Tower Topics

Week of April 17-23, 2006

Welcome to the Tower Topics E-newsletter for faculty, staff and students at Western.

Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507, 816-271- 4200

Click any link for these stories:

Western Receives Donation for University Plaza

Junior College Alumni Gather

GIS and GPS Workshops

Lost & Found: If you have lost any items, please come to SU 228 to claim them. You may be required to describe the item.

Click on Tower Topics to submit any story or photo ideas.

Guidelines for Tower Topics: Tower Topics submissions should state time, date, place, sponsor, title of event, name of speaker's and admission fees. Send complete information to the Public Relations and Marketing office (Leah Spratt Hall, Room 106).

The deadline for all entries is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, for the next week's issue. Tower Topics will be online weekly during the fall and spring semester. For more information call 271-5651.

Student Editor:
Katie Johnston

Staff Advisers:
Kristy Hill and Diane Holtz

Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity and Central High School’s Interact Club held the third annual Teke-in-a-Box to raise money for America’s Second Harvest Food Bank. Students lived in makeshift cardboard “homes” outside the St. Joseph Hy-Vee grocery store April 7-9. They accepted monetary donations and nonperishable food items. The fraternity collected almost $2,000 for the Food Bank, and Harvesters Food Network of Kansas City donated 12 1/2 tons of food.

Western Receives Donation for University Plaza

Dr. James Scanlon, Western president, announced that the MWSU Foundation is the recipient of a gift from the John B. and Julia Comello Charitable Trust for the purpose of constructing a University Plaza on Western’s campus.

The plaza will be constructed in memory of John B. and Julia Comello and in recognition of the James B. Kelley family. The plaza will be designed to honor Western’s achievement of university designation and will be located on the east side of the campus near the Nelle Blum Student Union. The plaza could be in place as early as August, in time to commemorate the one-year anniversary of university designation.

“We are grateful for the generosity of the Kelley family,” said Dr. Scanlon. “The University Plaza will capture the courage and imagination of the many friends, alumni, faculty, staff and students who worked so hard over the past 90 years to make Western the university that it is today.”

Members of the Kelley family include James and Jean Kelley, and their children, Jeanie Grahl ’72, Molly Pierce ’77, and Chris Kelley ’86; and their granddaughter, Kelley Meirose ’99.

“This gift is a tribute to the Kelley family’s ardent and loyal support for Western for many years,” said Jerry Pickman, director of development. “James and Jean Kelley can be very proud that three of their children and a granddaughter have all graduated from Western. They had the opportunity to pursue their college education elsewhere, but they chose to be Griffons.”

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Members of the James B. Kelley family include Chris Kelley, Jeanie Grahl, Jean and James Kelley, Kelly Meirose and Mollie Pierce.

Junior College Alumni Gather

“The Junior College was a very important part of my life, and the best education I ever received.” That thought was expressed by Lawrence Pilgram,’62, and shared by many at the annual St. Joseph Junior College Brunch April 10.

Pilgram joined more than 60 alumni and friends of the St. Joseph Junior College, the predecessor to Missouri Western State University, as they shared a meal and their favorite memories of their junior college days. The alumni reminisced about enjoying lunch on the steps of the junior college, then located at 10^th and Edmond, and many mentioned beloved teachers such as Evan Agenstein and Frank Popplewell, and a strict English teacher, Edith Moss Rhoades. “We were scared of her but we sure learned a lot,” said Dr. Joseph Friedman, ’39. Everyone agreed that Nelle Blum, long-time dean, had a lasting impact on her students.

Peggy Iffert and Edna Pumphrey,’32, were recognized at the brunch with the first Outstanding Volunteer Awards. Pumphrey served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for over 25 years, and Iffert is currently serving her sixth term on the board. Both have been dedicated volunteers for many years. Board member David Jordan, ’74, announced that the Outstanding Volunteer Awards will be given annually and named in honor of Iffert and Pumphrey.

Norma Goodell, ’33, was recognized as the earliest graduate in attendance.

The St. Joseph Junior College opened its doors in the old Central High School in 1915 with 35 students. The junior college moved to its own building at 14^th and Olive in 1925, and relocated to 10^th and Edmond in 1933, where it remained until 1969.

“I’ve attended other universities, but my heart has always belonged to Missouri Western,” said Alice Kelsey-Christgen, ’71.

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Peggy Iffert and Edna Pumphrey,’32, were recognized at the Junior College Brunch April 10 with the first Outstanding Volunteer Awards. Pumphrey served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for over 25 years, and Iffert is currently serving her sixth term on the board. Both have been dedicated volunteers for many years. Left: Dr. James Scanlon, Herb Iffert, and Julie Fiedler, director of alumni services, pose with Peggy Iffert at the brunch. Right: Edna Pumphrey receives her Outstanding Volunteer Award from Fiedler.

GIS and GPS Workshops

Western will hold a user mapping GPS workshop and a GIS workshop. “Introduction to ArcGIS I” will be held May 15-16 and is limited to 20 participants. “Introduction to Global Positioning Systems for Mapping and Navigation” will be held May 17-19 and is limited to 10 participants. The registration deadline for the ArcGIS workshop is May 1 and the GPS workshop deadline is May 3.

“Introduction to ArcGIS I” requires no prior experience in GIS and covers fundamental GIS concepts as well as how to create, edit, and work with georeferenced spatial data. Attendees will learn how to manipulate data, work within a database, and present data clearly and efficiently using maps and charts. Tony Spicci, GIS coordinator for the Missouri Department of Conservation, will teach the course.

“Introduction to Global Positioning Systems for Mapping and Navigation” is an introduction to mapping GPS. No prior experience in GPS is required. Students will train on Trimble Geo CE-XT mobile GIS GPS with Terrasync Pro. Students will learn to use bluetooth wireless communication, WAAS real-time differential and Coast Guard Beacon real-time differential. Dr. Cary Chevalier, associate professor of biology and an experienced manufacturer-certified GPS trainer, teaches the course.

“This type of technology is very multidimensional,” Dr. Chevalier said. “Virtually every discipline deals with geospatial information in one form or another. I have trained folks from wide backgrounds including law enforcement, utility companies, construction and FBI; and professors, graduate students, and researchers in zoos.”

For details on course content and for instructions on how to register visit http://www.wi.missouriwestern.edu/Seminars/gps_gis/index.html or contact the Western Institute at 4100.

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The American Society of Civil Engineers chapter welcomed its national president to campus to speak on the issue of "A Life With Integrity." In his talk, Dr. Bill Marcuson emphasized technology skills, leadership skills and management skills. Left: Tom Crowley, Dr. Marcuson, and Dr. Virendra Varma, professor of construction engineering technology and department chair, stand for a photo together. Right: The engineering technology group pose for a picture.

Tower Sports

Baseball

April 11 - Western 5, Emporia State 10
April 14 - Western 16, Missouri Southern 6
April 15 - Western 10, Missouri Southern 5

Softball

April 14 - Western 3, Augustana 0
April 14 - Western 3, Minnesota-Moorhead 2
April 15 - Western 3, Nebraska-Omaha 0
April 15 - Western 10, North Dakota 7

Golf

Senior Golfer Brice Garnett was named the Wilson/MIAA Golfer of the week this week, taking medalist honors for the second time at the Missouri Western Invitational April 3-4.

The Gallatin native shot a 36-hole score of 141 (2-under par) to force a playoff with John Danielson of Indian Hills Community College (IACC), then won on the first extra hole.

Garnett carded a one-under 71 on the Fairview Golf Course layout on day one, and followed up with a one-under 70 at St. Joseph Country Club. Western placed third behind IHCC (573) and Washburn (586), earning second-place points in the MIAA standings.

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The first annual Disability Services Banquet will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. April 21 in Blum Union, room 222. The banquet will honor 15 graduating seniors and th students who are volunteer notetakers.
Individual tickets for the 2006 St. Joseph News-Press/Missouri Western Student-Athlete Honors Banquet are now on sale at the Western Athletic Department. The event will be held at 7 p.m. April 20 at the Holiday Inn, 102 S. 3rd St. It will showcase Missouri Western student-athletes as well as names the Western male and female student-athlete of the year. Former Kansas State University head football coach Bill Snyder will be the keynote speaker for the event. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 4488.
Tickets for Worlds of Fun and Silver Dollar City can be purchased in the counseling/testing office, Eder Hall, room 203. Worlds of Fun, $25, Oceans of Fun $20.50, Ride & Slide, $38 and junior/senior, $9.95. Silver Dollar City tickets are all two-day tickets except SDC season pass and three-park season pass. SDC adult $43, child (4-11) $33, Celebration City adult $20, child $16. White Water adult $32, child $27. SDC season pass adult $62, child $52. Three-park season pass adult $115, child $105.
Help support the Pride Alliance in a day of silence April 26. To help spread the word about the day of silence and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, t-shirts will be on sale for $10. For more information or to get a t-shirt, call 7105 or 5634, or email pride@missouriwestern.edu.
Western will host country stars Chely Wright and Emerson Drive April 20 at the St. Joseph Civic Arena. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m. The concert is free to students with a current student ID, and $25 for community members. Students may pick up their tickets at the center for student engagement in Blum Union, 207. Tickets are available for purchase at the Civic Arena, Record Wear House, and Ticketmaster.com.
The 12th annual MWSU Ambassadors' "Night at the Ritz" will be held April 28 at the Mayes Memorial Armory, Woodbine and Faraon. The reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling Dixie Ham at 4488. The cost for individuals is $30. Proceeds are used for nontraditional student scholarships.
Campus Compact has issued a call for proposals for its regional conference. Deadline for submissions is May 1. The deadline for submissions for the statewide conference is May 26. Applications and the full request for proposals are available at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/appliedlearning/compact.html.

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Monday, April 17

Senior mixed media exhibit - 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through April 28, opening reception - 7 p.m. Potter Hall, Gallery 206 and foyer gallery
Exit Exams - 5 p.m. Eder Hall, 208 and Popplewell Hall, 205 and 304

Tuesday, April 18

Candlelight Memorial for Kelly Chandler, 9 p.m. Meet at the front of Leaverton Hall. Candles and ribbons available.

Wednesday, April 19

Guitar Masterclass - 6:30 p.m. Cafe Acoustic, 2605 Frederick Ave.

Thursday, April 20

Student-athlete honors banquet with keynote speaker Bill Snyder - 7 p.m. Holiday Inn, 102 S. 3rd St.
Symphonic Winds concert - 7:30 p.m. Potter Hall Theater

Friday, April 21

Disability Services Banquet - 7 p.m. Blum Union, 222

Saturday, April 22

Exit Exams - 5 p.m. Eder Hall, 208 and Popplewell Hall, 104 and 102
"Soorya Performing Arts" - 1 p.m. on the lawn outside of Blum Union

Sunday, April 23

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors Convocation - 4 p.m. Potter Hall Theater
Community Chorus and Chamber Choir concert "Spring Celebration in Song" - 7:30 p.m. Wyatt Park Baptist Church, 2902 Leonard Rd.

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1999 Mercury Villager Estate Van in good condition. 86,000 miles, leather interior with upgrades. $5,995. Call 364-1189.
1972 Ford 3000 Tractor in great condition. Gas, new front tires, housed in barn, used to mow grass. Included are 6' finish mower and 6' blade. $8,500. Call 816-378-2555.
Now hiring waiter/waitress and host/hostess at Chu's Garden Restaurant. Apply inside at 3619 Beck Rd.
House for sale by owner: 5506 Long View Dr., Eastbrook subdivision near Western. Beautiful, split-foyer built in 2001 by Jim Ingle Construction. 4-bedroom, 3-bath, all-electric home has approximately 2,100 sq. ft. and a lot of upgrades. Hardwood floors, custom oak cabinets, whirlpool tub in master bath, water softener, 6 ft. by 20 ft. storage/utility room with shelving. For more information, call 279-2042.

Wanted: Your want ads!

You are welcome to submit ads to the Western ADvantage each week.

To be fair to everyone, please follow these guidelines for submission. Only ads from campus constituents are accepted.

Ads for non-campus organizations or professional businesses will not be printed.
Ads can cover items wanted, items to be sold, garage sales, etc.
Ads may be edited for length, style or content. The staff reserves the right to evaluate the appropriateness of ads for inclusion.
Ads received by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday will be included in that Monday's publication. Ads received after the deadline will be included in the next edition.
Ads will automatically run for a two-week period. Extensions are granted by resubmitting the ad.
Ads will only be accepted by email, fax and campus mail. Please send submissions by email to publicrelations@missouriwestern.edu; to fax 4414 or by mail to Tower Topics, Institutional Advancement, Leah Spratt Hall, Room 106.

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