Current Issue: Volume 16 - Number 20 - Feb.15, 2002
Spring enrollment hits an all-time high Official spring semester census figures indicate the highest-ever spring semester enrollment and credit hours taken in the history of the college. Delores Honey, Assessment and Institutional Research, reports that spring enrollment is 5,504, an increase of 164 students or over 3% compared to last spring. She says the enrollment figure is the highest spring semester enrollment Missouri Southern has ever recorded. Students enrolled in a total of 62,503 semester hours, the largest number for the spring semester in MSSC history and 2,156 more hours than the same time last year. "Students are recognizing not only the high quality of an education at Missouri Southern, but also our continued affordability," Delores says. "Even when the economy is not the best, MSSC remains one of the nation's best education values."
Pajama Game to produce steam heat Feb. 20-23
Sewing machines and union marches work together to produce steam heat when Southern Theatre and the Music Department present Abbott and Bissell's musical comedy, Pajama Game, at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 20-23 in Taylor Performing Arts Center. Alex Pinkston, Theatre, directs the show. Bud Clark, Music, is musical director and Gerrie-Ellen Johnston, Theatre, is choreographer. In the seemingly peaceful world of the 1950s, employees request a 7 ½ cent raise at the Sleep-Tite pajama factory. This Tony Award-winning show produced the hit songs Hey There, You with the Stars in Your Eyes, Hernando's Hideaway. Pinkston says the crew is spending a full two weeks (including weekends) building the sets for Pajama Game. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for each performance. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, high school and students from other colleges, $3 for a group of 15 or more or MSSC faculty/staff and $2 for MSSC students with I.D. For reservations call (417) 625-3190.
Today's Brown BagDon't miss today's Brown Bag Lunch, Feb. 15. The presenter will be Larry Cebula, Social Sciences, speaking on A Colonial Abortion Drama. The presenation will present some of Larry's research regarding women, reproduction and murder in 18th century New England. The presentation will be from 12:10 -12:50 p.m. in Room 319, Billingsly Student Center. Pick up your free lunch at the mini-buffet outside of BSC 310. Free lunches are provided as a courtesy of Academic Affairs and AmeriServe Food Management Services.
Espoir (Hope) to show in Matthews Hall
The remarkable quasi documentary, Espoir, also known as Hope, is the sixth program in the current series presented by the Missouri Southern Film Society. The filmmaker/novelist, Andre Malraux, documented the struggle of Loyalist pilots against fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. He also flew 65 missions and was wounded twice in crash landings. During this time he wrote Man's Hope, an account of his experiences during the summer and fall of 1936. While raising money for the Loyalist cause in 1937, he decided to adapt a few episodes from his novel for the screen. A lavender print was found to have escaped the systematic destruction by the Nazis.The Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, and the Missouri Southern Institute of International Studies have provided financial assistance for this project. The film will be shown at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19 in Matthews Hall Auditorium on the MSSC campus. Single admission at the door is $1.50 for adults and $1 for senior citizens or students with I.D.
Health Fair promotes healthly lifestyles & more
The Wellness Office will sponsor this year's Health Fair on Feb. 26, 27 and 28th. The event will be held each day from 7-10 a.m.on the 3rd Floor, Billingsly Student Center. The purpose is to pomote the awareness of healthy lifestyles, early detection of disease and preventive care options. Donna O'Keefe, Wellness Director, says the screenings are not intended to be used for diagnostic purposes but to identify areas, if any, appropriate for you to follow up with your personal physician. Blood work and hemoccult (colon cancer screens) are available at no charge to faculty/staff. Tests available for an additional cost include PSA screening for prostate cancer, thyroid screening, complete blood counts and urinalysis.
Thinking about financial aid?
Cheryl Dobson, Financial Aid, says students interested in applying for summer financial should stop by the Financial Aid Office as of March 1. She says Pell Grants are not available for the summer semester and it does not appear SEOG or Perkins loan funds will be available for summer applicants. Students must enroll in at least three credit hours to apply for aid. (Intersession classes do not qualify for aid). She says those wanting financial aid for the 2002-2003 academic year should apply as soon as 2001 tax returns are completed. The "Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)" should be applied for on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To be considered for Missouri state aid, the FAFSA must be received by the Department of Education no later than April 1. To hold fees, results must be received here no later than July 1.
A final interview with Jim Lobbey
Jasper County Clerk Jim Lobbey is remembered by many for his years in broadcasting and service to the community. During an interview taped just days before he suffered his fatal heart attack, Lobbey shared some behind-the-scenes looks at his life and hobby of leather making. The interview will air at a special time, 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18 on KGCS-TV's Visions Unlimited. During the program, Lobbey shows some of his handiwork found in items such as holsters, knife sheaths, and chaps. He talks about the process of leather making and why he finds it so enjoyable. Betty Marty hosts the program. Visions Unlimited is produced by members of the Retired Senior Volunteer program working at KGCS-TV.
FACULTY/STAFF NOTES
Carolyn Billingsley, secretary for the college president, has announced her retirement. A special reception was held Thursday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in Hearnes Hall for her many friends and co-workers to observe the occasion. Best wishes to Carolyn in her future pursuits.The Management Development Institute is offering computer software workshops at a 30% discount to MSSC employees. Karen Bradshaw, MDI says the discounted price is $52 per person. A list of the computer workshops and additional spring 2002 workshop offerings were e-mailed to all employees several days ago. To register to attend a workshop, please call ext. 3128.
Catherine Cole, Nursing, says a group of six nursing students and two faculty are traveling to Jefferson City on Feb. 18, for the 16th Annual Nurse Advocacy Day, sponsored by the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA). The purpose of this event is to provide an introduction to the political process. It helps expose students to the process at the grassroots level. .
Scott Cragin, Business, facilitated a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis by the board of directors of the Children's Center of Southwest Missouri, Feb. 12. The analysis will aid in the development of a strategic plan for the Center.
Darren Fullerton, Campus Recreation & Wellness, was recently appointed to the Missouri State Service Council of the American Red Cross. The State Service Council oversees Red Cross services and programs in the state.
Phyllis Gatliff, Music, and Gerrie-Ellen Johnston, Theatre, both presented workshop sessions at the MSSC Early Childhood Conference, "Accent on the Arts," that was held on Saturday, Feb. 9. The conference was coordinated by Amber Tankersley, Child Development Center and Karen Bigbee, Teacher Education.
Debbie Spurlin, Business, was elected "Board Member of the Year for 2001" by the Board of Directors for Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Jasper & Newton Counties. The BB-BSA structure provides a preventive, developmental approach opposed to targeting specific problems. The organization in Jasper and Newton Counties is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to matching children ages six through fourteen from single parent or extended family homes with a caring adult. The 1996 Leadership Joplin Class organized Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Jasper and Newton Counties. Over the past decade mentoring has gained enormous respect and support. An impact study showed positive results for a mentoring program: Children involved in the program are far less likely to succumb to alcohol, drugs or other negative behaviors. Debbie says both the Jasper and Newton Counties organizations need of male and female volunteers. Also, don't forget about the US CELLULAR BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE benefitting Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Jasper and Newton Counties slated for March 2. For information call (417) 626-9244.
Cindy Webb, Campus Recreation & Wellness, has completed the certification and educational requirements for the American College of Sports Medicine Health & Fitness Instructor Program.
CLASSIFIED
For Sale:2 Yamaha Wave Runners, one 1993 three-seater, one 1994 two-seater plus new trailer, very few hours on both. $4,000. For information, call ext. 9770.
Last Chance: To buy a new Dean guitar and case for $250, firm. Ext. 9506.
