PSU Professor Marjorie Schick, left, helps PSU sophomoreTiffani Vogan work out details on a weaving project.

WATCH THEM GROW - Brett Dunbar,senior from Pittsburg, keeps watch oversoybean plants that are part ofa researchprojectfunded by the Kansas BiomedicalResearch Infrastructure Network. Theprogram provides bio-medical researchopportunities for selected students.

Artist is a quietrevolutionary

Her smiling face and soft-spokenmanner belie Marjorie Schick'sreputation as a rebel. Schick, however,has spent most of the 36 years she hasbeen in Pittsburg as an artistic rabblerouser, challenging traditional conceptsof jewelry with what she describes as"wearable art." Her efforts have won heracclaim on this continent, in Europe andin Asia.

Schick's contribution to the world ofart was acknowledged recently when shewas selected as a 2002 Governor's ArtsAwards recipient. The Governor's Arts Awards recognition is a cooperative program of the Kansas ArtsCommission and the Office of the Governor.

Schick has had many recognitions, both in the U.S. and internationally, but this one was a specialpleasure.

"My career has been based in this state," Schick said. "To be honored' by the state meant a great dealto me. It is a great honor for a long career in art here at Pittsburg State and I appreciate beingrecognized by the state for my contributions to art at the state, national and international levels."

Schick said she was pleased, too, because the award "brings attention to Pittsburg State and to

(see Schick, pg. J1)

Program gives studentsr'~search opportunities

Senior Brett Dunbar, Pittsburg, looks over the soybeanshe is growing in the greenhouse on the roof of Heckert-WellsHall. Brett doesn't see them just as a cash crop, but instead aresearch project that could one day unlock the secrets to newantifungal or antibacterial agents.

Brett, who has been admitted to the University of" HealthSciences in Kansas City for next fall, is one of five PSUstudents who have had signIficant research opportunitiesbecause of the Kansas Biomedical Research InfrastructureNetwork (K-BRIN).

The K-BRIN program is funded by a grant from theNational Institutes of Health to the University of KansasMedical Center. KU-Med, in turn, was charged with settingup a research network. In addition to the PSU students theprogram includes student researchers at KU-Med, KU, KSUand Wichita State.

According to the NIH, the "ultimate purpose of a networkis to build an effective research base in the state that willeventually lead to competitive research applications frommulti-disciplinary research teams."

Virginia Rider, Biology, said the K-BRIN program ishaving a positive effect at PSU.

"The K-BRIN program provides undergraduate students an opportunity to work on a researchproject during the semester," Rider said. "The students receive a scholarship award. Additional benefitsinclude travel money to attend national scientific meetings, and lunch with an invited outside speaker to

(see Research, pg. 10)

Cooperative GIS project aboost for students and city

Tim Bailey and instructor Michelle Barnaby look over a program inthe GIS Lab in Russ Hall.

A cooperative project between the City of Pittsburg andgeography students at Pittsburg State University could putvaluable information at the fingertips of future planners andcity officials.

The project, which was launched this year, is designed tohelp build a geographic information system (GIS) for the city.According to the Association of American Geographers, a GISuses computer software to help users visualize geographicsituations and problems by mapping and analyzing largeamounts of geographic data. Put another way, a GIS linksinformation about where things are with what things are like.

For example, a GIS might be used to create a map showingnot only where every water and sewer line in Pittsburg islocated, but also the age of the lines, their size and when theyare scheduled to be replaced.

"The possibilities are unlimited," according to Bob Hough,information systems manager for the City of Pittsburg.

GIS has applications not only for municipalities andgovernment planners, but also for emergency servicespersonnel, private business and industry and environmentalagencies, according to Tim Bailey, a member of the faculty inPSU's geography program.

"In almost any field you can think of," Bailey said, "thereis a use for GIS."

The project between the city and the university developedover the past year following a study the city commissioned toexamine storm water drainage problems, Hough said. Thatstudy required the purchase of some computer hardware andsoftware and costly digitized aerial photographs of the city.

When that project was completed, Hough said, the digitalphotos and the computer hardware and software came back to

(see GIS, pg. 6)

2

The Arts & Sciences LegacyThe concept of "legacy" is one

that is very popular these day . Thecontext may vary, encompa singeither personal or professional life,but the concept is the same. It isappealing to leave a legacy throughwhich the influence we have had maycontinue. In the past few years, thePSU Alumni Association has put inplace a Legacy Scholarship forchildren of alumni who choose toattend PSU. This is a very practical way to "leave alegacy." Less concrete but no less important is theinfluence of faculty on alumni success and achievements.As the university enters this centennial year, assessingthe legacies of Arts & Sciences alumni, faculty, staff, andadministration is an important part of the celebration.

Though the College of Arts & Sciences as a unit wasnot in existence in 1903, certainly the values and tenetswe adhere to were. The mission of the College of Arts &Sciences is central to the university. A baccalaureatedegree is distinguished not only by providingprofessional skills and knowledge but also by equippingthe citizenry for the future. As an alumnus of the college,you receive~ all of this and more. We move into thecentennial year with many achievements, excitingprograms and plans as well as challenges. Existingbudget issues, while not limiting our vision, certainly actas constraints to program development and enhancementand in some cases, program maintenance. Now morethan ever, the college and departments value gifts fromalumni and friends.

This issue of Universitas is a blend of history (legacy)and current college happenings. You will read about howfaculty, students and alumni are building legacies fortomorrow.

Please put October 4, 2003, on your calendar now forthe CAS Friends and Family Centennial Reunion.Individual departments will have open houses, displaysand activities. The college will host a welcome tent onthe Oval. Come renew friendships and learn more aboutdepartments and the college. The reunion is scheduledfrom 10 a.m. to noon. Many of you will also want toattend the university Family Day activities and footballgame. For more information concerning the CAS Friendsand Family Centennial Reunion, call 620/235-4684 orcheck out the "Special Programs" link from the CASwebsite: http://www.pittstate.edu/artsc.

- Lynette J. Olson, PhD, CFLE, Professor and Dean

PSU grads gain med--school admission

Among the five personshonored with the 2002 PSUOutstanding Alumni Awardduring Homecoming activitieswas Dr. Kathleen Sandness,who received her bachelor ofscience degree in biologyfrom Pittsburg State in 1983.

Sandness has her ownprivate practice in internalmedicine at Mr. CarmelMedical Center in Pittsburgand is also a physiciancoordinator for the PSU Pre­Med Club with the Pittsburgfree clinic. Sandness is on thecommittee of the GovernorsCouncil, Kansas Chapter ofthe American College ofPhysicians, and a member ofthe American College ofPhysicians, the AmericanMedical Association, theKansas Medical Society, andOmicron Delta Kappa.

Sandness earned hermedical degree from theUniversity of Kansas Schoolof Medicine and holdscertification by the AmericanBoard of Internal Medicine.

Sandness namedoutstandingalumnus

"the university allows us to be teachersand mentors instead of just researchers."

The result is that students haveextraordinary access to and support fromfaculty, Rider said.

Rider, who came to PSU a year ago,said the number of PSU graduates who areadmitted to graduate professionalprograms is solid evidence of the qualityof Pitt State's undergraduate education.

"There isn't a better way to measureour success than through our students,"Rider said.

It helps that PSU's reputation for beinga good place to prepare for med school orother professional programs attracts goodstudents to begin with.

(see Med School, pg. 7)

PSU ROTC celebrates 50 yearsRight: LTG (R) Ronald Watts, Greensboro, Ga., reviews historic photos of the PSU ROTCprogram with PSU Cadet Kipling Marsh. Watts was attending the 50 year celebration of theROTC program at PSU onSaturday, September 14, 2002.More than 80 PSU ROTCgraduates, their spouses andguests attended the celebrationwhich included the groundbreaking for the PSU VeteransMemorial and a specialrecognition ceremony during thePSU football game. Below: ROTCalumni assemble on the field forrecognition during at the footballgame during the ROTC 50thanniversary celebration.

Graduates from Pittsburg StateUniversity's pre-professional biologyprograms have a long history of success andthe most recent crop of graduates is makingsure that history goes unbroken. At least 15graduates have been accepted into medical,pharmacy, podiatry, optometry or graduateschool programs. Two others have beenadmitted to medical schools through earlydecision, although they will be just juniors atPitt State this fall.

Dr. Virginia Rider, a member of thefaculty in the Department of Biology anddirector of PSU's pre-professional biologyprogram, said she thinks one reason for thestudents' success is that while facultyresearch is supported and encouraged at PSU,

3

Celebrating a Celebrated Pitt State Graduate: Ted Watts

He expressed this pride, in part, byserving for six years on the PSU AlumniAssociation and during 1982-83 aspresident of the association. He hascreated more than 50 original works of artfor PSU, including 20 straight years ofGorilla football promotional material. IfWatts has never ceased to be grateful tohis alma mater, his alma mater hasreturned the favor. He was an OutstandingYoung Alumnus in 1976. In 1988 hereceived the Pitt State MeritoriousAchievement Award and in 1999 he wasinducted into the PSU Athletic Hall ofFame. Most recently, in October 2002,Watts gave the Gene DeGruson MemorialLecture at Axe Library. The art of TedWatts is ubiquitous on campus. It isdisplayed prominently, among otherplaces, in the President's Office in RussHall, the Weede Physical Educationbuilding, the newly renovated HoraceMann Student Welcoming Center, and theOverman Student Center.

for unveiling in March 2003.Although sports art is Watts'

forte, he has put his artistic talentto a variety of uses, includinglocal history. In 1980, Wattsteamed up with Gene DeGruson(formerly special collectionslibrarian at PSU) and ShelbyHorne (a local attorney) toproduce "The Little BalkansReview: A Southeast KansasLiterary and GraphicsQuarterly." The journal went

Ted Watts through five volumes, publishedon a quarterly basis until 1984,

then sporadically until the final number­a special issue in memory of DeGruson­in the fall of 1999. Watts served as artsand graphics editor for each of the 19issues. His work included illustrating thecover of the journal and drawing portraitsof the contributors. Watts creditsDeGruson with making him moreconscientious about cataloguing hisartwork.

Watts has a deep fondness forPittsburg State University, and theCollege of Art and Sciences in particular.

"I'm a graduate of the College of Artsand Sciences," he said, "and I'm proud ofit."

Four years later, in August 1995, with thehelp of a plan conceived by Danenhauerto underwrite the project, Watts' dreambecame a reality when the exhibit ofWatts' paintings opened in South Bend.Pittsburg television sportscaster JayRadzavicz quipped that Watts had donewhat no other man had ever done, tackledevery Heisman Trophy winner. The latestaddition to the series, a portrait ofUniversity of Nebraska quarterback EricCrouch, was unveiled in August 2002.

Watts' most recent major project is amural that depicts the history of theUniversity of Oklahoma Sooners footballprogram. The mural is in the LegendsLobby of the Barry Switzer Centeradjacent to OU's Memorial Stadium.Measuring approximately 33 feet longand 10 feet high, the mural in its presentform includes portraits of 52 players, 14coaches, and more than 50 graphicelements. Those who have seen the muralagree that Watt includes a maximumnumber of images without overwhelm.ilJgthe viewer.

In a sense, the Oklahoma mural takesWatts back to his roots. He received anassociates' degree from NortheasternOklahoma A & M in 1962 where he .studied with famed Oklahoma muralistand lithographer Charles Banks Wilson.Watts' next major project is also a mural.He is presently working on a mural forWichita State University, to be displayedat Eck Baseball Stadium. The mural willcontain fewer figures than the Soonermural, but it will be nearly twice aslarge-approximately 70 feet in lengthand 10 feet high. The mural is scheduled

Ted Watts says that he isbasically a nut about collegefootball and its history. This istrue, and it shows in his work.Watts graduated from PSU in1966 with a bachelor of fine artsdegree. Since that time he hasbuilt a reputation as one of thepremier sports artists in thenation. In the words of SportsIllustrated's Douglas S. Looney,"On college campuses, Ted Wattsis easily the best known sportsartist in the land ... " In his morethan 30 years as a professionalartist he has created more than 5,000works of art, including portraits, posters,program covers, media guides, calendars,and most recently, murals. More thanhalf of these artistic productions aredevoted to college football.

Watts' client list includes the UnitedStates Olympic Committee and theNational Collegiate Athletic Association.His art is displayed in the major sportsHalls of Fame across the United States.In addition, Watts has worked with 11NCAA schools to paint Hall of Fameportraits-Arkansas, Kansas, OklahomaState, Kansas State, Texas Tech,Missouri, South Carolina, Oral Roberts,Nebraska, the United States MilitaryAcademy (ARMY), and PSU. Watts'work for the University of Kansas, whichbegan in 1976, resulted in what iscurrently the only published collection ofhis art, titled "Portraits of Excellence: AHeritage of Athletic Achievement at theUniversity of Kansas" (Quality SportsPublications, 1999).

Watts' most widely known work maybe his series of 62 portraits of HeismanTrophy winners that are on display in theCollege Football Hall of Fame in SouthBend, Indiana. Each year, about 100,000visitors to the Hall of Fame appreciateWatts' accomplishment. This project,which is dear to the artist's heart, wasconceived in the summer of 1991 at acelebrity golf tournament near Pittsburg.Eldon Danenhauer, one of the originalDenver Broncos and a graduate of PSU,asked Watts about his "dream" artproject. Watts said that he would like topaint all of the Heisman Trophy winners.

4

life membership $25/month (13 monthly

payments)

o life membership $325 (1-time payment)

o life membership $50/yr (7 annual payments)

Join thePSU AlumniAssociation!

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:• Voting privileges for

Alumni Board of Directors

• Subscription to thePSU MagaZine

• 20% discount at PSU'sFollett's Bookstore

• Alumni Relations Newsletter

• Gorilla window decals

• Alumni tour program

• Quest traveVhotel discountprogram

• 20% discount on PSU CareerServices registration

More than 7,000 alumni and friends ofthe University have committed tosupport the PSU Alumni Association'sservices, awards and programsthrough a membership dues program.

Dues help to support alumni chaptermeetings, Student Alumni Association

activities, alumni awards,alumni records system, and more!

,------------,I Please complete the application and mail

Ialong with your check to:

Wilkinson Alumni CenterI 401 E. Ford AvenueI Pittsburg, KS 66762-7517

I 0 Yes, I want to join the PSUI Alumni AssociationI (please choose a payment plan)

I 0 annual membership $20 per year

IIIII name _

II address -----------

I city _

II state zip ------

I phone _

II fax II e-mail JL _

A Farewell to Dean Brill

Universilas Don Viney, Editor Ron Womble, Managing EditorUniversitas is published by the Dean's Office with assistance from the

Office of University Communications and is printed by PSU Printing Services.University photographer: Malcolm Turner. For additional copies or to contribute

information, please contact: University Communications, Pittsburg StateUniversity, 1701 South Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762-7575, 620/235-4122.

It has been said that humility is the one virtue you can't brag about. This explainswhy Professor Orville Brill's work as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciencesfrom 1990 until 2001 would go unnoticed were it up to the former dean to tell thestory. He said that he enjoyed helping faculty and students while remaining invisible.Above all, says Dr. Brill, he saw his job as facilitating others to do what they dowhile fostering an atmosphere of trust and fairness. If one asks faculty and studentsin the College of Arts and Sciences about Brill, it quickly becomes apparent that hehas their respect for always conscientiously having tried. to do the right thing.

Before becoming dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Brill was thechairman of the Department of Physics. One might suppose that the office of thedean brings with it greater power and freedom to accomplish one's aims for thecollege. In reality, explained Brill, a dean is relatively powerless in light of theautonomy of the departments within the college-there were 14 when he was dean.Brill said that he encouraged the various academic units to be independent while notceasing to behave as a single college with common goals. Brill tirelessly promotedthe importance of the college, noting that in addition to offering the bulk of generaleducation courses, it generates fully half of the majors at Pittsburg State.

During his tenure as dean, Brill saw many changes in the college that he viewswith deep satisfaction. Many new faculty members were hired during his 11 years,and Brill took an active role in the interview process with the various departments.Brill noted that the science education center is now funded by the university and isintegrated into teacher education programs. The two director of science educationpositions in physics and biology grew out of this program. Other advances includedsupport for a geographic information systems program (offered out of theDepartment of Social Science) and the development of a campuswide pre-medicalprogram.

Brill said that when all is said and done, his greatest source of satisfaction as adean was in his contacts with students. He was instrumental in extending thebachelor of general studies program, thereby giving students an option outsidetraditional degree programs to accomplish their educational goals. However, Brilltook a special interest in helping students at a more personal level to solve theirproblems and achieve their life goals. Very often the solutions were simple andmechanical. At other times, more energy, commitment, and creativity were needed.The dean's office was, for many students, a last resort, the place where they turnedwhen there was nowhere else to turn. Brill tried to ensure that students were offeredall avenues of support to resolve their problems. He took a special interest inacademic dismissal cases. He has fond memories of a number of cases in whichstudents began with academic problems but ended by finding success in theclassroom and beyond.

Professor Brill presently works as the a sociate vice-president of academic affairsand chairs the university task force on general education.

5

Gus Gorilla helps childrenprepare for a visit to the doctor

Susan SegUe and Janis Schiefelbein

Pittsburg State University Nursing Department faculty andstudents are using Gus Gorilla's familiar image to helppreschool children overcome their fear of visiting the doctor'soffice.

Nursing instructors Susan Seglie and Janis Schiefelbein havewritten a children's book, "JR Gets Ready for School: A Visit tothe Health Clinic," that they use in presentations to very youngchildren. The book describes JR's (Gus Gorilla, Jr.) visit to thehealth clinic for a preschool checkup and vaccination. The bookwas illustrated by Adam Papish, a graphic arts student fromFrontenac.

The book has been incorporated into programs the nursesand their students do for youngsters called "Gorilla Clinics." Inaddition to preparing for visits to the doctor's office, the clinicsteach children about hand washing, nutrition, proper toothbrushing technique and other health issues.

Using ajunior Gus Gorilla as the main character was a"natural" choice, according to Seglie.

"Gus Gorilla is a very recognizable character for children inthis area," Seglie said. "Most of them have seen the PittsburgState mascot at football and basketball games, so they feel as ifthey know him."

Seglie said writing a book was necessary because therewasn't much material available for preschool children.

"We applied for and received a Pritchett Trust grant, whichprovided some technology and made printing the bookspossible," Seglie said.

The grant makes it possible for the presenters to give thebooks to the children who participate in the Gorilla Clinics,Seglie said. Additionally, the books are on sale at the PittsburgState University Bookstore in the Overman Student Center. Anyproceeds from book sales go to the Department of Nursing.

6

GIS (jrompg. 2)

the city. At about the same time, he said, he was contactedby Tim Bailey who wanted to know whether the city wouldbe interested in putting those resources to work in acollaborative project with the university.

The result was a $330,000 in-kind grant to PSU and anagreement to work together on a GIS project for the city.Included in the project are four paid student internships.

Bailey said the city has been very helpful in getting thecomputers in the Geography Information Systems-SpatialAnalysis Lab at PSU networked and working properly.Students have been learning the ESRI software that runs thesystem, Bailey said, and the groundwork is being laid for abeginning GIS.

"This project is very good for students," Bailey said. "Inother situations, a student's experience might be limited tofollowing and observing the experts. Here, the studentbecomes the expert."

From the city's point of view, the students are providingan opportunity for the city to develop a system that theywould otherwise not be able to afford.

"GIS is very resource intensive, especially on the frontend," Hough said. "That's why this is such a good projectfor the city. We can at least get started pretty cheaply."

A GIS uses data that is already collected, but often in awide variety of forms. For example, detailed data is kept oneverything from tax records to water and sewer usage.

"We've been collecting lots of data for a long time,"Hough said.

A GIS ties the data to specific points on a digital map.The GIS software allows users to view the information as"layers" added one on top of another over a base map. Theresult is a visual representation of information.

Bailey gave examples of how this way of looking atinformation has been valuable in recent years. He said a GISwas in use almost immediately after terrorists brought downthe World Trade Center, allowing emergency servicespersonnel and engineers to understand the areas and types ofbuildings affected. Insurance companies have used GIS torespond to areas devastated by hurricanes and GIS has longbeen used to manage forests and wetlands. Business andindustry have ~sed GIS to plan locations for stores andfactories and GIS has become an integral part of theplanning process for municipalities and governments.

Much of the students' work at present is focused onusing the software to convert information to digital files so agood base map can be created for Pittsburg's GIS. Theexperience the students are gaining, Bailey said, will be anadvantage for them if they follow a career path that involvesGIS.

Both Baily and Hough agree that everyone comes out awinner in this project. The city improves the way it can useand manage data and students have a richer educationalexperience.

"It definitely is a win-win situation," Hough said.

1

.,

}

Med School (from pg. 3)"I couldn't be happier with the quality of

students we have," Rider said.""They're not onlyextremely bright, but they are fun and delightfulpeople to be around."

Rider said there seems to be no shortage offreshmen who express an interest in becomingdoctors.

"We may start out with 60 or 70 students whosay they want to go pre-med," Rider said.""Qf that,we can expect a core group of probably 15 to beaccepted into med school or some otherprofessional program."

Rider said the goal of PSU's pre-professionalbiology program is not to weed students out, but tohelp students understand the wide range of careersavailable to them and help them find the best matchfor their talents and interests. For example, astudent who comes to the university thinking aboutmed school may discover that dentistry, optometry,veterinary medicine or biological research wouldbe a better choice for them. To that end, a pre-medorientation class strives to introduce students to themany opportunities open to them.

"We have a wide range of professionals speak tothe students," Rider said.

Guest speakers include medical doctors,optometrists, dentists, veterinarians, nursepractitioners, pharmacists and others.

"This community is so fantastic," Rider said.''''1never have problems getting professionals to talk tothe students. They are always eager to help andanswer the students' questions."

In addition to giving students a betterunderstanding of their individual fields, localprofessionals often playa key role in helpingstudents get admitted to the professional school oftheir choice, Rider said.

"A critical step in the acceptance process is theinterview," Rider said.''''For every student who getsinvited for an interview, we do mock interviews."

Rider said local professionals have been aninvaluable help with the interviews because theyhave been through the same experience.

"The local professionals are absolutelydedicated to helping our students," she said.

Rider said the faculty takes a good deal of pridein each student selected for post graduateprofessional study. And, she reminds them, theirformer teachers at PSU will be watching theircareers with more than a passing interest.

"I tell all of our students that when they've beenpracticing for several years and are successfulprofessionals, we'll be calling on them to give backto their alma mater and to a new crop of students,"Rider said.

Making a Gift toPittsburg State University

Through Your EstateMost of us would like to make a difference - to dosomething that would make our world a better place.You can make a difference. Your contributions toPittsburg State University, to our future, make astatement about you. Why not continue that supportthrough your estate plan?

Consider a bequest. Gifts through your will can be a particularitem or a percentage of your estate. They can be contingent(passing to PSU only if another beneficiary dies before you) orin trust, providing income to your spouse or children beforepassing for our benefit.

Give life insurance. You can name Pittsburg State as thebeneficiary of a policy on your life or contribute an old policythat you no longer need.

Leave financial accounts. You can indicate that savings, CD'sor other financial accounts - including IRA's - will be payable toPSU upon your death. Ask the account custodian for details.Bequests of IRA's save significant taxes..Include PSU in your revocable trust. Lifetime trusts(revocable living trusts) are popular for many reasons. Theyrelieve the property owner of management responsibilities,reduce probate costs, afford privacy and can be changedwithout the formalities of a will. You can include PSU as abeneficiary of your revocable trust.

Whether you already have an estate plan or are just thinkingabout one, it is always a good time to review your objectives andmake the plan work for you. If you have any questions regardingany of these giving options or need any assistance, contact:

George O. Pickell,Associate Director of Planned Giving and Major Gifts

Pittsburg State University Office of Development401 E. Ford Avenue, Pittsburg, KS 66762-7518

telephone: 620/235-4863.

7

Class of' 41Darthea Jane Baxter Spilios, BS, is a

professor of speech at Los Angeles City­College. She is teaching part-time'so she canenjoy long weekends with her husband,Dennis, who is retired. They have twochildren, Dana Baxter Spilios and DeanForrest Spilios, and reside in Glendale, Calif.Dartha reports that she would love to hearfrom anyone who still remembers her as shewas extremely active on campus.

Class of '43Marjorie Bricker Booher, BS, is a retired

home economics teacher in Lawrence, Kan.She has three daughters, six grandchildren,and four great grandchildren. A grandson iscurrently enrolled at PSU. Among her familythere are seven school teachers and theycelebrate every September with a get­together titled "Apple Day." They spend eachsummer on the lake in Minnesota enjoyinglots of guests and good fishing. Her e-mailaddress: MinnesotaLoon@webTV.net. Shereports that her 104-year-old mother diedAugust 2002.

Class of'48Emma Jean Jones Mcintosh, BSEd,

received her MS from Chicago State in 1963.She has retired from teaching and lives inChicago. Her three children, Willie R., PhyllisL., and Deborah Kaye take her to her danceclass one night a week. She is taking balletand liturgical dancing at Mayfair Academy.Emma reports that she is thankful for herchildren's concern, as her driver's license isrestricted to day driving.

Class of '53Virgil Albertini, BS, MS, '60, and Delores

Albertini, English, '59, live in Maryville, Mo.Virgil is a retired university professor andDelores is a retired university librarian fromNorthwest Missouri State University. Virgilwas recently awarded the University's firstDistinguished Emeritus Professorship.

Class of '55Robert L. Bailey, AB, is the author of a

book entitled "Plain Talk About Leadership"(Franklin University Press-2002), and is nowworking on his second book, "Plain TalkAbout Sales-Why Consumers Ask AboutPrice But Buy Value."

Robert retired in 2000 as chairman, CEOand president of State Auto InsuranceCompanies. Under his leadership, sales rosefrom $214 million to more than $1 billion, andnet worth increased from $139 million tonearly $1 billion.

Robert's wife, Sylvia, is a retired

8

Alumni Notes

registered nurse. They have three children,Janet, a school- teacher in Raleigh, N.C.; andNancy and Jim who both are insuranceunderwriters in Cincinnati. They also have fivegrandchildren.

In his retirement, Robert is a professionalpublic speaker on the topic of leadership,selling value, and strategic planning. He isalso an advisory director of Securitas Capital,a Zurich, Switzerland,-based company thatinvests in property/casualty insurancecompanies in the United States. Robert is amember of the board of directors ofProvidence Washington Insurance Companyof Providence, R.I., a securitas-ownedcompany and is a columnist for Rough Notesmagazine, one of the nation's leadinginsurance industry publications.

Robert and Sylvia live on a farm nearColumbus, Ohio, and raise miniature donkeys.

Class of '57Alice Gay Cunningham-McClain, BA

Language and Literature, retired from USD#441 in 1997 after teaching for 37 years. Shetaught English and literature at the junior andsenior high levels. Her husband, Eugene S.McClain, passed away May 22, 1972. He wasa '63 graduate with majors in history andpsychology. He also taught in USD #441. Theirdaughters include Lisa Kay Iffland, an •occupational therapist in Chicago, III.; andSuzanne Gum, who formerly taught music inJohnson, Kan., for 11 years and is now a stay­at-home mom.

Alice loves being retired. After retirement,she fulfilled a long-time dream by learning toplay the organ. Much of her time is spentdoing volunteer work in her church andaccompanying the church choir.

Class of '59Kay Branaman Eakin, BSEd, MDEd, '79,

is an international educational consultant. Hertime is divided between her work, assistingU.S. and foreign families as they move aroundthe world find suitable educational options fortheir children, and the presidency of theForeign Service Youth Foundation a 501 (c) 3organization for children who move around theworld because of their parents' foreign serviceoccupation. Kay and her husband, Terry C.'Eakin, now retired, live in Mesa, Ariz. Theyhave two children, Clay, 40; and Will, 39.

Class of '68William Shrum, BS, is owner and

manager of State Farm Insurance in Ames,Iowa. He was recently elected vice presidentof the State of Iowa Library Board of Trustees.He has previously served as president ofAmes Public Library Board and president ofAmes Parks and Recreation Board. He is also

a board member for Habitat for Humanity ofStory County, Iowa. His wife, Ellen, is anelementary teacher. Their son, Michael, is asenior at Iowa State University and theirdaughter, Anne, graduated from theUniversity of Texas and now lives and worksin Houston, Texas.

Larry R. Nelson, BS chemistry, MS invoc. ed., '97, is president of Roy Lindsey Co.,a manufacturing repair company for water andwastewater equipment. His wife, JaniceCollins Nelson, is also a graduate of PSU inbusiness ed., '65. She is an insurance agentfor All State insurance. Their son Bob, 33, is agraduate of KU and their son Bradley, 28, is agraduate of PSU with a major inenvironmental biology. Larry and Janice live inLenexa, Kan.

Class of '69Jean Farris Fuller, BME, is an organist

for St. David's Episcopal Church in Austin,Texas. In July 2002, they toured Wales andEngland performing choral and organconcerts at St. David's, Colwyn Bay, and theLeonard Stanley Music Festival, in Wales andTewksbury Abbey, Christ Church Cathedral,Oxford, and Broughton Castle, in England.Her husband, George Fuller, is a helicopterpilot in the Texas and Army Air NationalGuard. They have two daughters, Susan, 21,and Allison, 16, and live in Austin, Texas.

Class of '72Charlotte Gwynn Burkhart, BSEd ­

Home Economics. Her husband, Ernest, is adistributor for Garst Seed Co. They have twosons, Kevin J. Brownlee and Kyle W. Brownleeand live in Bramen, Okla.

Class of '74Marla S. Moore, BA History, MS Poli Sci,

'77, is a state court administrator. She wasnamed the associate director of courtservices comprising research and technology,court interpretation, court reporting,communications and judicial liaison, andequality in the courts for the GeorgiaAdministrative Office of the Courts, adepartment of the Georgia Supreme Court.Her husband, Richard A. Gosselin, is atrainer/HR consultant. They live in Atlanta andhave one son, Ronnie A. Gosselin.

Class of '77Janey Marshall, BSN, is a cardiology

nurse working in outpatient cardiac rehab atSt. Mary's Hospital, Blue Springs, Mo. Herhusband, Marc, is a maintenance manager atYellow Freight System in K.C., Mo. They haveone daughter, Rebecca, 18, a senior in highschool who plans to attend KU, and one son,

Nathan, 22, a senior at the University ofMissouri-Rolla, a civil engineer major.Janey and Marc celebrated their 25thanniversary this year. Rebecca and Janeywent on an educational tour/trip to Ireland,Scotland, Wales, England, and Paris lastJuly. Janey reports that "both kids are doinggreat." Out patient cardiac rehab is"booming." They moved to a larger facility inthe medical mall last Feb. Last month thedepartment received a new monitor systemto enable more patients to be monitored.They also started monthly support groupstwo months ago. Janey reports that thisarea is very positive, growing, andsatisfying and she loves it. The familyresides in Oak Grove, Mo.

Class of'85Michael Spradlin, BS Biology, is a

physician/anesthesiologist at OlatheMedical Center in Olathe, Kan. His wife,Sylvia Aves Spradlin, is a dentist. Theyhave three children: Mica, 11, Megan, 10,and Josh, 2, and live in Lenexa, Kan.Michael continues to practice anesthesia atOiathe Medical Center and reports that hehas many fond memories of PSU includingfriends, faculty, and the pre-med program.

Class 0['96Harlan J. Bryar, MS in music, is

director of instrumental ensembles atSouthwestern Assemblies of GodUniversity. His wife, Crystal, is a housewife.They have two children: Hannah, 5, andEthan, 3, and a baby on the way. The familylives in Waxahachie, Texas.

Class 0['99Margie Rayls, MSN, is a nurse

practitioner. Her husband, Edward, is an x­ray technician. They live in Oklahoma City,Okla.

Class of '01Teri Lynn Nelson, BS/MS Sociology, is

a victim DV advocate for SafeHouse, Inc.Her husband, Charles A. Nelson Jr., ownsNelson Construction. They live in Pittsburg,Kan. and have a daughter, Amber Dawn.Teri hosted, along with SafeHouse, Inc., theannual candlelight vigil for DomesticViolence Awareness Month in October, theUniversity Lake.

Wendi O'Rand, BS in FCS, is a studentobtaining her second bachelor's degree inelementary education. Her husband, Jerry,is a '99 graduate in elementary educationand is a teacher and coach at Girard MiddleSchool. They live in Girard and areexpecting their first child in April.

Pittsburg State UniversityCENTENNIAL EVENTS

The enabling legislation establishing the Manual Training Normal School of Pittsburg waspassed in the spring of 1903. The university opened its doors for its first classes for 54students on September 8, 1903. PSU will celebrate its rich history during a series of eventsduring the 2002-2003 and the 2003-2004 academic years. The following is an initial listingof centennial events, projects and activities. Additional events may be added.

Feb. 19, 2003 - Recognition of PSU's Centennial during Kansas Legislative session, State

Capitol, Topeka

Feb. 20-23, 2003 - Festival of New Music, McCray Hall

Feb. 21, 2003 - Reception for members of the PSU Foundation Heritage Society, Russ Hall

Feb. 21,2003 - "PSU's First Century (1903-2003)," a lecture by Dr. Joseph G. Smoot, PSU Vice

President Emeritus (Presented in conjunction with the Timmons Chapel Series) Crimson and

Gold Ballroom, Overman Student Center

March 6, 2003 - Apple Day Celebration - A tribute to the founding of the university, McCray Hall

March 7, 2003 - ROTC Military Ball, Student Center

March 10-April9, 2003 - Sculpture and Photography Exhibit, Porter Hall

March 27, 2003 - Janet Peery Fiction Reading, Overman Student Center

April 10, 2003 - College of Technology Awards Banquet, Overman Student Center

April 11 & 12 - Kansas Academy of Sciences Meeting, Overman Student Center

April 24, 2003 - Nursing Department Spring Conference, McPherson Nurse Education Building

April 14, 2003 - Art Exhibit "The Flight Show: Helping to Celebrate 100 years - PSU and the

Wright Brothers," various artists, University Gallery, Porter Hall

May 16, 2003 - Dedication of the Galloping Horse of Gansu, an outdoor bronze sculpture,

University Lake

May 16 & 17,2003 - Spring Commencement - Weede Physical Education Building

May 17, 2003 - Gamma Upsilon 25th Induction Ceremony, McPherson Nurse Education Building

May 17, 2003 - Nursing Department 30th Pinning Ceremony Honoring Cecelia Waggoner,

Weede Physical Education Building

Aug. 21-Sept. 17, 2003 - Emeritus Installation: Architectural Drawings, Porter Hall

August 23, 2003 - Centennial Benefit Gala - proceeds to PSU scholarships, Pittsburg Memorial

Auditorium

Sept. 7, 2003 - Centennial Bike Ride - 30, 62 and 100-mile bike rides, Gorilla Village

Sept. 8, 2003 - "PittNic", a picnic for PSU, the community, alumni and friends celebrating the first

day of classes 100 years ago, University Oval

Sept. 22-0ctober 17, 2003 - Drawing & Ceramics Receptions &Artist Talks, Porter Hall

Sept. 25, 2003 - Launch of The Brandenburg Lecture Series

Oct. 4, 2003 - College of Arts and Sciences Friends and Family Centennial Reunion

Oct. 18, 2003 - Homecoming - Pittsburg State University - A Broadway Classic

Oct. 18, 2003 - Departments of Family and Consumer Sciences and Nursing - Alumni Tours and

Reunions

Oct. 22-Nov. 18 - "Plain Art IV" Award Exhibition Reception and Artist Talk, Porter Hall

Nov. 16-22,2003 - Technology Symposium, Kansas Technology Center

Nov. 25-Jan. 28 - Ceramics & 2-3 Dimensional Reception & Artist's Talk, Porter Hall

Dec. 7, 2003 - Handel's "Messiah," featuring students, faculty, PSU alumni and the Southeast

Kansas Symphony, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Dec. 19, 2003 - Winter Commencement, Weede Physical Education Building

February 12, 2004 - Faculty & Spouse Social Organization Centennial Dinner/Dance

March 4, 2004 - Apple Day Convocation and Time Capsule Ceremony, McCray Hall

April 5-7, 2004 - Innovation-Research Symposium

May 14 & 15, 2004 - Spring Commencement, Weede Physical Education Building

For additional information, contact the Office of University Communications,

620/235-4122 or visit the PSU website www.pittstate.edu

9

University honors artistwith retrospective of his work

Pittsburg StateUniversitycelebrated the workof alumnus JoeBeeler, BFA '57,with a retrospectiveof his art in theUniversity Gallery,Oct. 25-Nov. 13,2002. The exhibitalso included workby Joe's wife,Sharon, and theirdaughter, Tracy.

Beeler,originally fromJoplin, Mo., first Joe and Sharon Beeler

studied art at theUniversity of Tulsa following service in the Korean War. Later, he transferred toPittsburg State University where he earned his bachelor of fine arts degree. Afterearning his degree at PSU, Beeler studied art at the Art Center School in Los Angeles.

For a number of years, Beeler worked in Oklahoma as an art illustrator while atthe same time establishing his painting career. By 1960, he had produced a body ofwork sufficient to earn him a one-man show at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa. A yearlater, he exhibited at the Montana Historical Society.

Those successes gave Beeler enough confidence to move with Sharon to theartists' colony of Sedona, Ariz. The Beeler's built a ranch-style home on five acres,which over the years has become an art center complex in which Joe's work isexhibited throughout.

In 2002, the City of Sedona unveiled a 7-foot bronze statue of Beeler to honor himas one of the foremost artists of the American West.

In Pittsburg, the Beeler's attended an opening reception for the exhibit and anumber of Homecoming events.

Prevention·Pittsburg veterinarianDick Peterson, left,with the assistanceofNature ReachCoordinator JoeWilliams, gives afalcon at pSU's raptorrehabilitation center avaccination againstWest Nile Virus. Thevirus, which hasspread rapidly acrossthe U.S., has beenparticularly deadlyamong birds.

10

Research (from pg. 1)

learn more about biomedical research as acareer option.

Rider said the program has alsoprovided money to connect the PSUcampus via the tele network with all of theother institutions of higher learning inKansas and money to purchase computer .

"PSU K-BRIN participants will haveaccess to a bioinformatics specialist whowill help train students using the techniquesneces ary to mine databases, including thehuman genome," Rider said. "This programis going to give our undergraduate studentsstate-of-the-art experience that will benefitthem after graduation, regardless of theirchosen career path."

Dunbar agreed that the research hadalready paid benefits. It even helped him inthe interview process as he was applying tomedical schools.

"One of the things they look for whenyou interview is to see whether you've donesome research," Dunbar said. "You need tobe able to show you are able to work indifferent fields."

Rider aid students are selected for theprogram on the basis of scholarship, "so itis definitely a prestigious award."

"Moreover," she said, "because thefunding comes from the National Institutesof Health, such funding is recognized on anational level. Aside from the prestige ofbeing associated with the award, doingresearch teaches students about persistence,patience, and deferral of short term gainsfor long term rewards. Any studentanticipating professional school, therefore,benefits from research training. If studentswork hard and have a bit of luck, theirresearch efforts may be presented at anational meeting or be published as part ofa larger effort from the laboratory. Thereare some medical schools such asWashington University in St. Louis, forwhich almost all medical school applicantshave some sort of laboratory researchexperience. Thanks to K-BRIN, we cannow provide similar opportunities for ourstudents."

PSU students who participated in theresearch this past summer and their mentorsare: Brett Dunbar, Pittsburg, Daniel Zurek;Clinton Seifert, Fort Scott, Virginia Rider;Janae Jarred, Chanute, Virginia Rider; RyanEdress, Eureka, Kan., Virginia Rider; andJoseph Symes, Milo, Mo., Nancy Brooker.

PSU honors faculty authorsWhen the Leonard H. Axe Library hosted the 19th annual "Faculty Author

Reception" on Nov. 7th, most of the honorees were from the College of Arts andSciences. The library sponsors this event as one way to recognize the works of PSUfaculty published in paper or electronically. Those Arts and Sciences authors included:

Marjorie E. Donovan, Social Sciences, "Sociology: Relationships That Make aWorld"

Selim Giray, Music, "The Violin Works of Ahmed Adnan Saygun: a Violinist'sHandbook" .

Casie E. Hermansson, English, "Reading Feminist Intertextuality Through BluebeardStories"

Harry L. Humphries, Social Sciences, "Sociology: Relationships That Make aWorld"

Janis J. Schiefelbein, Nursing, "JR Gets Ready for School: A Visit to the HealthClinic"

Susan M. Seglie, Nursing, "JR Gets Ready for School: A Visit to the Health Clinic"

Donald W. Viney, Social Sciences, "Charles Hartshorne's Letters to a YoungPhilosopher: 1979 1995." In: "Logos-Sophia:" The Journal of the Pittsburg StateUniversity Philosophical Society, vol. 11 fall 2001, a special editioncommemorating the founding of the society and in memory of Charles Hartshorne;and "Special Focus on Charles Hartshorne;" a special issue of: "Process Studies,"vol. 30, no. 2, fall-winter, 2001

Kelly A. Woestman, History, "Making America: a History of the United States," 3rded., instructor's resource manual and "Making America" ... study guide for vol. 1,To 1877 and vol. 2, Since 1865.

Wish you had bought a Kanzayearbook of your college years?Itls not too late ... not yet,anyway. A small number ofprevious yearsl Kanzas areavailable, so you can still reliveyour fond memories of PittsburgState University.

Available are 2001, 2000 and 1999Kanzas at $30 each (plus $5 shippingand handling).

In addition, the Student PublicationsDepartment wants to clear out itssupply of older Kanzas, which range from 1998 back to the1960s. A limited number of these are available at $20 each (plus$5 shipping and handling). Credit cards are accepted.

For more information, call Gerard Attoun at 620/235-4809. Or,write to: Pittsburg State University, Kanza, 210 Whitesitt Hall, 1701South Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762.

Schick (from pg. J)

Pittsburg as well. I am the fIrst fromPittsburg to be given the award, but thereare many here who are also deserving."

Building a reputation in the art worldmay be just a little bit more difficult for anartist working on the edge of the prairie,Schick admitted.

"I think that when you live anywhere inthe Midwest," Schick said, "sometimes youhave to work harder to get recognition.Actually, what is nice about exhibiting inEurope is they make no distinctions aboutMidwest versus East Coast."

Recognition is no longer a problem forSchick. She was named a Fellow of theAmerican Craft Council, one of the highesthonors given to craft artists in the U.S. Herworks are part of public collections at theVictoria and Albert Museum in London;the Royal Museum of the NationalMuseums of Scotland in Edinburgh; theRenwick Gallery of the National Museumof Modern Art; the Smithsonian Institutionin Washington, D.C.; the American CraftMuseum in New York; the Museum of FineArt in Boston; the John Michael Kohler ArtCenter in Seoul, South Korea; the NationalMuseum of Modern Art in Tokyo; andother museums in Norway, the Netherlandsand the U.S.

Schick's works have been featured ingalleries, museums and exhibitions acrossthe U.S. and around the world and havebeen included in numerous book andpublications. She is the featured artist andappears on the cover of the October/November is~ue of "American Craft"magazine.

Known for her use of brilliant, rich andoften iridescent colors, Schick eschews theprecious metals and gems of traditionaljewelry. Instead, she is likely to turn simplewooden "biscuits" into glowing feathersfor a body drape or strips of torn paper intowaves of color for a necklace. Her piecesare designed to be worn, but are just aslikely to be displayed on a wall or on apede tal in a gallery.

Schick is currently working on a newpiece for an upcoming show in Topeka.The piece consists of 61 wood and papernecklaces, "which represents my age,"Schick said. "This one is the year I metJim," she said, picking one of the necklacesfrom the pile.

11

Pittsburg State UniversityCollege of Arts and Sciences1701 South BroadwayPittsburg, Kansas 66762-7531

NONPROFITU.S. Postage

;'''''1 PAIDPITT STATE

No news isn't always good news!Please drop us a line and let us know about your latest endeavors.

Mail to: Newsletter Editor, Universitas, Office of University Communications,Pittsburg State University, 1701 South Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762-7575

Name _

Degree Yr. Grad. _

Address _

City State Zip _

Phone (__) Maiden name _

Spouse's name _

PSU grad? Yr. Major _

Occupation(s): your's _

spouse's _

Children _

News _