JUNE 2009
President George presents an Honorary Doctor of Letters to commencement speaker and theatre alumnus Rocky Carroll. Photo by Dave Preston
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2009 Commencement at The Muny
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Faculty and Staff Recognition Breakfast Highlights
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Fond Farewells
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Allen Larson Steps Down
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Webster Staff Alliance Celebrates Staff Graduates & New Officers
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Dean's Award Recipients Announced for Spring II
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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
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 The sun shines on Webster's 2009 commencement ceremony at The Muny. Photo by Rebecca Barr |
After greeting and welcoming the graduates and their families, President Neil George conferred honorary degrees to three distinguished guests: David Robertson, musical director of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, received a Doctor of Letters; Hugh Grant, CEO of Monsanto, received an Honorary Doctor of Science; and Rocky Carroll, theatre alumnus and this year's commencement speaker, received a Doctor of Letters.
Facts about the Class of 2009: • There were 7,891 new graduates worldwide. • More than 1,000 attended the ceremony in St. Louis, including 177 from extended campuses. • They came from 119 countries, 48 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. • The oldest graduate, age 79, earned a master's degree in Management from the Sarasota campus. • The youngest graduate, age 20, earned a bachelor's degree in Science at the Geneva campus. • 58 graduates are stationed overseas with the military; two of these attended the ceremony. • 27 Webster staff members were part of the class of 2009, as well as 24 children and spouses of Webster staffers. • More than 10,000 people witnessed the 2009 Commencement ceremonies. • Webster alumni now total over 130,000 worldwide. |
Following Carroll's remarks, President George presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Leyna Nguyen, who earned a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Webster in 1992. She currently works as a broadcast journalist in Southern California, and also is the founder of a non-profit foundation, Love Across The Ocean, which benefits underprivileged children and their families in Vietnam.
Closing the ceremony, President George quoted Anne Frank, who said, "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
To the graduates, he said, "Go now and discover how you can change the world—and change it!"
For more information about Commencement click here.
To view the Commencement slide show click here.
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 Employees with 25 years of service try out their Webster University chairs. From left, front row: Lawrence Acker, adjunct professor, Management; Sue Gold, reference librarian, Library; Susan Halloran, coordinator, Students and Enrollment Management; Joseph Lowry, adjunct professor, Electronic and Photographic Media; and Jeri Pilarsky-Schultz, adjunct professor, Management. Back row: Don Westerfield, professor, Management; Paulette Schmidt, adjunct professor, English; Ann Wagner, representative, Registrar. Photo by Claudia Burris |
George emphasized that the work we do everyday is what makes Webster's mission a reality and makes a difference in the lives of our students. "Whatever contact you had with our graduates, be it direct or indirect, it made a difference in their Webster University experience." George said. "And they will remember."
Invoking the theme celebrated at the fall convocation, President George re-emphasized that a sense of community is one of the things that makes Webster such a special place. He detailed some of the ways community spirit surfaced among faculty and staff during the academic year:
• Welcoming students to campus and creating a nurturing environment and rewarding experience for them;
• Joining with the College of Arts & Sciences to celebrate the International Year of Human Rights;
• Volunteering to help others as part of Webster Works Worldwide;
• Participating in the student-run activities surrounding the ONE Campus Challenge, a national competition among universities to raise awareness concerning extreme poverty and global diseases; and
• "Traveling the world" by taking part in the International Festival.
"We cheered on the Gorloks and raised awareness for breast cancer research," George said. "We celebrated St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo and each other as we gathered to enjoy our colleagues over lunches.
"As a community, you showed tremendous solidarity in coming together to show your philanthropic support for Webster at levels never seen before. Staff participation in the annual fund appeal this year rose considerably over previous years...And as promised, we will extend the Memorial Day weekend to include Friday, May 22."
Turning to the business of the day, George welcomed Webster's two newest staff members: Pam Kaiser, director, Enterprise Information Systems; and Paul Jackson, associate Vice President, Academic Affairs.
The following awards were presented:
2008-09 William T. Kemper Excellence in Teaching Awards recipients:
• Kelly-Kate Pease, associate professor, College of Arts & Sciences
• Larry Baden, associate professor, School of Communications
• Royce Calhoun, adjunct professor, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
• Peter van Krieken, adjunct professor, Leiden, Netherlands
2008-09 Wilma and Roswell Messing Jr. Faculty Award recipient:
• Jeffrey Awada, assistant professor, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts
2008-09 staff retirees:
• Theresa Bohr, coordinator, Academic Affairs
• Deborah Dey, Vice President, Student and Enrollment Management
Both retirees have been appointed University Associate status, a designation given to distinguished staff who retire after having served full-time during most of their career at Webster.
2008-09 Staff Member of the Year
• Dawn McCracken, assistant registrar, Registrar's Office
As George handed the award to McCracken, he said this is a fitting time of year to recognize the woman who makes our graduation process go as smoothly as possible for our graduates every year.
Lastly, George recognized the colleagues who served in constituency leadership positions this year:
• Heather Sweeney, president, Student Government Association
• Bill Lynch, professor, Theatre & Dance, chair of the Faculty Senate
• Caprice Moore, coordinator of operations, School of Business & Technology and chair of Webster Staff Alliance
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At the recognition breakfast, President George acknowledged six faculty members retiring this year, all of whom have been appointed Emeritus status:
• Joyce Bork, associate professor and chair, Biological Sciences
• Seena Kohl, professor, Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Allen Larson, professor, Music
• Bill McConnell, professor, Biological Sciences
• Anna Barbara Sakurai, professor, Math and Computer Science
• Don Westerfield, professor, Business
 Don Westerfield accepts his award from President George at the recognition breakfast. Photo by Claudia Burris |
Anna Barbara Sakurai retires to emeritus status after 45 years as a professor in the Math and Computer Science department.
 President George with Anna Barbara Sakurai at her April 30 farewell reception. Photo by Marianne Kirk |
Bill McConnell, professor, Biological Sciences; and coordinator, Biological Sciences and Education, marks his 44th year with the University as he retires. Deborah Dey, vice president, Students and Enrollment Management, has been with Webster 35 years, first as a professor in the science department, before moving to an administrative position 15 years ago.
 Bill McConnell and Debbie Dey at her farewell reception May 26. Photo by Marianne Kirk |
Joyce Bork, leaves her position as chair and associate professor, Biological Sciences after 16 years with the University.
 Don Conway-Long, chair and associate professor, Behavioral and Social Science, shares a hug with Joyce Bork at her May 5 reception. |
The University community also said goodbye in May to Jennifer Willis, Special Events Coordinator.
 Jennifer Wills, special events coordinator, Executive Office, holds a memory book created and presented by her co-workers. Photo by Cencio Boc |
"Since joining our staff in 2002, Jen has planned and executed hundreds of events that have showcased Webster in the best light possible," said Karen Luebbert, vice president and executive assistant to the president. "Her tireless organization of our annual community service day, Webster Works Worldwide, has garnered much-deserved national attention, and she will be sorely missed."
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After 36 years with Webster University, Allen Larson, music professor and conductor of the Webster Symphony Orchestra, sets down his baton. Not for good, however, as he will continue guest conducting and teaching music as an adjunct professor with emeritus status.
Recently, Inside Webster sat down with Larson to talk about his long career with Webster and his plans for the future.
 Allen Larson says, "Students learn faster and better playing alongside a master." Photo by Marianne Kirk |
Allen Larson: From 1961-73, I was associate professor of music at Park College (now University), where I earned my undergraduate degree in music and music education in 1959. I completed both my master's degree in music education (1961) and a doctorate degree in conducting at Indiana University in Bloomington (1969).
IW: What was Webster like when you arrived in 1973?
AL: First of all, both the Music Department and the then-College were much smaller. We used to meet at (President) Leigh Gerdine's house and the whole faculty fit in. I was hired by Dr. Eloise Jarvis, S.L., who was the department chair at the time. My first week on the job, she asked me to assist with interviewing composers for a replacement position, and we hired Bob Chamberlin. So I've been here just one week longer than Bob.
IW: What are the biggest changes you've seen over the years?
AL: The student body is much larger. When I came, there were about 70 students, and now we're up to 150 graduate and undergraduate students. Another change is that the quality of students has risen, especially in the last 10 years after we became more selective when auditioning students. In addition, the program is stronger due to the strength of the faculty—people like Bob Chamberlin, Paul DeMarinis and the jazz faculty.
We've gone through a number of chairs, including my two stints. Now Jeff Carter is here doing a wonderful job. He's strong musically and organizationally, and he's sensitive and understanding. Those are good qualities in a chair.
From a personal standpoint, I believe the orchestra has improved each and every year. There has never been a plateau or a drop. It's gotten better every year, sometimes better from concert to concert. That's been my experience during the past few years. It's been quite a nice ride.
IW: What have been your biggest challenges?
AL: The orchestra was in very formative stages when I got here. It's a town-gown group of musicians, essentially a three-part orchestra: one third students, one third professionals and one third community volunteers. Some of the professionals are currently with or formerly with the Saint Louis Symphony, and the community volunteers are doctors, lawyers, teachers and Webster graduates who are teaching at area schools. One of my challenges is to juggle these three entities and keep them organized into making music.
The orchestra has gone through growing pains and a number of incarnations, including: The Civic Symphony of Webster Groves, The Metropolitan Orchestra at Webster and The Webster Symphony. In 1994, when Webster University took over operation of the orchestra, it was named The Webster University Symphony.
I believe strongly in the approach of having a professional player play alongside a student musician because students learn faster and better alongside a master. We only have four rehearsals per concert: one just for strings and three full rehearsals. Webster prides itself on being a reality-based university and it's true with this orchestra. Everyone gets the music two weeks in advance, marked and ready to go, and they are expected to show up for rehearsal knowing the music. It's not practice; it's rehearse and refine.
Another challenge has been raising funds. At first we had fund-raising events such as parties and auctions. Eventually we created a Friends of the Webster University Orchestra organization for people who wanted to help the orchestra financially, and we've raised quite a bit of money through that organization. I also became involved with the Buder Foundation, which started a program of music grants and scholarships for young musicians.
IW: How did you go about choosing the music for your last concert?
AL: This whole season I've tried to choose some of my favorite works, which is very difficult because I have so many. Because Bob (Chamberlin) has been such a good friend and I like his work, I commissioned him to write a piece long ago. His work, "Dances, Refrains, and a Song of Hope," was lovely and also fun. People who know him said it had a "Bob kind of quality."
I chose Rimsky-Korsakov's "Capriccio Espangnol" because I fell in love with it when I was just a kid. My brother and I built a Heath Kit amplifier with a soldering iron and an instruction sheet. It was the early days of high fidelity, and "Capriccio Espangnol" was the first piece we played. Our nine-inch oval speaker mounted in an orange crate made such a big sound compared to the small non-hi-fi speakers we had before.
Debbie (Allen's wife) has always loved Stravinsky's "Firebird," as have I. When I was getting to know her, she told me about how her dad woke the family up on Sunday morning by playing "Firebird" at full volume on his stereo. The big boom that happens after a quiet interlude used to scare her when she was little.
I chose Debussy's "Petite Suite" because I wanted something that wasn't big and noisy. The Debussy is a more wistful, sweet kind of piece. Stravinsky was influenced by Debussy's music and studied with Rimsky-Korsakov, so there was a connection between the three composers in my mind.
IW: What have you enjoyed most about your job?
AL: I've enjoyed the continuous growth quality and the talented musicians I've worked with. The Saint Louis Symphony knows that we are the best orchestra in town next to them and we've had soloists and others playing in the orchestra over the years, including Joan Corbin, Robert Mottle, David DeRiso and David Halen.
There have been many wonderful moments, but the last concert—the way the orchestra played—it was magnificent.
IW: What will you do now?
AL: As an adjunct professor with emeritus status, I'll teach conducting, phonic literature and other subjects, and I'm hoping to go to Vienna next spring to teach a symphony course. In the summer of 2007, I founded a professional chorus that will be taking a lot of my attention—the Sheldon Chorale, which consists of 28 singers and a small instrumental ensemble from the Saint Louis Symphony.
I also planned to do some guest conducting and, strangely enough, I received a letter from Newton, Kan., the day after my last concert asking me to conduct a couple of concerts a year for them. What amazing timing. In addition, I plan to do some volunteer work and Debbie and I will be doing a fair amount of traveling.
IW: Any words of wisdom to share?
AL: Be sure you have some interests outside your field. Don't marry your job. Keep your work time and your fun time on the same level, emotionally and spiritually. If you work hard all week and then just play on the weekend, that's a contrast that's tough on your system. I like to make every day as happy as I can—get the work done, and keep my time off at about the same level. I think that's a good thing to do and it's worked for me.
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WSA's May 14 meeting—the last for this academic year—was an occasion to celebrate the 27 staff members who completed their Webster University undergraduate and graduate degrees this spring.
In addition, election results for three open board positions were announced. The WSA board consists of six members who serve two-year terms. Each year, three board members rotate out and are replaced by newly elected officers, while three remain until the next election cycle. In that way, new board members are always working with those who are more experienced.
 Current and former WSA board members; from left, Meredith Daly, Debbie Ray, Caprice Moore, Bethany Keller, Alyce Herndon. |
Continuing to serve are Caprice Moore, chair; Kristi Evans, secretary; and Terri Jones, compensation chair.
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Spring II Dean's Award for Service Recipients Named
Associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students Ted Hoef has selected four students to receive the Dean's Award for Service for Spring II. The award recipients are: Brooke Burgan, Andrew Roberts, Daniela Vayas and Sam Vest.
 From left, Andrew Roberts, Brooke Burgan and Sam Vest display their awards. Photo by Sandy Tomey. |
Brooke Burgan, a sophomore elementary education major from Festus, Mo., was nominated by Sarah Tetley, assistant director, Housing And Residential Life, for her outstanding efforts as president of Webster University's first sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon.
Andrew Roberts, a senior psychology major from University City, Mo., was nominated by Katie McComb, assistant director, Webster Village Apartments. Roberts was nominated for his outstanding efforts as one of the assistant artistic directors of Surfacing, the student playwright festival, for his dedicated service to housing and residential life and for being one of the most active student participants regularly attending campus events.
Daniela Vayas, a junior international relations major from Quito, Ecuador, was nominated by Sarah Tetley, assistant director of housing and residential life, for her outstanding efforts as president of the Residential Housing Association (RHA).
Sam Vest, a junior video production major from Godfrey, Ill., was nominated by Jen Casady, residence hall director, Housing And Residential Life. Vest was nominated for his outstanding efforts as a resident assistant for the first floor in West Hall and for organizing the first-ever Humans vs. Zombies game at Webster. The game took 16 weeks to plan and involved over 100 students, while also building a sense of community on campus.
Spring II Outstanding Student Employee Award Recipients Named
Liz Condon-Oakberg, student employment coordinator, Career Services, has announced the selection of four students to receive the Outstanding Student Employee Award for Spring II. The award recipients are: Carrie Hawkins, Omar Martinez, Timothy Matthews and Coty Tino.
 From left, Omar Martinez, Tim Matthews and Coty Tino, are the proud winners of the Spring II Outstanding Student Employee Award. Photo by Sandy Tomey. |
Carrie Hawkins, a graduate student in finance from House Springs, Mo., was nominated by Tom Hart, director of athletics, for outstanding work as a business manager for the department of athletics.
Omar Martinez, a junior sociology and political science double major from Managua, Nicaragua, was nominated by Maureen Stroer, program coordinator, Career Services, for outstanding work as an office assistant in career services.
Timothy Matthews, a senior accounting major from St. Louis, was nominated by Meg Sempreora, chair and associate professor, English; and Karen Miller, department coordinator, English and Philosophy. He was nominated for outstanding work as a head student office worker in the Pearson House.
Coty Tino, a senior biology major from Johnson City, Tenn., was nominated by Ann Brophy, director, Student Health Services, for excellent work as a student employee in the student health services department.
Up to four students are recognized each term with the Outstanding Student Employee Award, which are presented at a luncheon after the semester ends.
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 A scene from the film "Throw Down Your Heart." |
Webster Film Series is showing an extended run of the film "Throw Down Your Heart," which will be screened Friday, June 5, to Thursday, June 11, at 8 p.m.
This inspiring film documents the travels of American banjo player Bela Fleck as he searches for the origins of his music in Africa. Fleck's adventures take him to Uganda, Tanzania, The Gambia and Mali as he connects with musicians and converses with them through song.
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FEBRUARY 2009
Erin Rivers, marketing coordinator, Marketing, and Allyson Pressman, academic advisor, San Diego Metropolitan Campus, Calif., share the Employee Spotlight Award honors for February.
 Erin Rivers |
In addition to her job with Webster, Rivers is an artist whose abstract works have been exhibited in area galleries since 2002, most recently at the Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis' Soulard area.
Several of Rivers' Marketing office colleagues nominated her for the spotlight award based on the efficient and helpful way she facilitated the department's move from the main campus to 40 Rock Hill Road last fall.
"Moving is never fun for anyone," says a nominator. "Erin's patience, perseverance and cheerful attitude were remarkable. She answered constant questions and concerns and dealt with everything calmly, smoothly and fearlessly."
Rivers has become an invaluable member of the Marketing team, appreciated for her self motivation and the efficiency she brings to all of her assignments.
Rivers says she enjoys the variety and creativity involved in her job. "It's a great feeling knowing that I'm contributing to something that will influence prospective students." She believes that working in other University departments before coming to Marketing has helped the perspective and knowledge she brings to her job.
Rivers chose a day off with pay as her prize.
 Allyson Pressman |
Pressman's nominator describes her as a model employee who is diligent and meticulous about her work. She is valued for her dedication and exceptional customer service provided to students.
"When Allyson first assumed the role of academic advisor, she made it a priority to meet every student to review his or her program plan, her nominator says. "She tracks student progress on a daily basis, providing counseling and encouragement along the way."
"I love working in education and helping students set goals and figure out the classes they need to take to get there," says Pressman. "I also enjoy working with my co-workers; it wouldn't be the same without them."
Pressman says she very much appreciates winning the spotlight award and believes it will keep her motivated to continue working hard.
Pressman chose a day off with pay as her prize.
MARCH 2009
Leona Graham, coordinator, Administration, and Mark Meadows, office manager, Ocala Metropolitan Campus, Fla., are the March winners of the Employee Spotlight Award.
 Leona Graham |
Graham's nominator praises the efficient and timely way she responded to newly acquired responsibilities related to Webster University purchasing cards used by the extended campuses.
Graham designed and hosted three webinar training sessions for extended campuses, which were well done and well received.
"I've always felt the work I do is important to the University," Graham says. "I enjoy the opportunity to work with many people and also the fact that I'm always learning something new."
Graham says one of her best on-the-job experiences was upgrading and reorganizing the workspace used by The Journal staff a few years ago. She found it particularly meaningful because it directly benefited the students and was personally rewarding as well.
"Winning the spotlight award is an honor," says Graham. "I appreciate my fellow employees taking the time and thought to nominate me."
Graham chose a day off with pay as her prize.
 Mark Meadows |
Meadows nominator praises the exceptional service he provides to prospective students, current students, alumni and community agencies. "He continues to go an extra step when needed and always provides a helping hand to others," his nominator says. "Our office runs smoothly with his assistance and dedication."
"Each day on the job is different," Meadows says. "And it's been my true pleasure to be associated with Webster University each and every day."
Meadows says he especially enjoys working with graduate students and watching them progress to graduation. "It's very rewarding to see them complete their coursework and graduate," he says.
The Ocala campus is "small but mighty" according to Meadows. He says the campus operates with great synergy driven by colleagues who share the job of spreading the good word about Webster.
Meadows chose a day off with pay as his prize.
APRIL 09
Lori Sherrill, coordinator, Academic Affairs, and Stephanie Davis, administrative assistant, Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Campus, S.C., are the April winners of the Employee Spotlight Award.
 Lori Sherrill |
Sherrill's nominator credits her with the creation and successful 2008 launch of a newly designed web source for the extended campus staff—a place they can go for information related to every part of their job.
"A major challenge in creating this web resource was developing useful and meaningful content, in particular, numerous tutorials," says the nominator. "Lori conferred with many individuals and departments to revamp and update the Tuition Refund Form and numerous other tutorials which are now part of the Academic Affairs Web site."
"The best way to sum up my job is to say I'm is a professional problem solver," says Sherrill. "Each day I'm provided with opportunities to make a real difference in someone's life or make that day a little easier for them, so I know I'm making positive contributions to individuals and to the University as a whole."
Sherrill especially enjoys the international aspects of her job. "One moment I'm speaking with a staff member in Florida, then a campus director in California, before answering an email from a student in London. Webster's reach is amazing and to be a part of that is very rewarding."
Sherrill chose a day off with pay as her award.
To check out Academic Affairs newly designed resource pages, go to www.webster.edu/academics/oaa/extended.
 Stephanie Davis |
"We have a large program here at Myrtle Beach, and Stephanie is the one who keeps everything running smoothly," says Davis' nominator. "She is consistently diligent about her work, knows nearly every student by name, and often knows what they need before they do. The students and faculty love her."
Davis says the most rewarding aspect of her job is working with the students. "Our weekend format lends itself to a laid-back atmosphere, one where the students can feel at home. It's so rewarding to see them enter the program with doubts and fears about succeeding and then come in to their own, not just getting through, but excelling."
Davis chose the $100 savings bond as her prize.
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Steve Schenkel, professor, Music, was mentioned in a review of the new book, The Freedom To Eat, which appeared in the March 13-19 issue of the Webster-Kirkwood Times for contributing the music for the book's companion CD, "Be Still...and know that I am God."
Bill Barrett, professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, and director of the May Gallery, is quoted in the Spring 2009 issue of PDNedu magazine in an article about being a freelance photographer. The article details Barrett's teaming up with Barrett Baebler, assistant professor, School of Business & Technology, with support from Benjamin Akande, dean, School of Business & Technology, to create an entrepreneurship certificate program focusing specifically on the needs of photography students. The certificate delivers a blend of core entrepreneurial business skills along with key photography skills, providing a foundation for building a photography related business. Barrett gives full credit to Barrett Baebler for developing the certificate program.
Barry Hufker, professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, was guest speaker for an audio recording class at the St. Charles Community College where he discussed the topic of microphone design. He recorded the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus at the Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Florissant, Mo. While recording, Hufker fed audio to the HEC (Higher Education Channel) camera crew for a documentary on the chorus, to air in June as part of the series, "State of the Arts." Hufker recorded the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis' 19th Annual Artists in Training recital and awards presentation hosted by St. Louis station KETC-TV at The Sheldon Concert Hall. He recorded the spring concert of the Bel Canto Chorus of St. Louis at the Parkway United Church of Christ in Town and Country, Mo., and also pianist Mark Laverty's debut at The Sheldon.
Bob Holden, professor, Management, former Mo. Governor and founder of Webster's Holden Public Policy Forum; and Stacy Henning, director, Counseling Worldwide, College of Arts & Sciences, participated in a March 27 mental health forum sponsored by Webster University, KSDK-TV (NBC-Channel 5) and The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. The forum, "Picture This: A Local Approach to Mental Health in St. Louis," included Mo. Congressman Russ Carnahan, as well as KSDK anchors Jennifer Blome and Art Holliday, Charles Brennan of KMOX-AM radio, John Carlton of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Aimee Levitt of the Riverfront Times, Sue Jegger of The Beacon and Joseph Kenny of the St. Louis Review. The event was broadcast live on KSDK-TV's Web site and will be archived on a mental health community resource section on the site.
Webster University was awarded the Outstanding Institutional Achievement Award by the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International (ACCED-I) for our annual community service day Webster Works Worldwide. The award recognizes a significant achievement by an institution in the conference and events field for a single program or event or a long-term development that represents an outstanding milestone, and it must demonstrate a campus-wide effort. More than 18,000 volunteers on the main campus in St. Louis and throughout Webster's extended campus network have participated in the yearly event, which was begun in 1995. Jennifer Willis, special events coordinator, accepted the award on the University's behalf March 24 at the ACCED-I annual conference in Boston, Mass.
Victoria 'Tori' Meyer, assistant professor, Electronic and Photographic Media, won the Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding Sound Design. The awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in the Greater St. Louis Area professional theatre, were presented March 31 in a ceremony at the Loretto-Hilton Center.
Robert Koerber, adjunct professor, Memphis Naval Support Activity, Tenn. co-wrote an article with Mark Luttrell for a three-part series to be published in Sheriff Magazine, "Turning an Abysmal Jail Situation into Winning the National Sheriff's Association Triple Crown." Korber states the article coincides with the new management strategy developed to improve operating conditions at the Shelby County Jail, needed to win accreditation from the American Corrections Association.
Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean, School of Business & Technology, had his "Hope is Not a Strategy" letter with advice to newly inaugurated President Barack Obama featured Jan. 23 as the lead Opinion Section story on the CBS Network News Web site. It also was printed in corpmagazine.com, Michigan's largest magazine, and was picked up by more than 70 regional and national print and online media outlets. Akande's "Dreams Do Come True" commentary, related to Martin Luther King's legacy and the election of Barack Obama, was featured Jan. 19 on the front page of the Anderson Cooper 360 Web site. In February, the St. Louis Business Journal named Akande one of St. Louis' "Most Influential Leaders." His commentary on the "IPOD Generation" was featured as the Soapbox column in the print and online April 5 editions of the Financial Times newspaper. His commentary, "The Power of the Positive," was published in the Commerce Matters column of the April 24 edition of the Ladue News.
Danny Kail, adjunct professor, Memphis Naval Support Activity, Tenn., taught a seminar on recent changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act at the Spring conference of the Tennessee Center for Labor Management Relations in Memphis, Tenn. Approximately 200 professionals from the tri-state area attended the conference.
Carol Nelson, senior director, Memphis Naval Support Activity, Tenn., was inducted as a member of the North America Scholar Consortium Honor Society based on her performance and research in her doctoral studies at the University of Memphis, where she is working on a doctoral degree in Adult Higher Education.
Tyann Cherry, senior academic advisor, Academic Advising, and Webster's Academic Advising Center hosted the first online meeting of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) on April 16. Cherry is a charter member of NACADA's Distance Education Advising Commission.
Steven Miller, adjunct professor, History, Politics and International Relations, received a favorable review of his book, Bill Graham and The Rise of The Republican South, in the April 19 book review section of The New York Times. Miller presented a book reading, discussion and signing April 23 in the Emerson Library on the St. Louis campus.
Thomas Oberlechner, Psychology Department Head, Webster-Vienna, received a Fulbright professorship to further his studies at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) during the 2009 spring and summer terms. As a Fulbright professor and visiting scholar, Sloan will continue his research exploring the importance of psychology in ethical and unethical decision-making in financial markets.
Robert Knight, adjunct professor, Charleston Metropolitan Campus, S.C., recently published the book, Balanced Living: Don't Let your Strengths Become Your Weaknesses. Knight, who has taught in the counseling program at the Charleston campus for 30 years, is a Christian minister and counselor and the former director of the Summerville, S.C., Medical Health Center. For more information about the book click here.
Gwyneth Williams, professor, History, Politics and International Relations, was a guest May 4 on "St. Louis On the Air" on St. Louis radio station KWMU-FM (90.7), discussing President Obama's first 100 days in office.
Robert Lucas, adjunct professor, Orlando Metropolitan Campus, Fla., recently published three works: Customer Service Skills for Success (McGraw-Hill); Engage Your Brain for Learning. InfoLine. (ASTD Publications); and Training Workshop Essentials: Designing, Developing and Delivering Learning Events That Get Results (Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer).
Barbara Seifert, adjunct professor, Orlando Metropolitan Campus, Fla., recently had the article, "How to Communicate with a Boomer," published in the ASTD Chapter Connection (Vol. 6, Issue 3). Seifert had two presentations broadcast on WKMG Channell 6 in Orlando: "How Career Assessment Can Help You Keep Your Job in Today's Economy," March 16; and "How to Leverage Your Skills to Return to the Workforce," March 23.
Deborah Camp, adjunct professor, Memphis Naval Support Activity, was the keynote speaker for the Federal Executive Association's 28th Annual Employees of the Year Awards program in May. In addition, she presented the session, "Critical Thinking and Straight Talk" at the Toastmasters International regional conference at the Fogelman Conference Center, University of Memphis. Camp also led a workshop, "Customer Service for the Non-Profit Sector" for the staff and volunteers at the Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services facility.
Mary Salzman, adjunct professor, Orlando Metropolitan Campus, Fla., recently had her book, Introduction to Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2008, published by Cengage Learning, Inc., in Florence, Ky. In addition she has a contract with John Wiley & Sons for Auditing for Dummies, to be released January 2010.
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The University extends its appreciation to the following individuals who have served the institution for many years:
MARCH 2009
Inocencio Boc, graphic designer, Marketing, 5 years
James Dunn, graphic designer, Marketing, 5 years
Frederick Gilmore, general clerk, Pope Air force Base, N.C., 5 years
Sonia Sigl, representative, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., 5 years
Michelle Boesch, coordinator, Academic Affairs, 20 years
JoAnn Herwig, executive secretary, Faculty Senate Office, 20 years
Rosemarie Rankin, office manager, Fort Bliss, Texas, 20 years
APRIL 2009
Dominik Jansky, writer and editor, Office of Marketing, 5 years
Cheryl Rankin, department secretary, Charleston Metropolitan Campus, S.C., 5 years
Caprice Moore, coordinator operations, School of Business & Technology, 10 years
Christopher Sagovac, instructional support specialist, Media Center, 10 years
Debra Yannotti, director, Palm Bay Campus, Fla., 10 years
Ann Wagner, representative, Registrar's Office, 25 years
MAY 2009
Sherrolyn Bean, office manager, Fayetteville Metropolitan Campus, Ark., 5 Years
Tyann Cherry, senior academic advisor, Academic Advising, 5 Years
Dan Perkins, director, Marketing and Interactive Media, 5 Years
William Simmons, Lab Assistant, Fayetteville Metropolitan Campus, 5 Years
Maureen Stroer, program coordinator, Career Services, 5 Years
Casey Calhoun, technology representative, Jacksonville Metropolitan Campus, Fla. 10 years
Jessica Key, assistant director, Financial Aid, 15 years
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We extend warm welcome to the newest members of the Webster family:
MARCH 2009
Katherine Childress, department assistant, Greenville Metropolitan Campus, S.C., 864- 676-9002 or Speed Dial #6 098, replaces Tonya Thompson.
Matthew Burger, technician, User Services, 314-246-8745, replaces Emir Alisi.
Cristina Phillips, director, Jacksonville Metropolitan Campus, Fla., 904-268-3037 or Speed Dial #6 099, replaces Pat Sager.
Steven Crayton, general clerk, Brooks Air Force Base, Tex., 210-674-0014 or Speed Dial #6 069, replaces DaVonna Chambers
Aida Starcher, general clerk, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 210-226-3373 or Speed Dial #6 027, replaces Lori Solis.
APRIL 2009
Blerina Polovina, department associate, Undergraduate Admissions, 314-246-7860,
replaces Mary DeVasto.
Julie Neidenbach, department assistant, Financial Aid, 314-246-8043, replaces Heather Hauck.
Ann Kimbrough, director, Little Rock Metropolitan Campus, Ark., 800-828-2598 or Speed Dial #6 064, replaces Jerry Peters.
Tiffany Smith, faculty development specialist, Faculty Development Center, 314-246-8608, replaces Mary Katherine Sprague.
Timothy Bloom, faculty development coordinator, Faculty Development Center, 314- 246-7867, replaces Bill Dyer.
Lisa Muex-Sisson, representative, Academic Affairs, 314-246-7949, replaces Megan West.
Paul Jackson, associate vice president, Academic Affairs, 314-246-8697, replaces Jim Staley.
MAY 2009
Pamela Kaiser, director, Enterprise Information Systems, 314-246-7758, replaces Jason Williams.
Angela Crisamore, department assistant, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, 210-674-0014 or Speed Dial #6 078, replaces Judy Olivier.
Jeanelle Wiley, administrative assistant to the president, Executive Office, 314-968-6996, replaces Mary Birkenmeier.
Michael King, coordinator, Mail and Copy Solutions, 314-968-7620, replaces Buck West.
Anna Lavender, department associate, Colorado Springs Metropolitan Campus, 719- 590-7340 or Speed Dial #6 053, replaces Tiffany Noe.
To learn more about job opportunities at Webster, go to the Human Resources Jobs site.
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The University extends sympathies to Dawna Ferreia, School of Education, on the loss of her grandfather; Marty Todt, Athletics, on the loss of his mother; Karen Quinn, Finance, on the loss of her mother-in-law; Mary Walls, Information Technology, on the loss of her father; Ginnie Schuermann, Information Technology, on the loss of her mother; Jennifer Willis, former special events coordinator, Executive Office, on the loss of her father; Pam Lewis, Facilities Operations, on the loss of her brother; Ralph Olliges, School of Education, on the loss of his nephew; Paula Eschmann, Human Resources, on the loss of her grandfather; Lori Henry, Patrick Air Force Base, on the loss of her stepmother; Erin Rivers, Office of Marketing, on the loss of her grandmother; Debra Yannotti, Palm Bay Campus, on the loss of her father; and Alyce Herndon, Management, on the loss of her stepfather.
Sympathies are also extended to the colleagues, friends and family of Don Love, professor, School of Business & Technology; Julia Walsh, retired professor, History, Politics and International Relations; and Vicky Sager, former employee with Human Resources.
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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
Lisa Scott