Hello spring semester! It’s great to have our students back, but it certainly hasn’t felt like spring over the last week. However, the snowmen around town have been very cheery. I can’t thank our essential personnel enough. They’ve not only kept our campus running during the holiday break, but also cleaned up our campus after the winter storm.
I hope everyone enjoyed last week’s Staff Awards Luncheon. Teri Trickey and Chartwells’ staff outdid themselves, yet again. The sheer magnitude of serving a wonderful lunch to that many people is staggering. I also want to thank Scott Scobee and the entire Staff Appreciation Committee for planning and carrying out this special event.
Congratulations to those celebrating a five-year milestone anniversary and those honored with the Excellence in University Service award and the Excellence in Community Engagement award. The awardees are:
University Service
Full time
- Biff Bird, systems database analyst, West Plains information technology services
- Lacey Geiger, senior systems analyst, computer services
- Angela Goerndt, manager animal research facilities, research administration
- Jim Huelskamp, maintenance technician II, facilities management-maintenance
- Savonna Owrey, clothing/soft goods specialist, bookstore
- Megan Swift, video production specialist, office of video marketing
Part time
- Whitney Hoodenpyle, administrative assistant, dual credit
- Forrest Keller, plumber, facilities management-maintenance
- Hanna Smith, non-student PT, adult student services
Community Engagement
- Carrie High, custodian I, facilities management-custodial
- Crockett Oaks, associate vice chancellor for business support services, West Plains business office
I greatly enjoyed shaking the hand of each individual who has served our university for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and even 40 years.
A big honor
In case you missed it, during our winter break, the Missouri State Pride Band was notified they were selected to perform in the Presidential Inauguration Parade on Jan. 20. This is the first Presidential Inauguration Parade in the band’s history and they’re the only band representing Missouri! It’s another feather in their cap as they’ve performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Orange Bowl Parade and at NFL games. Please tune in to cheer them on.
Congratulations to the over 350-member band, Dr. Brad Snow, director of bands, and Dr. Shawn Wahl, dean of the RCASH. As noted by Dean Wahl, “a performance like this on the national stage builds on the band’s profile and legacy as one of the largest and most engaged collegiate marching programs in the nation.”
Here’s to an exciting new semester! Thanks for checking in. As always, it’s a great day to be a Bear.
Biff