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NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
My goodness, we have so much to share with you
this month!
First, and most importantly, students have arrived back
on campus for what is sure to be a most-memorable
year in both their lives and in the history of Stephens
College. New students have been oriented and are
learning their way around their new home, returning
students are reestablishing their bonds with each
other, athletes are working hard in practice, and all are
excited to be moving forward with bold intentions for success. Beginning a new
school year is such an important ritual and tradition that we all cherish.
This new school year is a special one for so many reasons. Stephens is 190 years
old this year, and we festively celebrated our birthday on August 24, with students,
faculty, and sta, and lots of cake. I know that you’ve heard from Shannon Walls
about the gift from Stephens to you, our alumni – Stephens Connect – which will
provide you with the virtual community you’ve been asking for to stay in touch,
to connect with old friends and new, and to support Stephens and her students. I
trust you’ve signed in and established your profile and are beginning to learn about
the many ways that Stephens Connect can benefit the alumni community. Happy
Birthday from Stephens!
Also, a special thank you to all who recognized this important milestone in
Stephens’ history and participated in our Founders Day Giving Day last week! No
matter the size, each gift will make a dierence, and seeing the community come
together to celebrate Stephens means so much to us.
All my best,
Dianne
STEPHENS F.Y.I.
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NEWS FROM CAMPUS
In New School Year happenings...
August 18 was a gorgeous day in Columbia, MO making it the perfect day to
welcome our new students to campus and to get them all moved into their
new homes in the residence halls. We were so excited to meet these new
academics, athletes, performers, scientists, equestriennes, designers, writers,
educators, creatives, researchers, leaders, and more. They are here to make
their mark on Stephens and the world around them; the same way as all who’ve
come before them for 190 years.
We also send a special thank you to Betsy Baker-Rall ’76 from the Mid-Missouri
Alumni Group for being on campus to welcome these new faces and to provide
hydration and snacks for the heavy-lifters on behalf of the Alumni Association.
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Crossing the Bridge is one of our favorite events each spring to ceremonially
welcome new students as they ocially join the Stephens family and bid
farewell to their parents, siblings, and other relations. The fall event is
bookended each spring with a reverse ceremony when seniors are welcomed
into the Alumni Association. Since 1997, these events have provided a
meaningful reminder of the cycle of education and our students developing,
embracing, and achieving their goals.
Crossing the Bridge Video
The Pen Pal Program was a big hit with both alumni and students. We matched
more than 50 students with alumni to connect and develop meaningful
relationships that bridge time and distance with a shared experience and
aection for Stephens College – all through written communications. Thank
you to all the alumni who spent time writing special notes to our incoming
students. Look for replies within a couple of weeks!
Annoucing Stephens Connect
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Stephens
Connect, our new Online Alumni Community and
Directory for Stephens Alums to find, engage,
connect, and support one another and Stephens.
You can login using your Facebook or LinkedIn
profile or your email address. If you have
questions or suggestions or wish to start a group
space or publicize your alumni event within Stephens Connect, feel free to
connect with us at alums@stephens.edu.
We’re thrilled to unveil this new chapter in our alumni engagement journey!
Check it out here.
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Founders’ Day Giving Campaign
August 24, 2023 was Stephens’ 190th Birthday, and we celebrated on campus
and nationwide Stephens-style!
On campus, students, faculty, and sta gathered for a Birthday Party (with
cake!) and a Welcome Back Bash in which student organizations shared
their plans for the year and recruited new members. Students from the
Conservatory led us in singing Happy Birthday to Stephens, and we celebrated
the onward journey toward our bicentennial with the launch of the new
academic year.
We were honored by the Community with a mayoral proclamation that August
24, 2023, was named Stephens College Day. The Columbia Chamber of
Commerce honored the College with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. And, alums
worldwide gave birthday gifts to and shared their memories of Stephens.
The cycle of Stephens is a strong one, and we are so appreciative for all who
raised their hands to contribute to its future of strength and optimism.
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Speaking of Raising Hands
April 11-14, 2024, is Alumni Weekend. We are searching for volunteers for the
Classes ending in 4s and 9s to help lead your milestone reunions and serve
as a contact for your classmates. Stephens Connect provides lots of tools to
make this a piece of cake! If you are interested in learning more about the
opportunity, contact us at alums@stephens.edu.
Registration for the weekend opens November 1. Stay tuned to Stephens
Connect for more information!
New Role, Same Winning Attitude…
A familiar face is taking over as Athletic Director
at Stephens College. Andre Bell, who has been
serving as head basketball coach since 2021,
was named AD on August 1. Stephens College
athletics is on an upward trajectory, thanks in
part to the culture change that has taken place
during Coach Bell’s time leading the basketball
program. Last season, Coach led the Stars to
their most successful season in school history,
winning 16 games including the defeat of
crosstown rival Columbia College for the first
time. We are confident his leadership will continue to elevate the department’s
profile and performance and to expand and improve upon our tradition of
ethical, disciplined, and competitive athletics.
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Broadway Veteran Returns to The Conservatory for the
Performing Arts…
The Conservatory welcomes back
Broadway veteran and Assistant
Professor of Acting, John
Hemphill, this fall. John recently
completed two years playing
“Larry Murphy” on the national
tour of Dear Evan Hansen. John
re-joins our talented Conservatory
faculty of other working
professionals including Lisa
Brescia, Darren Gibson, Jamey
Grisham, Nollie Moore, Paula
Vanlandingham, James Leo Ryan,
Martha J. Clarke, Brandon PT Davis ’10, Michael Burke ’86, Craig Carnelia, and
Jennifer Hemphill, dean of the Conservatory.
New Workforce Development Programs coming soon…
Bipartisan legislation providing
$2.8 billion to rebuild and expand
Interstate 70 to six lanes from
Kansas City to St. Louis was
signed August 16. This historic
funding presents a once-in-a-
lifetime opportunity for the state’s
economic development, including
high paying jobs for Missouri’s
construction and skilled trade
workforce.
Stephens College asks: “Will
women be able to take advantage
of this opportunity?”
The answer: “YES!”
Read more about Stephens’ innovative Women in Trades program led by
Director of Workforce Development, Dr. Scott Taylor.
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NEWS ABOUT STUDENTS
On July 12, at the Lexington Junior League
Charity Horse Show, incoming freshman Ellie
Stevens was recognized as the recipient of the
$10,000 USEF/ASHBA Performance Rider/Driver
Scholarship. This Scholarship was established in
2022 by Sally McClure Jackson ’56 to support
students who are committed to continuing
their involvement in the American Saddlebred
Industry. Ellie is a recent graduate of Lexington
Catholic High School and plans to major in
Integrated Human Biology and minor in Equestrian Science. She looks forward
to the opportunity to attend college where she can combine her passion for
horses and education. Ellie states, “The decision was easy. Stephens College
has everything I had wished for, from being able to ride in college to being able
to pursue a degree as a physician assistant all at the same school. I was set
and couldn’t ask for more.” As the scholarship’s sponsor, Sally shared, “It was
clear from Ellie’s video and application that she has a passion for horses and a
passion for Stephens College. I am thrilled to be presenting Ellie Stevens with
this $10,000 scholarship and look forward to what her future holds.”
Margeaux Larson ’23 and her stunning senior collection “Over the
Garden Wall” were honored by the Surface Design Association (SDA)
with an Outstanding Student Award which recognizes students who have
demonstrated excellence in fiber arts. Margeaux shared she has always used
her imagination to escape into fantastical worlds of beauty, space, and peace,
and she modeled her senior collection after these musings. She describes
her collection as one where a girl can escape from the outside world and her
problems or worries to a perfect English garden where she can be free. Read
more about the collection on her website. Congratulations, Margeaux!
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Asya Love Whitley ’10 of Birmingham, AL, shares the exciting news of her
graduation from Delta State University with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice.
She was featured in a recent USA Today article celebrating Nurses Week.
NEWS FROM ALUMNI
From far and wide, friends and alums, Choo Choo Hannemann Boyer ’65 of
Laguna Niguel, CA; Janan Perkins Huntsberry ’66 of San Rafael, CA; Carolyn
Skoglund Kuttenkuler ’65 of Shawnee, KS; and Jackie Jacobson Steele ’66,’68
of Minneapolis, MN, visited the Okoboji Summer Theatre this month to see the
last two 2023 season productions and visit with Professor Emeritus Rob Doyen
’69 and OST Executive Director Ruth Ann Schulze Burke ’86. Janan reports she
has visited the last several seasons, and she finds the quality of the productions
to be wonderful! We love when alums visit to experience the magic of Boji!
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Tara Liaschenko ’95 of Saint Petersburg, FL,
announces the 20th anniversary of her business
The Link {event professionals, inc.}. She shared
her pride in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic
with flexibility and business savvy. She says they
are stronger than ever, and they’re proud to
continue to support the industry they love, both
virtually and in person!
Janna Merciel Volmert ’09 of Holts Summit, MO,
reports her business JM Couturiere participated
in the O-White Wedding Show in St. Louis
showcasing bridal and formal wear alongside her
Stephens College embellishment and embroidery
instructor, Suzi Geiger (owner of Galore Atelier).
She credits Suzi’s class and teaching as one of
the deciding factors in her decision to focus her
senior collection around formalwear and the
starting point for her successful career in the
business. She said it was a treat to see Suzi again
as they both promoted their businesses.
We love when a mom writes to share news about
her daughter’s success story, and that’s just
what happened for Breanne Pickering Lopez ’13.
Mom Judy writes to share that Breanne bought
Hitched Planning and Design just after Covid, and
although there were steep restrictions, alterations,
and postponements for weddings and events
during this time period, she persisted. Today,
she’s running a vibrant business by applying the
talents she honed at Stephens in the Theatre
Department. Mom says, “She has never changed her tune about the influence,
hard work, and approach to life she gained by attending Stephens.”
There are no engagements or marriages to report this
month, but we have a few alums with stories about wedding
and event businesses that we are proud to share.
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Stephens Trustee Angeleigha
Mendez Thomas ’14 and husband
Michael from Amelia, OH, welcomed
baby girl Mora Leigh on August 3,
2023. They say she’s a beautiful,
healthy girl with dark eyes, long
legs (20.5 in) and a ton of facial
expressions that they could sit and
watch all day long. We think she’s a
cutie, too!
Ciara McCormack Greenwalt ‘11 in
Seattle, WA shared the news she and
her husband Gavin, welcomed their
daughter Olive on May 24, 2023.
Congratulations to the Greenwalt
family! She’s so adorable!!
We’re saving a special place in the Class of 2045 for both of these amazing
young women!
More precious Stephens babies…
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A note from a Dad that reminds us why we do what we do...
Emily Mendoza Fellers BS Psychology ’15, M.Ed. Counseling ’18
Dear Dr. Lynch,
Howdy! Just a friendly note to tell you I had two moms stop me in two
separate places and ask me about SC.
In 2017, I moved to Adrian, Michigan. Since my kids are all grown and on their
own, I decided to return to my home state.
Thursday morning, I had many chores around town. I went to my bank wearing
my SC-Dad t-shirt. A lady asked me my opinion on SC for her high school
senior daughter. I gave my highest recommendation.
Later on, I went to a second bank to pay bills and... another mom asked me
about SC for her daughter! I may have to get on the payroll as your Michigan
recruiter! Ha ha ha...
Just wanted to let you know (again) that I very much appreciate the awesome
education and experience my daughter Emily received at Stephens College.
You have my 100% support. Now if I can only win the Powerball so I can give
you a $1 million donation ;)
Most Sincerely,
Noli Mendoza, DO
Proud Stephens College Dad
If your parent needs a Stephens Dad or Stephens Mom t-shirt, check out Susie’s.
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September 20-23, Stephens
College is hosting the International
Screenwriting Research Network
Conference: Gender and the
Female Gaze on campus. The
stellar keynote speakers include Oscar and Emmy nominees and recipients
Meg LeFauve (Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Captain Marvel, and more);
Lorien McKenna (Ratatouille, Up, Brave, and more); Je Melvion (Killing Eve,
Northern Exposure, and more) and Philip LaZebnik (Pocahontas, Mulan, The
Prince of Egypt, and more) (also son of longtime Stephens instructor Jack
LaZebnik). Dr. Rosanne Welch, executive Director of Stephens’ Master of Fine
Arts in TV + Screenwriting program, serves as Chair of the SRN. Previous
conferences have been held in Vienna, Oxford, Porto, Milan, Sydney, Brussels,
Copenhagen, and so on. Stephens College is proud to host this prestigious
conference for screenwriters, especially at this critical time in their industry. All
are welcome to attend. Details and registration can be found here. Several MFA
alumni are making the trip to Columbia to be in attendance for the conference,
and they additionally will be hosted for an MFA Alumni brunch in the Hugh
Stephens Library Penthouse – the first alumni gathering especially for this
Stephens program!
Check out the regional events happening around the country on Stephens
Connect and on campus Stephens Events. If you have an event to post, let us
know at alums@stephens.edu.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
When You’re On Campus…
See a show: 76th Performing Arts Season
Catch a game: Fall Athletics Schedules
Travel with alums: Stephens Alumni travel opportunities
Shop for Stephens Gear: Susie’s
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Did You Know?
August is National Make-A-Will Month which is a great time to reflect on your
future through estate planning. It’s important to have estate plans in order at
any state of life, but according to a 2023 study by caring.com, only 34% of
American adults have a will. Stephens has many resources available on our
website to help you think about how this this critical document can aect
everything from your assets to the lives of those you care about (including,
of course, Stephens College). These resources are available to our alumni on
our website year-round to help you learn about and explore all kinds of estate
planning options.
Be thoughtful. Be kind. Be savvy.
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In closing, I want to thank you for all that you do for Stephens. From reading
all of our news to the very end, to making a gift, to connecting with old
friends and new, and to referring prospective students to Stephens. You are
an important part of what we do – the steward of our history, the concierge of
our present, and the benefactor of our future. And for all that, we are grateful
every day.
JUST ONE gift, JUST ONE connection, JUST ONE new student.
To read previous editions of Stephens F.Y.I. – click here
GIVE. CONNECT. RECRUIT.
