Missouri Western’s Centennial year offers a unique opportunity to reflect with pride on all that the University has accomplished, and to plan with anticipation for the next 100 years. Several initiatives are in place to launch a vision for the next 100 years, including a Centennial Capital Campaign, a master plan and an energy audit.
Centennial Capital Campaign
Missouri Western’s Centennial Capital Campaign, which kicked off in January 2015, is the centerpiece of the University’s vision for the next 100 years.
“As we celebrate the University’s Centennial this year, we have an opportunity to reflect on the past 100 years and the nearly 25,000 students who have benefited from earning a Missouri Western education,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western president. “But we also have the opportunity to plan and build support for the next 100 years. Our mission compels
us to continue transforming lives.”
Dr. Mark Laney agreed. “For 100 years, Missouri Western has earned our trust. Now it is time for us to invest in them because they deserve it,” he said. “As the university goes, so goes the community.” Dr. Laney is one of the campaign co-chairs with his wife, Mary Margaret, and Dan and Dale Boulware.
The five-year campaign focuses on three areas: investment in facilities, investment in endowments and investment in academic and co-curricular programming. A $20 million initial celebration goal has been set, and more than $16.8 million was raised in the silent phase of the campaign.
Jerry Pickman ’85, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation, noted that the campaign is a comprehensive, donor-centered effort, and the University will always honor donor-designated gifts. Donors may also leave their gifts undesignated.
“Crucial to the University’s success in the next 100 years is the continued growth of facilities, academic programs and the continued development of a remarkable student experience,” Pickman said. “And community support is vital to this mission.”
“We have one thing in common, we all love this community and this university,” Dan Boulware said. “We are all Griffons.”
Goal 1: Investment in Campus Facilities:
Spratt Memorial Stadium and Potter Hall
The University’s strategic plan and the master plan identified renovations to Spratt Memorial Stadium as a priority need for Missouri Western. Funded by private donations and bonding, renovations will begin this spring and are scheduled for completion in fall 2015.
In November 2014, the Board of Governors approved a statement of intent to proceed with a $5.5 million auxiliary system revenue bond issue to pay for improvements to the stadium.
The Griffon Indoor Sports Complex, home of the Kansas City Chiefs Summer Training Camp, has strengthened the University’s ability to engage the community and region in numerous athletic, wellness and health initiatives while providing an unparalleled experience and serving as a key recruitment tool. Yet, the home side of Spratt Stadium and the concourse area has not received improvements for many years.
Areas in the stadium are not accessible to people with disabilities, and due to increased fan support, the ticket office, restrooms and concession areas are overcrowded. Increased Gold Coat Club membership has created a need for more premium seats and suites.
“Missouri Western athletes are recognized both regionally and nationally, and its facilities must reflect the University’s commitment to competitive and exceptional athletic teams,” said Kurt McGuffin, director of Athletics.
Plans are for construction of a new concourse, which includes an expanded concessions area, additional restrooms, a team store to sell merchandise, a ticket office, and a Hall of Fame room and reception area. The renovations also include the construction of up to 14 corporate suites, elevator and accessibility improvements, a new media area, more chair-back seating and an upgraded scoreboard/video board.
“The renovated stadium will provide modern and improved facilities that will contribute tremendously to the overall fan experience,” McGuffin said. “Both athletes and fans will benefit from the improvements.”
Renovations to Potter Hall, which houses the Department of Music; Department of Theatre, Cinema and Dance; and the Department of Art; has been recognized as a critical need in the University’s strategic plan and master plan, and the renovations and expansion of the building have been listed a priority for Missouri Western at the state level for nearly 20 years.
Graduates in the arts are employed throughout the region in the fields of graphic design, advertising, media, broadcasting, cinema, museum curation and more. Since 2007, enrollment in arts programs has grown 62 percent, and at the same time, attendance has grown at the University’s theatre productions, art exhibits and musical performances.
As part of the Centennial Capital Campaign, an approximately 13,000 square-foot state-of-the-art performance hall with seating for 500-plus is proposed, along with a foyer and reception area, and an outdoor sculpture garden.
Last year, reserve funds were used to renovate restrooms and office space in Potter Hall, add a circle drive on the west side the building, and build a percussion room.
Goal 2: Investment in Missouri Western’s Endowment
Missouri Western’s Foundation provides needed funding for scholarships and innovative programs, and increasing its endowment ensures permanent resources for those needs. This goal will fund scholarships, program and general operations of the Foundation, and the University has already received several gifts for its endowment.
For the academic year 2013-14, the Foundation awarded scholarships totaling more than $806,000 to 528 students. Additionally, it funded almost $50,000 for 130 students to attend and present their research at national and international conferences.
“Supporting this campaign will help the Foundation fund even more scholarships and enhance students’ educational experience,” Pickman said. “It is endowment funds that will generate sustaining support for the next 100 years and beyond.”
Goal 3: Investment in Academic and Co-curricular Programming
According to Pickman, this focus of the campaign will support programs, equipment and emerging needs. Currently, these needs are met with donations to the University’s Annual Fund. Pickman said he hopes donors will continue to support the Annual Fund and consider an additional gift to the campaign.
“Our donor support has always been phenomenal,” he said. “We truly understand that the support we receive from our alumni, our friends and the community is vitally important to our future, and we greatly appreciate it.”
“I believe we are at a critical juncture in our history, and I am excited to plan for our future,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “Since our founding in 1915 as the St. Joseph Junior College to our evolution as a modern, vibrant campus that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, our commitment to improve and transform the lives of students has never changed.”
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Mosaic Life Care endows professorship for population health
A Centennial Capital Campaign leadership gift of $1.5 million from Mosaic Life Care will endow a professorship in the field of population health. The Mosaic Professorship for Population Health is the first endowed professorship in Missouri Western’s history.
“We are extremely grateful for Mosaic’s generous gift which will enable us to recruit and retain a highly qualified faculty member in this growing field,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “In turn, we envision tremendous strides in population health outcomes for our region and beyond. I believe this gift has the potential to produce truly pioneering work and be a ‘game-changer’ for Missouri Western.”
Population health is an approach to health that steps beyond the individual-level focus of traditional clinical and preventive medicine by addressing a broad range of factors that impact health on a population level.
“The health–care industry is changing rapidly. There is a growing need for health–care professionals who are prepared to manage various aspects of population health,” said Dr. Mark Laney, president and CEO of Mosaic Life Care and co-chair of the Centennial Capital Campaign. “Mosaic and Missouri Western have been partners in the work of educating tomorrow’s health caregivers. I’m pleased that we have strengthened that partnership.”
Missouri Western’s proposal to create a Bachelor of Science in Population Health Management will be considered by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education in early 2015. Coursework would include biology, sociology, psychology, medical terminology, epidemiology, healthcare policy, ethics, analytics, communication and business. If approved, it will be the first undergraduate degree program in population health in Missouri.
Campaign Volunteers
Honorary Chair
Steven L. Craig
Campaign Co-chairs
Dan and Dale Boulware
Dr. Mark and Mary Margaret Laney
Members
Eric Bruder
Dr. Jeanne Daffron
Pat Dillon
Dr. Cale Fessler
Karen Graves
Kurt McGuffin
Michael Meierhoffer
Shana Meyer
Mallory Murray
Dr. Krikor Partamian
Roy Tewell
Dr. Robert Willenbrink
Zack Workman
Join us in our efforts to help Missouri Western succeed in its second century. To contribute to the campaign or find out about commemorative or naming opportunities, call (816) 271-5647 or visit www.missouriwestern.edu/campaign.
Centennial Capital Campaign Highlights
Pledges at press time:
- 1 for $10 million, largest gift in Missouri Western’s history
- 1 for $1.5 million
- 1 for $1 million+
- 3 for $500,000 – $999,999
- 2 for $250,000 – $499,999
- 8 for $100,000 – $249,999
- 8 for $25,000 – $99,999
- Missouri Western employees have pledged almost $500,000, and the president’s cabinet has 100 percent participation
- $16.5 million raised at press time
- Missouri Western’s largest privately funded campaign
Growing our endowment
The following is a sampling of pledges to the Missouri Western State University Foundation for Missouri Western’s endowment for scholarships:
An alumnus who lives in St. Joseph and wishes to remain anonymous has pledged $10 million to the Foundation. The gift is the largest in Missouri Western’s history.
Wayne Chatham ’90 and his wife, Nanette, recently notified the Foundation that it would be the beneficiary of 10 percent of their estate, which is estimated to be a $500,000 gift. Wayne is senior vice president for Ceridian Stored Value Systems, Inc. (SVS), a company which offers consumer loyalty solutions and retail gift, branded prepaid, prepaid debit, merchandise return, and promotional cards.
Wayne, recruited by Gary Filbert to play basketball for Missouri Western, fondly remembers his days as a Griffon.
“Gary ran a tight ship; he stressed punctuality and a strong work ethic.”
Roy Tewell was the assistant coach when Wayne played. “Missouri Western develops people,” he said. “Here is a successful man who has done very well, and now he is giving back to Missouri Western.”
Wayne, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management, has almost three decades of experience in the electronic payment field. He joined SVS in 1987.
“I flaunt my Missouri Western degree,” Wayne said. “I’m proud of it.”
Wayne and Nanette and their two children live in Kansas City, Mo.
Bill Wright notified the Foundation that it would be a beneficiary of almost $500,000 from his estate for a scholarship fund for students in the arts programs.
“I was impressed by everyone I met in the arts programs. There is incredible potential for the arts at Missouri Western,” Wright said. “Faculty members are excellent and incredibly talented; they are world class people.”
With Dr. Laurel Vartabedian and Karen Graves, Wright helped found the Missouri Western Arts Society in 2011 to help raise money for the arts programs, and he headed the Arts Society Council for two years. Additionally, he has helped fund student trips to the Kansas City Lyric Opera and the Kansas City Repertory Theater.
Wright graduated from the University of Kansas’s architecture program and began his career as an architect for a large firm in Houston, traveling all over the world managing projects. He then worked for University of Houston and later Rutgers University, managing their building projects. He developed and operated the New Brunswick Cultural Center in New Brunswick, N.J., and served as executive director of the Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University.
Ralph ’77 and Norma Hiller pledged $200,000 to Missouri Western for scholarships for nontraditional students.
The Hillers, who live in California, have supported Missouri Western scholarships for nontraditional students for several years through the Hiller Family Foundation. The family recently dissolved the Foundation and notified the Missouri Western State University Foundation that it would receive $200,000 for an endowed scholarship fund.
With a pledge of $200,000, Dr. Jane and Lyman Frick established the Jane and Lyman Frick English Scholarship. Dr. Jane Frick is a professor emerita of English and the former director of the Prairie Lands Writing Project.
“We are so grateful to our generous donors for their support. Their gifts are essential to the growth and success of Missouri Western and its students,” said Jerry Pickman ’85, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Foundation.
President’s Centennial Circle
Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, and his wife, Dr. Laurel Vartabedian, made a personal financial commitment of $144,000 to inaugurate a new donor recognition program, the President’s Centennial Circle. The circle, which began last spring, recognizes donors with a lifetime history of giving $100,000 or more to the University, and two deans joined the circle in the past year.
Dr. Robert Willenbrink, founding dean of the School of Fine Arts, and his wife, Susie, pledged $100,000 as a way to express their deep commitment to the University’s arts programs and students.
“I believe the capital campaign is important to the future of Missouri Western and to our region.”
Recently, Dr. Mike Lane, dean of the Craig School of Business, and his wife, Dr. Peggy Lane, pledged $100,000, as well. Dr. Peggy Lane is a professor of information systems and director of the Masters of Information Management Program at Missouri Western.
“As public support for higher education continues to decline, individuals must step up to provide support to mitigate the increasing cost to the students and their families. We are pleased to be able to help in a small way,” the Lanes said. “As first-generation college graduates ourselves, we understand the importance of education opportunities. We believe in the mission of Missouri Western and want to contribute in a small way to the ongoing success of transforming lives.”
University named in artist’s bequest
Brent Collins, internationally known “mathematically driven” sculptor, notified the Missouri Western State University Foundation that he intends to gift his entire artist’s estate to the University. A permanent loan agreement was recently signed, and the collection will be housed on campus.
“This is a monumental gift to the University,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, when the gift was announced. “We sincerely appreciate his generosity.”
Collins currently has two works on the Missouri Western campus. He was the creator of the work in the Remington Hall atrium, “Evolving Trefoil,” and the sculpture on the lawn of Remington Hall, “Music of the Spheres.”
His work has been displayed all over the world, including the University of Michigan, H&R Block Headquarters, the American Association for the Advancement of Science headquarters in Washington, D.C. and the UNESCO World Conference on Science in Budapest, Hungary.
“My work communicates the beauty of mathematics in clarified visual form,” Collins says.
Comprehensive master plan
Missouri Western began a comprehensive master planning initiative in the summer of 2014, and a full report is scheduled to be available this spring.
Ann Pearce, chair of the master planning steering committee, said the plan will establish a framework for physical growth over the next 10 years and will help guide the University’s decisions regarding new construction and renovation, traffic patterns, accessibility, environmental stewardship, parking, land development, and classroom and other space utilization.
In July 2014, Gov. Jay Nixon signed a long-term land lease bill which opens up opportunities for Missouri Western to enter into long-term leases on its 723-acre campus. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Ken Wilson ’89, of Smithville, Mo. Missouri Western can now explore the option of leasing some of its land long-term, Pearce said.
The architectural firm Clark-Huesemann of Lawrence, Kan. was selected for development of the master plan.
Several Clark-Huesemann employees, including architects, engineers, landscapers and consultants, visited the campus as part of the project. They met with the campus community three times last fall, both for employee input and to share the preliminary results of the plan. The Board of Governors approved an initial master plan design at its December meeting.
The initial report identified the need for additional performance space, which is one of the focuses of the Centennial Capital Campaign. As part of the master planning process, 10 peer universities in the region were benchmarked for performance facilities, and Missouri Western was the only one to lack a large performance hall. Missouri Western also provides the lowest number of total performance seating per student enrolment than any of the other universities in the study.
The initiative also identified a priority need of renovation of Spratt Memorial Stadium, also a focus of the Centennial Capital Campaign, and more recreational space for all students.
Energy Conservation Program
A complement to the master planning initiative is a comprehensive energy conservation program that was implemented this past fall.
In June 2014, the Board of Governors accepted a proposal from Schneider Electric of Lenexa, Kan. to provide an energy conservation program. Schneider analyzed campus energy usage and designed, installed, maintained, monitored and arranged the financing of a comprehensive energy conservation program.
“Missouri Western has dealt with rising utility and operational costs for many years,” said Dr. Cale Fessler, vice president for financial planning and administration. “This audit helps us be good stewards of our fiscal and environmental resources.”
Schneider, a global specialist in energy management, will save Missouri Western nearly $400,000 in energy costs annually over 15 years. The University anticipates an additional $400,000 in utility incentives to offset campus-wide upgrades across its building, lighting, water and mechanical systems.
The initiative will span 27 facilities and incorporate a variety of energy-efficiency upgrades to enhance classroom and building comfort, while reducing energy consumption through lighting retrofits and occupancy controls, water fixture retrofits and modifications, mechanical upgrades and more.
New Director of Development named
Kim Weddle ’00 was named director of development and began her duties in January. She was previously the executive administrative associate to the president.
“As an alumna, I know first-hand the power of Missouri Western to transform lives,” Weddle said. “I also know the important role private support plays in enhancing Missouri Western’s impact on students and the region, and I look forward to work with the campus and the community to grow that support.”
As director of development, Weddle will oversee all core development programs, including annual gifts, major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts and planned giving. She will also play a key role in Missouri Western’s Centennial Capital Campaign, which launched its public phase last month.
Prior to working in the president’s office, Weddle worked nine years as executive administrative associate for university advancement, after two years as a development associate and two years as a development specialist. She received an Outstanding Employee Award in 2009.
“When we began our search to fill this position, we described our ideal candidate as one with fundraising experience, a passion for Missouri Western, knowledge of the local community and a warm personality that easily builds strong relationships,” said Jerry Pickman ’85, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation. “Kim embodies all of those traits, and I couldn’t be more pleased to bring her on board.”
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