NOVEMBER 2008
Party balloons commemorated the Geneva campus’ 30th anniversary. Later, hot-air balloons — the people-carrying kind — took guests up for panoramic views of the campus and surrounding city.
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Webster Celebrates 30 Years in Geneva
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Carol Adams Joins Academic Affairs Team
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Webster Works Worldwide 14: Serving More Than Ever Before
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Greater St. Louis Postal Customer Council Wins National Awards
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News From the World of Webster
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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
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Thirty years ago this September, Webster University took a giant step toward its current position as a leader in international education by opening its first international campus in Geneva, Switzerland.
To celebrate the milestone, the Geneva campus hosted a week of activities, including an international buffet on campus, a tropical gala dinner at Dinemec Studios and a special program for their international guests, which included the University board of trustees, the administrative council and deans from St. Louis, and directors from the European and Asian campuses.
Held Sept. 18 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva, Webster’s board of trustees meeting was the first ever outside of the U.S. Twelve board members traveled at their own expense from St. Louis to attend the meeting, and seven others attended via long-distance conference call. On the agenda were comments from a group of alumni, students and faculty who had been invited to share their Geneva campus experiences with the board.
“It was a genuine tribute on the part of our board of trustees to have the meeting at our Geneva campus,” President Neil George said. “Not only did the occasion provide the members of the board who attended a great opportunity to experience one of Webster’s international campuses first hand, it was also an opportunity for the citizens of Geneva to gain a better understanding of the significance of our international campuses as exemplified in Geneva.”
Board chairman Ambassador George H. Walker III agrees. “The board’s trip to Geneva was an eye-opening experience for many of us,” Walker said. “Many were not aware of the quality of the faculty in Geneva, the diversity of the student body or the talent of the students we met. It was an exhilarating experience for the board members and reinforced our enthusiasm for Webster’s global outreach.”
An International Dinner
Diplomats, politicians and business leaders from the Geneva community joined Webster faculty, staff, students and administrators for an international buffet dinner in the Living and Learning Centre on the Geneva campus.
“The food for the buffet was prepared by students, faculty, staff and French on-campus chef Gilles, to celebrate the campus’ diversity,” said Susan Ross, director, European Development and Alumni Programs, Geneva. “Ninety-seven countries are currently represented at the Geneva campus.”
 Cutting the anniversary cake are: from left, Jennifer Raymond, Sascha Gorokhoff, John Graham Ritson, George Walker, Neil George, Robert Spencer and Ambassador Warren Tichenor. Photo by Studio Casagrande |
The speakers invited three alumni members, who were celebrating personal 30th anniversaries, to help cut the 30th anniversary cake. They are: alumna Jennifer Raymond, who turned 30 Sept. 18; Sascha Gorokhoff, an alumnus who celebrated his 30th birthday this year; and John Graham Ritson, alumnus and one of Geneva’s first two graduates 30 years ago.
Close to 800 guests attended the evening’s activities, which included UBS-sponsored hot air balloon rides for guests who wanted to view the campus, the city of Geneva and surrounding areas from above.
 Bob Spencer gives The Gorlok a high-five. Photo by Studio Casagrande |
The week culminated with a tropical dinner held in the Dinemec Studios, managed by Paul Sutin, head of Media and Communications, Webster Geneva. Geneva’s media students have the good fortune of taking their production classes at the state-of-the-art, multimedia production facility.
Bringing the week and the evening to a close was a program of classical and modern music provided by Yehudi Menuhuin Academy students Oleg Kaskiv, on violin, and Bogdan Banu, on viola, playing classical repertoires; and a contemporary vocal performance by Alexandra Schaffner, Pop Music 2007 contestant and current Webster Geneva student.
Information for this article was provided by Susan Ross, director, European Development and Alumni Programs, Webster Geneva.
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 Carol Adams. Photo by Karen Burch |
“Things are a little slower in the summer, and I could get my feet under me a little bit better,” Adams says in a soft southern accent that hints of her roots in Alabama. “There were days when I was the only associate vice president in the shop. Fortunately the University did not collapse,” she quips.
That wasn’t likely, as Adams’ background and experience seem tailor-made for her position with Webster. For the last five years, she was a faculty member and administrator of the health care management program at Ottawa University in Overland Park, Kans., and its extended sites.
“It’s a different set-up than Webster’s because they have a smaller extended campus network.” Adams says. “The same program wasn’t offered at every site, so one of the things that really interested me at Webster was the School of Business & Technology’s consistency project, because that’s exactly what I had done with the health care management program at Ottawa.
“That experience gave me a good understanding of Webster’s consistency project goals, and in addition, I understand the aspects of an extended campus environment. I’ve worked with recruiting, advising, and have been a faculty member and worked with adjunct instructors on quality control.”
Moving from the Kansas City area to St. Louis was somewhat of an adventure for Adams and her husband, Tom. They drove in separate cars, one with dogs Austin and Savanna in tow, and the other with cats Caesar and Cleopatra.
“My husband works for Sprint, which is based in Overland Park, and they allowed him to keep his position and telecommute from St. Louis, so he works out of our home,” Adams says. “There are days, though, when he would like a break from two large, active puppies.”
Adams earned her undergraduate, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. “My PhD is in history with a specialization in U.S. foreign relations, which is a great passion of mine.”
That passion is represented in two photographs displayed on the walls of her office: a World War II-era print of Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin at the Yalta Conference, and a photograph of the Berlin Wall taken from the East Berlin side.
“There’s a story that goes with that photo,” Adams says of the Berlin photo. “It was taken in 1988, the year before the wall came down.” On a bus ride in East Berlin, Adams convinced the driver to stop long enough for her to snap the photo, while friends held her so she wouldn’t fall out of the door. “Fortunately, the photo was good enough because it was a one-time deal,” she says. “Now, of course, it’s irreplaceable.”
Adams has spent the first few months of her job traveling and getting to know the central region campus directors. “Every campus is different, and talking face-to-face gives me the opportunity to understand their individual needs and the challenges at each campus.”
“One of the remarkable successes of Webster is its ability to maintain the quality at every campus,” Adams says. “Having seen so many other extended campus networks, I think that’s unique to Webster. Everyone tries to do it well. I just think we do it better.”
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Contributed by Jennifer Willis, Special Events Coordinator
 WWW volunteer President Neil George with children at Webster Childcare Center. |
In the St. Louis area, a new record of 1,298 volunteers participated: 932 students, 261 staff, 74 faculty and 31 alums. The extended campuses and regional alumni chapters contributed with 1,097 volunteers helping on various projects, which is a 24 percent increase over last year. Globally, Webster volunteers served their local communities in Geneva, Leiden, London, Thailand and Vienna.
WWW comparison of statistics through the years.
WWW14 Photo Gallery
While the number of volunteers and the hours worked are impressive, the real measure of WWW14’s success is seen through the comments made by the volunteers and agencies who took part. Here’s a sampling:
Volunteer Comments
“It’s an amazing way of promoting community connections for students, many of whom may not have had similar experiences in the past.”
“This was a great project and the work was directly related to the mission of the organization. We could see how we were helping and it made all of us want to return to help more.”
“Volunteering at Open Door Animal Sanctuary has made me realize the common public perception that animals are disposable objects. It has convinced me of the need for federal spay/neuter legislation to reduce the large population of unwanted dogs and cats. Thanks for giving us the opportunity.”
“It’s good to feel involved in a campus activity, and that’s hard to find for a commuter student.”
Click here to read more Volunteer Comments from WWW14.
Agency Comments
“I want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution that the Delta Upsilon Fraternity made. They painted nine interior rooms of the ministries’ center. Such efforts reinforce the fact that many in this current generation of young people are dedicated to improving the human condition. Such volunteer service also reflects the quality of Webster University.”
— Webster Rock Hill Ministries
“It was exciting to see 12–14 people show up bright and early in the morning, eager to work. We all meditated and then got to work. The WWW volunteers painted, did garden work, cleaned the meditation area and repaired cushions and mats. It was a very positive experience and it was nice to share the center with people from Webster University.”
— Missouri Zen Center
“A big ‘thank you’ to the Webster team for coming out and making a difference. It was a pleasure to meet and work with each one of you and we hope to have you back soon. Thank you for blessing us with the work of your hands and for making the ranch a cleaner and prettier place.”
— Building Dreams Ranch
“The yard looks great. In a single day, they accomplished what would have taken us weeks to do. Thanks for taking the time and effort to make KPC Kids Place not only a safe place for children, but a beautiful place to be. I look forward to working together again next year!”
— KPC Kids Place (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Click here to read more Agency Comments from WWW14.
Thanks to everyone who participated and supported the efforts of the 14th annual Webster Works Worldwide, the biggest and most successful Webster community service day to date. We look forward to seeing you again next year. Mark your calendar for Wed., Oct. 7, 2009.
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 From left, Buck West; Mark Anderson (former St. Louis postmaster); Peggy Smith (PCC Postal co-chair); and Laurie Smith, former Mail and Copy Solutions employee, with the 2007 PCC of the Year Award. |
“When I started working here five years ago, Webster University already had a position on the PCC board,” says West. “Over the years I’ve become more and more involved with the organization. Currently, I serve on the board representing Webster University and also am webmaster for the Greater St. Louis PCC, which is a branch of the national PCC.” To view the St. Louis PCC Web site visit www.pcc-stlouis.org.
The Postal Customer Council promotes the sharing of information and ideas about products, services, programs and procedures affecting business mailers. Established in 1961, the organization’s goal is to improve communications between U.S. Postal Service customers and managers. Today there are more than 200 local Postal Customer Councils with approximately 120,000 members nationally. More than 500 continuing education certificates have been awarded to the mailing community and vendors. For more information about the national PCC organization visit www.usps.com.
As winner of the 2007 National PCC of the Year award, St. Louis PCC hosted the 2008 National PCC Day, Sept. 17, at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel in downtown St. Louis. West and DeLayne Levels, general clerk, Mail and Copy Solutions, represented Webster at the conference.
“Mail and Copy Solutions employees are not required to take the USPS certification exams, but they are encouraged to do so,” says West, who has completed several certification courses, including Executive Mail Center Manager and Mail Quality Control Specialist.
“The PCC gave me an opportunity to network and learn things from other people involved in the postal industry as well as from postal service officials,” says West. “I’m so grateful for Webster’s support and commitment to PCC.”
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Greenville Professor Brings Vast Global Expertise to the Classroom
Contributed by Jennifer Gammage, Office of Marketing
 Rolf Hemmerling and his students. |
“I got into teaching because I saw how ill prepared to deal with the globalized world the average U.S. student coming out of school was,” Hemmerling says. “During my business career, I had a chance to learn first-hand how much education meant for students in other countries as a way to better themselves.
“They appreciated the chance for an education and were dedicated to doing the best they could. The competition in the 21st century is education, and I wanted to actively participate in the development of the U.S. students by sharing experiences and wisdom I gained over the last 35 years, to better prepare them for the future challenges they will face.”
Hemmerling is the founder and managing director of Pacific Rim Partners, Ltd. (PRP), a multi-million-dollar international brand and product management company with an office in Greenville, S.C. His earlier career included serving as general manager at Levi Strauss and as managing director for Europe at Max Factor & Co.
Bringing insight from a multi-million-dollar international business to the classroom has advantages, according to Hemmerling. PRP conducts international business in both the private and public sectors focusing on small to medium-sized businesses. PRP’s expertise is in helping companies grow internationally with minimal investment in new staff.
Hemmerling’s Webster colleagues are as impressed as his students. “Rolf brings a plethora of real-world and academic experiences to the classroom,” says Samuel Cooper, director, Greenville campus. “His work experience allows him to bring unique and factual perspectives to the students.”
Hemmerling stresses to his students that they must recognize they can’t start at the top; that they should be as receptive to learning and gaining knowledge from their employers and co-workers as they were from their professors. He advises that they will be happiest with a career that touches on something they love or enjoy doing.
“For example, I wanted to travel, to be an airline pilot,” says Hemmerling. “Unfortunately, my nearsightedness wouldn’t permit it, so I did the next best thing. I became involved in international business, which afforded me the ability to travel extensively, albeit with someone else flying the plane.”
A native of Chicago, Hemmerling’s business travels have taken him to more than 60 countries. “I also lived in Paris, London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Sao Paulo and had extended stays in Caracas, Sydney, Adelaide and Tokyo,” he says.
According to Hemmerling, in today’s job market, there are more focused industries, more competition for jobs — not just from U.S. schools but also from a global pool of talent — and leaner corporate structures. He says the key to entering the job market is the same for the new entry-level graduate as it is for the student already employed and hoping for a promotion.
“The key is research,” stresses Hemmerling. “Webster prepares its students in many ways, but one of the most important is teaching the art of research. Learning how to target industries that utilize both the micro and macro disciplines of their field — and further refining that search to include their own unique talents or background — can be an enormous help.”
Cooper says Hemmerling is an enormous help in advancing Webster’s educational mission. “Rolf has been an endless proponent of Webster University,” adds Cooper. “He frequently offers useful suggestions to strengthen our campus and programs. And Rolf is honest and approachable. He cares about our students and works to help them succeed in their academic and personal careers.”
Hemmerling has no plans to stop teaching any time soon, but as to where he and his family may hang their shingle in the future, well … “There is still the siren song of travel and the warm inviting allure of Italy and Portugal to spend extended time,” he says.
Charleston Professor Wins Fulbright to Study in Africa
 David Dunlap, regional director, Charleston campus, with Karen Stewart-Cain. |
The Fulbright-Hays scholar recognition is based on bi-national partnerships and open merit competition. It provides unique opportunities for enrichment and leadership development, as well as access to facilities and a vast community of alumni.
Stewart-Cain participated in this year’s “Mano River Region (Africa) and South Carolina” project. Its purpose was to experience the daily life and customs of West Africa; to draw connections among the southeast low country Gullah, Geechee, and West African cultures; and to share these lessons with African and low country students and adults. The group studied in Sierra Leone and the Republic of Guinea for approximately five weeks. They attended lectures, visited local sites and cruised the Niger and Moa rivers and visited primary and secondary schools.
Faculty members involved in developing the project are concerned that African-American are in danger of forgetting their cultural heritage as time passes and each new generation is further removed from its West African roots. They want to reinforce that many of the values, cultures, traditions, linguistic styles, music and foods these African-Americans take for granted originated in West Africa.
The Mano River Fulbright team included employees from Trident Technical College, the Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester County School District, the College of Charleston, the Avery Institute, South Carolina State Museum, and faculty from the Republic of Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Project participants returned to South Carolina better equipped to provide an in-depth study of Africa in their schools and colleges. This initiative will further integrate African history and culture into the curriculum of secondary and postsecondary institutions in the coastal region of South Carolina.
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Kit Jenkins, associate professor, School of Communications, discussed “What a Midwestern PR Girl Learned Running a Business in Asia” at the Oct. 23 meeting of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Her good-humored presentation described the challenges and opportunities she faced during her 3 ½-years as director of Webster’s campus in Thailand.
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 Maggie Wetzel, Adam King and Brian White (in suit) in a scene from “Our Town.” Photo by Claudia Burris |
The production runs from Nov. 12–16 in the Browning Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center. Curtain time is 8 p.m., except Sunday, which will have a 2 p.m. matinee only. Admission is $12 for the general public, $6 for senior adults and students, and free to Webster faculty and students with a Webster I.D. Call the Fine Arts Hotline, 968-7128, to reserve tickets.
“Our Town” chronicles the simple, but pleasant lives of the Gibbs family, the Webb family and their neighbors in the Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, in the early years of the 20th century. Guided by the narration of the omniscient stage manager, the audience experiences a journey through their lives.
The play has become a much beloved classic and is probably the most frequently produced play by an American playwright. Quin Gresham, artistic director of Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, directs “Our Town.”
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AUGUST 2008 SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Frank Palermo, groundskeeper, Facilities Operations, and Audrey Pollard, community relations coordinator, Denver Metropolitan Campus, share the Employee Spotlight honors for August.
 Frank Palermo |
His nominator says that Palermo, who has been with Facilities Operations for two years, has a great sense of humor, which he uses, at times, to diffuse tension in the workplace. Palermo says he enjoys working with “a great group of guys.”
Palermo chose a day off with pay as his prize, and he plans to spend the day enjoying time with his children.
 Audrey Pollard |
Her nominator says Pollard’s persuasive customer service skills encourage students to choose to come to Webster, adding, “The students consider her a joy to work with.”
Pollard enjoys helping new students plan their programs and get started in classes. “They are always so excited and that brings energy and excitement to the campus,” she says.
“The best moment for me happens in June when our students walk across the stage at the commencement ceremony,” Pollard says. “The pride they have that day reminds me why I come to work every day.”
Pollard is deeply touched by winning the Spotlight Award. “I’m honored to share this recognition with so many great people who came before me,” she says. “I appreciate being recognized for my hard work and dedication to such a wonderful university.
“We’re all part of the journey, and I’m amazed every day by the great things we accomplish.”
Pollard chose a day off with pay as her prize.
SEPTEMBER 2008 SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Nancy Higgins, special events coordinator, Office of Institutional Affairs, and Ann-Marie Fisher, representative, Fort Jackson, S.C., are the September winners of the Employee Spotlight Award.
 Nancy Higgins |
In addition to assisting the videographer and working with President George on his speech, it was Higgins’ idea to shake up the luncheon table seating and to play the game Two Truths and a Lie as a way of getting acquainted. These activities required a great deal of planning and coordinating, but Higgins seems to enjoy a challenge.
“Nancy brings the highest level of energy, professionalism, time and creativity to everything she does for the University,” says another nominator. “Her work on commencement, the worldwide directors’ meeting and convocation demonstrate her commitment to show Webster in the very best light.”
Higgins has been a special events coordinator with Webster for six years. In the past two years, she has been an adjunct professor for the School of Communications and taught a Freshman Seminar.
The opportunities Higgins has had for personal and professional growth at Webster are much appreciated. “I’ve had the privilege of serving on various Webster committees and boards, which gave me the opportunity to meet and work with colleagues and students,” she says. “Webster also opened the world of teaching to me and it has been a challenge I relish.”
As an event planner, Higgins says she loves the joy on the faces of the graduates at each Commencement ceremony. As a teacher, she remembers a student from her Freshman Seminar class and how excited he was about changing his major and planning for his future career.
Higgins chose a day off with pay as her prize.
Even though Ann-Marie Fisher has been with the Fort Jackson campus a little less than a year, her administrative and organizational skills have made a positive impact on the campus.
“Ann-Marie has made a significant contribution to the operations of the campus here at Fort Jackson,” says her nominator. “In addition to reorganizing all the filing, she has can be credited with creating a fresh new look and feel at the campus.”
Fisher’s nominator appreciates her professionalism and friendly manner, especially when working with students. “She is very successful assisting our military students and has made some long-lasting relationships with them.”
Even though she’s new to Fort Jackson, Fisher says she is no stranger to Webster University. Before joining the Fort Jackson team, Fisher worked for nearly three years at the Fort Jackson Army Education Center located in the same building.
Fisher says the best part of her job is the Webster staff she works with. “These four folks are outstanding professionals who are good at what they do and, best of all, are very pleasant to work with,” Fisher says. “I love coming to work each morning, and you can’t beat that.”
She believes the same qualities can be found throughout Webster. “Not only do I have the pleasure of helping students attain their educational goals, it’s my job to offer them the quality education product that Webster delivers.”
Fisher chose a day off with pay as her prize.
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Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts’ production of “Oklahoma!” was chosen Best Musical of 2008 by the St. Louis Riverfront Times. Lara Teeter, associate professor, Theatre and Dance, was credited for his work as director and choreographer of the play.
Barry Hufker, associate professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, recorded Bella Corda of St. Louis, an ensemble of young classical guitarists. Production student Samir Banerjee assisted Hufker with the recording, which is part of a CD to raise funds to endow a classical guitar camp scholarship. Hufker recorded the first concert of the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus’ 53rd season at the St. Louis Abbey. He also recorded The Sheldon Chorale, under the direction of Allen Carl Larson, professor, Music, at The Sheldon Concert Hall. Hufker’s CD collaboration with the Chamber Chorus and Gary Cole, “St. Louis Commissions,” has been entered in this year’s Grammy Awards Competition. A recently completed series of 12 podcasts produced by Hufker will be offered over the next year. The music ensemble, “Ars Antigua,” directed by William Bauer, instructor, Community Music School, can be heard at www.arsantiguapresents.com.
Margaret Ridings, instructor and faculty coordinator, Memphis Naval Supply Activity, Tenn., recently conducted volunteer training for docents for the upcoming Smithsonian Exhibit “New Harmonies,” now touring local cities in Tennessee. Ridings is a member of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, a volunteer organization presenting the exhibit.
Jim Bohn, professor emeritus, Webster University and Southwestern Illinois College, presented a workshop Sept. 16, “2008 Election Issues: Obama & McCain,” at LINC Inc. (Living Independently Now Center) in Belleville, Ill. Bohn discussed the candidates’ stands on the economy, the war in Iraq, civil rights, healthcare and other major issues.
Benjamin Akande, dean, School of Business & Technology, was cited on Aug. 27 in Deb Peterson’s column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for being named one of St. Louis’s “10 Best Dressed” in the September issue of St. Louis Magazine.
Claudia Burris, senior editor and photojournalist, Office of Marketing, was mentioned Sept. 3 in Deb Peterson’s column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as a committee member of the St. Louis Press Club’s recent event to benefit the organization’s new “Tim Russert Journalism Scholarship.”
Joan Finder, coordinator, Undergraduate Admissions, has been voted president-elect of the Missouri Academic Advising Association (MACADA) for 2009–10.
Bethany Keller, international academic advisor, Academic Advising, presented the session, “Effective Communications for Advising International Students,” at the Missouri State Advising Conference at Tan-Tar-A resort in Osage Beach, Mo., in September.
Gina Jensen, assistant director, Forensics and Debate, recently received the Wayne Brown Award for Outstanding Teaching from the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri (STAM). The annual award recognizes an outstanding speech and/or theatre instructor from Missouri each year. STAM’s membership is made up of communication and theater educators, professionals and students. Jensen also serves as an executive officer of the association in her role as editor of the “Journal of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri.”
Gwyneth Williams, professor, History, Politics and International Relations, shared her insights and expertise on the 2008 presidential race on several news outlets during September and October. She discussed Sarah Palin and gender politics on the KDHX-FM radio program “Reality Now,” hosted by Ed Bishop, adjunct professor, School of Communications; took part in a political roundtable on KWMU-FM’s “St. Louis On the Air” program and discussed the role of women voters and candidates in the upcoming election; participated in a panel discussion, “Presidential Election ’08,” broadcast live on HEC-TV (the Higher Education Channel); and was interviewed — along with John Ginsburg, director, University Center and Student Activities — about voter registration on college campuses.
Dan Hellinger, professor, History, Politics and International Relations; and Scott Jensen, professor and director, Debate and Forensics, appeared on several news broadcasts aired on KSDK-TV the week of Oct. 1, discussing the vice presidential debate from a political science and debate perspective. In addition, Hellinger was interviewed Oct. 2 and 3 on KTVI-TV’s morning broadcast. Jensen was on KPLR-TV’s Oct. 1 evening broadcast and KMOX-AM radio’s “Total Information AM” on Oct 15 discussing the presidential debate.
Tyann Cherry, academic advisor; Karen Freeman, coordinator, academic advising and student development; and Tom Nickolai, director of Academic Advising, represented Webster University Academic Advising at the recent National Academic Advising Association NACADA) conference in Chicago. Cherry was invited to serve on a newly established, three-person steering committee for distance education advising. Freeman participated in sessions dealing with business school advising and group advising, as well as the first common reading discussion, “The Under-Estimated Significance of Practitioner Knowledge in the Scholarship on Student Success.” Nickolai participated in the advising administrator’s group, which examined both strategic planning and the history of advising.
Joseph Stimpfl, chair and associate professor, Religious Studies, was a member of the Oct. 9 Webster University/Eden Seminary Religious Studies Roundtable on the Eden Seminary campus. Stimpfl made the presentation: “Conflicts in Religion and Human Rights.”
Jorge Oliver, chair and associate professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, produced a short video feature, commissioned by Paramount Pictures to promote a new feature film, “The Soloist.” The piece focuses on Bryson Gerard, a street musician who performs at the Delmar Loop in St. Louis, and has recently been featured on Current TV, a global cable and satellite TV network. To view the video click here.
Susan Seymour, associate professor, Advertising, was interviewed by KMOX-TV for a story aired Oct. 22. Seymour discussed the advertising strategy behind K-Mart’s recent ad blitz promoting their layaway program during the current consumer market slow-down.
Tom Lang, chair and professor, Art, was the keynote speaker at the Nebraska Art Teachers Association’s annual meeting Oct. 18 at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
Peter Sargent, dean, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, has joined the Professional Theatre Awards Council as an executive board officer for 2008–09. The council, which presents the annual Kevin Kline Awards ceremony, was formed in 2004 to heighten awareness of theater in the St. Louis area by educating youth, building audience and honoring excellence.
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:
SEPTEMBER 2008
Sara Adams, coordinator, Space Coast Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 5 years
Melanie Gottlieb, coordinator, International Recruitment, 5 years
Donna Laskowski, representative, Space Coast Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 5 years
Deborah McWilliams, representative, Online Learning Center, 5 years
Bradly Moser, director, Tampa Bay Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 5 years
Nelson Saucedo, supervisor, Public Safety, 5 years
Karl Sterner, regional director, Denver Metropolitan Campus, Colo., 5 years
Thuy Witt, associate director, Graduate and Evening Student Admissions, 5 years
Bradly Wolaver, instructional support specialist, User Services, 5 years
Raymond Varmecky, technician, Jacksonville Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 10 years
Deborah Aholt, coordinator, Behavioral and Social Sciences, 15 years
Timothy O’Dea, executive director, LIFT Program, Old Post Office Campus, 15 years
Donna Biolchini, coordinator, Academic Affairs, 20 years
James Grogan, maintenance technician, Facilties Operations, 20 years
Lori Diefenbacher, coordinator, School of Education, 25 years
Joan Bornoldt, associate director, Undergraduate Admissions, 25 years
OCTOBER 2008
Shanetta Cross, representative, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, 5 years
Joanne Vogler, grounds supervisor, Facilities Operations, 5 years
William Dyer, public safety specialist, Public Safety, 10 years
Liza Schultheis, public safety specialist, Public Safety, 10 years
Patricia Czech, representative, Orland Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 15 years
Kelly Malone, coordinator, Housing and Residential Life, 15 years
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We extend warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:
SEPTEMBER 2008
Shentilla Ballard, representative, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., 803-666-2254 or Speed Dial #6 121, replaces Cynthia Laumer.
Ronald Branstetter, public safety officer, Public Safety, 314-968-7430, replaces Raymond Bratschi.
Ann Brophy, director, Student Health Services, 314-968-6922, replaces Lisa Sommerhauser.
Amanda Cebula, community relations coordinator, Ocala Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 352-861-9330 or Speed Dial #6 106, replaces Jason Pohlsen.
Saddaf Clevenger, department assistant, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., 573-329-6777 or Speed Dial #6 014, replaces Alicia Daniels.
Jie Fan, department associate, Confucius Institute, 314-246-3246, new position.
Anne Filler, representative, Colorado Springs Metropolitan Campus, Colo., 719-590-7340 or Speed Dial #6 053, replaces Leslie Edmonds.
William Houth, representative, Colorado Springs Metropolitan Campus, Colo., 719-574-7562 or Speed Dial #6 053, replaces Candida Bennett.
Jennifer Hylton, representative, Management, 314-968-7492, replaces Merryl Crivelli.
Brittany Kirk, admissions representative, Graduate and Evening Student Admissions, 314-968-7100, replaces Emma Laheus.
Mary Peterson, community relations coordinator, Community Music School,
314-246-4448, replaces Julie Dwyer.
To learn more about job opportunities at Webster, go to the Human Resources Jobs site.
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The University extends sympathies to Peggy Cox, Academic Affairs, in the loss of her daughter; Debbie West, Public Safety, in the loss of her mother; Ann Wagner, Registrar’s Office, and Michele Boesch, Academic Affairs, in the loss of their father; Dominik Jansky, writer and editor, Marketing, in the loss of his father; Francine Case, Academic Affairs, in the loss of her mother; and to the friends, co-workers and family of Jim Bland, adjunct professor, who taught in the School of Communications broadcast journalism program for 10 years.
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Marianne Kirk, Editor & Photographer
Office of Marketing
MARKETING OFFICE CONTRIBUTORS
Claudia Burris, Sr. Editor & Photojournalist
Casey Conroy, Graphic Designer
Jennifer Gammage, Writer/Editor
Dominik Jansky, Writer/Editor
Patrick Powers, Writer/Editor
Pete McEwen, Technical Advisor
HUMAN RESOURCES CONTRIBUTORS
Betsy Schmutz
Paula Eschmann
Amy Kettlebach