Current Issue: Volume 26 - Number 4 - February 1, 2008
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26th-Annual Phonathon to begin next week
Curt Betebenner, Missouri Southern Foundation, says the 26th-Annual Phonathon at Missouri Southern is ready to hit the ground running.
Student callers will begin contacting alumni and friends of Missouri Southern soon as a part of the Phonathon effort
"Last year, 50 faculty and staff members contributed just over $ 7,700," Curt says. " We have already received our first two gifts in response to the letter sent to campus employees. Many thanks to Eillen Godsey, Learning Center, and Mike Rogers, English, and with the continued support of our faculty and staff we hope to surpass last year's effort."
Faculty and staff members may elect to use the Payroll Deduction plan for gifts of $100 and up or they can make a gift on-line at www.mssu.edu. To make an on-line gift select Alumni/Foundation and click "On-line Gift Form" to make a pledge and payment using a credit card.
"We express our thanks to everyone who has supported Southern by making gifts to our students and assisted our programs and departments," Curt comments. "We look forward to hearing from them this year," he adds.
President to begin work Monday
Dr. Bruce Speck will begin his role as the new President of Missouri Southern State University on Monday, Feb. 4.
He will be only the fourth person to occupy MSSU's top position.
Dr. Speck announced last Friday that Terri Agee will serve as Senior Vice President and John Messick will serve as Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Richard Miller has been named the Assistant Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences and will continue to serve as head of the Social Sciences Department.
Today's Brown Bag
Don't miss today's Brown Bag Lunch for faculty and staff.
Jim Brown, Jan Holmes, Judy Elimelech and Eillen Godsey, Learning Center, will speak on "The best kept secret on campus--what the Learning Center Can Do for Your Student."
The Brown Bag will be held from 12:10 - 12:50 p.m. in the Keystone Room on the 3rd floor of the BSC. Lunch is provided courtesy of Academic Affairs and Sodexho.
Just pick up your lunch at the buffet and prepare for an interesting presentation.
Memorial for Saltzman Sunday on campus
The campus community is invited to a
special memorial gathering for English professor Art Saltzman at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3 at the Spiva Art Gallery of MSSU.
Art's essays and books were widely published. He won the 2003 Governor's Award for Outstanding Teaching.
Readings and other tributes will take place. Members of Dr. Saltzman's family will be in attendance.
A reception will be held after the tribute at the United Hebrew Congregation at 7th and Sergeant in Joplin.
Art, who joined the English department faculty in 1981, died unexpectedly on Jan. 8.
Missouri Economy Today Features Leggett & Platt
The new edition of the television program Missouri Economy Today features a segment about the growth and development of Leggett and Platt in Carthage. The program is produced by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and features news about various businesses and economy in the state. During the segment, viewers find out about the company's history, growth to a Fortune 500 company and developments for the future.
KGCS-TV will begin airing the program at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3. Other upcoming airings include 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 10 and 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 11.
KGCS programming may be seen in Joplin on UHF Channel 57, on channel 7 of the Cable One system and channel 77 on Mediacom cable. Viewers in Carthage may see the program Sunday evenings on the Southern Instructional Television (SITV) cable channel from Missouri Southern.
Go green for Legacy Day
Legacies of alumni will receive the opportunity to explore what Missouri Southern is all about at this year’s annual Legacy Day.
A legacy is a child lucky enough to have one or more relatives that graduated from or attended MSSU. On Saturday, Feb. 9, these legacies will have the opportunity to show their green colors while having fun with Missouri Southern’s fellow Lions.
Registration will begin at 2:30 p.m., and an assortment of interactive classes will follow at 3 p.m. The classes will be taught by MSSU Teacher Education majors in the Taylor Education Building. The classes will allow each legacy to bring home a little piece of MSSU. Activities wrap up at 5 p.m.
Legacies are invited to help cheer on the Lions at the double-header basketball game against the Fort Hays State tigers. The women will tip off at 5:30 p.m. and the men at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact Elisa Bryant, Alumni Association, at (417) 625-9355.
Dissertations and Theses database added
Spiva Library is pleased to announce to the campus community that thanks to the generosity of the administration we’ve been able to add ProQuest’s “Dissertations & Theses” database.
The database is described as “the world's most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses, with more than 2.3 million doctoral dissertations and master’s theses included, covering graduate research from 1861 to the present.” According to the company some 60,000+ dissertations and theses are added to the database during the course of a year.
"We hope this valuable resource will enhance the research material available to students and faculty," says Robert Black, Library.
Citations for dissertations published from 1980 forward also include 350-word abstracts written by the author. Citations for master's theses from 1988 forward include 150-word abstracts. Most citations will also contain a 24 page preview that can either be viewed online or printed.
Those wanting to see an entire dissertation or thesis can use the link to our interlibrary loan (ILL) request page to be provided with the information needed to purchase a copy.
Spencer-Bartlett nominations
The Scholarship and Performing Aid Committee invites calls for nominations for the Spencer Bartlett Respect Award. This is a monetary award that goes directly to the recipients. The award language stipulates that recipients be graduating (May 2008) senior students of MSSU. They must have the greatest respect for God, the United States, and fellow man. Nominees must have been born in the United States, and must have had average or better grades.
A minimum of two Respect Awards will be given, one to a graduating senior female student and one to a graduating senior male student. Recipients of the Spencer Bartlett Award will be recognized at the Honors Convocation this spring.
Please submit your nominations by 12 noon on Thursday, Feb. 28 to Linda Steele, Financial Aid, in Hearnes Hall Room 117. If you have questions please contact Tiffany Cossey, Business, at extension 9514 or e-mail cossey-t@mssu.edu.
Nominations sought for Outstanding Graduate
Lee Pound, Alumni, says it is time again to nominate students for The Outstanding Graduate Award. We strongly encourage each department to consider a nominee.
A letter of recommendation is required to accompany each nomination. This letter will provide personal information not obtainable through regular applications. In addition to this recommendation, the student will be contacted for further information regarding academics, leadership roles, activities and club memberships if it is not included with at least one of the nominations.
The more information provided, the better chance student nominees have in winning this prestigious award. The selection committee of the Alumni Association votes solely on the basis of the information provided. Nomination(s) must be made to the Alumni Office no later than 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18.
For a nomination form, refer to a recent e-mail sent to faculty and staff or contact the Alumni Association at ext. 9355.
ITS unveils new website
Information Technology Services has an all new website! The ITS staff has updated FAQ documents, system statuses and photos of our staff, with much more to come.
See the new site at: www.mssu.edu/its.
"We have adopted a team approach to building the site and will strive to ensure that content is updated regularly," says Kyle Vann, ITS. "Please check out the site and add it to your favorites or bookmarks," he adds.
To see something specific on the website , make contact by way of the link on the MSSU home page or by e-mailing the Help Desk.
Literary Lions to discuss Mockingbird
The Literary Lions Book Club is seeking participants for this semester's literary work, the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The book won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for literature.
Since its original publication, the book has never been out of print in hardcover or paperback. It has sold over 30 million copies and been translated into over 40 languages. The book was adapted for the screen in a movie starring Gregory Peck.
Jude Meche, English & Philosophy, will serve as moderator and will lead discussions at all meetings.
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The group will meet at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13 for an introduction to To Kill a Mockingbird and the life and career of author Harper Lee.
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The group will meet at 6:30 on Thursday, March 27 for a discussion of the book.
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At 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10 the group will view the film version of the novel.
All meetings will be held in MSSU’s Spiva Library near the University Java coffee shop. The total cost to participate is $25 for the general public or $15 for Friends of the Spiva Library group members. The opportunity to participate is limited to the first 15 participants. Those interested should respond no later than March 3.
Literary Lions participants’ individual copies of To Kill a Mockingbird will be donated back to the Spiva Library. Those wanting to participate or obtain additional information should call the Literary Lions Book Club, by calling the Alumni Office (417) 625-9355.
Jazz Orchestra Concert February 21
The Missouri Southern Jazz Orchestra (SJO) invites you to attend its Winter Showcase concert at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21 in Webster Hall Auditorium on the MSSU campus.
The Southern Jazz Orchestra is under the direction of Jeff Macomber, Music. This concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
Joining the SJO will be MSSU’s show choir, Southern Exposure. Southern Exposure will join the orchestra in a performance of “Smack Dab in the Middle.” This deftly-arranged number was recorded by the New York Voices.
The band will also showcase a number of student musicians including Luke Ochsenbein on guitar, Kyle Babbitt on tenor sax, and Tom Smith on trumpet.
For more information, contact Jeff Macomber, Southern Jazz Orchestra Director, at (417) 625-9635 or call the MSSU Music Department at (417) 625-9318. Those with questions may also e-mail macomber-j@mssu.edu.
Meet the members of the Southern Jazz Orchestra online at: www.mssu.edu/music/newjazzorchestra.html
Athletic Alumni Reunion and Reception
All former athletes from Joplin Junior College, Missouri Southern State College and Missouri Southern State University are invited to attend the All Athletic Alumni Reunion and Reception on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Past Missouri Southern and JJC athletes are asked to visit a special registration table set up in front of Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium at 12:30 p.m. for tickets and information. Those taking part will receive goody bags and game tickets.
The day starts with the women’s game tipping off at 1 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m. against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats in Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. Alumni athletes will be recognized during half time of the men’s basketball game.
At the end of the men’s game, a reception for the former JJC and Missouri Southern athletes will take place in Young Gymnasium. For information, contact Elisa Bryant, Alumni Association, at (417) 625-9355.
The Vagina Monologues |
Children’s Haven featured on program
The Children’s Haven in Joplin will be the subject of an upcoming edition of the KGCS-TV program Newsmakers.
Children's Haven provides a solution for families in crisis who otherwise have no other means of support or resources to adequately care for their children in need.
Program host Judy Stiles will interview Children’s Haven Director, Stephanie Theis.
Stephanie Theis describes the services provided for families in crisis, and how they provide a safe place for children to stay. She shares background about the facility which is celebrating its 5th anniversary.
Theis also will talk about the ways community support and volunteerism help the organization.
The station, day, date, and airtimes are:
• KGCS: Mon. Jan. 28 & Wed. Jan. 30 -5:30 p.m.
• KOAM: Sat. Feb. 2 - 5:30 a.m.
• KOZJ: Sun. Feb. 3 - 12:30 p.m.
JLT play continues Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Joplin Little Theater presents I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change a musical comedy revue about everything you have ever secretly thought about-- dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives, and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.
Directed by Dee Timi, the play's cast consists of Curtis Barnes, Kelly Musick, Todd Yearton, and Danielle Dunn (MSSU Resident Director). These four cast members play over 60 characters throughout show. The play is the perfect pre-valentine date!!
Due to mature language and content, this show is not recommended for children.
The play began Wednesday night. It will continue tonight
and tomorrow night, Feb. 1-2 at 7:30 p.m. Curtain time for a Sunday, Feb. 3 matinee is 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors. The box office number is (417) 623-3638.
JLT is located at 3009 W. 1st St. (1st and Adams, by Shifferdecker Park.)
Positive role models needed
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a one of a kind program in MO that is dedicated to matching children with qualified caring adults. Our mission is to empower youth through one-on-one relationships, in order to develop in the youth a sense of self worth and responsibility.
Minimum qualifications for volunteers are:
- At least 16 yrs. of age
- Lived in Jasper or Newton Counties at least 6 month
- Available 1 to 2 hours per week
- Must have valid driver’s license & proof of insurance for Community Based Program
Even those who can't volunteer are invited to the Club's fundraising events: Bowl for Kids Sake is slated for March 1 in Joplin and March 29 in Neosho. For more information contact Jessica Schermacher at (417) 626-9244 or (479) 427-0552 or e-mail jessica@bbbsjn.org
Cheer & Dance Clinic scheduled
The 2008 Cheer and Dance Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9 at MSSU’S Young Gymnasium. Hours are 1 - 3 p.m. Registration will begin at 12:45 p.m.
The clinic is designed for children in grades K-8. Cost of $15 includes a t-shirt & basketball half-time performance at MSSU that day against Ft. Hays State. The game begins at 5:30 p.m. Participants will receive free admission to the game. Parents will be admitted for $5.
Pre-register before Feb. 1 to guarantee receiving a t-shirt. Instruction includes cheers, chants, jumps, stunts, dance, & lots of fun! For more information or to print off a form, visit http://www.mssu.edu/news/2008/cheerclinic08.html .
Red Cross blood drive
A Red Cross Blood Drive is slated for 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13 on the lower floor of the Billingsly Student Center.
The drive is sponsored by Student Nurses Association, Sigma Pi and the BSU.
Sheila Hart, Nursing says the goal is 80 units. She encourages everyone to make a difference by donating.
Spiva Library celebrates February Library Lover’s month
How to Love Your Library:
- Contribute to your library.
- Donate a book or a whole shelf of books, maybe even one you have written!
- Donate money to the Student Library Organization.
- Donate money to the Friends of the Library Group.
- Honor a friend or relative with a book for the library or a monetary donation.
- Be a Friend to your library.
- Join the Friends of George A. Spiva Library Group.
- Give the gift of membership to a friend or relative.
All those who donate will be entered to win dinner & a movie for two!
You may bring donations to the Main Circulation desk or send to Amber Carr, Library. Please contact Amber at ext. 9335 with any questions.
An introductory session of Beginning Square Dance will be held on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Joplin Square Dance Center, 1801 W. 2nd. We will be serving soup and chili that night. Subsequent lessons will be every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a partner, if possible. For info call Mary Castleberry, UMKC School of Nursing - Joplin site, at ext. 3133 in the mornings or 782-0158.
Rod Surber, Public Information, says the Admissions publication Southern View is now available on line. To see the most current edition, visit www.mssu.edu/news/southernview .
For Sale: Terri Greek, MSSU Alumni and teacher at McKinley Elementary School, has just undergone open heart surgery at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Melanie Epperson, Student Services, is selling bracelets for $2 to raise money to help with medical costs. Those wanting to help should call ext. 9346 or stop by BSC, Room 222.
For Sale: Hot Spring Spa, The Prodigy (Model G-1989) with seating capacity of up to four adults and one child. Dimensions: 5’11” x 6’10” x 29”H. Water capacity: 295 gallons with 4 fully adjustable hydrotherapy jets. Heater: 110 volt, 1.5 kw stainless steel. Spa is in excellent condition. Original price: $3,395. Asking: $1,200 or best offer. Call Anna Beth at 625-9550 weekdays or 483-1100 after 5 p.m. E-mail: morgan-a@mssu.edu.
For Sale: 2007 Chrysler 300 Touring; 4,500 miles; 3.5L V-8, gold with beige leather interior; perfect condition, multiple CD changer, cassette player, dual front heated seats, beautiful! $22,000. Call Becky Gallemore at (417) 659-5425 or e-mail gallemore-r@mssu.edu.
For Sale: 1999 Audi A4, 2.8L V-6, power driver seat, 6 CD changer, BOSE stereo system, sun roof, silver with black leather interior, a real head turner! Must see and drive to appreciate! $6,295. Call Becky Gallemore at (417)659-5425 or e-mail gallemore-r@mssu.edu.
