JUNE 2005

To view the Inside Webster archives, click here

• Lots of Good Days

• Bowling for Kid's Sake Update

• St. Louis Calendar Highlights

• Employees of the Month

• Kampus Kudos

• Just for Laughs

• Service Anniversaries

• New Employees

• Condolences

Figuring out how to access a light fixture hanging 30 feet above the spiral staircase in the Emerson Library; making sure the necessary pipes are retained and the unneeded ones are removed when old buildings, like Loretto Hall, are renovated; wondering how much snow will fall before you can get in to start clearing parking lots and sidewalks—these are the kinds of things that can keep Jim Ward and Ed Granich up at night.

Jim Ward and Ed Granich

Even so, as they mark their 25th year with the University's facility operations department, Jim Ward, manager, and Ed Granich, supervisor, agree not too many things have caused them to lose sleep. "Over the years, you learn that things get done eventually," Granich says. He adds their main concern is to avoid a major problem that could put the students in a hazardous or uncomfortable situation.

THEN AND NOW
On March 5, 1980, Ward left a job in shipping and receiving at Wal-Mart to come to work in the then Webster College maintenance shop. Granich—attracted by higher pay and better benefits than he had with the Webster Groves School District—came on board two weeks later. The shop had five employees to take care of all general maintenance, groundskeeping and shipping and receiving. At that time, the campus consisted of Webster Hall, Loretto Hall, Maria Hall, the Loretto-Hilton Theatre, the music building, the carriage house, the sculpture studio and the College School (now the visual arts studio).

"We used to call the College School the little red school building because it was painted red," Ward recalls, smiling. "The sculpture studio was where the music annex is now and it was twice the size." The maintenance shop was located in Webster Hall, where shipping and receiving still is, and art classes were being taught in what is now the physical plant building on the parking lot behind Webster Hall.

Today, the facilities operations department has 24 employees—many of them specialists—to maintain the University buildings and grounds. Shipping and receiving has become part of Mail and Copy Solutions.

Granich and Ward say the biggest change in their jobs over the 25 years has been "all the buildings" added to the campus. These include the Sverdrup building, the Hunt House, the Admissions Center, the University Center, the H. Sam Priest House, the Emerson Library and the houses on Edgar Road and Garden Avenue.

Both men say they have enjoyed the challenge of working on a growing campus. "One of the things I've enjoyed about working here is all the different things I've been able to become involved with." Granich says. "Doing the same thing day after day wouldn't have been nearly as much fun."

The addition of international campuses and the extended campus network has not had much of an impact on their jobs, but Granich and Ward wonder why Vienna, Leiden and London never seem to need to have a light checked, a sink plunged, a lock opened or the grass cut. They say they would be happy to accept a plane ride over and back to take care of such problems.

GOOD DAYS, BAD DAYS
Granich clearly recalls his worst day on the job—Nov. 12, 1996. "I was in the Loretto-Hilton theatre lobby with Henry McCall—changing lights, up on a ladder about 18 feet in the air—when the legs of the ladder slid away from the wall and I fell down on top of the ladder," he explains. "I fractured my left elbow and right pelvis, damaged my knees and had cuts to my face." Since he returned to work the following April, his responsibilities have included general building maintenance and occasional administrative tasks.

In addition to Ward and Granich, these employees passed the 25-year mark with Webster this year: • Niel DeVasto, director, Undergraduate Admissions • James Donahue, adjunct professor, Management • James Einspanier, adjunct professor, Management • Maya Grach, head of acquisitions, Library • Joan Huisinga, adjunct professor, School of Education • Sharen Lowney, financial aid reports coordinator, Financial Aid • Harold Salmon, adjunct professor, Behavioral and Social Sciences • Steve Schenkel, professor, Music • James Staley, assoc. vice president, Academic Affairs; assoc. professor, Music • Steve Woolf, adjunct professor, Theatre and Dance

Surprisingly, Ward says he can't recall a worst day. He says what he thought was going to be his worst day turned out to be his best. That was the day he was called into President Meyers' office and told he had received the "Employee of the Year" award for 2000.

Granich says that was a good day for him, too, because he and co-worker Pete Nicholson, maintenance technician, had campaigned hard for Ward to receive the award. "Other than that, a good day is any day we can unstop a drain and prevent a flood or find the keys someone dropped in the elevator pit. There are a lot of good days here."

Asked about retirement plans, Ward said it's very appealing, but for him it won't be any time soon. "I'll probably be here another 20 years," he says, laughing. Granich says he has been giving early retirement serious thought, but he hasn't made his mind up yet.

WORDS OF WISDOM
After 25 years, what advice do Granich and Ward have for the rest of us? Granich says, "Use other peoples' knowledge to help you do your job, try to enjoy what you're doing, and help other people when they need help."

Ward says no matter where you work, you'll survive if you do what's expected of you. But if you do more than that, you'll be more valued and you'll also have a greater sense of pride in your work. "You can look back at what you've accomplished and say, 'We are the ones who did this.'"

^ Return to Headlines

On April 2, seven staff members headed to Tropicana Lanes to take part in this year's Bowling for Kid's Sake event. The event is the primary fundraiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater St. Louis, and the funds collected assist the organization in its efforts to provide mentors and positive role models for the children they serve.

In the past 10 years, as many as 35 students, faculty and staff have volunteered for the event. Even though the group was smaller this year, those who participated say they enjoyed having fun and helping a worthy cause at the same time.

"I love to bowl and it's for a good cause," says Nancy Higgins, special events coordinator, Executive Office. Francine Case, department associate, Academic Affairs, agrees. "I don't have time to participate in many events with Webster University people during the work week, and this is a fun way to do community service and socialize."

According to Ted Hoef, associate vice president and Dean of Students, part of the challenge in recruiting volunteers is that they are required to solicit and collect pledges or donations to support their participation. This can be especially problematic for students with busy schedules and limited time. In order to encourage more student participation in the future, Hoef says, "Perhaps staff and faculty could offer to pledge a donation to help make it possible for students to participate. If interested students know that there are faculty and staff who are willing to support them in this good cause, the challenge of raising $70 in donations may not be as intimidating."

Raising the dollars can also be a challenge for staff and faculty. Case says she had success using email to contact co-workers, friends and relatives about donating. She also suggests that creative solutions, such as departments matching their volunteers' donations, or a department lottery with a pizza party or other item as the prize, might encourage involvement. "It could be a fun way of department competition and community fund raising at the same time," Case says.

^ Return to Headlines

WEBSTER GROVES 4TH OF JULY COMMUNITY DAYS PARADE
• Around the World in Webster
• Mon., July 4
• 10 a.m.

Webster University international students will be Grand Marshals of this year's parade. If you'd like to help out by carrying a flag, handing out candy or just waving and smiling, contact Barb Ehnes at ehnesba@webster.edu or ext. 7174.


SUMMER CAMP FOR UNIVERSITY STAFF MEMBERS
• Simplify Your Life
• Wed., July 20, July 27 and August 3
• 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sue Ekberg, former director of Career Services at Webster, and now full time career consultant, will facilitate three workshops on simplifying your life. Contact Nancy Wilson at wilsonn@webster.edu, or ext. 6959, for more information.

^ Return to Headlines

Contributed by Robyn Gaeta, Student Editorial Assistant

JUNE 2005 SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Julie Dreiling, coordinator, Human Resources; and Bradley Bridgewater Moser, community relations coordinator, academic advisor, and adjunct professor, Lakeland & Brandon Metropolitan Campus, share the Employee Spotlight Award honors for June.

In 1993, Julie Dreiling came to work at Webster in the Registrar's office. Two years later she moved to Human Resources, where she has been ever since. She received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and earned a master's in Gerontology from Webster in 1996.

In addition to her regular duties as human resources coordinator, Dreiling's nominator says Dreiling took on the additional responsibility of handling workers' compensation claims for the University and all extended sites. "This is a demanding, difficult task because each state does workers' compensation just a little differently," the nominator says.

Thanks to Dreiling's diligence in checking the reserves the Workers' Compensation carrier assigns to claims—most of the time never used, but reflected in renewal rates—Dreiling has saved the University a substantial amount of money. "With Julie working hard to control these costs, our insurance premiums are not accelerating at the same rate as in the past," her nominator says. "She should be commended for this extra effort and for the results achieved."

Dreiling says she feels honored to win the Employee Spotlight Award. "I'm very proud to have received the award, and I just enjoy working for Webster overall," she says. "You can't stay somewhere for 12 years without enjoying what you do and liking the people you work with."

Julie chose a day off with pay as her prize.

Brad Moser wears three hats at Webster's Lakeland & Brandon Campus. Soon after he earned his master's degree in Counseling from Webster in 2001, he accepted a position as academic advisor. In 2003, he added the duties of the community resources coordinator to his plate. And now, thanks to pursuing his Ph.D. in Psychology at Capella University, Moser teaches the Lifestyle and Career Development course in the Counseling program at Lakeland.

Moser's nominator says that Moser has contributed a great deal to the campus's success by helping develop programs to increase growth. This spring enrollments were over 200, the highest ever. His nominator says, whatever the task, Moser is ready to attack it. "He constantly seeks to do better and to become a better person, manager and employee."

Moser says he was flattered and honored to win the Employee Spotlight Award. "Webster people are the finest at any university, so I'm in a very good crowd of people who were nominated," Moser says. "It was definitely a shock and a surprise."

Though he does many things for Webster, Moser says the bottom line is just helping people and seeing the difference the programs can make in their lives. "Seeing students come into the classroom and walk out on the other side with something they can immediately put to use in their lives and careers is very rewarding," he says. "I like to tell our students that Webster's extended campuses gives them the best of both worlds—all the benefits of an international university delivered in a small campus atmosphere."

Brad chose a day off with pay as his prize.

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

^ Return to Headlines

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

Debra Finkel, adjunct professor, Communications and Journalism, won three awards at the International Communicator Awards 2005 Print Media Competition: a Crystal Award of Excellence in the newsletter category and two Awards of Distinction in Web site categories.

Barry Hufker, associate professor, Audio Production, recorded jazz vocalist Debby Lennon, voice instructor, Community Music School of Webster University, for a new compact disc. Webster Music faculty members Carolbeth True, Paul DeMarinis, and Steve Schenkel accompanied Lennon on piano, saxophone and guitar, respectively. Hufker also recorded performances of the opera Gloriana with fellow faculty member Mary Edwards.

Gary Glasgow, associate professor, Conservatory of Theatre Arts, performed the part of Sebastian in The Tempest at the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis. He also played the part of Paris in Romeo and Juliet and the Porter in Macbeth.

Jeri Au, associate professor, Art, is featured in The Jacoby Arts Center's presentation "Material Attraction: Diverse Reaction," for the Madison County Arts Council.

Brian Kennelly, chair, International Languages and Cultures, was elected to serve a three-year term as a member of the Modern Language Delegate Assembly. In addition to continuing to serve as a reader of the Advanced Placement French Language exam for the Educational Testing Service, he has been selected by the College Board to train teachers on AP programs in French. In July, Kennelly published "Beauty in Bastardy? Breytenbach on Afrikaans and the Afrikaners," in Portal: Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies.

Tom Lang, chair and professor, Art, will be featured in a solo exhibition, "Tom Lang—Prints" in Vienna, Austria.

Bert Barry, director, International Services and English as a Second Language, served as chairperson of the workshop "F-1: the Second Step," at Saint Louis Community College at Meramec. The workshop was part of the Professional Development Program sponsored by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Bruce Gillies, adjunct professor, Memphis, recently started his studies in law at Concord University of Law. Gillies plans on using his degree in the legal areas of estate planning, business contract law, labor law and intellectual capital.

George Ragsdale, adjunct professor, Little Rock Metropolitan Campus, Ark., recently published the book Ben Hai 211 Alpha (Unknown Truths), about his experiences in the Vietnam War.

Brad Scott, associate professor, Finance, has been appointed chair of the Business Department. Scott is the former director of the Online MBA program and has served on the Faculty Senate, Graduate Council, Web/e-Services Council and the United Way.

Jeff Haldeman, assistant professor, Management, has been appointed chair of the Management Department. Haldeman has helped to facilitate a school planning workshop, designed a freshman seminar course, served as chair of the Management Faculty Selection Committee and participated in the Dean's Task Force for Restructuring of the School of Business and Technology.

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

^ Return to Headlines

^ Return to Headlines

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

Claudia Burris, senior editor and photojournalist, Marketing and Communications, 15 years

Carol Cornwell, executive secretary, Academic Affairs, 15 years

Suzanne Walls, executive secretary, Executive Office, 15 years

Will Godfrey, administrative support specialist, Administrative Information Systems, 10 years

Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean, School of Business and Technology, five years

Veronica Borawski, department assistant, Registrar's Office, five years

John Buck, assistant dean, Housing and Residential Life, five years

Trezette Dixon, assistant director, Career Services, five years

Arthur Hirsh, director, Webster Vienna, five years

Bethany Keller, academic advisor, Academic Advising Center, five years

Rudolph Swatzyna, Jr., coordinator, Charleston Metropolitan Campus,
S.C., five years

^ Return to Headlines

We extend warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:

Yazan Almufti, technician, User Services, (314) 961-2660, ext. 8687, replaces a student worker/ job share with Christopher Schmitz.

Cheryl Blumenkamp, department assistant, Development, (314) 961-2660, ext. 7148, replaces Donna Wesolich.

Gabriela Castaneda, lab assistant, User Services, (314) 961-2660, ext. 8623

Grant Chapman, associate vice president, Academic Affairs and International Programs, Academic Affairs, (314) 961-2660, ext. 8755, replaces James Evans.

Aaron Coffman, lab assistant, User Services, (314) 961-2660, ext. 8623

Michell Eriacher, secretary, Colorado Springs Metropolitan Campus, Colo., (719) 590-7340 or speed dial #6053, replaces Loretto Boyd.

Willma Fields, department assistant, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., (573) 329-6777 or speed dial #6014, replaces Tammey Pearson.

Leslie French, secretary, Crystal Lake Metropolitan Campus, Ill., (847) 578-0974 or speed dial #6081, replaces Marla Laystrom.

Sajata Griddle, department associate, Columbia Metropolitan Campus, S.C., (803) 699-0900 or speed dial #6083, replaces Anna Todd Majure.

Marisol Joseph, general clerk, Andrew Air Force Base, Md., (301) 420-2256 or speed dial #6123, fills a job share with Tracy Scott.

Krista A. Karstensen, department assistant, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., (573) 329-6777 or speed dial #6014, replaces Melissa Epperson.

Felicia Kawalkowski, office manager, Irvine Metropolitan Campus, Calif., (949) 250-7855 or speed dial #6097, replaces Luis Dantan.

Kenrick Kokaram, technician, Pope Air Force Base, N.C., (910) 436-0014 or speed dial #6024, replaces Marlon Wellington.

Erin E. Langley, coordinator, Ozark Metropolitan Campus, Mo., (417) 883-0200 or speed dial #6108, replaces Lacey Smith.

Deborah Lucas, department assistant, User Services, (314) 961-2660, ext. 7564

Matthew Maddox, coordinator, Information Technology, replaces Keith Wheeler.

Raymund Morgan, lab assistant, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., (573) 329-6777 or speed dial #6014, replaces Walter Mackey.

John P. Orr, associate professor, Management, (314) 968-7020

Sheryl Ostrowski, department assistant, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., (501) 988-5331 or speed dial #6011, replaces Crystal Cameron.

Cynthia Platt, department associate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., (618) 746-4747 or speed dial #6 010, replaces Toni Dieckhaus.

Christopher Schmitz, technician, User Services, (314) 961-2660, ext. 8605, replaces a student worker/ job share with Yazan Almufti.

Lori Sherrill, service clerk, Financial Aid, (314) 961-2660, ext. 8044, replaces Stephanie Dunlap.

Jasmine Sims, help desk assistant, User Services, (314) 968-5995, replaces Donna Heatley.

Ryan Sullivan, department assistant, Information Technology, (314) 961-2660, ext. 8685

Erdin Sumic, lab assistant, User Services, (314) 961-2660, ext. 8623, replacement position.

Jason Weathers, service clerk, Media Center, (314) 968-6967, replaces Heidi Rudolph.

Jerry Whitehurst, coordinator, Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., (202) 561-4382 or speed dial #6125, replaces Kevin Williams.

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

^ Return to Headlines

The University extends its sympathy to Ron McClendon, telecommunications technician, Networking and Technical Services, on the loss of his brother; Bev Wheeler, retiree, former director, Human Resources, on the death of her son; Jean Wheeler, retiree, former communications representative, on the death of her mother; and Geneva Findley, retiree, former supervisor, Accounts Payable, on the death of her husband.

^ Return to Headlines

© 2005 Webster University