Dr. M. O. Looney poses by the plaque that was dedicated in memory of his wife, Dorsey.
One of Missouri Western’s first ladies was honored recently, and a plaque now hangs in her memory in the M.O. Looney Complex. A plaque recognizing Dorsey Looney’s contributions as first lady from 1967-1983, along with a photo of the first family, was dedicated at a ceremony in January.
Dorsey, wife of President Dr. M.O. Looney, died in January 2011. Shortly after she passed away, Patti Burri ’55, approached Dan Nicoson, vice president for university advancement, and asked him about placing a plaque on campus to honor Dorsey’s memory, since she was Missouri Western’s first lady for 16 years. They decided to hang the plaque in the building named after her husband.
With Missouri Western on board, Patti began her fund-raising efforts. Dorsey had helped start the Faculty Wives Club, which later became the Missouri Western Women and finally the MWSU Ambassadors. So Patti, who was a member of those groups, started talking to those women.
She and others successfully raised the funds to purchase a 20 x 16 plaque for Dorsey, along with enlarging and framing a photo of Dorsey, Dr. Looney and their three sons. There was also enough funds to re-frame Dr. Looney’s original portrait and two resolutions, one which named the building in his honor and another to thank him for his service. The new plaque and photo are hanging next to the portrait and resolutions on the second floor of the Looney Complex.
“Dorsey was a key member of the Missouri Western team. She helped entertain everyone from celebrities to our wonderful faculty and staff,” Dr. Looney said at the ceremony. “It would take a lot of plaques to describe all the things that Dorsey and her group did to give the college credibility and help it rise to the next level.”
Patti said she appreciated that Dorsey started the Faculty Wives Club, because it gave the women, many who were new to the area, an opportunity to meet each other. “We just loved her, she was a wonderful person.”
Barb Crumley, also a member of the Faculty Wives and Missouri Western Women, spoke at the dedication ceremony, remembering Dorsey’s great work as first lady.
A tour of the Looney Complex and a reception followed the dedication ceremony.
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