November 2004

News From the School of Education:

MAT Program Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary


SOE Prepares for Accreditation Review


New SOE Programs

Geneva Complex to Include First Campus Dorms

Northwest Campus Moves to Westport

WebsterWorksWorldwide Wows Them Again

Fort Stewart Goes to the Dogs for WebsterWorksWorldwide

Webster Takes Steps to Fight Bias, Bigotry and Racism

Webster Staff Members “Arrested” for a Good Cause

Kampus Kudos

St. Louis Calendar Highlight

Employees of the Month

Service Anniversaries

New Employees

Condolences

News From the School of Education

MAT Program Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary

The Master of Arts in Teaching program kicked off its 40th year with a crowded celebratory event in Webster Hall on Sunday, Oct. 10. “I’m just amazed at the loyalty of some of these people after all these years,” said Paul Steinmann, professor, Learning and Communication. “I think there’s a real loyalty to the MAT and to Webster.”

In attendance was former Webster president, Jacqueline Grennan Wexler, who is credited with establishing the teacher education program in 1964. Wexler stood in front of the 40th year photo display on the second floor of Webster Hall, greeting former students, current students, faculty, staff and MAT friends with a broad smile. “I’m just wonderfully grateful that Webster has become what it has become,” she said. “You take some chances and do what you believe in. It’s a great source of gratitude, and I can be nothing but humble and proud at the same time.”

Brenda Fyfe (l) and Jacqueline Grennan Wexler (r) at the 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Drawing a lot of attention at the reception was the newly installed MAT historical photo display. Diane Hosford, director, School of Education, says, “It has received many positive comments from the students and faculty on campus.” Fyfe says working on the display was a fun experience—and a lot of work—and she learned a great deal from the process. She says the best and earliest photos were obtained from the library archives; however, usable pictures from recent years were more difficult to come by.

Phyllis Wilkinson, professor and chair, Learning and Communication Arts, reminisced: “When I came here 13 years ago, I had heard about the legacy—so many good things were here then. Some exciting changes have happened, but it’s neat to know what the roots are, to see what people were talking about.”

Four visitors from the Jacksonville Metropolitan Campus were among the well-wishers attending the festivities. Pat Sager, North Florida regional director, and Linda Schindler, academic advisor, accompanied by Virginia Barbee and Patricia Sibson, two recent graduates of Jacksonville’s online Educational Technology program, made the trip from Florida to join the celebration. The visitors wanted to tout the recent success of Jacksonville’s online MAT Ed Tech program.

The time for sharing memories came to an end as the group headed toward the Winifred Moore Auditorium to attend a panel discussion, “Teacher Education: Past, Present and Future,” by Jacqueline Grennan Wexler and Dwight Allen, eminent professor of Educational Reform, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. Following the presentation, guests were invited to attend either the Conservatory Theatre’s production of “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” or a special screening of the film “Broken Arrow.”

SOE Prepares for Accreditation Review

New SOE Programs

In the midst of preparations for the upcoming accreditation review, the School continues going about the business of teacher education. This year, two new programs were started with the St. Louis Public Schools:

• On-site MAT courses are now being offered to Teach for America students in the St. Louis public schools. The Teach for America program recruits recent college graduates to teach for two years in urban and rural schools located in low-income communities. “They are people who have their bachelor’s degrees, ordinarily in a field outside of education,” Fyfe says. “They are highly qualified students who are interested and willing to commit at least two years to public education.” Some of them stay in the teaching profession and some move on to other fields, including medicine and law. Fyfe says the mission of the program is not necessarily just to get more teachers in the classroom, but to develop a lifelong commitment to public education. “They will understand and recognize the challenges, the needs and the potential of public schools and, therefore, have a commitment to giving back throughout their lives,” she says. Currently, there are 38 students in Webster’s program.
  
  
• Another initiative with the city schools is an agreement to offer on-site courses in literacy coaching and, later, to offer coursework toward reading certification, an advanced certificate for teachers. There are about 30 students in this program. “It’s an opportunity to have a real positive contribution to the city school systems, because we have a very strong teaching-of-reading program, and I think that’s going to be to their benefit and to ours,” Fyfe says.

In addition to the city school programs are two other new SOE programs of interest:

• The School has entered into a partnership with the Humane Society University (HSU) and the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education (NAHEE) to offer a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with a Humane Education and Character Development emphasis. The fully accredited online degree program trains teachers to create, implement and evaluate educational programs that emphasize character development and respect for animals and nature. An article in the Spring 2004 issue of the HSU publication, All Animals, states: “Although humane education was widely introduced to American children in the late 1800s, it was never institutionalized within our education system—in part because of a lack of college education courses to train teachers in the theory and practice of humane education. But our new MAT program will go a long way toward making humane education a more integral part of schooling in the United States.” Ted Green, assistant professor, Multidisciplinary Studies, coordinates the program.
  
  
• A graduate-level Media Literacy Project workshop will be held in Spring 2. Team-teaching the workshop will be Paul Steinmann, professor, Learning and Communication Arts, and Art Silverblatt, professor, Communications and Journalism. The workshop, funded by a grant from Humanities Instructional Television Educational Corporation (HITEC), is limited to 15 juried participants who will each receive a stipend of $750 along with instruction materials. Fyfe says the program’s focus will be on teaching students to think critically about media messages and to sort out the valid from the invalid ones. “Media literacy is a critical thinking skill which is applied to the source of most of the information we receive, namely the media,” says Steinmann. “This type of literacy is essential for students in the 21st century if they are to make sense of the maze of messages they receive every day.”

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Geneva Complex to Include First Campus Dorms

BY DOMINIK JANSKY, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Webster Geneva is less than a year away from opening its first on-campus dormitory, part of a new four-story complex that will also include office, recreation and education facilities. The building will open to 50 freshmen residents in August 2005, freeing Webster students from the ever-present crush for space in a tight Geneva residential market. Previously, resident students have been placed in studio apartments, scattered around many parts of the city.

New dorms under construction on Geneva Campus.

The top two floors of the complex will have self-contained one- and two-bedroom units, each with independent cooking and bathroom facilities. The second floor will have a well-equipped gym, laundry facilities and a student lounge with an entertainment center and games room. The building is situated to give students great views of the city, Lake Geneva and its picturesque background of French Alps.

The new building will add much more than on-campus housing to the campus, which opened in 1978. “The recreational facilities appeal to residential students,” says Bob Spencer, director general, Webster Geneva. “But they also will fill a big void for our commuter students, who currently have little to do on campus when they’re not in class.” The ground floor will feature three new classrooms, a large conference/function room, and new office space for the Student Services/Activities, Housing, Study Abroad and Career Guidance offices. “The office space will allow us to return some space to educational use that was co-opted by our growth during the past five years,” Spencer says. “The new classrooms will also alleviate growing pressure on existing spaces and provide room to grow the student body.”

Webster Geneva employees are abuzz with anticipation about how the new complex will reshape the campus environment. “The on-campus housing will bring a greater sense of community to our students and our campus,” says Heidi Philipp, marketing and Web site manager. Farhad Kechavarz, accountant, adds, “It will create a mini-U.N. environment, where citizens of different nationalities will share the interaction of everyday life.”

Northwest Campus Moves to Westport

FROM ROBYN GAETA, STUDENT EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Mary Kunde, director, Westport Campus and Winghaven Campus, reports that the move went very well, and the staff has been getting settled in. As the Westport location is only a few miles south of the former campus, Webster is able to provide the same courses and services to the students. “We hope to be able to expand the student base, and as always, hope to reflect student needs through our course offerings,” Kunde says.

Webster has been operating from the Northwest Plaza location since 1982, but needed a more accommodating location due to the ever-expanding course offerings for students. In addition, as Webster has always worked with local corporations and companies that subsidize tuition for their employees, the campus anticipates that students who work in the Westport area and live in the Page extension corridor will consider Webster as a viable option. “It’s too soon to say if there is an increase in enrollments as a result of the move.” Kunde says, “As we enter into classes next January, we will be able to take a look at that.”

To prepare students for the move, Webster announced the plans to Fall 1 classes, and then representatives visited Fall 2 classes, handing out maps and information on the new location. “I think we were able to get the information out to our students and faculty in advance very well,” Kunde says. “Our goal was to make the transition as seamless as possible.”

For more information on the Westport campus, visit www.webster.edu/nwp.

WebsterWorksWorldwide Wows Them Again

FROM JENNIFER GERHARDT, CONTRIBUTOR

Once again, WebsterWorksWorldwide was a huge success! More than 1,800 Webster faculty, staff, alumni and students painted, raked, collected, shared, sorted, cleaned, hammered, planted, created, and listened and responded to the needs around them during the University’s 10th annual community service day, held Oct. 6. A comparison of statistics through the years is available on the WebsterWorksWorldwide homepage

The current year’s stats stacked up like this:
St. Louis Campus:

1,132 volunteers
5,520 hours worked
136 projects completed

Extended Campuses:

750 volunteers
(Estimated) 2,700 hours worked
49 projects completed

Totals:

1,882 volunteers
8,220 hours worked
185 projects completed

While the number of volunteers and the hours worked are impressive, the real measure of WWW10’s success is seen through the comments made by the volunteers and agencies that took part that day. Here’s a sampling:

Volunteer Comments:

• “When over a thousand people from one campus serve the community for a day, everyone has to take notice. I think we are impacting St. Louis in a big way!”
  
  
• “I look forward to WWW every year. I think it’s awesome that Webster donates a full day to helping others. I feel fortunate that I have volunteered all four years and I plan to make community service part of my life, even after leaving Webster.”
  
  
• “It was an enjoyable experience, and it was a nice chance for me to have contact with our students in a non-academic environment, and I felt good at the end of the day knowing I helped someone.”
  
  
• “We provided musical entertainment for Cardinal Ritter Adult Day Care. Soon after we started, the day care patients were on their feet dancing. There was even one couple celebrating their 73rd wedding anniversary! We all sang the anniversary waltz, and it was just a lovely afternoon.”
  
  
• “I will always participate! This is our 3rd year at Comitis Crisis Center. They are so desperate for volunteers that they make us feel like we’re the best group going!

Agency Comments

• “We are so pleased to be one of your community partners in this wonderful community endeavor. St. Louis County Parks is especially appreciative to be a recipient of the energetic and generous efforts of your students, faculty and staff. Since 1997, WWW volunteers have given 1,250 hours of service to many County Park sites.” – St. Louis County Parks
  
  
• “The volunteers came prepared and worked hard. They embraced our mission and made a positive difference in the lives of all the children they served. Your volunteers should take with them a sense of pride for a job well done.” – St. Louis Crisis Nursery
  
  
• “As the volunteer coordinator, I’ve often had volunteers where it’s apparent that the participants didn’t want to be there and were watching the clock until it was time to leave. With the Webster volunteers, that was not the case. As a Webster alumnus, I was proud of the job that they did and would welcome them back at any time.” – Good Shepherd School
  
  
• “We are appreciative of how sensitive all of the volunteers are to our organization’s needs. We are a residential group home for abused children and the volunteers always think of our kids. We absolutely love our Webster work days!” – The Haven for Children
  (Space Coast – Merritt Island, Palm Bay and Patrick AFB, Florida)
  
  
• “The Webster volunteers were absolutely wonderful! They provided a magic show and face painting for our many pre-school children of Fort Sill soldier families. Many of our children have dads who are serving in Iraq and this event gave them something very special. Thank you!” – Armed Services YMCA (Lanton/Fort Sill, Oklahoma)

The members of the WWW10 Planning Committee thank everyone who participated in and supported the efforts of the 10th annual WebsterWorksWorldwide, the biggest and most successful Webster community service day to date. Planning Committee members include: Jennifer Gerhardt, special events coordinator, Executive Office (chair); John Aleshunas, professor, Math and Computer Science; John Buck, acting assistant dean, Residential Life; Susan Daily, director, Health Services; Merideth Daly, department. associate, School of Communications; Mary Ann Drake, assistant professor, Nursing; Libby Farmer, student; Jonathan Gorday, student; Heather G’Sell, student; Alyce Herndon, department associate, Academic Affairs; Nancy Higgins, special events coordinator, Executive Office; Ted Hoef, associate vice president, Dean of Students; Suzanne Jones, assistant director, Career Services; Mary Krchma, development officer, Development; Caprice Moore, administrative associate, School of Education; Kate Northcott, adjunct professor, School of Education; Russ Smith, student; Patrick Stack, director of counseling, Counseling and Life Development; and Laura Wainz, department associate, Academic Affairs. We look forward to celebrating the eleventh year of WebsterWorksWorldwide with you next October!

Fort Stewart Goes to the Dogs for WebsterWorksWorldwide

Information for this story provided by Marsha Sands, Fort Stewart Campus.

On Oct. 6, staff from the Fort Stewart Campus in Georgia joined Webster employees all over the world by volunteering in their community as part of the University’s tenth annual Community Service Day. Robin Arndt, department assistant, and Marsha Sands, assistant director, offered their services at the Liberty Humane Center.

The two volunteers worked hard, laundering towels used for animal bedding and scrubbing cages, bowls, litter boxes and floors. Best of all, they gave a lot of TLC to the dogs, cats, kittens and puppies housed at the shelter, scratching chins and patting heads throughout the day. After a day amid animal smells and sounds and the somewhat tumultuous shelter atmosphere, the workers were tired, but satisfied as they headed home to hot showers. They found their day so rewarding, they are considering a return visit next year.

The good done by two people that one day will pay forward at Fort Stewart. After learning that the shelter raises funds by collecting aluminum cans, Fort Stewart decided to collect cans from students and employees and donate them to the shelter. In addition, the campus will collect used towels, pet toys, leashes, food and other needed items and deliver them to the shelter on a routine basis.

Webster Takes Steps to Fight Bias, Bigotry and Racism

FROM RADHIKA RAI, STUDENT EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

It’s not that surprising to see Webster University students, staff and faculty walking in downtown St. Louis on a cool Saturday morning for a just cause. For the second consecutive year, Webster—a strong advocate of diversity—was one of the major sponsors of the Annual Regional Walk As One, a fundraiser for The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). The two-mile walk, held Oct. 16, helps develop and expand the NCCJ Youth and Community Leadership education programs both nationally and locally.

Webster employees take part in NCJJ Walk-as-One Event.

For Doug Finlayson, associate professor, Theatre and Dance, and co-chair, Multicultural Committee, volunteering for the Walk As One a second time required no second thoughts and proved to be an enlightening experience. “I attended the kick-off luncheon this time,” he explained, “where I got a glimpse of how the walk benefits the Youth Education program and leaders talking about the importance of incorporating such practices in our everyday lives.” Listening to the volunteers of Camp Anytown, a residential NCCJ youth program, share their experiences made Finlayson a believer. “I liked this year’s public display of unity as a symbol that people can see,” Finlayson says. “I am proud that Webster University shows its support.” Finlayson hopes that Webster continues to participate in the annual event. “It fits our mission to spread multiculturalism, and there is a diverse interest in making this program better,” he says. To further the cause, some Webster staff and faculty made personal donations to the organization.

For participation and information on the Walk As One, contact Nancy Higgins, Walk-A-Thon coordinator for Webster University, at 314-968-6959 or email higgins@webster.edu

Webster Staff Members “Arrested” for a Good Cause

FROM ROBYN GAETA, STUDENT EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Two highly valued Webster employees were handcuffed and taken away on Nov. 10. There’s no reason to panic, however, as the arrests were all in fun and for a good cause. Mary Birkenmeier, executive secretary to the president, Executive Office, and Reba Snavely, associate vice president, Administrative Services, were taken into custody by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as part of the organization’s charity Lock-Up.

Reba Snavely (l) and Mary Birkenmeier (r) being taken into custody.

Between them, Birkenmeier and Snavely raised $1,000 in bail money, or pledged donations. Participating Webster Groves businesses raised a total of $22,147. The funds will be used to send children to MDA Summer Camp and also to help St. Louis families in need of assistance with neuromuscular disorders.

Snavely says the event was great and she had a lot of fun participating. Birkenmeier agrees. “It was a very worthwhile cause, and I’m glad I could contribute,” she says.

Editor’s Note: Each issue of Inside Webster includes 10 Kampus Kudo listings, which appear in the publication in the order they are received by the Office of University Communications. If your information is not in this issue, it will appear in a future issue.

Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean, School of Business and Technology, participated as a panel member on the National Task Force on Public Education, held Oct. 20, in St. Louis, Mo. The panel discussed innovative strategies being used in public school systems throughout the United States. Akande gave a presentation on the School of Business & Technology’s BEST (Business Education Scholarship Team) program, which reaches out to minority high school students who are interested in pursuing business careers. Akande also was featured in the Oct. 3, 2004, issue of The New York Times in the article, “When Networking Is a Way of Life.” Akande has also been elected to the board of the Shelton Arts Foundation. The foundation presents a diverse array of quality concerts, art exhibits and educational programs to the St. Louis region.

Allison Besher, community relations coordinator, Winghaven campus, recently served as chair of the OutReach Committee for the city of O’Fallon and was also appointed to the board of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.

Calvin Fowler, adjunct faculty/faculty coordinator, Space Coast Metropolitan Campus, recently participated in a panel presentation, “The View from the Ground: The People Who Keep Us Flying,” as part of the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government.

Barry Hufker, associate professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, recorded the opening concert of the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard. Among the works recorded was the world premiere performance of “Four Songs from ‘Love’s Labour Lost.’”

Gina Jensen, adjunct professor, Communications and Journalism, and assistant director, Debate and Forensics, was elected to a three-year term as editor of the “Journal of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri.” Additionally, Jensen was quoted in the Oct. 3 issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch regarding the 2004 presidential debates, and she also offered post-debate analysis for FOX 2 News. Jensen presented the program, “Teaching Narratives in the Communication and Performance Classroom: Rationale and Strategies,” with Scott Jensen at the convention of Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri.

Scott Jensen, associate professor, Communications and Journalism, and director, Debate and Forensics, won the Loren Reid Service Award presented by the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri. Additionally, Jensen was elected to a second term as executive secretary of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri. He co-authored the article, “Truly Unique: A Pilot Examination of Learning Outcomes within Formats and Types of Forensics Events,” in the 2004 issue of the “Journal of Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri.” Jenson was quoted in the Oct. 3 issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch regarding the 2004 presidential debates, and he also offered pre- and post-debate analysis for KMOV Channel 4 News. Jensen also presented the program “Teaching Narratives in the Communication and Performance Classroom: Rationale and Strategies,” with Gina Jensen at the convention of the Speech and Theatre Association.

Bethany Keller, academic advisor, Academic Advising Center, presented “Toolbox for Advising International Students,” at the annual Missouri Academic Advising Association Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.

Kim Kleinman, academic advisor, Academic Advising, recently participated in the Frederick H. Burkhardt Symposium on 20th Century Evolutionary Biology at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia. His presentation, “Biosystematics and the Origin of Species: Edgar Anderson, W.H. Camp, and the Evolutionary Synthesis,” will appear in the proceeding volume of the conference, “Descended from Darwin: Insights into American Evolutionary Studies 1925-1950.”

Thomas Nickolai, director, Academic Advising Center, presented “Online Training Course for Graduate Advisors,” at the Annual Missouri Academic Advising Association Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.

Steve Schenkel, professor, Music, recently composed the film score for the film, Confluence, which premiered at the Missouri Historical Society. Additionally, Schenkel wrote the score for the KETC-TV 50th Anniversary Special, “Because of You”; helped create the book series, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, (Mel Bay Publications); wrote the score for the film, The Next Step, which premiered at the St. Louis International Film Festival; and composed the music for the KETC-TV documentary, Snowflake.

Keep us posted on your professional activities and send us your story ideas by completing the UFO form.

Employees of the Month

November 2004 Spotlight Award

FROM ROBYN GAETA, STUDENT EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Carl Dettlebach, facilities supervisor, Community Music School, and Gladys Smith, assistant director, Counseling and Life Development Office, share the Employee Spotlight Award honors for November.

Carl Dettlebach came to Webster three years ago when the University acquired the Community Music School. He says one of his favorite things about his job is being able to hear the progress of the orchestra. “The production of student concerts and being able to present them in a professional performance environment is one of my favorite things,” he says. Carl says he also feels grateful for the assistance he receives from the University. “In general, Webster is very team-oriented,” he says, adding that he has always received assistance from Administration whenever it was needed to help him get his job done.

When Carl heard he was being honored with the Employee Spotlight Award, he says he felt great and really appreciative. “It’s good to be recognized,” he says.

Carl’s nominator says that Carl was instrumental in bringing the United States Marine Band to perform at the Community Music School. His nominator also commends Carl for his excellent leadership skills. “He understands where the pulse of the organization is,” the nominator says.

Carl chose a savings bond as his prize.

Gladys Smith has worked at Webster since 2001 and was formerly a student here. Gladys says she jumped when she heard about a position that fit her skills. When she heard she won the Employee Spotlight award, Gladys says she felt shocked and honored.

Gladys says she loves Webster for the community atmosphere and diversity, but she especially enjoys her interactions with students. “This place is really driven by the students,” she says. “What I like best is to be here to help the students. It’s amazing to see them graduate every year and see the growth they go though.”

Gladys’s nominator praises her high professional standards in her counseling position, adding that she is sensitive, supportive, and competent in her role as University advocate for Sexual Assault and Harassment. The nominator says Gladys also makes the effort to connect with students outside the confines of the counseling room. “She attends student activities, presents workshops to professional organizations and pursues state and national licenses and certifications in order to more effectively serve the students, faculty and staff,” her nominator says. Gladys has also served 14 years of active duty in the Navy and is presently a Navy reservist.

Gladys chose a savings bond as her prize.

Employees everywhere are eligible for the monthly Employee Spotlight Award. Using the nomination form is easy!

Service Anniversaries

The University extends its appreciation to the following individuals who have ably served the institution for many years:

November 2004

Brandi Miller, representative, McConnell Air Force Base, 10 years

Susan Akscin, coordinator, Marketing, five years

New Employees

A warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:

Gayle L. Horner, representative, Orlando North Campus, Fla., 407-869-8111, ext. 138, or speed dial #6 093

Goeffrey E. Janovsky, groundskeeper, Facilities Operations, ext. 6904, replaces Ricky Walton.

Monica R. Johnson (Campbell), part-time service clerk, Winghaven Campus, 636-561-2400, replaces Mary V. Courtney.

Destiny R. Karis, department associate, Andrews Air Force Base, 301-420-2256 or speed dial #6 123

Elizabeth Koltz, part-time assistant women’s basketball coach, Athletics, ext. 7508

Melissa A. LaMonica, department associate, Business Dept., ext. 7593, replaces Ann Fernandez who transferred to the Westport Campus.

Caryn E. McDaniel, representative, Downtown Campus, ext. 5966 or speed dial #6 6004, replaces Julia Altmann.

Susan W. Nall, part-time interim faculty, School of Education, replaces Theresa Prosser.

Hope L. Tarr, part-time secretary, Space Coast Campus, Fla., 321-449-4500 or speed dial #6 008, replaces Nikki Trotter.

To learn more about job opportunities at Webster, go to the Human Resources Jobs site.