The Walter Cronkite Memorial at Missouri Western State University received the Missouri Division of Tourism’s Spotlight Award at the 2014 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism in St. Louis on Oct. 8.
“This memorial to one of our most distinguished Missourians is attracting national and international attention,” said Marci Bennett, executive director of the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, who nominated Missouri Western for the award.
Residents of 33 states and five foreign countries have visited the Walter Cronkite Memorial since it opened in November.
The Spotlight Award highlights significant contributions in promoting and “spotlighting” tourism in Missouri. It is presented to an individual, business or organization that is not normally considered to be part of the tourism industry.
Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, accepted the award.
“We’re grateful to the Division of Tourism for this recognition. Tourism is an important part of the St. Joseph area’s economy, and we’re pleased to have added another attraction for visitors to the region,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “I am humbled to accept this honor on behalf of the many talented people who worked so hard to make the Walter Cronkite Memorial a reality and continue to improve and expand it. We thank the private donors who made the memorial possible, especially the David and Shirley Bradley Endowment. We also appreciate the gracious support this project has received from Walter Cronkite’s family and friends.”
The Walter Cronkite Memorial was the vision of Dr. Vartabedian, who sought to create a fitting memorial to St. Joseph’s beloved native son and one of the most important and trusted voices in the country. His vision was captured by art faculty members Eric Fuson and David Harris, who designed the unique artistic display illustrating Cronkite’s distinguished career with CBS Television.
Walter Cronkite was born in St. Joseph on Nov. 4, 1916. The Walter Cronkite Memorial, in the atrium of Spratt Hall on the Missouri Western campus, was dedicated last year on what would have been his 97th birthday. The 5,000 square-foot display features images and videos of Cronkite’s life and the many historic events he covered as a journalist. The Walter Cronkite Memorial is open daily except Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter, and admission is always free.
The memorial is already in its third phase of expansion, thanks in part to the large number of Cronkite artifacts that have been donated or loaned to Missouri Western, including a recent loan from the Cronkite family of personal memorabilia from the journalist’s life and career.
The memorial is complemented by a live, multi-media performance called “Cronkite,” conceived and edited by Dr. Vartabedian and based on a 2002 appearance by Cronkite on CNN’s “Larry King Live” one year after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Public performances of “Cronkite” are currently scheduled at 2 p.m. Oct. 19, 6 p.m. Oct. 23 and 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Admission is free, but reservations are requested by calling 816-271-4100. Learn more at www.cronkitelive.com.
The live show is also part of a field trip package that has been developed for schools, senior citizen groups and community organizations. Groups can enjoy a Cronkite-narrated presentation in Missouri Western’s Bushman Planetarium, then tour the Memorial and see “Cronkite.”
Missouri Western’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the legendary newsman extends beyond the memorial. Dr. Vartabedian has taught a one-credit class this fall titled “Walter Cronkite’s Enduring Legacy.” Next month, Missouri Western and the Media Ethics Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications will hold the inaugural Walter Cronkite Conference on Media Ethics and Integrity Nov. 2-4. Cronkite biographer and prolific historian Dr. Douglas Brinkley will be the keynote speaker at both the conference and Missouri Western’s 21st annual R. Dan Boulware Convocation on Critical Issues at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 in the Looney Arena on campus. The Convocation is free and open to the public.
For more information about the Walter Cronkite Memorial, visit www.waltercronkitememorial.org.
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.