Long after the celebration of Stephens’ 175th anniversary is over, memories of this special year will be saved by those who hold the College dear and will remain untarnished by the passage of time. The stories about this historic milestone might read much like these . . .

It was January 31 on the year Stephens turned 175 years old, and everything was set for her birthday party. The huge cake had been baked and adorned; the jesters ran around singing and playing tricks. The queens were in place, regal but approachable, and the lights were glowing in the Kimball Ballroom of Lela Raney Wood Hall…

Members of the Stephens Concert Choir sang old Stephens songs while hundreds of bemused guests (faculty, staff and students) trickled in and took their seats. As they waited to find out more about this mysterious event they’d been hearing about for weeks, they looked around the room and found glimpses of Stephens’ proudest memories in large black-and-white photographs that hung above the growing crowd—a pilot ready for flight; a rider walking her horse; elegant gowns and rolled-up sleeves; women doing, women leading, women learning.

The festivities began with a video that took party-goers on a journey through 175 years of history in just under five minutes, and continued with musical performances by the Velvetones, Stephens’ a capella jazz ensemble; remarks by President Wendy B. Libby; and a special appearance by Peter Pan (played by Caroline Rhoads, a junior from Harrisburg, Pa., majoring in theatre) and Captain Hook (played by Rob Doyen ’69, professor of theatre). Through lively dialogue with Captain Hook, Peter Pan (a wink to former faculty member Maude Adams’ most famous Broadway role), announced details of a three-part, semester-long treasure hunt designed to unite the Stephens community in learning about the College’s history.

Then, a special announcement was made by Student Government Association President Lindsey Weber, a senior broadcasting major from High Ridge, Mo. Lindsey invited the campus community to give Stephens a birthday present by contributing items to the time capsule that SGA is donating at the end of the year as the student body’s gift to the College.

After a lively group rendition of “Happy Birthday!” to Stephens, President Libby cut the Queen Cake (the women’s college version of the King Cake, a Mardi Gras staple) and was joined by several guests in blowing out birthday candles. And, in the Queen Cake tradition, those who found a little plastic baby in their piece of cake received a year’s worth of good luck—or at least a small present!

P.S. The jesters and queens were part of the “Renaissance court” theme chosen for this birthday party. The theme speaks to the remarkable period of growth taking place at Stephens College.

If you just can’t imagine what Stephens’ birthday party might have looked like, watch the video at www.stephens.edu/175/media.php.
And while you’re online, be sure to visit the special Web site that has been created to celebrate Stephens’ 175th anniversary, where you can share your Stephens memories, download desktop backgrounds, find out about upcoming events planned for this special year, and read up on (or learn something new about) Stephens’ history. Learn about ways to celebrate in your own community this fall (check out the Birthday in a Box link)—more information online and in the next Ideal Connection.
Visit www.stephens.edu/175.

Gladys V. Rusk Hein ’25 of Richmond, Va.; Nov. 2, 2007. Hildred Schweiter Edlin ’29 of Sun City, Ariz.; Oct. 17, 2007. Waunita Pitt Brunson ’33 of Oklahoma City; Dec. 16, 2007. Marcia McClintock Postlewaite ’33 of Brookline, Mass.; Oct. 19, 2007. Luella Hardy Attebery ’34 of Kirksville, Mo.; Sept. 8, 2007. Suzanne Stinson Dettwiler ’34 of Indianapolis; May 14, 2007. Mary Wood Haley ’35 of Point Clear, Ala.; July 10, 2007. Evelyn Grumhaus Parker ’35 of Clearwater, Fla.; Jan. 8, 2008. Martha Bates John ’36 of Columbia, Mo.; Feb. 6, 2008. Betty Gilbert Stevens ’36 of Albuquerque, N.M.; April 15, 1999. Jean Cardwell ’38 of Wichita, Kan.; Nov. 13, 2007. Mary Rodes McKnight Marschel ’38 of Sarasota, Fla.; Jan. 31, 2008. Valdene Hazelton Chambers ’39 of Beaverton, Ore.; Jan. 7, 2008. Rosemary Stalnaker Gettelman ’39 of North Ridgeville, Ohio; Nov. 22, 2007. Virginia Carl Green ’40 of Marquette, Mich.; July 15, 2007. Doris Prideaux Kline ’40 of Dallas; Jan. 12, 2008. Helen Wiener Korman ’40 of Toledo, Ohio; Oct. 5, 2007. Ruth Morris Moroney ’40 of Hayward, Calif.; Jan. 2, 2008. Virginia Engleman Dehn ’41 of West Hartford, Conn.; July 26, 2005. Helen Swank Gerdes ’41 of Omaha, Neb.; June 30, 2001. Mary Lynn Sinclair Morgan ’41 of Houston; Dec. 14, 2007. Ann Johnson Walker ’41 of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Jan. 5, 2008. Margaret Landers Young ’41 of Smyrna, Ga.; Sept. 20, 2007. Lucia Mills Flanagan ’42 of Port Arthur, Texas; Jan. 2, 2008. Doris Clark Gunn ’42 of Portland, Ore.; Oct. 30, 2007. Joan Leidner Miller ’42 of Silver Springs, Md.; Dec. 5, 2007. Edna Gerst Lazaron ’43 of Norfolk, Va.; May 31, 2007. Nancy Turner McGlasson ’43 of Lynchburg, Va.; Jan. 9, 2008. Marian Kautz Parks ’43 of Hartford City, Ind.; April 3, 2006. Frances Horn Wood ’43 of Dallas; Dec. 5, 2007. Patricia Beebe Graham ’44 of North Bend, Ore.; Oct. 21, 2007. Mary Squifflet Irvine ’44 of Atlanta; July 16, 2007. Doris Chandler Jones ’44 of Macon, Ga.; July 31, 2007. Maryllis Rieger Bartlett ’45 of Rockville, Md.; Oct. 31, 2007. Virginia Hinton Burford ’45 of El Paso, Texas; Sept. 22, 2006. Helene Barth Fitch ’45 of Ballwin, Mo.; March 20, 2005. Margaret Beutell Smith ’46 of Roswell, Ga.; Jan. 21, 2008. Marianna Crone Roland ’47 of New Fairfield, Conn.; Sept. 12, 2007. Patricia Vaughan Ross ’47 of Issaquah, Wash.; June 4, 2007. Helen Kelley Coleman ’48 of Dallas; Jan. 10, 2008. Bette Jane Greenleaf Salisbury ’48 of Oswego, N.Y.; Oct. 31, 2007. Roberta Alander Schwenker ’48 of Raleigh, N.C.; July 19, 2007. Roberta Anderson Boetticher ’49 of Orland Park, Ill.; July 22, 2007. Nancy Rincliffe Corse ’49 of Media, Pa.; Nov. 4, 2007. Greta Atler Horwitz ’49 of Denver; June 7, 2007. Barbara Lowrey Houston ’49 of Stillwater, Okla.; Oct. 25, 2007. Patricia Wallace Jenkins ’49 of Columbia, Mo.; Dec. 19, 2007. Helen Bowie Stroup ’49 of Tucson, Ariz.; Nov. 4, 2007. Bonnie “Sue” Rexroad Reid ’50 of Independence, Mo.; Jan. 25, 2008. Edith Weseman Saterbo ’50 of Winter Haven, Fla.; Nov. 2, 2007. Betty Templeman Van Leer ’50 of Gold Beach, Ore.; Jan. 23, 2008. Mona Meixner Coulter ’51 of Monroeville, Pa.; Sept. 27, 2007. Arden Cooley Stupka ’51 of Centennial, Colo.; Oct. 21, 2007. Annette Brown Mooney ’52 of Georgetown, Texas; Jan. 22, 2008. Jean McGlynn Kelly ’53 of Red Bluff, Calif.; Aug. 5, 2007. Jane Mathes Kelton ’53 of Escazu, Costa Rica; Oct. 26, 2007. Elizabeth (Betty) Attwood Collins ’55 of San Antonio; Dec. 26, 2007. Anne Risser Johnson ’55 of Jefferson City, Mo.; Oct. 29. 2000. Shirley Brown King ’55 of Mason, Ohio; Jan. 30, 2008. Elizabeth Manley Vincent ’55 of La Crescenta, Calif.; April 8, 1996. Beverly Shaver Felton ’58 of Alief, Texas; June 1, 2004. Anne Sweeney Smith ’60 of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Jan. 23, 1995. Melinda Kirkman Wallach ’60 of St. Louis; Feb. 13, 2008. Elizabeth Davis Beaver ’61 of Louisville, Ky.; June 20, 2007. Joy Grimm Anderson ’62 of Oxnard, Calif.; Dec. 31, 2007. Cynthia Clark Sontag ’64 of Tampa, Fla.; March 22, 2007. Carol Hess Goranson ’66 of Omaha, Neb.; Oct. 12, 2006. Edith Raab-Chucker ’77 of Clifton Forge, Wash.; Dec. 14, 2007. Winnie Davis Mai ’79 of Columbia, Mo.; Feb. 23, 2008. Jennifer Doolittle Wepler ’79 of Liberty, Mo.; Nov. 13, 2007.

Former Employees of the College
Rachel Williams Ausherman of Columbia, Mo., clothing and textiles instructor for 23 years; Dec. 18, 2007. Elizabeth Schanck Doty of Austin, Texas, administrative secretary for more than 20 years; Dec. 10, 2007. Howard Lang, Jr. of Columbia, Mo., member of the Board of Trustees; Nov. 13, 2007. Margot Truman Lubensky of Columbia, Mo., communications teacher (1946–1955); March 28, 2008. Harry Philpott of Auburn, Ala., dean of religious life and head of the Department of Religion and Philosophy (1951–1959); Jan. 28, 2008. Elbert Tatum of Columbia, Mo., former facilities employee; Dec. 2, 2007.

After nearly five decades, former Stephens suitemates Marilyn Carnell ’60 and Eva Lenah Jagner Sternberg have rekindled their friendship. They have blogs—one of today’s latest online communication tools—to thank for their joyful reunion.

After searching for Marilyn by her maiden name on the Internet, Eva found “The Lucky Dog Blog” (www.luckydogwms.typepad.com), an online journal written by Marilyn and her husband, Al.

“I could hardly believe my eyes,” recalls Eva, who then quickly emailed her long-lost friend. Soon after, the friends spoke for the first time in 48 years. “It was a profound experience. I still think about Marilyn every day several times.”

The pair formed a fast friendship in the fall of 1959 at Stephens despite coming from vastly different worlds. Marilyn grew up in the small southwest Missouri town of Pineville, where she lives today. Eva, who then went by her middle name, Lenah, was an exchange student from Gothenberg, Sweden.

As suitemates, they spent much time together, with Eva teaching Marilyn to knit the “German way” and with Marilyn inviting her European friend home to Pineville for her first Christmas in the United States.

“I still have the letters I wrote to my own family in Sweden about how happy I was to be able to spend my first Christmas abroad at Marilyn’s home,” says Eva, who recalls the occasion as if it happened this year.

The friends lost touch when Eva left college after one semester to be reunited with her fiancé in Sweden.

Over the years, they tried finding each other several times without success. Marilyn says the English-Swedish language barrier, as well as name and address changes, deterred her search.

“We are both overjoyed to be back in touch with each other at long last,” Marilyn says.

Pictured above (L-to-R): Marilyn Carnell ’60, Eva Lenah Jagner Sternberg and Jane Poindexter Campbell ’61 of Lee’s Summit, Mo., celebrate Christmas 1959 at Marilyn’s home in Pineville, Mo. Marilyn and Jane, who were next-door neighbors as children in Pineville, have continued their friendship through the years. Pictured below: Eva (left) and Marilyn recently reconnected after nearly five decades.

Gail Shen of Columbia, Mo., a long-time designer in the Stephens College Costume Shop (1997–2007), passed away on Jan. 29, 2008. One of her artworks, a massive quilt featuring the Ten Ideals, hangs in the west dining hall of Stamper Commons. The colorful tapestry, measuring 17′ x 14′, was sponsored by the Student Government Association.-In celebration of Shen’s life,-a-memorial art show was held on Feb. 16 on the Stephens campus.

Shen owned Gail Shen’s Chinatown, a gift store in Columbia, since its opening in 1978. Her artistic endeavors spanned from drawings, paintings and collages to beadwork, quilts, hats, mosaics and more.

Classic Classes

Co-Pres.: Marge Phillippe-Kelley ’52, (636) 397-8871;
Harriet Schneider Holdgrafer ’46, (317) 843-2240
Ethel Schoppenhorst Hulsey ’27 of Wentzville, Mo., is enjoying life, her farm and her friends at the age of 97. She lives with her daughter, Mary Hulsey Bollinger ’74. Jane Isbell Haynes ’40 of Irvine, Calif., recently donated an original, handwritten manuscript by William Faulkner to the Southeast Missouri State University’s Center for Faulkner Studies. The one-page manuscript, titled “Sorority,” was penned by Faulkner in 1933 as a gift to a young female college student who was visiting Faulkner’s step-daughter at Rowan Oak, the author’s Oxford home. Jane is a church archivist, businesswoman and manager of her family farm. She previously donated the research files for the two books she authored on Faulkner along with other Faulkner materials. Eleanor (Elly) Ferrell Fry ’51 reports that she moved to New Orleans to live with her daughter, who is a petroleum engineer for Shell Oil. Two months later, they relocated to Katy, Texas, (with three cats and a bird) for three months while New Orleans was recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Her new address is 45 Lake Powell Court, Harvey, LA 70058. Wilma (Billie) A. Miller ’52 of Reno, Nev., lost her loving partner, Owen, of 24 years on Jan. 21, 2008. Jo Garot McDougall ’55 is married to Charles McDougall. A native of Arkansas, she lives in Kansas City, Kan., and has a son, Duke McDougall. Her daughter, Charla Jo Stone, passed away in 1999. Jo is a published poet and writer with five books of poetry. She is an associate professor emeritus at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan., and travels the country as a visiting writer and writer-in-residence. Wanda Gae Roberson Stefansson ’56 of San Marino, Calif., took a tour of the Stephens campus this summer, 52 years after her graduation. She writes of her experience: “There is so much energy palpable on campus—soft, caring, feminine 21st century energy. There are new buildings, refurbished buildings and reconfigured buildings for a different world looking to the future. There are gentle, happy leaders among the administration who give off vibrations of hope and clarity and purpose. If you have a chance, go see for yourself. It was a great place to go on a first step from home. It still is.”

1958

Pres.: Patty Petersen Nuss, (361) 853-3812
This April in Detroit, Wally Funk of Roanoke, Texas, will fly the Cessna 120, N1829V that she first soloed at Stephens. She says she is excited to visit the woman who refurbished the plane. Wally received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in May 2007 for her participation in the Women in Space program.

1968

Co-Pres.: Elissa Bannow Alden, elissa.alden@sbcglobal.net;
Pamela Dekema, (415) 435-2340
Daveen (Dedee) Maurer Nave of Las Vegas is the project director for the Morelli House interpretive program and vice chair of the Endowment Fund. The Las Vegas Junior League helped to relocate and refurbish the Morelli House, built by Antonio Morelli and his wife, Helen, in 1959. Morelli was the long-time orchestra leader at the Sands Hotel in Nevada.

1973

Co-Pres.: Carole Mosher, (480) 656-7256, Carole147@cox.net;
Suzanne Smailes Clark, (740) 622-8610

Dr. Linda Allen Aulgur of Columbia, Mo., was awarded the Presidential Teaching Award at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., for the 2006–07 academic year. She is the chair of the Education department at Westminster. Criteria for the award is a high teaching rating from the College’s internal rating system and significant contributions to Westminster and its teaching mission. Linda teaches in Stephens’ online M.Ed. program and previously taught in the Education department from 1986–99. Her daughter, Heather McKay, is a 2000 graduate of Stephens.

1976

Pres.: Justine Ryan Brown, (573) 442-7138, justine@tranquility.net

Rev. Joanna Loucky-Ramsey of Norfolk, N.Y., gives thanks to Stephens for the great education she received. She and her husband are offering discounted rates for Stephens students, donors and alumnae at their bed and breakfast, Hidden Meadow Inn. For information, visit www.hiddenmeadowinn.com or call (315) 384-3234.

1978

Co-Pres.: Janeen Bjork, (203) 698-4927, b_janeen@yahoo.com;
M. Anne Murphy, (713) 960-9929, amurphy@dinipartners.com
Mindy Tatz Chernoff of Newtown Square, Pa., recently attended the Pinto Championship Horse Show and Congress in Tulsa, Okla., with her gelding “Flirtin With Music.” She won several classes including Disciplines Rail Western Pleasure and the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) trophy for the Hunter Under Saddle class. On her way to the show, she stayed in Columbia and stabled her horse at the Stephens equestrian facility. In February, she traveled to Tampa, Fla., to facilitate a women’s conference retreat on spiritual direction.

1989

Co-Pres.: Ruth Kusner-Potts, (609) 275-0827;
Missy Moon Meyer, (636) 305-1533
Dannon Williams Heil of Joplin, Mo., and her husband, Jeff, announce the birth of Henry Arthur on Sept. 21, 2006. He joins big brothers Samuel and Charles.

1991

Pres.: Tiffany Leek, (206) 935-1729, Tiffleek@msn.com
Tricia Brouk of New York choreographed and danced in John Turturro’s musical “Romance and Cigarettes.” The film stars James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet and Chris Walken. Tricia writes that she loved going to Stephens and wants to provide each student with the dream of success.

1992

Co-Pres.: Andra Culp Schneider, (816) 734-2148, wutwoo@kc.rr.com;
Cynthia Thompson Macadam, (916) 939-5332, CRT123@hotmail.com;
Kirsten Hoffman Kemner, (925) 254-5300, kristen_kemner@hotmail.com
Amy Meyer of Las Vegas is the founder and president of the White Horse Youth Ranch. When fully functional, the ranch will pair a child with a horse to learn to ride and care for. The ranch is focused mainly on disadvantaged children, although it is open to all children. For more information, visit www.whyranch.com.

1997

Co-Pres.: Angie Daly, (573) 659-3650, angie_daly@mda.mo.gov;
Rajah Maples-Wallace, (217) 223-6416, rmaples@hotmail.com
Nicole Facciuto of New York has a new show titled “Red Hot & Green” on HGTV. This show will concentrate on eco-friendly decorating. They will be filming in Southern California. Michelle Renne Thompson Hastings of Columbia, Mo., is earning her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Her partner, Jay Hastings, is working remotely from Columbia for a Kansas City law firm, Lathrop & Gage. Jay is also planning to release an album for yoga instructors in early 2008.

2002

Co-Pres.: Breca Tracy, (580) 332-8504, brecastarr@hotmail.com;
Ellen Etling, (636) 225-6633
Rebecca Klein Huffman of Belleville, Ill., has owned her own floral business for nearly a year. She specializes in weddings and special events. Visit www.beckyhuffmanflowers.com. Bronwyn MacFarlane of Williamsburg, Va., a graduate of Stephens’ M.Ed. program, is pursuing her doctoral degree in education policy, planning and leadership from the College of William and Mary. She recently received the 2007 Excellence in Gifted Education Award at the College of William and Mary and the 2007–08 P.E.O. Scholar Award.

Faculty and Friends

Dr. Markita Price was selected as Outstanding Professor in Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of Missouri–Columbia, where she is an assistant teaching professor in the computer science department. She was honored with the award at a convocation in December. Dr. Price previously taught mathematics and computer science at Stephens College and the University of Minnesota.

On March 27, the Greater New York Area Alumnae Club hosted Stephens fashion and theatre students at the Fratelli Rossetti Boutique, managed by Lizann LaGrange ’84, on Madison Avenue. The club also recently hosted its third annual theatre lunch featuring Stephens theatre professors Beth Leonard, dean of the School of Performing Arts, and Lamby Hedge.

Greater New York club members attended the first Soup R Supper event on Feb. 11 at the Heartland Brewery on the bottom floor of the Empire State Building in New York City.

Alumnae who attended were (front row,
L-to-R): Cally Varner ’07 of New York; Caryn Koch Esterline ’93 of Hoboken, N.Y.; Rita Ann Jana ’99 of New York; Stephanie Sherga ’03 of New York; Heather Jackson ’07 of New York. (Back row, L-to-R): Abigail Mueller ’04 of Louisville, Ky.; Rachel Josar ’06 of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Jennifer Klock ’03 of New York; Heather Hay ’93 of Stamford, Conn.

The Stephens College Columbia Alumnae Club held its second annual Sweet Susie Soiree on Feb. 22. The evening began with 121 guests dining in intimate settings at 12 “host homes” around Columbia. At the same time, PS: Perlow-Stevens Art Gallery hosted a reception for 80 people. By 8:30 p.m., all guests met in the Kimball Ballroom of Lela Raney Wood Hall for dancing, dessert and cocktails. Nearly 300 people danced the night away with the great sounds of Galaxy and bid on fabulous auction packages. Proceeds benefited the Stephens College Boone County Scholarship Endowment, which supports Stephens students from Boone County.

Jefferson City Alumnae Club members gathered on Jan. 17 at the home of Nancy Dreyer Bolin ’57 for a meet-and-greet with Stephens President Wendy B. Libby. The event was hosted by Bolin, Carol Mehmert Davidson ’90 and Nancy Botsch Wilson ’71. Stephens graduate student Lindsey Riley ’07 shared her experience as a recent undergraduate and as a current teacher in the Stephens College Children’s School. Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to socialize with other alumnae.

Denver area alumnae met at Huckleberry’s Tea House in Louisville, Colo., on Oct. 6 for afternoon tea and celebration. For many, the event was the first get-together since the club disbanded in 2006.

Those in attendance were Ann Willett Kingery ’58, Joyce Tinkham Patterson ’52, Nancy Glaze Kneipple ’65, Vici Block Davis ’80, Julia Patterson ’86, Carla Hampton Macartney ’52, Judy Simmons ’66, Denise Girtin Daniell ’72, Becky Gallegos ’78, Ramona Adams Kemper ’59 and Charlene Saunders Atchison ’57.

The annual Colorado Endowed Scholarship was awarded for the 2007–08 academic year to theatre majors Kyra Koelling ’09 of Boulder, Colo., and Claire Anderson ’08 of Elizabeth, Colo. Alumnae are encouraged to continue supporting the Renaissance of Stephens through gifts to the Annual Fund and the Colorado Endowed Scholarship Fund. The cookbook “Stephens Remembered—Recollections and Recipes” remains available through Ramona Adams Kemper ’59 at 103 Grand View Circle, Mead, CO 80542, (970) 535-6190 or RBKemper@aol.com. The cookbook also is available at the Stephens Bookshelf, and through the online Gift Shop at www.stephens.edu/alumane/magazine/giftshop. All proceeds support the scholarship fund.

Daryll Harris Griffin ’72 and her husband, Mike, hosted a reception for Atlanta area alumnae and Stephens’ national campaign committee on Feb. 9 in Norcross, Ga. President Wendy B. Libby spoke to the group, which included several generations of alumnae.

Student career assistance

An ideal way for alumnae to connect with current students is to sign up for the Career Connection program. Alumnae can choose to assist current Stephens students in a variety of ways such as reviewing resumes, educating about interviewing skills, serving as a friend in the field or helping to locate internships. By participating, alumnae information is accessible to students looking for career assistance. Sign up today at www.stephens.edu/alumnae/careerconn.

Alumna currently enrolled in the Career Connection program will be contacted soon by the Career Services office to update their contact information.

Summer programs abound

As you make your summer plans, be sure to consider Stephens’ variety of program and workshop offerings. We’d love for you to share these opportunities with your friends and family as well.

Summer Dance 2008:
May 14–June 3 and June 9–28 2008, College Level
June 9–June 28, 2008, High School Level
Aspiring young dancers will have the opportunity to study with international guest faculty in the Stephens College dance studios.
Learn more: www.stephens.edu/summerdance or contact Deborah Carr ’73 at (573) 876-7145 or dcarr@stephens.edu.

Summer Film Institute: May 14–25, 2008
This 12-day intensive, hands-on workshop gives female filmmakers of all ages the opportunity to learn about the various aspects of filmmaking such as directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, script, and the producer’s unit.
Learn more: www.stephens.edu/sfi or contact Kerri Yost at (573) 876-2312 or
kyost@stephens.edu.

Summer Riding Program: June 9–13, June 16–27, July 7–18
and July 21–25, 2008
The popular annual program, held at the Stephens Stables, offers riding lessons for interested participants, ages 8 and older. Four sessions are available with classes in Huntseat, Western and Beginning Riding.
Learn more: www.stephens.edu/summerriding or contact Sara Linde ’02 at (573) 876-7166 or slinde@stephens.edu.

Summer School Program: June 9–20, June 23–July 3
and July 7–18, 2008
The Stephens College Children’s School is offering two-week sessions for children who have finished kindergarten through fifth grade. Each session offers a morning and afternoon program with a variety of topics including writing workshop, equestrian, art classes, business, photography, life in medieval France, the world of mythology, science experiments, and much more.
Learn more: www.stephens.edu/sccs or contact Beth Crittenden ’03 at (573) 876-7294 or ecrittenden@stephens.edu.

In celebration of Stephens’ 175th anniversary, the Principles of Design class, led by graphic design instructor and artist Kate Gray, experimented with the many ways that one could lay out the number “175” on a blank page. The typography exercise produced as many unique designs as there are students in the class. Many of the designs will be used for different purposes throughout the year.

Class members evaluated their own designs based on the principles they are learning as graphic design students. The work shown here represents five of their top choices. Designs that have already been adopted by campus offices for different purposes were not included in the class vote. Reunion 2008 features the students’ work on several materials.

Holly Lang ’08 Liberal Studies major Pilot Grove, Mo.	Emilyann Allen ’10 Graphic Design major Tallahassee, Fla.
Rikki Takeyama ’09 Marketing, Public Relations & Advertising major Kansas City, Mo.	Kristin Parran ’09 Marketing, Public Relations & Advertising major St. Louis
Summer Crosby ’09 Mass Media with emphasis in Journalism major Fremont, Iowa

Dr. Mary Hassinger has been named the new vice president for academic affairs at Stephens College. She will replace Dr. Rex Stevens who retires after serving the College for four years. Dr. Hassinger, who is the dean of the School of Letters and Sciences and professor of chemistry at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., will begin her new position on July 1.

“I am excited to be joining Stephens College at a time when so many changes are taking place,” Dr. Hassinger said. “I am an advocate of the transformative power of women’s education and was strongly attracted to Stephens’ rich history of educating women. During my interview, I saw great passion for the mission, a lot of pride in what the College has accomplished in the last five years, and a commitment to strengthen academic programs in the years ahead.”

Dr. Hassinger has worked in higher education for nearly 25 years. At Viterbo University, she serves as the director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program, which aims to implement program assessment and active learning across the institution. She has been a member of the Viterbo chemistry faculty since 1983.

“Mary has great experience in higher education and is a strong advocate of program assessment and learner-centered teaching,” said Stephens College President Wendy B. Libby. “We look forward to Mary joining the Stephens administration.”

Dr. Hassinger earned a B.S. in chemistry with a minor in physics from the University of Minnesota–Duluth and a M.S. and Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Purdue University.

Sara Jane Johnson Professorship established

A recently established Sara Jane Johnson Professorship will soon fund a professor in the area of history. Sara Jane Johnson ’56 of Orcas, Wash., trustee and co-chair of the Smart, Strong, Savvy . . . Stephens campaign, recently gave an endowment to support the professorship.

“Stephens is a wonderful place for young women to come, and I want them to have a full range of educational and experiential possibilities,” Johnson said. “Exceptional teaching and role models help all of us evolve into career-oriented women. I am proud to endow this professorship!”

Following an extensive search, Dr. Mark Thompson, a visiting assistant professor in the Department of History at the University of Missouri–Columbia (MU), has accepted the position, effective Fall 2008. His teaching fields include globalization, world history, decolonization, and 19th and 20th century international relations history. He has taught at Carleton University in Ottawa and the University of Toronto. Dr. Thompson earned a Ph.D. and M.A. in History at the University of Toronto and a B.A. in Classics and History at Dalhousie University.

“Sara Jane feels strongly about the value of exposing our students to excellence in teaching, and support for the social sciences has always been important to her,” said Carol Julian, vice president for development and alumnae relations. “Through the funding of the professorship, she is able to accomplish both.”

Johnson is the 1956 class president, a member of the Seattle Alumnae Club, and a former member of the Alumnae Association Board. She belongs to the San Juan County League of Women Voters, San Juan County Land Trust; Jackson (Wyo.) Land Trust; San Juan Preservation Trust; Friends of the San Juans; and OPAL, an Orcas non-profit organization that provides affordable housing. She received an A.A. from Stephens, a B.A. in Anthropology from MU and a B.A. in Elementary Education and Library Science from Washington State University.

The Johnson Professorship is the second to be endowed at the College. In 2001, the Kimball Endowed Chair of Natural Sciences, occupied by Dr. Tara Giblin, was funded by Gretchen Bush Kimball ’57, former chair of the Stephens Board of Trustees, and her now late husband, William. Two additional professorships are being funded through the comprehensive campaign.

Students meet jazz legend

Stephens guest artist-in-residence Sheron Wray, who calls herself a performance architect, introduced dance students to jazz legend Wynton Marsalis after a concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on Feb. 10 at MU. Students attended the sound check for the show directed by Marsalis, a long-time friend of Wray.

During her residency, Wray taught a six-week course in jazz dance, gave an on-campus lecture demonstration and choreographed “New Amazonians—Part 1,” a new jazz piece that incorporates video produced by Stephens film students and features costumes designed by Stephens assistant professor Jane Matranga. Students performed the piece at the faculty-choreographed Annual Dance Company Spring Concert in early March. Wray, who is from London, is the artistic director of JazzXchange Music and Dance Company and the creator of Texterritory, an interactive presentational tool driven by mobile phone technology.

Four service-minded achievers honored

During the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Award Convocation in January, Stephens College honored four community members for embodying the principles and human values reflected in the work of Dr. King. Event highlights included a video excerpt from Dr. King’s “Drum Major Instinct” speech, given just two months before he was assassinated in 1968, and a dance performance by guest artist-in-residence Sheron Wray.

The award recipients accepted their honor with words of gratitude and inspiration. In their own words:

“I believe that women and all minorities must have a seat at the table, but not just a seat, that’s not enough. I believe we must be heard when we have a seat at the table, but not just heard. I believe our opinions must be valued and seriously considered.”
—M. Dianne Drainer, executive director of Mizzou Flagship Council,
co-chair of “Imagine Columbia’s Future,” the City of Columbia’s visioning group

“As I stand before you here today, I ask if we will continue to be defined by our differences, or will we recognize our shared humanity in order to achieve King’s dream of a better society?”
—Jeffrey R. Williams, Ph.D., director of access and urban outreach at the University of Missouri–Columbia, co-chair of “Imagine Columbia’s Future”

“To me, whenever a recognition is made, I ask myself, does this draw out of me another potential for a higher level of service?”
—Dr. Sahba Jalali, optometrist and clinical director of Advanced Vision, who offers free care for children with no insurance or financial access to eye and vision care

“I accept this award as a representation of the collective work we do to make this a community of love and understanding regardless of race, socio-economic background, sexual orientation and religious affiliation.”
—Stephens junior Tina Smith, an AmeriCorps volunteer and College chapter leader of Keep A Child Alive. This summer, she will work with AIDS patients in South Africa.

Stars succeed on court, beyond

With hard work and determination, the Stephens Stars athletics teams have seen much success this year. In February, the basketball team completed its most successful season in school history, finishing with a record of 14–12. The previous record, 10 wins, was set by last year’s team. The Stephens swimming team placed 17th at the NAIA Championships, held Feb. 27–March 1 in San Antonio. Stephens swimmers competed in several individual events and set two new school records in the 800- and 200- freestyle relays.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), of which the College is a member, recognized the Stephens swimming and volleyball teams with the NAIA Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character Award. Stephens freshman swimmer Lauren Holman of Columbia, Mo., received the NAIA Individual Champions of Character Award. Winners are selected based on how the players and coaches exhibit the NAIA’s five core character values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership and Sportsmanship. Eight Stephens student-athletes also were named as Region Academic Scholar-Athletes for 2007–2008.

Stephens will begin play in the American Midwest Conference in Fall 2008.