Award of appreciation
Dr. Robin Amonker
“Dr. Amonker was my advisor — he made me think critically. He made sociology come alive, and the world made more sense because of his teaching. He energized my academic experience.”
Dr. Robin Amonker joined the Missouri State University faculty in 1968 as an assistant professor of sociology. During his 41 years at Missouri State, he influenced thousands of students through his teaching and his participation in the Missouri-London Program. Amonker expanded his international experiences by participating in scholar exchange programs in India, New Zealand, Brazil and Switzerland. His service included roles on University, college and departmental committees too numerous to name. As advisor to the Association of International Students, he worked diligently to develop more opportunities for international students. Amonker also used his academic interests to benefit Missouri State and the local community, frequently partnering with other faculty in research projects, acting as a mentor to new scholars and serving community organizations.
Tell us about your career path.
Mine is a family of teachers; therefore, I always knew I wanted to teach. My father was a founding father of New Goa High School in Goa, India. I always enjoyed learning and liked the campus atmosphere. Most of all, I wanted to influence young people and emphasize that being educated opens doors to many opportunities.
I came to the United States in 1964, and started at Missouri State after receiving master’s degrees from Texas Christian University. I subsequently earned a doctorate from St. Louis University.
My areas of expertise included demography, human ecology and quantitative methods.
Although I retired as a professor emeritus in 2008, I still teach at Missouri State and Ozarks Technical Community College to keep me mentally active.
What do you love about Missouri State?
It is a great teaching institution, the campus is beautiful and the community is friendly. I strongly believe in and support the public affairs mission.
What is the one thing you most want to impart to your students?
Teaching has given me opportunities to inform students about the value and importance of good education and career opportunities. I stressed the importance of setting priorities, managing time, valuing diversity, having a positive attitude, taking responsibility and being a good citizen.
You have participated in numerous research endeavors. Talk about the impact of some of your research and how it applies to the community.
I have authored or co-authored 20 refereed publications, as well as given more than 40 paper presentations at professional meetings. I have authored numerous contract and grant reports in the area of demography for the citizens of Missouri. My demographic articles and population reports on population change in Missouri and the Ozarks were used extensively in Jefferson City and throughout the state.
I have provided census data and vital statistics information to public agencies and contributed several articles to professional organizations. My project “Social and Economic Profiles of Missouri Regions” received wide publicity throughout the state.
I was a member of the Springfield Area Planning Forum, City Utilities of Springfield and a member of the Population Projections Committee, State Office of Administration, Jefferson City.
What do you do in your leisure time?
I am thoroughly enjoying my retirement, going to the Nature Center and the YMCA. The Indian population here has increased significantly, and we have frequent gatherings. We visit our daughters (Bhairavi Kinder and Amit Lee) and have great family time with our grandchildren.
Award for excellence in public affairs
Sam Clifton
“Sam is a visionary with unselfish passion, willing to contribute his time and talents. He is an individual who lives public affairs and makes a difference in his community. His passion, leadership and commitment extend well beyond the local boundaries of Nixa.”
Sam Clifton has dedicated much of his life to the building trade. As a boy, Clifton worked for his father’s construction company, learning every aspect of the process. He pursued his interest further by obtaining a degree in construction management at Missouri State. Clifton and his wife, Michelle, now team up to provide design and building services through Millstone Custom Homes. Along with his passion for building, Clifton has a strong love of community. This is evidenced not only by his role as mayor of the city of Nixa, but also by his many acts of service and leadership in the surrounding area.
In 2009, Clifton put his skills to use in the community after producers for ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” approached Millstone about building an “Extreme Makeover” home. Clifton led an uncompensated build project that provided a new home for a family in Ash Grove, Mo. Recently, Clifton led a build for the program a second time. He and his team built seven homes in just seven days for Joplin families who suffered great loss in the catastrophic May tornado that destroyed much of the city. This was one of the largest builds in the show’s history and was the final episode for the series. The Extreme Makeover Joplin build aired Jan. 13.
How do you think Missouri State helped you succeed?
I gained hands-on experience with my parents’ company. However, my studies at Missouri State helped me learn the technical aspects of the business, which have been key to the success of my own company. I stay in touch with others from the construction management department, both professors and classmates.
What do you consider your most important professional accomplishment?
Being a part of the “Extreme Makeover” builds – organizing volunteers and keeping the positive spirit as we work toward a common goal of helping people in need.
How do you stay connected to your alma mater?
It is exciting for me to see how the University is growing. I am a member of the Founders Club. We attend Tent Theatre and athletic events. I also read the alumni magazine and newsletter.
What is the one message you would like to give to the Missouri State community?
Get involved. Don’t just stand by. The only way to make our community better is to get involved.
Tell us about the Joplin outreach and what it meant to you to be involved.
When the storm came through, we felt helpless. We wanted to react to people’s loss and fear. These families have amazing stories about how they are rebuilding their lives. The week-long build began Oct. 19. We are so excited about how the community came together – we had more than 10,000 volunteers, many of whom had been affected by the storm themselves.
Why is it important to you to serve your community?
Michelle and I believe that when you are asked, you should serve. We wanted to show our kids what it means to get involved, and we want to make our community better.
Young alumni award
Andrea Bogart
“In speaking with Andrea, it is evident that her drive, energy and positive personality are what make her a natural in the entertainment industry. She has proven herself to be a talented and versatile young woman who will continue to build upon an already successful career.”
Andrea Bogart found a love of dance early in her childhood, and attended Missouri State on a dance scholarship. As a student she explored various entertainment fields, completing internships with a local radio station and KY3 television station. She also worked as a co-host for a local show, “Springfield After Dark.”
Following graduation, Bogart was offered a contract to perform in Tokyo Disneyland. That opportunity provided the financial stability and motivation to follow her dreams. In 2000, Bogart packed her bags and moved to L.A., where she began her professional dancing and acting career.
Her talent and hard work landed her a recurring role on ABC’s “General Hospital,” where she played Abby Haver until December 2011.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time on campus?
The excitement of supporting our University athletics as a Sugar Bear was the best. A lot of my social comfort and involvement came from being a part of those events. I loved the experience of dorm life, brisk walks from building to building on a fall day and the lifelong friendships you build in that four-year experience.
What is the one message you would like to give to the Missouri State community?
No matter what career you are heading into…light up rooms, be a positive person who others not only want to be around, but perhaps can learn from. This simple thing is infectious and takes you a long way in life! Pay it forward! Work hard and believe in yourself! When preparation meets opportunity great things can happen.
What was it like playing the role of Abby Haver and being a part of the “General Hospital” cast?
Playing Abby was a dream come true. When you are blessed with a role that you can bring something to, and the writers and producers allow you to grow into it, anything can happen! It’s been a playground for me. I had never felt more graciously welcomed by a cast and crew.
What do you consider your most important professional accomplishments?
Outside of acting, it is being a dance teacher. I have taught a few classes a week to children (ages 4 to 10) for the past seven years at Center Stage Dance L.A. It’s a few hours a week I get my mind off of my own personal aspirations and focus on others. Recurring on “General Hospital” and having 100 episodes under my belt in a year has helped me tremendously. It feels like my biggest acting accomplishment.
What’s next for you?
I just booked a supporting lead role in a feature “Life’s an Itch,” where I’ll play a young yogi mother married to a struggling artist played by Rossi Morreale.
Outstanding alumni award
Dr. Larry Gragg
“In speaking of Larry Gragg, the person, not only was he a model student, I can’t think of any other student in my years at Missouri State whom I would have been more proud to have as a son.”
Dr. Larry Gragg is an avid scholar who has dedicated his entire career to education. Following completion of his master’s degree, Gragg taught one year at Fair Grove Junior High. He subsequently completed his PhD and began his career at then University of Missouri–Rolla, in 1977, where he has remained. Gragg has excelled both inside and outside of the classroom. An accomplished writer, he has published six books with two more in progress, authored 35 articles in peer-reviewed journals and history magazines and four book chapters, published 40 essays and encyclopedia entries and given numerous professional presentations. Gragg has balanced scholarship and teaching with service to the campus community. His contributions include a position on more than 60 campus committees, acting as Teaching Mentor for fellow faculty members and directing student research experience projects.
What did it mean to you to be chosen as an award recipient?
In a long career with many nice awards, this is the finest honor I have received!
How do you think Missouri State helped you succeed?
The professors, particularly those in the history department, gave me the research and writing skills and the confidence to succeed.
What do you consider your most important professional accomplishments?
Excelling in all three areas of academic expectations — teaching, research and service. Most important among those is being named Curators’ Teaching Professor and receiving the University of Missouri System Award for Excellence in Teaching.
What do you consider your most important personal accomplishments?
Having a wonderful family — my wife of 39 years, Doris, our daughter Julie, and our son-in-law Curt Cullman.
How do you stay connected to your alma mater?
I usually attend a Bears Basketball game each year, listen to Bears sports on the radio, often attend performances at the Juanita K. Hammons Performing Arts Hall and saw the Elton John concert at the Q. I normally give to the annual fund and read the alumni magazine.
What do you gain from your interaction with students?
The joy that I have played some small role in the success of the more than 7,000 students whom I have had the privilege to work with over the last 35 years.
You have a broad list of service activities. What motivates you to serve the university community so extensively?
Missouri University of Science and Technology gave me a wonderful chance for a great career. Thus, I must pay back to the institution my service to help others have a great career.
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