April 20, 2026鈥揑n its eighth year

The organization inducted five new members into the prestigious honor society while recognizing their achievements with Griffon Media. The students pledge to uphold a high standard of journalism, ethics and responsible storytelling as part of their commitment to journalism and the organization, as well as the 含羞草社区 community.听

The following students were inducted:听

• Jeimy Cruz-Aguilera, junior social work major from St. Joseph
• Chloe Hibler, sophomore applied communication and journalism major from Cameron, Missouri
• Payton Patterson, junior applied communication and journalism major from Kansas City, Missouri
• Sarah Swallow, junior applied communication and journalism major from Highland, Indiana
• Kendall Warren, sophomore applied communication and journalism major from Kansas City, Missouri

is the nation鈥檚 oldest honor society for student media leaders. It encourages ethical, accurate and innovative journalism nationally and creates a strong network of advocates for First Amendment education.

To date, the chapter at 含羞草社区 has inducted over 150 students and earned over 250 national awards honoring the best work in collegiate media.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .听

March 27, 2026–The School of Fine Arts at 含羞草社区 will host an opening reception for the Spring Senior Exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 3 at the Drew Brown Art Gallery in Potter Hall. The reception is free and open to the public.

This year鈥檚 exhibit is a culmination of student work from graduating graphic design and digital animation students, and photography from art and journalism students.听

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to again have a student-focused exhibit that showcases selected applied learning projects throughout their academic careers. This exhibit highlights their creative talent, conceptual ideas, technical proficiencies, and a broad range of problem-solving solutions. It鈥檚 also an opportunity to socialize with students and observe their range of skill sets as our industries evolve, adapt, and continue to prosper,鈥� said Matt Hepworth, associate professor and director of the B.F.A. Graphic Design program.

The exhibition will be on display weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through May 1.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Dr. Luling Huang, Kendall Warren and Kiana Martinez (l-r) at the CMA convention.

March 12, 2026–Griffon Media, the student-led news organization at 含羞草社区, received three national awards at the College Media Association Spring Convention held in New York City this month.

Griffon Media students Kiana Martinez, senior graphic design major from Kansas City, Missouri; Kendall Warren, sophomore applied communication and journalism major from Kansas City, Missouri; and faculty adviser Dr. Luling Huang attended the convention March 4-7. They organized and presented a session titled 鈥淏eyond the Questions: Audio and Video Essentials for Interviews.鈥� Students also toured the headquarters of Spectrum News and Sirius XM.

At the conference, Griffon Media won three David L. Adams Apple Awards. The Apple Awards are the flagship honors that recognize the best work from college media across the nation. 含羞草社区 honorees were:

• Best News Website, Second Place, Division III, Griffon Media staff
• Best Multimedia Package, Third Place, Divisions II & III, Charlie Sample
• Best News Photography, Third Place, Division III, Kylee Leach 鈥�25

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Feb. 19, 2026–A 含羞草社区 instructor will present 鈥淪tories as Letters,鈥� a free writing workshop at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 in the Rolling Hills Library Upper Story, 1912 N. Belt Highway.

Justin Eells, developmental writing instructor, invites writers to step into the world of epistolary fiction and nonfiction to explore the art of storytelling through letters. Whether you are interested in character development, voice, or the unique intimacy that letters offer, this workshop is designed to ignite your creativity. All experience levels are welcome 鈥� from seasoned writers to beginners eager to start their writing journey.

Eels joined the 含羞草社区 faculty in 2023. He has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and a Certificate in the Teaching of Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Feb. 12, 2026–Dr. David McMahan, chair and professor in the Department of Communication at 含羞草社区, has received the Leadership in Listening Award from the

The GLC promotes effective listening across education, healthcare, business and civic life, emphasizing that listening 鈥� especially in contexts where non-listening prevails 鈥� fosters deeper understanding, strengthens relationships, enhances critical awareness, and contributes to a better world.

As executive chair of the organization, Dr. McMahan has led numerous initiatives, including training sessions with the Cayman Islands government and the Global Listening Festival. He is currently collaborating with听 Lynette Louw, professor and deputy dean at Rhodes University in South Africa on the Thank You for Listening campaign.

Dr. McMahan joined the 含羞草社区 faculty in 2001 after receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He has published more than ten books, including Internet Communication, Introduction to Communication Criticism, Relational Communication, The Basics of Communication, and the bestselling Communication in Everyday Life series. His extensive record of service includes president of the National Communication Association, president of the Central States Communication Association, editor of the Iowa Journal of Communication and consulting editor of the Journal of Communication Pedagogy, along with membership and activity on a vast number of academic committees, executive boards and editorial boards.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Oct. 20, 2025鈥摵卟萆缜�檚 Career Development Center and the Society for Collegiate Journalists will co-sponsor a career night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 28 in Enright Rooms 214/216 in Leah Spratt Hall.

This event is free and open to all students and 含羞草社区 alumni, giving all an opportunity to network and receive feedback from communications professionals and alumni from within the workforce.听

Students are encouraged to wear interview-appropriate clothing (business casual) as many featured employers offer job options including internships and part- and full-time jobs.听

Area professionals, especially 含羞草社区 alumni, wishing to participate at this event should contact Dr. James Carviou at jcarviou@missouriwestern.edu or Dr. Luling Huang at lhuang@missouriwestern.edu. There is no fee for organizations.

March 31, 2025–含羞草社区鈥檚 School of Fine Arts (SFA) will host an opening reception for the Senior Art Exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 4 at the Drew Brown Art Gallery in Potter Hall.听

This year鈥檚 exhibit is a culmination of student work from graduating graphic design and digital animation students and photography from both art areas and journalism students. This inaugural exhibition of interdisciplinary projects is also aligned with 含羞草社区鈥檚 Applied Learning Showcase on April 25 from 2 to 3 p.m.

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to have a collaborative student-focused exhibit that showcases selected applied learning projects throughout their academic careers,鈥� said Matt Hepworth, associate professor and director of the B.F.A. Graphic Design program. 鈥淭his exhibit highlights their creative talent, conceptual ideas, technical proficiencies, and a broad range of problem-solving solutions. It鈥檚 also an opportunity to socialize with students and observe their range of skill sets as our industries evolve, adapt, and continue to prosper.鈥澨�

The opening reception is free and open to the public. The free exhibition will be on display daily beginning April 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will close on Friday, May 2.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .听

Photo provided by The Griffon News.

Nov. 6, 2024鈥揗issouri Western will host its 5th annual communications career night, cosponsored by the Career Development Center and the Department of Communication, on Wednesday Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Blum Union room 218/219.

This fair is free and open to all students and Missouri Western alumni who wish to work within the fields of communication, public relations, media and journalism.听

Students are encouraged to come dressed wearing interview-appropriate clothing (business casual) and expect to meet with potential employers. The Career Development Center in Blum Union 210 has a Career Closet that provides students with free professional attire.

Attendees are also recommended to bring several copies of their current resume, a pen and a professional pad-folio or plain folder. Visit the Career Development Center for help creating a resume and for resume review or printing on resume paper.

Students are welcome to drop by the Career Development Center without an appointment. If staff are unavailable, they can help make an appointment. To make an appointment to prepare for the fair or an interview, schedule an appointment using Handshake, by dropping by the Career Development Center in Blum Union 210 or by calling (816) 271-4206.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Honorees are:

Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award given to a Missouri Western alum. It recognizes living alumni for their career/professional achievements; civic contributions within their local community, state or nation; service to 含羞草社区, and other qualities which elicit pride from others who attended Missouri Western.听

LaVell Rucker 鈥�03, Social Worker

As a non-traditional student, Rucker received her bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work from MWSU in 2003 followed by her master鈥檚 degree from the University of Kansas in 2004. She has been employed by St. Joseph School District as a school social worker addressing mental health needs and providing services to middle and high school students for 20 years.听

Caring for others鈥� needs and seeing the value in all walks of life, Rucker has served on numerous boards making decisions to better families and the community. She currently serves on Mosaic Life Care鈥檚 Board of Directors, is a Black Archives Museum board member, an EMPAC (a political action committee) board member and a United Way Allocations committee member.

Kimberly Warren 鈥�92, CEO of MidCity Excellence听

Warren graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Northwest Missouri State. A passionate and dedicated leader in St. Joseph, she has served as CEO at MidCity Excellence (MCE) Community Learning Center for 22 years, engaging hundreds of youth and their families annually, organizing city-wide expos and events that celebrate diverse cultures and promote value and exposure.

Warren is also the driving force behind The American Grant Writing Services, a consultation firm that has secured nearly 600 501(c)(3) non-profit designations in 43 different states. She has been selected four times as a state arts council grant reviewer, and volunteers as an assistant pastor at Faith Family Worship Center.

GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade)听

The GOLD Award recognizes those early in their career who have had outstanding achievements and accomplishments. The award is based upon professional and educational achievements, community activities, honors and awards received and other noteworthy items of merit since graduation no more than 10 years ago.听

Michael Sewell 鈥�19, Mannix Law Firm

Sewell graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication from 含羞草社区, and graduated from law school in 2022. He currently works for a law firm in Salem, Oregon, that specializes in helping businesses and nonprofits. Sewell also spent the 2023 legislative session in Oregon working as a staffer for a state representative.听Sewell volunteers his time by serving as a commissioner for a housing authority in Polk County, Oregon, as a national committeeman for the Young Republicans of Oregon, as a Rotarian, and while in law school, served as a volunteer firefighter. In his free time, Sewell plays saxophone in the Salem Symphonic Winds, is a licensed parachutist and an avid motorcyclist.

Herb 鈥�35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University

The Iffert Award recognizes an alum, retiree or other friend of the University who has shown outstanding and continuous commitment to Missouri Western鈥檚 mission, vision and legacy.

Dennis Rosonke, CFO of Meierhoffer Funeral Home

Rosonke earned a degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa and became a licensed Certified Public Accountant. In 1997, Rosonke accepted the opportunity to move to St. Joseph while working for the accounting firm Clifton Gunderson. In 1999, he began his current position as chief financial officer for Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

Rosonke served on the Missouri Western Foundation Board of Directors for 10 years and is a former chairman of the board. In addition, Dennis is a former chairman of the board of the United Way, an active volunteer in the St. Joseph School District, a member of the Mosaic Life Care Finance Committee and a board member of both LifeLine Foods and the St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association.

Distinguished Faculty Award

The Distinguished Faculty Award is given to a current faculty member in recognition of one鈥檚 lasting influences on students, excellence in teaching, professional/career accomplishments and professional and ethical standards.

Dr. Elissa Zorn 鈥�12/鈥�17, RN to BSN Coordinator and Assistant Professor

Dr. Zorn received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Missouri Western and entered the nursing profession as a critical care nurse working in ICU and Burn. After guest lecturing on burn care at her alma mater, she discovered a passion for teaching. Dr. Zorn returned to MWSU to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education focus. Upon graduating she worked as a nursing professional development specialist at Liberty Hospital, and returned to Missouri Western in 2019 as the RN-BSN coordinator, helping fellow nurses in the profession reach their goals.听

Great Griffon Awards

The Great Griffon Awards recognize alumni from each college and school who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the University. Nominees do not have to currently work in the area in which they studied and can be recognized for career achievement, service to local communities, states, nations or the University.

College of Liberal Arts 鈥� LaTonya Williams 鈥�03

Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English/Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in English/Public Relations. She obtained a Master of Business Administration in October 2022 from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Management degree. Since October 2020, Williams has been the executive director of Bartlett Center, a nonprofit community center that specializes in child care and community outreach. She also serves as the current president of the St. Joseph School District Board of Education. Williams is the proud mother of three daughters, Arianna (MWSU class of 2022), Lyric and Jaydaci.

College of Business & Professional Studies 鈥� David Jordan 鈥�74

Jordan is a St. Joseph native, a retired business teacher with the St. Joseph School District and a former adjunct professor at MWSU. He has always guided students in the classroom learning process, but he believes building relationships with students enhances the learning process and leads to successful outcomes. One of his most memorable experiences as a teacher was being selected by the 2016 senior class to be their graduation speaker. Today, Jordan continues to teach part time for the St. Joseph Adult Education and Literacy program, is a St. Joseph Public Library Board Trustee and is an active member of the Cotillion for Achievement and the Buchanan County University of Missouri Extension Council.听

College of Science & Health 鈥� Jeff Stubblefield 鈥�83

Stubblefield graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Management (Recreation Management). His mother was also a student at that time; classmates in one biology section included both his mother and his future wife, Jolene. Stubblefield is the director of parks and recreation for the City of Maryville and is president of the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association. He helped his family establish the Sandra J. Stubblefield Memorial Scholarship in honor of their mother at Missouri Western. Stubblefield is the proud father of two children, Jared and Julia. Sadly, they lost Jared in 2003.听

Student Leadership Awards

The Alumni Student Leadership Awards recognize graduating students (December or May of the current academic year) who have made a significant impact on the life of the University during their tenure through leadership, volunteerism, or humanitarianism.

Graduating Senior of the Year 鈥� Taylor Edwards 鈥�23

Edwards, originally from Lansing, Kansas, graduated Magna Cum Laude with degrees in music education and music performance. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the University with the 2023 Graduating Student of the Year Award and the Dean Hoff Outstanding Achievement Award. During her time as a Griffon, Edwards was an orientation leader, student ambassador and resident assistant. Edwards was the drum major in the Golden Griffon Marching Band and was a leader in the Jazz and Wind Ensembles. She is the principal trombonist in the Fountain City Academy Brass Band and has had overwhelming success in brass banding both nationally and internationally.

Clifford Hughes 鈥�55 Award 鈥� Briana Ward 鈥�23

Briana Ward, originally from Sparta, Illinois, will graduate with a degree in business management and a concentration in entrepreneurship. As a student, she was involved in Western Activities Council, cheer, Missouri Western Dance Company, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was a Griffon Edge Ambassador. Ward was selected as the 2022 Ms. Black and Gold hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. She is currently part of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. In her free time as a student, she assisted teachers at elementary schools in the St. Joseph School District, dedicated time to help at soup kitchens, walked and fed dogs at the shelter and volunteered time at Second Harvest.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .听

May 1, 2023–含羞草社区 presented nine faculty and staff members with awards and recognized 17 retirees at the 2022-2023 Faculty and Staff Awards and Retirement Reception on April 28.

Award winners include:

Outstanding Academic Advisor: Dr. Lane DesAutels, associate professor of philosophy. “He is willing to go above and beyond to make sure the students understand their future academic path.”

Missouri Western Award for Staff Service to the University: Jessica Frogge, administrative coordinator in the Department of Chemistry and the Griffon Office of Applied Learning. “Jessica’s institutional knowledge, technical skills, and commitment to MWSU are definite strengths and keys to her success.”

Missouri Western Award for Staff Service to Students: Dane Eckert, senior manager in Technology Services. “Dane has been consistently involved, responsive, competent, and reliable in addressing a broad range of technical challenges.”

Missouri Western Award for Staff Service to Colleagues: Amber Halstead, math coordinator in the Center for Academic Support and Staff Association president. “Amber is a team player in every sense of the word and 鈥� sees herself as a steward for the University and its employees.”

Missouri Western Award for Teaching Excellence:

• Dr. Aracely Newton, assistant professor of biology. “She cares deeply about the success of her students and provides multiple opportunities for them to get feedback and learn the materials.”
• Dr. Elizabeth Thorne Wallington, assistant professor of education. “Dr. Thorne Wallington forms deep connections with her students, both as a faculty member and an advisor.”

Missouri Western Foundation Dr. James V. Mehl Award for Outstanding Faculty Scholarship: Dr. James Okapal, professor of philosophy. “Marrying science fiction and fantasy literature with the philosophers’ study of ethics, Dr. Okapal published six peer-reviewed articles, offered three scholarly presentations, and delivered two invited lectures last year.”

Missouri Western Foundation Dr. James J. Scanlon Award for Staff Service to Community: Jeremy Acton, grounds supervisor for Physical Plant. “Jeremy has through his example and leadership made a positive contribution to the University.”

Missouri Western Foundation Dr. James J. Scanlon Award for Faculty Service to the Community: Dr. Jennifer Jackson, associate professor of communication. “Jennifer has used applied learning in her classes to serve our community…helping teach her students while giving back to community clients.”

The reception also honored 17 employees who have or will soon retire with a combined 269 years of service to Missouri Western. Honored retirees include:

• Roger Adams, Physical Plant
• Dr. Susan Bashinski, Graduate Studies
• Shelle Browning, Physical Plant
• Greg Dillon, Athletics
• Janice Dillon, Business Office
• Dr. Crystal Harris, College of Science and Health
• Karma Hartong, School of Nursing and Health Professions
• Robin Kelly, Department of Education
• Dr. Steve Klassen, Department of Computer Science, Math & Physics
• Greg Kriewitz, Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science
• Dr. David McIntire, School of Fine Arts
• Peggy Payne, Admissions
• Deb Singleton, Department of Communication
• Cindy Spotts-Conrad, Financial Aid
• Dan Stevens, Academic Advising
• Buzz Verduzco, Athletics
• Deana Wennihan, Financial Aid

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .听