Week of November 10 - 16, 2003

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

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

Click any link for these stories:

Two Western Students Named Legislative Interns

Freshmen Leadership Council

Psi Chi Inducts New Members

National French Week

News Briefs

Calendar

Ads

Archives

The deadline for all entries is 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 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:
Jenny Pawlowski

Staff Advisers:
Kristy Hill and Diane Holtz

Two Western Students Named Legislative Interns

by Tracy Johnson

Western students Ryan Sevcik of Springfield, Mo., and Tolu Aregbe of St. Joseph, Mo., have been selected to serve in Jefferson City, Mo., as interns to two Missouri state legislators for the upcoming session beginning Jan. 7, 2004, and ending in May.

The two students received the Edward D. Gorman Public Service Award, which was established by former Western President Janet (Gorman Murphy) McCarthy in honor of her father, who was a Massachusetts legislator.

“This award makes it possible for outstanding Western students with a history of public service and a desire for more involvement to seek funding for this intensive, semester-long experience,” said Beth Wheeler, director of external relations and a member of the selection committee that chose Sevcik and Aregbe.

Sevcik, a history major, will be an intern in the Missouri State Senate under Republican Charlie Shields. Sevcik’s duties will involve researching bills that the senator will handle and taking notes at any committee meetings Sen. Shields is unable to attend.

“I’m interested in law and politics, and eventually I want to do something like this with my life.” said Sevcik, who hopes to gain experience and a greater understanding of how the government works.

Sevcik has been active on campus as Student Government Association (SGA) president,  Griffon Edge leader, Residence Council member, Barbara Sprong Leadership Challenge participant and Western VIP. Sevcik has also received many awards for his outstanding academic achievement.

Aregbe, a junior majoring in government and public affairs, will be working with State Representative Ed Wildberger in the Missouri House of Representatives. Aregbe will be taking notes at hearings and committee meetings and handling a variety of responsibilities.

“I think the internship will be an inspiration for me, and I also think it will help in being better focused on my goals for the future,” Aregbe said.    

Aregbe has a history of student leadership for SGA, Campus Activities Board, Residence Council, The Ebony Collegians and Sigma Gamma Rho. She has also been an orientation assistant.

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Freshmen Leadership Council

by Tracy Johnson

Members of the Freshmen Leadership Council Ebonye Babbs (left), Andranya Taylor and David Crockett II discuss plans for the upcoming Freshman Advisory Bonanza.

Studies on campuses across the nation have revealed that increased student involvement leads to better grades, more positive attitudes toward college and higher levels of self-esteem. With the recent emergence of the Freshman Leadership Council, a new student group at Missouri Western State College, students will have even more opportunities to become involved in campus activities.

Sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Education (CME), the council is designed to enhance student involvement and offer opportunities to interact and build meaningful relationships. It is also a way to provide freshmen with opportunities to lead on campus.

"It [college] is more than just enrollment and going to class," said senior LaShaundra Randolph, student mentor for the council. The Chicago native feels that taking part in the council is a great way for freshmen to learn how to lead their school by developing relationships with faculty, getting experience in event planning and understanding who to call and how to schedule planned events.

"It’s preparing them for their leadership roles on campus. It’s not easy being a leader; it’s hard work."

Randolph is quick to point out that the six members of the council are the ones who guide the meetings. "They figure out the issues to discuss, not me. I try not to give too much input," she said.

Member Andranya Taylor hopes the council activities will give freshmen a reason to stay on campus during the weekends. "The main goal is to help them get to know other people and to know themselves," she said.

The council plans to sponsor two events during the fall semester. The Freshmen Advisement Bonanza (F.A.B.) will be held in the Nelle Blum Student Union lounge on Nov. 11, the day before freshmen can register for spring classes. It will offer peer guidance from upperclassmen and campus student leaders on issues such as how to choose a major, the best time to take a class, suggestions on better study habits and explanations of school policies. Besides building relationships, freshmen will be able to gain the perspectives of older students who have experienced issues they will be facing during their college career.

The second event will be a celebration in December for freshmen who have successfully completed their first semester of college. The council hopes to build a sense of accomplishment among first-year students and motivate them as they enter the spring 2004 semester.

Council members include: Ebonye Babbs of Sacramento, Calif.; David Crockett II of Kansas City, Mo; Daniel Kirk of Emporia, Kan.; Adrienne Pierce of Kansas City, Kan.; Taylor and Nichelle Thomas, both of St. Louis. Faculty sponsor is Karl Bell, director of multicultural education.

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Psi Chi Inducts New Members

The Western chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in psychology, recently inducted 10 new members. For admission into Psi Chi, undergraduates must have completed three semesters of college and completed nine semester hours of psychology courses. They must rank in the top 35% of their class in general scholarship and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in both general courses and psychology courses.

The following students were inducted: Wendy Sleeth of Helena, Mo.; Brooke Lindenbusch of Jefferson City, Mo.; Emily Kempf of Marshall, Mo.; Jacqueline R. Bell of Plattsburg, Mo.; Kevin L. Hill, Heather M. Martinez, Jill Nesslage and Rachel Welsh, all of St. Joseph; Alyssa Myers of Savannah, Mo.; and Jennifer L. Rippy of Sweet Springs, Mo.

Western’s chapter of Psi Chi is sponsored by Dr. Phil Wann, professor of psychology.

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National French Week

The English, foreign languages and journalism department is celebrating National French Week Nov. 12 - 18 with a variety of events.  

• Wednesday, Nov. 12: French film "Madame Bovary, 6:30 p.m., LRC 102

• Thursday, Nov. 13: Travel to France! Photos and souvenirs from students. Details for France in June 2004, 3:30 p.m., SS/C 211

• Friday, Nov. 14: French cheese tasting, noon, SS/C 211

• Sunday, Nov. 16: Coffee at Hazel's Gourmet Coffee and Tea Company, 3 p.m., 4001 Frederick Ave.

• Monday, Nov. 17: French games and lawn bowling, 3 p.m., SS/C 211

• Tuesday, Nov. 18: French Career Forum, 3:30 p.m., SS/C 223

All of the events are free and open to the community. 

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• There will be a Freshman Advisory Bonanza at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Nelle Blum Student Union first floor lounge. Freshman can receive advice from upperclassmen on enrolling for spring 2004 classes the following day. The event is sponsored by the Freshmen Leadership Council.  For more information call 4150.

• The theatre department will present "The Lion in Winter" 8 p.m., Nov. 20, 21, 22 and 23.  There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 23. 

• The French Conversation Table will be held in the Leah Spratt Multipurpose Classroom Building, room 208, from noon - 12:45 p.m., on the following Thursdays: Nov. 20 and Dec. 4.  All are welcome to bring their lunch and come for conversation en francais. Contact Dr. Susan Hennessy at 5813 or hennessy@missouriwestern.edu for more information.  

• The art department will host the Senior Art Exhibits Nov. 12 - Dec. 4 in Gallery 206 and the Foyer Gallery of the Thompson E. Potter Fine Arts Building. The shows are mixed media. 

• Mark your calendar: The Fall 2003 Commencement Ceremony for Western graduates is 4 p.m. Dec. 20 in the Fieldhouse of the M. O. Looney Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building. Honored guest is Kansas City Mayor and St. Joseph native Kay Barnes, who will deliver the commencement address. Barnes will also be presented with a Western honorary doctorate for her example as an outstanding leader. A reception for graduates and their families will precede the ceremony from 1:30 – 3 p.m. in the Nelle Blum Student Union, room 218. 

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Monday, November 10

• Preregistration begins for sophomores

• Exit Exams, 5 - 8 p.m., A 102, 105, 201

• "Navigating with Lewis and Clark" planetarium show, 7:30 p.m., SM 105

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sex Education Program, 7 - 9 p.m., SU 222

Tuesday, November 11

• Volleyball MIAA Tournament, TBA

• Career Development Mock Interviews, IMC

• Sigma Gamma Rho Discussion (females only), 5 - 7 p.m., SU 208

• Sigma Gamma Rho Battle of Divine Nine, 7 - 9 p.m., SU 218

• WebCT grade book workshop, 10 - 11 a.m., LRC 107E

• Freshman Advisory Bonanza, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., SU first floor lounge

Wednesday, November 12

• Preregistration begins for freshmen

• "Navigating with Lewis and Clark" planetarium show, 7:30 p.m., SM 105

• Senior Art Exhibition Opening Reception, 7 p.m., FA Mixed Media Gallery

• WebCT quizzes workshop, 3 - 4:30 p.m., LRC 107E

Thursday, November 13

• Education Career Fair, 1 - 4 p.m., MC 214

• Exit Exams, 2 p.m., JGM 108

• C-Base Workshop, test-taking strategies, 3 - 4 p.m.

• "Learning How to Teach Online," WebCT workshop, 10 - 11:30 a.m., LRC 107E

• Sigma Gamma Rho Informational Meeting, 5 - 9 p.m., JGM 303

Friday, November 14

• Men's basketball vs. Living the Dream (exhibition), 7 p.m.

• Sigma Gamma Rho Black Tie Affair, 7 - 9 p.m., SU Junior College Room

Saturday, November 15

• Football at Missouri-Rolla, 1 p.m.

• St. Joseph Symphony, Missouri Theater, 717 Edmond

• Women's basketball vs. St. Louis Goldstar (exhibition), 2 p.m.

• Delta Sigma Theta Crimson & Cream Ball, 7 - 9 p.m., MC 101

• Delta Sigma Theta Crimson & Cream Reception, 9 p.m. - midnight, SU 218

Sunday, November 16

• Symphonic Winds Concert, 3 p.m., FA Theater

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Bunk Beds for sale: Solid wood and "A" frame style. Upper bed is twin sized and lower bed is double/full sized. No mattresses. $75. Contact Beth Wheeler at 5887.

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