Week of  November 10 - 16, 2008

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:

Arizona Company Relocating to Bond Incubator

Adventures Abound in PE Class

Western Dean Visits Army Leadership Training Course

Tower Sports

News Briefs

Calendar

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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.

Arizona Company Relocating to Bond Incubator

IMULAN BioTherapeutics LLC, an emerging animal health company, has announced plans to become the first business tenant in the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator. The Buchanan County Commissioners today signed a letter of intent to provide an incentive package of forgivable and no-interest loans to IMULAN for relocating its headquarters and operations from Prescott, Ariz. to St. Joseph. 

“We welcome IMULAN to Western and to St. Joseph,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Western’s president. “This is exactly the kind of company the Bond Incubator was built for, and the kind of company we hope to continue to attract. IMULAN is a perfect match for the strong life sciences industry in St. Joseph.”

IMULAN cited the concentration of animal health industries in the region as a key factor in the decision to relocate to St. Joseph. The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, which includes St. Joseph, is home to more than 120 animal health companies and is close to several top-tier veterinary schools.  

“We have been working with the Animal Health Corridor for almost two years and realized, from day one, that this environment has more to offer than anywhere else in the world,” said Dr. Craig Woods, founder and CEO of IMULAN and a graduate of the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Our proximity to the comparative medicine and veterinary programs, combined with strong state and local support, will be a catalyst for IMULAN’s growth and contributions to animal health.”

The Bond Incubator, located on university-owned property west of Interstate 29 on Mitchell Avenue, opened its doors in June. The facility was primarily funded through a grant from the Economic Development Administration and a joint partnership between the City of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce and Western. The incubator is named in honor of Missouri Sen. Christopher Bond, who was instrumental in securing the federal grant.

“The relocation of IMULAN to the incubator will emphasize the strength of Missouri as a world leader in biotechnology,” said Sen. Bond. “IMULAN will serve as an economic nexus that will bring jobs and innovation in animal health throughout the St. Joseph region.”

Dr. Vartabedian thanked the many partners who helped bring IMULAN to Western’s campus, including the Institute of Industrial and Applied Life Sciences, a public/private partnership that was the incubator’s first tenant; the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce; Buchanan County; the City of St. Joseph; the Missouri Department of Economic Development; the Missouri Technology Corporation, which provided financial assistance to help finish lab space in the Incubator; the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor; the Kansas City Area Development Council; the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute; and Kansas City Power & Light.

“Our economic development partnership is pleased to have been able to assemble a package of resource support that helped attract IMULAN to St. Joseph over other competing communities,” said Ted Allison, president and CEO of the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. “We foresee a promising future for this company and look forward to assisting them during their term in the incubator and hopefully into their own facility in St. Joseph in the not too distant future.”

IMULAN’s first commercial product is the only approved treatment aid in the United States for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus.

 “IMULAN has a bright future and has some amazing products in the animal health industry. They are an asset for the Animal Health Corridor,” said Lynn Parman, vice president of life sciences and technology of the Kansas City Area Development Council.

The incubator is part of a larger Missouri initiative to increase the infrastructure to grow the life sciences and animal health industry. IMULAN’s decision leaves 17,000 square feet open for future tenants in the incubator.

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Adventures Abound in PE Class

If you’re gonna teach it to someone, you better have done it yourself, at least once. That’s the philosophy behind assistant professor of physical education Patty Hartenbower’s Methods and Techniques of Adventure Activities course this fall.

But don’t let the “methods and techniques” fool you; the operative word for the class is truly “adventure.” So far, students have experienced horseback riding, trap shooting, archery, canoeing, backpacking, fishing and more.

“I had no idea of the things we were going to be doing,” said Jessi Moody, a physical education major from Platte City, Mo. “But I love being outside.”

And since the course is for those who want to teach physical education, the class is structured where student pairs select an activity and teach their classmates about it before they leave the classroom for their adventure.

Moody paired with Robyn Korthanke, physical recreation major from Robinson, Kan., for a horseback riding lesson since Moody’s family owns horses and Korthanke said she had rode horses as a child. “Most of the class had never been on a horse before,” Moody said when two horses visited campus for the adventure.

Students also gained teaching experience when St. Joseph’s Central High School students joined the class to learn about canoeing, archery, fishing and camping.

After a lesson on gun safety in the classroom, trap shooting at Western’s trap range was the latest adventure, and many of the students had never fired a gun before. “I’m scared to death to fire a gun but I’m excited to try it,” said Moody.

That seemed to be the feeling of most of the students – a willingness to try something new so they could eventually teach it to others.

“When we become teachers, we’ll be able to teach them and show them things they can do,” Korthanke said.

And more adventure awaits – future classes include plans for rappelling, rock climbing and ice skating, said Hartenbower.

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Western Dean Visits Amy Leadership Training Course

Dr. Steve Estes, dean of professional studies, was among the 80 professors, faculty members and military science professors from throughout the United States and American Territories who attended the three-day Educator’s Visit at the Leadership Training Course (LTC) held at Fort Knox, Ken., last summer.

LTC is a three-week training course for Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets that focuses on the foundations of military science knowledge and skills. Cadets attend LTC during the summer between their sophomore and junior year and study the laboratory skills of military science in the course. LTC instills the cadets with basic army knowledge, critical thinking skills, and most importantly leadership skills that will help prepare ROTC cadets for their role as future officers in the United States Army.

Dr. Estes, along with the other educators, took part in training exercises such as rappelling, water survival and traversing the high ropes and obstacle courses.  These activities teach the leadership skills that officers will need by providing group activities that emphasize both leadership and teamwork.  While the skills acquired are obviously military in nature, the lessons are always directed toward leadership and character development.

“I had a great time,” said Dr. Estes. “I now have a healthy appreciation and respect for ROTC coursework as good college curriculum. I learned a lot about the techniques that the Army uses to teach cadets to become officers, and these lessons will be of interest to college professors.”

Impressed by army leadership style and technique, 47 of the educators attending LTC with Cadet Command Cadre (professors of military science) drafted a proposal to form a think tank that will meet at future LTC visits.  The goal is to study Army leadership techniques and use them in college activities such as residential life, registration, orientation, ambassadors programs, student government and regular college classes and degrees.

Mark Boylan, division chief of cadet command, had this to say about Dr. Estes proposal: “What Dean Steve Estes has proposed is that we add an additional Leadership Conference where we would bring back interested faculty members who have attended LTC or the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) at Fort Lewis, to share ideas, and learn how the Army teaches Leadership, so that they can then take those lessons back to campus to develop leadership majors or minors at their universities.”

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Tower Sports

Griffon place kicker Dustin Strickler was named to the ESPN the Magazine College Division Academic All-District first-team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Strickler, a native of Bellevue, Neb., is the first Griffon football player since Leon Douglas in 2006 to receive first-team Academic All-District accolades. To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his institution and be nominated by his sports information office.

Football

• Win vs. Truman State, 33-32, Nov. 8

• Dec. 6 vs. Augustana College at Mineral Water Bowl in Excelsior Springs, Mo., at 1 p.m.

Men's Basketball

• Nov. 11 vs. Livin' the Dream - Exhibition at 7 p.m.

Women's Basketball

• Loss vs. Iowa State University, 55-80, Nov. 9

• Nov. 15 vs. Lincoln Memorial at Quincy Tournament in Quincy, Ill., at 3 p.m.

• Nov. 16 vs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania at Quincy Tournament in Quincy, Ill., at 2 or 4 p.m.

Soccer

• Loss vs. Washburn University, 0-2, Nov. 8

Volleyball

• Loss vs. University of Nebraska-Omaha, 0-3, Nov. 7

• Loss vs. University of Central Missouri, 0-3, Nov. 8

• Nov. 12 at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo., at 7 p.m.

• Nov. 15 at Truman State in Kirksville, Mo., at 7 p.m.

The Diversity of Faith The Center for Multicultural Education presents The Diversity of Faith - An Exploration of Religion, Culture, and Spirituality. This program is at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 in Spratt Hall room 216. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the diverse faiths from around the world. For more information, contact the CME at 4150.

Bake Sales Two bake sales are coming up this week. The members of Delta Phi Upsilon will host a bake sale from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12 in Wilson Hall. All proceeds go toward the organization's attendance at the 2009 American Criminal Justice Association National Conference located this year in Jacksonville, Fla. Also, The ladies of Alpha Sigma Alpha will host a bake sale from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nov. 12 in Murphy Hall.

Operation Christmas Child Operation Christmas Child is coming up. There will be boxes placed Blum Lobby from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 10, 12 and 14 for campus community members to drop off sanitary items for children in third-world countries. For question contact Jacely Alcantara at jalcantara@missouriwestern.edu.

Intramural Deadlines The deadlines for Intramural sports is fast approaching. Rosters for men's and women's divisions volleyball are due Nov. 12. Volleyball games starts Nov. 17. Rosters for dodgeball are due by Nov. 17. Games start Nov. 19. Rosters for the 3-on-3 basketball round-robin are due Nov. 19. Games begin Dec. 1. Turn all rosters into the Intramural Office, Looney 147.

International Fair Travel the world without a passport. Find out what life is like in Iran or Korea. Learn about university life in Germany. See how to make Pulled Tea from Malaysia. Discover eight new ways to say “hello.” Attend the International Fair from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Commons Building. The fair is sponsored by the Global Wing of Vaselakos Hall.

Play Auditions The Nontraditional Student Association will be performing a medieval theme dinner theater in April. Auditions for the play will be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18 in the Nontraditional Student lounge, Eder 200. Selected actors will be posted in the Nontrad lounge Nov. 23. Main cast is 9 - five males and four females, with extras needed. For information contact Sarah Spiers - sspiers1@missouriwestern.edu, Ellen Kisker - kisker@missouriwestern.edu, or Amanda Gee - agee@missouriwestern.edu. You may also call 4280.

Senior Art Exhibition The Potter Hall Gallery will host a graduating senior exhibition until Nov. 20.The students exhibiting their work are Beth Frankum, Nathan Glynn, Vickie Miller and Chuck Mullican.

CJLS Poster Day The Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies would like to invite all faculty, staff and students to attend Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Poster Day from 12:30-2 p.m. Nov. 20 in Wilson Hall 184. Senior Research students will present their research projects through poster displays and answer questions regarding their chosen topics. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact David Tushaus at 5627 or Dr. Hyunseok Jang at 4434.
 

Pre-Registration News It's time to meet with your advisor. If you do not know who your advisor is please check on My Western self-service page under Student & Financial Aid, Student Records, View Student Information. Please contact this individual or the department concerning sign-up opportunities for advisement. When you meet with your advisor you will be given an Alternate PIN. You will use this 4-digit number to access Registration through My Western self-service page and enroll in classes. Beginning at 7 a.m. on each date, the schedule listed below will be followed (degree-seeking students only):

• Seniors (90+ hours) - begins 11/03/08

• Juniors (60-89 hours) - begins 11/06/08

• Sophomores (30-59 hours) - begins 11/10/08

• Freshmen (0-29 hours) - begins 11/12/08

To calculate your class you may add your cumulative earned hours and the current hours you are attempting this semester. Students who have a registration hold on their records will not be allowed to register. To check if you have this type of hold access My Western self-service page under Student & Financial Aid, Student Records, View Holds. Remember, a registration hold can be added to you account at any time. If you have any questions please call the Registrar's Office at 4211.

Toys for Tots Dr. DJ Champagne, adjunct instructor of sociology, is assisting the American Legion 359 of St. Joseph, Mo., in the ‘Toys for Tots’ donation drive. She is collecting donations of toys for all age groups, as well as monetary donations until the final exams at the end of the semester.  Take all donations to her office in Popplewell Hall, room 212M. For more information contact the department of government, social work and sociology at 4340.

Marketing Communications Survey The Public Relations and Marketing Office will send surveys to all faculty and staff asking for your feedback on our marketing communications efforts of the past year. The surveys will be conducted electronically using the Class Climate tool. The survey is short and should only take a few minutes. We hope everyone will take the time to respond. The surveys are anonymous, however, we will enter everyone who chooses to include their name in a drawing for $50 shopping sprees in the campus bookstore. (Note: only completed surveys will be eligible for the drawing.) Students, the local community, and the business community will also be included in our overall measurement effort. We would like to thank the marketing students and staff of the Craig School of Business for their help with this process. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this assessment process. We will be using information and suggestions gained from these surveys to make future marketing decisions.

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Monday, November 10

• SGA President/Vice-President Debates at 4 p.m. in Blum Union Lobby

• Senate meeting after Presidential Debate in Blum 220

• Orchestra Rehearsal from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Griffon Luncheon from 12-1 p.m. in the upstairs banquet room at La Dolce Vita at 36th Street Restaurant

• Sophomores may register for classes beginning at 7 a.m.

• National French Week: French cheese tasting at noon in Eder 211

Tuesday, November 11

• Residence Council meeting at 7 p.m. in Commons Building

• "The Diversity of Faith - An Exploration of Religion, Culture, and Spirituality"  at 6 p.m. in Spratt Hall 216

• Delta Phi Upsilon bake sale from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wilson Hall

• National French Week: Study in France at 3 p.m. in Murphy 110

• The Presidential Installation Ceremony will air on Cablevision Channel 39 at noon.

Wednesday, November 12

• WAC meeting at 4 p.m. in the Junior College Room

• Freshmen may register for classes beginning at 7 a.m.

• Delta Phi Upsilon bake sale from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wilson Hall

• Alpha Sigma Alpha bake sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Murphy Hall

Thursday, November 13

• National French Week: "Persepolis" at 6:30 p.m. in Hearnes 102

• The Presidential Installation Ceremony will air on Cablevision Channel 39 at noon.

Sunday, November 16

•  The Presidential Installation Ceremony will air on Cablevision Channel 39 at 7:30 p.m.

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