FEBRUARY 2007
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Message From President Meyers
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For Your Listening Pleasure — "The Galaxy"
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Life Without Technology?
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Did You Know?
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St. Louis Calendar Highlights
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Employee of the Month
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Just for Laughs
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Kampus Kudos
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Service Anniversaries
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New Employees
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Condolences
To view the Inside Webster archives, click here
* Top Photo: Freshman broadcast journalism student Ben Simon delivers the first broadcast of his rock format program on Webster's student-run radio station The Galaxy. Photo by Claudia Burris
Greetings to all.
As the temperature moderates this week, I have hopes of an early spring. I'm sure all of you are as tired of the cold weather as I. Spring brings renewal and a high level of activity on our campus. In this edition of Inside Webster I want to highlight one of our co-curricular activities. Many of you receive E-mails about the success of our Forensics and Debate Team, but I want to share with you a bit more about our very successful team. The skills our students learn in this activity will serve them well through their lives in any profession they select.
 Freshman Deanna Beaton holds the trophy she won as a quarter finalist novice parliamentary debate with Webster's Forensics and Debate team at the recent state tournament. Photo by Jeana Moore |
Forensics and debate students compete in a variety of public speaking, oral interpretation of literature and debate activities. The Webster team — made up of students from throughout the University — competes in regional and national tournaments against institutions of all sizes, ranging from McKendree College and Southwest Baptist University to Notre Dame University and Kansas State University.
The program has an open-door policy and does not turn away interested students. As a result, the team has a mix of students who have had debate experience in high school and those who have never seen a debate or given a speech. The Webster team regularly places in the top five of Pi Kappa Delta's (the nation's oldest and largest forensic honor society) national tournaments. The team also qualifies students each year for elite national tournaments such as the American Forensic Association National Individual Event Tournament.
This year's program already has accomplished amazing things. The team just hosted its largest invitational tournament ever, the Gorlok Gala, in which many of our faculty and staff served as judges. Participants came to Webster from all over the country, and it will be recognized as one of the top debate tournaments held in the nation this year. Following that weekend, the team earned more than 50 awards at the Kansas Wesleyan University/Drury University-sponsored "Border Wars Forensic Tournament Swing," the most awards any Webster program has ever won in one single weekend.
Most recently, the team kicked off its post-season tournament schedule by winning five state championships and the third place overall sweepstakes award. Highlighting the weekend were the accomplishments of two seniors. James Hansen won four state championships, including the Nona Dalan Pentathlon award as the tournament's top individual event student. Melissa Benton-Hopper won two championships (one was in dramatic duo interpretation with Hansen), including one in original oratory. The victory qualified Benton-Hopper to represent Missouri at the 135th Interstate Oratorical Association Tournament, to be held in late April in Santa Fe, N.M., the world's oldest ongoing forensic competition.
The team now turns its attention to its national tournament season, which begins March 6 in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., at the Pi Kappa Delta national tournament and convention. I know all of you join me in wishing the team the best of luck.
I am very proud of our team and salute the faculty involved with them: Scott Jensen, associate professor, Speech Communication Studies, and director of forensics; Gina Jensen, adjunct professor and assistant director of forensics; and Tom Serfass, assistant coach.
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 James Singer. Photo by Jennifer Spencer |
Singer brings a background of 35 years in St. Louis radio. At age 16 he began working at KSHE-FM and eventually became production director. He had a brief stint in Kansas City and then returned to St. Louis and worked at KADI-FM, KSHE and WMRY-FM.
Webster's radio station — formerly KGLX-AM, now The Galaxy — has been online for four weeks and can be accessed at www.webster.edu/galaxy
"We should call ourselves "The Phoenix" because we're literally rising from the ashes of what was," Singer says, referring to fact that KGLX has been out of commission for more than two years.
Singer oversees approximately 40 student DJs who host two-hour segments. They are free to play music of their choosing, which ensures variety for their listeners.
"A couple of the students play hip hop," says Singer. "Some play heavy metal and one guy is playing totally experimental stuff that might sound like a bunch of noise to some people, but I encourage creativity with the station.
"I have a young woman who does a show of strictly local music — jazz, blues, rock, whatever — the whole local scene. That could also be an outlet for students who perform."
Singer enjoys teaching the basics of broadcasting to young people. "No one was around to teach me the mistakes you can make and how to avoid or overcome them," he says. "And I'm here to do that."
Singer foresees The Galaxy as a creative outlet for the entire University, as well as a way for students, faculty and staff to connect. He has plans for many types of programming, including talk shows featuring President Meyers and the academic deans.
First Ever Live Broadcast of a Webster Sports Event |
Singer would like to do a program that includes music recorded from various Webster music performances, like the faculty jazz concerts and Webster Symphony Orchestra performances.
"I envision that show to be on a Sunday," he says. "We could call it 'Almost Live' and feature whatever music had been performed the week before. It would be strictly indigenous to our school."
Another idea Singer would like to pursue is having Webster's drama students do an old-time radio show with sound effects. "We have so many natural resources here," he says. "When you've got the talent you have here, why not share that? If we're going to be a community station, why not show everything we've got?
"My goal is to make the radio station a part of the fabric of the University — something that everybody here wants to tune into and find out about," Singer says.
Singer gives credit for the radio station's new direction to Debra Carpenter, dean, School of Communications. "Her passion and the dedicated people in the Media department — Greg Little, director; Louis Lindsey, assistant director; Warren (Bud) Steward, media applications specialist; Mike Williams, instructional support specialist; and Sally Lorino, director — are what makes this place run."
"Working here is a blessing to me," Singer sums up. "I'm doing what I've always loved to do — being a part of radio and helping people."
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 Eric Brende reads an excerpt from his book to the audience. Photo by Claudia Burris |
Feasible but hard, you might say.
No car? No electricity? No Running Water???
Could you do it? Would you even want to try?
On his recent visit to the St. Louis campus, Eric Brende explained what it's like to live without modern technology and why he has learned to prefer it. His book, "Better Off: Flipping the Switch On Technology," is now in its 13th printing.
"The book describes my experience with a group that even the Amish consider antiquated," Brende says. "They are close cousins to the Amish and I call them 'Minimites,' meaning they use the minimum amount of technology to achieve their goals."
Brende explains that he met a member of the community while riding a Greyhound Bus to attend classes at MIT. "I started corresponding with him. One thing led to another and I was able to set up an 18-month visit with this amazing, phenomenal community.
"The book talks about how my wife and I have tried to apply the lessons we learned in that community to a modern, technological environment.
"The lesson is that it's possible to live with a minimum of technology in the modern world, and that by doing so, a person can maximize what he or she may want to get out of life."
Brende says when his book was published, the response broke into two camps: those who admired him and his wife and those who were cynical.
"In addition, there were those who thought we were simply strange," Brende says, laughing. "Leading the list of these critics was my father-in-law.
"The one theme all the reactions had in common — whether positive or negative — was that what we're doing is veering widely from the normal course. But I view it the other way around. What my family and I are doing is really rather ordinary, and the wider society around us is extreme."
Brende emphasizes his belief that technology actually makes life more difficult. "At the most mundane level, you must work to pay the costs of the technology itself," he says. "And its not just the cost of technology, but the cost of cleaning up the environment after the damage is done. I don't know whether we'll ever be able to repay the cost."
The core of Brende's argument is that time spent with "labor-saving" technology often deprives us of the good work we need to do to be healthy, both physically and psychologically. We use the labor-saving device and then make up for it by recovering the good work, which creates two jobs out of what used to be just one.
"We have the technological activity and the compensatory activity," he says. "That explains modern society's obsession with exercise, spending 'quality time' with family, and the need to go back to nature, which takes even more technology because you have to load up your SUV with camping gear while you spew out carbon dioxide as you drive to get to nature."
The alternative to this madness, according to Brende, is the lifestyle he and his wife have chosen in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Lafayette Square in St. Louis. Their home is lit with a combination of electric lights and kerosene lamps and warmed with a wood-burning fireplace.
The family does use some modern conveniences. Brende owns a 1983 Honda with 100,000 miles, but emphasizes he considers it a supplemental means of transportation. "It's just impractical not to have a car with three children," says Brende, who rode his bicycle more than eight miles to give his presentation at Webster University. The family also has a small refrigerator to keep essential foods from spoiling.
To earn income, Brende and his wife have a homemade soap business. In the summer months, his rickshaw business provides income and keeps him in shape. Daily tasks — going to the bank, library, post office or out to eat — are accomplished by walking or riding a bike.
"Not only am I getting where I need to go, I'm also getting exercise and socializing with the people I see along the way," Brende says. "I can enjoy the beauty of the area's architecture and the out-of-doors. So the mind, body, place, time and action are all in their natural roles and you get a denser, richer kind of experience."
Brende admits there are difficulties with his chosen lifestyle. "Some forms of labor are extremely demanding," he says. "At one point, I suffered heat stroke." For Brende, however, the rewards far outweigh any difficulties.
"For most people, the idea of returning to ordinary things — using their own hands or walking — seems kind of drab, but I have an answer for that," he says.
"Try rediscovering the exotic in the ordinary, or as I like to say, 'Reinvent the real.'"
In the Q&A session following his talk, Brende was asked where to draw the line on technology. How do you decide what is acceptable and what is not? The point was made that even a bicycle is a form of technology and the tires are made with petroleum.
Brende says discovering the answer to that question was the starting point of his whole quest. "There's no way by our choices that we can dictate how much oil and other resources are used, but I think we can kind of vote with our consumer choices. Making wise choices is really where the answer lies.
"I would say minimizing the amount of modern technology that you need to achieve your goals is the guiding principle."
Click here to read an excerpt from Brende's book.
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Missouri Congressman Lacy Clay recently visited Webster's Old Post Office campus, which resides in his district. Beth Russell, director, Old Post Office, says in addition to the tour, Clay spent time discussing issues in higher education and ways to work with the University.
 Mo. Congressman Lacy Clay (left) shares a laugh with President Meyers and Neil George on a recent tour of the Old Post Office campus. Photo by Karen Burch |
Karen Buchan, community relations coordinator, South Orlando Center, shares a bit of February trivia about Webster's astronaut alum Eileen Collins. "On Feb. 2, 1995 — wearing a scarf that belonged to Amelia Earhart — Lt. Colonel Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot an American spacecraft."
Chris Benson, adjunct professor and alum, School of Communications, was interviewed in the February issue of Alive St. Louis about pursuing a career in cinematography while living in St. Louis. Benson's work includes the films "Bill" and "Ghost Image," music videos, documentaries and several TELLY Award-winning commercials. In the article, Benson lays out the career goals he set for himself. He wanted to shoot his first feature film by age 21, and did so at age 20. He wanted to shoot his first 35mm film by age 25, and did at 24. He wanted to shoot his first million-dollar feature by age 30, and did at 31. He says his next goal is to have an Oscar by age 40. Can there be any doubt he will?
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Conservatory Theatre Productions
 Conservatory students (l to r) Brian White, Charles Sydney Hirsh, Daniel Ford and Rebecca Kloha in a scene from "A Month in the Country." Photo by Claudia Burris |
• Visiting guest director Dale Moffitt directs a play by Ivan Turgenev that blends romantic and psychological melodrama with dark comedy.
• March 1 - 4, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.
• Emerson Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center
• "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
• March 28 - April 1, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
• Stage III, Webster Hall
 Dancer Angela Fleddermann Miller |
• March 9 - 11, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
• Browning Theater, Loretto-Hilton Center
Conservatory productions are free to faculty and staff; call (314) 968-7128 to order tickets.
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FEBRUARY 2007 SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Contributed by Ashley Marshall, student editorial assistant
 Karen Miller |
Karen Miller has worked at Webster for eight years, starting out as a student employee in the English and Philosophy departments. She also worked on temporary assignments with those departments and with Human Resources. She has been with the Registrar's office for five years and in her current position a year and a half.
Miller's nominator praises the way Miller handles her position, responding to e-mails and phone calls with information, humor and a helpful spirit. Miller is also appreciated for the improvements she has made in coordinating and editing information for the Course Schedule book.
"She has done an exceptional job of working with all departments in the University and meeting their needs," says a nominator. "She has done a wonderful job," says another.
Miller was surprised and touched that she was nominated and selected for the Employee Spotlight Award. "Webster University feels like home to me," she says. "It always has — both as a student and as a staff member."
A Webster alum, Miller completed her undergraduate degree in Education, with an emphasis in Secondary English, in December 2000, and an MAT in Communications, with an emphasis in Secondary Language Arts, in December 2002.
Miller says she's happy knowing that when she puts forth a lot of effort, "It's for the University that provided me with an education that really shaped who I am."
Miller chose the savings bond as her prize.
 Brenda Glass |
"She is always polite and works hard to make sure the students complete the correct documentation," her nominator says.
Glass's nominators stresses that her work is consistently error-free. "She never makes a mistake and is always on time when processing documents for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. She is an exceptional employee."
When she was told about winning the Spotlight Award, Glass says her first emotion was relief because her boss approached her looking like he had bad news. "He just wanted to play it up a little before he gave me the paperwork," Glass says.
Glass, who has worked at Fort Leavenworth for close to three years, says she enjoys interacting with her coworkers and the faculty and working with and meeting new students.
As her prize, Glass chose a day off with pay.
Employees everywhere are eligible for the monthly Employee Spotlight Award.
Using the nomination form is easy!
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Bill Barrett, professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, had his translation of Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Sun" (from the 13th century Assisi Codex, written in Umbrian) published in "Voices of Christianity: A Global Introduction" by Rebecca Moore (NY: McGraw-Hill, 2006). Barrett originally did the translation for a freshman seminar, Art and Politics. The translation, which is credited in the book can be found at www.webster.edu/~barrettb/canticle.htm
Ellen Driber-Hassall, senior director, Albuquerque Metropolitan and Kirtland Air Force Base campuses, N.M. accepted a 1-year appointment to the New Mexico, Higher Education Department's Private Post Secondary Advisory Council. In the position, Driber-Hassall will serve as advisor to the Cabinet Secretary for Higher Education on matters affecting the private post-secondary schools in the state. Driber-Hassall also accepted a 2-year appointment to Central New Mexico's Emeritus Academy's Advisory Council.
Patrick Murphy, adjunct professor, School of Communications, wrote and produced Monumental Reflections, and Steve Schenkel, professor, Music, provided the music score for the KETC documentary. First broadcast on Channel 9 in June 2006, the film explores the meaning of the Gateway Arch to St. Louis and the world. It was recently accepted for national distribution to public television stations by American Public Television (APR) and will be offered as part of their April program selections.
Barry Hufker, associate professor, Audio Production, recorded the St. Louis Chamber Chorus at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, performing works by J.S. Bach, Brahms and others. The program included the world premier of a work commissioned by the chorus, "Aus Tiefer Not," by contemporary Swiss composer Carl Rutti.
Keep us posted on your professional activities and send us your story ideas by completing the UFO form.
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The University extends its appreciation to the following individuals who have served the institution for many years:
FEBRUARY 2007
Trish Dillender, representative, Math and Computer Science, 15 years
Allen Hoffman, music and curriculum cataloger, Emerson Library, 15 years
Karen Miller, department assistant, Registrar's Office, 5 years
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We extend warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:
FEBRUARY 2007
Robert Brenneke, volleyball coach, Athletics, (314) 961-2660, ext. 7547.
Jeff Capizzi, assistant swim coach, Athletics, (314) 968-9684, replaces William Hopkins.
Barbara Carrow, coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences, (314) 968-6997, replaces Elizabeth Naito.
Jennifer Cheney, lab assistant, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., (573) 329-6777 or Speed Dial #6 014, replaces Alicia Walters.
Andrija Divac, coordinator, IT, (314) 961-2660, ext. 7667, replaces Matthew Maddox.
Sarah Cormack, FDL professor, Art, (314) 968-7159, replaces Jeffery Hughes.
Katie Finan, assistant swim coach, Athletics, (314) 968-6984, replaces Joseph Esposito.
Desiree Frasure, service clerk, Academic Advising, (314) 961-2660, ext. 7674, replaces Angela Sherman.
Miori Gidley, department assistant, Denver Metropolitan Campus, Colo., (303) 708-8305 or Speed Dial #6 051, replaces Vickie McCall.
Michelle Guenther, assistant shift leader, Help Desk, (314) 968-5995, replaces Vincent Lamb.
Jennifer Peterson, FDL professor, Theatre and Dance, (314) 968-6941, replaces Carole Tucker.
John Simpson, academic director, Columbia Metropolitan Campus, S.C., (806) 699-0900 or Speed Dial #6 083, replaces Norman Masters.
To learn more about job opportunities at Webster, go to the Human Resources Jobs site.
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The University extends sympathies to Mark Iman, Public Safety, in the loss of his mother; to Sammy Whenu, Leiden, in the loss of his brother; to Mary Krchma, Development and Alumni, in the loss of her mother; and to Christine Keller, Philosophy and English, in the loss of her mother.
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Marianne Kirk, Editor
Office of Marketing
MARKETING OFFICE CONTRIBUTORS
Claudia Burris, Sr. Editor & Photojournalist
Casey Conroy, Graphic Designer
Dominik Jansky, Writer/Editor
Patrick Powers, Writer/Editor
Pete McEwen, Technical Advisor
Ashley Marshall, Writer
HUMAN RESOURCES CONTRIBUTORS
Betsy Schmutz
Gloria Barbre
Julie Dreiling