Week of May 28, 2001



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UNIVERSITY HONORS 2001 YOUNG ALUMNI MERIT AWARD WINNERS

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 18, 2001 - Six Southeast Missouri State University graduates have been selected as recipients of the 2001Young Alumni Merit Award. The awards were presented at spring commencement exercises May 5 in the Show Me Center.

Recipients of the award were Donna Tuschoff of Arnold, Mo.; Dr. Scott Schubkegel of Mascoutah, Ill.; Jennifer Laiben of Hillsboro, Mo.; Lori Lynn of Cape Girardeau; James David Boyer of Sikeston, Mo.; and Deborah Below of Hillsboro, Mo.

The young Alumni Merit Award, presented by Southeast’s Alumni Association, is given annually to honor those alumni under the age of 36 who have brought distinction to the University through professional growth, service and individual character. Each academic college at Southeast honors a distinguished young alumna or alumnus by presenting them with the Young Alumni Merit Award.

The recipients and the college presenting each award are as follows:

College of Health and Human Services

Lori Lynn of Cape Girardeau, director of recreational sports at Southeast Missouri State University, has been selected as the 2001 Young Alumni Merit Award winner from the College of Health and Human Services.

Lynn, a native of Mill Creek, Ill., received a bachelor of science degree, majoring in recreation, with a minor in speech in 1985. While at Southeast, Lynn was active in the Residence Hall Association (RHA), Student Activities Council and the Society of Recreation Majors.

After attending Southeast Missouri State University, Lynn attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where she received a master of science in education degree with an emphasis in recreation. In 1993, Lynn received the Vice Chancellor’s Award, and in 1995 she received the Outstanding Student Affairs Staff Award, both from the University of Illinois. From 1997 to 1999, Lynn was regional vice president for the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association, and, in 1999, received the Service Award from the same association. She also has received the Alumni Award from the Office of Intramural-Recreation Sports Association at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1999.

“Winning this award is truly an honor,” she said. “I had the chance to come back to Southeast last February as the director of recreational sports. This award, coupled with the administrative support that I’ve received to build an outstanding program and staff, reinforces that I made the right decision to come ‘home’.”

College of Education

Jennifer Laiben of Hillsboro, Mo., a teacher at Hillsboro Primary School, has been selected as the 2001 Young Alumni Merit Award winner from the College of Education.

Laiben, a native of Herculaneum, Mo., received a bachelor of science in education degree with a major elementary education, with a specialization in language acquisition in 1991. While at Southeast, Laiben was a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma service sorority, Emerging Leaders, Leadership Board, Student Missouri State Teachers Association and the Special Olympics Steering Committee. She also was a member of Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and participated in recreational Sports and her Residence Hall Council.

After attending Southeast, Laiben continued her education at Webster University in St. Louis where she received a master of arts in teaching degree.

Professionally, Laiben also has succeeded. In cooperation with two other teachers at Hillsboro Primary School, Laiben wrote and implemented an “Incentives for Excellence in Education” grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“I feel very honored that I was even nominated for this award and very humbled at receiving it. As a student and as a graduate, Southeast Missouri State has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow both personally and professionally,” she said. “Since graduation in 1991, I have tried to maintain contact with the University through the Alumni Association. I am excited that this award will strengthen my ties to the University and give me an opportunity to once again take part in campus activity.”

School of Polytechnic Studies

James David Boyer of Sikeston, Mo., a quality supervisor for Ensign-Bickford Co., has been selected as the 2001 Young Alumni Merit Award winner from the School of Polytechnic Studies. Boyer, a native of Sikeston, received his bachelor of science in education degree, majoring in industrial education in 1986. While at Southeast, Boyer was a member of Theta Xi fraternity.

Since graduating from Southeast, Boyer has succeeded professionally, leading the implementation of the IS0 9000 Quality System for Ensign-Bickford.

“I am honored to represent the School of Polytechnic Studies,” he said. “At the same time, I am surprised that I was selected.”

College of Liberal Arts

Deborah Below of Hillsboro, Mo., director of admissions and financial aid at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, has been selected as the 2001 Young Alumni Merit Award winner from the College of Liberal Arts.

Below, a native of Washington, Mo., received a bachelor of science degree, majoring in mass communication with a public relations option, and a minor in marketing in 1990. While at Southeast, Below was active in the Residence Hall Association, Public Relations Students Association and the Marketing Club, and was a resident advisor/assistant hall director.

Since graduating from Southeast, Below has succeeded in a number of professional endeavors. She was a member of the 1999 Missouri Governor’s Commission on the Affordability of Higher Education, and she is a member of the Missouri Association of Student

Financial Aid Personnel Executive Board. She was the recipient of the 2001 National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Research Grant. Her research topic was “The Persistence of Community College Students by Ethnicity.” She also was the 2001-2002 faculty trainer for the Missouri Association of Equal Education Opportunity Professionals. Below currently is pursuing a doctorate of philosophy in higher education degree.

“I am very proud of my education and attribute much of my personal and professional success to this foundation,” she said. “ I am thrilled to learn that Southeast is equally proud of me.”

College of Science and Mathematics

Dr. Scott Schubkegel of Mascoutah, Ill., chief of dental services/ chief of periodontics for the U.S. Air Force, has been selected as the 2001 Young Alumni Merit Award winner from the College of Science and Mathematics.

Schubkegel, a native of Mascoutah, received a bachelor of science degree in biology, with minors in both chemistry and art in 1986. While at Southeast, Schubkegel was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

In 1990, Schubkegel graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine as a Doctor of Dental Medicine and was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force. He graduated in 2000 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio with a master of science degree in periodontics. Schubkegel has had articles published in four national/international professional journals and has competed in three national/international dental research competitions. He was appointed chief of dental clinical services and chief of periodontics at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in 2000.

Schubkegel said that winning the Young Alumni Merit Awards reminds him of his accomplishments.

“It is an indication that I have succeeded in my professional endeavors in a relatively short period of time,” he said.

Donald L. Harrison College of Business

Donna Tuschoff of Arnold, Mo., who is employed by Southwestern Bell, has been selected as the 2001 Young Alumni Merit Award winner from the Donald L. Harrison College of Business.

Tuschoff, a native of Scott City, Mo., received a bachelor of science degree in business administration, majoring in accounting and minoring in computer science, and a bachelor of science degree in computer science, with a minor in mathematics in 1988. While at Southeast, Tuschoff was a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Phi Beta Lambda business organization and the Golden Eagles Marching Band. She also was a student visitor guide and played an active role on the Family Weekend Planning Committee.

In May of 1993, Tuschoff went on to receive a master of business administration degree from St. Louis University. She remains active in Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda and was named “Businessperson of the Year” at the state level last year. She also does volunteer work through Southwestern Bell.

“I think winning the Young Alumni Merit Award is a great honor,” she said. “Southeast gave me so many opportunities in my educational experience. These opportunities have led to further opportunities in my life as well.”

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ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED TO HONOR DRS. ROBERT AND LINDA BURNS

Southeast Missouri State University is establishing an endowed scholarship to honor the careers of Drs. Robert and Linda Burns, two professors retiring from the University this year.

Dr. Linda Burns is professor of English and middle and secondary education. Dr. Robert Burns is a professor of English.

Robert, the son of Treva Burns and the late F.A. “Pinky” Burns of Neodesha, Kan., is a 1954 graduate of Neodesha High School. He began his career at Southeast in 1966. Linda, a 1960 graduate of McPherson High School, arrived at Southeast following the couple’s marriage in 1968. The couple met while working on master’s degrees at Emporia State.

Robert’s specialty is British literature, but he also has held a number of administrative posts. He currently is associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts. His poems have been published in more than 30 different journals.

Linda, the daughter of the late Walter and Wilna Lattin, is nationally known for her work in the areas of literature for children and young adults and of English curriculum development. Her specialty is English education. She twice received the College of Liberal Arts’ recognition award for her service to the University’s region, the state and the nation.

Friends who are interested in contributing to the scholarship are invited to direct their inquiries and donations to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.

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INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMS TO BE OFFERED ON EVENINGS, WEEKENDS, THROUGH WEB

New, continuing programs to be offered through Southeast PM beginning in fall 2001

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 25, 2001 - Several degree programs in the Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology at Southeast Missouri State University will be offered on evenings and weekends and through the web beginning in fall 2001 as part of the Southeast PM program.

Programs available will be the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology degree with an option in industrial management; the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology degree with an option in technology; the Master of Science degree in industrial management; and a minor in computer networking.

Dr. Randy Shaw, dean of the School of Polytechnic Studies, says that as modern industry becomes increasingly dependent upon the rapid advances in computer and computer-control technology, the demand for qualified technicians, supervisors and teachers also increases.

“The Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology at Southeast is working together with modern industry to design these programs to prepare graduates for rewarding and stable careers in technology,” he said.

The Master of Science degree in industrial management is a new program being launched at Southeast. This degree is designed for individuals who have completed bachelor’s degrees in technical or engineering fields and desire to enhance their leadership and management skills. Graduates will be expected to use information systems to communicate effectively, process information and assess data to solve problems in industry.

This is the first time the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology degree with an option in industrial management and the minor in computer networking will be offered through Southeast PM.

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology degree with an option in industrial management is designed for individuals who want to develop skills needed to be successful leaders and managers in technical and related enterprises. The program emphases are technical management, improving productivity and problem solving.

The minor in computer networking is a 15-credit-hour program designed for bachelor degree students who are looking to expand their employment opportunities. Students will develop competencies needed for the configuration, installation and maintenance of computer networking hardware and software.

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology degree with an option in technology is a continuing Southeast PM program. This program is for individuals who have completed associate of applied science degrees in technically-oriented fields and desire to develop skills as technical managers. Students will advance their technical skills to be prepared to serve as effective leaders, supervisors and managers in technical enterprises.

The Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing Technology and has programs accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology. The programs will be housed in the new Otto and Della Seabaugh Polytechnic Building expected to be completed later this summer.

For more information on these programs, contact: Kim Madigan, advisor/outreach coordinator, School of Polytechnic Studies, at (573) 986-6746 or kmadigan@semo.edu.

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SOUTHEAST/CAPE WEST ROTARY CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT SLATED FOR JUNE 15

Chartwells teams up to benefit scholarship effort

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 25, 2001 - The Southeast Missouri State University/Cape West Rotary Club Golf Tournament to benefit student scholarships at Southeast will be held June 15 at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson, Mo.

The tournament, beginning at 7:30 a.m., will feature a men’s and women’s scramble, and prizes will be given for longest drive, longest putt and closest to the pin. Cost of entering the golf tournament is $100 per player, which includes 18 holes of golf, greens fees, a golf cart, a golf shirt, breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages.

Net proceeds from last year’s golf tournament exceeded $13,000, all of which benefited need-based scholarships for students enrolled during the past academic year at Southeast.

For more information on the tournament, contact Dr. Anthony Varnon in the Harrison College of Business at avarnon@semo.edu or (573) 651-2119, or Norman Glaus at (573) 334-8474.

On the evening prior to the golf tournament, June 14, Chartwells catering services at Southeast Missouri State University and Dr. Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast Missouri State, will host an exquisite, nine-course dinner to honor those businesses and individuals who enter the tournament at the Governor Sponsor level and donate at least $3,000 toward the scholarship effort. The dinner will be held in the University Center.

Chartwells is contributing to the benefit by donating the costs associated with the dinner. The grand event will consist of several hors d’oeuvres, including wild game pate and caviar mousse. The nine-course dinner will feature, among a number of other splendid selections, charcoal grilled quail, zebra striped lobster ravioli in consommé, Thai style Calamari Salad with fresh lemon grass and frozen Grand Marnier soufflé.

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ORIENTATION COORDINATOR AND SUNDANCER COACH TO LEAVE SOUTHEAST

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 25, 2001 -- Suzanne Vaughan, coordinator of orientation and Sundancer coach at Southeast Missouri State University, will be leaving her positions at the end of June. She is relocating to Rolla, Mo., to join her husband, Jay Goff, and start a new college orientation consulting business.

"Leaving Southeast and Cape Girardeau is very difficult," said Vaughan. "We have so many friends and supporters here, but the opportunity in Rolla was hard to pass on. Rolla is also only three hours away from my family."

Originally from Carthage, Mo., Vaughan has been working at Southeast since 1996, after leaving her position in the Admissions Office at University of Missouri-Columbia. Her work as coordinator of New Student Orientation has played a significant role in increasing Southeast's student enrollment and retention rates over the past four years.

In 1999, Vaughan was selected to be the Missouri state coordinator for the National Orientation Directors Association to help improve first year student programs throughout the state. Vaughan's quality student service and orientation concepts have become popular among both two- and four-year colleges. Over the past three years, she has been asked to present at 10 various workshops and professional seminars.

Vaughan said, "I had never considered consulting work, but after completing my first project, I thought it could be a wonderful opportunity for me to grow professionally and have more time with my child at home."

As Sundancer coach, Vaughan quickly helped lift the dance program's strong regional reputation to a national level with high skill level performances and annual exposure on national television. Each year between 1997 and 2001, the Sundancers earned bids to the NCA Division I national dance championships, finishing among the top 10 programs in the nation three times. Vaughan was a member the 1992 National Championship University of Missouri Golden Girls dance team.

"I have loved being a part of Southeast's dance and athletic programs," said Vaughan. "We have proved Southeast can compete with the best programs in the nation. I hope that standard continues after I leave."

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