Alumni Newsletter 2009

7/30/2019 Alumni Newsletter 2009

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/alumni-newsletter-2009 1/4

New Campus Opportunity Campaign Underway by Vickie Driskell

Development and Alumni A newsletter for fr iends and alumni of Missouri State University-West Plains Spring 2009

WES PLAINS, Mo. – A new Campus Op-portunities Campaign is underway at MissouriState University-West Plains, and officials hopethey can raise $100,000 to help enrich the edu-cational opportunities available for students. “We realize economic times are tight, but Ican assure you we’re doing all we can to makesure each dollar we receive is stretched to themaximum benet of our students,” Assistant Di-rector of Development Joe Kammerer said. Te university’s rst Campus Opportuni-ties Campaign ended on June 30, 2008, with$75,000 in contributions and pledges raised forthe 2008-09 academic year. By December 2008,the Campus Opportunities Campaign Recom-mendation Committee, which reviews fund re-quests and makes recommendations to the chan-cellor for approval, had received requests totalingapproximately $62,000. Requests approved resulted in:• emergency grants for 12 students to ensurethey could continue their college education;• a child assistance voucher program thatcovers day care costs at the Learning ree DayCare Center for eligible single parents who cannot afford the care while they attend classes;• a pilot educational program, via interactivetelevision, at the Licking Correctional Facility toprovide general education classes to offenders;• and the development of a non-traditional stu-dent book scholarship that is geared toward stu-dents age 24 and above who are trying to attend

classes while holding down jobs and taking careof families.

“As you can see, the money we rour rst campaign made a direct impthe ability of several of our students toclasses,” Kammerer said. “Te need there. When area residents contributecampaign to help us meet those needs, tinvesting in the future of the communit Kammerer pointed out money through the current campaign, which

June 30, 2009, will go toward requests2009-2010 academic year, which begifall. Currently, $24,750 has been through a combination of direct mail,relations and volunteer contacts in thmunity, but Kammerer stressed that aridents don’t need to wait to be contaccampaign officials. Tey can call the ODevelopment at 417-255-7240 for doand pledge information, stop by the oKellett Hall at 905 W. Main St. in Westto pick up the information, or makedonation online at the Development O

Web site, http://www.wp.missouristadevelopment/. “Contributions to the Campus Otunity Campaign help the university pstudents with the ‘extras’ that enhance tcational process, ensuring the studentsthe best education possible,” Kammer“And, those with the best education ar

prepared for the very competitive job of today.”

Emergency Grantsby Vickie Driskell

WES PLAINS,Mo. – Judy King

was in a bind. Classes were un-derway at MissouriState University-

West Plains, and asa nursing studentin her nal semes-ter of study, shehad to travel to herclinical assignmentin Springeld, Mo.

– well over 100 miles away from her home inPocahontas, Ark. Her Pell Grant funds had notarrived yet, and her other sources of incomehad dried up. How was she going to pay forthe gasoline to travel to and from classes, aswell as to and from clinicals so far away?

Tanks to Campus Opportunity Cam-paign donors, King had one more option – theEmergency Grant Program at Missouri StateUniversity-West Plains. Te program allowsfaculty and staff to refer students with substan-tial nancial need to apply for an emergencygrant. Te grants are considered in extraor-dinary circumstances when students have im-mediate nancial need that cannot be satisedthrough other sources. Te intent is to provideassistance to students who are at risk of drop-ping out of college due to unforeseen nancialhardship. A campus committee reviews eachrequest. Students whose grants are approvedcan be issued a check within 24 hours, if neces-sary.

In King’s case, she was given $200 to helppay for gasoline and lodging during her clini-cals. “I didn’t have the money to get to schoolor to clinicals,” King said. “Te money helpedme tremendously that week. I would have hadto miss class and clinicals, which would haveput me at a great disadvantage academically.

And, I would have had to make up my clinicalwork.”King makes a 110-mile round trip to West

Plains three days a week for classes and carpoolsthe 200-plus-mile round trip to Springeld forclinicals. “Even though I carpool, I still have topay my share,” she said.

When faculty and staff heard about herplight, they told her about the EmergencyGrant Program and how to apply. King saidwithin a day of her application, she was ap-proved.

“It truly was a great help to me,” Kingsaid. “I want to thank everyone who contrib-uted to the Campus Opportunities Campaign.It makes such a big difference to students, andit’s very worthwhile.”

Campus Opportunity Campaign benets the students of Missouri State University-West



5-Year Annual gift leads to honors program professorshipby Vickie Driskell

SAA Making Its Mark y Vickie Driskell

Te Student Alumni Association (SAA) ismaking its presence known at Missouri StateUniversity-West Plains this year. Membershallenged faculty and staff to a Softball Bashast fall and hosted their third annual Lightingf the ree Ceremony Nov. 25 to ring in the

Christmas season. Both events proved very suc-essful, with many faculty, staff, students andlumni attending.

Members of the SAA will take part in thennual Missouri State University Alumni and

riends Picnic, set for 6 p.m. Tursday, May 7,t the West Plains Civic Center Exhibit Hall.Tey will help with event set-up, presentationsnd meal service.

Te SAA strives to promote positive rela-ions and interactions between the students andlumni of Missouri State-West Plains so thaturrent students will be encouraged to becomective, loyal and supportive alumni after gradu-tion.

WES PLAINS, Mo.– Te promise of annnual gift for the next ve years from the Phil-nthropic Women for Education organization

will lead to a professorship in the William andVirginia Darr Honors Program at Missouri StateUniversity-West Plains.

Chancellor Drew Bennett recently an-ounced that members of the organization agreedo contribute $11,250 each year for the next veears toward the professorship. Te annual con-ribution would be used to augment the salaryf the professorship while university officials usehe next ve years to search for a donor or orga-ization that would fully endow the position, hexplained.

“I am extremely grateful that the Philan-hropic Women’s group has initiated a conceptor our West Plains campus that is long overdue,”

Bennett said. “Not only will our honors programenet, but all faculty will benet as we moveloser to market salary. Our intent is to endowhis gift in the next ve years.”

Assistant Professor of Letters Dennis Lan-

caster, who founded the honors program atMissouri State-West Plains in 1998, movedfrom his administrative role as Assistant to theChancellor to ll the professorship on Jan. 1,2009. “I am honored and humbled to havebeen chosen to ll this inaugural professorshipfor our campus. I thank the Philanthropic

Women for Education for this wonderful ex-pression of condence in the Darr Honors Pro-gram and in Missouri State-West Plains. Likethat of Bill and Virginia Darr, their support atthis critical time in the ongoing developmentof the program will be invaluable in meetingthe student need for college-level honors edu-cation in our area,” he said. Created in 1998, the Darr Honors Pro-gram has had remarkable success. Over 250entering freshmen, with 60-plus programgraduates, have pursued or are currently pursu-ing careers in law, accounting, pharmacology,nursing, business, and the military. Tere were50 entering freshmen or sophomores acceptedinto the honors program last fall. Tis brings

the number of students currently enrolledhonors program for the 2008-09 academiup to 66, the highest single-year enrollmdate. Founded in 2003 as a way to enco

women to be philanthropists, the Philant Women for Education has been assistinsouri State-West Plains in its mission “to pquality educational opportunities to the conities it serves” by funding academic enriprojects that enhance the learning experiestudents inside and outside the classroom. Bennett said endowed professorshipchairs attract and retain the most qualiecapable faculty to lead the courses of st

which the endowments were created. “others will continue this effort and create professorships and endowed chairs in othpartments,” he said. For more information on contributin

ward or creating an endowment at MState-West Plains, call the Office of Develoat 417-255-7240.

UDEN S SCHOOLED faculty and staff inhe game of softball at the rst ever Softball Bash,efeating the faculty/staff team 19-6. Faculty andtaff put their heart and soul into the contest, buthey were no match for their skilled student coun-erparts. Te friendly competition gave faculty, staffnd students an opportunity to interact outside ofhe classroom. Above are some of the participantsn the afternoon event.

WES PLAINS, Mo.– Plans are underway

for Missouri State University-West Plains’ 15th Annual Auction, set for Saturday, April 4, atthe East owne Village Banquet Hall (formerly

Warm Fork Grill), 1388 Bill Virdon Blvd., in West Plains. “Gearing Up for Education” is the themeof this year’s event. In conjunction with thattheme, members of the West Plains Car Cluband Klassic Kruisers will display some of theirclassic and custom vehicles in the parking lotfrom 4 to 6 p.m., organizers said. “With the addition of a car show, it may seem

we’re trying to appeal to men, but we haven’tforgotten the ladies,” said erry Hampton,events coordinator with the Missouri State-

West Plains Office of Development. “We’ll beoffering jewelry, accessories and home décor

items among the many unique items whic

be up for bid. We have everything rangin$10 gift certicates all the way up to two ful opal pieces which have a combined apvalue of over $8,500. It’s going to be a fu

with something for everyone.” As in past years, there will be a silent auction, with the silent auction getting undat 6 p.m., followed by the live auction at 8 ickets are $15 each and includesd’oeuvres, soft drinks and a cash bar. ickavailable through the Missouri State-WestOffice of Development, 905 W. Main St.ceeds will be used to purchase property witcampus’ Master Plan Visioning Guide. For more information, contact the Dement Office at 417-255-7240.

Plans underway for annual auction by Vickie Driskell

MEMBERS OF HE ANNUAL Auction Committee at Missouri State University-West Plains recentlered at the East owne Village Banquet Hall (formerly Warm Fork Grill) to sample some of the hors dthat will be served at the April 4 event and view some of the early donations for the auction. FroDebra Mosley, Debbie Martin, Heather Bennett, erry Hampton, Janet Crow, Missouri State-West Director of Development Elizabeth Grisham, Susan Courter, Assistant Director of Development Jmerer, Bev Hamby and Rick Hamby. (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)



Missouri State-West Plains establishes Wendell Bailey Entrepreneurship Progy Vickie Driskell

Te Associate of Applied Science in Entre-reneurship degree program at Missouri State

University-West Plains recently received a nan-ial boost with the establishment of the Wendell

Bailey Entrepreneurship Program Endowment.Te $100,000 endowment was named in

onor of the former Missouri State reasurer,tate representative and Congressman from Wil-ow Springs who recommended the universityevelop an entrepreneurship program as a way toelp students nd careers in business and boosthe area’s economy. A former small businesswner, Bailey now serves as the Region VII Ad-ocate for the Small Business Administration.

Money from the endowment will supple-ment the Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

n Entrepreneurship degree program by provid-ng funds for guest speakers, attendance by fac-lty and students at conferences, visits by facultynd students to area businesses that representhe entrepreneurial spirit, the development ofStudents in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team, and

marketing of the program to potential students,niversity officials said.

Bailey and a variety of business owners, in-ividuals and area organizations, including the

West Plains Economic Development Corpora-ion, who share his belief in entrepreneurship as

way to grow the area’s economy, are donatingunds for the endowment.

Approved by the Mo. Coordinating Board

for Higher Education in 2005, the AAS inEntrepreneurship degree program providesstudents with the practical knowledge andskills required to launch and manage a success-ful entrepreneurial venture. Te program of-fers world-class credit and non-credit courses,brings successful entrepreneurs to campus asguest speakers, assigns practical course activi-ties and projects in each course that students

can apply directly to their current or futurebusiness, provides educational support to en-

trepreneurs housed in the future Ozarks Business Incubator in downtown West Pand establishes a bridge for students betwedemic programs and the Small Business Dment Center. For more information about the degregram, contact the Missouri State-West Office of Admissions at 417-255-7955. Fformation about making contributions t

university, call the Office of Development 255-7240.

WES PLAINS, Mo. – Dr. Craig Klein,Dean of Academic Affairs at Missouri StateUniversity-West Plains, believes a new offenderducation program at the South Central Correc-ional Center in Licking, Mo., would benet thentire area by giving offenders the skills to ndobs before they are released from prison, thusreatly reducing the chance they become re-in-olved in the criminal justice system.

Te pilot program, initially funded by mon-y from the Campus Opportunities Campaign,

would cover the costs of tuition for two interac-ive television classes of 10 students at the prison,ualifying the campus to apply for grant fundingo cover the costs of tuition in the future, Kleinxplained in the proposal for funding.

A total of four classes in the area of Businesstudies would be offered to qualied offendersthose who have a high school diploma or GED)

over a two-semester period. Tose who suc-cessfully complete the program would receive“mini-certicates” in Business Studies and havean expanded skill set for potential employers.It also would introduce them to the college ex-perience, which could inspire them to furthertheir education with a full degree, he said. “Numerous studies have veried thatpostsecondary education programs reduce re-cidivism,” Klein said. “Te exas Departmentof Criminal Justice, for example, reported in1993 that while exas’ average rate of re-in-carceration was 60 percent, college-in-prisongraduates recidivized at the following rates:associate’s degrees, 13.7 percent; bachelor’s de-grees, 5.6 percent; master’s degrees, 0 percent.Te more education, the less recidivism.” Data shows that 95 percent of all state pris-oners will eventually be released but approxi-mately two-thirds will become re-involved inthe criminal justice system within three years. “Te evidence is clear. Providing highereducation to America’s prison system results insignicantly reduced prison populations, ex-panded educational opportunities for all U.S.

citizens, and prisons that release people whodo not re-offend, resulting in fewer victims ofviolence and property crimes,” Klein stressed. “Simply put, Missouri State University-

West Plains can offer a viable offender educa-tion program,” he continued. “It is the rightthing to do.’”

Development and Alumni Times: Spring 2009

Publisher:Missouri State University-West Plains, OUniversity Communications

Contributing Writers: Vickie Driskell, Cheryl Caldwell, and

Joe Kammerer

Graphic Designer: Mat Crouse

Photography:Cheryl Caldwell, Vickie Driskell, Johnand Mat Crouse

Postmaster: Send address changes to Office of Dement, Missouri State University- West 128 Gareld, West Plains, MO 65775.

Missouri State University adheres to a strict crimination policy and does not discriminatebasis of race, color, religion, sex, national orcestry, age, disability or veteran status in any or activity offered or sponsored by the UnIn addition, the University does not discrion any basis (including, but not limited to,cal affiliation and sexual orientation) not rethe applicable educational requirements for sor the applicable job requirements for emp

Correctional Center Pilot Programy Vickie Driskell

From left, Chancellor Drew Bennett, new Director of Development Elizabeth Grisham, Wendell BaBoard of Governors member Mary Sheid.



Mark your Calendar for the Spring Picni All Missouri State alumni and friends are invited to the MState University Alumni Association’s annual spring picnic

Date: May 7ime: 6 p.m.Place: West Plains Civic Center exhibit hall.

Te event is free and open to all Missouri State alumni and fbut reservations are requested. Call 417-255-7240 to reserv

Distinguished Alumnus Award NominationsIn addition to the complimentary meal, the evening also will include the presentation of the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Award. Nominanow available for the annual award presented by the Missouri State University-West Plains and Missouri State University-Springeld AluTe Missouri State-West Plains Distinguished Alumnus Award, in its eleventh year, recognizes extraordinary achievement in personal nal endeavors, along with loyalty to the university. Te selection committee will review each nominee’s professional experiences, responntributions to his or her eld. Of importance also to the committee will be the nominee’s involvement in the community, including positiganizations and awards or testimonials received by the nominee for special contributions made to the community. Nominees must be formMissouri State-West Plains.Previous recipients of this award include former Willow Springs School Superintendent Dr. Don Hamby, West Plains businessman Jim Mssouri State University-Springeld marketing lecturer/Springeld businesswoman Sherry James Cook, former state employee and commggy Kissinger of West Plains, Tayer veterinarian Dr. Greg Langley, neurosurgeon Dr. Doug Green of West Plains, former Kabul Nursing HomGeorge Colbert, Ozarks Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Jeannie Looper, Willow Springs businessman David Montgomery and oMatthew Pigg.

For more information or to obtain a nomination form, call Missouri State-West Plains Director of Development Elizabeth Grisham at 417-25p by the development office at Kellett Hall, 905 W. Main St., in West Plains. Nominations must be returned to the Missouri State-West PlaDevelopment, 128 Gareld Ave., West Plains, MO 65775, on or before April 10.

ringeld MO.est Plains Campus

FFICE OF DEVELOPMENT8 Gareld Avenueest Plains, MO 65775

ETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Documents

Alumni Newsletter 2009