Celebrate good times at Spring Fling

The Spring Fling All-Campus Picnic is slated for 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today, Friday, May 1. The event is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board. The picnic is open to students, faculty and staff.

Tori Christiansen, CAB, says the menu will include spicy chicken tenders, bratwurst, baked beans, corn, chips, cookies and brownies.

Tori says in case of rain, Spring Fling will be moved inside the Lion's Den in the Billingsly Student Center.

Commencement Saturday, May 16

Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 16.  Ceremonies will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. and at 12 noon. 

Faculty in the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Technology are requested to attend the 9:30 a.m. Commencement Ceremony.   Please report to Young Gymnasium by 9 a.m. and be robed and ready by 9:15 a.m.

Faculty in the School of Education and the School of Business are requested to attend the 12:00 noon Commencement Ceremony.  Please report to Young Gymnasium by 11:30 a.m. and be robed and ready by 11:45 a.m.

Faculty may attend both exercises but are expected to attend one if they were not present at the December 2008 commencement ceremony.  Faculty members unable to attend Commencement must send a memo to the Vice President for Academic Affairs requesting to be excused.  

Following each ceremony, faculty are reminded to return rented academic regalia, preferably in the original plastic wrapper, to the back corner of Young Gymnasium. Return bins will be clearly marked.

The Bookstore will operate a satellite location in Leggett and Platt Athletic Center that day so their campus location will be closed. Remember: All regalia are due in the Bookstore no later than Friday, May 22.

Choral Society Spring Concert Sunday

The Choral Society Spring Concert will take place at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 3 at the First Community Church, 15th and Connecticut in Joplin. The concert is free of charge and open to the public.

Composed of 46 singers from three states, the ensemble is directed by Al Carnine, Music, with Eleanor McLemore serving as accompanist. The concert covers Opera, Hollywood, and Broadway. Three famous opera choruses from composers Borodin, Gounod, and Verdi will be the opera offering. Hollywood will be represented by a medley of songs from the popular movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?

The featured work will delight all ages. It is the choral highlights from the new Broadway musical Poppins. It includes both the well-known songs from the movie as well as new selections added to the musical version.

Students receive Dolence Awards

(L to R) Glenn Dolence, Shannon Borgard, Bruce Speck

Over 20 students at Missouri Southern State University were recognized at the 18th annual Glenn D. Dolence Leadership/Service Recognition Assembly, held Thursday April 23 in Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall.

* Shannon Borgard, Health & Wellness major from Ozark, received the Outstanding Leader Award.

Borgard, an Honors Program student and Missouri Southern Track and Field athlete, has been a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), a Big Sister for the United Way and a volunteer for the Special Olympics. She is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Alpha Chi, and Christ Church of Oronogo, Mo.

Borgard has been named to the Deans’ List each semester she has attended Missouri Southern.

Student Services and Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) at Missouri Southern sponsor the awards which are presented to graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills on campus and who have made a difference in the areas of campus organizations, student employment, student services or athletics.

The Awards are named in honor of Glenn D. Dolence, retired Vice President for Student Services at Missouri Southern State University. After 27 years of service Dolence retired from MSSU in 1996. He later served as mayor of Webb City, and held a variety of other posts. To see names of all Dolence Award winners, visit http://www.mssu.edu/news/2009/dolence_spring09.html.

KGCS Wins Statewide Award

The Missouri State Teachers Association has chosen KGCS-TV as an award winner in the annual media competition. The station is being recognized in the "Television Literacy Program" category, for its work with Joplin NALA Read.

The competition recognizes coverage of education and education issues by Missouri Media. Nominations are judged on originality, impact, objectivity, timeliness, appeal and contribution to education. Awards will be presented to winners at MSTA regional meetings in the fall.

KGCS-TV is operated as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University. The station broadcasts throughout the region on digital channel 22. It is also seen on a number of regional cable television systems, including Cable One, Mediacom and Suddenlink.

Relay for Life

MSSU’s Relay for Life Team is getting ready for the American Cancer Association’s Webb City Relay for Life. This event will take place in Jack King Park (at the Praying Hands) from noon - midnight on Saturday, May 30. This year’s theme recognizes the 25th anniversary of this event. Booths will be decorated remembering a TV show or movie within the last 25 years. The Lion King - Join the Pride! is the theme of the MSSU booth.

If you would like to help during this event, please contact Lora Burch, Career Services, at 625-3138. And even if you aren't volunteers, you can help by bringing your family to the event. There will be food, games, bouncy toys, entertainment, and much more. The team is selling tickets for numerous items:

• All-You-Can-Eat Flapjack Breakfast at Applebee’s, 2825 E. 32nd - Saturday, April 25, 7 - 9 a.m. $5 per person. Juice, coffee, and tea are included.
• Luminaries: Can be decorated in honor of a loved one who has died of cancer and placed around the walking trail at event - $5 each.
• Stars: Displayed at booth during event in memory of someone who has died of cancer - $1 each.
• Moons: Displayed at booth during event in honor of someone who has or is battling cancer - $1 each.
• Pork Package Raffle: Full grown adult pig plus processing ($300+ value).
• La-Z-Boy Relay Recliner Raffle: Custom made for this event.
• KitchenAid Appliance Raffle: Includes 325 watt 5 qt. 10 speed KitchenAid stand mixer with attachments, a set of 3 mixing bowls, plus multiple other kitchen utensils (+$400 value).

All raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and winner does NOT need to be present to win. To purchase items, contact either Lora at 3138 or Judy at 3167.

NCATE Accreditation for Teacher Education

Missouri Southern's Teacher Education received some good news on April 29.

Al Cade, Teacher Education Department Head, says a letter received from Donna Gollnick, Senior Vice President of NCATE,included the following passage:

"NCATE's Unit Accreditation Board met earlier this week to determine the accreditation status of 55 institutions. We are pleased to inform you that accreditation has been granted to the professional education unit at Missouri Southern State University."

Boots to Books

The "Boots to Books" Open House for U.S. Veterans will take place from 3 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 19 in Anderson Justice Center Auditorium

The open house is designed to inform Veterans of educational and financial aid benefits available at Missouri Southern and other educational institutions in the state.

Campus departments, including Financial Aid; Admissions; Career Services; Advising, Counseling and Testing Services; Disability Services and others will be represented to discuss how they can help Veterans return to the classroom. Representatives from Veterans programs also will be available to provide information.

For information, contact veterans@mssu.edu or the Admissions Office at (417) 625.9378 or (417) 781-MSSU or (866) 818-MSSU (6778). The Web site http://www.gibill.va.gov/ -offers information about various education services available to Veterans.

Symphonic Band and Wind Ensembles to perform May 5 A semester-capping performance by two great ensembles is planned for early May. The MSSU Symphonic Band Ensemble and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 in Taylor Performing Arts Center. The ensembles will perform the music of Sousa, Mackey, Romeyn, Jager, Balmages,Stamp, Verdi, Gillingham, and Press. The concert is a collection of music loosely organized with the theme of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." The final piece is entitled "Wedding Dance" by Jacques Press. No RSVP or tickets are necessary. The performance is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited.

Exam Cram provides tutoring

Are your students stressed out? Do they need help cramming for finals? Exam Cram is the answer.

Exam Cram, slated for May 4 - 9, provides tutoring sessions including answer to specific questions or simple reviews. Be sure to let your students know about these valuable sessions.

Psychology: Monday, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Writing: Tuesday, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. & Thursday, 8 a.m.– 10 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.– 4 p.m.
Econ 180: Wednesday, 2 p.m.– 4 p.m. & Friday. 9 a.m.– 11 a.m.
Math 20/30: Thursday, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Writing, Psychology or Econ 180: Saturday, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Sessions will meet at reserved study tables on the Main (3rd) floor of the Spiva Library. Exam Cram is sponsored by Spiva Library and the Learning Center. For more information contact Amber Carr, Library, at 625-9335 or e-mail carr-a@mssu.edu.

KGCS highlights retiring faculty members

KGCS-TV will highlight the careers of a number of retiring faculty members in special programs called Newsmakers/Southern Reflections. The programs feature Newsmakers host Judy Stiles visiting with retirees about their careers at Southern. Some of those careers go back to the early days of the college.

"These faculty members have touched the lives of thousands of students throughout their years at Southern, many who may now be graduates living in the region," says Judy Stiles. "We feel that these interviews help honor faculty for their commitment to education and share some insight into their successful careers."

Faculty members interviewed include Annetta St. Clair and Virginia Laas, Social Science, Sallie Beard, Athletics; Karolyn Yocum, Communication; and William Livingston, Mathematics.

The programs will air on KGCS-TV throughout May and into the summer months, during local programming before Sunday Cardinals telecasts and in the evenings. KGCS-TV may be seen over-the-air on digital channel 22, on Cable One Channel 7, Mediacom Channel 77 and regional Suddenlink cable systems.

Staff Senate elections

The creation of a Staff Senate took another step this weekend when a list of candidates was e-mailed to staff members. Elections are scheduled for May 11- 15 at the following locations and times:

• May 11- Security Office (7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
• May 12- Library Coffee Shop area circulation desk (7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
• May 13- Kuhn Hall- Learning Center (7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
• May 14- Lion’s Den (BSC) (7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
• May 15- Security Office (7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

Those with questions or concerns may e-mail staffsenate@mssu.edu.

MSSU FOOTBALL LIONS Invite you to a Blood Drive Wednesday, May 6 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Athletic Parking Lot Behind Leggett and Platt Athletic Center Blood donors will receive a GRIDIRON BATTLE FOR BLOOD T-SHIRT Make a play and donate. Your donation will save 3 lives in our community!

Giesen to serve on SunGard Advisory Board Sandi Gieson, User Services,  has been selected to serve as a member of a newly organized Advisory Board for SunGard Higher Education.   This board, the Community Source  Advisory Board,  will review client developed solutions and make recommendations to SunGard regarding integrating these solutions into future releases of Banner. This appointment presents the opportunity for MSSU to be on the leading edge of future enhancements in Banner. Sandi will collaborate with Sungard and representatives  from ten other institutions who are also using the SunGard Banner System.   Some of the other institutions represented on the Board include Old Dominion, University of Illinois, Whittier Law School,  University of Maryland and other public and private universities and a community college.

Registration Underway for Law Enforcement Academies

Registration for the 600-Hour State Certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy at Missouri Southern State University is now underway. Both a Day Academy and Night Academies are offered.

The Day Academy will begin Aug.24. It meets Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on several Saturdays during one semester. The Night Academy also will begin Aug. 24. It meets Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and, on occasion, until 11 p.m., and on several Saturdays for two semesters.

Upon successful completion of the Law Enforcement Academy, the Missouri Department of Public Safety will certify eligible students as Peace Officers in the state of Missouri with a Class A License.

Those taking part will receive training in Missouri criminal statutes, constitutional law, criminal investigation, patrol techniques, defense tactics training, physical training, firearms training and other skills and abilities deemed necessary by the state for Missouri for law enforcement officers.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Those interested parties may contact Matt Cowdin, Law Enforcement, at (417) 625-9519. e-mailing cowdin-m@.mssu.edu

KGCS Honors Students, Presents Kolpin Scholarship

KGCS-TV honored students for their contributions to the station and presented the annual Ruth I. Kolpin Broadcast Journalism Scholarship to students during the Communication Department awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 29.

The Kolpin Scholarship is awarded annual to Communication majors who have shown academic excellence and a desire to succeed in the broadcast field. Ruth Kolpin-Rubison was on hand for the scholarship presentation. She established the endowed scholarship in 2004 to benefit students at Southern. Kolpin-Rubison is a longtime communications executive from Carthage, Mo.

Two students were recognized as recipients of the Kolpin Scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year. They are Patricia Pham, senior Mass Communication major from Joplin and Brooke Lairmore, junior Mass Communication major from Springfield.

Station Awards for meritorious service went to Patricia Pham, Preston Jones and Matthew Porte of Joplin. “Volunteer of the Year” award went to JaVan Richardson, junior Mass Communication major from St. Louis.

"Producer of the Year" and "Program of the Year" honors both went to Sam McDonald of Joplin. For more information, visit: http://www.mssu.edu/news/2009/kolpinhonors_spring09.html.

Faculty/Staff photo shoot Wednesday, May 6

Crossroads has scheduled a media day from 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 6 in the studio located in room 107 in the Art building. Faculty, staff and administrators are invited to come by the studio for a portrait shot. Jessi Youngblood, art director for the spring magazine, will take the portraits at no charge.

"This is should only take about 5-10 minutes of your time and will help us develop a photo file to use in future issues of the magazine for stories, columns, news briefs and other stories," Clark says.

Please send an e-mail clark-rhonda@mssu.edu to schedule a time. Those with questions should call (417) 625-9596.

Visions Unlimited

An upcoming edition of the television program, Visions Unlimited features two local state representatives discussing issues facing lawmakers in Jefferson City.

During the interview, host Dick Keezer visits with Representative Kevin Wilson (R - 130th District) and Marilyn Ruestman (R-131st District). They provide updates on measures under consideration at the State Capitol.

Visions Unlimited will air at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3 and at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6. It will also be shown at various other times in the upcoming weeks.

The program may be seen over the air on digital channel 22, on Cable One Channel 7, Mediacom Channel 77 and Suddenlink Cable systems throughout the region.

"Visions Unlimited" is produced by members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program at KGCS-TV. The volunteer group has been producing television programming for more than 20 years. KGCS operates as a service of the Department of Communication.

FACULTY/STAFF

Maryann Weber, French, presented a paper, "Icons and Irony: Political Campaigns in Twentieth-Century Francophone African Literature" at the African Literature Association Convention April 15-18 in in Burlington, Vt.

CLASSIFIED

For Sale: Duncan Fyfe dining room drop leaf table and six chairs, nice! All solid wood dark Cherry $300. Floral Pattern sofa-roll-away bed, great condition! $250. Call Erik at ext. 9595

For Sale or Possible Trade: 92' Geo Metro 4-door. New 3-cylinder engine has 60,000 miles. Would consider trade-up. This 3 cylinder is great for local travel. Automatic transmission. Hatchback. Asking $2,000. Call 627-9154