DECEMBER 2008
From left, Dwight Erdbruegger, Commerce Bank; Sally Roth, Regions Bank; Bob Witterschein, Southwest Bank; Benjamin Akande; Tom Chulick, UMB Bank; Julie Stackhouse, The Federal Reserve Bank; and Allan Ivie IV, The PrivateBank. Photo by Claudia Burris
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Banking Executives Forum Addresses Financial Crisis
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Fall II Dean’s Award Recipients Announced
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‘Bittersweet Winds: Honor & Prejudice:
Perspectives of the Native Americans’ World’
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Maria Hall Renovation Celebrated
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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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A perfect financial storm, billion-dollar bailouts and corporate shotgun marriages were some of the topics discussed Nov. 19 by St. Louis banking executives in a forum hosted by the School of Business & Technology.
The forum moderated by Dean Benjamin Akande was part of the School’s Maritz Success to Significance Speakers Series.
“Today we have invited some of St. Louis’ very best and brightest in the banking community to join us in a candid conversation on the banking crisis and what is being done to help us move forward,” Akande said as he introduced the panel members:
• Thomas Chulick, chairman and chief executive officer, UMB Bank;
• Dwight Erdbruegger, executive vice president, Commerce Bank;
• Allan Ivie, president and chief operating officer, The PrivateBank;
• Sally Roth, president, Regions Financial Corp.;
• Julie Stackhouse, senior vice president and managing officer, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis;
• Robert Witterschein, chief executive officer and president of commercial banking, Southwest Bank.
 The banking forum attracted a standing-room-only crowd in the Sunnen Lounge. Photo by Claudia Burris. |
Akande said he believes the current financial crisis is the result of a perfect storm created by a number of factors, including loose monetary policy, years of negative real interest rates in a growing economy and a socially engineered housing policy.
His first question for the panel asked about their perspectives on what was the $25 billion request by the “Big Three” automakers.
Bailout for the Big Three?
The panel members generally agreed the best course of action for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler would be to file bankruptcy rather than receive a bailout from the federal government.
“I think the proposed money coming in from the government would simply be a band-aid,” said Allan Ivie of The PrivateBank. “It’s not going to address the underlying problems, which are higher costs and the retiree health insurance situation. The only way for the Big Three to really resolve their problems and remake their business model is to file Chapter 11, reorganize and come back stronger.”
Commerce Bank’s Dwight Erdbruegger pointed out declaring bankruptcy could put the automakers’ suppliers and the other companies they do business with — and the jobs they support — in jeopardy.
“Although Chrysler was successful for 30 years after their first bailout, they’re back again,” Erdbruegger said. “Whatever should have been fixed didn’t get fixed, so government bailout probably isn’t the solution. But I’m not sure bankruptcy is the right approach either.”
“When you talk to senators and congressmen in districts that have manufacturing facilities for Toyota, Honda, BMW and Mercedes, those districts are doing well and their people are reasonably employed,” UMB’s Thomas Chulick said. “What are they doing that the others aren’t?”
“We need to get back to some moral compass with respect to accountability,” Chulick added. “There has to be some ownership and accountability in whatever package gets put through, whether it’s Chapter 11 or not.”
Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP)
Several institutions represented at the forum applied for TARP funds, while others chose not to for a variety of reasons. Julie Stackhouse, of the Federal Reserve Bank, said to keep in mind TARP is a temporary support for healthy banks and not a bailout of failing banks.
“The name of the game is restoring confidence in the financial sector,” said Southwest Bank’s Robert Witterschein. “This program will do that because the institutions that are recipients are deemed to be strong already, which should restore confidence in the system.”
Erdbruegger said TARP is an injection of capital that will buy time to work out some of the issues, which is what the banking system needed more than anything. “The next year is going to be challenging, to say the least,” he said. “And TARP gives the banking system the ability to get through it.”
Allan Ivie said The PrivateBank intends to use the funds to support rapid growth. “From our perspective, any TARP money that we might qualify for is an inexpensive form of new capital, and we need capital because we’ve been growing so rapidly,” said Ivie. “I feel very comfortable that the government and the shareholders will earn a return on that investment, and I think the banks will be able to pay that return in the not-too-distant future.”
St. Louis Banks in ‘Good Shape’
“Here in St. Louis, we have a very strong banking industry,” Stackhouse said. “We have many that are very strong and well capitalized, so from the standpoint of people who need and deserve credit, I’m confident that it’s going to be there.”
Erdbruegger and Witterschein agreed with Stackhouse. “One of the things we are suffering from right now is a period of time when credit was cheap, easy and over-abundant,” said Erdbruegger. “In our view … most banks have taken the last six months to tighten their lending standards. It doesn’t mean they’re not lending, but they are tightening up the standards that you have to meet in order to qualify for a loan.”
Witterschein added, “I know our bank and I know the rest of the banks that we compete against are lending money. We’re asking a few more questions than we did a year ago, but there is sufficient liquidity in St. Louis to make loans, not only to businesses, but to consumers.”
To learn more and view a video of the forum click here.
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Ted Hoef, associate vice president, Student Affairs, and dean of students, announces the Fall II St. Louis campus recipients of the Dean’s Award for Service and the Dean’s Outstanding Student Employee Award.
Members of the University community nominate students for the quarterly awards, which recognize students’ exceptional service to the University. Hoef emphasizes that students chosen to receive the Dean’s Award for Service are evaluated for a broad range of service contributions, both on and off campus.
Recipients of the Fall II Dean’s Award for Service are:
Tatenda Chibanga, a junior biology major from Harare, Zimbabwe, was nominated by Jennifer Casady, residence hall director, Housing and Residential Life, for his outstanding service to the campus and the community through his roles as a resident assistant, president of the National Residence Hall Honorary, active member of Socceroos and volunteer coach for an elementary school soccer team.
Mackenzie (Mac) Ingram, a senior political science major from Frankfort, Ky., was nominated by Sarah Tetley, assistant director, Housing and Residential Life, for his outstanding efforts during the 2008 presidential election. Ingram organized Rock-the-Vote activities, providing educational programs about the election and helping assist the record voter turnout among Webster students.
Marissa Lewis, a sophomore graphic design major from St. Louis, was nominated by LaShana Lewis, help desk assistant shift leader, User Services, for volunteer work as an intern in the role of assistant media coordinator for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender (LGBT) Community Center of Metropolitan St. Louis; for helping with the center’s grand opening; and for her on-campus role as an officer for the Association of African-American Collegians.
Christina Warden, a junior psychology major from Florissant, Mo., was nominated by Gladys Smith, assistant director, Counseling and Life Development. Warden was nominated for her efforts at the North County Intergroup Office for Alcoholics Anonymous and for providing 12-step recovery assistance and sponsorship for individuals in recovery, both on campus and in the local community.
The Dean’s Outstanding Student Employee Award recognizes students who perform superior work for the department where they are employed and for the University as a whole.
Recipients of the Fall II the Dean’s Outstanding Student Employee Award are:
Maegan Bowersox, a senior majoring in education and history from St. Louis, was nominated by Melissa Hogan, financial aid counselor, Financial Aid, for her outstanding work as a counselor assistant in the Financial Aid office.
Sam Hargrove, a freshman journalism major from Warrenton, Mo., was nominated by Sarah Tetley, assistant director, and Jennifer Casady, residence hall director, both with Housing and Residential Life. Hargrove was nominated for his outstanding customer service assistance in the housing office.
Hannah Ingram, a junior music education major from Noblesville, Ind., was nominated by Lilo Whitener-Fey, department assistant, Undergraduate Admissions, for her outstanding work as a Gorlok Guide Supervisor in undergraduate admissions.
Satsuki Kizaki, a senior international studies major from Japan, was nominated by David West, coordinator and office manager, International Recruitment and International Services, for her excellent work as a data clerk for the international recruitment and services department.
Formal recognition of the awards will take place at a luncheon for recipients and their nominators to be held in January.
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 Richie Plass and Bittersweet Winds exhibit |
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 Student Daniela Vayas displays the Maria Hall time capsule. Photo by Claudia Burris |
“The time capsule now contains pictures, floor plans, ‘thankful for Maria Hall’ notes and a music CD,” said Sarah Tetley, assistant director, Housing and Residential Life. “More items are welcome and can be sent to the main housing office in West Hall.”
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 Men’s basketball team in action. |
President Neil George invites Webster staff, faculty and students to join him Jan. 5 to celebrate Webster’s community spirit as the Gorlok basketball teams take on the Washington University Bears.
 Julie McGirl dribbles the ball down court. |
GO TEAMS!!!
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OCTOBER 2008 SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Lorraine LiCavoli, department associate, Theatre and Dance, and Oliver Schindler, business manager, Vienna Campus, share the Employee Spotlight honors for October.
 Lorraine LiCavoli |
She is especially appreciated for her organizational skills, positive attitude and exemplary work ethic. “In the short time Lorraine has been here, the change in efficiency, communication and student and faculty support has been remarkable,” says a nominator. “She has brought a wonderful spirit and expertise to the job.”
“She greets everyone with a smile, runs things efficiently (not easy to do with two departments, six program heads, 13 full-time faculty and many more adjuncts),” another nominator says. “We can’t imagine what we did before Lorraine worked here.”
LiCavoli says the department is one big family that welcomed her with open arms. “I love the camaraderie and familiarity within the department,” she says.
A former theatre and dance student herself, LiCavoli says the transition from student to associate has been interesting, as well as getting used to former professors becoming colleagues. She enjoys interacting with the students and sharing advice from her days in the program.
“I enjoy working with and helping the students and faculty,” LiCavoli says. “I am proud and humbled that such amazing and remarkable people nominated me.”
LiCavoli chose the $100 savings bond as her prize.
Oliver Schindler has been finance manager in the Finance Department at Webster’s Vienna campus for 11 years. His reliability and strong work ethic are valued by his co-workers.
“Oliver has consistently performed at an exceptional level and taken on increasing responsibility — from budget and finance — to human resource management — to facilities management,” says his nominator.
“As a branch campus with 500 students and many faculty and staff members, it is invaluable to have one person who can take care of all these areas effectively, with professionalism, courtesy and good cheer.”
Schindler enjoys the diversity of tasks he’s involved in, “including the routine tasks, as well as reviewing, planning and providing information and recommendations for a wide range of areas.”
He also enjoys working at Webster’s Vienna campus. “There’s a good atmosphere here, an international community of staff, faculty and students,” he says. “And the feeling that you do make a difference.”
Schindler chose a day off with pay as his prize.
NOVEMBER 2008 SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Peggy Peel, coordinator of teacher certification, School of Education, and Diana Simmons, representative, Fort Sam Houston Campus, Texas, are the November winners of the Employee Spotlight Award.
 Peggy Peel |
Peel worked for several months with new student applicants during the day and worked evenings and weekends organizing the office systems and files for both the student placement office and the teacher certification office.
“Peggy knew the job had to be done and she did it,” says Peel’s nominator. “This kind of dedication goes way beyond what we should expect from an employee.”
During her career with Webster, Peel has always worked in the School of Education, which was the Education Department when she started. “I’ve been here through so many changes in the School of Education and the University,” she says.
Peel is proud of being an original member of the Webster Staff Alliance (WSA) and serving as president of the organization, in addition to other positions on its board. “I’m very pleased to see WSA’s influence, including the expansion of staff benefits and the improved communication with administration.”
The most rewarding part of Peel’s job is helping students. Her personal goal is to make their experience with Webster is a little better because of something she does for them.
Peel appreciates the support she has had over the years from the faculty and staff in her department. “I have the best co-workers in the University,” she says. “Through good times and bad, they have always there for me.”
Peel chose the $100 savings bond as her prize.
Diana Simmons’ nominator says, “Diana is a highly productive employee and a powerful asset to the University. She is an expert at focusing time and energy in a meaningful manner, and the end result is outstanding, time-saving products.”
 Diana Simmons with Fort Sam’s Christmas tree, decorated with Gorloks and topped with the “Webster world.” |
“I was getting more and more questions from students regarding the practicum procedures, so I put together a manual that addresses those issues.” Simmons says. She mailed each counseling student a copy.
Simmons’ nominator praises her preparation of the Texas Workforce Commission annual report, which is required by the state in order to offer courses to veterans. “Diana’s report is flawless,” her nominator says.
In addition to her excellent job skills and high productivity, Simmons’ co-workers appreciate “the positive attitude, team spirit, enthusiasm and pride she brings each day.”
Simmons returns the appreciation, saying, “The folks I work with in the Fort Sam office and the other Webster San Antonio offices (Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base) are the best.”
She particularly enjoys helping the active duty students, especially the soldiers who call “from as far away as Iraq.”
Simmons chose the $100 savings bond as her prize.
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Sam Bresler, adjunct professor, San Diego Metropolitan Campus, Calif., served as a judge for Workplace Excellence Awards, bestowed by the San Diego Society for Human Resource Management. This is Bresler’s third stint as a judge for the awards, which are given to highlight the success that good public relations practices can make to an organization.
Dawn Glasmeier, department associate, Memphis Naval Support Activity, Tenn., completed the first course of nine in Cyber Security with ACT online. The ACT online content was developed by the University of Memphis Center for Information Assurance Education, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Glasmeier joined the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) in August. ASIS offers education programs and materials that address broad and specific security interests.
Connie McConnaha, office manager, Memphis Naval Support Activity, Tenn., received the Toastmasters International organization’s highest award — the Advanced Communicator Gold recognition. A member of Toastmasters International since 2003, Mcconnaha currently serves as president of the local club NSA Mid-South Toastmasters and works at the district level that serves the tri-state area.
Barry Hufker, professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, completed four recording sessions with the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Produced by Gary Cole and conducted by Phillip Barnes, the recordings are for a CD to be released in 2009 by Regents Records in Great Britain. Hufker also recorded a performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ opera, “Samson and Delilah,” the first production of the 2008–09 season of New Opera Saint Louis. The recording will be the soundtrack for a DVD of the opera.
Danny Kail, adjunct professor, Memphis Naval Support Activity, Tenn., conducted a comprehensive review of a new required state ethics policy to 13 elected officials of Shelby County. In addition, he trained nearly 300 county executives on the ethics policy and co-authored and taught a sexual harassment course to approximately 1,000 management level employees of the Shelby County Government.
John Dukes, adjunct professor, Charleston Metropolitan Campus, S.C., recently earned a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of South Carolina. He has been with the campus since 1982.
Gregory Meyer, adjunct professor, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., received the Air Force Research and Development Award for his work in the development and testing of an innovative imagery processing algorithm, the Weighted Adaptive Interactive Statistical Threshold (WAIST). A major in the Air Force, Meyers is the flight commander for the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron.
Jeffrey Carter, chair, Music, will conduct his first concert for the Gateway Men’s Chorus Dec. 12 and 13 at the Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis. Carter was clinician and conductor Nov. 15 for the East Central Missouri district Honor Choir in Arnold, Mo.
Judy Skeen, adjunct professor, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., was inducted as an honorary commander Oct. 25 into the 2-year Fighter Country Partnership Program. The joint program between Luke AFB and the Fighter Country Partnership Program allows military commanders and personnel to learn more about the communities where they are located. An honorary commander is recognized as a community or business leader who commits to support Luke AFB’s mission and to locate resources to accomplish the Honorary Commander program objectives.
Scott Jensen, professor and director of Forensics, and the forensic and debate team competed at the Rowdy Aggie Classic in November at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. The 3-day weekend had events hosted by Texas A&M as well as McNeese State University. The Webster team won the tournament’s debate and overall sweepstakes team categories and finished third in the individual events team category. They finished second in individual events at McNeese and second overall in the weekend swing sweepstakes competition.
Don Corrigan, professor, Communications and Journalism, was honored in his role as editor-in-chief of the Webster-Kirkwood Times newspaper, which received the 2008 Elijah P. Lovejoy award for contributions to the community. Corrigan shares the award with the weekly publication’s publisher Dwight Bitikofer and managing editor Kevin Murphy.
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:
NOVEMBER 2008
Lucy Bodet, department assistant, School of Communications, 5 years
Marla Hauser, department assistant, Development, 5 years
Elizabeth Richie, Library Reference Assistant, Library, 5 years
Zahra Tarokh, Technician, Kansas City Metropolitan Campus, Mo., 5 years
Janice Neal, Bursar, Bursar/Cashier Office, 10 years
DECEMBER 2008
Diane Jeffery, 5 Years, business technology specialist, Administrative Information Systems, 5 years
James Gallogly, accounting assistant, Collections, 5 years
Donald Johnson, general clerk, San Diego Metropolitan Campus, Calif., 15 Years
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We extend warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:
OCTOBER 2008
Frances Maher, academic advisor, Academic Advising, 314-246-7767, replaces Thuy Witt.
Lee Chalmers, community relations coordinator, Fayetteville Metropolitan Campus, Ark., 479-571-1511 or Speed Dial #6 110, replaces Andrew Doss.
Doug Buscher, general maintenance technician, Facilities, 314-968-6904, replaces Tim Meeks.
Jennifer Jekel, department assistant, Financial Aid, 314-246-7796, replaces Nicole Ibrahmi.
Claranell Williams, department assistant, Fort Stewart, Ga., 912-876-8080 or Speed Dial #6 092, replaces Cassandra Keaton.
Eve-Ann Cox, training and support specialist, Online Learning Center, 314-246-8754, new position.
NOVEMBER 2008
Angela Ruble, coordinator, Information Technology, 314-246-8685, replaces Mark Koehler.
Christina Shepherd, department assistant, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., 573-329-6777 or Speed Dial #6 014, replaces Valerie Sturgill.
Schronie Allen, representative, Palm Bay Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 321-956-6700 or Speed Dial #6 103, replaces Cara McCoy.
Estera Leto, representative, Colorado Springs Metropolitan Campus, Colo., 719-590-7340 or Speed Dial #6 053, replaces William Houth.
Tiffany Noe, secretary, Colorado Springs Metropolitan Campus, Colo., 719-590-7340 or Speed Dial #6 053, replaces Michelle Erlacher.
DECEMBER 2008
Timothy Healy, groundskeeper, Facilities, 314-968-6904, replaces Geoffrey Janovsky.
Kristin Koesterer, coordinator, Information Technology, 314-246-8738, new position.
To learn more about job opportunities at Webster, go to the Human Resources Jobs site.
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The University extends sympathies to Tom Hart, Athletics, on the loss of his father; Larry Haffner, Information Technology, on the loss of his mother; Brian Merkel, Online Learning Center, on the loss of his father; Chris Bunch, Athletics, on the loss of his mother; Ron McClendon, Networking and Technical Services, on the loss of his mother; Tyann Cherry, Academic Advising, on the loss of her grandfather; Francine Case, Academic Advising, on the loss of her brother; Kathleen Crabdree, Administration, on the loss of her husband; and to the family, friends and colleagues of former adjunct professor, Lou Lewis.
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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