R. Dan and Dale Boulware and Dr. Mark and Mary Margaret Laney will co-chair a planned comprehensive centennial capital campaign that will help launch Missouri Western State University into its second century.
Dr. Mark and Mary Margaret Laney“As we prepare to celebrate 100 years of transforming lives and carry that legacy into the future, we’re thrilled that Dan, Dale, Mark and Mary Margaret have agreed at this stage in the planning process to provide leadership for this centennial capital campaign,” said Jerry Pickman, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation. “As leaders in the St. Joseph community, the Boulwares and Laneys share a great passion for the future of our community and recognize the role Missouri Western plays in the region’s prosperity and continued economic growth. I am truly grateful to partner with such wonderful advocates of our University.”
The campaign is being planned in conjunction with Missouri Western’s centennial celebration in 2015. The campaign will address as many needs as possible but focus on two signature projects – improvements to Potter Hall, home to Missouri Western’s School of Fine Arts, and Spratt Memorial Stadium, home to the Griffons football and soccer teams. Prior to launching the public phase of the campaign next year, Missouri Western will continue to secure volunteer leadership and further define campaign goals.
“When I asked the Laneys and the Boulwares to consider co-chairing our centennial capital campaign, they did not hesitate for a moment,” said Dr. Bob Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “I think that tells you how totally dedicated they are to this community and this University.”
“I think a community is blessed to have a university in their city,” said Mary Margaret Laney. “The students add a flavor to the city that is appealing. The athletic activities, theatre productions, musical concerts, art shows, and other events, provide high-caliber entertainment for the community at an affordable price while allowing the students to interact with members of the community. I look forward to helping raise awareness of all Missouri Western has to offer and to continue to build relationships that will gain the needed funds for this campaign.”
“Missouri Western has served this community with excellence for 100 years,” Dan Boulware said. “In turn, it is my hope that the community recognizes the need and importance of investing in Missouri Western’s future. We will be involving students, faculty and staff, alumni and our strongest supporters to assist us with the preparation activities needed to successfully launch this centennial capital campaign and address the University’s needs.”
R. Dan Boulware is a partner in the national law firm of Polsinelli and chair of the firm’s contingency fee practice. A fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, Dan is recognized by his peers as being among the top one percent of all trial attorneys in the country, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous federal and state courts. He received both his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Kansas. Dan has been actively engaged in the community and is a tireless supporter of Missouri Western. He is a former president of the University’s governing board and received an honorary degree from Missouri Western in 2012. The R. Dan Boulware Convocation on Critical Issues, which brings nationally prominent speakers to campus each fall, is named in his honor.
Dale Boulware was born and raised in New Albany, Miss., and graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Since moving to St. Joseph in 1981, Dale has played an active civic role, serving in various volunteer leadership capacities for the United Way, Junior League of St. Joseph, the YMCA, and the St. Joseph Safety Council and other organizations. Dale has served the University as past president of the Missouri Western Ambassadors. The Boulwares are members of both the Missouri Western State University League of Excellence and the Missouri Western Arts Society.
Dr. Mark Laney has been president and CEO of Heartland Health/Mosaic Life Care since 2009. Previously, Mark served for 20 years at Cook Children’s Health Care System, including eight years as the president of the Cook Children’s Physician Network. He serves on many boards, including the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association, Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Community Alliance of St. Joseph, Success by 6 and the Missouri Hospital Association, where he is past president. Mark earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas in Denton and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He also completed a Pediatric Neurology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic and received a Master of Science in medical management at the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.
Mary Margaret Laney was born and raised in Little Rock, Ark. Shortly after high school, she went to work at the University of Arkansas Medical Center and discovered a home in the hospital environment. Mary Margaret is a graduate of the Baptist System School of Nursing in Little Rock and is a Registered Nurse. After a brief stint in the ICU at Baptist Hospital, she transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She continued working with children from that point on. Mark and Mary Margaret are members of the Missouri Western Arts Society, and Mary Margaret serves on the Society’s Board of Directors.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.