Lindenwood - Your Alumni Connection - Fall 2017

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY Recently, as we were putting the finishing touches on our new Library and Academic Resources Center, our library staff organized a “book brigade”—a human chain to pass the last 50 of our 80,000 books from Butler Library to the new building. I stood at the end of the chain. FUN! That amazing new building is open now, and we hope you’ll come check it out during Homecoming or at the grand opening on Family Day, Sept. 16. It was a long journey to get here, but it’s not the end. It’s the beginning. In this edition of Lindenwood, you will find many stories about people who have already accomplished much at or near the beginning of their journeys. Filmmaker Joe Puleo’s short film, Top Son , has been getting some excellent notices in film festivals from St. Louis to Hollywood and even Canada. Check him out online while you can, because at this rate, if you want to see one of his films, you are going to have to buy a ticket. Anastasia English, who has two Lindenwood degrees and works for Caleres in St. Louis, was recently named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 30 Under 30 list. The marketing database specialist was selected from more than 250 nominees. One of our fine broadcasting graduates, Suzanne Herman (DeMerit), recently won an Emmy for her work at KVVU-TV in Las Vegas. She says now that she has won the award, she’d like to win another. The odds are good; she has a long career ahead of her. On page 10 is a story about a group of our sport management graduates, all of whom graduated within the last couple years, who are now working for major league sports teams. We’ve also checked in with our six first-team academic all-Americans to see what they have been doing since graduation. Needless to say, it’s some pretty impressive stuff, on and off the field of play. Also in this issue, you’ll see a complete list of Homecoming activities on our St. Charles and Belleville campuses, as well as a variety of other great stories, sports, and Alumni News and Notes. You’ve probably noticed we’ve changed the name of the magazine; it’s now called Lindenwood, because that’s what it’s all about—the alumni, the students, and the entire Lindenwood community. We’ve had a great summer, and we’re heading into the 2017-18 academic year with momentum. As always, please keep in touch, and we hope to see you soon. MICHAEL D. SHONROCK, Ph.D. President, Lindenwood University System EDITOR .............................. Scott Queen (’99, ’07) COPY EDITORS, WRITERS, AND PHOTOGRAPHERS .............................. Christopher Duggan (’00, ’12) Jennifer Ferguson Rachel Johnson (’04, ’10) Bailey E. Kinney Chuck McPherson Lennon Mueller Daniel Newton (’09) Scott Wuerz (’07) Phil Vida Brian Vorce Don Adams Jr. OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT .............................. Dan Grigg Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations Kate O’Neal (’07, ’08) Assistant Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations Michelle Giessman ( ’16) Director of Alumni Relations Jennifer Ferguson Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events, Belleville Nathan Payne Director of Development Mark Bohr Director of Development Kassandra Linzmeier Associate Development Officer La’Ree Rothmiller- Johnson Development Coordinator Bryan Stone (’16) Development Coordinator April Kernan (’16) Administrative Assistant for Development John Creer Consultant LINDENWOOD is published by the offices of Marketing and Communications and Development at Lindenwood University. Lindenwood is mailed free of charge to Lindenwood alumni. Story ideas are welcome and should be forwarded to Director of Alumni Relations, Lindenwood University, 209 South Kingshighway, St. Charles, MO 63301 or via email at alumni@lindenwood.edu . CHANGE OF ADDRESS notifications should be sent to the Office of Alumni Relations at the address above. The Alumni Office telephone number is 636.949.4975. LINDENWOOD Values-centered liberal arts education–preparing students for life ON THE COVER ................................. Watching Lindenwood’s sports teams, including the annual Homecoming football game, is one of the most popular activities at Homecoming.