Week of February 5 - 11, 2010

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

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Bond Incubator Draws Fifth Tenant

A Room for Math

Local Voices Featured in State Concert

Pay it Forward Awards - December 2009

Points of Pride - January 2010

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Student Editor:
Jenn Cammann

Staff Adviser:
Kent Heier

Boehringer Ingelheim to Lease Space in Incubator

A local animal health company will lease most of the second floor of the Bond Incubator. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. will house up to 40 jobs in the incubator. (Left) George Heidgerken, president and COO of BIVI, said the lease agreement is good for the company, good for the incubator and good for the university. (Right) Heidgerken and President Vartabedian sign the lease while Dr. Gordon Clapp, president and CEO of the Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences, looks on.

Bond Incubator Draws Fifth Tenant

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI) will lease most of the second floor in the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator on the campus of Western, company and university officials announced today. Up to 40 jobs will be located in the incubator.

“Western is committed to helping the life sciences industry in the St. Joseph region grow and prosper,” said Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian, Western’s president. “Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica is a key component of that industry, and we’re happy they’ve chosen to locate a part of their operation in the Bond Incubator. BIVI is already a strong partner with us in many ways, and it is my hope that this new arrangement will make our partnership even stronger for the benefit of the whole region.”

“The agreement signed today between Missouri Western State University, the Kit Bond Science and Technology Institute and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is significant as it aligns our community on several fronts,” said Dr. Ed Robb, BIVI vice president, research and development. “BI Research and Development needed expanded research space in the St. Joseph community. The business incubator on campus was recently opened but was not able to secure sufficient funds to complete construction of the building’s second floor. BI has a great relationship with Missouri Western as numerous interns and graduates have and are working at BI today. We can now provide visible animal health research and collaboration with students and faculty.

“We are driven by value through innovation and are united with the incubator mission,” Dr. Robb said. “Today by being on campus we can work more closely with Missouri Western and keep our expanded research effort in St Joseph. We feel this truly is a win-win solution for all involved.”

BIVI will lease the second floor of the incubator for four years. The company will not pay rent, but will make up to $750,000 in capital improvements to the second floor. Those improvements will remain with the building after BIVI leaves. There is an option to extend the lease for an additional year for a cash payment to be negotiated at that time.

BIVI fits very well with the Bond Incubator’s emphasis on life sciences, said Dr. Gary Clapp, president and CEO of the Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences (IIALS), the public-private partnership that manages the incubator on behalf of Western. Although the incubator was intended to serve primarily start-up businesses, the agreement with the well-established BIVI was too good to pass up. The lease will allow for BIVI to complete the unfinished area of the second floor which will eventually be made available for future tenant use. In the long run everybody benefits, he said.

“One of our primary goals is economic development, and this agreement keeps up to 40 jobs in St. Joseph,” Dr. Clapp said. “Additionally, as a building owner, Western will get the benefit of the second floor of the incubator being completed at the leaseholder’s expense. And, the space will facilitate Western’s partnerships with BIVI.”

BIVI joins DT Search & Designs LLC, Imulan Biotherapeutics LLC, IIALS, and the United States Animal Health Association as tenants in the Bond Incubator, which opened in 2008. Another company, New Functional Polymers, is not housed in the incubator but uses lab space there. The new lease nearly fills the incubator to capacity, Dr. Clapp said. There is 1,600 square feet of space still available in the 24,000 square foot building.

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Math Community Room

Students use the new math community room on the first floor of Remington Hall. The room will serve as a gathering space for math students and faculty, with work areas and chalkboards available.

A Room For Math

Math faculty have a message for math majors and those who are taking mathematics classes: we have a room just for you. The math community room is on the first floor of Remington Hall, and Dr. Jeff Poet, associate professor of mathematics, says visitors are encouraged. Math faculty plan to frequent the room, and they are always willing to help students with homework if they need it.

Dr. Poet said when Remington Hall was being designed, faculty members were asked to submit their ideas and requests for space, and a math community room was the top priority of math faculty. The department really didn’t have anything like it in Agenstein.

“We want this to be a social gathering space for math students and faculty to gather,” Jeff said. He noted that the space was designed with math in mind: There are work areas for individuals, small groups or large groups; and there are chalkboards everywhere. “We’re very pleased.”

The department held an open house Feb. 3 to publicize the community room, and faculty members were pleased with the large turnout. “This is what we hope the room looks like on a regular basis and not just when we serve free food,” Jeff said with a laugh.

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Forty Trees for Forty Years

Western's physical plant has begun planting evergreens on campus. The trees are gifts from private donors and will have no impact on the university's budget, according to Dan Nicoson, vice president for university advancement. The goal is to plant 100 evergreens in three years, and the effort started with a announcement to alumni and friends of "Forty Trees for Forty Years," with a goal of planting 40 trees to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Western's designation as a four-year institution. Pledges for more than 60 trees have already been received, Nicoson said.

Local Voices Featured in State Concert

Singers from Western, Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, Savannah High School in Savannah, Mo., and others will perform in the inaugural Missouri Verses and Voices State Festival Concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 9 in Missouri’s Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City. This event is free and open to the public.

The Festival Concert will celebrate the music, art and poetry of Missouri and honor Walter Bargen for his term service as Missouri’s first Poet Laureate. The host for the concert is State Sen. Charles W. Shields, president pro tem. The concert will feature performances by Western’s Concert Chorale and the choirs of Savannah, Jefferson City, Lee’s Summit North and Lafayette High Schools. The Lafayette choir is directed by Kim Evans, a 2008 graduate of Western. The Savannah choir is directed by Mary Ann Haenni, a 1981 Western graduate and co-founder of Verses and Voices.

Each choir will present one song by a Missouri composer and one song that sets the text of a Missouri poet. As a special gift to Bargen, the choirs will combine to premiere a new song, “Hall of Waters,” which is set to a poem by Bargen and was written by composer Amy Beth Kirsten, a former Savannah High School student currently completing a doctorate in music composition at Boston Conservatory. The concert will also feature interpretive poetry readings by Bargen, Kirsten, Shields and Maribeth Rosenauer, Missouri Verses and Voices First Lady Award recipient from Savannah High School. Award-winning student artwork interpreting poems by Bargen will be on display.

Missouri Verses and Voices is a collaborative educational program that teaches students to see, shape and share the creative meaning of words through poetry, music, visual arts, and communication and interpretive arts. The central purpose is to inform Missouri citizens about our state’s unique creative voice and to invite our young people to join Missouri’s creative community.

“Missouri has a wonderful history of creativity and vision. It is creative vision that shaped Missouri’s past and will shape our future,” said Dr. David Benz, cofounder of Missouri Verses and Voices and director of choral activities at Western.

Missouri Verses and Voices was founded by Dr. Benz, Bargen and Haenni. It started as a local educational program and is now a state-level initiative chaired by Georganne Nixon, Missouri’s First Lady, and is partially supported by a matching grant from Missouri Arts Council. “I am very hopeful that Missouri Verses and Voices will grow throughout our state in the years to come,” Nixon said. “Please join me by bringing your school and your students into this new creative community.”

The Mid Missouri Alumni chapter will host a Griffon Gathering at 6 p.m. prior to the concert at Paddy Malones, 700 W. Main Street in Jefferson City.

For more information about the concert, contact Dr. Benz at 271-4428 or dbenz@missouriwestern.edu. For information about the alumni gathering, contact alumni services at 271-5646 or mwalumni@missouriwestern.edu.

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Pay it Forward Awards - December 2009

The Western’s Pay it Forward Award is a way to recognize individuals who are doing nice things for others or making a contribution to the university. The goal is to build relationships with others and recognize them at the same time!

The following people were recognized during the month of December for their outstanding work. To see why they were nominated and learn how you can nominate a staff colleague for recognition, visit the Staff Association's Pay it Forward Web site.

Clint Barnes
Wonda Berry
Jason Bell
Kendall Bell
Ron Cohen
Peggy Ellis
Kelly Glynn
Brian Harrah
Marqita Jones
Jen Kacere
Kathy Kelly
Sean O’Reilly
Bruce Parsley
Lynn Plett
Mary Piatt
Jay Summers
Leanne Weber

The following people won a free soda from campus dining (the winners were drawn randomly): Clint Barnes, Kendall Bell, Wonda Berry, Kelly Glynn and Leanne Weber.

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Points of Pride - January 2010

Excellence in our Faculty/Staff

Joanne Katz, professor of legal studies, and David Tushaus, associate professor of legal studies and department chair, were selected to be part of the five-member delegation representing the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences at the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Salvador, Brazil. They will present the workshop, “International Criminal Justice Education for the Rule of Law.”
Dr. Nathanael May, assistant professor of music, was the featured guest artist presenting solo recitals for the 2009-2010 season at the Bell Cultural Events Center at MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, Kan., and also for the 2009-2010 Concerts on the Platte Series at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Dr. Cristi Campbell, assistant professor of nursing, completed the doctorate of nursing practice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Dr. David Benz, assistant professor of music, formed the Women’s Choir ensemble during Fall 2009. Dr. Roger Hale, assistant professor of music, has been appointed to serve as the new choir’s director. The choir began with 18 members. Dr. Hale and the Women’s Choir presented their premiere performance as a part of Western’s Fall Choral Concert.
Dr. Brian Cronk, professor of psychology, was elected secretary-treasurer of the Midwestern Psychological Association for a three-year term.
Dr. Elizabeth Hendrix, assistant professor of education, served as a delegate for People to People’s Educational Research Delegation in South Africa.
Dr. Mei Zhang, assistant professor of speech, chaired a competitive paper session on Chinese political communication and social issues at the annual convention of the National Communication Association in Chicago.
Dr. Elizabeth Hendrix, assistant professor of education; and Mike Flowers, instructor of education, co-authored a book, “Educators Learning to Be Socially Just Through Critical Field Experiences,” that was published January 4.
Dr. Phil Wann, professor of psychology, co-authored a chapter on the psychology research team course with Barney Beins of Ithaca College, for the book, “Best Practices for Teaching Beginnings and Endings in the Psychology Major,” that was recently published by Oxford University Press. The chapter is titled, “Research Teams: Developing a Capstone Experience with Programmatic Research.”
Lou Fowler, associate professor of accounting, had her article, “Illustrating Cash vs. Accrual Basis Accounting Using a Game Simulation,” published in the Fall 2009 issue of The Accounting Educator, published by the American Accounting Association.
Bill Wines, associate professor of business, had his article, “On Changing Organizational Cultures by Injecting New Ideologies: The Power of Stories,” published in the 2009 Journal of Business Ethics.
Dr. Karina Vazquez, assistant professor of Spanish, had her paper, “Eva vive en otra parte: cambio de signo e identidad en Eva Perón, de Copi,” published in the Delaware Review of Latin American Studies, in December 2009.
Dr. Nathanael May, assistant professor of music, had a CD review where he was featured on the piano in “Pseudo Synthesis” on suite101.com, an online magazine and writers network. He also had his recital at the MidAmerica Nazarene University reviewed on KCMetropolis.org, Kansas City’s online journal of the performing arts.
Dr. Sherry Copeland, director of the Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC); and Dr. Kirk Mallette, assistant director of the RPDC; have been working with North Platte School District as one of the pilot schools in cooperation with ACT to help them better prepare their students for greater success in taking the ACT Assessment.
Dr. Sherry Copeland, director of the Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC); and Dr. Kirk Mallette, assistant director of the RPDC; and Dr. Suzanne Tiemann, MAP facilitator for the RPDC; attended the National Staff Development Council’s National Conference in St. Louis.
Dr. Deborah Taylor, Migrant Education and English Language Learning program instructional specialist in the Regional Professional Development Center, attended the three-day Missouri Migrant English Language Learner Conference in Kansas City, Mo., and participated on the state committee for the development of Missouri standards for English language learners in Jefferson City, Mo.
Dr. Vivek Madupu, assistant professor of business, presented his paper, “The Relationship between Types of Patriotism, Cultural Homogeneity and Consumer Ethnocentrism: A Study of Canadian and American Consumers,” at the Society for Marketing Advances annual conference.
Dr. Mei Zhang, assistant professor of speech, presented a co-authored competitive paper on teaching evaluations and also participated on a panel discussion about multiple discourses in media literacy at the annual convention of the National Communication Association in Chicago.
Dr. Shawna Harris, assistant professor of communication studies and theatre, attended the National Communication Association Conference in Chicago. Dr. Harris presented a paper, “Is That Too Much to Ask? Introducing New Sexual Acts to a Relationship” and attended a Teaching Small Group Communication workshop.
Don Lillie, assistant professor of theatre, designed scenery for a production of “The Misanthrope” for Hong Kong International School.
Dawn Terrick, instructor of English; and Dr. Bill Church, instructor of English; hosted a session at the 14th annual National Learning Communities Conference, “Student Engagement for Social Change,” in Marietta, Ga.
The following papers were presented at the Mid-America Conference on Hispanic Literature, hosted at the University of Kansas in Lawrence:
- Dr. Jason Youngkeit, assistant professor of Spanish – “Enriquillo: un Emblema Intemporal de la Insurrección Justificada.”
- Dr. Karina Vazquez, assistant professor of Spanish – “Sin pan y sin trabajo: denuncia y resistencia en la novela El trabajo (2007), de Anibal Jarkowski.”
- Eduardo Castilla-Ortiz, assistant professor of Spanish – “Religion and Race Resisted Through Sex.”
Dr. Steven Greiert, professor of history, presented a paper titled, “‘Liberty, Property, and No Pistole’: The House of Burgesses vs. the Board of Trade, 1751-1755,” at the 44th annual Northern Great Plains History Conference in St. Cloud, Minn. Dr. Greiert’s paper was part of a session titled, “Seeds of Revolutions: Omens and Warnings.”
Dr. Nathanael May, assistant professor of music, conducted a master class consisting of 30-minute lessons for students of Olathe Piano Teachers and Olathe Area Music Teachers Association at MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, Kan.
Dr. Nathanael May, assistant professor of music, conducted a master class for high school pianists at Western’s Young Artists Piano Competition.
Dr. David Benz, assistant professor of music, conducted a performance of Handel’s Messiah by the St. Joseph Community Chorus. Guest Soloists included Dr. Susan Carter, assistant professor of music; Dr. Roger Hale, assistant professor of music; and Frank Thomas, retired choral professor. Members of the orchestra included Dr. Brendan Kinsella, staff accompanist at Western, on the harpsichord; and Dr. Linda Antas, assistant professor of music; on the flute. Recordings of this performance were made and will be made available to the public.
Rico McNeela, associate professor of music and St. Joseph Symphony conductor, conducted the St. Joseph Symphony in its annual Yuletide Pops concert at the Missouri Theater. The concert featured soloists Dr. Susan Carter, assistant professor of music; Mark Pennington, Central High School choir director; the Griffon Jr. Singers, directed by Karen Heyde-Lipanovich; and trumpeters Bob Harvey and Bill Richardson.
Dr. Nathanael May, assistant professor of music, was the assistant to Peter Miyamoto, coordinator of Young Artist Competition, at the Music Teachers National Association’s Missouri competition. Dr. May also assisted Dr. Matthew Edwards, associate professor of music and director of keyboard studies, in coordinating the production of Western’s annual Young Artist Piano competition for high school students from the midwest. He also assisted with rehearsals and performed at the St. Joseph Area Music Teachers Association Young Monster Piano Concert, held in the Potter Hall Theater.
Dr. Nathanael May, assistant professor of music, founded and produced the first Holiday Mall-A-Thon Concert held at East Hills Shopping Center. More than 40 students of St. Joseph Area Music Teachers Association, area teachers, and Western Institute teachers performed for three hours.
Dr. Hyunseok Jang, assistant professor of criminal justice, presented “Effect of Broken Windows Enforcement on Clearance Rates” at Dongguk University in Seoul, South Korea.
Dr. Pi-Ming Yeh, assistant professor of nursing, participated in the Mental Health-First Aid-USA Adult Course Instructor Training in Jefferson City, Mo.
Marsha Dolan, associate professor of health information management, presented “Intersection of Social Media, Health Literacy, and the PHR” to the Greater Kansas City Health Information Management Association.
Dr. Steven Estes, dean of the college of professional studies, presented “Succession Planning and Level 5 Leadership in Kinesiology” at the annual Conference of the National Association for Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Dr. Evelyn Brooks, professor of nursing, along with nursing students Julie Beahler and Tammy Gnuschke, presented their poster, “A Journey in Prevention: Assessing Youth Suicide Prevention Resources” at the Mosby’s Faculty Development Institute in San Diego.
Dr. Pi-Ming Yeh, assistant professor of nursing, along with students Lacy Preston, Katie McCreath and Michelle Davis, presented their poster, “Caring for Children with Autistic Disorder: Literature Review of the Effects of Gluten Casein Free Diet and Applied Behavior Analysis” at Westen’s Multidisciplinary Research Day.
Dr. Cary Chevalier, associate professor of biology, taught a three-day course, “Introduction to Global Positioning Systems for Mapping and Navigation,” that seven students completed.
Peggy Ellis, director of non-credit programs business and industry training, presented “Coaching: Bringing Out the Best in Others,” a development workshop for Western’s returning resident assistants.

Excellence in our Students

Hanna Chung, piano major and student of Dr. Matthew Edwards, associate professor of music and director of keyboard studies, won the Western Orchestra’s Concerto/Aria competition. Chung will perform the first movement of Beethoven’s Concerto no. 3 with the orchestra in May.
A team of students in Introduction to Business with Rick Zimmer, instructor of business, won first place in the Stock Market Simulation Game by beating out 54 other teams from other universities. This is the second year in a row that Zimmer’s teams have won first place.
At the Music Teachers National Association’s Missouri State Piano Competition, Mira Lee won second place in the collegiate competition, and Yoon Cho won honorable mention in the high school competition. Both students are piano majors and students of Dr. Matthew Edwards, associate professor of music and director of keyboard studies. Lee and Cho were also accepted into the Delta Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition; where Lee was selected as the grand prize winner, and will perform the first movement of Prokofiev’s 3^rd Piano Concerto with the orchestra on Feb. 14.
Mira Lee was accepted to participate in a masterclass at the National Convention of the Music Teachers National Association. Lee will have a masterclass (essentially a piano lesson with an audience) with Jose Feghali, a previous winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Lee was chose for this high honor over applicants from around the country.
The Women’s Choir is a new ensemble that began during the Fall 2009. Dr. David Benz, assistant professor of music, formed the new ensemble and Dr. Roger Hale, assistant professor of music, serves as the new choir’s director. The choir began with 18 members. Dr. Hale and the Women’s Choir presented their premiere performance as a part of Western’s Fall Choral Concert.
Nursing students Julie Beahler and Tammy Gnuschke, along with Dr. Evelyn Brooks, professor of nursing, presented their poster, “A Journey in Prevention: Assessing Youth Suicide Prevention Resources” at the Mosby’s Faculty Development Institute in San Diego.
Nursing students Lacy Preston, Katie McCreath and Michelle Davis, along with Dr. Pi-Ming Yeh, assistant professor of nursing; presented their poster, “Caring for Children with Autistic Disorder: Literature Review of the Effects of Gluten Casein Free Diet and Applied Behavior Analysis” at Western’s Multidisciplinary Research Day.

Excellence in our Programs

Western’s student chapter of The Wildlife Society was named Student Chapter of the Year for the North Central Section of The Wildlife Society. They competed against some of the largest, oldest student chapters at some of the largest natural resources management schools in the country.
The Regional Professional Development Center held its first workshop on campus. The topic was “APR 101” and dealt with helping schools better understand the Annual Performance Report they receive from the department of elementary and secondary education. Eight administrators from seven different school districts attended.
Walk-In registration was held on Jan. 14, with 268 students coming through the Admissions Office. Admissions helped 77 freshmen, 70 transfer students and 121 returning students.
Teva Animal Health, Inc. contracted with the Regional Professional Development Center to provide training in technical writing techniques for 30 Teva employees. Dr. Kaye Adkins, associate professor of English, was the trainer.
Nine area teachers represented Prairie Lands Writing Project at the annual meeting of the National Writing Project, held in Philadelphia: Dr. Jane Frick, professor of English; Dr. Patricia Donaher, associate professor of English; Thomas Pankiewicz, assistant professor of English; Valorie Stokes, Platte County High School media coordinator; Heidi Mick, Platte County High School English teacher; Jen Vermillion, Lathrop High School French/Spanish teacher; Christie Leigan, St. Joseph School District instructional coach; Terri McAvoy, St. Joseph School District instructional coach; and Amy Fowler, St. Joseph Central High School math teacher. Making presentations at the meeting were Pankiewicz and Leigan, “Visioning Retreats and a Strategy for Site Development;” Dr. Frick, “Quick Fixes and Tech in Tandem,” poster session, and “Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards: A Partnership and Continuity Opportunity;” McAvoy, “Strategic Use of Model Lessons in In-service Programs;” Fowler, “Identify Matters: Examining the Role of Identity in Content Area Learning;” and Stokes, “Examining Core Work Through Development of an Online Presence.”

Tower Sports

Men’s Basketball The Griffons got two home wins in three days, running their home winning streak to nine games with a 74-63 victory over Washburn on Jan. 30 and a 75-69 win over No. 3 ranked Fort Hays State on Feb. 1. The Monday night win over the Tigers was the first time Western has beaten the third-ranked team in the country since beating Northwest Missouri State in 2002. The Griffons are 13-7 overall and 8-5 in the MIAA, and are currently No. 8 in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Rankings. They travel to Joplin, Mo., to take on Missouri Southern at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, before returning home for a contest with Nebraska-Omaha at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Women’s Basketball The Griffons lost a pair of home games, falling 74-44 to Washburn and 66-52 to Fort Hays State. Western now stands at 7-14 overall and 5-9 in the MIAA. They face a team that’s a half-game ahead of them in the conference standings Saturday, Feb. 6, as they travel to Joplin, Mo. for a game against Missouri Southern. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m. The Griffons will return home for a game against Nebraska-Omaha at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

MIAA Tournament Tickets Tickets are on sale now for the 2010 MIAA Basketball Championships at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium March 4-7. Women's quarterfinal action begins on Thursday followed by men's quarterfinal action on Friday. The semifinals will be contested on Saturday with the both championship games set for Sunday. If you heading to the tournament this year, IT IS IMPERATIVE that your purchase your tickets from MWSU in advance as we have an allotment we must sell and tickets purchased in presale WILL BE MUCH CHEAPER than at the door. The best deal is the All-Session Pass (14 games) for only $40. We also have single session tickets available as well for $15. You may purchase your tickets at any time in the ticket office or in the old gym in between games at the remaining home games.

Football Head coach Jerry Partridge announced the signing of 23 football student-athletes to the 2010 National Letter of Intent. Western signed six linebackers, five defensive backs, four wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two running backs, two defensive linemen, a kicker and a quarterback. Defensive back Jared Fox from Central High School is the lone local player the Griffons signed. Western recruited Missouri and Kansas very well, as 21 of their signees are from those two states. The complete list of signings is available on the athletic department’s Web site.

Softball The scheduled season-opening games for the Western softball team Feb. 5-7 in Edmond, Okla., were cancelled due to poor weather and field conditions. The Griffons, ranked No. 8 in the preseason NFCA Division II Top 25 Preseason Poll, will open their season at the South Central Shootout Feb. 19-21 in Durant, Okla. Western was picked No. 2 in the MIAA preseason coaches’ poll.The Griffons received five first place votes and totaled 92 points, two points behind Nebraska-Omaha in the poll.

Baseball The Griffon baseball team was selected as preseason No. 5 in the 2010 MIAA Baseball Coaches Poll with 62 points. Two-time defending MIAA Champion and 2009 NCAA Division II National Runner-up Emporia State was selected as preseason No. 1. The Hornets received nine of 11 first place votes and totaled 99 points. Central Missouri collected the other two first-place votes and was voted No. 2 in the coaches’ poll with a total of 91 points. Western ended its 2009 season with a 34-22 overall mark and 22-16 in the MIAA. The 34 victories are the most for the Griffons since joining NCAA Division II and under head coach Charles “Buzz” Verduzco. Western ended the season on an eight game winning streak and won 12 of their last 13 games. The Griffons are scheduled to begin play Feb. 13 at Alabama-Huntsville.

Mental Disorders and Biological Dysfunction The "Mental Disorders and Biological Dysfunction" presentation by Dr. Jason Garson will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 in Popplewell 206. Dr. Garson, the first of three candidates who have been invited to campus to interview for a full-time tenure track position in philosophy. Dr. Garson received his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006, his MA from UTA in 2002, and a BA from Evergreen State College in 1998. His many publications include articles with titles such as “Function and Teleology” (in Companion to the Philosophy of Biology, Blackwell 2008), “The Introduction of Information into Neurobiology” (Philosophy of Science 70: 926-936, 2003), “How Development May Direct Evolution” (with L. Wang and S. Sarkar, Biology and Philosophy 18: 353-370, 2003), and “Birds as Surrogates for Biodiversity: An Analysis of the Data Set from Southern Quebec” (with S. Sarkar and A Aggarwal, Journal of BioSciences 27: 347-360, 2002). Dr. Garson has been a Lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin, he served as assistant editor for publication of The Philosophy of Science: An Encyclopedia (Routledge 2006), and he has been a research intern at UTA’s Biodiversity and Biocultural Conservation Laboratory. He spent much of the past year, together with his wife, engaged in doing humanitarian work in northern Uganda. For further information, please contact Mark Mikkelsen at 271-4530 or mikkelsen@missouriwestern.edu.

All-Steinway Dedication Western will celebrate becoming an All-Steinway School with a free event starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 in the Potter Hall Theater. The evening will include a documentary film showing, formal announcement of Western’s All-Steinway status, a reception and a recital by guest pianist Robert McDonald. For more information, go to http://www.missouriwestern.edu/news/pressrelease/ViewNews.asp?articleID=1038.

The Amazing Love Song Tour The Performing Arts Association presents "The Amazing Love Song Tour" at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Missouri Theater. Two amazing artists; one stage! For more than a dozen years, Richie McDonald was the voice and most recognizable face for the platinum-selling country group, Lonestar. As lead singer for the CMA and ACM Award-winning group, Richie's soring vocals repeatedly propelled such Lonestar classics as "Amazed," "I'm Already There," "Everything's Changed," "Smile," "No News" and others to the top of the charts, solidifies the group's reputation as one of the most successful country bands of the 90's. John Berry is no stranger to great songs. Berry's musical journey began by making a name for himself in Georgia club scene. From 1979-1991, Berry recorded six independent albums before signing with Capitol Records in 1992. With his first major self-titled album on the shelves, Berry took to the road on a major concert tour opening for the likes of Reba McEntire, Aaron Tippin, and the Mavericks. His hits include "Your Love Amazes Me," "Kiss Me in the Car, and "Standing on the Edge of Goodbye." For ticket information, call 279-1225. Ticket prices, $45 loge, $35 orchestra, $30 main balcony and $10 top balcony. Staff and student discounted tickets are also available.

Super Bowl Bound The first Griffon to play in the NFL on Sunday will become the first Griffon to play in a Super Bowl. Gijon Robinson has started 10 games for the Indianapolis Colts as a tight end. Robinson is used mostly as a blocker, but has nine catches for 62 yards this season. He was undrafted in 2007, but signed a free agent contract with the Colts and spent that season on their practice squad. In 2008, he started 14 of 15 games and had 19 catches for 166 yards. Robinson played in 47 games as a Griffon from 2003 to 2006, and had 83 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns in his college career. Robinson’s appearance in the Super Bowl was mentioned in the Kansas City Star. He and former Griffon teammate Roger Allen, currently with the St. Louis Rams, were the subject of a blog post by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Pro Bowl Cheerleader Gijon Robinson is not the only Western alum to be recognized as an NFL elite in South Florida. Jeron Jackson, a 2009 graduate from St. Joseph, was selected to represent the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders at the 2010 Pro Bowl, which was held Jan. 31 at Dolphin Stadium, the same site as the Super Bowl. Jackson, a physical education major, has been a Chiefs cheerleader for five seasons, and has served as a captain for two seasons. A video interview with Jackson is posted on the Chiefs Web site.

Art Beat “Art Beat,” a program to showcase the arts at Western and in the St. Joseph community, is airing on MWtv, channel 39 on St. Joseph Cablevision and Channel 97 on Allegiance Communications, in Atchison, Kan. The Higher Education Channel in Kansas City will also soon begin airing "Art Beat," said Tara Stoll, video communications producer. Art Beat is produced by Western’s Instructional Media Center, and features theatre, music, fine arts, cultural activities and more. A program featuring the St. Joseph Symphony premiered Friday, Feb. 5, and in advance of the Symphony's concert on Feb. 14 will air all next week at Art Beat's regular times: 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The show can also be viewed at www.missouriwestern.edu/artbeat.

Student Excellence Fund Student applications for spring semester for the Student Excellence Fund must be submitted to the Foundation Office, Spratt 111, no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8. The Student Excellence Fund is a source of financial assistance provided for Western students through the MWSU Foundation. This fund reimburses students for expenses incurred while presenting papers, participating in conferences, etc. For detailed information link to: http://www.missouriwestern.edu/foundation/excellence.asp. Questions, please contact Kim Weddle at 271-5647.

Wounded Warriors The Non-Traditional Student Services is coordinating the collection of items needed for our Wounded Warriors who come back from war and go to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. There is a box in the Non-Trad Center in Eder 200 to collect the following, listed in order or most need: tear away pants (velcro or snaps on legs for amputee patients and for patients in casts); electric razors; button up or snap up shirts (short and long sleeved, for men and women); socks (all types and all sizes); brushes and combs (men's and women's); toiletries (toothpaste, tooth brushes, Q-Tips and sanitary wipes); grocery gift cards or phone cards; beef jerky (packaged only); DVD's (new or used); and magazines (new or used). Items will be shipped to Washington D.C. the end of February, so please bring your items in by Tuesday, Feb. 9. American Airlines, Transport Workers Union, is coordinating this effort and paying for shipping. For more information, you can contact Ellen Kisker 271-4280 or kisker@missouriwestern.edu.

Veterans/Families of Veterans Beverly Coram, VFW Claims Representative from Kansas City, will be on campus from 7:30 a.m. to 2 :30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 in the Blum Union Lobby. She will help faculty/staff/student veterans and their family members with benefit questions. Please bring a copy of your DD-214 or other paperwork proving military status so that may give you the latest information.

A Taste of Korea Enjoy "A Taste of Korea" from 10:45 a.m. to 1 :15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 in the cafeteria in Blum Union.

Jump Rope for Heart Students from 12 elementary schools will participate in Jump Rope for Heart from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 in the M.O. Looney Complex arena. The students will jump rope to raise funds for the American Heart Association while learning about building a heart-healthy lifestyle. The AHA funds cardiovascular disease research and education programs. Funding from events like Jump Rope for Heart have lead to lifesaving discoveries such as CPR, AEDs, pacemakers, bypass surgeries, open-heart surgeries, artificial heart valves, microsurgery and life-extending drug treatments. Jump Rope for Heart teaches students how exercise benefits the heart and shows them that volunteering can be fun and beneficial to the whole community. If you would like to help more, call your nearest American Heart Association office at 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Synthetic Biology Speaker Dr. Tom Richard, an associate professor in the department of agriculture and biological engineering, will speak on synthetic biology and biofuels at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 in Hearnes 103. Dr. Richard’s presentation on synthetic biology is free and open to all students, faculty, staff and the public. His lecture is part of the weekly BioMath Connections seminar series, funded by a National Science Foundation grant.

Basketball Fundraiser Get a team together for the 4th Annual Jamie Simmons' Memorial Basketball Tournament! The tournament is February 28, 2010 in the MWSU Looney arena. The teams are 3-on-3, Co-ed and cost is $50 per team. Each team is guaranteed 5 games and you get T-shirts and prizes. Your support and resources, given in the name of a loved MWSU student, will go towards student scholarships and programs. Questions or comments? Email jamiesimmonsmemorial@gmail.com.Sponsored by Professional Student Investment Organization.

Burger Studio Promotion The burger studio in the Western food court in Blum Union is offering $1 off of a BBQ Bacon Burger Combo. Enjoy a burger, fresh cut fries, and a medium beverage. Limited time only.

Taco Tuesdays Every Tuesday in February is Taco Tuesday at Caliente in the Western Food Court. Enjoy softshell or hardshell tacos for only $.99 each. Caliente is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Marquee Mentions The public relations and marketing office is pleased to announce that the Barnes & Noble marquee, located in front of the Hearnes Center, is available for official campus events, announcements, guest visitor welcomes, etc. To request a marquee mention, use the request form available on the PR and marketing Web site.

For Employees

Brown Bag Lunch Seminar Western's Wellness Committee will present Dr. Steve Rosenak, O.D. (Rosenak's Optical Options) from 12 - 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 in Blum Union room 223. As part of the Committee's Brown Bag Lunch Seminars, Dr. Rosenak will present the topic "The Eyes Have It." How are you doing with your eye health? The key to achieving better eye health is proper eye care and understanding the importance of preventive screening for various changes in vision and lifetime diseases of the eye. Join Dr. Rosenak as he discusses the eye, its diseases, and proper lifetime eye care. In addition, Dr. Rosenak will be happy to spend time on Q/A on the area of eye care.

Gold Dollars Add $50 to your Gold Card and instantly get a free 10% bonus. Stop by the western dining office in Blum Union 102 or go to www.missouriwestern.edu/dining. Offer is good through Feb. 26. Gold dollars are good at any Western dining location.

Barbara Sprong Leadership Challenge The Center for Student Engagement is seeking student nominations for the Barbara Sprong Leadership Challenge. Take some time to consider if there are students in your classes or that work in your office that would benefit from being a part of an intensive leadership development program. The program is open to all sophomore, junior and senior level Western students who have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Once students are nominated, they will be contacted and provided the additional application materials. Students who complete the program without absences will receive one hour of credit through the Western Institute (CED 121). Go to www.missouriwestern.edu/bslc/ to nominate. All nominations must be received by Friday, Feb. 12. If you have any questions about the program or the nomination process, contact Jen Kacere at 383-7102 or jkacere@missouriwestern.edu.

For Students

Financial Aid Deadline Approaching It is time to start applying for financial assistance for the 2010-2011 Academic Year! Deadlines are quickly approaching. Complete Your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Apply for Western Scholarships at www.missouriwestern.edu/FinAid (click on Scholarships/Grants). MARCH 1, 2010 is the deadline for institutional scholarships and priority deadline for federal and state financial assistance programs Completing your financial aid applications by the priority deadline ensures that you are considered for all possible sources of financial assistance. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions or need assistance.

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Friday, February 5

"Mental Disorders and Biological Dysfunction" presentation by Dr. Jason Garson, 4 p.m., Popplewell 206.
Steinway Dedication featuring a recital by Dr. Robert McDonald, 6 p.m., Potter Hall Theater

Saturday, February 6

Griffon Women's Basketball at Missouri Southern State University, 5:30 p.m., Joplin, Mo.
Griffon Men's Basketball at Missouri Southern State University, 7:30 p.m., Joplin, Mo.
"The Amazing Love Song Tour," 8 p.m., Missouri Theater

Sunday, February 7

Dr. Robert McDonald Masterclass, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Potter Hall Theater
Super Bowl Party hosted by Residence Council, 5 p.m., Commons Building

Monday, February 8

Art Faculty Biennial Exhibition, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Potter Hall Gallery
Brown Bag Lunch Seminar with Dr. Steve Rosenak, 12 - 1 p.m., Blum 223
Student applications for spring semester for the Student Excellence Fund deadline, 4:30 p.m., Foundation Office, Spratt 111

Tuesday, February 9

Beverly Coram, VFW Claims Representative, 7:30 a.m. - 2 :30 p.m., Blum Union Lobby
Art Faculty Biennial Exhibition, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Potter Hall Gallery
Wounded Warriors donations deadline, Non-Traditional Student Services, Eder 200
Taco Tuesday (softshell or hardshell tacos for only $.99 each), 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Caliente in the Western Food Court

Wednesday, February 10

Art Faculty Biennial Exhibition, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Potter Hall Gallery
Griffon Women's Basketball, vs. University of Nebraska-Omaha, 5:30 p.m., Looney Arena
Griffon Men's Basketball, vs. University of Nebraska-Omaha, 7:30 p.m., Looney Arena

Thursday, February 11

Art Faculty Biennial Exhibition, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Potter Hall Gallery
"A Taste of Korea," 10:45 a.m. - 1 :15 p.m., Cafeteria in Blum Union.

Friday, February 12

Art Faculty Biennial Exhibition, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Potter Hall Gallery

Saturday, February 13

Jazz Festival, all day, Potter Hall Theater
Griffon Baseball at Alabama-Huntsville, 12 p.m., Huntsville, Ala.
Griffon Women's Basketball at Northwest Missouri State University, 1:30 p.m., Maryville, Mo.
Griffon Baseball at Alabama-Huntsville, 2 p.m., Huntsville, Ala.
Griffon Men's Basketball at Northwest Missouri State University, 3:30 p.m., Maryville, Mo.

Sunday, February 14

Griffon Baseball at Alabama-Huntsville, 12 p.m., Huntsville, Ala.
Griffon Baseball at Alabama-Huntsville, 2 p.m., Huntsville, Ala.

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American Legion Fundraisers DJ Champagne, instructor of sociology and political science, thanks all who donated to the Toys 4 Tots drive, which raised 300 pounds of food, 135 toys and $45. The American Legion Post #359 will have a Turkey/Catfish fry dinner rom 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, followed by the Sweetheart Dance from 8:30-midnight. Tickets to the dinner are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Dance tickets are $5. For advance tickets to the dinner, email Champagne. Also, an "Honor Flight" fundraiser will be held on Sunday, Feb. 14 to help send World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. It will include a spaghetti supper, band and auction.

Wanted: Your want ads!

You are welcome to submit ads to Tower Topics 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; by fax to 4414 or by mail to Tower Topics, , Leah Spratt Hall, Public Relations and Marketing office, Room 207.

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