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Points of Pride
Excellence in our
Faculty/Staff
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The following art faculty were award recipients at Albrecht-Kemper
Museum of Art’s 32nd Annual Membership Exhibition: Dr. Bill
Eickhorst, professor of art, received third place for “Harbor Scene:
Maine,” 2005, oil on canvas; Teresa Harris, assistant professor of
art, received first place for “Stone Stories;” 2002, wood, paper, wax,
copper.
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Teresa Harris, assistant professor of art, had her mixed media work
“624” chosen to be included in the Greater Midwest International XXI
Competition at the Art Center Gallery at Central Missouri State
University in Warrensburg. There were 700 pieces by 200 artists
submitted; 78 works by 50 artists were selected.
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Dr. Monica Nandan, associate professor of social work, appeared as a
guest on a local radio show to talk on the topics of grief and
bereavement, and presented at a local conference on the topic.
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Western administrative assistants attended a conference in Kansas
City, Mo. on professional development and enrichment: Barb Davis,
Evelyn Noland, Rhonda Ingham, Cindie Curtis, Marian Morin, Linda
Flesher, Barb Scheidegger, Brenda Weese, Tracy Sharp, Noël Cross,
Nadyne Justin, Sandi Berg, Darcy Groce, Cherie Gemmell, Peggy Leland,
Barb Harris, Debbie Crisler, Janice Talley, Victoria Gertsema, Leanne
Weber, Cheryl Baldwin, Mary Dean, Debbie Johnson, Debbie Vaughn, Kathy
Kelly and Gladys Patten.
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Dr. Kevin Anderson, assistant professor of math, attended the
McGraw-Hill College Algebra Symposium with 12 other faculty members
across the nation. This was an all-expense paid, invitation-only
symposium that focused on pedagogy and content delivery methods in
college algebra.
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Mark Elting, commercial recording techniques instructor, and 11
students served as volunteer staff for the 37th Annual
Country Radio Music Seminar in Nashville, Tenn. The students were able
to visit with Four Star General Tommy Franks, have lunch with the CEO
of Capitol Records, and trade experiences with entertainers Keith
Urban, Kenny Rogers and Ronnie Milsap. This is an international
gathering of top radio executives and record label executives
promoting their new artists. At the conclusion of the event, the
volunteers were offered a standing invitation to return.
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Dr. Todd Eckdahl, professor of biology, and colleagues coauthored an
article which was published in Science magazine. The article
describes efforts to support the use of microarray technology in
undergraduate classrooms and independent research throughout the
country.
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Dr. Cynthia Jenéy, assistant professor of English, published a book
chapter entitled “Online Distance Education and the ‘Buffy Paradigm’:
Welcome to the Hell Mouth,” in Alexander, Jonathan and Marcia Dickson
(Eds.) Role Play: Distance Learning and the Teaching of Writing.
Creskill, N.J.: Hampton Press, 2006.
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Dr. Monica Nandan, associate professor of social work, presented the
following papers at the annual conference of American Society on Aging
in Anaheim, Calif. Dr. Nandan co-authored a research presentation with
a social work graduate Heather Wood entitled “Perception Regarding
Quality of Care.” Dr. Nandan also co-authoried with Karli Echterling,
medical student from St. Joseph, a workshop titled “Collaboration
Between Middle School and Assisted Living Community.”
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Dr. Monica Nandan, associate professor of social work, presented the
“NASW 2006 Legislative Priorities, Agenda, Talking Points” to almost
100 social workers and social work students at the second annual
Advocacy Day of the NASW Missouri Chapter in Jefferson City.
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Dr. Jon Euchner, assistant professor of government, and the student
Political Science Club sponsored two candidate forums at Western
featuring candidates for St. Joseph City Council, and a third forum
for mayoral and judicial candidates. These forums gave the campus and
community an opportunity to ask candidates questions.
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Bill Church, instructor of English, read his new short story, “The
Confession of Peter Mort,” as a featured writer in the Lawrence
Writers’ Reading series held at Henry’s Upstairs in Lawrence, Kan.
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Charlotte Grider, instructor of English, presented a paper,
“Kaleidoscope of the Mind’s Eye: Art, Cognition, and Writing
Instruction,” at the Write to Learn Conference.
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Bob Long, assistant professor of music, performed at the Noontime
Recital Series at the First Presbyterian Church.
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David Tushaus, associate professor of legal studies and department
chair, participated in a symposium with Kip Wilson, associate
professor of criminal justice, and Larry Andrews, professor of
criminal justice, to showcase “Combining Applied Learning with
Community Service.”
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David Tushaus, associate professor of legal studies and department
chair, presented a poster on “Current Legal Issues: Washington, D.C.
as a Study Away Applied Learning Opportunity.”
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Larry Andrews, professor of criminal justice, made a presentation at
the Missouri Department of Conservation regional meeting. Andrews
presented information on United States Supreme Court decisions
concerning the fourth amendment relating to search and seizure and
juvenile arrest procedures.
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Joanne Katz, professor of legal studies, presented at the
Canadian-United States International Justice Conference in
Warrensburg, Mo. The title of her presentation was “Restorative
justice in Canada and the United States: A Comparative Analysis.”
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Kim Prosak, admissions counselor, and current Western students ran a
student/parent reception at the Days Inn in Macon, Mo.
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Judy Grimes, dean of student services, was asked to help facilitate a
national advising web conference for Noel Levitz consulting firm.
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Dr. Vincenza Marash, counselor, has teamed with Russ Phillips,
instructor of psychology, to co-facilitate a weekly group for students
wishing to learn more about meditation and mindfulness.
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Dr. Tim Crowley, counselor, held a weekend training session for the
center’s peer education group, Sharing Our Stories (SOS). The purpose
of the training was to prepare selected students to work in the office
as peer helpers. The group has established regular hours and is now
available to talk with fellow students as needed.
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Dr. Tim Crowley, counselor, presented “Developing the Leader Within”
at the Youth Leadership Conference for area high school students.
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Dr. Tim Crowley, counselor, presented a session on leadership to
students participating in the Barbara Sprong Leadership Challenge.
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Dave Brown, counselor center director, attended the Alcohol Youth
Summit at the University of Missouri and agreed to serve on a
statewide advisory committee to help develop initiatives addressing
the issue of student suicide.
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Linda Garlinger, director of career development; Jeff Wilson,
coordinator of student employment; and Kathy Kountz, office manager
for career development, facilitated the COSMC-KC Interview Day at the
KCI Expo Center. Forty-five companies participated. There were 80
schedules designed, 840 interviews set up, and 44 Western students
attended.
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Dr. Chris Shove, executive director of Western Institute, met with the
U.S. Economic Development Administration staff in Denver regarding the
Western grant request for $2 million to construct an innovation
incubator.
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Dr. Chris Shove, executive director of Western Institute, and Xiao
Zhang, Western Institute research associate for the Professional
Training Program for Economic Development, did a final presentation
with the dean of the University of Nebraska College of Architecture
for the mayor and citizens of Trimble, Mo. on an urban plan and town
center design.
Excellence in our
Students
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The following students were award recipients at Albrecht-Kemper Museum
of Art’s 32nd Annual Membership Exhibition: Mary Joann
Whitesel – third place for “Death Valley in Bloom,” 2005,
photogravure; Jennifer Bruckshaw – first place for “Striped Vessel,”
2005, handbuilt, coiled porcelain; Nellie Trigg – third place for
“Untitled #2,” 2005, clay; Mary Joann Whitesel – honorable mention for
“One=2/1,” 2005, bronze, wood.
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Jennifer Bruckshaw, senior art major, had two ceramic works chosen for
inclusion in the LaGrange National XXIV Exhibition to be held at the
Lamar Dodd Art Center of LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga. Out of 179
submissions, Bruckshaw was one of 20 total chosen works.
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Ashley Baldwin, Ally Browning, Amy Chastain, Ivory Duncan, Tia Frahm,
Kathy Hopper, Ella Howser, Kyler Keith, Olin Kinsey, Brad Landrum,
David McDonald and Abby Pontius were selected to participate in the
Barbara Sprong Leadership Challenge. This challenge provides Western
students with an opportunity to develop and enhance leadership skills
so that they may assume leadership roles in college and after
graduation. These students were required to attend a leadership
retreat, organize a group community service project and identify and
research a change initiative for Western.
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Ed Harris and Synthia
Haggard attended the National Non-Traditional Students in Higher
Education Conference in Manchester, N. H.
Excellence in our
Programs
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Foreign Language Day was celebrated as foreign language faculty and
Alpha Mu Gamma hosted 138 area high school students for competitive
foreign language placement exams, posters and skits on the theme of
National Foreign Language Week: “Languages: Bridges to Communication.”
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The health, physical education and recreation department hosted the
annual Hoops for Heart, under the direction of Patty Hartenbower,
assistant professor of physical education. Over 300 students from the
four St. Joseph School District middle schools participated. There
were also over 100 students from St. James, Cathedral, and Savannah
Schools. The event raised $6,800.
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Western Institute personnel met with the CEOs of a Romanian
engineering firm and a publishing firm to explore collaborative
projects.
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The Symphonic Winds,
directed by Jeff Hinton, assistant professor of music, toured
Grandview, Lee’s Summit, Joplin, and Webb City, Mo. for their spring
visits to area high schools. Also performing was the Jazz Ensemble,
directed by Bob Long, assistant professor of music. Lee Harrelson,
instructor of music, joined them as guest performer. While in Webb
City, the group had the opportunity to enjoy a concert by the
Pittsburg State University Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Craig Fuchs,
an alumnus of Western and the chair of the department of music at
Pittsburg State.
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The St. Joseph
Symphony, directed by Dr. Deborah Freedman, professor of music,
celebrated Mozart’s 250th birthday at the Missouri Theater.
Dr. David Bennett, assistant professor of music, was the guest artist,
performing the Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” by Beethoven.
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The St. Joseph
International Guitar Festival administered by the department of music,
sponsored the first of the monthly guitar master classes at Café
Acoustic in St. Joseph. Over a dozen Western guitar students performed
for a full house of about 100 people and were then coached in front of
the audience by Anthony Glise, director of the guitar program. In
addition to Western students, there were a number of local guitarists
who also performed and received free coaching as part of the festival
community outreach program. Additional master classes are planned for
the third Wednesday of every month leading up to the guitar festival
in May. Future classes will also feature coaching by alumnus Jason
Riley, director of the commercial guitar program.
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Western hosted its
first conference on applied learning in higher education. The
statewide conference involved presentations from over 50 Western
faculty and staff, and hosted approximately 80 individuals from 23
campuses who also presented their work. Dr. Kelly Henry, associate
professor of psychology, served as the conference director.
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Griffon Express
programs have been completed with St. Joseph Lafayette, Kansas City
East, Lincoln Academy, and South Harrison High Schools, and Upward
Bound students from northeast Missouri.
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Admissions has
developed a high school counselor advisory board. The board consists
of high school counselors from Bishop LeBlond, Central, Benton,
Lafayette, Cameron, Stewartsville, Savannah and North Platte. Surveys
were given to the counselors to get their feedback on current
practices as well as perceptions and options. There will be
approximately three meetings held each year.
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The VIP Visit day
brought over 170 students and parents to Western’s campus. Faculty
from most departments were present at the morning sessions.
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The center for
multicultural education (CME) sponsored The Power of Words series with
much success. CME completed the third lesson plan, and has covered
current provocative topics such as reclamation of words,
anti-Semitism, racism, stereotypes and gender bias.
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The Center for
Multicultural Education sponsored the Human Race Machine, as seen on
the Oprah Show. The Human Race Machine was accompanied by a video
entitled “Race: The Power of an Illusion.” Students, faculty and staff
were able to view themselves as another “race” as they explored the
concept of race being a social construct. There were approximately 250
participants during the week.
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The center for student
engagement hosted the first Greek Leadership Academy for fraternity
and sorority officers at Bass Woods Resort. Approximately 50 students
participated in the 24-hour retreat that incorporated principles
learned from the book, “The Leadership Challenge,” by Kouzes
and Posner. Students from 12 fraternity and sorority chapters
participated in leadership development exercise, team builders and
discussions geared toward building stronger Greek leadership, thus
creating a stronger fraternity and sorority community.
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The center for student
engagement escorted fraternity and sorority leaders to the Mid-America
Greek Council Association Conference (MGCA) in Chicago. MGCA is the
showcase for cutting-edge Greek programming, technology, thinking and
concepts. The annual conference has nearly 200 educational sessions.
MGCA has approximately 1,500 attendees representing has nearly 200
schools in the 160-state region. Attendees are the top 15% of all
undergraduate fraternity and sorority members on campus – participants
are mostly council leaders/officers and a smaller percentage of
participants are chapter/officers/members. Students attending the MGCA
conference were Steve Blakley, Tony Snook, Lance Cornelius, Seth
Logston, Natalie Bailey, Jayme Morrison, Elissa Thomas and Jacey
Johnston.
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The center for student
engagement escorted five student leaders to the National Association
for Campus Activities (NACA) National Conference in Boston, Mass. NACA
is the nation’s largest collegiate organization for campus activities,
with programs and services designed to reflect the field’s increased
responsibilities for student leadership development as well as
entertainment programming. Students attending were Becky Monnig,
Aviella Moore, Mimi DeBrunes, Olin Kinsey and Seth Logston.
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The spring career fair
in Fulkerson Center was a great success with 100 employers and about
250 students participating.
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The biology department
hosted Galileo’s Legacy conference/debate of Evolution and Intelligent
Design in Leah Spratt Hall and Fulkerson Center with approximately 300
individuals in attendance.
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Enrollment for the
spring 2006 semester for center for community arts classes is up 40%
compared with fall 2005. Current enrollment for the spring semester is
at 459 students.
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The center for
community arts Griffon jr. Singers premiere and Griffon Jr. Singers
prelude choirs performed a 40-minute program at four local elementary
schools. This tour is designed to promote the choirs to local children
and their teachers. This annual event reaches approximately 2,000
students and adults in the St. Joseph area each spring. The Griffon
Jr. Singers is a joint project between Western’s center for community
arts and the St. Joseph School District. There are three choirs with a
total enrollment of over 90 children.
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