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Week of January 26 - February 1, 2004 Welcome to the Tower Topics E-newsletter for faculty, staff and students at Western. |
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Missouri Western State College, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507, 816-271- 4200 |
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Click any link for these stories: Luncheon
Recognizes Three in Memory of Western Celebrates Financial Aid Awareness Week Planetarium
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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 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:
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Luncheon
Recognizes Three Nearly 100 guests gathered on the campus of Missouri Western State College Jan. 19 for a luncheon and a celebration of a man known for his efforts toward equality and justice. The event was sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Education (CME) to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. At the luncheon, three Drum Majors for Justice were named: Western professor Dr. Victoria “Y” Wacek, Western student Michael Johnson and St. Joseph community member Joyce Starr. Dr. Wacek, associate professor of teacher education, received the award for her student involvement and activity in the campus club for international students. Dr. Wacek also supports mathematics students in their pursuit of academic excellence. Johnson was nominated for his outstanding academia, exemplary leadership behavior and volunteerism as part of his demeanor that reflects the standards of Dr. King. In his acceptance speech, Johnson emphasized his agreement with Dr. King’s belief in nonviolence and its influence in preventing a second civil war among our nation. “I think to be a great leader," Johnson said. "It’s important to learn about the lives of other great leaders. If I could use one word to describe myself, it would be blessed.” Starr was chosen because of the unselfishness and encouragement she demonstrates in her religious efforts to benefit both the community and Western students. Starr is a paraprofessional in the St. Joseph School District and actively participates in bringing underprivileged elementary students to Western sporting events. Karl Bell, CME director, explained at the luncheon that the title of the Drum Major for Justice award was taken from a quote by Dr. King in one of his speeches of the same name. To Dr. King, drum majors symbolize leadership of the most unselfish kind. In his 1968 speech, Dr. King said, “If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; say that I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter…I just want to leave a committed life behind.” “If your drum major is really good, your focus will be on the band,” Bell said. “Drum majors don’t get any of the glory.” As guests arrived at the luncheon, they watched a video of Dr. King’s speech. After a short welcome from Jeff Knapp, multicultural education intern coordinator of the event, Western President Dr. James Scanlon gave an introduction that reflected on the life of Dr. King, followed by a prayer from Central High School Vice President Bill Hedge expressing thanks for greater justice in America and asking blessing on the future of our nation. After the event, Knapp said he was glad to see the college and community coming together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The CME plans to make the luncheon and awards ceremony an annual event. |
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Western Celebrates Financial Aid Awareness Week The Financial Aid Office is hosting a number of activities in observance of Financial Aid Awareness Week Feb. 2 – 6. Students are encouraged to visit the office during the week to learn about the types of financial aid available to them and to sign up for prizes. The office is located in the Fred Eder Student Services and Classroom Building, room 103. “We want to make students aware of what our office can provide for them – grants, loans and scholarships – and that applying early for financial aid can be of great benefit to them,” said Angela Beam, director of Financial Aid. The week is also an opportunity to make students aware of the upcoming deadlines regarding financial aid, Beam said.
Students may apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Financial Aid Office is also hosting a High School Night from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Leah Spratt Multipurpose Classroom Building, Kemper Recital Hall. High school students and their parents will have the opportunity to learn about student loans, how to fill out the FAFSA, ask questions and win prizes. For more
information, visit www.missouriwestern.edu/finaid
or contact the Financial Aid Office at 4361. |
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Planetarium Features Spring Shows The Western Planetarium will feature several shows in February: “Lewis and Clark,” “ More Than Meets The Eye” and “Hubble Vision.” “Lewis and Clark” is Feb. 2 and Feb. 4. “More Than Meets The Eye” is Feb. 9 and “Hubble Vision” is Feb. 11. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Evan R. Agenstein Science and Math Building, room 105. Each show lasts about one hour. Tickets are $3 each and 40 seats are available. Reservations can be made in advance by calling (816) 271-4370. More shows are scheduled for March. Planetarium showings for organizations or other groups can be arranged by calling (816) 271-4370 or by contacting Jerry Wilkerson at wilk@missouriwestern.edu. |
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Wednesday, January 28
Saturday, January 31
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Wanted: Your want ads! You
are welcome to submit ads to the Western ADvantage each week.
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