Missouri Western State University offered invited guests, including Walter (Chip) Cronkite III, a sneak preview of additions to the Walter Cronkite Memorial in the atrium of Spratt Hall on the Missouri Western campus on Saturday, June 21. Phase 2 additions to the tribute to the St. Joseph native and legendary newsman include a live multi-media performance titled “Cronkite,” a bronze bust, an additional display case, and an enhanced exhibit featuring a talk Cronkite gave in St. Joseph in 1969.
“It’s very easy to memorialize someone who in my mind will always be ‘the most trusted man in America,’” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president who also wrote and edited “Cronkite.”
“Cronkite” is a one-man show that incorporates audio, video and still photographs. It is based on an appearance by Cronkite on CNN’s “Larry King Live” in September 2002. As he reflected on the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he also recalled other major events he covered, including World War II, the Vietnam War and the assassination of John Kennedy.
Jim Korinke plays the longtime CBS News Anchor in “Cronkite,” which is based on a 2002 appearance on CNN’s “Larry King Live.”The part of Cronkite is played by Jim Korinke, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. Korinke has been a professional actor for 42 years, having performed in more than 120 stage performances. He has also appeared in some two dozen feature films, including The House on Pine Street, due out this fall; and hundreds of commercials for such clients as the U.S. Army, Coca Cola, McDonalds, Hy-Vee and Honda. He was the voice of Walmart for four years.
“This project has been particularly rewarding,” Korinke said..” I can’t think of anyone I respected, admired or aspired to more, than Mr. Cronkite. I am so honored, and humbled, to have been asked to bring his words and wisdom to life again.”
“Cronkite” will be performed for visiting tour groups and class field trips by arrangement.
This clay model of a new Walter Cronkite bust was on display for the sneak preview. A bronze version will soon be a permanent addition to the Walter Cronkite Memorial.The new bronze bust of Cronkite was created by Eric Fuson, instructor of art and 1988 graduate of Missouri Western. It will be displayed in an open area near the main staircase in the atrium. A clay model of the bust was displayed during the sneak preview; the bronze version will be poured soon.
The third new feature is an expansion of an exhibit featuring a Cronkite appearance at a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce function at St. Joseph’s landmark Robidoux Hotel in 1969. Cronkite defended free speech in the face of critical comments from then-Vice President Spiro Agnew. The question-and-answer session with St. Joseph residents was later broadcast on the CBS program 60 Minutes.
“That became so popular, in terms of people spotting their relatives in the audience, that we’ve expanded that exhibit,” Dr. Vartabedian said. The exhibit now includes still photographs of audience members taken from the video with names labeled where known. Visitors can also watch the video of Cronkite’s appearance as it aired in 1969.
The final addition is an additional display case, underneath the main stairway in the atrium. The case will allow Missouri Western to display more of the artifacts and memorabilia that have been donated or loaned for the Memorial.
Construction on many of the phase 2 improvements will continue over the summer and may result in some exhibits being closed periodically through July 15. All exhibits will be operational on weekends. To confirm all exhibits are open, or to schedule a tour, please call 816-271-4100.
The 5,000 square-foot memorial was originally dedicated on Nov. 4, 2013, on what would have been the legendary CBS anchorman’s 97th birthday. It is open seven days a week and admission is always free. For more information, visit www.waltercronkitememorial.org.