athletics today
to Head of Class
UCM TODAY
Kelly Kozlen has a devoted fan following between her classroom and football team, the St. Louis Slam.
No one can leave during the day because of their
ran into a friend who said there was a flag
work schedules on Friday. So you have to leave
football league at Forest Park,” Kozlen said. “So,
around seven or eight at night and be ready to
I tried out for the team and made it. One day
play Saturday evening,” she said.
while we were having games, they were holding
Despite her go-go schedule, Kozlen enjoys
tryouts for women’s professional football on
life on the gridiron. She’s been able to find a
the field next to us. They were hitting each other
good balance between her involvement with the
with pads, and I thought it looked like fun.”
NWFA and her duties as a seventh grade teacher
Soon, she was wearing a Slam uniform.
at Monroe eMINTS Academy in the St. Louis
In her fifth year of play, the middle linebacker
Public School District. She is
is making a name for herself in
finishing up her sixth year at
the 37-team NWFA by stopping
A combination of
the school, having received
ball carriers in their tracks. She
being in the right
district Teacher of the Year
finished the 2006 season with 136
place at the right
Award honors in 2006.
tackles on her way to receiving the
time and outstanding
Kozlen said her students
league’s Whammy, recognizing her
athleticism gave
seem to enjoy having
as Leading Tackler and Defensive
seventh grade teacher a teacher who is also a
Player of the Year. Her gridiron
professional athlete. Many
successes also include being named Kelly Kozlen entrée
of them attend her games.
to NWFA All-Star teams every year
into full-contact
She often rewards them for
since 2003.
football.
good work by involving
As part of the NWFA, Kozlen
them with the team, where
begins her pro football duties
they help out as water boys or water girls or
shortly after the NFL season concludes. The
assist with stats. She believes it is important
preseason gets underway in March,
to introduce new experiences to young people
followed by regular season games on
and for them to explore their own interests.
Saturdays, April through mid-June,
“I try to teach them to look outside their
then the playoffs. Last year, after
neighborhood,” she said. “Sometimes we get to
helping her team to a 7-3 record,
do some events with the [St. Louis] Rams and
Kozlen got a taste of postseason
some things on the radio. Usually, when I go to
play. The Slam closed its 2006
my home games, my car is full of my students.”
season with a trip to the playoffs in
Kozlen divides her time between teaching and
Boston but lost to the Massachusetts
playing for the Slam with coaching youth athletic
Mutiny in the first round.
teams and pursuing other sports interests.
Kozlen noted that the young league
Among them is flag football, where she competes
doesn’t provide its members some
as a member of the The Zone, which recently
of the luxuries afforded professional
won its 11th national championship.
men’s teams. For example, individual
Although her athletic schedule is
members initially bought some of their
extraordinary, she believes that young people can
own equipment. They play their home
learn a lot about life by taking part in sports.
games at Christian Brothers College in
Kozlen noted, “As a teacher, I try to get as
St. Louis, a nice facility with beautiful
many kids as I can involved in athletics. I think it
new turf, but when they travel out of
makes you more well rounded, you understand
town, it’s a long bus ride that can get
how to create relationships, and have a better
very tiring before a big game.
understanding of life and people, and how to
“It’s always tough when you take
Kelly Kozlen was named the National Women’s Football Association’s Leading
Tackler and Defensive Player of the Year in 2006.
interact with others.”
a bus somewhere like Oklahoma City.
Weekdays, Central Missouri alumna Kelly
Kozlen is an award-winning educator who is
passionate about teaching her seventh grade
class. Weekends, she’s a force to be reckoned
with as leading tackler for the St. Louis Slam and
the National Women’s Football Association.
After growing up in Imperial, MO, Kozlen
came to UCM on an athletic scholarship to play
soccer. While juggling time on the playing field
and her studies toward a bachelor’s degree in
education, she took part in such sports as rugby,
power lifting and flag football.
When she returned to the St. Louis area,
she pursued two master’s degrees at Webster
University and began a teaching career. The
consummate athlete wasn’t yet ready to hang up
her turf shoes.
An unexpected opportunity — a combination
of being in the right place at the right time and
her outstanding athleticism — gave her entrée
into full-contact football.
“After I graduated from Central Missouri, I
was looking for leagues to play in and I actually
page 10
summer 2007
development today
Computer Age Pioneer
Honors UCM Professor
Quiet and reserved as a young
man, John White ’60 grew up
on a large farm in Amity, MO,
and became a true pioneer in the
computer age. The retired executive
used his mathematics know-how
to help build companies like Texas
Instruments and Compaq Computer
Corp. into multi-billion dollar
industries. Now, he is giving back to
the institution that jumpstarted
his career.
Working through the University
of Central Missouri Foundation,
the Plano, TX, resident and his
wife, Marilyn, have established
the John W. White Scholarship
in Mathematics. Its purpose is
to help talented students pursue
mathematics degrees. It also
recognizes mathematics faculty
— in particular, the donor’s college
mentor, Claude H. Brown. He served
as professor and department chair
when White was pursuing a double
major in mathematics and physics.
“He was one of my prized
professors and a real motivator and
stimulus for me in establishing my
career interest in mathematics,”
White said.
The recipient of the 2000
Distinguished Alumni Award
initially came to the university in
the 1950s to study civil engineering.
That was a short-lived plan. As
White remembered, “surveying just
wasn’t for me,” a realization that
struck him after only one course.
Fortunately, educators such as
Brown inspired him to continue on
the mathematics path.
“He was just a very talented
mathematician and a very engaging
fellow…You just wanted to do well
in his class,” White recalled.
After earning a diploma from
Central Missouri, White obtained
a graduate assistantship at the
University of Kansas, thanks again
to Brown’s help. Between studies at
KU, White found a summer post at
Texas Instruments and was hired to
work there full time after earning
his master’s degree in 1962.
During his 28-year career at TI,
White served in various management
and technical roles, including 13
years as vice president and chief
information officer, and five years
as president of the Information
Technology Group. He was
responsible for the deployment
of worldwide standardized
management information systems,
implementation of a global voice and
data network, and development of
the information technology business.
When he retired from TI in 1994,
he joined Compaq Computer’s
executive management team in
Houston, where he spent five
years as vice president and chief
information officer. Life since
Compaq has included service on
numerous boards of directors and
advisory groups, which continues to
whet his appetite for involvement in
technology industries.
Today, when White reminisces
about what was important to him
UCM Professor Claude H. Brown made a
lasting impression on John White.
as a corporate executive, he hints
about the lessons he learned from a
great teacher.
“I’m very pleased that I
have been able to help people
develop careers. We had a very
successful company in Texas
Instruments, and a lot of people
who used to work with me in
that organization went on to
become very significant leaders in
other companies… I feel like I’m
promoting the same mentorship
that Dr. Brown brought to me by
developing talent and leadership.”
— Jeff Murphy ’76 hs, ’80, ’95
Before establishing a scholarship at UCM,
2000 Distinguished Alumnus John White,
backseat, and his wife, Marilyn, enjoyed a
homecoming ride in style.
summer 2007
page 11
development today
UCM TODAY
Charles Kuhn,
left, and his parents
Laura and Charles
G. Kuhn
Kuhn’s Teaching
Legacy Turns
to Generosity
Charles Kuhn, Jr. earned his reputation
as a tough but effective teacher in
UCM’s Harmon College of Business
Administration. His expectations were
high, and his students met them.
Now retired, Kuhn keeps strong ties to the
university. He has established three scholarships
to honor his parents: the Charles G. and Laura
Keynon Kuhn Distinguished Theatre Award in
1984 and more recently, the Charles G. and
Laura Keynon Kuhn Distinguished Musician
Award and the Charles G. and Laura Keynon
Kuhn Distinguished Entrepreneurial Award.
Kuhn believes he should offer something in
return for the benefits he received as a student
and faculty member at UCM.
“We have a responsibility to be sure that we
provide opportunities for young people to have
the same experiences we had, and this is one way
to accomplish that for years to come,” he said.
“It’s payback.”
Kuhn earned a B.S. in Education in Business
and English from UCM in 1951. He briefly
considered majoring in music until he took his
first music theory course. Although he quickly
changed his major, he took voice lessons with
the late Eleanor Shockey, gave voice lessons
under the supervision of the late Edith Brooks,
page 12
and sang in the madrigal choir under the
direction of the late Paul Utt, all longtime
members of UCM’s music faculty.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Kuhn
taught high school in Easton, MO, for three years,
during which time he entered graduate school at
the University of Iowa. He accepted a teaching
fellowship at Iowa in 1954, completing a master’s
degree in 1955 and his doctorate in 1962.
Kuhn’s brother, Jerry, who has both bachelor’s
and master’s degrees from UCM, also earned a
doctorate from Iowa and taught there for more
than 40 years.
While attending a meeting of the
International Society of Business Educators
in 1957, Kuhn was invited to a breakfast
meeting with Lucas Sterne, then chair of the
UCM business school. Sterne had encouraged
him to apply for the teaching fellowship at
Iowa. The breakfast also included then UCM
president Warren Lovinger, who offered Kuhn an
opportunity to return to Warrensburg.
“My parents still lived in Carroll County, and
Dr. Lovinger knew they probably would need
assistance as they grew older,” he said. “That’s
the type of place it was then. It was a smaller
campus and student population, and it was a
community where everyone knew everyone, and
summer 2007
you became part of a family when you joined
the faculty.”
Kuhn found himself teaching alongside
faculty members who had been his mentors
during his undergraduate years.
“They couldn’t have been more accepting and
welcoming,” he added.
During his tenure and following his
retirement, Kuhn served for 30 years as an
adviser to the UCM chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon
fraternity. He recently attended the initiation
ceremony that reactivated the chapter after a
few years’ absence on campus. He also enjoyed
his association with Pi Omega Pi, the national
business education honorary, and Delta Sigma
Pi, the professional business fraternity.
Kuhn speaks fondly of UCM and
Warrensburg. Although he has returned to
his roots in Carroll County, he still refers to
Warrensburg and the university as “home.” He
stays in touch with many of his students, and
he can provide names and current information
on students who still stay in touch with him. He
had the opportunity to visit with former students
who attended a recent reunion of graduate
business students, and he was pleased to see
many of them at his retirement in 1988.
“They’re good people,” he said.
UCM and the relationships forged during
his career are important to Kuhn. The legacy of
growing up in a family of talented musicians,
which fostered his passion for the arts, and his
sincere belief in the importance of education
led him to endow the scholarships that bear the
names of his parents.
“Education is important, but unfortunately
it is becoming priced out of the range of many
students,” he said. “UCM offers excellent
opportunities — it’s as good as any school
you’ll find. Our students always have done and
continue to do wonderful things, and those
wonderful things deserve recognition.”
— Mike Greife ’74
development today
UCM TODAY
Elfrinks Establish Scholarship
Honoring Their Mothers
Jack and Paula Elfrink have established careers as
educators, due in no small part, to the influences of
their mothers.
Abby Burkhart, a 2007 graduate of Crest
Ridge High School in Centerview, MO, became
a direct beneficiary of the Elfrinks’ devotion to
educating young people when she became the first
recipient of the Jean Goolsby Doyle and Cecelia
Martin Elfrink Education Scholarship during
her high school commencement this spring.
Jack Elfrink was an accounting professor and
department chair in UCM’s Harmon College of
Business. He also served as acting dean prior to
accepting a post at Western Illinois University last fall.
Paula Elfrink has taught sixth grade language
arts and social studies at Crest Ridge Middle School
for seven years. She returned to teaching after
their children were established in school. With the
graduation of their youngest child from Warrensburg
High School this spring, she will leave the district this
year to be closer to her husband.
The Elfrinks established the UCM scholarship to
honor their mothers, both of whom also were teachers.
The scholarship also reflects their close ties to the
university and the Crest Ridge School District.
Jean Goolsby Doyle and Cecilia Martin Elfrink
grew up in rural southeast Missouri. As children
of the Depression and the wives of World War II
veterans, they became teachers in the 1950s and
1960s. Jean returned to college in the 1960s, obtaining
undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary
education and special education, eventually working
as a reading specialist. Cecilia also was a teacher
following World War II before becoming a full-time
Abby Burkhart, right, is the first recipient of the Jean Goolsby Doyle
and Cecilia Martin Elfrink Education Scholarship, presented to her by
donors, Jack and Paula Elfrink.
mother. Both women instilled in their children a
lasting appreciation for the value of education and
quality educators.
“This just seemed to be a very appropriate way of
honoring our mothers and their dedication to their
careers as educators,” Paula said. “And UCM and the
Crest Ridge School District have both been a very
important part of the lives of our entire family. We
couldn’t think of a better way to bring it all together
than to establish this scholarship.”
Abby Burkhart has attended the Crest Ridge schools
since fourth grade and had Paula Elfrink as a teacher.
She plans to attend UCM and become a physical
education teacher.
— Mike Greife ’74
Board of Directors, University of Central Missouri Foundation, Inc.
President
Dan Power ’73
Hutchinson, KS
Vice President
Patty Smith ’88
Liberty, MO
Secretary
Dale M. Zank ’71
Marshall, MO
TREASURER
Jack Dillingham ’74
Warrensburg, MO
Directors
Vicki Brady ’86
Warrensburg, MO
Jeanne L. Crane ’79
Chesterfield, MO
V. Lynn Graybill ’70
Madison, WI
Kristi L. Kenney ’75
Clinton, MO
Robert M. Merritt ’57
Blue Springs, MO
Keith Province ’80, ’92
Lee’s Summit, MO
Sandy Russell
Warrensburg, MO
Rob Ruth ’75
Southlake, TX
Meridith Sauer ’96
Warrensburg, MO
Dan Scotten ’60
Columbia, MO
James A. Tivis ’65
Warrensburg, MO
Susie Wetzel
Clinton, MO
Kenneth Weymuth ’78
Cole Camp, MO
Directors-at-Large
Michael L. Cunningham ’73
Georgetown, TX
Edna Mae Whitsitt ’46
Odessa, MO
Directors Emeriti
Richard A. Baile ’42
Houston, TX
Weldon R. Brady ’64
Warrensburg, MO
Dolores F. Burger ’59
California, MO
Steve D. Burmeister ’73
Independence, MO
Glen A. Carter ’81
Dallas, TX
Julia Consalus ’50
Clinton, MO
Vance A. DeLozier ’71
Warrensburg, MO
John A. Dillingham
Kansas City, MO
Joseph E. Good ’82
Warrensburg, MO
Timothy J. Doke ’74
Austin, TX
Mark Rubenstein ’74
St. Albans, MO
Ann M. Elwell ’75
Nixa, MO
Charles E. Simmons ’61
Houston, TX
A. L. Folkner ’52
Tubac, AZ
Tony Tetley, Jr. ’67
Columbia, MO
Joey K. Ford ’76
Chicago, IL
James R. Whiteman II ’76
Warrensburg, MO
Daniel R. Frederickson ’68
Ventura, CA
Dan A. Fults ’55
Escondido, CA
James R. McDowell ’62
Kansas City, MO
Sally Virgo ’82
Overland Park, KS
Robert E. Gunter ’56
Prairie Village, KS
Danny M. Moore ’70
Lenexa, KS
James E. Waller ’59
Mission Hills, KS
Hugh A. Hanna ’58
Warrensburg, MO
Linda Stahl Moore ’67
Lake Winnebago, MO
R. Michael Webb ’67
Las Vegas, NV
Adrian Harmon ’43
Warrensburg, MO
Jerry Osborn ’66
Camdenton, MO
Rosalee B. Welling ’58
Warrensburg, MO
Debra A. Harmon ’72
Lee’s Summit, MO
R. Wayne Payne ’51
Houston, TX
Linvill L. Hendrich ’50
Gig Harbor, WA
James H. Pendleton ’55
Leawood, KS
Benoit Wesly
Maastricht, The
Netherlands
John S. Hollyman ’34
Shawnee Mission, KS
William A. Rankin ’82
Sammamish, WA
Thomas B. Hollyman ’40
New York, NY
Janis C. Reding ’57
Grain Valley, MO
James A. Hooker ’58
Four Seasons, MO
John A. Romito ’69
Leawood, KS
Thomas A. King ’44
Warrensburg, MO
Lise Shipley ’82
San Antonio, TX
Doris Houx Kirkpatrick ’40
Warrensburg, MO
Blanche Stahl ’32
Lake Winnebago, MO
Charles G. Kuhn, Jr. ’51
Carrollton, MO
Gordon A. Stahl ’60
Clive, IA
Marvin J. Max ’51
Shawnee Mission, KS
David L. Steward ’73
St. Louis, MO
summer 2007
James R. Whiteman ’42
Warrensburg, MO
ex-officio members
Aaron Podolefsky
University President
Richard Phillips ’65, ’67, ’72
Board of Governors
Representative
Executive Director
Paul A. Page
Vice President for
University Advancement
Harmon Graduate
Scholarship Awarded
The first Adrian and Margaret
Harmon Business Graduate
Scholarships will go to two
UCM business students seeking
graduate degrees.
Kendra Wilson, Jefferson
City, MO, received a bachelor’s
degree in management at spring
commencement and plans to
earn an MBA with an emphasis
in finance. Matthew Frankel,
Lenexa, KS, received his degree in
accounting and plans to pursue a
MA degree in accountancy.
Wilson and Frankel each
will receive a $12,000 stipend
that will fund up to 33 hours of
graduate credit. The scholarships
provide assistance with university
tuition, fees, expenses and
textbooks for students earning a
minimum of nine graduate credit
hours per semester.
Adrian and Margaret Harmon,
benefactors of UCM’s Harmon
College of Business, endowed the
scholarship in 2006, expressing a
desire to assist graduate students
in business, allowing them to
focus on their studies.
page 13
“Relax a bit, life will come to you. Look for things you
really love to do and watch what happens.”
Surprisingly enough, after vowing in his youth that he would
never return to the farm, Keith Sullins now owns a ranch
where he raises pigs, cows and horses. He also takes pride
in the two Missouri mules that he received from the same
farm that produced UCM’s live mascot. He enjoys bragging
about them to his fellow Texans.
page 14
There’s more to Keith Sullins, a one-time
pig farmer from rural Missouri, than tomatoes
and cheese.
The Central Missouri graduate has a distinct
outlook on business life that many would find
surprising in the ubiquitous world of fast food
franchising. For instance, after spending the
better part of every day in his office, Sullins
heads out to one of his many stores in Houston
to work, talk and listen to his employees — a
practice left over from his childhood.
‘I think that’s what you get from being raised
in a small town and on a farm,” he says. “I’m
extremely involved in the day-to-day operations.
Besides, we’re making pizza, and it’s fun. I get to
wear tennis shoes and shorts to work if I want.”
President of Houston Pizza Venture — the
second largest Papa John’s Pizza franchise
group in the world — Sullins is a man of the
people. Along with his business partner, Frank
Carney, who cofounded Pizza Hut almost half
a century ago, Sullins supervises 50 Papa John’s
in Houston and co-owns 20 in Sacramento and
18 in Hawaii. He’s also involved in franchises for
Firehouse Subs, Egg and I, and Genghis Grill and
presently has five restaurants under construction
in the Houston area.
summer 2007
Ask Sullins about his key strength, and he
tells you, “I love people. I never met anyone I
couldn’t talk to. Sometimes in a business like
ours, you have people with egos. Last I checked,
we all put our pants on the same way. The more
you stay in touch with people and make yourself
open to them, the more successful you are.”
Raised on Missouri Farm
Sullins grew up on a pig farm in Chilhowee,
MO, just a few miles south of Warrensburg.
His father, Vernon, managed the Warrensburg
TG&Y store, a relic of a time gone by in franchise
marketing. When he graduated from high school,
his father told Sullins he would have to pay his
own way through college even though he could
afford to foot the bill.
“It made me so dang mad I couldn’t see
straight,” Sullins says.
To make ends meet, he worked in the
kitchen at Ellis Hall and swept floors for a local
car dealership. He lived in an old house in the
country and rented rooms to other students to
pay for his rent and car. “All my friends were
having fun, and all I was doing was working and
going to school,” Sullins says.
When he graduated from UCM with a degree
in marketing in 1983, his father paid off his
student loans and told Sullins the reason why
he made him put himself through college — to
make him stronger. “My dad came to me and
said, ‘you learned a very valuable lesson. Now
you know you can accomplish anything on your
own,’” he recalls.
Sullins took the lesson to heart and
aggressively pursued a career in the corporate
arena. He recalls an occasion when he tracked
down an executive with Proctor and Gamble at
his hotel room.
“I wanted to go to work for Procter and
Gamble so bad I could taste it,” he says. “I kept
calling and calling and finally I went to the guy’s
hotel and knocked on the door. I said, ‘Hey man,
why won’t you let me work for you?’”
The executive gave Sullins advice that night
he would follow for the rest of his career.
“He said, ‘You don’t need to be working for
somebody else; you need to be working on
your own.’”
From then on, Sullins only took jobs that
helped contribute to his goal of having his
own company. He counted coupons and blew
up balloons for a restaurant in Wichita. From
there, he advanced to marketing development
and strategic operations and was transferred to
Atlanta. He started building restaurants from
the ground up, negotiating real estate, hiring
managers and overseeing both operations and
construction.
Unexpected Opportunity
After working as vice president of people
for more than 3,000 Waffle House restaurants,
Sullins realized he had all the experience he
needed to set out on his own. Then the phone
rang. It was Carney, a legend in the franchise
restaurant scene.
Sullins had studied Carney’s work in his
business classes at UCM. When he answered the
phone that evening, Sullins thought at first
that someone was playing a trick.
“I thought it was a gag and I said, ‘Yeah,
how you doin’ Frank?’ He said, ‘Pretty
good, would you ever be interested in moving to
Texas?’ I said, ‘Heck no, Frank, who is this?’”
Carney informed Sullins he had just acquired
a pizza franchise called Papa John’s. He had
“I love people. I never met
anyone I couldn’t talk to.
Sometimes in a business like
ours, you have people with
egos. Last I checked, we all put
our pants on the same way. The
more you stay in touch with
people and make yourself open
to them, the more successful
you are.”
— Keith Sullins ’83
already recruited Jack Laughery, former president
and CEO of the Hardees’ franchise chain, and
Martin Hart, a well-known entrepreneur who
serves on boards of several private companies.
Now, Carney wanted Sullins.
“‘I understand you know all about marketing
and communications. Want to help me build a
company?’” Sullins says Carney asked.
Sullins took up Carney’s offer, even though
Houston was on his list of top three cities where
he would never live. “I always said I’d never live
in Houston because of the heat,” he says. “But I
thought, ‘I would be a fool not to go to work for
an icon like Frank.’ So I moved to Houston and
now I’m in love with the city and wouldn’t live
anywhere else.”
Ten years later, they’re the second largest Papa
John’s operation in the world. In the Houston
area, their 50 restaurants employ 1,300 people
and generate about $45 million annually.
Impact of Success
Success hasn’t changed Sullins who remains
at heart a “good ol’ boy.” He knows where he
comes from and carries with him strong ties to
Missouri and his small town sensibilities.
He enjoys working with his employees on
the ground level. “If you’re not out front, people
forget who you are,” he says. “When I’m there,
I work. I can make pizzas, slice, drive deliveries
if necessary and spend time with customers.
My chief job is to go there and ‘leave a small
footprint,’ a thank you, a coaching tip or word of
encouragement on how well they are doing.”
He challenges himself and his employees.
“Anyone can be good; it’s hard to be great.
Being great means you win and winning
feels wonderful, plus it’s fun.” He’s
proud that many of his employees have
themselves become business owners of Papa
John’s, Firehouse and Texas Roadhouse
restaurants throughout the nation.
Sullins realizes that people who may not have
had all the advantages in life sometimes have the
biggest hearts, and he gets a thrill out of helping
people. One example of this is when Hurricane
Katrina hit New Orleans and thousands of
destitute individuals were evacuated to Houston.
Sullins and a team of volunteers snapped into
action at a moment’s notice and generated more
than 10,000 pizzas to feed refugees their first day
in the city.
Always level-headed and optimistic, Sullins
looks back on his odyssey with an unusual level
of calm and confidence.
“Relax a bit, life will come to you,”
he says. “Look for things you really
love to do and watch what happens.”
page 15
alumni today
UCM TODAY
Outstanding Recent Alumna
Tuned in to Helping U.S. Veterans
With a rapid ascent up the
career ladder, Courtney Engelmann
Cooper has already touched the
lives of people ranging from infants
to the elderly. As an audiologist,
today she is turning her attention to
United States veterans, particularly
making sure those who suffered
hearing injuries in Iraq can return
to the job force.
Cooper received a Bachelor of
Science degree in speech pathology
in 2000 from the University of
Central Missouri, and has served
for the past two years as staff
audiologist at the Lexington VA
Medical Center in Kentucky. She
returned to campus this spring
to receive the UCM Alumni
Association’s Outstanding Recent
Alumni Award, an honor presented
at May commencement exercises.
“This is truly an honor,”
she said during a visit to the
Welch-Schmidt Center for
Communication Disorders,
where she completed much of
her undergraduate education. “I
consider myself not just a graduate
but a product of this university.”
After serving for three years
as a staff audiologist at the
Kansas City VA Medical Center,
Cooper moved to Kentucky with
her husband, Sean, who earned
bachelor’s, master’s and education
specialist degrees from UCM. She
is one of four staff audiologists
at the VA, performing numerous
duties that include comprehensive
audiological evaluations
and hearing evaluations,
and counseling patients
and their families regarding
communication strategies.
Although she is used to helping
veterans of all ages, she said the
number of younger patients she
assists has increased in recent years.
“Traditionally, the average
age of our veterans is 60 and
over, but with the recent conflict
in Iraq, we’re seeing a greater
number of younger veterans. It’s
not uncommon to find patients
page 16
Rising quickly as a professional audiologist, Courtney Cooper receives
UCM’s Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award from President Aaron
Podolefsky, left, and Steve Boone, then interim dean of the College of
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
in their 20s, 30s or 40s. I may
have seen them once a week
before. Now, I’m seeing them
on a daily basis,” she said.
Cooper attributes this, in part,
to injuries caused by improvised
explosive devices that sometimes
strike when soldiers aren’t wearing
hearing protection.
“With this younger group
of veterans, we have to rethink
the way we provide care. These
young people are going back
to their jobs, and they need
to be able to function in their
positions,” she remarked.
Her interest in helping others
has fueled a desire to pursue
useful research. As a master’s
degree student at the University
of Kansas Medical Center,
she conducted research that
involved infant screening tests.
Today, she and other colleagues
at the Lexington VA Medical
Center have initiated a pilot
study to determine how certain
chemotherapy drugs can affect
hearing loss among aging adults.
“We’re in the beginning stages.
It’s something we look forward to,
because it hasn’t been studied very
extensively, particularly in a VA
population,” she said.
Cooper’s strong ties to her alma
mater and its speech-pathology
and audiology program began long
before she enrolled here as a college
student. In fact, she took advantage
of opportunities available at the
center as a child enrolled in its
speech program, the benefit of
parents who understood the value
of such a facility. Her father, Paul
Engelmann, has served for many
years as a professor of economics at
UCM, and her mother, Sue, a UCM
alumna, has helped students in the
Warrensburg R-VI School District as
a special education teacher.
“Even from a very young
age, I had exposure to special
populations of people, and I think
that really fostered my interest
in wanting to go into a helping
position,” she said, stressing the
value of parents who take interest
in her success.
“My sister and I were always
taught as children that we could do
summer 2007
whatever we set our minds to. Our
parents were always there to help us
and support us through everything
we did,” Cooper remarked. “Even
in graduate school, I had to do tests
on people and they were always
willing to volunteer. They were
there in every capacity to help and
further my education.”
Furthering her education after
graduating with a 4.0 grade point
average and a degree from UCM has
included earning a Master of Arts in
Audiology degree at the University
of Kansas in 2002, then a Doctorate
of Audiology at the Pennsylvania
College of Optometry. Although
she is pleased with her career
direction, she admits it wasn’t what
she planned initially.
“I started out on the path
of speech pathology. I had two
introductory audiology courses,
and I just found them fascinating,”
she said. “I loved it, and I loved the
science involved with it, and the
interaction I had with patients. It is
just a real good fit for me.”
— Jeff Murphy ’76 hs, ’80, ’95
alumni today
UCM TODAY
College High Memorial to be
Dedicated at 2007 Homecoming
A permanent memorial to a treasured part
of Central Missouri’s history will be dedicated
during 2007 Homecoming festivities Saturday,
Oct. 20.
The College High Memorial will become
a reality following two years of planning by
a committee of alumni from the university’s
former laboratory high school. The memorial,
designed by UCM professor emeritus of art
Richard Monson, depicts the history of the
school with stained glass panels in an arch
supported by stone bases.
The stained glass panels and framework
are being completed this summer, and actual
construction is slated to begin in September.
The memorial will be located just southeast of
the Humphreys Building, which for many years
housed the school.
The memorial committee raised funds
for the project. With $47,000 collected to
date, they are trying to raise an additional
$11,000 to cover higher than anticipated
construction costs. Interested donors should
contact the Office of Alumni Relations at
alumni@ucmo.edu or 660-543-8000.
The university operated a teacher education
laboratory school from 1913 until it closed in
1976. First known as Training High School,
it became College High School in 1938 and
University High School in 1972.
Plan now to come back to the ‘Burg for
our homecoming “Heroes” edition. Special
celebrations are being planned for family
and consumer sciences and home economics
graduates (100th), the Baptist Student Union
(30th), plus reunions for residence halls staff
and leaders, alumni band, Elliott Union,
Accessibilities Services and the 1957 track and
field team. Watch the web for details.
Nominate a Classmate for Alumni Board of Directors
It is hard to believe that
by the time you read this,
my year as president of the
Alumni Association Board of
Directors will be half over. It
has been an action-packed
year thus far, and there is
still much to be done.
At our meeting in April, we
voted to amend the number
Jesse West ’87
of members of the board
from 15 to 19. Going forward,
the board will consist of three members of the
executive committee, president, past president
and vice president/president elect; 13 elected
directors; two young alumni directors; and one
appointed student.
The hope is that by increasing the size of the
board, we can more effectively connect to more
alumni. Elections will be held this fall, and I
encourage each of you to consider adding your
name to the list of candidates for the
slate. It’s a simple process with the
convenience of an online form on the
alumni web site.
Serving on the board has been a
great way for me to reconnect with
the university and to give back in a
small way to the school that has been
so important to me and my entire
family. There have been many events
held around mid-Missouri already
this year to provide a forum for alumni
and friends to get together. Many more are being
planned between now and the end of the year.
In September, the Alumni Association is
sponsoring trips to Germany and the Czech
Republic as well as to the French Alps. These trips
are a cost-effective way to see the world in the
company of family and friends associated with
the University of Central Missouri.
Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations
at alumni@ucmo.edu or at 660-543-8000 or
866-752-7257 for details about these trips and
the other alumni functions going on in your
area. The university web site, and particularly the
alumni section, is a great tool to stay informed of
events and all that is going on around campus.
Our alma mater has great momentum, thanks
in large part to the bold vision and leadership of
President Aaron Podolefsky. Enrollment for the
spring 2007 semester was 10,274, an increase of
three percent from the same period last year. This
is the first time since 2003 that spring enrollment
has exceeded 10,000. The quality of programs
and faculty and staff has never been stronger.
There is much to be proud about at our
university. In closing, I want to thank you for the
opportunity to serve each of you this year. Our
desire is to provide a variety of ways for you to
stay connected with UCM. I am confident that if
you do, your sense of pride will grow and some
great memories will be awakened.
Board of Directors, The Alumni Association of the University of Central Missouri
President
Jesse West ’87
Leawood, KS
Vice President/
President Elect
H. Spencer Fricke ’70
Marshall, MO
Past President
Roger Wilson ’88
Columbia, MO
Elected Directors
Paula Barry ’76, ’77, ’91
Blue Springs, MO
John Culp ’65, ’69, ’75
Warrensburg, MO
James Freese ’07
(student representative)
Rocky Comfort, MO
Steve Harmon ’85
St. Louis, MO
Carol Hassler ’83, ’85
Warrensburg, MO
Margaret Herron ’87
Lone Jack, MO
Rebecca Klein ’71, ’74, ’81
Belton, MO
Jake Lotspeich ’01
Warrensburg, MO
Judith Noland ’62
Lee’s Summit, MO
Michael Sutherland ’88
Warrenton, MO
Nancy Welty ’74
Columbia, MO
George Zvirgzdins ’66
Florissant, MO
Directors EmeritI
Monica Bolin ’89
Liberty, MO
Cynthia Bowman ’81
Leawood, KS
Leeann Blundell ’88
Lee’s Summit, MO
Dolores Burger ’59
California, MO
SueAnn Carter ’64
Warrensburg, MO
C.A. (Cass) Cassing ’51
Raytown, MO
Russ Childress ’62
Lee’s Summit, MO
Jerryl Christmas ’86
St. Louis, MO
Keith Hendrix ’67, ’71
Jefferson City, MO
Amy Merritt ‘83
Lenexa, KS
Judith Simonitsch ’74
Independence, MO
Rosalee Welling ’58
Warrensburg, MO
Julia Consalus ’50
Surprise, AZ
Randy Jadlot ’75
Mesa, AZ
Jonna Merritt ’56
Blue Springs, MO
Karen Sipes ’71
Berryton, KS
Edna Mae Whitsitt ’46
Odessa, MO
Ron Culp ’71
Overland Park, KS
Larry Keisker ’61
Lee’s Summit, MO
Bob Moore ’86
San Antonio, TX
Chris Small ’87, ’89, ’92
Grain Valley, MO
Jim Whitfield ’50
Independence, MO
E. Robert Eastin ’62
St. Louis, MO
Lloyd Kaiser ’73
Kansas City, MO
Palmer R. Nichols II ’64
Jefferson City, MO
Paulette Strader ’72
Jefferson City, MO
Tom Goddard ’61
Lake Tapawingo, MO
Mark Leicht ’78
Manchester, MO
Mary O’Reilly ’73
Hazelwood, MO
Janie Thacker ’75
Overland Park, KS
Glenda Goetz ’70
Warrensburg, MO
Mike Lord ’64
Montgomery City, MO
Richard Phillips ’65, ’67, ’72
Lake Tapawingo, MO
Dick Thomson ’61
Maryville, MO
James Goodrich ’62
Columbia, MO
Scott Loveland ‘85
Springfield, MO
Dorothea Renno ’57
Higginsville, MO
Steve Thurmon ’69
Blue Springs, MO
C. O. Green ’43
Sedalia, MO
Mary Anne Marshall ‘45
Warrensburg, MO
Rob Ruth ’75
Southlake, TX
Mike Wackerman ’81
Camdenton, MO
Mary Griffith ’59, ’74
Greenwood, MO
Vivian McGraw ‘67
Blue Springs, MO
Ron Scott ’73
Jefferson City, MO
Harvey Wadleigh ’52
Kansas City, MO
summer 2007
Ex-officio MemberS
Aaron Podolefsky
University President
Paul Page
Vice President for
University Advancement
page 17
alumni today
UCM TODAY
Daily Life is Woolsey’s
Writing Ground
Years before he became an awardwinning columnist, president and
group publisher for Paxton Media
Group/Georgia Division, Leonard
Woolsey was bitten by the writing bug.
“I sold my first piece of writing,
a love poem, to a classmate in the
fifth grade for 50 cents,” he recalled.
“He gave it to his girlfriend.”
Having gained insight into the
economic aspects of writing as a
young boy in Grandview, he went
on to be in charge of complete
media operations and holdings
in the Georgia market for a
newspaper group that owns over a
dozen publications in and around
Atlanta. The road to that position
came through Warrensburg, where
he earned a bachelor’s degree in
1988 at the University of Central
Missouri, while also honing his
writing skills at the Muleskinner.
With diploma in hand, Woolsey
worked briefly for an ad agency
in Kansas City. Then he joined
newspaper groups in St. Louis
and Pittsburgh, and advanced to
positions that included publisher
for The News Dispatch, Michigan
City, IN (Chicago market); The Daily
Corinth, Corinth, MS; and Douglas
County Sentinel, Douglasville, GA.
Today, from his office at the
Times-Georgian in Atlanta, he serves
as group publisher for a large
network of newspapers. To more
than 100,000 readers, he is best
known for his weekly column, In
Plain View. The title is a play on
words, which he says reflects both
his “background of growing up with
the values of the midwestern plains
and also pointing out the powerful
— yet obvious — moments in daily
life that so many of us take for
granted.” His column was turned
into a book in 2004.
In addition to gaining large
reader support, he has been
recognized as Columnist of the Year
by the Mississippi Press Association
and Associated Press. This June,
he is receiving the Best Humorous
Columnist honor from the Georgia
Press Association.
“I really don’t consider my
writing anything beyond a weekly
conversation with the community
of readers — and that seems to be
the key to the popularity of the
readership,” he says. “Essentially
most of us can relate to each other
and the events in each other’s lives.”
— Jeff Murphy ’76 hs, ’80, ’95
Dad Gets ‘Malled’ by Daughter
I’m learning shopping with my
pre-teen daughter is an exercise in
negotiation and a competition
of wills.
“What size do you wear?”
I asked her last week while I
browsed through a stack of
colored t-shirts.
“Small,” she said.
“What size is the t-shirt
we’re returning?”
“Small.”
“Remember, we’re here because
Mom sent us back to return the
last shirt we bought together. Let’s
not get me in trouble again.”
Recently my daughter and I’ve
been spending more time together
in a strange enclosed ecosystem
commonly known as a “mall.”
Shopping, for her, is not about
the capture but more the chase.
Contrary to my practices (and
those of my son), shopping is a
necessary — almost mercenary —
page 18
mission. Identify your target, plan
your action, capture (purchase)
and get out in as little time as
possible. For us, any shopping
excursion lasting over 45 minutes
is poorly planned and executed.
So, granted, I’ll admit I’m
pretty much out of my element
when it comes to shopping
with my daughter. What I’m
discovering is a brand-new world
of challenges. Sizes, suddenly,
seem to be up to interpretation.
Over the past couple weeks I’ve
seen t-shirts labeled “medium”
that could barely cover a small dog
— let alone my daughter.
Fortunately my wife is patiently
coaching me behind the scenes.
After the first t-shirt “return”
incident, she tried to share some
pointers with me.
“Did she try on the shirt first?’”
“Well, no. She said she wore
a ‘small.’”
“You need to make her try
things on first,” she said.
Thinking about it for a
moment, I agreed that sounded
like an easy solution. Then she
unexpectedly dropped another
small detail.
“That means having her come
out of the dressing room and you
looking at it.”
Ugh. Never occurred to me.
Most guys — if you can even get
us to try something on beyond
holding it up to our chest — rarely
come out of the dressing room
unprompted. I believe it somehow
takes us back to shopping with
our mothers — thus threatening
our masculine independence (yes,
we’re that insecure).
Thinking back to the afternoon
in question, I began to piece
together my daughter’s strategy.
For 45 minutes she led me around
stores in what seemed to be an
summer 2007
aimless exercise. But no, I now
realize, she was wearing me down.
She’d figured out long ago she just
needed to outlast my attention
span — and then find a store with
a comfortable chair for me to sit
down in.
I’ll admit I was exhausted after
her trek through what seemed
like endless stores. I’ll also admit
I didn’t do any of the preventive
actions my wife later suggested. I
was, I now realized, played by a
cool, calculating opponent who
knew my limitations.
What worries me now is
what happens to me when
she turns 12 years old?
— From In Plain View by Leonard
Woolsey. Reprinted by permission.
alumni today
UCM TODAY
$omeday You’ll Make
a Million Dollar$
Long before Erich Muller was known to
a legion of fans as Mancow, he whetted his
appetite for radio by juggling college coursework
and part-time restaurant jobs in Warrensburg and
Kansas City with the midnight to 5 a.m. shift at
KOKO 1450 AM.
“He’s one of those unforgettable guys.
Once you’ve been around him, you just don’t
forget him,” says Marion Woods, the station’s
general manager.
Woods remembers handling calls from people
who were ticked off about something they heard
on the radio station when Muller was on the
air — everyone from the mayor to the station
owner at that time. Even then, he was “constantly
shaking the ship a little” when it came to topics
he addressed on small-town conservative radio.
“He’d walk the edge like he does now…He’s
an expert at it,” Woods says. “He knows where
the line is, and he’ll get a toe across it once in
awhile. But he’s probably one of the smartest
guys I’ve ever met. He can talk about anything
— religion, politics, sports — and he’s well
read. Even if he doesn’t’ know something about
a subject you’re discussing, when you’re done
talking to him, you’ll think he did.”
Muller absorbed the radio business like a
sponge. He often voluntarily stayed an hour or
more, without pay, after his regular shift to work
on the air with the morning show host, Chris
Shaeffer, also a UCM alumnus.
Woods recollects Muller’s enthusiasm
for the business, his high energy level and
how he frequently jotted his ideas down on
a big yellow legal pad that he carried around
the station. Mancow’s former boss also
hasn’t forgotten the few words of wisdom
he shared with him as he left the station
to pursue bigger opportunities in radio.
“I told him, ‘Erich, just keep doing what
you’re doing. Someday you’ll make a million
dollars a year.’”
Heavy One Hundred
Like him or hate him, Muller has established
a celebrity reputation among the nation’s 5,000
talk show hosts. He’s currently ranked number
11 in Talkers Magazine Heavy Hundred list, ahead
of Howard Stern, Randi Rhodes, Don Imus, Bill
O’Reilly, Alan Colmes, Bill Handel, Jim Rome,
Mark Levin and many more.
There’s no denying his stardom. He’s
won Billboard’s “Radio Personality of the
Year” award four consecutive years and has
appeared on a variety of television programs,
including Politically Incorrect, Jerry Springer,
Late Night with David Letterman, Hard Copy
and Entertainment Tonight. He is the author of
a best-selling book, Dad, Dames, Demons and
a Dwarf, and has been a contributing writer to
Newsmax.com, Playboy and Gear magazines.
From small-town Missouri to Kansas City,
then to Chicago by way of California, Muller
has always drawn big radio ratings. Some say his
Morning Madhouse show is funny; others say it’s
offensive. Controversial and outspoken, Muller
speaks bluntly about where he stands on issues.
He has described himself as a “conservative,
Bible-thumping radical who curses.”
His show has often featured outrageous
publicity stunts. The political stunt most
frequently credited for his climb to fame
occurred in 1993 when he and sidekick Chuy
“Chewy” Gomez drove onto the San Francisco
Bay Bridge. They stopped the radio station’s van
in morning rush hour to give Chewy a haircut,
creating a traffic jam that lasted late into the
afternoon. It was Muller’s political comeback to
then President Bill Clinton’s $200 haircut aboard
Air Force One at L.A. International Airport. The
station was sued and paid more than $1 million.
Mancow became nationally famous, locally
beloved and despised.
Love for Central Missouri
For all of Mancow’s controversy, there’s no
denying his affection for his alma mater. He’s
established a scholarship for theatre students;
talks fondly about his professors, particularly
Ed See; and made the gift to purchase the
university’s current live mascot.
“Erich has a tremendous sense of loyalty. He
always stays in touch; we’re a part of his life,”
said See, who recalled one of Mancow’s favorite
stories. “He called to tell me he had left school,
had gone home to New Jersey and couldn’t
afford to come back. I told him to come back to
school and we would find a way to finance it.” A
scholarship made it possible for Muller to finish
his degree.
“He’s definitely one of our most unique
graduates,” See said. “He always had this
incredible work ethic and was very goal oriented.
He appears to be very spontaneous on the air but
I know it takes a lot of work for his level
of success.”
summer 2007
Nationally syndicated radio
personality and 1989 UCM
alumnus Erich “Mancow” Muller
was honored this spring as
recipient of the Ed See Outstanding
Theatre Alumnus Award.
Erich “Mancow”
Muller, one of
the nation’s most
popular talk
show hosts, stays
in contact with
his alma mater,
visiting former
colleagues, such
as Marion Woods,
KOKO general
manager, or
making special
gifts, such as the
one that allowed
UCM to acquire a
new live mascot.
page 19
class notes
GIVE US YOUR NEWS!
To get your latest news in our class notes section, please fill out the UCM Alumni Information Form on page 24.
Members of the Class of 1957 were the newest inductees of the 50-Year Society during May commencement ceremonies. They appear here with President Aaron and Ms. Ronnie Podolefsky and
include front row, from left: Yvonne Skouby, Dorothea Renno, Ray Fitterling, Loretta Wiseman, Jessie Baker, Mary Lamb (seated), Eleanor Egan, Betty Swearingen, Seryl Webb, Helen Clark and
George Morrison. Second row, from left, are: Bill Grace, Elizabeth Mae Irle, Bob Merritt, Sherralyn Craven, Art Pahl, Richard Schromm and Janis Reding. Third row, from left, are: John Freytag, Norm
Brooks, Martha Baile, Richard Andrews, Kenneth Weikal and Lloyd Cowherd. Fouth row, from left, are: Geraldine Mann, Marilyn Vanderlinden, Terry Boone, William Schnabel, George Butler, John
Belshe and Robert Boyd. Fifth row, from left, are: Carol Stewart, Robert Walters and Ann Margaret Smith. Back row, from left, are: Patsy Prugh, Irvin Cockriel, Teresa Ross, Bernard Morgan and
Peggy Malone.
1930-1939
1940-1949
Marvin Powell ’31 resides at 7200
E. Quincy Ave., Apt. 126, Denver, CO
80237.
Lawrence Leslie “L.L.” Waters ’35,
professor emeritus of transportation and
business history at Indiana University,
has been a business school faculty
member since 1948. He and wife, Mary
Lou, reside at 2455 Tamarack Trail, Apt.
108, Bloomington, IN 47408.
Carl Duncan, Navy V-12, resides at
306 Monarch Trail, Georgetown, TX 78628
and email is elcid@suddenlink.net.
Berdy (Way) Miller ’47 resides at
2264 Apricot Dr., Joplin, MO 64804.
5873 Parliament Dr., Harrison, AR 72601
and email is jetsr@alltel.net.
Pat (Strider) Vandiver ’59 resides
at 11363 Bridgeport Place, Belvidere, IL
61008 and can be reached by email at
patjpvandiver@aol.com.
1950-1959
1960-1969
Use Your IRA
to Make a Gift
Take advantage of a new opportunity
to show your support for the University
of Central Missouri. Thanks to the
Pension Protection Act of 2006, you can
make a gift directly from your IRA, if:
• Your gift is $100,000 or less.
• You make the gift on or before
Dec. 31, 2007.
• You are age 70 ½ or older by the
date of the distribution.
• You transfer the gift directly from a
traditional IRA or Roth IRA.
• The gift is made outright to the
UCM Foundation.
For more information, contact the
UCM Foundation at giving@ucmo.edu
or 866-752-7257.
page 20
Howard Heidbrink ’51 resides at 7D
Broadway Village Dr., Columbia, MO
65201. He has reached the age of 80 and
would love to receive a card or note from
former classmates.
Rosemary (Hall) Chatfield ’52
resides at 1601 Academy Rd., L-5,
Ponca City, OK 74604 and email is
rosemarychatfield@sbcglobal.net.
Mrs. Dennis Walker ’52 resides at
1808 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee,
WI 53172. and email is schott31@tds.net.
Bonnie (Beissenherz) George
’57 and her husband, William
’58, celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary April 15. They reside at 1504
S. Golf Club Dr., Richmond, MO 64085.
Janice Mayfield ’59 married Tim
Berner on May 6, 2006. She retired in
2000 from teaching at Mascoutah (IL)
High School. They reside at 311 Hickory
Bend, Belleville, IL 62223 and email is
tnjberner@charter.net.
Jim Thomas ’59, ’61, ’72 is past
president of the Harrison Kiwanis and
was Kiwanian of the Year in 2004 and
2005. He and his wife, Mary, reside at
Mary Anne (Baumann) Peeples
’62, ’69 completed a four-year term as
chapter regent of the Daughters of the
American Revolution and a two-year
term as state corresponding secretary.
She is president of the Woman’s Club
of Fayetteville, NC, Inc. She and her
husband, Tim, can be reached by email
at peeples@nc.rr.com.
Linda (Langford) Griffiths ’63
resides at 1077 Walnut, Kenai, AK 99611
and email is neoshor@yahoo.com.
Zela Lovvorn ’63 resides at 12230
FM2657, Kempner, TX 76539.
Cyndy (Walker) Bauer ’64 and her
husband, Wil, reside at 313 S. Pioneer
Dr., Long Grove, IA 52756 and email is
cabauer42@aol.com.
Dee (Shiner) Rau ’64, ’68 resides
at 1217 W. 41st St., Apt. 2-W, Kansas City,
MO 64111 and can be reached by email
at drow4reading@yahoo.com.
Gene Pike ’65 resides at 3014
Campbell St., Kansas City, MO 64109
and email is genepike@mindspring.com.
T. Allan Reinders ’65 and wife, Carol
(Westergard) ‘58, reside at 408 W.
Central Ave., Estherville, IA 51334 and
summer 2007
email is agcoal@hotmail.com.
Rick Foertsch ’67 can be reached at
PO Box 962, Corvallis, OR 97339 or by
email at rfoertsch@msn.com.
Marilyn (Newman) Rudloff ’67 and
husband, Dale, reside at 1717 Sparrow
Lane, Sevierville, TN 37862 and email is
marilynrudloff@hotmail.com.
Bill Douglas ’68 and wife,
Barbara, reside at 566 Kings Rd.,
Alameda, CA 94501 and email is
billdouglas@hbrhomes.com.
Richard Lujin ’68 and wife, Karen
(Parsons) ’71 can be reached at 16078
Hwy. D or PO Box 47, Versailles, MO
65084 and email is rklujin@wildblue.net.
Frank Oldham ’68 is regional
president for Northeast Arkansas for
Bancorp South, a New York Stock
Exchange listed company. He is the
author of Job Descriptions in Banking
and has written numerous professional
journal articles. He and his wife, Donna,
have two children.
Mary (Hamrick) Baskett ’69
retired after teaching 31 years in seven
states and three countries. She taught
elementary and special education and
was a computer teacher and technology
coordinator for the last eight years in
O’Fallon (IL) District 90. Her husband,
Roger ’67, has been retired for six
years. They reside at 1102 Woodleaf Dr.,
O’Fallon, IL 62269 and email address is
mary-baskett@charter.net.
class notes
UCM TODAY
Larry Shafer ’69 has opened The
Entrepreneur’s Source in Kansas City. He
is a professional coach and consultant,
helping people who want to open
their own business. He resides at 5912
Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110 and
email is esourcelarry@swbell.net.
Bill Stark ’69 and his wife, Sandi,
reside at 23116 N. Del Monte Dr.,
Sun City West, AZ 85375 and email is
stark2261@hotmail.com.
1970-1979
James Bliss ’70 resides at 1407
Lawrence Ave., Leavenworth, KS 66048.
Don Boes ’70 is a computer
information technician for Missouri.
He and wife, Sara ’84, reside at 900
Maywood Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109
and email is donboes@mchsi.com.
Ernie Collyer ’70 and wife,
Lu Ann, reside at 3309 W. 130, Leawood,
KS 66209 and can be reached by email
at ernie@collyerandassociates.com.
Paula (Kelly) Barrows ’71 retired
from Coca-Cola Co. in Atlanta. She and
her husband, George, reside at 7826 N.
Oregon Ave., Kansas City, MO 64151.
Melvin Hughes ’71 is a fish culturist
at Idaho Fish & Games Sawtooth Fish
Hatchery. He can be reached by email at
mhughes@idfg.idaho.gov.
Cindy Schroeder ’71 is executive
director of INOBTR (I Know Better),
a non-profit Internet safety coalition
designed to catch online predators in
Missouri. This organization works in
partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s
office and Project Safe Childhood. Reach
her at www.inobtr.org or at cschroeder@
contemporaryproductions.com.
Bonita Butner ’72 resides at 619 E.
117th St., Kansas City, MO 64131 and
email is bbutner1@kc.rr.com.
Sandy (Holliger) Kelley ’73 and
husband, Terry, reside at 100 Mickey
Ct., New Bern, NC 28562 and email is
Kelley.sandy@gmail.com.
Alan Mundey ’73, ‘80 and wife,
Mary (Crist) ’72 reside at 715 Country
Club Dr., Butler, MO 64730 and email is
mundey@mchsi.com.
Marilyn (Truitt) Reinhard ’73
resides at 18209 E. 50th Terrace Ct. S.,
Independence, MO 64055 and email is
m_reinhard@comcast.net.
Nicholas Reach ’74 resides at
N74W14976 Sylvan Lane, Menomonee
Falls, WI 53051 and email address is
nhreach@sbcglobal.net.
Roger Schroeder ’74, ’76 was named
by Gov. Matt Blunt to the Missouri
Medal of Valor Review Board. He is chief
of police for Jefferson City.
Allyson Speers ’74 resides at 607
Huntington Rd., Kansas City, MO 64113.
Email is allysonspeers@hotmail.com.
Joe Dayringer ’75, ’77 is special
investigations administrator for
the General Assignment Unit in
Jefferson City for the Department
of Social Services, Division of Legal
Services. He retired in 2004 as a chief
counterintelligence warrant officer for
the Missouri Army National Guard. He
and wife, Paula, have four children and
eight grandchildren.
Bob Hoatson ’75 is the senior
geologist, US Golf Coast, for Chesapeake
Resources. He resides at 6608 N. Western
Ave., #468, Oklahoma, OK 73116 and
email is rjhoatson@hotmail.com.
Cheryl (Breyer) Tyler ’75 was
promoted to assistant assessor of
San Benito County CA.
Terry Walker ’75 is an attorney in
private practice in Hanahan, SC. He was
elected third vice chair of the Dorchester
County Republicans in April. He writes
a weekly column for The Hanahan,
Goose Creek and North Charleston News
covering political events of national,
state and local interest. He and wife,
Winnice, reside at 144 Hummingbird
Ave., Ladson, SC 29456 and email is
walkertlaw@yahoo.com.
Pat Cummings ’76, ’77 just
completed his sixth year at Grandview
High School teaching special education
math and coaching basketball. He has
taught for 30 years and coached football,
basketball and track for 25 years.
He resides at 912 NE Linz Ave., Blue
Springs, MO 64014 and email address is
pacbolts@comcast.net.
Sashi Thakur ’76 and wife, Malti
’76, reside at 289 John Cove, Collierville,
TN 38017 and email address is
sjthakur@bellsouth.net.
Greg Bryson ’77 and wife, Judy
(Lear) ’78, reside at 1304 Neptune
St., Mexico, MO 65265 and email is
gbryson54@sbcglobal.net.
Jim Howard ’77 and wife,
Peggy, reside at 10204 E. 85th Terr.,
Raytown, MO 64138 and email is
greyhounds3@comcast.net.
Daniel Kite ’77 and wife, Susan
(Patterson) ’77 can be reached by email
at bullet41@bellsouth.net.
Jeff Mittelhuaser ’78 was appointed
by Gov. Matt Blunt to the Task Force
on Alternative Sentencing. He is a
prosecuting attorney for Pettis County
and resides in Sedalia.
Jelani Agu-Nkosi ’79 resides
at 11625 Mckinley Dr., Kansas City, MO
64134 and can be reached by email at
jabulani56@hotmail.com.
Kevin Ketterman ’79 resides at 4710
Alderson Rd., #2, Blaine, WA 98230 and
email is halfnote2@halfnote2.us.
Rick Mcdaniel ’79 can be reached at
mcdanielrick@bellsouth.net.
Leslie McClure Krasner ’77, ’78 is
senior vice president and attorney at
Smith Barney in New York City. Her
daughter, Jessica, graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania and is now
studying at NYU Law. Her son, Justin,
is enrolled at George Washington
University, Washington D.C.
Rick Riddle ’79 and Barb (Wheeler)
’76 reside at 2252 SW State Rt. 150,
Lee’s Summit, MO 64082. He teaches in
the Hickman Mills School District, and
she is an administrative assistant at the
Kansas City Hospice House. They have
two children. Tyler is a junior at Lee’s
Summit West High School and Raelyn is
a senior at UCM, majoring in elementary
and early childhood education.
Rose (Oetting) Stewart ’79
can be reached by email address at
roseoettingstewart@kc.rr.com.
1980-1989
Randy Crase ’80 resides at 8504
Southmoor Ct., North Richland Hills, TX
76180 an email is racrase@hotmail.com.
Jill (Blair) Jones ’80 is teaching
theatre at North Kansas City High
School after teaching 25 years in the
Richmond School District. She is still
active in local theatre. She and her
husband have three children, Zac, a
student at Missouri State; Lexi, a fifth
grader; and Nikai, a kindergarten student
who was adopted from Guatemala. The
family resides at 11400 N. Madison Ave.,
Kansas City, MO 64155 and email is
njonesl@nkcsd.k12.mo.us.
Giles Andrew ’81 resides at 262C
Pinehurst Ave., Southern Pines, NC
28387.
Valarie (Gasway) Owens ’82
resides at 8709 Carmel Ct., Hazelwood,
MO 63042 and her email address is
valetheldra@yahoo.com.
Becky (Gabrielson) Telle ’82 resides
at 23335 Leaf Ridge Dr., Katy, TX 77494
and email is becca0702@aol.com.
John Weaver ’82 and wife, Karen,
live at 233 Fawn Trail, Whitefish, MT
59937. Email is revision@bresnan.net.
Doug Gerber ’83, ’84 resides at 6605
Clayton Ave., #302, St. Louis, MO 63139
and email is gerbwa@msn.com.
Gerald Johnson ’83 can be reached
at PO Box 8682, Brownsville, TX 78526
and email is eslam6154@aol.com.
Mark Eddelbuttel ’84 runs a legal
practice off the east coast of Australia.
He and his wife, Deborah, have a
daughter, Megan. The family resides at
44 Main St., Cuddletown NSW 2430,
Australia and email is buttel@tsn.cc.
John Gassman ’84 will be the
athletic director at Kearney High School
for the 2007-2008 school year. He has
been activities director at Lawson High
School for the last seven years.
Ronald Walker ’84 will have a oneperson show at the Florence, OR, Events
Center opening July 14. He also is the
featured artist in July at the Ghost Pony
Gallery in Tuchas, NM.
Rand Harbert ’85 has been
promoted to senior vice president of
State Farm’s California operations.
Matt Shepherd ’85 resides at 7628
NW Rhode Ave., Kansas City, MO 64152
and email is matt@msadvdesign.com.
summer 2007
Bobby Smith ’85 is retired from
the U.S. Navy and is a contract worker
for the F-18. He resides at 2157 Honey
Dr., San Diego, CA 92139 and email is
bobbysmith1@con.net.
Rebecca (Hargus) Wright ’85 is the
owner of The Communication Station,
Inc., a speech language pathology
private practice. Her husband, Graham,
is the president of GCA Chemical
Corp. They have a seven-year-old son,
Max. The family resides at 148 N. Polk
Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236 and email is
comstation@comcast.net.
Rob Kiesling ’87 and wife, Mary
(Graham) ’88 reside at 3201 Alsup Dr.,
Columbia, MO 65202.
Dave Leanhart ’87 resides at 17639
Grace Rd., Lebanon, NV 65536 and
email is dlean42@hotmail.com.
Leslie (Brent) Marsh ’87 is a design
consultant for Design Of The InteriorNaperville. Her husband, Brent ’87, is
a productivity team leader for Sandvik
Coromont. They have two sons, Will,
19, a sophomore advertising/economics
major at UMC and Tom, 17, a junior
at Wheaton Warrenville South High
School. The family resides at 420 W.
Park Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187 and email
is leslie.marsh@comcast.net.
IN ARIZONA at the Drinkwater’s City Hall
Steakhouse, Bill Stark ’69 and Sandi Stark.
Randy Tennison ’87 is a financial
analyst for Walt Disney World Resort.
He has one son. He resides at 2400 NW
84th Terr., Kansas City, MO 64154.
Clarence Cosby ’88 resides at 104
W. 104th St., Kansas City, MO 64114 and
email is dewayne_cosby@kcmo.org.
Ellen Runge ’88 is working for
a nationwide organization helping
families with troubled teens. Reach her
by email at emrunge66@yahoo.com or
http://ellen.parentshelpingteens.com.
Chuck Hamrick ’89 and his wife,
Cheryl, reside at 2025 Canyons Resort
Dr., Unit 03, Park City, UT 84098 and
email is chuck@hamrick.biz.
April (Parrish) Kruse ’89 is a
division manager at MedAmerica Billing
Services, Inc. She and husband, John,
and 12-year-old son Austin, live at 4221
Drakeshire Ct., Modesto, CA 95356 and
email is aprilkruse08@yahoo.com.
page 21
class notes
Greg Scott ’89 and his partner, Jim,
reside at 412 W. Bay St., Savannah, GA
31402 and email is gscott8256@aol.com.
Courtney (Butler) Wall ’89 and
husband, Edward, reside at 2833 Sweet
briar Dr., Independence, MO 64057.
W. F. Wheatley III ’89 taught math
for 10 years in Mississippi before getting
his civil engineering degree. He now
works for the state’s Department of
Transportation. His email address is
wmfwheatlet@bellsouth.net.
1990-1999
Kimberly (Miller) Burns ’90, ’93
and husband, Jon, announce the birth
of Jackson Matthew Sept. 15, 2006. He
joins Katelynn, 14; Brandon, 12; and
Regan, 3. The family resides at
304 Wallace Ct., Wentzville, MO 63385
and email is kimjon4@charter.net.
IN ARIZONA
were Maggy
Handley ’43
and Jason
Hunt ’98.
Sharon (Werdehausen) Moore
’90 and husband, Eric, reside at 3801
Humphrey St., St. Louis, MO 63116 and
email is shmoore5@yahoo.com.
Cindy Williams ’90 resides at 1109
Yokley, Raymore, MO 64083 and email
is cindy_cindy@comcast.net.
Ying Yih Chiu ’91 resides at 9265
Wedgewood St., Temple City, CA 91780
and email is peterchiu@les.edu.
Dale McCampbell ’91 and his
wife, Amy, reside at 17392 Shupe Ave.,
Mendon, MO 64660 and email is
mccampbellal@hotmail.com.
Bryan Bieri ’92 and his wife,
Andrea (Hathorn) ’95, announce the
birth of Jackson William April 24. The
family resides at 19400 E. 9th St. S.,
Independence, MO 64056 and email is
bbieri@comcast.net.
Muhammad Hussain ’92, ’94 is a
vice president in the area of corporate
finance for a leading investment
company in Pakistan. He and his wife,
Saima Muzahir, reside at 312-A Upper
Mall, Lahore, Pakistan and email is
darns73@hotmail.com.
Kevin Jackson ’92 and his wife,
Gwen, reside at 4425 Creekstone
Dr., Plano, TX 75093 and email is
kevinjacksonsr@gmail.com.
Allen Losaba ’92 resides at 26
Emerald St., Riviera Park, Mafikeng,
2745, South Africa and email is
alosaba@nwptb.co.za.
Seog Yoo ’92 resides at Hyundai
page 22
UCM TODAY
6APT 604-2503, Yangpyungdong,
Youngdeungpo, Seoul, LA 150, South
Korea and email is syoo@krx.co.kr.
Lisa (Pollard) Fischer ’93 and her
husband, Bret, announce the birth of
Laney Bella Jan. 15, 2007. She joins
sister, Madison, 3.
Kelly Johnson ’93 is the principal
clarinetist with the Arkansas Symphony
Orchestra and associate professor of
clarinet at the University of Central
Arkansas. She has appeared as a soloist
throughout the world and has released a
solo CD titled Clarinet Unlimited.
Fred Liggett ’93 resides at 1024 B NE
Lindsey Ave., Lee’s Summit, MO 64086.
Baber Mansur ’93, ’97 resides at
109 A E-1 Hali Road, Gulberg 3, Lahore,
54111, Pakistan and email address is
baber_mansur@hotmail.com.
Rachel (Sharp) O’Connell ’93
and husband, William, announce the
adoption of Philip Daniel born April 4,
2006, in Yaroslavl, Russia, and adopted
Feb. 5, 2007. He joins his brother, Caleb.
Stephanie Stevens ’93 resides at
6953 Luvin Rd., Stover, MO 65078 and
email is mchcstevens@yahoo.com.
Tammy (Rogers) Donnici ’94 and
husband, Charley ’93, announce the
birth of Madeline Grace Sept. 5, 2006.
She joins brother, Alexander.
Aaron Campbell ’95 and wife, Tania,
reside at 11030 N. Skiles Ave., Kansas
City, MO 64157.
Susan (Jones) Lee ’95 resides at 310
High Pointe Ridge, Prattville, AL 36066.
J.D. Lewis ’95 is a demonstration
pilot for Cessna Aircraft Co., flying
Cessna Citation jets throughout the
world. His wife, Yrene fs ’96, works
as the Spanish editor/writer for the
Catholic Advance newspaper. They have
three boys: Gabriel, Christian and Jorge.
The family resides at 2715 S. Crestline
Ct., Wichita, KS 67215 and email is
jdlewis@cessna.textron.com.
Chris Hamblin ’96, a senior research
scientist for Honeywell, is supporting
development of NASA’s next generation
space exploration vehicles. His wife,
Kyndra (Buckner) ’97 is a registered
dietitian for Christus St. John Hospital.
They have two children: Bryanna, 5
and Baylee, 2. The family resides at 535
Cedar Branch Dr., League City, TX 77573
and email is thehamblins@gmail.com.
David Hayden ’96 and wife, Amy,
reside at 985 E. Charlotte Town Rd.,
Olathe, KS 66061
Amy (Creason) Hinson ’96 owns
an event planning business in the San
Francisco east bay area. Her husband,
Mike ’96, is a senior account executive
for R.R. Donnelley with an office in
Santa Clara, CA. They reside at 5053
Campion Dr., San Ramon, CA 94582.
Stephanie (Huhmann) Sharp ’96
and husband, Lawrence ‘98, reside at
7766 Creek Front Dr., Fountain, CO
80817.
Anthony Simpson Sr. ’96 has been
teaching for 10 years and playing semipro football. He and wife, Stacey, have
two children: Anthony Jr. and Amali.
The family resides at 6851 Plymouth
Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130.
Stacey (Belshe) Toomay ’96 and
husband, Brian, announce the birth of a
daughter, Carson Layne March 6, 2007.
The family resides in St. Louis and email
is sbelshe410@hotmail.com.
Michelle (Hundley) Bishop ’97 and
husband, Wayne ’00, reside at 16557
Stanfield Rd., Boonville, MO 65233 and
email is waynemshell@yahoo.com.
Jeffrey Cauthen ’97 and wife,
Jennifer ’97, reside at 5288 Ussery
Rd., Kershaw, SC 29067 and email is
jcauthen@comporium.net.
Carrie (Jorgensen) Gray ’97 and
husband, Don, announce the birth of
Cole Matthew March 23, 2007. He joins
sister, Mya, 2. The family can be reached
by email at carriemgray@hotmail.com.
Alex Barbagallo ’98 and wife,
Sylvia, reside at 5608 Bloomington Ave.,
Minneapolis, MN 55417.
Harold Boomer, Jr. ’98 works for
IBM. He resides at 8209 Harris Ct.,
Raytown, MO 64138 and email is
haboomer@yahoo.com.
John Comerford ’98 and his wife,
Rachel, have a one-year–old son, Garrett
Roderick. The family resides at 7162
Longview Dr., Fulton, MO 65251 and
email is comerfj@westminster-mo.edu.
Mark Hudson ’98 resides at 12351
E. Durk Rd., Centralia, MO 65240 and
email is mkhudson@hotmail.com.
Jenn (Miller) Huling ’98 and
husband, Matthew, can be reached by
email at jinnerminner@hotmail.com.
Liz Largent ’98 can be reached by
email at llargent@occc.edu.
Stephanie (Grissom) Lindsay
’98 is a registered nurse working in
various medical areas, mostly neonatal
and pediatric intensive care units. Her
husband, Kyle, is an F-16 pilot in the Air
National Guard. They have two children:
Keegan, 3 and Gavin, 1. The family
resides at 804 River Overlook Loop, Van
Buren, AR 72956 and email address is
stephi.sue@juno.com.
Alicia (Meyers) Montgomery ’98
and husband, Rich, reside at 2390
Fountain Dr., Barnhart, MO 63012 and
email is avmrlm@hotmail.com.
Christopher Smith ’98 resides at
1103 Highland Dr., Rolla, MO 65401
and email is cgsmith@fidmail.com.
Charles Ware ’98 resides at 2272
Towncenter Blvd., #2107, Lee’s Summit,
MO 64064 and email address is
warecm@yahoo.com.
Chasity Anderson ’99 was appointed
to the Amber Alert System Oversight
Committee by Gov. Matt Blunt. She is
from Dawn, MO, and is news director
for KMZU. 100.7 and KRLI, 103.9, both
FM stations.
summer 2007
Amy Gardner ’99 announces the
birth of Julia Oct. 29, 2006. Amy
can be reached by email at
amy.gardner@kirbyville.k12.mo.us.
Craig Harrah ’99 resides at 14210
Waverly Falls Lane East, Jacksonville, FL
32224 and email is craig@kcnet.com.
Holly (Motiff) Kaiser ’99 and
husband, Kevin, can be reached by email
at hollylkaiser@yahoo.com.
Jill (Wommack) Kinion ’99 and
husband, Kurt, announce the birth
of Claire Elizabeth Dec. 27, 2006.
She joins Chloee, 5 and Kelan, 3. The
family resides at 221 Summerwood Ct.,
Moscow Mills, MO 63362 and email is
kinionj@troyr3.k12.mo.us.
Mandy Welch ’99 will be the new
assistant principal for the primary
and upper elementary schools in the
Smithville R-II School District this fall.
2000-2006
Christopher “Horse” Baile ’00 and
his wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of
Samuel Christopher. He joins siblings:
Lauren, 11 and Shelby Lucile, 22
months. Christopher is employed with
Daimler Chrysler and the family can be
reached at cbaile2@mindspring.com.
Fred Buckley III ’00 resides at 4428
NW Indian Lane, Riverside, MO 64150
and email is fcbiiidc@yahoo.com.
Karen (Haas) Echols ’00 and
husband, Jimmy, reside at 1861
Mountain Top Lane, Vinton, VA 24179
and email is jimzwyf@yahoo.com.
AT THE IVORY GRILLE ALUMNI EVENT, James
’61 and Marguerite Ellis
Leah Nicholson ’00 resides at
1912 E. William Cannon, Apt. 1223,
Austin, TX 78744 and email address is
lnichols@austinisd.org.
Ronda Sims ’00 is owner of
R Studios in Chicago and currently travels
around the United States photographing
weddings. Her work is featured in
Chicago Woman’s magazine. She is also
a college professor at the Institute of Art
in Chicago. She resides at 105 Oak Lawn
Ct., 202, Schaumburg, IL 60195 and can
be reached at rsimstudio@yahoo.com or
www.rsimstudio.com.
Christine (Heinrichs) Wilson ’00
and her husband, Joshua ’00, have a
daughter, Ava Nicole, 1½. The family
resides at 5009 Belmont Rd., Tampa, FL
33647 and can be reached by email at
class notes
UCM TODAY
twilson34@tampabay.rr.com.
Alyssa Berman ’01, Overland Park,
married Jeff Thomson, Minneapolis,
in a beach front ceremony in Solana
Beach, CA, Oct. 23, 2006. She recently
completed her MBA at San Diego State
University and is an international analyst
for Northrop Grumman. Jeff is a golf
professional at Torrey Pines Golf Club.
They reside at 8829 Spectrum Center
Blvd. #3103, San Diego, CA 92123 and
email is alyssathomson@sbcglobal.net.
Tim Maas ’01 and wife, Karin
(Payne) ’03, reside at 11811 Kennedy
Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 and
email is atmaas@comcast.net.
Lauren (Dobson) Peter ’01 and
husband, Thomas ’98, announce the
birth of Caden Lawrence Feb. 8, 2007.
The family resides at 709 SE 12th Terr.,
Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 and email is
stlkcpeter@sbcglobal.net.
Pamela (Murphy) Poe ’01 is safety
manager at Tipton Correctional Center.
She is one of only two women safety
managers in Missouri’s Department of
Corrections. She and husband, James,
reside at 6531 McNeal Dr., Syracuse, MO
65354.
Ryan Smarr ’01 resides at 9 NE
Green St., Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 and
email is ryan@smtrustmortgage.us.
Mike Stanfield ’01, ’04 and wife,
Corrina (Mumaw) ’02, ’04, announce
the birth of Makenzie Erin Feb. 12,
2007. She joins sister, Maggie, 2½. The
family resides at 319 SW 6th St. Terr.,
Blue Springs, MO 64014 and email is
stanfield_80@yahoo.com.
Lindsay Allison ’02 resides at 24
Beale St., St. Louis, MO 63119 and email
is lnallison@gmail.com.
Emily Boyd ’02 and partner, Paula,
reside at 83 Irving Ave., Providence, RI
02906. Email is ylime_36@yahoo.com.
AT Rheinland RESTAURANT, Paul Morganroth
‘50 plays the accordian.
Nicole (Mitchell) Carrillo ’02 and
husband, Mario, reside at 1718 Ashley
Dr., Independence, MO 64058.
Nick Humphrey ’02 and wife,
Hannah, reside at 1823 Legacy Ln.,
Jefferson City, MO 65101 and email is
nick.humphrey@mswp.dps.mo.gov.
Brianne Jones ’02 and husband,
David, reside at 480 SW 850, Chilhowee,
MO 64733 and can be reached by email
at david_n_bri@yahoo.com.
Dallas Russell ’02 and wife, Dawn,
reside at 12 W. 8th St., Higginsville, MO
64037 and can be reached by email at
dallas.russell@us.army.mil.
Trish Sola ’02 can be reached by
email at trishsola@yahoo.com.
Christopher Treppler ’02 works for
Novurania Marine, Vero Beach, FL, as a
project design engineer. The company
designs and builds yacht tender/sport
boats usually found on yachts. He
resides at 4965 Sparkling Pines, Fort
Pierce, FL 34951.
Brie (Tucker) Hall ’02 and her
husband, Zachary, announce the birth
of Robert Michael March 30, 2007. The
family resides at 721 N. Apache Dr.,
Chandler, AZ 85224.
Joe Bell ’03 and wife, Abigail
(Yount) ’03, reside at 5257 Fairview,
St. Louis, MO 63139 and email is
jbell6826@sbcglobal.net.
Michael Dickinson ’03, ’04 and his
wife, Sarah (Byam) ’04 have a one-yearold daughter, Natalie Day. The family
resides at 5510 Dewey Ave., St. Louis,
MO 63116.
AT NEW THEATRE RESTAURANT, Robyn ‘96 and
Scott Nameth ‘94 and Sara Steffens
Tamara Griffith ’03 lives at 1315 W.
Winnemac Ave., #3, Chicago, IL 60640.
Anna Findlay ’03 married Adam
Heinritz Sept. 30, 2006. They reside at
12293 W. Cross Dr., #205, Littleton,
CO 80127 and email address is
kufanteacher@yahoo.com.
Lisa Gish ’03 married Matthew
Sweeney July 31, 2006, in St. Thomas,
Virgin Islands. They reside in La Habra,
CA, and email is liseed81@yahoo.com.
Mariaeugenia Alcocer ’04, ’05 email
is maru-alcocer0599@yahoo.com.
Julia Clarke ’04, a popular Scottish
voice from 2001-04 at the university’s
KTBG radio station, is working for
Songlines’ promotion team, whose
primary office is located in New York.
She previously worked as music director
for WUMB in Boston, MA, as well as
awards and honors
1940-1949
John “Jack” Overbey ’48, ’63 was
awarded posthumously the Missouri
Music Educators Association Hall of
Fame Award for distinguished service.
The ceremony was held Jan. 26 during
the annual meeting at Tan Tara Resort,
Lake Ozark, MO.
1950-1959
Janis (Allen) Reding ’57 received the
2007 Show-Me Volunteerism Award for
the state of Missouri at a recent Missouri
Community Service Commission
banquet in Jefferson City. She was also
presented a resolution from the House
of Representatives.
1970-1979
Ron Settle ’71, ’73 was selected as
one of 12 economics teachers from
across the United States to take part in a
study tour to Lithuania. He spent 10 days
visiting schools and interacting with
business and government leaders. The
tour was sponsored by the Department
of State.
Patrick McLaughlin ’75 was
promoted to full professor at Northwest
Missouri State University. He also
received the Booth College of Business
and Professional Studies’ Dean’s Award
for research and scholarly activities.
Cathy Ferguson ’78 was voted by
her peers as the 2007 Teacher of the
Year at Butcher-Greene Elementary
School in the Grandview Consolidated
School District. She has taught 29 years
of which 23 have been as elementary
reading specialist in Grandview. She
resides at 14310 LaQuinta, Grandview,
MO 64030 and email address is
ferg22849@cs.com.
Jack Ventimiglia ’79, ’81 was chosen
2006 Editor of the Year by Suburban
Newspapers of America at their national
symposium in Tampa, FL, in March.
He edits Sun Publications newspapers
in Jackson County, MO, and Johnson
County, KS. He also received firstplace SNA Awards for column writing
and best continuing news coverage,
and shared a first-place award with
other staff members for best education
coverage. Four years in a row, he led Sun
newspapers to achieve Missouri Press
Association Gold Cup Awards. He is
president-elect of the 85-member Kansas
City Press Club. He and his wife, Patricia
(Flanagan) ’80, have two children, Grace,
22, and Jack 9.
1980-1989
Steve Schilb ’85, ’05 was recognized
as the Smith-Cotton High School
Outstanding Educator for the 20062007 school year. He has been teaching
history for seven years.
Melvin Amick ’87 recently returned
from one year of active duty with the
10th Mountain Division in Kandahar,
Afghanistan. He is an AH-64 Apache
pilot/safety officer. His awards include
the Air Medal, Afghanistan Campaign
Medal, Army Commendation Medal,
Combat Action Badge, Global War on
Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Reserve
Medal with M Device and the NATO
Medal. Over the one-year period, he
flew 550 hours and performed over 160
combat missions. He is now assigned to
Ft. Rucker, AL, where he is completing
the Warrant Officer Staff Course and
is a registered nurse licensed in the
states of Missouri, Florida, Texas and
Maryland. Amick resides at 3100 Bayview
Way, Pensacola, FL 32503 and email is
mdamick64@hotmail.com.
1990-1999
Dominick Fazarro ’92 received the
2006 National Association of Industrial
and Technical Teacher Educators G.
Harold Silvius Outstanding Young
Teacher Educator Award. He is an
associate professor in the industrial
summer 2007
technology program at the University
of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He and wife,
Anglea ’96, reside at 905 Parkway St.,
White Hall, AR 71602. Email address is
fazarro@sbcglobal.net.
Stacey Hodges ’94 was named New
Professional of the Year by the Kansas
Association for Marriage and Family
Therapy. She is a clinical therapist for
DCCCA, Inc. and was recently promoted
to site coordinator for the southern
region of Kansas. Hodges is an affiliate
of the Arthritis Foundation and a
member of Psi Chi, Delta Kappa and the
American Association of Marriage and
Family Therapy. She can be reached by
email at gocmsumules@yahoo.com.
Jennifer (Troost) Thoma ’95 is
assistant vice president, audit, security
and BSA compliance at Boone County
National Bank in Columbia, MO. She
was recently recognized by the Columbia
Business Times as an outstanding young
leader in Columbia and was named a
“20-under-40” award recipient. She and
her husband, Christopher ’97, reside at
24504 Chiefs Ct., Boonville, MO 65233
and can be reached by email address at
jennifer_thoma@boonebank.com.
Jennifer (Hilburn) Dromey ’97 was
named Robinson Elementary Teacher of
the Year.
page 23
class notes
co-hosting the Morning Express and
contributing to the station’s folk music
publication Folkwaves.
Melissa Felkner ’04 resides at 262 B
SE 90th Rd., Jasper, MO 64755.
Andy Mayfield ’04 and wife, Jennifer
(Sanderholm) ’05, announce the birth
of Emma Jolea Jan. 7, 2007. The family
resides at 2811 SW Shadow Brook Dr.,
Blue Springs, MO 64015.
David Michetti ’04 can be reached by
email at dmichetti@hotmail.com.
Rebecca Arnett ’05 and partner, Bryan
Partington, reside at 9723 142nd St.,
Edmonton, AB T5N 2N2, Canada. Her
email is rebecca@alltheprettywords.com.
Krista Clark ’05 resides at 1610
Baronet Dr., Apt. C, Ballwin, MO 63021
and email is krista.clark@yahoo.com.
Erin (Whitecotton) Bell ’05 and
husband, Roger ’06, can be reached by
email at aphierin@yahoo.com.
Robert Follmer ’05 resides at 8849
Carter St., Apt. 201, Overland park, KS
66212. Email is evan.follmer@gmail.com.
David Guest ’05 resides at 302 E.
Wilcox, Perry, FL 32347 and email is
dlg13070@yahoo.com.
Matt Hamilton ’05 resides at 34016
Hwy. 63 North, Vienna, MO 65582.
UCM TODAY
In Memoriam
1920-1929
Helen Greim Petersen ’29
Denton, TX
1930-1939
AT THE 50-YEAR REUNION: Dick Schromm ’57, Art Pahl ’57, Marialyce Schromm and Sheila Pahl
Mandy Kirk ’05 resides at 1402 NW
Cardiff Dr., Blue Springs, MO 64015 and
email is mandybri@mac.com.
Jessica Myers ’05 resides at 16317
McKinley, Belton, MO 64012 and email is
jessi_ann107@yahoo.com.
Jennifer (Petty) Samuels ’05 is a soil
conservationist at the USDA National
Resources Conservation Services. She and
husband, Michael, announce the birth
of Chase Michael Loyd Feb. 21, 2007. He
joins sisters, Holly Anna, born Dec. 14,
2006, and Madisen, 9. The family resides
at 410 E. Washington St., Windsor, MO
65362. Email is jskippy11@hotmail.com.
Sara Smith ’05 married Shawn
Joyce Feb. 27, 2007. They reside at 1324
Bozeman Loop, Apt. 24, Fayetteville, NC
28303.
Eva Yuen ’05 can be reached by email
at evayuen184@gmail.com.
Jeremy Dark ’06 resides at 98 P St.,
Lake Lotawana, MO 64086 and email is
jeremy4848@yahoo.com.
Casey (Gehm) Hansen ’06
can be reached by email at
casey2themax@hotmail.com.
Jamie Klote ’06 resides at 4235
Sycamore Bend, Galesburg, IL 61401 and
email is jklote7@yahoo.com.
Beverly Kundu ’06 can be reached by
email at braukundu@hotmail.com.
Jackie Miriti ’07 can be reached by
email at jackiemiriti@hotmail.com.
Theodore Maxwell ’06 resides at 309
NE Northcrest Dr., Kansas City, MO 64116
and email is theomax87@hotmail.com.
Cheryl (Hoey) Sowell ’07 and
husband, Charles, reside at HHB 4/27
FA CMR 405, PO Box 3446 Baumholder,
09034, Germany and email is
cste95@aol.com.
IN NEW MEXICO: Bob Alexander ’94, former
faculty member David Anglen, Craig Hauber
’08, Shawn Smith ’97, Omer Frank ’67 and
Margaret Carroll ’87.
Julia C. Young ’30
Savannah, MO
Mildred E. Whittier ’31
Sedalia, MO
Margaret De Atley ’36
St Joseph, MI
Melda Grace Marr ’37
Deer Park, WA
Helen J. Warner ’38
Danbury, CT
1940-1949
Mary Sipes Franks ’40, ’51
Anaheim, CA
Clark W. McCarty ’40
Arkadelphia, AR
Gertrude Runge
Niermeier ’40
Tomball, TX
Gordon Shafer ’40
Kingsville, MO
Vivian C. Huxman ’41
Leawood, KS
Mildred A. Morris ’43
Kearney, MO
Estalene S. Clark ’44
Lees Summit, MO
Phoebe W. Nicholson ’46
Florence, OR
Anna F. Bradley ’48
Excelsior Springs, MO
Charles Edwin Miller ’48
Joplin, MO
Charles W. Campbell ’49
Corsicana, TX
Margaret B. Crayton ’49
Warrensburg, MO
UCM Alumni Information Form
q Address Change.
Date: ____________________________________
1950-1959
(Please make your change of address directly on the mailing label and attach to this form.)
Would you share your new address in the “Class Notes” section of UCM TODAY?
Would you share your email address in the “Class Notes” section of UCM TODAY?
Oran A. Klein ’49
Kansas City, MO
Yes
No
Yes
No
q Please publish the attached in the “Class Notes” section.
(Include honors and awards, promotions, marriages, births and deaths. Send photographs where appropriate.)
q I am recommending a student(s) for contact by the Office of Admissions.
(On a separate sheet provide contact information, class year, high school, how you know the student, etc.)
Name ________________________________________________ Class Year/Degree ______________________________________
Your Maiden Name (if applicable)___________________________________ Phone ______________________________________
Spouse ________________________________ Spouse’s Class Year/Degree ______________________________________
Spouse’s Maiden Name (if applicable) ______________________________________________________________________
Allen A. Goodridge ’50
Lee’s Summit, MO
Ruth D. Holder ’50
Opelika, AL
Alums:
Update your address, submit a
class note or refer a student
online at www,ucmo.edu/alumni.
Please note, we do not publish
engagements or announcements
of upcoming events such as
weddings.
Edward A. Paule ’50
Fort Worth, TX
Parents:
If your UCM graduate no longer
lives at this address, please send
us the correct address for our
records.
Bonni J. Dorr ’53
Springfield, MO
Robert Dale House ’51
Overland Park, KS
Phyllis J. Smith ’51
Kansas City, MO
Bill Harness ’52
Olathe, KS
Helen M. Peterson ’53
De Land, FL
Address _________________________________________________ Email Address ______________________________________
James M. Williams ’53
Wichita, KS
City __________________________________________________________
Minnie Pauline Strain ’54
Richland, MO
State ______________ Zip _____________________
Send information to Class Notes, UCM TODAY, Smiser Alumni Center, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.
page 24
summer 2007
Mary G. Crane ’55
Jefferson City, MO
Jane Johnson Gibler ’56
Lee’s Summit, MO
In Memoriam
UCM TODAY
Doris M. McLaughlin ’56
Raytown, MO
Robert V. Davis ’67
Wichita, KS
Beverly A. Helton ’74
Sun City West, AZ
Thomas R. Sims ’85, ’89
Boone, IA
Harry Katowitz ’50
Independence, MO
Vic Dinkel
Independence, MO
Gary L. Church ’57
Modesto, CA
Guy N. Houdyshell ’67
Springfield, MO
Vivian E Meadows ’74
Blue Springs, MO
Nancy J. Hagan ’86
Sweet Springs, MO
Norman Shreeves ’53
Clovis, CA
Harry F. Finks
Clinton, MO
Carl B. Day ’57
Houston, TX
Philip D. Adams ’69
Bellefonte, PA
Barbara J. Weber ’74
Russellville, MO
Linda K. Magady ’89
Lee’s Summit, MO
James Shippy ’71
Centerview, MO
Raeanna S. Hawkins
Sedalia, MO
Mary L. Gard ’57
Lawrence, KS
Delorais Heffner ’69
Independence, MO
Wilfred E. Botterbush ’75
Rolla, MO
1990-1999
Former Students
Ercil L. Purchase ’57
Green Ridge, MO
Mary Joan Markley ’69
Nerinx, KY
Arlene J. Richert ’75, ’83
Columbia, MO
Nancy S. Myers ’90
Independence, MO
Edna Cole
Boulder, CO
Patricia S. Herrell
Drexel, MO
Erdle E. Kendrick ’58
Knob Noster, MO
Dallas A. Sanderson ’69
Grandview, MO
Jane Stone ’75
Kansas City, MO
Robin Garrison
Osceola, MO
Melvin A. Aytes ’59
Lee’s Summit, MO
George T. Sellers ’69
Kissimmee, FL
Julie A. Harpster ’76
Kansas City, MO
Charlotte Schatzley
Pfeiffer ’90
Kansas City, MO
1960-1969
1970-1979
Rogene A. Kellerman ’60
Wichita, KS
Florence G. Erickson ’70
Independence, MO
Jerrol Lee White ’76
Boloxi, MS
Paul R. Sherard ’61
Springfield, MO
Marie S. Heinemann ’70
Stockton, MO
Nellie K. Gieringer ’62
Pleasanton, CA
Judith J. Harsch ’71
Smithton, MO
Mildred McQuitty
VanPelt ’62
Adrian, MO
Marilyn J. Murry ’71
Odessa, MO
Marjorie M. Muller ’63
Cape Girardeau, MO
Elizabeth S. Pennel ’63
Kirbyville, MO
Louis A. Brown ’64
Warrensburg, MO
Philoma G. Foster ’64
Bellevue, WA
Gladys M. Whitaker ’64
Kansas City, MO
Jimmy L. McDonald ’65
Sullivan, MO
Helen C. Flassing ’66
Chillicothe, MO
Linda L. Ford ’66
Hamilton, MO
Lori Rene Cleary ’91
San Antonio, TX
M. Ann Semonisck ’77, ’80
Durant, OK
Donna Hendrickson ’78, ’81
Lee’s Summit, MO
Randal R. McArthur ’78
Independence, MO
James P. Russell ’78
Cleveland, OH
Wilson M. Tatman ’71
Tallahassee, FL
Paul O. Frerking ’95
Sweet Springs, MO
Bryan C. Tippie ’95, ’03
Pleasant Hill, MO
2000-2007
Kevin Robert Gillespie ’01
Freeman, MO
Mary M. Lyndon ’79
Kansas City, MO
Thomas W. Barry ’72
Overland Park, KS
Christopher Kelly Reagan ’91
Lee’s Summit, MO
College High Alumni
Bruce R. Bounds ’72
Jefferson City, MO
Donald M. Sparks ’79
Sylvania, OH
Miller Love ’32
Raytown, MO
1980-1989
Frances E. Nimmo ’72
Independence, MO
Carolyn A. Gould ’80
San Antonio, TX
Amelia Ann Smith ’33
Liberty, MO
Eugene D. Seguin ’72, ’74
Blue Springs, MO
Scott R. Holman ’80
Tucson, AZ
Darrel L. Bland ’73
El Dorado Springs, MO
Allen D. Scott ’80
Marietta, GA
Lesta R. Dorton ’73
Independence, MO
Lisa Lee Reed ’82
Missouri City, TX
Charles L. Knight ’73
Barnesville, GA
Sharon Kay Wilcox ’83
Kansas City, MO
Cleo F. Fitterling ’34
Holden, MO
Imogene P. Boone ’36
Warrensburg, MO
George Stump ’37
Warrensburg, MO
Jean L. Cecilia ’74
Waynesville, MO
Jessie E. Bailey ’39
Sparta, MO
Charles McKay ’41
Holden, MO
Marion W. Reynolds ’45
Warrensburg, MO
Michael Higgs
Windsor, MO
Douglas E. Hoard
St. Louis, MO
Mary B. Humphreys
Independence, MO
Brenda Koon
Edgefield, SC
Printha Jean Merritt
Overland Park, KS
Friends
Eddy L. Agueros
Knob Noster, MO
Cecilia G. Arnold
Waukesha, WI
Pauline Boppenmeyer
St. Joseph, MO
Homer Borchers
Cole Camp, MO
Neda M. Bushman
Monticello, IN
Mary E. Carroll
Carrollton, MO
John Chatfield
Ponca City, OK
Jeanette Collins
Warner Robbins, GA
Annie Dee Cunningham
Lake Winnebago, MO
Veta Marie Jent
Warrensburg, MO
Debra C. Jones
Branson, MO
Edith M. Jones
Warrensburg, MO
Rebekah Lynne Maupin
Warrensburg, MO
Jerome Mehr
Mexico, MO
Otto D. Mueller
Cole Camp, MO
Ruby N. Odell
Kansas City, MO
Alma Odendahl
Sedalia, MO
Zelma Lee Oechsli
Warrensburg, MO
Barbara E. Sager
Jefferson City, MO
Connie L. Shore
Holden, MO
Eugene H. Stifel
St. Louis, MO
Wendell M. Stockton
Warrensburg, MO
Pershing Tousley
Independence, MO
Dorsey Trundle
Lone Jack, MO
Elvira Willer
Mexico, MO
Meghan J. Wilson
Kansas City, MO
Emeriti/Faculty/Staff
Eugene T. Wells
John Terry Pardeck
Passed April 17, 2007,
in Blue Springs, MO
Retired adjunct
associate professor
of business
administration
Established the Dr.
Eugene T. Wells
Scholarship for the outstanding business
management student in the junior
class. Memorials may be contributed
to this scholarship in care of the UCM
Foundation.
Passed Nov. 6,
2004, in Springfield,
MO. Two degrees
from UCM: a BS
in Social Work/
Psychology in
1972 and an MA in
Sociology in 1973.
Retired college professor and author of
30 books on bibliotherapy, family health,
the homeless, computers, children’s
rights and disabilities. Many co-authored
with his wife, Jean (Musick) Pardeck, a
1973 elementary education alumna, who
survives.
Maralee S. Garrison
Passed March 7,
2007, in Maryville,
IL. Wife of the late
James Robert “Jim
Bob” Garrison,
attorney and circuit
court judge, for
whom Garrison Gymnasium is named.
Graduated in 1933 from UCM and
was May Queen in 1932. Taught high
school English and was an adult literacy
volunteer.
Fanita Marie Huff
McCubbin
Passed May 10,
2007, in Jefferson
City, MO. A 1943
UCM graduate and
former supervising
teacher of vocational
home economics
at the university. Honored as one
of 15 outstanding graduates during
UCM centennial celebration in 1971.
Nationally exhibited artist who donated
much of her personal collection to the
university, establishing the Marie Huff
McCubbin Scholarship. Memorials are
suggested to this fund in care of the UCM
Foundation.
Walter Gunn
Passed away Sept.
15, 2006. Aviation
enthusiast and pilot
respected worldwide.
Former UCM
aviation professor
who donated his
Porterfield aircraft,
which he flew to
earn his license, to the university. Inspired
many Central Missouri students to
pursue aviation careers. Second career
as a clinical psychologist with a focused
interest on human factors in aviation,
including helping people overcome their
fear of flying. Memorials are suggested to
the UCM Foundation for the
Dr. Walter H. Gunn Scholarship in
Aviation Technology.
summer 2007
Warren William “Bill” Bell
Passed May 10, 2007, in
Lee’s Summit, MO
Director of UCM’s student
teacher program, 1997-2005
Virgil Dearduff
Passed March 13, 2007, in
Warrensburg
Professor emeritus of
industrial technology
Ward Sample
Passed away in January 2007
in Brazil
Professor emeritus of English
First director of UCM’s
Intensive English Program
page 25
alumni today
UCM TODAY
from the Producer’s Chair
The following photos and excerpt are from “The Spider-Man Chronicles:
The Art and Making of Spider-Man 3” reprinted by permission.
In the following entry from The Spider-Man Chronicles: The Art and Making of Spider-Man 3, Grant Curtis
paints a picture of one of his duties as a film producer.
LOCATION: 5th Street between Broadway and Main, Downtown Los Angeles, CA.
SCENE: Group of cops spots convict-on-the-lam Flint Marko, who avoids capture by transforming into
Sandman and blowing through the city
While Sam (Raimi) was reviewing the day’s work plan during our drive to set this morning, he realized
he needed a shot that was not in the storyboards – a group of screaming girls reacting to the terrifying sight of
a giant Sandman – and asked if I would see to the casting duties. After we were dropped off, he proceeded to
the set and I headed to extras holding (a room in which the background performers gather until called to set).
I walked through the crowd, scanning for would-be female screamers. Tony Hobbs, our extras casting director,
saw me and asked if he could be of any assistance. I told him what I was looking for and why, and pointed out
some girls I felt could fit the bill. Part of Tony’s job is to be aware of a majority of the background performers’
acting prowess, or lack thereof, and so he made some minor deletions and a few additions.
After Tony and I arrived at a consensus, the actors were assembled outside my trailer. I introduced myself
and explained the drill: They would come into my trailer one at a time and I would videotape them screaming
while they imagined a ferocious beast rising up before them.
Although the proposal probably looked and sounded suspicious, the women knew the ropes and the whole
thing went off smoothly. Afterward, I reviewed the tape, made my selects, and showed the auditions to Sam.
Shortly thereafter, four of the five candidates were in front of the camera screaming as a CGI Sandman
terrorized the streets.
Although this may seem like overkill for something as simple as a shriek, it demonstrates one of the first
rules of filmmaking: Make as many decisions away from the set as possible. Believe me, not everyone, thespian
or layman, can act scared in a convincing manner. Better to find this out in a trailer with a cheap video
camera, which is nonetheless revealing, than by picking potential screamers and holding impromptu auditions
on a set crowded with a costly cast and crew. With the decision made beforehand, once the camera is ready, the
actors are brought in, the camera rolls, they scream, and you move on.
Alumnus Talks about Latest Movie and New Book
As Spider-Man 3 hit the big screen in May,
millions of fans worldwide crammed into
theaters and helped the film weave its way into
motion picture history with the most successful
opening weekend of all time, $151 million.
While box office numbers skyrocketed,
Grant Curtis began to enjoy the fruit of
many months of hard work that brought
the famed comic book hero to life.
Curtis, who earned a master’s degree in mass
communication from UCM in 1997, served
as one of three producers on the film, while
also authoring his first book, The Spider-Man
Chronicles: The Art and Making of Spider-Man 3.
“It’s really a window into how movies are
made and what it takes — the army of craftsmen
and women and artisans who come together and
eventually paint the canvas that becomes the
final movie,” he said.
Curtis began working with director Sam Raimi
about a decade ago. He co-produced Spider-Man
and Spider-Man II and formed good working
page 26
relationships with producers Laura Ziskin and
Avi Arad, whom he rejoined for the latest film.
His venture into book writing was squeezed in
after 12- and 14-hour days on the set.
Because of his efforts, readers can learn
what it took to transform Spider-Man’s suit
into something darker and more sinister, how
characters like Venom emerged, and about the
computer magic that was needed to breathe life
into Sandman.
Readers also get a glimpse of what a producer
does from snippets in “Grant’s Daily Journal,” a
chapter that includes day-by-day insight into the
challenges filmmakers faced making the movie.
“I worked a lot on the visual effects, keeping
track of the budget numbers, knowing where we
were and how much money we spent,” Curtis
remarked. “I also did a lot with casting — what
we call the ‘day players,’ people who aren’t in the
opening credits. It was hectic, but an incredible
experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
summer 2007
events calendar
UCM TODAY
Campus: Performing Art Series, Monday, June 25
Blue Springs: Barbecue Blaze-Off, Friday, Sept. 7
New season tickets go on sale for the 2007-08 season featuring
Elvis impersonator Matt Lewis, Ahn Sister Trio, Shadow Gets a Black Eye
(children’s puppet play), Pat Hazell’s Wonder Bread Years, Magic of Ireland
and The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion. Access www.ucmo.edu/pas for details.
Enjoy live music, great food, fun and other alumni at the blaze-off’s new
location in Hidden Valley Park, 6500 NW Valley. Starts at 6 p.m. Watch the
web for details.
Kansas City: Starlight Theatre, Thursday, July 12
Make plans to join us for an ice cream social in conjunction with Family
Weekend. Administration Building, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. No RSVP needed.
Join us at Starlight Theatre for the Broadway musical, Sweet Charity,
starring Paige Davis, plus a preshow backstage tour. Dinner at 6:15 p.m.
Cost $30/adult, $25/ages 5-12. RSVP by July 5.
Kansas City, KS: Stanford’s Comedy Club, Friday, Sept. 21
Join other alumni and friends and see top female comedian Lynne
Koplitz’s hilarious performance. Cocktails at 6 p.m.; show at 7:45 p.m. Cost
$38/person. RSVP by Sept. 14.
St. Louis: Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs, Thursday, July 26
Experience Busch Stadium from the climate-controlled Red Bird Row
Party Rooms, then watch the game from a stadium seat outside. Dinner
begins at 6:10 p.m.; game at 7:10. $125/person includes dinner, all
beverages and suite ticket. Make your reservations now as seating is limited.
Rocheport: Les Bourgeois Winery, Tuesday, Oct. 2
When you combine good friends, fine food and a spectacular view, you
have an evening that promises to be something very special. Gather from
6-8 p.m. and taste some of the “Show-Me-State’s” award-winning wines.
$32/person. RSVP by Sept. 21.
Campus: Alumni Legacy Lunch, Sunday, Aug. 19
All incoming legacy families are invited to take a break from moving in
and join us for lunch in the Elliott Union. Watch your mail for details.
BARBECUE brought out the Jeff Hoey
family last summer.
FAMILY FUN all around last summer for Teri
Ehlers ’94 with Cagney and Zachary.
Campus: Family Weekend, Saturday, Sept. 15
THE ALUMNI LEGACY LUNCH was a welcome
break for Bill ’75 and Sherry Daley after moving in
their daughter.
MOVE-IN HELP was provided by Beth Rutt and a
UCM student during last year’s Mule Haul. It is
scheduled this year for Aug. 19.
University of Central Missouri Alumni Association
presents these exciting Fall 2007 alumni trips from St. Louis and Kansas City (other cities may be available)
prague & fairy tale bavaria
September 13 - 21, 2007
$1,899 Prices are per person, double occupancy (plus taxes)
Discover the natural beauty of central Germany and the West Bohemian
area of the Czech Republic with stays in Germany’s premier spa town,
Bad Kissingen, and in Prague, the Czech Republic’s charming capital.
Italy’s Lake Garda & The French alps
September 28 - October 6, 2007
$1,899 Prices are per person, double occupancy (plus taxes)
The legendary beauty of Italy’s Lake Garda, blessed with a Mediterranean climate
and vegetation, is combined with the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the French
Alps that surround the stylish resort of Charmonix.
summer 2007
Included Features
•Round-trip air transportation
•First-class hotels
•Breakfast daily
•Transfers between airports and
hotels
•Professional guide/travel director,
and more
Available to alumni, their families
and friends.
For additional information and
a free color brochure, please
contact the University of Central
Missouri Office of Alumni
Relations and Development at
1-660-543-8000 or email your
request to alumni@ucmo.edu.
page 27
A Business Lesson
Bobblehead Mo taught some UCM students a
business lesson this spring — that most popular
doesn’t always mean the most profitable. As part of
the Integrated Business Experience, students have
nine weeks to start and fund a company, launch a
product and make a profit to help a nonprofit of
their choice. In producing a bobblehead, the Raise
Mo’ Money team made the most money but not
the highest profit because of unanticipated costs
working with a trademarked image and an overseas
production company. “We took a risk and even put
our own money into the business,” said member
Skye Edwards. Their faith won out; the group presold
600 before the 1,000 order arrived, selling out within
days. The Mo’s generated $12,050 and produced a
net profit of $4,151 benefiting the Missouri Veterans
Home in Warrensburg and Knob Noster State Park.
Bobblehead Mo will continue to be available; the
University Bookstore plans to carry it this fall.
page 28
summer 2007