|
Governors Set Room, Board Rates for 2009-10
Room and
board rates will increase an average of about eight percent in the 2009-10
school year, under action approved by the Western Board of Governors.
Room rates
for double-occupancy rooms and suites will rise from $1,850 per semester
to $1,906, said Mel Klinkner, vice president for financial planning and
administration. For single-occupancy rooms and suites, the rates will rise
from $2,450 to $2,524. Rates for apartments will rise from $2,080 to
$2,142.
The
increase is based on several factors, Klinkner said, including declining
interest revenue and higher utility and labor costs. He also pointed out
that many of the residence halls have recently been renovated, and
additional renovations are planned. In addition, demand for on-campus
living has been high.
“We had to
establish a waiting list last summer, and indications are we’ll be at or
near capacity again this fall,” Klinkner said. The number of residents
grew from 903 in fall 2006 to 1,090 in fall 2008. The increase in the
spring semesters has been even more dramatic, rising 29 percent, from 773
in 2007 to 998 in the current semester.
Board rates
will rise from the current $1,084 for a 20-meal plan to $1,279 for a
21-meal plan. The addition of a Sunday evening meal is one reason for the
increase, Klinkner said. In addition, food and labor costs have risen, and
food service provider Aramark is planning enhanced dining services and
several capital investments in food preparation and dining facilities.
For a
student in a double-occupancy room or suite with a full 21-meal plan, room
and board will rise from $2,934 per semester this year to $3,185 next
year, an increase of 8.6 percent, Klinkner said. An apartment resident
will see room and board rise from $3,164 to $3,421, an increase of 8.1
percent. For a single-occupancy room or suite with a 21-meal plan, the
room and board charges will rise from $3,534 to $3,803, an increase of 7.6
percent.
The
administration sought the input of student leaders before proposing the
change, Klinkner said. The Residence Council gave its unanimous support to
the recommendation on March 17.
“Students
were excited about the changes,” Klinkner said.
Top of Page |
|
Golden Griffon Scholarship Recipients Named
Western
awarded its Golden Griffon scholarship to 22 high school seniors. The
award provides outstanding students with a scholarship that pays full
tuition and room and board and is valued at up to $10,000 per year.
Criteria
for the scholarship include ranking in the top 10 percent of their school
class or having an overall GPA of 3.5 for all high school coursework, a
composite ACT score of 27 or above, and evidence of involvement in
extracurricular activities and community service. The recipients must
participate in the honors program, live in the residence halls, and
maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA for renewal.
The 2009
recipients are:
Jacqueline Sparks,
Bates City, Mo.; Karin Schmit, Bellevue, Neb.; Hannah Huff,
Bethalto, Ill.; Sarah McClure, Bethany, Mo.; Amber Lampe,
Carroll, Iowa; Nicholas Anderson, Excelsior Springs, Mo.;
Jennifer Loftin, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Jennifer Sandford,
Grandview, Mo.; Elizabeth Green, Hamilton, Mo.; Dakota Wilson,
Harrisonville, Mo.; Amanda Giesing, Jefferson City, Mo.; Keri
Lorbert, Kearney, Mo.; Caitlin McKinney, Knob Noster, Mo.;
Andrew Shafer, Leavenworth, Kan.; Brianna Shepardson, Lee’s
Summit, Mo.; Joshua Comninellis, Liberty, Mo.; Kaytland Barone,
Lone Jack, Mo.; Rachel Bailey, Omaha, Neb.; Kelli Ourada,
Omaha, Neb.; Logan Fischer, Pleasant Hill, Mo.; Travis Hudson,
Pleasant Hill, Mo.; and Joshua Swindler, St. Joseph.
Top of Page |
|
Flex Dollars Food Drive
Western students contributed more than $6,000 in unused Flex Dollars to
the first Flex Food Drive. Students who had excess Flex Dollars as the
semester drew to a close could sign up at a table set up in the Food
Court. Aramark, the campus food service provider, will take the donations
and purchase food for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater St. Joseph.
The students who created the project as part of the Barbara Sprong
Leadership Challenge will deliver the donation to the Food Bank on April
29.
Residence Council Donation
Project Residence Council will be teaming up with Big Brothers/Big
Sisters of St. Joseph and Kansas City to collect unwanted clothing,
household items, and small electrical appliances (in good, working
condition) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Big Brothers/Big Sisters truck will
be parked between Leaverton and Vaselakos Residence Halls. Please clean
out your closet and bring your unwanted items.
Night at the Ritz
The Western Ambassadors' Night at the Ritz - Fun N' Sun is May 8. The fun
begins with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. in the
Fulkerson Center. This year's entertainment will be the MWSU Steel Drum
Band, directed by Dr. Dennis Rogers. All proceeds from Night at the Ritz
go to nontraditional student scholarships. Cost is $35 per person. Please
RSVP to Carey McMillian, 4582 or mcmilli by May 2. If you know someone who
would like to sponsor a table to support this great cause, please have
them contact Carey. You may also purchase raffle tickets at $1 each for
great prizes or donate an item for the silent auction by contacting Ellen
Kisker, 4280, or kisker. If you cannot attend, please consider a donation
for the scholarship fund.
Attention, Fall 2009
Graduates The Registrar's Office would like to remind all students who
are planning on graduating in the fall 2009 with a certificate, associate,
baccalaureate, or master's degree that the graduation application deadline
is July 1, 2009. Applications are available in the Registrar's Office,
Eder 102, or on-line at
http://www.missouriwestern.edu/Registrar/candidate.html.
Summer Jobs On April 17
Vice President Biden and Governor Nixon announced the Next-Generation Jobs
Team, a summer employment program that will match approximately 3,000
Missouri youth ages 16 to 24 with summer internships and work experiences
at cutting-edge employers across the state. Young Missourians may
register online at
www.summerjobs.mo.gov to be part of this program. There is no fee to
apply for or participate. Applications from students and businesses will
be forwarded to local Workforce Investment Boards, where counselors will
connect youth and potential employers. Vice President Biden and Governor
Nixon encouraged young Missourians and potential employers to submit their
applications as soon as possible by visiting
www.mo.gov and clicking through to the Next-Generation Jobs Team Web
site.
CME Hiring for Fall The
Center for Multicultural Education is currently looking for students to
assist with programming for the upcoming academic year (2009-2010). Please
go to the Student Employment website and look for the position on
Nacelink...then apply! Student Assistant-Programming (689646)
Guitar Festival Western
is in the process of securing Home Hosts for visiting artists for the
seventh annual St. Joseph International Guitar Festival and
Competition, hosted by Western May 13-17. Further Home Hosting details at:
http://www.missouriwestern.edu/GuitarFestival/home-hosting.html. If
you are in a position to help with Home Hosting this year, download an
application from the website and mail it to:
St.
Joseph International Guitar Festival
Dept. of Music - Missouri Western State University
attn: HOME HOSTING
4525 Downs Dr.
St. Joseph, MO 64507-2294
Copy
Paper Costs Rise Every three
months, Campus Printing bids bulk copy paper, specifically, 20#, 92-96
white, 8 ½ x 11 copy paper. Presently orders have grown to 400 cases of
this paper each quarter (1600 cases per year, 16,000 reams of paper).
Despite regular increases in the copy paper costs and significant
increases in demand, Campus Printing has maintained a steady, below-market
price to all University customers. In fact, Campus Printing has not raised
the price it charges since 2002, absorbing the cost increases for the past
seven years.
The difference between actual cost and what is charged combined with
record high usage has reached a point of significant loss. In order to
break even, or at least close the gap, Campus Printing is increasing its
charges on copy paper to $27 per case to be in line with current market
cost. The new charges will go into effect on Monday, April 27. The charge
for a ream of copy paper will remain the same at $3 per ream. There is
still no charge for delivery.
Missouri Western’s Campus Printing & Design Services provides a valuable
service to all its campus paper customers. In addition to on-demand
delivery of copy paper, it also passes on to campus customers the best
price that bulk purchasing affords.
More than ever, Campus Printing encourages everyone to use copy paper
wisely to help save trees and the environment. Thank You.
Top of Page
|
|
April 2009 Points of Pride
Excellence in Our Faculty
and Staff
-
Kathy Miller,
adjunct instructor of English, is the recipient of a $10,000 Best Buy
Teach Award for implementing innovative technology projects with
ninth-graders at West Platte R-II High School. The grant is one of 15
awarded nationwide, and the only one awarded in Missouri.
-
Dr. Stephen Morris,
assistant professor of philosophy, was awarded a grant from the National
Endowment for the Humanities to attend a summer 2009 Institute in
Experimental Philosophy in Utah.
-
Dr. Elizabeth
Hendrix, assistant professor of education, has been selected for
inclusion in the Phi Delta Kappa International 2009-2010 Class of
Emerging Leaders.
-
Dr. Joseph Bragin,
provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, served on
review panels for two National Science Foundation grants programs: the
Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology and the Louis
Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Bridge to the Doctorate.
-
Dr. Cindy Heider,
assistant vice president for academic and student affairs, served on the
Board of Examiners for a National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education review at the University of Arkansas.
-
Dr. James Puckett,
instructor of chemistry, was selected to serve on the 2009 National
Assessment of Educational Progress Science Achievement Level Definitions
review committee.
-
Dr. Mike Cadden,
professor of English and department chair, was elected vice
president/president-elect of the Children’s Literature Association (ChLA).
ChLA is an international organization of approximately 1,000 members
whose purpose is to encourage scholarship, research, and criticism in
the field of children’s literature. Dr. Cadden will serve as vice
president in 2009-2010 and president in 2010-2011.
-
Pam Clary,
instructor of social work and social work program director, served as an
ambassador and accepted an award on behalf of Megan Allsup, May 2009
Social Work graduate. Allsup is the Bachelor of Social Workers
representative for the National Association of Social Workers-MO Board
of Directors. This recognition award will be presented to Allsup at the
social work banquet.
-
Venny Pruitt,
Northlands program director, was named to the Metropolitan Community
College Education Advisory Board.
-
Teresa Harris,
assistant professor of art, had a mixed-media piece titled “Levity”
accepted into the National Juried Art Exhibition at the Academy of Fine
Arts in Lynchburg, Va. Harris’ work, represented by Reynolds Gallery in
Richmond, Va., has been exhibited extensively nationally and
internationally.
-
Teresa Harris had a
mixed-media piece entitled “Upon Opening” accepted into The National
Juried Exhibition of Encaustic and Wax Art at the Bedford Gallery in the
Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, Calif.
-
Dr. Bill Russell,
assistant professor of physical education, had his manuscript, “A
Comparison of Exergaming to Traditional Video Games on Children’s Mood,
Attention, and Short-term Memory,” accepted for publication in the
Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and
Dance Journal.
-
Dr. Russell
Phillips, instructor of psychology, along with students, Ashley Abarr,
Sonya Colvin, Michael Dunn, and Ashlee Reed, had their article “An
Exploratory Study of Buddhist Methods of Coping in the United States”
accepted for publication in the International Journal for the Psychology
of Religion. This work was funded by the Summer Research Institute at
Western.
-
Dr.
Karen Koy, assistant professor of biology, presented “Creating Engaging
Outdoor Geology Labs in a Non-geologic Setting” at the Geological
Society of America North Central Sectional Meeting at Northern Illinois
University.
-
Dr. Tim Miller,
assistant professor of mathematics; Dr. Kevin Anderson, associate
professor of mathematics; and Dr. Tingxiu Wang, professor of computer
science, mathematics, and physics, and department chair; gave a
presentation titled “Classifying Students’ Mistakes in Hand-held
Devices” at the 21st International Conference on Technology
in Collegiate Mathematics in New Orleans.
-
R. E. Moore,
director of developmental math, was an invited presenter for two Student
Success in Math workshops. One workshop was hosted by the Business and
Technology School, Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, Mo; and
the other by Washington University, St. Louis.
-
Dr. Kay Siebler, associate professor of
English and director of composition; Dr. Michael Charlton, assistant
professor of English; and Dawn Terrick, instructor of English and
director of developmental writing and placement; attended and presented
at the Conference on College Composition and Communication in San
Francisco.
-
Dr. Jason Youngkeit,
assistant professor of Spanish, presented “Collective Resentment and its
Literary Expression: Cronicas Argentinas
by
Antonio dal Masetto” at the VII International Congress of Hispanic
Literature in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
-
Dr. Ann Thorne, professor of English,
presented three papers at the College Media Advisers Spring National
Convention in New York City: “Enticing the Yearbook Reader to Read On,”
“From Journalist to Academician,” and “Leadership Skills for Yearbook
Editors.”
-
Dr. Ken Rosenauer,
professor of English, presented “On the Cutting Edge: Creating and
Implementing New Knowledge in Advising” and gave welcome and
introductory remarks for convention keynote speaker Charles Gibson,
anchor of ABC’s World News.
-
Dr. Susan Hennessy, professor of French,
presented “Using Global Simulations for Real Improvement in Student
Writing” at the third annual Colloquium on Language Teaching in Omaha,
Neb.
-
Pam Clary,
instructor of social work and social work program director, presented “I
Thought I was Just Coming for the College Degree: The College Years” at
the third annual Global Women’s Summit.
-
Dr. Linda Antas,
assistant professor of music, and guest artist Eric Mandat performed the
duo Esprit Rude / Esprit Doux by 100-year-old, two-time Pulitzer
Prize winning composer Elliot Carter.
-
Still Standing Still,
a composition for multi-channel computer-realized sounds
written by Dr. Linda Antas, assistant professor of music, was
commissioned by the Experimental Music Studios Label for a CD
celebrating the 50th anniversary of the University of
Illinois’ Experimental Music Studios. The CD containing Still
Standing Still was named as part of the “Soundtrack of the Month” by
Electronic Musician Magazine. Still Standing Still was a
juried selection for performance at the International Computer Music
Conference 2008 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.
-
Dr. Matt Edwards,
associate professor of music, along with brother David Edwards,
performed a two-piano recital for the Moment Musical music group in
Kansas City, Mo. They also performed in a two-piano concert tour at
three locations in Missouri (including Western) and two locations in
South Carolina.
-
Dr. Matt Edwards,
associate professor of music, co-presented for Hal Leonard Publishers
and Henle Music International at the Music Teachers National Association
National Convention in Atlanta. Dr. Edwards discussed and performed
recently published works.
-
Dr. Matt Edwards,
associate professor of music, lectured on composition and publishing to
a group of music teachers and students in Columbia, S.C.
-
Dr.
Melissa Daggett, assistant professor of biology, gave an invited seminar
titled “The Effects of Triclosan on Early Zebrafish Development” at
Avila University in Kansas City, Mo.
-
Dr. James Puckett,
instructor of chemistry, participated in the National Science Teachers
Association (NSTA) Science Safety Advisory Board, NSTA College Science
Teaching Committee, NSTA Chapters and Associated Groups as well as the
NSTA Board and Council.
-
Dr. Matt Edwards,
associate professor of music, lectured on Baroque Keyboard Literature at
the Kansas City Music Teachers Association.
-
Dr. Tingxiu Wang,
professor of computer science, mathematics, and physics; reviewed a
paper titled “Stability in Terms of Two Measures for Delay Impulsive
Systems on Time Scales” for the Mathematics Reviews.
-
Dr. Pi-Ming Yeh,
assistant professor of nursing, presented “Influences of Psychological
Well-Being, Quality of Relationship, and Family Support on Family
Caregiver Burden of Cancer Patients in Taiwan” with co-authors Dr. Mary
Wierenga (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) and Dr. Su-Chann Yuan
(Chung-Shan Medical University) at the 33rd annual Midwest
Nursing Research Society Conference in Minneapolis.
-
Martha Greer,
director for the center for community arts, attended the Missouri
Association of Community Arts Agencies professional development retreat
in Columbia, Mo. The two-day retreat addressed legal issues of
nonprofits, grant writing, community relationships, and Missouri Arts
Council updates.
-
Martha Greer,
director for the center for community arts, is reviewing grant
applications for the Missouri Arts Council Folk Arts Grant. Greer also
reviewed grant applications for the Missouri Humanities Council,
Smithsonian Institute Museums on Main Street program. Greer also
reviewed program grants for the Missouri Humanities Council for
organizations from across the state.
-
Martha Greer,
director for the center for community arts, will be included in the
Allied Arts Council, Arts in the Schools roster for the upcoming school
year. Greer will visit local preschools and conduct interactive arts
activities.
-
Michael Speros,
assistant dean for residential life, attended the national American
College Personal Association convention in Washington D.C., and
presented two conference sessions. The first was titled “Power to
Revolutionize Diversity Training for Millennial Student Staff,” and was
selected to be sponsored by both the national Standing Committee for
Multicultural Affairs and the Commission for Housing and Residence Life.
Speros also presented with colleagues on the “Courage to Cross
Organizational Boundaries to Protect Campus” which focused on the
challenges in creating and serving on-campus intervention teams.
-
Dave Brown, director
of the counseling center, made a presentation on transitioning from high
school to college for the Community Action Partnership of Greater St.
Joseph.
-
Jeff Hinton,
assistant professor of music and director of bands, guest conducted
bands in high schools in Atchison, Kan., Des Moines, Iowa, Macon, Mo.,
Moberly, Mo., Olathe, Kan., Stewartsville, Mo., St. Joseph, Mo. (Benton
and Lafayette), and Wathena, Kan., to talk with students and directors
about Western.
-
Frank Thomas,
associate professor of music, conducted a three-hour vocal clinic at
Benton High School, St. Joseph, Mo., and a two-hour vocal clinic
Lafayette High School, St. Joseph, Mo., and North Kansas City High
School.
-
Frank Thomas,
associate professor of music, was a clinician for the pre-contest
concert at Central High School, St. Joseph, Mo.
-
Bob Long, assistant
professor of music, and Steve Molloy instructor of trumpet and brass
ensemble, recently performed with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (KCJO)
on its final concert of the 2008-2009 season. The ensemble performed
music associated with Kansas City and its jazz legacy, featuring works
by such composers as Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Bob Brookmeyer.
Several members of the KCJO were featured, with the evening closing with
special guests, the Wild Women of Kansas City.
-
The Western
Symphonic Winds, under the direction of Jeff Hinton, assistant professor
of music and director of bands; performed on a recruiting tour in the
Missouri high schools of Chillicothe, Macon, Moberly, Lawson and
Harrisonville. This three-day tour gained exposure for Western to more
than 1,000 prospective students who are interested in instrumental
music. Also, the tour featured Bob Long, assistant professor of music,
on the saxophone; Lee Harrelson, instructor of music, on the euphonium;
Steve Molloy instructor of trumpet and brass ensemble, on the trumpet;
and Richard Yeager, retired assistant professor of music, on the
bassoon; at these concerts.
-
Faculty mentors
Jeanie Manning, director of developmental reading; Evan Noyanert,
assistant professor of computer science; Rosalie Guyer, advising/A+
coordinator; and Dr. Elizabeth Hendrix, assistant professor of
education; and Elaine Bryant, Student Services staff member; hosted the
annual spring registration program for Scanlon residents on April 1. The
faculty mentors assisted between 45-50 students with their Fall 2009
schedules.
- A record 241
juniors and seniors and 25 teachers from 14 area high schools
participated in this year’s “American Writer II” High School Writing Day
at Western. Students collaborated on poems during the morning audition,
participated in a series of writing workshops, and read their original
works at the final Open Mic session. Workshops were taught by Megan
Thompson, instructor of English; Dr. Stacia Bensyl, associate professor
of English; Dawn Terrick, instructor of English; Dr. Bill Church,
instructor of English; Dana Andrews, instructor of English; Dr. Mike
Cadden, professor of English and department chair; and Dr. Bob Bergland,
professor of journalism. Dr. Kay Siebler, associate professor of English
and director of composition; gave the teachers’ luncheon talk. Dr. Jane
Frick, professor of English; and Tom Pankiewicz, assistant professor of
English; helped plan this year’s event with Benton High School teachers
Stefanie Lyle and Amy Miller, and English education majors Kyla Ward and
Josie Clark. The annual event was co-sponsored by Prairie Lands Writing
Project, the department of English, foreign languages, and journalism;
Western’s SNCTE Club; and the St. Joseph School District; with funding
provided by the MWSU Foundation.
Excellence in Our
Students
-
Cassandra
Pyburn was chosen as the National Student of the Month. Each month,
chapters of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) across the
country submit nominations for various categories of “Of The Month”
awards. The Griffon Gold Chapter of NRHH submitted a nomination for
Pyburn as Student of the Month. Pyburn’s nomination was chosen as the
National Winner for the month of February. NRHH recognizes the top one
percent of students in the residence halls, based on leadership and
academic skills. The organization is dedicated to developing
recognition, service and leadership programs in the residence halls.
-
Ashley
Abarr, Sonya Colvin, Michael Dunn, and Ashlee Reed, along with Dr.
Russell Phillips, instructor of psychology, had their article, “An
Exploratory Study of Buddhist Methods of Coping in the United States,”
accepted for publication in the International Journal for the Psychology
of Religion. This work was funded by the Summer Research Institute at
Western.
-
Five
finance seniors, Andrew Gillies, Lindsie Leib, Vanessa Morris, Larry
Motley, and Michelle Polk, traveled to New York with Carol Roever,
interim dean of Steven L. Craig School of Business. In addition to
cultural activities, they visited JP Morgan, BGC Partners, Museum of
American Finance, New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York.
-
Michael
Casey Brooks, senior nursing student, presented “Evaluating Adolescent
Males Interest in Nursing Following an Educational Intervention,”
sponsored by Dr. Evelyn Brooks, professor of nursing, at the 33rd
annual Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference in Minneapolis.
-
Nichole
Campbell, senior nursing student, presented “Health Literacy in Women: A
Midwest Perspective,” sponsored by Deb Ellis, assistant professor of
nursing, at the 33rd annual Midwest Nursing Research Society
Conference in Minneapolis.
-
Sasha
Collings and Kayla Kelder presented their research at the 29th
annual Great Plains Students’ Psychology Convention in Kearney, Neb.
They won a first place award for their poster, “Emotional Intelligence
and Religion in Early Adolescence.” Western students Robin Ussher, Lisa
Hietbrink and LeBlond High School student Hillary Turner won a second
place award for their poster, “The Prevalence and Implications of
Religious Coping in U.S. Buddhists.”
-
Jason
Harmon performed the first movement of Mozart’s Concerto no. 12 at the
Kansas City Music Teachers Association Concerto Recital.
-
Chemistry
major, Brett Cagg, presented a poster titled “Scanning the Potential
Energy Surface of Furanosyl Oxocarbenium Ions: Models for Reactive
Intermediates in Carbohydrate Reactions” at the American Chemical
Society Spring National Meeting in Salt Lake City. His advisor was Dr.
Jonathon Rhoad, assistant professor of chemistry.
-
Recent
graduates, Amy Pankau, operations research analyst; and Dave Davis,
senior operations research analyst, presented a colloquium titled “Math,
Computer Science: Internships with the U.S. Army.”
-
Mathematics majors Adelaide Quaney and Allison Smith have both received
summer internships in operations research for the Department of the
Army’s TRAC program as a result of the computer science, mathematics and
physics colloquium. Dr. Jeff Poet, associate professor of math, was the
faculty liaison and was instrumental in the student applications for the
internships.
-
Dr.
Karina Vazquez, assistant professor of Spanish, had her SPA 312 –
Advanced Conversation I students adapt the script of
Jorge y Su Conciencia
for presentation to Jacole Mahoney’s English for speakers of other
languages at Edison Elementary School in St. Joseph, Mo. As part of the
service learning component of Dr. Vazquez’s course, her students adapted
the script to fit contemporary situations. The students involved were
Laura Bilecki, Susan Brock, Jonathan Burdford, Kali Conard, Pamela
Covarrubias, Carlos Fernández-Devaul, Julie Filley, Allison Jones,
Joshua Kalin, Caley Mazurkiewycz, Samantha Mikus, Spencer Moss, Dawn
Pokora, Brean Riley, Daniel Sanders, and Matthew Starr. The next script
adaptation will be presented in April at Humboldt Elementary School in
St. Joseph, Mo.
-
English
education majors Kyla Ward and Josie Clark helped plan “American Writer
II” High School Writing Day at Western.
-
Nathan
Wehmeyer and Joseph Hull competed in the Missouri Day of Percussion in
Lebanon, Mo. Wehmeyer took fifth place in the Marimba and Hull placed
second in the Multi-competition. This is an annual event sponsored by
the Percussion Arts Society.
- The
Concert Band performed featuring student conductors Michael Hickman,
Dustin Mott, Nathan Stutterheim, and Leslie Tinkler.
Excellence in Our
Programs
-
The
Symphonic Winds performed on the First Thursday concert series hosted by
the First Presbyterian Church of St. Joseph. This is the fourth
appearance of the concert band on this series since 2000.
-
The
computer science, mathematics and physics student organization,
Association for Information Technology Professionals, hosted a community
service project for anyone interested in learning basic computer skills.
The students prepared a workbook for participants, gave a power point
presentation and hands-on demonstrations, and covered a wide range of
topics in a three-hour workshop. There were 100 people in attendance and
future workshops are in the planning stages. Sponsors are Deborah
Becker, instructor of computer science, and Connie Hecker, instructor of
computer science.
-
The 31st
annual Mid-America Regional Science and Engineering Fair was held in the
Fulkerson Center. Seventy-six high school students from area high
schools competed at the fair in individual and team projects. The
competition was judged by Western faculty members. The winning team,
Andrew Kier and Matthew Curran, and the Individual Grand Winners, Renee
Schaff and Sirish Veligati, will compete in the Intel International
Science and Engineering Fair in Reno, Nev. The fair is directed by Dr.
Michael Ottinger, associate professor of physics; Dr. Jonathon Rhoad,
assistant professor of chemistry; Dr. Teddi Deka, professor of
psychology; and Dr. Kristen Walton, assistant professor of biology. The
fair is sponsored by Boehringer Ingleheim Vetmedica and the MWSU
Foundation.
-
The
Junior Mid-America Regional Science and Engineering Fair was held in the
Fulkerson Center. Ninety-six middle school students from the St. Joseph
area competed for medals.
-
“The New
Lit Out Loud” reading series continued at the Café Acoustic Open-Mic.
Nearly 20 Western students, faculty, and alumni combined with several
community members to share their original poetry and prose. Many of the
pieces soon will be published in the 2009 edition of “Canvas,” the
Western student literary and arts magazine. Megan Thompson, instructor
of English; and Dr. Bill Church, instructor of English; read their work.
-
The
Griffon Yearbook
won six awards at the recent national College Media Convention in New
York. The Gold Circle Awards are a national competition sponsored by
Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The recipients of the awards
were: Anna Flin (Certificate of Merit—Feature Writing, Student Life) and
Raphelle Drew (Third Place—Academic Spread Multi-page Presentation;
Certificate of Merit—Academic Spread, black and white; Certificate of
Merit—Academic Multi-page Presentation; Certificate of Merit—Academic
Spread, black and white; Certificate of Merit—Sports Page, black and
white).
-
The
Griffon Junior Singers Premier Choir has been invited to perform with
the Kansas City Symphony. The May concert will include two other
children’s choirs and the Kansas City Symphony Chorus.
-
Griffon
Junior Singers Premier and Prelude Choir conducted their annual school
tour. They performed for over 1,000 community members including
elementary school children, retirement home residents, and law
enforcement cadets.
-
The
Center for Community Arts hosted the annual Family Day Arts Fund kickoff
at the Downtown University Center. A program of the Allied Arts Council,
the event featured hands-on arts activities facilitated by arts
organizations and the St. Joseph Symphony Petting Zoo. Approximately 200
adults and children attended.
-
The
Center for Community Arts had over 400 students participating in classes
and workshops this semester. Plans are underway for summer classes and
include a new “Saturday Series,” one-day-only workshops.
-
The 2009
Western Activities Council spring concert was a huge success. Over 2,700
people attended the concert, nearly 1,000 more than a year ago. In
addition to Western students, faculty, staff and alumni, there was a
huge group not only from the St. Joseph community, but from all over
northwest Missouri and northeastern Kansas. Headliner was Blake Shelton
who has produced five No. 1 country singles. Also featured were country
artists Joey + Rory. According to the St. Joseph News-Press online
critique, “It was the best show the Civic Arena had seen in years
and probably will see for a few more.”
-
From
January to March the Student Development area hosted 31 programs with
over 1,200 faculty, students and community members participating.
-
Residence
Hall Activities:
-
Vaselakos
Hall – Spelling Bee, Candy Poker Night, Jurassic Night, and Game Night.
-
Scanlon
Hall – RA Gary Weidemann and faculty mentor Dr. Jim Okapal, assistant
professor of philosophy, hosted a Philosophy of Film Night, and RA Dana
Anderson and faculty mentor Dr. Elizabeth Hendrix, assistant professor
of education, hosted a Spring Alapolooza for the residents. The students
socialized, played games, and decorated and hunted for eggs.
-
Residence
Council – Social/Educational program, watching the movie, “West Side
Story,” followed by a discussion regarding safety on the Western’s
campus. They also celebrated Residence Council Week by watching the
movie, “The Lorax,” and discussing various ways to save on energy, how
to recycle, and other ideas to help become more “green;” holding a
Sandwich Throwdown, where four teams of students competed to create the
best sandwich; holding A Night in Vegas formal dance; holding a
Residence Hall Improvement Night; and Student Concert Series, featuring
Veritas (de Gloria).
Top of Page |
