MARCH 2008
Michele Loyet, assistant director, Academic Advising, and Tyann Cherry, academic advisor, Academic Advising, visit with attendees following their Portfolio Development workshop. From left: Loyet; Lori Diefenbacher, adjunct professor and coordinator, Experiential Learning; Elvir Mandzukic, instructional support specialist, Information Technology; Debbie Ray, coordinator, Business; Melissa LaMonica, representative, Business; and Cherry. Photo by M. Kirk
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Webster Staff Alliance Professional Development Day
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Newly Endowed Reta Madsen Scholarship Celebrated
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CIRP Report Summary
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New Logo for Webster Works Worldwide
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News from Camp LeJeune
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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
With the theme, “Promote From Within … Mind, Body & Spirit,” this year’s staff development day on March 12 offered a variety of career and personal development workshops, including how to: set up a personal portfolio, find and follow your passions, network online and in person and pump up productivity. Lighter topics such as discovering native Missouri plants and practicing yoga were also available.
The “Keys to Successful Networking” workshop presented by Benjamin Akande, dean, School of Business & Technology, was so popular that sessions were offered in both the morning and afternoon.
Akande emphasized the importance of overcoming shyness at social events in order to take advantage of opportunities to meet and greet new people, rather than keeping company with those you already know.
“Listen more than you talk,” he said. “And remember: It’s about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.”
 Benjamin Akande shares networking strategies in his morning session. |
Virtual networking was the topic of “Social Networking,” presented by Kristi Evans, assistant director, Information Services, who discussed business networking Web sites and how they can assist with career advancement.
 Kristi Evans presents information on social networking. |
In addition the staff development workshops, the WSA board used the occasion to recognize staff members who have advanced to their current positions through promotions within the University.
Included in this “Hall of Fame” group was luncheon speaker Beth Russell, associate vice president, Academic Affairs and Extended Campuses, who detailed her 22-year career with Webster and the eight positions she held before landing her current one.
Along the way, Russell completed a master’s degree in marketing at Webster in 1990 and a doctorate degree in higher education at Saint Louis University in 1995. She emphasized how she was often second choice for the positions she sought, but through unforeseen circumstances, she ended getting the job. She said coming in second isn’t always a bad thing.
 Beth Russell shares her career experiences with Webster staff at Professional Development Day luncheon. |
These “Hall of Fame” members were recognized:
• Janet Babinsky, coordinator, Bursar/Cashier Office, held accounting assistant 1, 2 and 3 positions before her current one.
• Francine Case, representative, Academic Affairs, was hired as a secretary in 1997, obtaining her current position in 2006.
• Niel DeVasto, director, Admissions, was a work-study employee for Neil George from 1977-79 before he was hired as an admissions representative in 1980. He held six positions within Admissions before being promoted to director. DeVasto earned a bachelor’s degree from Webster in History, Politics and Political Science in 1979.
• Donna Gilmore, assistant registrar, Registrar’s Office, started out as a clerk typist and received four promotions on the way to her current position.
• Tom Hart, director, Athletics, was hired as men’s basketball coach in 1992 and has held his current position since 1994. He’s currently pursuing a doctor of management degree with Webster.
• Marianne Kirk, writer/editor, Marketing, was hired as a secretary in 1988 and held department associate and communications coordinator positions before promotion to her current one in 2004. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English with Webster in 2000.
• Dean Leftridge, director, Old Post Office campus, was a work-study employee in Undergraduate Admissions for two years before being hired as a data entry clerk in 1997. He served as assistant director and interim director of the Old Post Office campus and was promoted to director in 2007. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Media Communications from Webster.
• Tammy Linn, coordinator, Undergraduate Admissions, started at Webster 14 years ago as a general clerk and held four other positions before the current one obtained in 2007.
• Peggy Peel, coordinator, Field Placement and In-Service Education, started out as a secretary and was promoted three times before her current position.
• Calvin Smith, director, International Recruitment, began his Webster career as manager of International Enrollment, and held three positions in International Recruitment before being promoted to his current position.
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 Dean David Wilson at Madsen reception. |
“Whenever I praise the English department, the English faculty are quick to remind me ‘This is the department that Reta built,’” said Wilson. “Not only did she build it, but she instituted high standards for hiring faculty and for faculty performance, and if it’s a great department today — and it is — it’s because of Reta Madsen.”
“The house that Reta built,” in reference to Webster’s English Department was an oft- repeated phrase at the reception.
Meg Sempreora, chair and associate professor, English, is credited with the idea of a scholarship named for Madsen. “Along with many others, I thought her brilliant teaching, mentoring and clever strategic plans for the English department should not go uncelebrated,” Sempreora said.
“Now most people would probably be flattered at the idea of having a scholarship named for them,” she continued. “But Reta is not most people.”
Madsen had concerns about asking friends for money, but two arguments won her over: first, that deserving, outstanding English students would have the opportunity to support themselves and work on an English degree full-time; and second, that people need a way to say, “Thank you.”
After getting Madsen’s blessing, Sempreora worked with Bryce Krug, development officer, Development, to establish the scholarship fund. Donations started coming in very soon, including a generous $25,000 from alumnus Markus Trice ’75. The first Reta Madsen scholarship will be awarded this fall.
Following Sempreora’s remarks, several faculty members spoke about Madsen’s influence on their lives and teaching careers, including: Kathy Corley, professor, Electronic and Photographic Media; Murray Farish, adjunct professor, English; Michael Salevouris, professor, History, Politics & International Relations; Michael Erickson, associate professor, English; and David Clewell, professor, English. Neil George, president, praised Madsen’s legacy to Webster.
Clewell’s remarks were particularly moving: “Her legacy — and let’s be clear, it’s a living legacy — can be found in the heart and soul of everything that goes on in this unassuming building,” he said. “As a teacher, her knowledge of, and passion for, a wide range of literature was her guide. She’s somebody who knows that brain at the expense of heart is never enough.
“She had a reputation for being tough … and had an abiding affection for the literature combined with a distinct lack of affectation in ways of talking about it that kept many, many students coming back.
“In her classrooms she did change — as we’ve heard today — innumerable lives. It’s my hope that this new scholarship will, in its own way, perpetuate that life-changing quality all in her good name.”
Clewell closed his remarks by reading the poem “Schoolsville” by Billy Collins. To read “Schoolsville” click here.
 Reta Madsen addresses guests at the reception. |
“I just wanted to read books,” she said. “Then I discovered this great profession that pays one to read books and discuss them with people. I could hardly believe it.”
Madsen emphasized that she always remains a resource for her students.
“Our relationship is deep and doesn’t require constant contact,” she said. “Our minds were once very close in intense conversation, and that conversation can resume at a moment’s notice.
“The best thing about the Reta Madsen Endowed Scholarship — from my point of view — is that it has renewed that conversation with so many of you.
“I am so very, very thankful.”
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Contributed by Chris Kemmerer, Institutional Research Coordinator
In fall 2007 Webster University participated for the 37th year in the Higher Education Research Institute’s (HERI) Cooperative Institutional Research Program Freshman Survey (CIRP). The results of this annual survey provide insight into the academic and emotional preparedness, aspirations, motivations, and expectations for college of full- time freshmen. The responses of 458 of Webster’s 2007 freshmen were compared to those of 41,124 students attending nonsectarian four-year private institutions (Peer) and of 272,036 national norm students (Norm). Responses to Webster-specific questions were analyzed (Appendix A) and comparisons were also made between the responses of Webster’s commuter and residential students.
Summary of Results, March 2008
• For the second year in a row, Webster’s academic reputation was the top reason for our freshmen to choose the University
• Significantly more (72%) of Webster’s 2007 freshmen listed their current institution as their first choice, compared with 63% of the Peer and 47% of the Norm freshmen
• Webster’s reputation for social activities was considered a very important reason for choosing it by 32% of the 2007 freshmen, up from 21% in 2006
• A new section of the 2007 CIRP Survey explored “habits of mind.” Webster freshmen indicated a level of academic effort greater than the Peer students and significantly more vigorous than the Norm students in the following areas: risk-taking, exploring topics on their own and seeking feedback on their academic work
• Among other “habits of mind” explored, checking the reliability of data was frequently done by only 35% of Norm students, with Webster students only a little higher at 37.4%
• Webster students’ left-leaning political views continue, as evidenced by the combined facts that they are more white than Peer or Norm students and yet are less likely to agree that race discrimination is no longer a problem in America
• Webster’s 2007 freshmen were significantly more likely (93%) to plan on studying abroad than Peer (72%) or Norm (56%) students. In all three respondent groups, females were more likely than males to expect to study abroad
• Webster freshmen would have liked more parental involvement in various aspects of college preparation than either Peer or Norm students. Apparently, “helicopter parents” are not prevalent among Webster students’ families.
For more information about the CIRP report, see below.
• Executive Summary (PDF file)
• CIRP 2007 Freshman Survey Report (PDF file)
• Appendices (Excel doc)
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Contributed by Jennifer Willis, special events coordinator
Webster Works Worldwide (WWW), the University's annual community service day, is conducting a logo design contest, and all Webster faculty, staff and students are invited to help determine the winning logo by voting online at http://wsapps.webster.edu/logo
Traditionally, graphic design students created WWW logo concepts as a class project, but this year the WWW planning committee decided to do an open call for logo ideas to encourage greater participation and interest. The contest — open to all Webster students worldwide — was promoted through e-mails, posters, table tents and in-class announcements. Entries were submitted throughout the month of February and the top six logos, as determined by the planning committee, are now available to be viewed and voted for online.
Students in St. Louis as well as some extended campuses — including Vienna, San Antonio, Louisville and Andrews Air Force Base— submitted 35 logo ideas. The students have a variety of majors, including graphic design, management, psychology, marketing, media communications, animation, interactive digital multimedia and audio production. A cash prize of $100 will be awarded to the student who designed the winning logo.
The Planning Committee is extremely happy with the number of entries the contest has received and the quality of the work done by our talented students. Now it’s up to the entire Webster community to choose the logo that will be displayed on WWW promotional materials and thousands of volunteer T-shirts around the world.
Voting for the new WWW logo will continue through Monday, March 31, and the winning logo will be announced Friday, April 4.
WWW14 will take place Wed., Oct. 1, 2008, in the St. Louis area and throughout the month of October at extended campuses.
For more information about Webster Works Worldwide, please visit www.webster.edu/www
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Camp LeJeune, recently dedicated the mural “The Unspoken Life” to the military men and women serving with Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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For their Webster Works Worldwide project this year, Camp LeJeune, N.C., created “The Unspoken Life,” a mural depicting scenes in lives of U.S. military men and women and dedicated to members of the military who have or will serve with Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The elements in the mural were chosen based on suggestions made by Webster students who serve in the military. Professional graphic artist Robert Ramsey sketched drawings based on photographs and he, along with 10 other volunteers, painted them. The volunteers included Camp LeJeune staff, faculty and military students on active duty and medical discharge.
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College of Arts & Sciences Lectures
The College of Arts & Sciences is presenting a series of faculty research colloquiums to discuss ongoing research by Arts & Sciences faculty members. The colloquiums are free and open to all faculty and staff but not to the public. They will take place in the Faculty Development Center, 4th Floor, Emerson Library, from 4 to 5 p.m., and wine and cheese will be served.
Thursday, April 3: “Rural Women & Spousal Abuse: An Examination of Tradition & Change,” presented by Seena Kohl, professor, Behavioral & Social Sciences.
Thursday, April 17: “Faith in Life: John Dewey’s Early Philosophy,” presented by Don Morse, associate professor, Philosophy.
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FEBRUARY 2008 SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Geoff Janovsky, groundskeeper, Facilities Operations, and Cyndi Platt, department associate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., share the Employee Spotlight honors for February.
 Geoff Janovsky |
“He’s always first to volunteer for duties that no one else wants to do,” the nominator says. “And he can be counted on for assistance when a last-minute call or emergency happens.”
The nominator says Janovsky runs the Bobcat, plants trees and seems to do it all, and, in addition, he always has a friendly word for everyone.
Janovsky’s recycling efforts and work on Webster’s grounds were also praised by his nominator. “His work is done well and it beautifies the campus in many ways, seen and unseen. He handles his responsibilities very well while also attending classes at Webster.”
“He works weekends taking care of plants in the summer, and in the winter he works late nights removing snow in brutally cold weather and monitoring the parking lots to ensure they are safe for evening classes and theatre performances.”
Janovsky came to work at Webster more than three years ago in Facilities Operations. Winning the spotlight award means a lot to him. “It shows that people care, just for me coming in and doing my job,” he says.
Being trusted and respected and working outdoors are the things Janovsky most enjoys about his job. He also likes working with “a knowledgeable and supportive crew.”
Janovsky chose the U.S. Savings Bond for his prize.
 Cyndi Platt |
Her nominator says Platt is a go-getter who needs little supervision and is “a joy to work with.”
“When her routine work is completed, she comes up with new ways to make our Web site more user friendly,” the nominator says. “She is our computer guru.”
In addition, Platt has improved customer service by creating handouts and handbooks for the students.
Platt says she truly enjoys her job, especially helping others.
“I enjoy the interaction with students, staff and adjunct faculty, and am constantly amazed by the friendliness and eagerness of the Webster family to work together.”
Recently Platt helped an active duty Air Force service member plan his degree completion around the challenges of a deployment and permanent change of duty station, an experience she found especially rewarding.
Platt chose the U.S. Savings Bond as her prize.
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FEBRUARY 2008 KUDOS
James Herndon, adjunct professor, Orlando Metropolitan Campus, Fla., received a plaque for outstanding service from the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology (SPCP). Since 2000, Herndon has served as chair of the organization’s diplomate committee and, in that capacity, has improved the diplomate process by developing better tests and credential review procedures.
Judy Ortiz, Orlando Metropolitan Campus, Fla., and Webster alumna, Connie Amatucci, R.N., who earned her master’s degree in health administration from Webster University in 2006, co-wrote the article, “A Case of Mistaken Identity: Healthcare Staff Opinions on Patient Identification Errors,” which has been accepted for publication in the refereed journal, “Nursing Management.”
Holly Hubenschmidt, reference librarian, Emerson Library, has been elected chair of the Nursing and Allied Health Resources Section of the Medical Library Association for 2009-10.
The Office of Marketing received a gold award from the Admissions Marketing Report’s 23rd Annual Admissions Advertising Awards for the recently created Global MBA mailing piece. Among the team contributing to the overall project is James Dunn, graphic designer.
Guillermo Rodriguez, director, Study Abroad and International Projects, Academic Affairs, received the 2008 “Heart of the Community” Citizen of the Year Award from the Webster Groves-Shrewsbury Area Chamber of Commerce. Among many volunteer activities for the community, Rodriguez has served as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, president and secretary of the Webster Groves Rotary Club, board chairman of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis and is a board member of the Puerto Rican Society of St. Louis.
The Community Music School of Webster University received the 2008 “Heart of the Community” Business Improvement Award from the Webster Groves-Shrewsbury Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its impact on the community by building a state Šof-the-art music facility while providing outstanding music education and performance opportunities to student of all ages and abilities.
Paula Hanssen, assistant professor and coordinator of German Studies, International Languages and Cultures, presented a mini seminar and participated in a Q&A session following the performance of the Bertolt Brecht play, “The Caucasian Chalk Circle,” on Feb. 7, at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. A recognized Brechtian scholar, Hanssen specializes in the study of Brecht and his collaborators.
Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean, School of Business & Technology, is listed as one of St. Louis’s most influential citizens in teaching by St. Louis Business Journal in the special section, “Most Influential St. Louisans,” in the Feb. 22-28, 2008, issue. The publication credits Akande for presiding “over the region’s largest MBA program and one of the truly global business schools, which offers academic programs at more than 100 campuses spanning three continents.” Others listed in the teaching category include Rev. Lawrence Biondi, president of St. Louis University; Mark Wrighton, chancellor of Washington University and Mahendra Gupta, dean of Washington University’s Olin School of Business.
School of Business & Technology marketing professors David Brennan, Donna Cartwright and Pat Walsh, and department chair Jeff Haldeman, accompanied seven Webster University senior marketing majors to the 47th Annual Student Marketing Conference, sponsored by the St. Louis Chapter of the American Marketing Association, at Maryville University Feb. 29.
For information about the many and varied activities of Webster’s music department faculty, staff, students and alumni, see “Overture,” Spring 2008, published by the Department of Music and the Marketing Office.
Barry Hufker, associate professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, recorded “Frank Vignola’s Rhythm Machine” at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, Mo. Assisting Hufker were student Jessica Engle and alumnus Sean Wilhite. Hufker and his team worked in tandem with a video team to record the concert for an upcoming DVD to be published by Mel Bay Publications.
Melanie Gottlieb, international credential specialist, International Recruitment and Services, taught the workshop “International Admissions 101,” and presented two sessions: “Making Admissions Requirements Transparent to Your International Applicants” and “Emerging Issues in International Education” at the annual conference of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) in Orlando, Fla., in March.
Maryvelma O’Neill, adjunct professor, Geneva, who is currently teaching at Webster’s campus in Thailand, recently celebrated the publishing of her book — a historical and cultural guide to Bangkok published by Signal Books — at Bangkok’s historic Oriental Hotel. The event was attended by academics from Thailand as well as Webster Thailand’s director and faculty members.
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 2008
Luigi Scire, coordinator, Undergraduate Admissions, 20 years
Kay Sanders, director, Office of Marketing, 15 years
Derrick Florian, receiving clerk, Shipping and Receiving, 10 years
James Crivello, director, Networking and Technical Services, 5 years
Kristi Evans, assistant director, User Services, 5 years
Judy Pitt, department secretary, Pope Air Force Base, N.C., 5 years
Katherine Reynolds, coordinator, Community Music School, 5 years
Patrick Saltarelli, general maintenance technician, Facilities Operations, 5 years
Kathleen Wiles, regional academic director, Orlando Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 5 years
Learlean Williams, department associate, Community Music School, 5 years
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We extend warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:
FEBRUARY 2008
Stacy Garnes, general clerk, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., 623-856-3506 or Speed Dial #6 116, replaces Robert Shearer.
Ryan Govreau, general clerk, Mail and Copy Solutions, 314-968-7421, replaces Buck West.
Yin (Tu Tu) Htun, representative, Registrar’s Office, 314-246-7506,
replaces Faith Ferrell.
Roger Lawlor, department assistant, Elgin Metropolitan Campus, Ill., 847-429-0391, replaces Fred Laudadio.
Suzanne Maddox, university health nurse, Student Health Services, 314-968-6922, replaces Marie Byington.
Elvir Mandzukic, instructional support specialist, Information Technology/User Services, 314-246-8041, replaces Marc Pusateri.
Brittany Snow, department representative, Lakeland and Brandon Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 863-687-9309 or Speed Dial #6 111, replaces Angie Birdwell.
Sarah Smith, department assistant, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., 660-563-2006 or Speed Dial #6 094, replaces Jennifer Hunt.
Ora Staley, department assistant, Columbia Metropolitan Campus, S.C., 803-699-0900 or Speed Dial #6 083, replaces Bobbie Clark.
Vicki Winslow, donor relations coordinator, Development, 314-968-5948, replaces Ellen Boehm.
To learn more about job opportunities at Webster, go to the Human Resources Jobs site.
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The University extends sympathies to Linda Holtzman, associate professor, Communications and Journalism, on the loss of her daughter; Kathy Halvachs, representative, Nursing, on the loss of her sister; Debbie Lucas, information coordinator, Information Technology and Terri Lucas, director, IT-Desktop Technical Services, Information Technology, on the loss of Terri’s mother-in-law, Debbie’s grandmother; Sharon McDonald, evening service clerk, Westport Campus, on the loss of her father; Laura Wainz, coordinator, Online Learning Center, on the loss of her father; Carolyn Corley, development officer, Development, on the loss of her brother; Jeff Hughes, professor, Art, on the loss of his father-in-law; Pam Lewis, supervisor, Facilities Operations, on the loss of her father-in-law; and to Douglas Beck, adjunct professor, Art, on the loss of his brother.
Sympathies are also extended to the family, friends and colleagues of Wilma Messing, who served Webster University for many years as a member of the Daniel Webster Society Board, and who, with her husband Roswell “Bud” Messing, established The Messing Sabbatical award given each year at Commencement to Webster faculty members for international research projects.
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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
HUMAN RESOURCES CONTRIBUTORS
Betsy Schmutz
Gloria Barbre
Amy Brockman