MAY 2007
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Nancy Pelosi Speaks at Webster University's 88th Commencement
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Families from Near and Far Celebrate their Graduates
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Faculty and Staff Recognition Breakfast Highlights
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Alicia Allen and Family Cope with Fire's Aftermath
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Webster Staff Alliance
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Recent Students Awards
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St. Louis Calendar Highlights
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Employee of the Month
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Human Resource Corner
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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: President Meyers introduces Nancy Pelosi to the Gorlok, Webster's athletic mascot. Photo by Claudia Burris
 Nancy Pelosi waving to the crowd in the Edward Jones Dome. Photo by Claudia Burris |
The reason for the excitement was this year's commencement speaker, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, the first woman elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and second in line for the presidency.
Pelosi received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from President Richard Meyers, who was assisted by Doug Hill, chair, Board of Trustees.
After conferring the degree, Meyers said, "It's my special honor to ask Webster's newest alumna to give her first commencement address as Speaker of the House. "This is a historic moment."
Pelosi thanked former Missouri governor Bob Holden, adjunct professor, School of Business and Technology, for inviting her to Webster University's commencement. She also acknowledged her "two House colleagues," William Lacy Clay and Russ Carnahan, Missouri congressmen who were in attendance.
Pelosi told graduates they had the wonderful opportunity of attending a university with students enrolled from 125 countries and with 12 campuses and teaching sites outside the United States.
"Webster has provided you with an international orientation at a time when international cooperation will be critical to solving the world's most pressing problems," Pelosi said.
With reference to Webster's campuses on 44 military bases, Pelosi asked for a salute to the men and women in uniform for their courage, patriotism and the sacrifices they and their families are making. "They, and our veterans, are our heroes," she said, eliciting loud cheers.
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Some facts about the Class of 2007: |
"The university is where words should reign. The college campus is preeminently the place where argument, debate, research and articulate speech are, and should be, prized and maintained.
"Webster University has given you these tools to understand the world, to clarify your values and to enter into dialogue with others so that you can help promote better understanding, freedom and peace."
Pelosi emphasized that — even though she has met presidents, prime ministers and kings in her travels — it's her encounters with young people that have impressed her the most.
"The young people I meet in my travels are weary of war. They want an end to violence whether in Iraq, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or the genocide in Darfur," she said.
"That unwillingness to accept the world as it now is — the impatience of youth — is why I have such faith in the future and in the Class of 2007.
"Since I am also receiving a degree today I have a special bond with the Class of 2007. So remember that you have a classmate and a friend in the Speaker's office," Pelosi said in closing, to one final round of applause.
Click here for the full text of Nancy Pelosi's address, a photo slideshow, video and other Commencement information.
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 Ron and Karen Hopkins. Photo by M. Kirk |
Online graduate Amanda Hopkins' family came from Kansas City to see her receive a master's degree in business administration. "She got her degree online through St. Louis," said Amanda's mom, Karen. "She wanted to advance her career, and we're big on education, so we think it's awesome. We are very proud of her."
 Family of Katie Mizera. Photo by M. Kirk |
 Natalie Piacentini (center) with her brother (left) and friend. Photo by M. Kirk |
"I came to see my mom get her master's degree in business," said a beaming Natalie Piacentini, seated between her brother and friend. "She's an accountant at Boeing and wanted to further her education. She's been working at this, slowly but surely, while working and raising a family."
 Regina Battle's family. Photo by M. Kirk |
 Jan Chamberlin (l) and her family. Photo by M. Kirk |
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 Suzanne Walls holds her University Associate citation, flanked by President Meyers (l) and Karen Luebbert. Photo by Claudia Burris |
"Each and every one of you plays a vital role in the operation of this institution," Meyers said. "Your work is important and appreciated."
Meyers had high praise for Webster's 2007 Commencement speaker. "Nancy Pelosi was an inspiring speaker who embraced our graduates and the Webster University mission of providing a quality, global education," Meyers said.
In addition, Meyers said Pelosi was extremely gracious to everyone with whom she came in contact. At a luncheon following the ceremony, Pelosi interacted with students and posed for photos with every guest.
 President Meyers with Teresa Bohr, holding her crystal vase for 40 years of service. |
In addition to an "extraordinary commencement," Meyers emphasized two other highlights of the past year: The formal opening of the new home of the Community Music School of Webster University on the St. Louis campus and the School of Education earning its first national accreditation.
Bringing the focus back to business of the day, Meyers welcomed Webster's newest staff member, Loran Maloney, help desk document and training assistant, User Services.
The following retirees received citations in appreciation of their contributions to the University:
Retirees:
• Shirley Rehrig, 6 years, Fort Bliss, Texas
• Bonnie Schwarzenholz, 8 years, Kansas City
University Associates:
• Tommie Smith, 22 years, San Antonio, Texas
• Eileen Spence, 16 years, Financial Aid
• Russ Viehmann, 11 years, Development and Alumni
• Suzanne Walls, 17 years, Executive Offices
University Associate designation is given to retiring staff who served full-time during most of their employment. It allows retirees to continue a relationship with Webster and also provides them some benefits.
Emeritus Faculty:
• Lucille Berry, 23 years, School of Business and Technology
• William Eidson, 11 years, College of Arts & Sciences
• Byron Grant, 25 years, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts
Neil George, executive vice president, Academic Affairs, announced the winners of the 2007-08 William T. Kemper Award for Excellence in Teaching, given to professors who exhibit the art of teaching at its finest:
• Meg Sempreora, chair and associate professor, English, College of Arts & Sciences
• Art Silverblatt, professor, Communications and Journalism, School of Communications
• Leo Lennon, adjunct professor, Space Coast Metropolitan Campus, Fla.
• Dardis McNamee, adjunct professor, Vienna, Austria, Campus
 Twenty-five-year employees stand behind Graciela Corvalan, who is seated in her commemorative 25-year Webster University chair. Photo by Claudia Burris. |
Human Resources director Betsy Schmutz assisted Meyers with the presentation of the years of service awards. Eleven staff members received commemorative chairs for their 25th year with the University. Teresa Bohr, coordinator, Academic Affairs, and Ken Stallings, professor, Music, have been with the University 40 years.
 Debi Aholt |
"Debi has been described as patient and caring and more than a department manager," Meyers said, "She was the source of gentle strength that brought the department through the difficult time following the death of Bill Huddleston-Berry."
 Dan Perkins |
The final order of business was presenting Presidential Citations to staff members who have held elected leadership or have distinguished themselves by contributions beyond the norm.
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 Alicia Allen and her fiancé Don |
No one is more aware of that truism than Alicia Allen, receptionist, Public Safety. Allen recently lost her home, car and many prized possessions in a fire that was definitely not in her plans.
"What we have gone through is a life lesson for anyone," Allen says. "We want to get our story out so that people are aware of what can happen to fire victims.
"Immediately after the fire, all we could think about was that we got the kids out and we were all safe. You wonder how you can lose so much but at the same time be lucky because you didn't lose everything. Afterward, the emotional part settles in and you realize your lives have been altered forever."
The fire occurred March 18 at the 4-year-old Fenton home Allen shared with her fiancé, Don Vannetta, their infant son, Ashton, and Allen's father. The night of the fire, Vannetta's other son, 6-year-old Connor, was staying overnight, but Allen's father was at work.
According to the firefighters' investigation, the blaze started about 7:30 p.m. and was caused by a spark in the garage door opener. It quickly spread through the attic, creating so much heat (1600 - 1800 degrees) that the smoke alarms attached to the ceiling below melted without a beep. The fire continued unseen, for close to an hour, until Vannatta noticed an orange glow outside.
"Get the kids out! Get out of the house now!" he shouted to Allen, who was putting Connor and Ashton to bed.
Allen's first instinct was to get the children to safety and after that she and Vanatta broke into their back door and rescued their dog, a young boxer named General Patton.
During the initial confusion, Allen made a decision that could have proved fatal. She decided to retrieve her purse in the laundry room next to the burning garage. With the baby in her arms, she went into the laundry room at the very moment the door from the garage exploded.
Allen bent forward to shield Ashton who, fortunately, was unhurt. The back of Allen's hair was badly singed, explaining the new, short hairstyle she sported upon her return to work.
After getting Ashton safely outside, Allen went back in again to get her purse. "In those few seconds, the heat, smell and smoke were unbelievable," she says. "I was lucky. I should not have run back in, but I knew the laundry room was going to go and I felt like I really needed the things in my purse. It's funny how your mind works."
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Alicia Allen's 'Be Prepared' Checklist: |
In all, 11 fire trucks from various county locations responded along with an ambulance. Allen and Vannetta were both treated for smoke inhalation and Vannetta for a burned hand. "The scar healed into a 'smiley face,' which is very weird," Allen says.
Neighbors provided sweaters, jackets and shoes to the family, who had escaped into a bitter cold night dressed only in their nightclothes. Neighbors also helped care for the children and dog and loaned supplies for the baby.
The American Red Cross showed up with hot cocoa and a $200 gift card to cover the purchase of immediate necessities. Within a few days, the insurance company provided some money that Allen used to replace the baby's car seat, stroller and other items the family needed right away.
"We couldn't eat; we couldn't think," Allen says about those first few days. "I took off work for two weeks and Don took off one week and we just — you don't even know where to begin. I walked into Target and I didn't even know where to start."
Since the fire, except for a brief stay in an insurance-provided hotel suite that proved to be too small, the family has stayed at Vanatta's sister's home in Chesterfield. "The first night, the baby had to sleep in his car seat," Allen says. "We couldn't sleep, and we stayed up all night just listening to him because it was the most beautiful sound."
Everything in the garage — including two cars — the laundry room, kitchen, living room and two back bedrooms was completely destroyed. All the baby's things, clothing, shoes, hats, CDs, pictures, family keepsakes and furniture were either destroyed or badly damaged by heat, smoke and water.
"I couldn't believe the things that were just gone, melted, destroyed," Allen says. "We were able to salvage some things in a basement storage room, and the master bedroom furniture survived but needs cleaning."
 Alicia celebrates graduation with Ashton. |
The Webster community learned about Allen's situation through campus-wide e-mail announcements and a request for clothing and other items the family needed.
"It was unbelievable what everybody at Webster did," Allen says. "We received gift certificates for food, grocery stores, clothing and household items. Between a neighborhood collection and the University, the support really touched us."
But Allen was not surprised. "I've been here five years and I love the community, she says. "It's a wonderful place to work."
While coping with the mountain of paperwork and the emotional stress in the wake of the fire, Allen continues taking classes toward the completion of her master's degree in media communications. She received her undergraduate degree in media communications and public relations at this year's Commencement ceremony.
Eventually the couple wants to rebuild their home. They also have plans for a small June wedding and perhaps a larger celebration for friends and family next year.
"When you find someone you can stand by and love after everything we've been through, it's amazing," Allen says. "We are a rare couple."
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 (l to r) Class of 2007 graduates, Krissi Timmermann, Terri Jones, Merideth Daly and Caprice Moore. Photo by Delyle Bowen |
• Associate Chair: Pam Weatherford, department associate, Finance, who takes over the position formerly held by Laura Wainz, representative, Academic Affairs.
• Special Events Chair: DeLyle Bowen, communications coordinator, Academic Affairs, who takes over the position formerly held by Carey Smith, coordinator, Academic Affairs.
• Membership Chair: Carey Smith, coordinator, Academic Affairs, the position formerly held by Caprice Moore, coordinator of operations, School of Business and Technology.
In addition to welcoming new officers, the meeting celebrated the 32 staff members who received degrees this year and honored the staff retirees who have achieved University Associate status, including Suzanne Walls, executive secretary, Executive Office.
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 Freshman writing award winners Lauren Wallace, Christine Parsons and Shannon Ragan with President Meyers. Photo by Karen Burch |
The winners of the third annual Freshman Writing Awards were presented with awards from President Meyers in a ceremony May 2. Each student received an engraved plaque and a monetary award.
The awards were created to recognize excellent writing produced by the freshman class. The winners are chosen by a panel of nine judges, including faculty members and one of the winners from a previous class. The awards are sponsored by the Writing Center and the Academic Resource Center.
 The winning SIFE team with faculty advisor Debbie Pshountas (holding trophy), SBT Dean Benjamin Akande (left, second row) and President Meyers (third from left, top row). Photo by Karen Burch |
The 2006-07 Webster University Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team — Nakesia Hardy, Tim Jackson, Cecelia Liu, Stephanie Lange, Gina Runde, Mario Santander and Marc Pusateri — won second runner-up in their league at the national competition in Nashville, Tenn., in March. Debbie Pshountas, assistant professor, Finance, is the SIFE faculty advisor. The team won a trophy and cash prize and will advance to the SIFE World Cup event in October. This is the first time Webster has placed in a national SIFE competition.
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Cool off this summer with Thursday Night Docs, a Webster University Film Series offering of new non-fiction works covering the gamut of possibilities within the form, "from profiles to polemics, and all points in between."
 The Trials of Daryl Hunt, documents the aftermath of a rape/murder and the wrongful conviction of Daryl Hunt in the modern American South. |
• Teenland, screened with Silences, June 14
• The Trials of Daryl Hunt, June 21
• Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox, screened with Fridays on the Farm, June 28
Films begin at 8 p.m. in the Moore Auditorium. Admission is free to faculty and staff, with Webster ID, and $5 for the general public.
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MAY 2007 SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Contributed by Ashley Marshall, student editorial assistant
Peter McEwen, web design manager, Marketing, and Telissa Matos, academic advisor and representative, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., share the Employee Spotlight honors for the month of May.
 Pete McEwen |
"McEwen's acumen for technology and Web design led to his current position, where he has been a invaluable contributor to the University's Web site," says his nominator.
The extended campuses are especially appreciative of McEwen's skills.
"Pete has updated our Web site for years, no matter whose design he had to work with, and he managed to make the updates in a timely fashion," says Diane Fagan, senior director, Fort Smith Metropolitan Campus, Ark.
"Pete never lets anything fall through the cracks and goes out of his way to take care of every detail. He is professional and a delight to work with."
Cindy Rose, senior director, Camp LeJeune campus, N.C., is grateful for McEwen's help in revamping and updating their campus Web site.
"Pete provided support, suggestions, time — including weekends — overwhelming patience and humor along the way," Rose says. "I could not be happier with the new Web site."
"Webster is a great institution because of people like Pete," Rose said. "Good people and hard workers often go unnoticed, but they make all the difference in the world of Webster University."
"It's always gratifying to be appreciated by one's peers, and especially so, knowing that someone had taken the time out to nominate me," McEwen says.
McEwen says he enjoys solving problems for people. "If someone has a problem or a question, I like to be able to help them."
McEwen chose a day off with pay as his prize.
 Telissa Matos |
Matos' nominator says she brings a unique blend of skills and background in education and consistently meets or exceeds expectations.
"She always displays a willingness to help and support instructors, staff and students in solving their problems and needs," her nominator says.
"She has an engaging personality yet can be counted on to act professionally and appropriately in any situation."
Among Matos' accomplishments is establishing an academic writing seminar for students to improve their writing skills, which "has been a tremendous success with overwhelming positive comments from students and instructors alike," according to her nominator.
Matos also has made presentations to the faculty regarding consistency, assessment, adult learners and teaching techniques, which are highly regarded by the faculty.
"Despite a reduction of military personnel at our site," says her nominator, "Ms. Matos has been directly responsible for an increase in enrollments."
Matos says she appreciates winning the Employee Spotlight award. "I love working with the students," she says. "It's fun to help and advise."
Matos chose a day off with pay as her prize.
Employees everywhere are eligible for the monthly Employee Spotlight Award.
Using the nomination form is easy!
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Information on Anthem Blue Preferred HMO
Employees enrolled in the Anthem Blue Preferred HMO medical plan must be treated at network facilities or by network doctors, except in cases of emergency. Remember to remind your doctor each time he or she orders tests that the tests need to be performed at a facility that accepts your HMO insurance plan. Otherwise the patient (you) will be responsible for a portion of — or in some cases — the entire cost of the procedure.
In cases of emergency, you or a family member should call the "Member Service" phone number on the back of your HMO card as soon as possible.
When traveling outside of the HMO network, you should call the "Coverage While Traveling" phone number on the back of your card before seeking care, if at all possible.
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Don Corrigan, professor, Communications and Journalism, authored the book, "Show Me … Natural Wonders," published by Reedy Press, and scheduled for release this summer. In the book, Corrigan describes Missouri places he has explored and deemed to be natural wonders or special in some other way. Accompanying the text are more than 100 black-and-white illustrations by Edward J. Thias.
Bill Barrett, professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, had his photograph of Eileen Egan, Dorothy May and Mother Teresa published on the cover of the Spring 2007 issue of American Catholic Studies (Journal of the American Catholic Historical Society) published at Villanova University.
Joseph Schuster, professor and chair, Communications and Journalism, published the short story, "July 4, 1976," in The Journal 108 (Spring 2007). Schuster's essay about teaching will appear in Mary Engelbreit Home Companion, August 2007. His profile of Charlie Peete — one of the first African-American members of the St. Louis Cardinals who died in a plane crash in 1956 — will appear in an upcoming issue of the Cardinals Game Day Magazine.
Barry Hufker, associate professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, recorded the spring concert of the Bel Canto Chorus of Saint Louis at the Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Louis. He also recorded the "A Cappella Explosion" performed by vocal groups from Parkway North High School and the St. Louis Chamber Chorus' May concert, "Summer is icumen in," performed in the Pillsbury Chapel Dale Williams Fine Arts Center at Missouri Baptist University. Hufker's evaluation of Enhanced Audio's M600 microphone mount was featured in a national press release from TransAudio Group.
Webster advertising and marketing communications students in the School of Communications placed first in the region in the American Advertising Federation (AAF) student contest. They will compete in the national AAF contest in Louisville, Ky., in June. The team advisors are: Susan Seymour, associate professor; Nancy Wilson, associate professor; Sally Howald, assistant professor; and Mary Ann Grillo Ellmo, adjunct professor. Last year's team placed second at the national competition in San Francisco.
Webster University hosted the fourth annual High School Programming Challenge April 28. The 3-hour challenge consisted of 10 questions in two categories, Web programming and object-oriented programming. According to Peter Maher, assistant professor, Math and Computer Science, the questions ranged from relatively simple to very challenging.
Margaret Ridings, faculty coordinator, Memphis Naval Supply Activity, Tenn., was awarded a lifetime membership in the Tennessee chapter of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources in May. Ridings has served on the board of directors and been active in the organization for many years.
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:
MAY 2007
Louis Lindsay, assistant director, Media Center, 15 years
James Iman, public safety officer, Public Safety, 5 years
Julia Smith, representative, Fort Smith Metropolitan Campus, Ark., 5 years
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We extend warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:
MAY 2007
Patrick Cronin, public safety officer, Public Safety, 314-968-7430, replaces Jason Kenney.
Matthew Farrow, course developer, Academic Distance Learning Center, 314-961-2662, ext. 8628, new position.
Reena Hajat, executive director, Diversity Awareness Partnership, Executive Office, 314-968-5966, replaces Michael Seppi.
Sandra Hunter, shift leader, Help Desk, 314-968-5995 replaces Vincent Lamb.
Mathias Jackson, department associate, Center for International Education, 314-961-2660, ext. 7705, replaces Lindsey Lester-Brutscher.
Loran Maloney, documentation and training assistant, Help Desk, Ext. 314-968-6390, new position.
Marinela Meguro, representative, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, 801-779-2061, replaces Erin Anderson.
Courtney Minton, general clerk, Fort Smith Metropolitan Center, Ark.,
479-484-7747 or Speed Dial #6 076, replaces Barbara Chatham.
Senethia Morris, coordinator, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., 202-2239224 or Speed Dial #6 125, replaces Jerry Whitehurst.
Elana Mott, department assistant, Denver Metropolitan Campus, Colo., 303-708-8305 Or Speed Dial #6 051, replaces Miori Gidley.
Laurie Nest, community relations coordinator, Westport campus, 314-968-5955, new position.
Bette Thomas, community relations coordinator, Charleston Metropolitan Campus, S.C., (843) 760-1324 or Speed Dial #6 054, replaces Rudy Swatzyna.
To learn more about job opportunities at Webster, go to the Human Resources Jobs site.
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The University extends sympathies to Guillermo Rodriguez, Academic Affairs, in the loss of his father; Maureen Absolon, International Programs, in the loss of her father; and Marsha Sands, Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., in the loss of her mother-in-law.
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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