Four community members have agreed to serve as chairs of the comprehensive capital campaign that will be part of Missouri Western’s centennial in 2015: R. Dan and Dale Boulware and Dr. Mark and Mary Margaret Laney.
“As we prepare to celebrate 100 years of transforming lives and carry that legacy into the future, we’re thrilled that Dan, Dale, Mark and Mary Margaret have agreed at this stage in the planning process to provide leadership for the Centennial Capital Campaign,” said Jerry Pickman ’85, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation.
R. Dan Boulware is a partner in the national law firm of Polsinelli and chair of the firm’s contingency fee practice. A fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, Dan is recognized by his peers as being among the top one percent of all trial attorneys in the country, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous federal and state courts. He received both his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Kansas. Dan has been actively engaged in the community and is a tireless supporter of Missouri Western. He is a former president of the University’s governing board and received an honorary degree from Missouri Western in 2012. The R. Dan Boulware Convocation on Critical Issues, which brings nationally prominent speakers to campus each fall, is named in his honor.
“Missouri Western has served this community with excellence for almost 100 years,” he said. “In turn, it is my hope that the community recognizes the need and importance of investing in Missouri Western’s future. We will be involving students, faculty and staff, alumni and our strongest supporters to assist us with the preparation activities needed to successfully launch the Centennial Capital Campaign and address the University’s needs.”
Dale Boulware was born and raised in New Albany, Miss., and graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Since moving to St. Joseph in 1981, Dale has played an active civic role, serving in various volunteer leadership capacities for the United Way, Junior League of St. Joseph, the YMCA, and the St. Joseph Safety Council and other organizations. Dale has served the University as past president of the Missouri Western Ambassadors. The Boulwares are members of both the Missouri Western State University League for Excellence and the Missouri Western Arts Society.
Dr. Mark Laney has been president and CEO of Heartland Health/Mosaic Life Care since 2009. Previously, Mark served for 20 years at Cook Children’s Health Care System, including eight years as the president of the Cook Children’s Physician Network. He serves on many boards, including the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association, Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Community Alliance of St. Joseph, Success by 6 and the Missouri Hospital Association, where he is past president.
Mark earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas in Denton and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He also completed a Pediatric Neurology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic and received a Master of Science in medical management at the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.
Mary Margaret Laney was born and raised in Little Rock, Ark. Shortly after high school, she went to work at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. Mary Margaret is a graduate of the Baptist System School of Nursing in Little Rock and is a registered nurse. After a brief stint in the ICU at Baptist Hospital, she transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Mark and Mary Margaret are members of the Missouri Western Arts Society, and Mary Margaret serves on the Society’s Board of Directors.
“I think a community is blessed to have a university in their city,” she said. “The students add a flavor to the city that is appealing. The athletic activities, theatre productions, musical concerts, art shows, and other events provide high-caliber entertainment for the community. I look forward to helping raise awareness of all Missouri Western has to offer and to continue to build relationships that will gain the needed funds for this campaign.”
“As leaders in the St. Joseph community, the Boulwares and Laneys share a great passion for the future of our community and recognize the role Missouri Western plays in the region’s prosperity and continued economic growth,” Pickman said. “I am truly grateful to partner with such wonderful advocates of our University.”