Current Issue: Volume 21 - Number 8 - March 3, 2006
Dennis Weaver, actor, environmentalist, Southern alumnus, dies at 81
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Actor, environmentalist, alumnus and longtime supporter and friend of Missouri Southern, Dennis Weaver, has died. Dennis died of complications from cancer Friday, Feb. 24, at his home in Ridgway, Colo. He was 81.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gerry (Stowell), who also attended Joplin Junior College, sons Rick, Rob and Rusty, daughters-in-law Judith and Madison, and grandchildren Jennifer, Travis and Jess.
Born June 4, 1924 in Joplin, he attended MSSU’s predecessor, Joplin Junior College, in 1943, before interrupting his education to join the Naval Air Corps. He later graduated from the University of Oklahoma.
On television he played the affable deputy Chester Goode in the TV classic western Gunsmoke and the New Mexico deputy solving New York crime in McCloud. He starred in nine television series and won an Emmy in 1959 for his role in Gunsmoke. He earned two more Emmy nominations for Gentle Ben and McCloud.
“We express our sorrow for the passing of a close friend of the University,” said MSSU President Julio S. León. “Our sympathies go out to his wife, Gerry, and the other members of his family.”
He and his wife, Gerry, established the Institute of Ecolonomics in 1993. Ecolonomics is a word Dennis coined to illustrate the necessary synergy between a healthy ecology and a vibrant economy in order to create a sustainable future. The Institute of Ecolonomics has been headquartered at Missouri Southern since August 2005.
In 1997, officials from Missouri Southern participated with Dennis in the "Ecolonomics in Education Summit" in Tennessee. That meeting resulted in the formation of a working group composed of faculty from business and economics, biology, and social sciences departments who developed a 13-credit certificate program in ecolonomics and sustainability at Missouri Southern.
“I think he was an exceptional individual. He really believed in what he advocated for so many years about ecology and sustainability,” said John Messick, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at MSSU, where the Institute is housed.
Rob Wood, Executive Director of the Institute of Ecolonomics, headquartered at MSSU, said he was “extremely saddened” by the death.“He was a pioneer in many ways, but especially in the field of economic and environmental sustainability. It was his passion. We will be proud to carry on his work here at Missouri Southern.”
In 1966, Dennis starred in Gentle Ben, about a family that adopts a bear as a pet, which aired for two seasons. He then played Sam McCloud, which Weaver called "the most satisfying role of my career." The McCloud series ran from1970-1977. His wild-west tactics irritated the big city policemen, but he always solved the case. Dennis also appeared in several movies, including Touch of Evil, Ten Wanted Men, Gentle Giant, Seven Angry Men, Dragnet, Way ... Way Out and The Bridges at Toko-Ri.
He also performed in the 1971 TV classic Duel directed by the young Steven Spielberg. From 1973 to 1975, he was president of the Screen Actors Guild.
He served as World War II Navy pilot and in 1948, tried out for the US Olympic team to compete in the decathlon. After he failed to make the team, his college friend Lonny Chapman, also a Joplin Junior College alumnus, convinced him to go to New York City to break into acting. His first role on Broadway came as understudy to Chapman as Turk Fisher in Come Back, Little Sheba. He eventually took over the role from Chapman in the national touring company. Dennis Weaver signed a contract with Universal Studios in 1952.
Clint Howard, brother of director Ron Howard, said in an AP story that Weaver introduced his parents, Jean Speegle and Rance Howard, in 1947 when all three were attending a university drama program. Ron Howard played the part of Opie on The Andy Griffith Show. Actor Don Knotts, who played the part of Barney Fife on the show, died the same day as Dennis Weaver.
"Because of Dennis, Ron and I exist ... Dennis was a great guy," said Clint Howard.
Dennis Weaver's star on the “Walk of Fame” is at 6822 Hollywood Boulevard.
Dennis’ autobiography is titled All the World’s a Stage. In that, he concludes, “Tomorrow’s children await our answer. Tomorrow’s world awaits our creation. Join me today, for the sake of tomorrow. Thank you for caring. Love, Dennis.”
The family announced that those wishing to support Dennis Weaver’s vision for a sustainable future may contribute to The Institute of Ecolonomics, Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO 64801-1595.
Remembering Dennis Weaver
A special Newsmakers program airing on KGCS-TV pays tribute to Joplin native Dennis Weaver, who died Feb. 24. Weaver visited Missouri Southern State University a number of times in recent years. "Remembering Dennis Weaver" will air at the following times (on KGCS-TV unless otherwise indicated):
- Saturday, March 4 - 5:30 a.m., KOAM-TV
- Sunday, March 5 - 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, March 6 - 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 8 - 9:30 p.m.
KGCS-TV programming may be seen on UHF channel 57, Cable One channel 7, and Mediacom channel 77. The station is operated as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.
Four named Honors Audition winners
Four young pianists have been named winners of the Honors Audition held Saturday in Joplin for piano students from four states. The Audition is a preliminary event for the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition April 24 -29. The winners were Jessica Lawson and Mason Moon of Springfield, Emily Yates of Tulsa, and Catherine Yang of Fayetteville.
Each winner will receive a $500 cash prize and will participate in a Master Class with the international judges during Competition week. They are invited to attend all Competition events as guests of MSIPC including competition rounds, lecture, and opening and closing concerts. They each will receive a medal, a certificate and critiques from each of the competition judges during the awards ceremony preceding the Gala Winners Concert on April 29 and will be featured in the 2006 MSIPC program book.
The Honors Audition is open to pianists age 18 and younger in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. It was developed for students who may not be ready to compete at the level of the major competition, giving them the opportunity to observe pianists in a world-class event and learn from master teachers.
For information on all events during the April competition, interested persons may call 625-9755 or visit the web at www.mssu.edu/msipc
Forum slated for March 8-11 in Taylor Performing Arts Center
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The second production of the spring semester for the Missouri Southern Theatre Department will be the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at 7:30 p.m., March 8, 9, 10, and 11 in Taylor Performing Arts Center.
Susan Smith, Music, is the voice coach and Vocal Music Director, Bud Clark, Music, is the Instrumental Music Director and the Orchestra Conductor. Gerrie-Ellen Johnston, Theatre, is the Choreographer, and Jim Lile, Theatre, is the Director. Costume designs are by Anne Jaros, Theatre. Ann Lile, Theatre, is the costumer. Sam Claussen and Lyle Burrow, Theatre, are the set designers.
Curtain times are 7:30 pm each evening. Tickets may be reserved in person in the lobby of Taylor Auditorium or by calling the box office at 625-3190 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
With its crazy mixture of togas and vaudeville, this wild and silly visit to ancient Rome is one of the funniest shows ever to hit the stage. Forum is one of the great American musicals with the story by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
For tickets, stop by the TPAC Box Office or call 625-3190. Tickets reserved after March 3 must be made in person and paid for when making reservations. No refunds or exchanges will be given. Requests for accommodations related to a disability need to be made to Terri Spencer, Theatre, at 625-9393 at least 72 hours before the program.
Two Expos joining forces to meet grads' needs
The Job Expo and Grad Expo are joining forces at Missouri Southern State University to make graduation a more convenient and enjoyable experience for students on the verge of finishing their degrees. Representatives from business, government, non-profit agencies, and education organizations are expected to take part in Missouri Southern State University's Spring Job Expo.
Designed to benefit students of all majors, alumni and employers, the event is being sponsored by MSSU Career Services and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 8 on the third floor of Billingsly Student Center. Local and national employers are registered to attend.
This year, the Expo will include “Grad Expo” from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. in the same location. After browsing all the career opportunities students set to graduate may pick up caps and gowns and complete last minute details in advance of graduation. Upcoming graduates also may order announcements, buy rings, purchase diploma frames, join the Alumni Association, and visit with representatives from on and off campus.
Visit www.mssu.edu/career for a listing of employers registered to attend. For additional information, call Career Services at 625-9343.
Southern Student Interns among mock session leaders
Two legislative interns from Missouri Southern State University were elected to leadership positions for this April's mock legislative session on the Missouri House of Representatives floor.
Mark Peron, senior political science major from Joplin, was elected Speaker Pro Tempore.
Jacob "Jake" Williams, freshman political science major from Joplin, was elected Assistant Floor Leader.
The mock legislative session is slated for April 10 and April 18.
Missouri Southern legislative intern Jacilyn Harris, senior political science major from Neosho, says leaders of the mock session choose what bills will be heard, select committee chairs, name the house chaplain and make other appointments.
“It is a very big deal up here, getting into the leadership positions,” Harris says. “There were many alliances made and many destroyed.”
The interns spend the first few months of the session preparing by drafting mock legislation, holding hearings and electing leadership. They end by debating their issues on the house floor. The mock session gives all interns the opportunity to step into the shoes of their legislative counterparts.
Harris says legislation has not yet been drafted but issues surrounding health insurance, social services, Medicare and Medicaid will number high on the list.
All 160 interns will take on the role of elected officials when the mock session convenes in April. For more information and the names of all interns from Missouri Southern, visit www.mssu.edu/pages/news/mocksession06.htm
Southern Symphony Orchestra to perform
The Department of Music will present “An Evening of Romantic Dances,” a concert by the Southern Symphony Orchestra, at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, at Taylor Performing Arts Center at MSSU. Admission is free.
Under the baton of Kexi Liu, Music, the orchestra will perform The Moldau by Smetana, polkas by Strauss, Hungarian dances by Brahms, waltzes by Tchaikovsky, and Slavonic dances by Dvorak. The Neosho High School Orchestra, directed by Alyssa DePew, will make a special guest performance.
The Southern Symphony Orchestra consists of 60 members, including university students and faculty members, community members, and selected high school students. For further information, contact Kexi at (417) 624-8795 or e-mail liu-k@mssu.edu.
BSU to sponsor blood drive
The Baptist Student Union will sponsor a Blood Drive from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Friday, March 10 at the BSU on Duquesne Road north of MSSU. All faculty and staff are invited to donate blood for the American Red Cross.
Jazz recital slated for March 16
Phillip C. Wise, Director of Jazz Studies, will perform a faculty jazz recital titled "Jazz Classics." The recital will be held at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 16 in Webster Hall Auditorium at MSSU.
"This is a 'homecoming' of sorts," Dr. Wise says. "The recital will include a number of Jerome Kern compositions and will feature three MSSU music alumni," he explains.
Trevor Headrick and Jerry Schultz, area band directors and former trombone students of Phil Wise, will be performing. Jennifer Smith, an area choir director who played piano in the MSSU Jazz Orchestra several years ago, will be a featured singer on I've Told Every Little Star and Yesterdays. Recital selections: include Just Friends, Stars Fell on Alabama, Too Young To Go Steady and Perdio.
The recital will also feature Posonaum Palooza, a trombone quartet and rhythm section that made its debut at Dr. Jeffrey Macomber's faculty recital last fall. The quartet will perform Pavane by Faure, A Fine Romance, arranged by Jeff Macomber, and Duke Ellington's Caravan. Other musicians performing include Crowder College professor of music Robert Ensor on piano, and two current MSSU students: Damon Graue, drums, and Robert Terry, bass.
Firearms safety training course slated for March 18
Missouri Southern State University’s Law Enforcement Academy has scheduled the next firearms safety training courses to satisfy the training requirement for the “Conceal and Carry” statute in Missouri. The eight-hour class will begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 18 in Room 125 of the Mills Anderson Criminal Justice Center at MSSU.
This training course has been approved for Barton, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald and Newton County residents. The Law Enforcement Academy will utilize the state-of-the-art “live fire” range and two state-of-the-art “computerized” electronic firing ranges. The course includes live-fire and simulated fire exercises. Participants must pass a live-fire qualification exercise.
The cost of the course is $95. Participants are required to bring their firearm, eye protection, ear protection and fifty (50) rounds of ammunition. Those needing a firearm and ammunition must pay an additional $25 fee. The fee for the course must be prepaid. In order to obtain a “Concealed-Carry” permit Missourians must:
• Successfully complete an approved firearms safety course
• Be at least 23 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen and either have lived in the state for six months or be stationed here as a member of the Armed Forces
• Undergo state and federal criminal background checks
• Pay $100 for a three-year permit
To register and prepay for the course, contact Brenda Norman, Criminal Justice, at (417) 625-9328 or e-mail her at norman-b@mssu.edu. Ms. Norman’s office is located in Room 126 of the Mills Anderson Justice Center on the MSSU campus.
FairTax video showing March 9
Are you tired of having such a large amount of your money taken from your paychecks? Come learn about the FairTax.
The FairTax video will be shown at 12:15 p.m., March 9 in Room 311 of Billingsly Student Center. Pizza will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. The showing is sponsored by College Republicans.
For more information contact frerer-b-791@mssu.edu or visit www.FairTax.org or www.myfairtax.org.
Vita students offering tax form assistance
MSSU junior and senior accounting majors are preparing tax returns at the Northpark Mall for area citizens at no charge. The participation is through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The returns may also be filed electronically free.
This year's student participants include Tambra Burnett, Joanne Connelly, Susan Doss, Emily Ellis, Justin Juline, Bobbi Lee, Nicholas Marks, Michael Meyer, Victoria Myers, Michael Peluso, Rhonda Shouse, and Andrea Smith. In addition, a recent graduate of MSSU and former VITA student, David Torres, is working at the site.
This free service is open to students, faculty and staff with some limitations. If you have questions, please call Betty Harris, Accounting, at ext. 9866 or e-mail her at harris-b@mssu.edu.
Banner contest name chosen
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A naming contest for the major administrative software implementation project underway on campus attracted considerable interest, according to Sandi Gieson, project manager. An official announcement of the new name and the winner of the contest took place at noon, Thursday, March 2 in the Lions Den in Billingsly Student Center. Tara Lopez, senior nursing major from Carl Junction, submitted the winning entry, LIONET - Linked Information on Network Enterprise Technology.
Several runners-up were present. Faculty member Kexi Liu, Music, submitted an entry very close to the one selected as the winner. Kexi’s entry was Lion Net as two words. Other entries recognized included MOSO (Missouri's Oracle System Online) submitted by Becky Coon and MOSO (Operating System Online) submitted by student Kurt Ummel. Julie Wengert, Athletics, submitted the entry The MANE (MSSU Administrative Network Enterprise). Stephen Smith, News Bureau Manager, submitted PAWS (Project Accessware System).
More than 140 names were entered in the contest with suggestions coming from nearly 60 students, faculty and staff. “We were very pleased with the enthusiastic response to the contest,” Gieson commented, “It’s just another example of the spirit of involvement on campus. There were many great suggestions and we want to thank everyone for their creativity.”
German film tonight in Contemporary Foreign Film series
The Contemporary Foreign Film Series presents Schultze Gets the Blues (Germany, 2005) tonight at 7 p.m. in Cornell Auditorium in Matthews Hall. What happens when a recently retired German miner, already accomplished on the accord).ion, discovers Zydeco music and takes a life-changing journey to the Louisiana Delta? Find out in this film, the winner of 10 international awards written and directed by Michael Schorr.. For further information about this film series, please contact Bill Kumbier, English, at kumbier-w@mssu.edu or Nick Kyle, Art, at kyle-n@mssu.edu.
Two more to deliver Honors presentations
Seniors in the Honors Program undertake a research project in their major discipline and present the results to the university community in a series of talks called the Senior Honors Thesis.
Jeff Taylor, Business Management major from Joplin, will present "Creating and Sustaining the Popularity of Minor League Baseball: A Business Venture" at 3 p.m. today, Friday, March 3, in Room 223 of Webster Hall. His thesis discusses the promotional strategy and management tactics that have made Minor League Baseball a successful industry.
Susana Branum, Spanish and Communications major from Monett, will present "The Effectiveness of Spanish Language Advertisements in the Banking Industry" at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 8 in Room 223 of Webster Hall.
All faculty, staff, students and friends are invited.
Carolyn Hale, Communications, accompanied three freshman classes to the Spiva Art Gallery on Wednesday and Thursday of this week to view the Andy Thomas Exhibit. The students will write brief speeches on the selected works they enjoyed.
Learning? Tennis lessons available. Call ext. 9662 or 358-0600.
For Sale: 1993 Navy BlueToyota T100 SR5 Long Bed Pickup. V-6; automatic; electric windows, locks, side mirrors; full width utility toolbox w/lock; bed liner; new am/fm stereo w/CD player; 152,000; $3,400. Call 625-9633.
Need a Graduation Gift? Diploma Frames make a great graduation gift for upcoming grads. The Bookstore offers a variety of frames at different price points. Graduates get a 10% discount the week of Grad Expo March 8-15. Here are a few that the Bookstore has in stock: Cherry Classic $89.99, Black Satin $69.99 and Black Spirit for $89.99.
For Sale: 2003 Dixon ZTR 3000 Series riding lawn mower, like new, single 30” cut blade, $1500. Call Anita at ext. 9373 or 624-7547.
Free: Two beautiful, black bob-tailed cats. Sweet natured & playful. Declawed, spayed & neutered. Owner has new baby and needs new home for these cute kitties. Please call Jennifer at 625-9349 or e-mail pruitt-j@mssu.edu.
