Development – News

Pickman named senior philanthropy advisor

kheier — Tue, 16 May 2023 15:00:21 +0000

May 16, 2023–A former ��߲�� fundraising administrator is returning to the University as senior philanthropy advisor in the Division of Advancement. Jerry Pickman, currently vice president of philanthropy operations at Mosaic Life Care Foundation, will begin his new role at Missouri Western July 1.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Jerry back to Missouri Western,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Missouri Western’s president. “His extensive fundraising experience, familiarity with the University and its donor base, and knowledge of our community make him ideally suited for this important new role. He will be an excellent addition to our Missouri Western Advancement team.”

“Jerry’s passion for Missouri Western and his commitment to the University’s success will be invaluable as he engages key prospective donors and secures their financial support,” said Marc Archambault, vice president for advancement and executive director of the ��߲�� Foundation.

“I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work for two amazing and critical institutions in our community,” Pickman said. “Returning to Missouri Western is a homecoming of sorts for me. My goal is to help ensure the University has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission now and in the future.”

Pickman has been at Mosaic since 2019. Prior to that, he worked at Missouri Western for 15 years, starting as director of development in 2004 and leaving as vice president for university advancement and executive director of the MWSU Foundation.

Pickman graduated from Missouri Western in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He also earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College. He received a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy (formerly The Fundraising School) in 2006 and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). He received designation as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) in 2022.

��߲�� 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 .

Weddle to lead alumni relations and annual giving

kheier — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 16:25:26 +0000

Nov. 22, 2019—Kim Weddle, previously director of development at ��߲��, has been named executive director of alumni relations and annual giving.

“Kim is well-liked and respected by her colleagues and by her fellow alumni,” said Todd Simpson, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the MWSU Foundation. “Her combination of fundraising knowledge and her understanding of alumni relations will be a tremendous asset to the University in this role,”

“I love Missouri Western and believe strongly in our mission,” said Weddle, who graduated from Missouri Western in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. “We alumni form the strongest grass-roots support network the University has, and I’m excited to work together to keep moving Missouri Western forward.”

In her new role, Weddle will direct alumni operations and coordinate a comprehensive annual giving program.

Weddle has worked at Missouri Western since 2003, and has been director of development for nearly five years.

��߲�� is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. 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 .

Sunderland Foundation gives $1 million to Potter Hall project

kheier — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 15:10:10 +0000

Architect’s rendering of Drew H. Brown Arts Annex by Patterhn Ives LLC

Oct. 25, 2019—The Sunderland Foundation has given ��߲�� a contribution of $1 million for the construction of the Drew H. Brown Arts Annex for Potter Hall.

“We are extremely grateful to the Sunderland Foundation for their investment in our students and their futures,” said Matt Wilson, Missouri Western’s president. “The facilities made possible by this gift will foster creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking, skills that make our students valuable contributors to society.”

At this stage, it is envisioned that the Drew H. Brown Arts Annex will house the Department of Art’s sculpture and ceramics programs. Space vacated by the three-dimensional arts would then be used for Missouri Western’s growing graphic design program.

“Potter Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus and has served Missouri Western well, but many of our programs have outgrown the space available,” said Dr. Doug Davenport, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The annex will give us greater flexibility in providing appropriate teaching environments, and we are very grateful.”

The new structure is named for St. Joseph resident Drew Brown, who announced his own $1 million gift toward the project in April 2019.

The Potter Hall project is part of Missouri Western’s Centennial Capital Campaign, launched in January, 2015, the University’s centennial year. The campaign so far has exceeded the initial celebration goal of $20 million by more than 50 percent.

“We’re very thankful to the Sunderland Foundation and to the hundreds of others who have supported the Centennial Capital Campaign,” said Todd Simpson, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the ��߲�� Foundation. “Through the campaign, Missouri Western has been able to address many of its long-range needs. That kind of private support is critical in today’s higher education environment.”

The Centennial Capital Campaign funded significant improvements to Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium and the Looney Arena, endowed a first-of-its-kind population health management degree program and grew the Foundation’s endowment. The five-year campaign will end in January 2020.

The Sunderland Foundation, based in Overland Park, Kansas, was established in 1945 by Lester T. Sunderland, who served as President of the Ash Grove Cement Company for 33 years as a highly respected leader in the cement industry. Since its inception, the Foundation, which continues to be led by Lester T. Sunderland’s descendants, has focused on supporting construction projects, awarding grants to nonprofits in the Kansas City region and other markets traditionally served by the Ash Grove Cement Company.

Board of Governors approves stadium improvements

kheier — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 20:44:50 +0000

The Board of Governors at ��߲�� has approved construction of a pavilion on the west end of Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium. The pavilion will be built and donated by Steve Craig, the benefactor for whom Craig Field and the Craig School of Business are named.

“The pavilion will provide the finishing piece to the recent improvements to Spratt Stadium, adding to the aesthetics of the stadium, providing symmetry to create a bowl effect and, for some fans, providing a unique game-day experience,” Craig said.

The pavilion will be built into the hillside that housed the original Spratt Stadium scoreboard before the new 2,500 square-foot video scoreboard was installed on the east end of the field last year, which was made possible by Craig. Among other features, the pavilion will include an 80-foot tall flagpole, a barbecue area, two covered pavilions, and a large gathering area for groups and organizations.

Craig will lease the construction site from Missouri Western for up to one year. He will hire a contractor and pay all of the costs of construction. When construction is finished, Craig will donate all of the improvements back to the university through the ��߲�� Foundation. The contractor hired by Craig will be required to pay prevailing wage and be properly bonded and insured.

“Once again, we have an opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Steve Craig for his continued support of Missouri Western,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “Thanks to his generosity and that of some other private donors, Spratt Stadium will offer a phenomenal game-day experience. The proposed project will greatly enhance our great atmosphere.”

The lease also gives Craig the right to name the pavilion for the person of his choice, subject to approval by the Board of Governors. It is Craig’s intention to identify a past or present resident of St. Joseph to honor with the pavilion’s name.

“The university has raised the bar, realized significant accomplishments, and truly transformed itself over the past decade,” Craig said. “It’s been an honor and a rewarding time for me to have been involved with those efforts through my volunteer activities with the University’s administration. I predict that when people reflect ten years from now on the progress of the University, the past decade will come to be known as the University’s renaissance period.”

Spratt Memorial Stadium was built in 1979, and underwent extensive reconstruction in 2015-2016. The first football game was played on the field Sept. 8, 1979, a 44-0 victory over Dana College. Lights were added six years later, and the Griffons won the first night game over Missouri-Rolla 24-15 on Sept. 4, 1985. Griffon soccer played its first match at Spratt Stadium on Sept. 3, 2006, a 3-2 win over Concordia-St. Paul.

In addition to Griffon football and soccer, Spratt Stadium hosts the St. Joseph High School Football Jamboree and the Missouri Western Department of Music’s annual Tournament of Champions High School Marching Band Competition, and was previously home of the Missouri State High School Eight-Man Football Championship Game. It hosted Missouri Western’s Spring Commencement ceremonies from 1979 to 1981, a tradition that was revived in May 2014.

Ambassadors plan Night at the Ritz May 4

kheier — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 14:06:32 +0000

The ��߲�� Ambassadors will hold their annual Night at the Ritz fundraiser on Thursday, May 4. The reception, “Night at the Ritz Hall of Fame,” will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Room inside Spratt Memorial Stadium. The cost is $35 per person, and reservations must be made by Friday, April 28 by calling 816-271-5646.

Night at the Ritz includes great food, a cash bar, silent auction, a raffle and a photo booth for guests. Silent auction items include dinner for 10, a one-night stay at the Hotel Phillips in Kansas City, a two-hour cocktail party, a one-night stay at the Country Cabin in Hiawatha, Kansas, a round of golf for four at the St. Joseph Country Club, a pair of 2017-2018 season tickets to the Performing Arts Association and more.

The Ambassadors of ��߲�� serve as a vital link between the university and the St. Joseph community. Through activities and programs, Ambassadors strive to increase the community’s awareness of the educational, cultural and financial benefits that Missouri Western brings to the greater St. Joseph area.

Night at the Ritz raises money for scholarships for nontraditional students. Since 1989, the Ambassadors have raised more than $400,000 for scholarships.

MWSU Ambassadors plan Nov. 10 lunch

kheier — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 21:06:27 +0000

The ��߲�� Ambassadors will hold a membership meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10 in the Enright Community Room, Spratt Hall room 214. The social begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon.

Anyone considering joining the Ambassadors is welcome to attend. The cost is $15. You may pay at the door, but advance reservations are required by Monday, Nov. 7. To make a reservation, call 816-271-5646 or email holtz@missouriwestern.edu.

Guest speakers at the lunch will be nontraditional students who have received scholarships from the Ambassadors.

The MWSU Ambassadors are campus and community members who provide a “bridge” between the campus and the community. They meet three times per year, and host the annual Night at the Ritz, a fundraiser for scholarships for nontraditional students. Dues are $20 per year.

New scholarship honors memory of student

kheier — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:11:19 +0000

Jordan Swearngin

A ��߲�� student will be remembered through a scholarship established in her memory by Cabana Ice Cream in St. Joseph. The first Jordan Swearngin Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Blair Griffin.

Jordan Swearngin, a senior physical education major from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away on Sept. 6, 2015 at the age of 22. During Missouri Western’s commencement ceremony in May, her parents Nick and Jennie Swearngin accepted a posthumous bachelor’s degree on her behalf.

Jordan was a valued employee of Cabana. Owner Scott Burns created the scholarship in her memory to help other students pursue their goals with the same passion as Jordan.

To receive the scholarship, full-time students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5. Preference is given to current employees of Cabana. If no current employees qualify, preference is given to students with a declared or intended major in physical education with an emphasis in health and exercise science.

Blair Griffin, a junior nursing major from St. Joseph, worked with Jordan at Cabana and is honored to receive a scholarship created in her friend’s honor.

Jordan’s family is hoping to create a permanent endowed scholarship fund. Family and friends who would like to contribute to the scholarship fund can send donations to the ��߲�� Foundation; 4525 Downs Drive; St. Joseph, Missouri 64507. Please specify that your gift is intended for the Jordan Swearngin Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Spratt Stadium Ribbon Cutting Aug. 31

kheier — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 20:42:23 +0000

��߲�� will celebrate the grand opening of the new Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium and the completion of Victory Plaza with a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Ribbon-Cutting ceremony at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 31. The ceremony is free and open to the public. It will be held at Victory Plaza, between the Spratt Stadium concourse and the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex.

Workers install a sculpture at Victory Plaza on Friday, Aug. 26.

E.L. Crawford was the general contractor on the $7 million construction project that began in May 2015. The project included:

Demolition of the previous concourse, concessions area, restrooms, Stadium Club and press box
Construction of a new concourse, concessions area, restrooms, team store, club level (including suites) and press box
Repairs and improvements to the home grandstand seating area
Removal of the old track and relocation of the field closer to the home stands
New field turf
The installation of a 2,500 square foot video scoreboard, the largest in the MIAA and one of the largest in NCAA Division II
Victory Plaza, featuring a sculpture representative of Missouri Western’s “Victory Tree” tradition designed by Sara Hunt ’12 and fabricated by Hausman Metal Works & Roofing, with landscaping provided by Lawns Unlimited

Victory Plaza also includes commemorative bricks purchased by Missouri Western supporters.

Missouri Western football will open the 2016 season at the new Spratt Stadium at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. the University of Nebraska-Kearney. For ticket information, visit gogriffons.com.

Ambassadors award 2016-2017 scholarships

kheier — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 15:40:41 +0000

The ��߲�� Ambassadors recently awarded more than $16,000 in scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Receiving the First Ladies Legacy Scholarship is Kimberly Chilton, senior nursing major from Stewartsville, Missouri. The First Ladies Legacy Scholarship was created by Drs. Robert and Laurel Vartabedian in memory of Dorsey Looney, whose husband Dr. M.O. Looney was Missouri Western’s president from 1967 to 1983, and Lauren Scanlon, whose husband Dr. James Scanlon was president from 2001 to 2008.

Receiving Ambassadors scholarships, listed by hometown, are:

Cameron, Missouri

Paula Hayward

Columbia City, Oregon

Shannon Evangelista

Cosby, Missouri

Lerrika Hillen

Hamilton, Missouri

Megan Reeder

Kansas City, Missouri

Amanda Harris, Kristina Huston

Lawrence, Kansas

Mandy Burkett

St. Joseph, Missouri

Angela Claywell, Lauren Farr, Susan Kirsch, Britne Misner, Alexis Pickett, Kathy Prososki-Large, Dana Stickley, Richard Sumpter

Stewartsville, Missouri

Kimberly Chilton

Established in 1975, the Ambassadors of Missouri Western serve as a vital link between the university and the St. Joseph community. Through activities and programs, Ambassadors strive to increase the community’s awareness of the educational, cultural and financial benefits that Missouri Western brings to the greater St. Joseph area.

Night at the Ritz set for April 22

kheier — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 20:02:57 +0000

A fun and artistic experience awaits those who attend the MWSU Ambassadors’ 2016 Night at the Ritz on Friday, April 22. At this year’s event, “Picasso’s Night at the Ritz,” guests will see the Remington Hall atrium on the ��߲�� campus transformed into an art gallery and enjoy a number of fun activities. All proceeds benefit scholarships for nontraditional students.

“Picasso’s Night at the Ritz” is a reception from 6-8:30 p.m. and will include Spanish tapas, a cash bar, a silent auction with several works of art, a raffle and a roaming troubadour who will serenade guests in Spanish. Those who attend may try their hand at reproducing Picasso works, or just enjoy Picasso reproductions and learning about Picasso.

“This year’s event will be more than a reception with great food and fellowship,” said Diane Holtz, MWSU Ambassadors liaison. “It will be a fun experience that guests will long remember, and it’s all for a good cause.”

Cost is $35 per person minimum donation and the event is open to the public. Missouri Western students may attend for $25. To make a reservation, call (816) 271-5646 by Monday, April 18. Advance payment is appreciated.

The MWSU Ambassadors are a group of campus and community women who serve as a bridge between Missouri Western and St. Joseph. The Ambassadors focus on raising money for scholarships for nontraditional students, and since 1989, the group has distributed nearly $388,000 to nontraditional students.