JULY 2008

Approaching the finish line in the Race for the Cure.

• ‘A Fantastic Day’

• Did You Know?

• University Wins NAFSA Award for Internationalization

• Around the World of Webster

• St. Louis Calendar Highlights

• Employee of the Month

• Just for Laughs

• Kampus Kudos

• Service Anniversaries

• New Employees

• Condolences


To view the Inside Webster archives, click here

Dana Jones mother, Mary Parker, left, and Bethany Keller walked and celebrated together.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure raised more than $3 million June 21 in downtown St. Louis, with several Webster staff members joining the cause.

Academic Affairs co-workers Dana Jones, academic affairs representative, and Bethany Keller, international academic advisor, (both thyroid cancer survivors) joined nearly 64,000 participants celebrating cancer survivors or those battling the disease.

Survivor Caprice Moore and her daughter Brandi at Race for the Cure event.

Jones walked in celebration of her “mentor and friend,” survivor Joyce Peavy, regional director, San Antonio, Texas, campuses, and in remembrance of family and friends who have battled cancer.

WSA Chair Caprice Moore, coordinator, School of Business & Technology, wore her pink “survivor” t-shirt and walked in the race with her daughter, Brandi.

“When we approached the finish line, there was a choir of breast cancer survivors singing ‘I Will Survive,’” says Jones. “What a fantastic day!”

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• President Neil George was the subject of a cover story in the July 3-10 issue of the Webster Kirkwood Times. Read the online version of the article.

• Webster University is listed in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2008 Great Colleges to Work For, ranking in the top five of institutions with 500 to 2,400 employees. Webster ranked with institutions such as Stanford, Emory University, Drake, Cornell, Duke, USC and Rochester Institute of Technology. The results will be in a special supplement, “The Academic Workplace,” in this week’s issue of The Chronicle.

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Webster University has been recognized by NAFSA: Association of International Educators — the world’s largest professional association dedicated to international education — with the 2008 Sen. Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization.

Grant Chapman, associate vice president, Academic Affairs, accepted the award on behalf of the University at a ceremony May 29 in Washington, D.C.

The award “recognizes institutions that are leaders in the growing effort to better prepare students for a global economy and an interconnected world.” It bears Simon’s name because of his strong support of international education throughout his career.

Grant Chapman, far right, at the NAFSA award ceremony in Washington, D.C.

In addition to Webster, other recipients of the 2008 NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Award include: Goucher College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Valparaiso University, Miami Dade College and Colorado State University.

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Memphis Naval Support Activity holds Summer Faculty Workshop
The Memphis campus on May 3 held the first in a series of workshops to promote Webster's consistency project. The workshops provide faculty with an opportunity to network, address various issues and honor co-workers who have displayed exemplary performance and dedication to the Webster team and students.

From left, Johnny Adams, Kevin Sullivan and Diane Markee at the faculty workshop.

Human resource management program faculty members were lead in discussion by Margaret Ridings, faculty coordinator, and Carol Nelson, senior director. MBA and Information Technology management faculty discussion leaders were Rita Green, MBA mentor, and Etido Akpan, ITM mentor. The next meeting will be in August.



Diane Markee Wins Grand Prize at Expo
Academic advisor Diane Markee hit the jackpot at the Millington Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Business Expo on May 6. Markee won a drawing for nearly $8,000 worth of donated products and services from area businesses, including photography sessions, gift certificates and two trips.

Diane Markee, left, and senior director Carol Nelson celebrate Markee's grand prize win.

“Winning the basket was a blessing,” Markee says. “They called my name at 4 p.m., shortly after I had left to go home. When my and co-workers called to tell me the news, at first I thought they were joking.”

Markee donated many of the items she won to area charities and also shared them with staff members at her campus. “I love working in Millington and for Webster University,” she says. “More than anything else, I wanted to give back to the community and share with my co-workers.”


O’Neill’s Book Launched at Celebration in Bangkok, Thailand
As previously reported in Kampus Kudos, Maryvelma O’Neill, adjunct professor, Geneva, recently celebrated the publication of her book, Bangkok: A Cultural and Literary History.

Maryvelma O'Neill (center) with her newly published book at the celebration. Joining her are director David Morgan, third from right; adjunct professor Kathy Simmons, far right; and Thailand faculty members.

O’Neill, who was teaching at Webster’s Thailand campus at the time, celebrated with faculty members and director David Morgan, as well as other academics and guests at Bangkok’s historic Oriental Hotel.

Read a review of O’Neill’s book published in The Nation, Thailand’s largest daily newspaper.


Shanghai MBA Candidates Propose Alternative Energy Fund
Click here to read about MBA candidates at Webster’s Shanghai, China, who presented mutual fund portfolios based on alternative energy companies as their final class project.


Dean Akande brings Energy and Inspiration to Vienna
Benjamin Akande, dean, School of Business and Management, taught a 1-week seminar on leadership at the Vienna campus from June 7-13. The course, “Professional Seminars: Leadership and its Impact on Performance,” was open to students, faculty and alumni.

Dean Akande, back row, second from left, and his Vienna students.

“Introducing skills which can be easily implemented into everyday work scenarios and infusing them with thought provoking, funny and authentic stories, Akande motivated his students to perform,” says an article in Vienna’s AlumNews.

In addition to the seminar, Akande gave a 2-hour special presentation, “Leading without Authority,” which was open to the alumni network and the corporate clients of the Vienna Professional Development Center.

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“Gov. Bob Holden Pizza and Politics Forum — Election Center 2008” presents Clint Zweifel and Andria Simckes, Democratic candidates for Missouri's State Treasurer at 4 p.m.,Wed., July 23, in the University Center’s Sunnen Lounge. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information click here.

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MAY 2008 SPOTLIGHT AWARD

Sharing the May 2008 Employee Spotlight Award are Cyndi Pruett, accounting assistant, Business Office; and Mary Brodersen, representative, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Cyndi Pruett

Cyndi Pruett was nominated for her accomplishments since she took over the tuition assistance billing for the military.

“Since Cyndi took over tuition assistance, there has been a reduction in phone calls from students needing assistance,” says Pruett’s nominator. “She makes sure to follow up with each student that contacts our office for help.”

Pruett began working for Webster in 1997 as a summer helper in the Business Office. She was hired full time in May 2000, after working as a part-time employee wherever she was needed for three years,

Pruett most enjoys the people she works with, at the home campus and at the extended sites. “Work can get pretty hectic and it’s nice to know there’s always someone who will brighten my day or make me laugh,” she says.

Pruett says working with the military has helped her not to let petty annoyances bother her. “When you get a phone call from a soldier fighting in the war in Iraq, it puts everything into perspective.”

Pruett chose a day off with pay as her prize.

Mary Brodersen

Mary Brodersen’s nominator says, “Outstanding, superb and magnificent do not adequately express the ability and effort Mary displays on a daily basis.”

“A dynamic and mission-oriented employee, her personal involvement and understanding of the seven Webster University programs have been instrumental in the achievements this location has enjoyed,” the nominator continues.

Brodersen is praised for devoting extra hours to become the resident expert on the GoArmyEd and CARS program and for taking on the job of developing the International Relations degree into a cohort program, which provides continuity and stability during campus enrollment periods.

Her dedication to the students has impressed Brodersen’s co-workers. As for Broderson, she says working with the students is the highlight of her job.

“When I hear from students who have graduated, inviting me to their weddings or sharing pictures of new babies, it’s nice to know they consider us family,” she says. “We in turn worry about them when they are deployed and pray for their safe returns.”

Broderson emphasizes how thankful she is for the support she receives from the main campus and the dedication of her co-workers at Fort Leavenworth.

She chose a day of with pay as her prize.

JUNE 2008 SPOTLIGHT AWARD

Chris Kemmerer, institutional research coordinator, Academic Assessment, and Jennifer McKay, academic assistant, Leiden Campus, share the June Employee Spotlight honors.

Chris Kemmerer

Chris Kemmerer’s nominator says Chris has helped grow the work of institutional research for Webster, as if it were a garden providing seeds for many University projects — both long-standing and newly envisioned.

“Chris’s work allows all offices to have the information they need in support of the mission of the University,” the nominator says.

Kemmerer is appreciated for doing the kind of work that requires attention to detail and data, one that requires patience and dedicated focus.

Twenty-two years ago, Kemmerer began her career with Webster as a part-time employee in the Development Office. She has worked for 19 of those years in the area of institutional research, which moved from Development to the Executive Office in 1999.

Kemmerer’s position requires gathering and analyzing data about the institution and students, information included in University’s fact book, “Sum & Substance,” which Kemmerer has compiled since 1994.

Collaborating with “smart, fun people and learning from them” is what Kemmerer most enjoys about her job. She says being honored for “simply doing a job I enjoy” was a pleasant surprise.

Kemmerer chose a day off with pay as her prize.

Jennifer McKay

Jennifer McKay has been an academic assistant with Webster Leiden for eight years, providing administrative support to the director, advisors and faculty. According to her nominator, McKay's work is exceptional. She gets rave reviews from the faculty for her dependability and efficiency in processing syllabi, book orders and other needs for their classes.

“Webster in the Netherlands is housed in a monumental building in the historical city of Leiden, so it’s a great work location,” McKay says. “We had about 15 staff members in 2000, which has grown to 24 this year. I’ve always preferred a small working environment where everyone knows everyone else.”

McKay’s nominator gives her an A+ for attitude, especially after she recently continued to work while recovering from surgery on a broken right wrist. “It certainly slowed me down, McKay says. “However, I had help from my colleagues and a student.”

Commencements are one of the things McKay enjoys most about her job. “It’s great to see the students tossing their hats in the air, knowing you played a part in their progress, however small,” she says. “I also enjoy the Webster Works Worldwide community volunteer day.”

McKay chose a day off with pay as her prize.

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Curt von Deist, adjunct professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, won grand prize in the Faculty Single Image category in the Photo Imaging Education Association’s (PIEA) 2008 Student-Teacher Photo Exhibition and Competition. His winning photograph, “horse in field,” can be viewed here.

Bill Barrett, professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, won an honorable mention in the Faculty Portfolio category in the Photo Imaging Education Association’s (PIEA) 2008 Student-Teacher Photo Exhibition and Competition. His winning photograph, “portrait of a girl,” can be viewed here.

Dusty Lopez, head track and cross country coach, Athletics, took first place in the 5K division at the 33rd Annual University City Memorial Day Run on May 26.

Gwyneth Williams, professor, History, Politics and International Relations, was a guest on St. Louis radio stations KWMU-FM (NPR affiliate) and KDHX-FM June 4, providing analysis on the Democratic primary elections. In addition, Williams was a guest panelist discussing the upcoming presidential elections on KWMU-FM's "St. Louis on the Air" July 9 program.

Grant Chapman, associate vice president, Academic Affairs, received a Fulbright Scholar Award to attend the Japan International Education Administrators program for the month of June 2008.

Nancy Bender, billing coordinator, Finance, participated as a member of Bugles Across America playing “Taps” at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis County on Memorial Day.

Barry Hufker, associate professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, recorded adjunct faculty members Paul Huppert on the violin and John McClellan on guitar in the for a demo recording. Hufker also recorded the Gateway Men’s Chorus’ final season production, “Lounge Lizards,” at the Washington University’ Edison Theatre in St. Louis.

Holly Hubenschmidt, reference librarian, Emerson Library, who serves as library liaison to the Nursing, Biological Science and Nurse Anesthesia departments, has been named to the Academy of Health Information Professionals. As the Medical Library Association’s peer-reviewed professional development and career recognition program, the Academy recognizes exemplary professional performance and contributions to the association and profession.

Mary Bute, adjunct professor, School of Communications, won third place for humor columns in the National Society of Newspaper Columnists competition for newspapers with 100,000 or less circulation. The award was presented at the organization’s June 19-22 annual convention in New Orleans. In addition to writing the column for the Webster-Kirkwood Times newspaper, Bute operates her own public relations firm.

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 2008

Markland Anderson, lab assistant, User Services, 5 years

Tamara Gegg-LaPlume, director, Career Services, 5 years

Jonathan Schlereth, coordinator/team leader, Online Learning Center, 5 years

Betty Kupke, accounting assistant, Payroll Office, 10 years

Charles Van McElwee, professor, Electronic Photographic Media, 25 years

Peter Nicholson, maintenance technician, Facilities Operations, 30 years

Jerry Peters, director, Little Rock Metropolitan Campus, Ark., 25 years


JUNE 2008

Deborah Fernandez, accounting assistant, Accounts Payable, 5 years

Maureen Hamed, department associate, International Recruitment and International Services, 5 years

David Porras, assistant professor, Business Department, 5 years

Jiangping Wang, assistant professor, Math and Computer Science Department, 5 years

David Garafola, vice president, Finance Department, 10 years

Warren Steward, technician, Media Center, 10 years

Vincent Stovall, director, Fort Jackson Campus, S.C., 10 years

Jane Kendall, executive secretary, Finance Department, 15 years

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

MAY 2008

Alana Hammonds, service clerk, Registrar’s Office, 314-246-7660.

Candace Hulcher, community relations coordinator, Tampa Bay Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 727-570-9300 or Speed Dial #6 125, replaces Paige Meyers.

Lauren Kleve, coordinator research/tech support, School of Business & Technology, 314-968-5951, new position.

Deborah Maniaci, accounting assistant, Accounts Payable, 314-246-8630, replaces Debbie McWilliams.

Kristin Montiel, community relations coordinator, San Diego Metropolitan Campus, Calif., 858-458-9310 or Speed Dial #6 072, replaces Alex Yates.

Jocelyn Muhm, swim instructor, Athletics, 314-246-7755.

Allyson Pressman, academic advisor, San Diego Metropolitan Campus, Calif., 858-458-9310 or Speed Dial #6 072, replaces Barbara Grilli.

Tonay Thompson, department assistant, Greenville Metropolitan Campus, S.C., 864-676-9002 or Speed Dial #6 98, replaces Alice Rice.

Marie Winkelmann, department associate, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., 301-420-2217 or Speed Dial #6 123, replaces Gretchen Clayson.


JUNE 2008

Carol Adams, associate vice president, Academic Affairs, 314-968-6907, replaces Dan Viele.

Trevor Barker, director, Global MBA Program, School of Business & Technology, 314-246-8713, new position.

Christle Collins, representative/advisor, Fort Jackson, S.C., 803-738-0603 or Speed Dial #6 049, replaces Lorraine Rosales.

Monica Daugherty, representative, Lakeland and Brandon Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 863-687-9309 or Speed Dial #6 111, replaces Brittany Clark.

Andrew Duba, web services programmer, Information Technology, new position.

Danita Johnson, coordinator, Fort Belvoir, Va., 703-781-7942, replaces Elizabeth Matsushima.

Supansa Meier, department associate, Finance, 314-968-6928, replaces Tammy Schular.

Christina Miller, development officer, Development, 314-968-5987, replaces Andrea Brown.

Parvin Nadimi, director, Payroll, 314-968-7944, replaces Elizabeth Pickerill.

Barbara Netteler, dispatcher, Public Safety, 314-968-7430, replaces Kimberly Alt.

Tracy Rogers, director, Ocala Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 352-861-9330, replaces Jo Clifford.

George Slusarz, assistant professor, Business Department, 314-246-7751, replaces Donna Ulmer.

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

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The University extends sympathies to Nicole Ibrahimi, Financial Aid, in the loss of her grandfather; Pam Lewis, Facilities Operations, in the loss of her brother-in-law; Ann Wagner, Registrar’s Office, in the loss of her father-in-law; Timothy Meeks, Facilities Operations, in the loss of his brother; Cindi Foder, Finance Department, in the loss of her mother; Julie Fix, adjunct professor, Behavioral and Social Sciences Department, in the loss of her father; Jerry Peters, regional director, Little Rock Metropolitan Campus, in the loss of his father; William Fulton, academic director, Webster Vienna, in the loss of his mother; Reya Hildebrand, director of admissions and enrollment management, Webster Vienna, in the loss of her father; Bert Barry, director, International Services, on the death of his mother-in-law; and to the friends and colleagues of former Webster instructor and advisor, Marcia Paul, who served the University for 15 years before retiring in 2006.

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© 2008 Webster University