Thursday, April 14, 2011

Eugenia Ruth Legal Research Laboratory unveiled
The Eugenia Ruth Legal Research Laboratory was unveiled on the campus of Culver-Stockton College. The addition of the research lab was made possible through the generous donation from the Honorable Judge Dennis Ruth ‘83. Ruth made the donation in honor of his mother, Eugenia. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Ruth spoke about his mother and his decision to make a donation to Culver-Stockton College in her honor. “I had four siblings, and my mother was determined to provide us all with an education,” said Ruth. “She was a pioneer as a soccer mom. She drove us to soccer, she was a den mother, a room mother, she drove us to track, to hockey – you name it, she did it. But she would scoff if you called her a soccer mom; she would say ‘I’m just a mom.’ When it came time to start talking about sending us kids to college, she went out and got a job as a secretary. She worked for the next 20 years with the sole purpose of sending us all to college. Every penny my mom earned went to pay for tuition. She never expected any thanks, but this room is my way of saying thanks. So thanks, Mom.” Culver-Stockton President Richard Valentine also spoke during the dedication, commenting on the educational impact of the research lab. “Obviously, Eugenia Ruth was the driving force in Dennis’ education, and the driving force for his entire family. Now, through Dennis’ generous gift, Eugenia will be a driving force in the education of countless Culver-Stockton students for generations to come,” said Valentine. The legal research lab features 10 all-in-one computers, tables, chairs and a color printer. The addition of the research lab will assist criminal justice students and others by giving them access to computers, online resources and other research materials. Read more online.

Abraham Lincoln expert to give C-SC commencement address
Harold Holzer, one of the country’s leading authorities on Abraham Lincoln and political culture during the Civil War era, will be the keynote speaker during the 2011 Culver-Stockton College Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. on the campus of Culver-Stockton. Holzer is a noted writer, lecturer and frequent guest on television.  In 2000, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the United States Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. He served as co-chair of the commission from 2001-2010. For his work with the commission, Holzer was honored by President George W. Bush with the National Humanities Medal in 2008. The United States Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is now known as the Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, and Holzer currently serves as chairman of that organization. Throughout his career, Holzer has authored, co-authored or edited 36 books. In addition, he has written some 450 articles for magazines and scholarly journals. Holzer is also a frequent guest on televisions programs, including C-SPAN’s The Washington Journal, Lincoln presented by the History Channel and The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, among others. “We are extremely excited and proud to have such a prolific author and lecturer as our keynote speaker for the 2011 Commencement Ceremony,” said Culver-Stockton President Richard Valentine. “Mr. Holzer will, no doubt, offer our young graduates an engaging and inspiring perspective on the past, as well as the future; as they prepare to end their college careers and enter the world of working professionals. I would also like to express my gratitude to Culver-Stockton board of trustees member and former Quincy [Illinois] Mayor Chuck Scholz, who was instrumental in coordinating Mr. Holzer’s visit to our fine old college,” Valentine continued. “Through my service as secretary of the Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, I have had the opportunity to observe Harold’s leadership skills first-hand,” explains C-SC Board of Trustees member Chuck Scholz. Read more online.

C-SC biology student receives scholarship
Culver-Stockton College student Gina Osburn, junior biology major from Springfield, Ill., was recently awarded the Adair Research Scholarship from the University of Arkansas.  The scholarship invites Osburn to pursue an independent summer research internship in the department of plant pathology at the University of Arkansas.  During the 12-week internship she will work with plant pathology faculty members, Dr. Gene Milus and Dr. Burton Bluhm. Dr. Milus works primarily on the genetics of disease resistance in wheat, as well as population biology of the wheat stripe rust fungus.  Dr. Bluhm’s research focuses on molecular interactions between plants and plant pathogens. Osburn was a member of the inaugural HHMI genomics research course during the 2009-10 school year.  Students in that course isolated and purified mycobacteriophage species and subsequently sequenced and annotated the genome of a unique organism.  She was selected to represent the 2009-10 genomics class at the 2nd Annual NGRI Symposium at HHMI Headquarters in Washington, DC.  “Gina has taken great advantage of the opportunities afforded her,” noted Dr. Indiren Pillay, associate professor of biology and chairperson of the natural and mathematical science division. “Her award of the Adair Research Scholarship is further testament to the advantage of exposing our undergraduate students to an authentic research environment.” The Adair Research Scholarship was established to honor geneticist and plant breeder Dr. C. Roy Adair, who was instrumental in developing the Arkansas rice industry. 

Lawmakers talk shop with C-SC students
A public forum held Friday, April 8, 2011 on the campus of Culver-Stockton College offered students, faculty, staff and community members the opportunity to meet with two Missouri state lawmakers. Senator Brian Munzlinger (R) and Representative Craig Redmon (R) attended the forum, organized by C-SC Assistant Professor of Political Science Chad DeWaard. Redmon, who is in his first term, compared being a newly elected member of legislature to being a freshman in college. He also spoke about the adjusting to the pace of state government. “It moves slowly, but it moves slowly for a reason, so you don’t make a knee-jerk decision,” said Redmon. “The speed at which government works is disappointing,” he continued, “but at the same time, I’m starting to get my head around the fact that it moves slow for a reason. I’m used to being in business for myself, so I make a decision and that’s it, it’s done. In government, we talk about for two months; then, maybe you vote on it.” The issue partisanship in both houses was also discussed. “In the Senate it’s divided by issues,” explained Munzlinger. “Whether you’re right-to-life or pro-choice. Whether you’re pro-union or right-to-work,” he continued. “It was fascinating to hear about the internal workings of Missouri state government,” said Josh Heitman, freshman history education major from Keokuk, Iowa. “After listening to Representative Redmon and Senator Munzlinger, I believe all C-SC students are now more aware of the issues and challenges facing the state, and the nation,” Heitman continued. Read more online.

Harmony 2010 shines with awards
 C-SC’s literary-arts magazine Harmony a Gold Medalist Award (the highest ranking) from Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and a First Place with Special Merit from the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA). In addition, ASPA also designated Harmony the Most Outstanding College Literary-Art Magazine for 2010. These awards commend the creativity and hard work of Andrew Rutherford and Kyle Darnell (Art Editors) and Emily Pierce (Literary Editor). Harmony 2011 is in the last stages of being readied for the printer under the leadership of this year’s editors, Janell Nevius and Courtney Driskell (Art) and Emily Pierce (Literary). Copies of Harmony 2011 should appear on campus in early May.

Nelson Claims HAAC Pitching Honor
Culver-Stockton College senior Thomas Nelson has been named the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Baseball Pitcher of the Week for his performance during the Wildcats’ 5-1 week. It is the second time Nelson has earned the league pitching honor this season. Nelson, a 6-foot left-hander from Chico, Calif. (Chico HS / Brescia University) earned a victory and a save in two appearances last week against Evangel University. On Friday, the Wildcats led the Crusaders 4-2 in the final inning of the nightcap when Nelson entered the game with runners at second and third and no outs. Nelson induced a ground out from the first batter for the first out, and then struck out the next two batters to preserve a 4-3 victory and earn his first save of the season. The next day, Nelson made his normal start and hurled six innings, scattering five hits and allowing three runs (two earned). He struck out eight and walked three while gaining his sixth victory of the season. Overall, Nelson is 6-2 overall and leads the HAAC with a 1.50 earned run average. He has pitched a team-high 60 innings, recorded 45 strikeouts against 18 walks, and pitched two complete games. He has one shutout. The Wildcats, currently 27-11 overall and 18-2 in the HAAC, are scheduled to play a four-game series at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., on Friday and Saturday, April 16-17. Game time is slated for 1 p.m. each day.

C-SC Students in Free Enterprise receive first runner-up in regional competition
Culver-Stockton College’s chapter of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) received first runner up in the SIFE regional competition in Chicago on March 28th, 2011.  “SIFE Regional competition provides an opportunity for SIFE members to network with business professionals, learn more from students from other universities and find job opportunities at the career fair,” stated freshman Anh Nguyen. Members of the C-SC SIFE team included Anh Nguyen, Abiade Adeleye, Catherine Carmean Elizabeth Stratman, Sergio Hernandez, and Alyssa Houska. Also attending were faculty advisors Jeanne Johnson, assistant professor of management information systems and Nancy Nish, director of career services.