Scholar Handbook - Missouri Scholars Academy

2013 Missouri Scholars Academy 

Student 

Handbook 

Conducted by the University of Missouri

Missouri Scholars Academy 

Sponsored by the 

University of Missouri 

www.moscholars.org 

2013 Missouri Scholars Academy 

Student Handbook 

Dear Missouri Scholar: 

Welcome to the 2013 Missouri Scholars Academy! 

We are pleased to offer you the official student handbook outlining the three weeks that 

lie ahead. It is our hope that this handbook will answer some of the questions you may 

have during the three weeks at the same time that it provides you with a valuable souvenir 

of your experiences at the Academy. Our entire faculty and staff believe that the Academy 

will provide you with as broad a range of academic, extracurricular and social opportunities 

as you would hope to find. We urge you to consult the handbook frequently in order 

to make certain that you get the most out of the unique program that awaits you. We 

hope it brings back wonderful memories in the years ahead. 

As a participant in this, the 29 th year of the Academy, you will share in new visions, make 

new friends and grow to know yourself more fully. You will represent your state, your 

school, your hometown and your family in what will be a community of scholars. Most 

importantly, you will represent yourself in all that you do. Here you will be respected and 

valued for who you are and for the potential for academic achievement that you so clearly 

possess. 

This handbook contains a number of guidelines designed to help you make the most of 

these three short weeks. Your integrity, responsibility and respect for others will be fundamental 

to the success of the program. In accepting the invitation to participate in the 

2013 Missouri Scholars Academy, you have also assumed the duty to share fully in the 

studies and community life we will all create. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me during the next three weeks, or afterward, if there is 

anything that I can do to enhance the quality of your experience at the Academy. 

Sincerely, 

Theodore A. Tarkow 

Director 


317 Lowry Hall 

Columbia, MO 65211 

573-882-4421 

TarkowT@missouri.edu 

Table of Contents 

Mission of the Missouri Scholars Academy 2 

The Community of Scholars 3 

The Academy Curriculum 4 

Academic Majors 5 

Academic Minors 10 

Personal and Social Dynamics 15 

Classroom Assignments 16 

Map of Academy Grounds 18 

Faculty and Staff 20 

Co-Curricular and Recreational Opportunities 32 

Calendar of Events 35 

Religious Services 39 

Residential Life 40 

Resident Assistant Roster 40 

Telephone Service, Mail Information 42 

Book Store, Union, Library Information 43 

Typical Daily Schedule 43 

Meal Schedule 44 

Dress 44 

Visitors 45 

Conduct 45 

Health and Safety 46 

Keeping in Shape 46 

Fire Drill and Tornado Drill 47 

Missouri Scholars Academy “Standing Ovation” Awards 49 

“A Chance to Soar”: The Academy Anthem 54 

Missouri Scholars Academy Alumni Association 55 

The Missouri Scholars Academy — A Commitment to Excellence

The Mission of the 


The Missouri Scholars Academy is 

predicated upon the belief that one of 

our state’s greatest resources is its academically 

talented young people. 

The Missouri Scholars Academy 

is a three-week residential program 

for 330 of Missouri’s academically 

gifted students who are ready to begin 

their junior year in high school. The 

Academy is being held again this year 

on the campus of the University of 

Missouri. 

The Academy will stress the students’ 

development of critical thinking, 

adaptability, creativity, widened 

horizons, future-orientation and constructive 

responses to the ambiguities 

of life. The curriculum has been built 

with the recognition that gifted students 

have a wide spectrum of interests 

and concerns. The curriculum provides 

opportunities to develop both 

general and specific intellectual skills 

and talents through student partici- 

pation in three major areas of study 

— the academic major, the academic 

minor and the “Personal and Social 

Dynamics” area. 

The Academy receives significant 

funding from MU, and thanks to the 

last-minute action by Gov. Jay Nixon, 

modest funding from the state. A student 

activity fee is also assessed for 

MSA 2013. Additional funds to support 

the Missouri Scholars Academy 

are provided by the Gifted Association 

of Missouri, the Missouri Scholars 

Academy Alumni Association, and 

tax-deductible contributions made by 

alumni and parents of MSA participants. 

MSA also acknowledges philanthropic 

support given by various Missouri businesses 

and corporations. The program is 

administered by University of Missouri 

officials. 

The Academy is the celebration of 

this unique educational opportunity 

for academically gifted high school 

students of our state. By the conclusion 

of the 2013 Academy, close to 

9,500 students will have been participants 

in the program. 

The Community of Scholars 

A most important part of the Missouri 

Scholars Academy is the opportunity 

for gifted individuals, including students, 

faculty and staff, to exchange 

ideas as active members of a living/ 

learning environment, and to build a 

scholarly community together. The 

freedom to grow and develop as an 

individual will demand from participants 

the exercise of responsibilities 

that accompany and ensure that freedom. 

Students will be expected to contribute 

to the community, to interact 

with fellow students, faculty, and staff 

in building a cooperative, stimulating, 

and productive “community of scholars.” 

The processes involved in selecting 

students, staff and faculty have been 

carefully and thoroughly administered. 

The Faculty 

Instructors for the Missouri Scholars 

Academy form a highly select group. 

They have been recruited from among 

the very best teachers in Missouri’s 

high schools, colleges and universities. 

A favorable evaluation of an instructor’s 

written application resulted 

in a face-to-face interview with the 

candidate by the co-directors of the 

program and members of the Academy 

core planning committee. Among the 

characteristics sought in faculty members 

were knowledge of the subject 

matter, effectiveness in communication, 

range of intellectual and cultural 

interests, evidence of personal 

giftedness, evidence of professional 

involvement, experience and interest in 

working with gifted students, evidence 

of creativity in one’s teaching, tolerance 

for ambiguity, and organizational 

skills. The faculty and members of the 

administrative staff are exemplary in 

their demonstration of these qualities. 

The Residence Hall and 

Program Staff 

The program, community service and 

technology staff, the coordinator of 

residential life, the resident assistants, 

and the special staff members have 

been chosen with extreme care. They 

have been selected for their abilities to 

communicate with students, to provide 

an on-going living/learning environment, 

to enforce rules and regulations 

with compassion and common sense, 

to involve all students in community 

living, to supervise a variety of recreational 

activities and generally to serve 

as resource personnel. 

The Student Body 

Three hundred thirty of Missouri’s 

brightest rising juniors will comprise the 

2013 Academy. Each student has been 

selected on the basis of high achievement 

as demonstrated by scores on 

standardized tests and school performance. 

Each student selected was highly 

recommended by his or her home 

school and is characterized as possessing 

leadership qualities, being intellectually 

curious, being analytical and evaluative, 

and being devoted to learning. Selection 

was also based upon the level of commitment 

that the student expressed 

toward participating in the program. 

2 The Mission 

The Community of Scholars 3

The Academy Curriculum 

Academic Majors 

Scholars will spend approximately half of each day in intensive pursuits within 

three different areas. 

Academic Major 

On the basis of interests and abilities, 

each student has selected one course 

of study from the four major academic 

areas—mathematics, science, social 

studies and humanities. Sessions in 

the academic major will be held 8:30– 

11:30 a.m. or 9:00–Noon, Monday 

through Saturday. 

Academic Minor 

MSA scholars will study a second academic 

field of their choice, selected 

from the four major academic offerings, 

on five afternoons a week. They 

will, in most cases, be studying a field 

different from their academic major. 

Sessions in the academic minor will be 

held from 1:40 to 2:40 p.m., Monday 

through Friday and during “major” 

hours on the second Saturday. 

Personal and Social Dynamics 

“PSD” 

The curriculum in this area relates to 

the unique personal and social problems 

faced by gifted students. The goal 

is to provide students with the insight 

for understanding their own special 

abilities, including the advantages and 

responsibilities they have to themselves 

and to society. 

Sessions in personal and social 

dynamics will be held from 2:40 to 

3:40 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Some PSD sessions will be held in the 

Geology Auditorium, but most will 

meet in the classroom of the academic 

minor. Daily schedules will provide 

specific information. 

Canoes, Cabs, and the French 

Railroad 

What do any of these delightful modes 

of transportation have to do with 

mathematics? Come and see! In this 

course, we’ll explore a bevy of different 

geometric questions from their humble 

beginnings to the frontier of human 

understanding. Along the way, we’ll 

trample doughnuts, tie ourselves in 

knots, and draw lots of pictures. You 

don’t need much math background to 

get started; the focus here will be on 

spatial reasoning and logic. 

Chemistry out of this World 

Have you ever dreamt of going into 

space to explore the universe or at least 

our solar system? Do you wonder how 

we know so much about our planets 

and what we can learn from studying 

other worlds? Have you ever thought 

that chemistry was an integral part of 

knowing about the universe? Any student 

who has an interest in astronomy 

will find the chemistry of astronomy to 

be one of the most enlightening classes 

ever. From density of the other planets 

and their moons to what they are 

made of, to the level of electromagnetism 

based on planet composition, 

we will explore it all. Any student who 

has ever wondered about astronomy 

and what makes up the solar system 

and beyond will have a wonderful time 

learning how chemistry is used to find 

out so much about these other worlds. 

Deep Book Diving 

Words are powerful. They can be 

arranged in countless ways to communicate 

ideas, teach lessons, share 

feelings, inspire, motivate, provoke, 

and, sometimes, when the homework 

assignment is too long and we are trying 

to complete it too late…induce 

sleep. In our studies of literature in 

school, we don’t always have time to 

notice the art within the works we 

read, to admire the brilliance, quirkiness, 

and depth of meaning within 

the authors’ powerful combinations 

of words. In this course, we will 

attempt to do just that. We will take 

time to read, enjoy, admire, discuss, 

analyze, and even do a little writing 

ourselves. This will not be a lecture 

course! Scholars will be asked to dive 

into literature with open minds and 

then share what they find through 

discussion and some creative activities. 

The number of books we explore will 

depend on how much time we want to 

spend on each one. The main authors 

on the list will be John Steinbeck, 

Toni Morrison, Ernest Hemingway, 

and William Faulkner. 

Exploring Documentary 

This course is aimed at providing 

scholars a background in documentary 

studies, then getting them into the 

field for hands-on production experience. 

Students will learn the fundamentals 

of pre-production (research/ 

planning), field production (shooting), 

and editing (Final Cut Pro), as we 

work together to create an original 

documentary. Screenings of contemporary 

documentaries, along with class 

discussions on journalistic integrity vs. 

artistic license, the ethical responsibili- 

4 The Academy Curriculum 

Academic Majors 5

ties of the storyteller, and the role of 

the documentarian in journalism today 

will inform our approach. 

Introduction to Philosophy: Great 

Thoughts Worth Thinking 

What are great thoughts? Why are 

they worth thinking? Should you 

think about them? What are metaphysics, 

epistemology, and aesthetics? 

Philosophy attempts to answer 

these questions —mainly by providing 

more questions. Come and question 

everything you have ever been told. 

Discussions, seminars, meditations, 

plays, and journals will be used to 

reflect on questions we, as human 

beings, face. We will also attempt to 

apply these grand thoughts to everyday 

problems through ethics. We 

will delve into various thinkers, from 

Aristotle to Peter Singer, Ayn Rand to 

Wallace Shawn. Come and see why it 

is important to question everything!!! 

It’s the End of the World as We 

Know It 

It’s not easy being green, and it’s definitely 

not easy living in a world of varied 

tastes, mixed opinions, and random 

ideas. Using the arts and philosophies 

of the past 100 years, the Romantic, 

the real, the modern and the post, we 

will be able to research the past and 

use it to find out where we are, artistically 

and philosophically speaking. 

With background research ranging 

from jazz to rap, from watercolors to 

splatter art, from Dr. Seuss and Shel 

Silverstein to Langston Hughes and 

Steve Martin, from Picasso to Calvin 

and Hobbes, from cartoons to the 

Muppets, and from Albert Einstein to 

Martin Luther King Jr., we will jump 

into all of the different -isms (cubism, 

impressionism, absurdism, etc.) 

of literature and arts and philosophies 

of today. We will explore these -isms 

with various and sundry art and writing 

projects, we will discuss and enact 

the philosophies underlying cultural 

change, and we’ll create some groovy 

art…all in the trek to figure out where 

we are, why we are, and where we are 

going. 

It’s Alive! Frankenstein and Its 

Afterlives 

Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, written 

when she was only 19, created a modern 

myth that persists in many forms 

in our culture today. First adapted for 

the stage in 1823, Frankenstein has 

gone through many further adaptations 

and reconfigurations: from the 

1931 Boris Karloff movie, through 

Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, 

to last year’s Tim Burton cartoon 

Frankenweenie. It is also invoked in 

scientific debates on genetic research, 

cloning, even climate change (remember 

the Frankenstorm?). The novel 

and its afterlives raise questions about 

fundamental issues: to what extent are 

we responsible for the consequences 

of our scientific advances? Why do 

people turn to crime and violence? 

And, most crucially, what does it 

mean to be human? In this course, 

we will consider all these questions 

as we examine the Frankenstein myth 

through Shelley’s novel, as well as in 

plays, films, comics, cereal boxes, and 

political debates. We will also consider 

how the myth and its meanings have 

changed over time and what it means 

now for the 21st century. 

Japanese Language and Culture 

The United States, China, and Japan 

are three of the largest economies 

in the world, and together they are 

responsible for 50 percent of the 

world’s gross national product. The 

economic relationships among the 

three countries are so closely intertwined 

that there is a tremendous 

need for people who possess expertise 

on Asia. In fact knowledge on Japan 

and China—including language and 

culture—will be a key to advancement 

in business, law, industry, and government 

in the next century. Today’s 

youth should focus attention on the 

“Century of the Pacific” because of 

the rise of Asia as major economic and 

political players. Young people should 

be in the forefront of building bridges 

to the East because top “Asia Hands” 

will be called upon to help make policy 

decisions. Although this course will 

have a major emphasis on Japanese 

language (reading, writing, and speaking 

,with an understanding that 

Japanese kanji characters are the same 

as Chinese characters), scholars are 

also provided with a broad exposure to 

culture, customs, religions, arts, and 

the educational system of Japan. There 

are mounting tensions now between 

China and the U.S. The recent tensions 

between Japan and China are 

causing serious political problems, 

so we need to look at the dynamics 

and the dimensions of relationships 

among these three nations with regard 

to confrontation, competition, and 

cooperation. Young people have the 

responsibility to be well informed and 

must not be mislead by stereotypes 

and misinformation. 

A People’s History: True Stories 

of Struggle and Change 

Who were the original benefactors of 

the Constitution? Were all men created 

“equal”? Is there social justice 

and liberty for all? A People’s History 

is a course designed for students 

that seek a greater understanding of 

oppressed people who fought heroically 

for change, as well as groups 

that are suffering from systems of 

injustice today. Student empathy will 

increase as we sift through firsthand 

accounts of struggle, discuss clips from 

documentaries, study propaganda in 

photographs, and write meaningful letters 

to organizations and governments 

to promote change. Students will also 

dramatize voices that have historically 

been silenced: women, slaves, African 

Americans, laborers, ethnic minorities, 

and those people, both domestic 

and international, who have been 

exploited or massacred at the expense 

of colonialism. This course is not all 

gloom and doom, as we will embark 

on a journey endeavoring to make the 

world a better place by becoming, in a 

sense, a socially conscious organization 

that seeks liberty and justice for all. 

Physics: Wave Fun 

In this class students will explore all 

types of waves and oscillations. The 

class will begin by looking at the physics 

of oscillations and waves. Students 

will then investigate sound waves and 

build a working musical instrument 

out of PVC. Next the class will delve 

into light waves and how rainbows are 

made and why a rainbow can be seen 

in a parking lot puddle after it rains. 

Students will learn about how lenses 

bend light, and they will build and test 

their own telescopes. The students 

6 Academic Majors 

Academic Majors 7

will turn the classroom into a gigantic 

pinhole camera to explore the optics 

of the situation and how prisms bend 

light. The class will examine light as 

it pertains to modern physics concepts 

including investigating its particle 

nature and applying its properties to 

Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity. 

In addition, there will be time for students 

to explore their own questions 

about physics and the world around 

them. 

Social Psychology: Individuals in 

a Social World 

Does racism still exist? What predicts 

success in a romantic relationship? 

Why do riots occur? These are just 

some of the questions asked by social 

psychologists. This class will examine 

and emphasize the research behind 

how normal people behave in normal 

conditions under the influence of a 

social situation. We will look at classic 

experiments alongside contemporary 

research to explain compliance, prejudice, 

self-esteem, close relationships, 

and others. We will also conduct our 

own novel research studies to see how 

scholars compare to the normal population! 

So bring your research questions 

and be prepared to collect and 

analyze real data! We’ll put the theories 

learned in class to the test in this 

introductory course to normal human 

behavior. 

Sperm and Oocytes and Embryos, 

Oh My! Exploring the Mysteries 

of Domestic Mammalian 

Reproductive Physiology from 

Gametogenesis to Parturition 

In this course, scholars will delve into 

the complex and mysterious world of 

reproductive physiology in an attempt 

to understand just how remarkable 

it is that we are all here. In other 

words, scholars will first investigate 

the intensely complicated systems that 

direct production of sperm and oocytes 

and then analyze how these gametes 

must undergo multifaceted processes 

to produce a successful fertilization, 

conception, and parturition. Don’t 

expect this education to occur only at 

a desk. This course is designed to have 

the scholar actively engaged in order 

to learn about the area of domestic 

mammalian reproductive physiology. 

Specifically, scholars will utilize the 

domestic bovine, porcine, and murine 

as models to study the realm of mammalian 

reproductive physiology. Those 

scholars with veterinary or graduate 

school aspirations should consider this 

major course. There are no pre-requisites 

for this course; however, classes 

in agriculture, biology and/or chemistry 

will be beneficial to the scholar. 

Stylistic Signatures: A Writing 

Experience 

In this course, scholars will have an 

opportunity to enhance their creativity 

through writing short stories, poetry, 

one-act plays, college essays, songs, 

and other forms of written expression. 

Scholars will learn strategies for 

effective and polished writing through 

shared experiences with other scholars. 

In addition, editors, poets, and published 

authors will share their experiences 

and talents with the scholars. 

An expanded element of this course 

will be “service learning,” featuring 

some time at a local preschool to share 

writing experiences. Finally, scholars 

can look forward to working with 

other teachers, classes, and Columbia 

resources. Expect writing, music, art... 

and surprise guests. 

Taking a Chance 

This course will introduce scholars 

to the mathematics of the predictable 

and the unpredictable. We will learn 

how mathematical models are developed 

and used to predict outcomes in 

politics, contests, advertising, and science. 

Scholars will be actively engaged 

in experiments, surveys, data analysis, 

and games. There will be an emphasis 

on problem formulation and problem 

solving in a cooperative learning environment. 

To Infinity and Beyond 

We’ll start at zero, and we won’t stop 

until we get there. The concept of 

infinity pervades so much of mathematics 

that we will have plenty to do 

in this course. What happens when 

a process is repeated over and over 

again, changing only a single parameter 

each time? Does infinity come in 

different levels, or is it one size fits all? 

Is infinity a number or is it something 

else? How can we prove a statement 

about all the numbers without proving 

it individually for every number? Can 

infinity be arrived at or can we even 

get close to it? Will these questions 

never end? Take the course and find 

out. 

Where There’s a Will, There’s a 

Way: Shakespeare Today 

What’s the big deal with Shakespeare? 

The language can be confusing. He’s 

been dead for years. But for some 

reason he is still important in today’s 

world. This course will look at how 

Shakespeare still impacts our lives and 

entertainment through film, television, 

and even comic books. Have you read 

all the different types of Shakespearean 

plays? Do you like romance, murder, 

mystery, shipwrecks, and fantasy? 

They are all there calling out to us. 

Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, 

Iago, and Bottom. We will meet them 

all, act the parts, and find how they 

work themselves into our lives. But 

we won’t stop there. While we lose 

ourselves in the magic of drama and 

theater, we will find a way to become 

more acquainted with Shakespeare 

and his works and determine how each 

and every one of us has a little bit of 

Shakespeare inside. 

8 Academic Majors 

Academic Majors 9

Free Press in the Digital Age 

Thomas Jefferson once said that if 

he were given the choice between a 

government without newspapers and 

newspapers without government, he 

would not hesitate a moment to prefer 

the latter. Jefferson’s sentiments are 

deeply rooted in the notion that a free 

press is vital to a strong democracy. 

Yet today, journalism is facing some 

of its greatest challenges, including 

declining readership and viewership, 

competition from new sources of 

information, and the declining faith 

and trust people have in the institution. 

In this class, scholars will discuss 

the importance of journalism and the 

challenges it faces. Additionally, this 

class will challenge students to get out 

and practice journalism by writing 

stories, taking photographs, and generally 

telling the stories of MSA by using 

new media tools. 

Got Religion? 

Have you ever wondered what voodoo 

is really like? Have you ever wondered 

what it’d be like to go to a mosque or 

a synagogue? Have you ever wondered 

about the meaning of life, the nature 

of time, or how we can look into the 

face of space and not despair? If so, 

this is the minor for you. We will 

become acquainted with the major 

religious traditions in the world. We 

will watch films on vodun practitioners 

in New York, snake-throwing 

Christians in West Virginia, and Jews 

wrestling with forgiveness in the wake 

of the Holocaust. We’ll pour over 

Academic Minors 

religious texts such as the Gita, the 

Rig Vedas, the Qur’an, and the Acts 

of Thecla. We’ll see how religion both 

creates and is created by culture and 

has the power to bind people together 

as well as tear them apart. Finally, we 

will explore the nature of religious 

tolerance by asking “How do we talk 

about, get to know, and deal with the 

religious other without demanding she 

become us or we become her?” 

Introduction to Philosophy 

An abridged version of the major with 

the same title, this minor will introduce 

scholars to why it is important to 

question everything. What are great 

thoughts? Why are they worth thinking? 

Should you think about them? 

What are metaphysics, epistemology, 

and aesthetics? Philosophy attempts 

to answer these questions —mainly 

by providing more questions. Come 

and question everything you have 

ever been told. Discussions, seminars, 

meditations, plays, and journals will 

be used to reflect on questions we, 

as human beings, face. We will also 

attempt to apply these grand thoughts 

to everyday problems through ethics. 

Math Imitates Art 

Or does art imitate math? We see in 

an area such as architecture that there 

is important interplay between these 

two seemingly separate disciplines. 

But are there really “two cultures”? Or 

can poetry, music, and visual art speak 

to mathematics? Can the fine arts be 

approached in a mathematical way? 

Bring both your left brain and your 

right brain to class every day, because 

you never know which you’ll need, 

probably both! 

Mathematical Mazes for the Mind 

This mini-course is designed to cover 

a variety of topics with an emphasis on 

an appreciation of the elegant nature 

of mathematics. Although it starts with 

a discussion of the math portion of the 

ACT, SAT, Level I/II Achievement 

Tests, and AHSME, scholars will 

investigate and explore unusual, yet 

enriching, mathematical and nonmathematical 

problems for enjoyment 

and challenge. The course will have a 

daily “mind massage” to build up powers 

of analysis and to hone deductive 

skills by using rebuses, puzzles, brain 

busters, and interesting visual materials. 

The class will be flexible enough to 

pursue some topics in depth, if necessary, 

and mini-practice sessions will 

be provided for those who desire to 

improve mathematical prowess. 

Mixed Signals 

Will you build a robot that plays 

music? Will you run your friends 

through an invisible maze? Maybe 

you’ll be part of a team that pioneers a 

form of human expression combining 

audio, video, and other senses in a way 

yet to be imagined. Through lecture 

and hands-on making, we will utilize 

our senses and sensors to explore 

the basics of electrical engineering 

and interactive design with a special 

emphasis on creative application. 

Montana to Mound City 

Come explore the vast river that 

entranced Lewis and Clark for three 

years and others for a lifetime, the 

wide Missouri. The river is 2639 miles 

that flows from the edge of middle 

America’s tallgrass prairie to the 

mountains of Montana. It’s a fabulous 

resource that most Missourians don’t 

know much about, let alone spend 

time to explore. We’ll dive into the 

culture (music, settlement), Native 

Americans, ecology (pallid sturgeon, 

dendrochronology and silt), politics 

(Garrison Diversion, barges, and 

upstream reservoirs), wildlife (noodling 

to buffalo), or wherever the 

waters take us. Throughout the course 

we’ll be joined by regional experts and 

take our own journey to the river’s 

shores one Saturday morning. Come 

explore… 

Overture, Hit the Lights!: A 

Critical View of Children’s Media 

“Hey kids…do you know what time 

it is?” Questions like this, ricocheting 

over audiences of wide-eyed youth, 

even from the early days of television, 

will elicit screams of choreographed 

responses that will launch a program 

full of entertainment and educational 

experiences. We are still delighted by 

puppets, cartoons, and costume-clad 

personalities, but too seldom do we 

lend these expressions much critical 

thought. Overture, Hit the Lights will 

watch, analyze, and criticize a number 

of entertainments meant for “children”, 

from Sesame Street to Looney 

Tunes and more, and discuss how they 

are structured, what social issues arise 

because of their nature and content, 

what their goals are, and whether or 

not they accomplish their goals. We 

will follow similar paths as we analyze 

some entertainments that appear to 

be for children, but may not be (e.g., 

10 Academic Minors 

Academic Minors 11

South Park, Family Guy, etc.) We will 

further study a variety of presentation 

techniques, such as puppetry, animation, 

claymation, stop-motion and acting, 

and we will work to put together a 

show that will effectively educate and 

entertain…it’ll be child’s play! 

Physics: Wave Fun 

This class will begin by looking at 

the physics of oscillations and waves. 

Students will then explore sound waves 

and build a working musical instrument 

out of PVC. Next the class will 

delve into light waves and explore 

things like how rainbows are made and 

why a rainbow can be seen in a parking 

lot puddle after it rains. Students 

will learn how lenses bend light, and 

they will build and test their own 

telescopes. The students will turn the 

classroom into a gigantic pinhole camera 

to explore the optics of the situation 

and how prisms bend light. The 

class will explore light as it pertains 

to modern physics concepts including 

exploring its particle nature and applying 

its properties to Einstein’s Special 

Theory of Relativity. In addition, there 

will be time for students to explore 

their own questions about physics and 

the world around them. 

The Psychology of Death 

What happens to you when you 

think about your impending death? 

Together we will try to answer that 

question by looking at the contemporary 

social psychological research 

of terror management theory, clinical 

psychoanalysis of existential psychotherapy, 

classic literature pieces from 

Tolstoy and Kafka, and philosophical 

perspectives from Nietzsche and 

Kierkegaard. We will also discuss 

themes of death found in your own 

favorite books, movies, poems, and 

songs. This is a course for anyone 

curious to examine the intersection 

between science and philosophy when 

considering the uniquely human quality 

of existential anxiety! 

Puzzles, Games, and Problem 

Solving 

This is a short course on the techniques 

of both mathematical and 

non-mathematical problem solving. 

Scholars may expect to discover 

problem-solving methods through 

working with puzzles, games, and nontraditional 

problems in such areas as 

number theory, geometry, probability, 

logic, physics, engineering, and statistics. 

Non-mathematical problems 

explored in the class may come from 

varied disciplines. Emphasis in the 

class will be on developing methods 

for finding solutions rather than simply 

finding answers or learning “tricks” 

and on teaching scholars to appreciate 

the elegance and beauty often found in 

these solutions and the paths leading 

to them. 

The Religious Traditions of India, 

China and Japan 

Are you curious to learn about 

Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, 

Confucianism, and Shinto? Many people 

are familiar with some aspects of 

these traditions, but what would a fuller 

picture look like? Where did they 

come from? How did they get where 

they are today? What distinguishes 

a Hindu from a Buddhist? In what 

ways are Daoism and Confucianism 

similar? How do they differ? How 

does Chinese Buddhism compare to 

Japanese Buddhism? Using some short 

readings and films as springboards 

for conversation, we will respectfully 

and descriptively explore these five 

religious traditions of South and East 

Asia, the people who practice them, 

and the internal diversity of each tradition. 

Short Story Trove 

Sometimes, less is more. This course 

will dive into the world of short stories. 

Did you know that many of the 

most famous novelists also wrote a 

short story or two…or many more? 

We will take some time to relax and 

enjoy some of these stories as well as 

some by lesser-known authors, and 

then we will analyze and discuss what 

we find within them. Themes, symbols, 

brilliant literary design, lessons 

for life—these will be just the beginning 

of what we discover. You’ll never 

judge a story by its length again! 

Under Seal: The Secret Histories 

of Letters 

Not all history is written by historians. 

The most intimate, candid pieces of 

history we have are in the person’s 

own hand, written under seal, with 

very specific intended audiences. What 

can we learn about the past from letters 

that other histories can’t and don’t 

reveal, and how has this medium been 

exploited by writers for literary purposes, 

lovers for personal purposes, 

and thinkers for political purposes? 

Now just 15 years into the age of 

e-mail and text messaging, how will 

we—and won’t we—remember the 

history we’re making today? Sixteen 

letters in 16 days will tell the tale. 

Warning: This Minor Contains 

Graphic Language 

Superheroes, zombies, and talking 

mice. The face of literature is changing, 

and we are finding new ways to 

write short stories: comic books! This 

course will explore the possibilities 

of storytelling with comic books and 

graphic novels and how they have 

influenced other forms—even our 

culture as a whole. We will cover the 

foundations of sequential art that help 

create the combination of the verbal 

and visual text, reading some of the 

most highly praised works in the field. 

But we won’t stop at superheroes. 

We’ll look at picto-essays, travel diaries, 

memoirs, and even those walking 

dead! 

What Tourists Don’t Know: A 

Guide to Exploring the World 

On your travels abroad, have you 

encountered tourists that have made 

you shudder with embarrassment? 

If you’re like me, chances are you 

have! That’s because tourists can 

sometimes be ludicrously loud and 

painfully insensitive! In an attempt to 

counter this premise, What Tourists 

Don’t Know proposes to see the world 

through the lens of a traveler bent on 

sensitively navigating, appreciating, 

and embracing sociocultural differences 

in immersive ways. Moreover, 

this course is designed to expose you 

to unique forms of human expression 

that are no more exotic, different, 

or less important than cultures that 

are typically equated with the West. 

Traveling requires cultural, political, 

and historical geographical knowledge, 

a natural curiosity, a desire to learn 

new languages and eat new foods, an 


Academic Minors 13

open mind, respect, patience, and the 

courage to put yourself in situations 

and places that hurl you out of your 

comfort zone. If not for the latter, 

then why travel at all? 

Where Did You Get Those Genes? 

Understanding the Science of 

Genetics and Genomics 

What makes you…well, you? In this 

course, scholars will learn about the 

fascinating field of genetics to gain 

an appreciation of how we are each 

genetically unique. In addition, scholars 

will discover how our genotype 

interacts with our environment to 

decide our phenotype, which is what 

makes us who we are. This course 

will begin by introducing the basic 

molecular structure of the genetic code 

and the comprehensive mechanisms 

controlling how genes are passed on 

from parent to offspring, but will 

then expand to include the developing 

field of full-scale genome analysis 

known as genomics. Scholars will have 

the opportunity to view some of the 

cutting-edge technologies that allow 

researchers to investigate the mammalian 

genome. Those scholars with veterinary 

or graduate school aspirations 

in the fields of animal science or biology 

should consider this minor course. 

this minor offers scholars a hands-on 

lesson in the “fair use” provision of 

copyright law. 

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DYNAMICS 

Format: 

Personal and Social Dynamics (“PSD”) 

will meet one hour daily, Monday– 

Friday, either in Geology Auditorium 

or in academic minor classrooms. In 

addition, some evening programs are 

intended to contribute to the PSD 

curriculum of the Academy. 

Purpose: 

The purpose of the Personal and 

Social Dynamics component of the 

Missouri Scholars Academy will be to 

equip students with a positive attitude, 

and to promote personal growth and 

understanding about themselves and 

others so they can better take charge 

of their own lives. These personal 

skills and understandings will allow the 

students to be more fulfilled individually 

and become more responsible for 

themselves and to society. 

Jim Meyer, Coordinator 

Goals: 

Overall, the goals for this component 

are to promote Personal and Social 

Dynamics through: 

• Improved interpersonal 

relationship skills 

• Improved communication skills 

• Improved self-awareness 

• Improved decision-making skills 

• Increased sensitivity to others 

• Increased willingness to take 

appropriate risks 

• Better understanding of 

personal values 

• Strengthening coping skills 

• Strengthening positive attitude of 

self-concept 

• Improved goal-setting abilities 

• Increased empathy for others 

• Better understanding of special 

concerns of the gifted 

• Identification of life goals 

• Planning strategies for achieving 

life goals 

• Better understanding and 

control of emotions 

• Improved leadership skills 

• Increased understanding of scholars’ 

responsibility to society 


Personal and Social Dynamics 15

Classrooms: Academic Majors 

M–S, 8:30–11:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.– Noon 

Course Instructor Location Time 

Canoes, Cabs, and the French 

Railroad 

Chemistry out of this World 

Steve Senger 104 Geology 8:30 

Angie Parkes 

A206 Chemistry 

Bldg 

9:00 

Deep Book Diving Maureen Hoeft 106 Geology 8:30 

Exploring Documentary 





It’s the End of the World as We 

Know It 

It’s Alive! Frankenstein and Its 

Afterlives 

Ryan Wylie 

Nicholas 

Kirschmann 

Middlebush 

Auditorium 

9:00 

208 Middlebush 9:00 

Andrew Moon 207 Middlebush 9:00 

Brian Stuhlman W0010 Lafferre 8:30 

Julie Melnyk 210 Middlebush 9:00 

Japanese Language and Culture Ake Takahashi 308 Middlebush 9:00 

A People’s History: True Stories of 

Struggle and Change 

Dave Knieter 108 Geology 8:30 

Physics: Wave Fun Jen Meyer E-1425 C Engr 8:30 

Social Psychology: Individuals in a 

Social World 

Sperm and Oocytes and Embryos, 

Oh My! 

Stylistic Signatures: A Writing 

Experience 

Kate Votaw W0013 Lafferre 8:30 

Kyle Lovercamp 105 Stewart 9:00 

Lou Jobst 107 Geology 8:30 

Taking a Chance Paul Rahmoeller 105 Geology 8:30 

To Infinity and Beyond Frank Corley W0009 Lafferre 8:30 

Where There’s a Will, There’s a 

Way: Shakespeare Today 

Mike Kersuklov 

109 Geology/ 

Geol Aud 

8:30 

Classrooms: Academic Minors/PSD 

M–F, 1:40–3:40 p.m. 

Course Instructor Location 

Free Press in the Digital Age Matt Veto 111 Geology 

Got Religion? Justin Arft 311 A & S 





Nicholas Kirschmann 

Andrew Moon 

208 Middlebush 

207 Middlebush 

Math Imitates Art Frank Corley W0009 Lafferre 

Mathematical Mazes for the Mind Ake Takahashi 308 Middlebush 

Mixed Signals Steven Senger and Ryan Wylie Middlebush Aud 

Montana to Mound City Alice Geller 210 Middlebush 

Overture, Hit the Lights!: A 

Critical View of Children’s Media 

Brian Stuhlman 

W0010 Lafferre 

Physics: Electromagnetic Waves Jen Meyer E-1425 C Engr 

The Psychology of Death Kate Votaw W0013 Lafferre 

Puzzles, Games, and Problem 

Solving 

Religious Traditions of India, 

China, and Japan 

Paul Rahmoeller 

Adam Miller 

105 Geology 

310 A & S 

Short Story Trove Maureen Hoeft 106 Geology 

Under Seal: The Secret Histories 

of Letters 

Warning: This Minor Contains 

Graphic Language 

Jim Meyer 

Mike Kersuklov 

107 Geology 

109 Geology 

What Tourists Don’t Know Dave Knieter 108 Geology 

Where Did You Get Those 

Genes? 

Kyle Lovercamp 

104 Geology 

16 Classrooms: Academic Majors 

Classrooms: Academic Minors/PSD 17

Great Places for Scholars to Be 


1. Hawthorn & Galena ... Home! 

2. Arts & Science Building 

(including Allen Auditorium) 

3. Student Center (Book Store, ATM) 

4. Student Recreation Center 

5. Chancellor’s Residence 

6. Chemistry Building 

7. Lafferre Hall (W00 rooms) 

8. Engineering Building West (EBW) 

9. Ellis Library (incl. Ellis Aud.) 

10. Fine Arts Building 

11. Francis Quadrangle 

12. Gannett Hall (Journalism) 

13. Strickland Hall 

14. Geology Building 

15. Jesse Hall 

1 

16. Loeb Hall 

17. Lowry Hall 

18. Lowry Mall 

19. Memorial Union 

20. Middlebush Hall 

21. Peace Park 

22. Physics Building 

23. Pickard Hall 

(Museum of Art & Archaeology) 

24. Reynolds Alumni Center 

25. Stewart Hall 

26. Student Health Center 

27. Swallow Hall (Museum of Anthropology) 

28. Student Success Center (Career Center, ATM) 

29. Agriculture (MSA computer lab, Room 2-11) 

30. Visitors Parking Lots (Conley Ave. Garage, Turner 

Ave. Garage, and Virginia Ave. Garage 

31. Pershing Hall 

32. Sabai (in Johnston Hall) 

33. Nursing School Auditorium 

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8 

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CAG 

Conley Ave. 

30 

TAG 

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14 

24 

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11 

15 

12 

23 

27 

33 

5 

13 

9 th St. 

17 

2 

20 

1 

28 

18 

3 

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The Missouri Scholars 

Academy—A Commitment to 

Excellence 

31 

Hitt St. 

Hitt St. 

19 

29 

26 

32 

30 

VAG 

25 

Rollins St. 

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The Big Cheeses 

Faculty 

Theodore Tarkow, a native of Wisconsin, 

has taught at the University of 

Missouri since 1970, where he is professor 

of classical studies and associate 

dean of the College of Arts and 

Science. He has served as director of 

the Honors College, a division of the 

University of Missouri providing special 

opportunities for academically gifted 

and motivated undergraduates. He 

is a graduate of Oberlin College and 

the University of Michigan. He has codirected 

MSA since the first year. 

Jennifer Fisher (MSA ’04, RA ’08–’09, 

senior RA ’10, Faculty ’11, Can-Do 

Crew volunteer ’12, co-coordinator of 

Res. Life ’13) is a 7th-grade English 

teacher in her hometown of Potosi, 

Mo. She enjoys spending time with 

her husband Devin and their miniature 

schnauzer, Nellie. Much of her time 

is devoted to working on her family’s 

farm and taking courses toward her 

doctorate in education. 

Jim Meyer (MSA ’90, faculty/staff 

’94–’13) returns for his 20 th summer 

on staff this June and couldn’t be happier 

to be back. He’s just finished his 

eleventh year as a high school Latin 

teacher, and his seventh at Rock Bridge 

High School in Columbia, Mo., where 

he is the world languages division head. 

He teaches the entire Latin sequence, 

Intro to Mythology, Classical Roots, 

and Humanities. Outside of the school 

day, he co-advises the Model United 

Nations team and sponsors Junior 

Classical League. He loves living in 

Columbia, where he owns a home 

with his wife, Jen, his eight-month old 

daughter, Claire, and his cat, Clawdius 

Frixy. Jim’s other loves include coffee, 

public radio, English Premier League 

soccer, and TV, especially Justified and 

The Americans. He serves this year as 

a faculty member and coordinator of 

Personal and Social Dynamics. 

The Academy has been Jenn Sanders’ 

summer home for the past five 

years, even though her hometown 

is Little Rock, Ark. As a graduate 

of Westminster College and then 

Washington University in St. Louis, 

she has developed a fondness for 

Missouri and continues to return 

year after year. Last year she received 

her master of science in college student 

personnel from Western Illinois 

University and is now at the University 

of Missouri full time as a residence hall 

coordinator for Defoe-Graham Hall. 

Each summer, spending three weeks 

building community, challenging perceptions 

and stimulating thought and 

creativity with these bright students has 

become the highlight of the year. This 

summer she will be co-coordinator 

of residence life for the Academy and 

Department of Residential Life liaison. 

Alana Simpson just completed her first 

year at MU where she is majoring 

in business. She served on the MSA 

office staff last summer and is excited 

to return to MSA to work more in 

the office and in the complexities of 

the daily schedules. Alana hales from 

Ashland, Mo., and was a scholar at the 

2010 MSA. 

Justin Arft (MSA ’94) was born and 

raised in Joplin, Mo., and came to the 

University of Missouri in 1996 and 

just decided to stick around. While in 

Columbia, he has picked up a couple 

degrees in religious studies, is now 

pursuing a doctorate in classical studies, 

and is the managing editor of the 

journal Oral Tradition. Somewhere in 

between all that schooling, he has managed 

to teach in the religious studies 

departments at MU, William Woods 

University, and Westminster College, 

and has been the production manager 

of the True/False Film Fest for the last 

seven years. When he’s not reading 

dead languages, teaching, or managing 

an event, you’ll find him either outdoors, 

playing music, or spending time 

with his lovely wife, Elaine, and their 

toddling son, Henry. 

Frank Corley has been a member of the 

Academy as faculty member, speaker, 

and PSD coordinator since 1992. He 

and his wife, Teresa, live with five 

of their seven children in a drafty 

old house in south St. Louis where 

they love to read, listen to NPR and 

Cardinals games on the radio, enjoy 

good music and great stories, collect 

art and love the city. Frank likes to 

think of himself as a true nerd. 

From Kansas to Colorado to Missouri, 

Alice Geller has been following a 

forester’s dream since high school. 

First with the U.S. Forest Service in 

southern Missouri, next working out 

in the field as a soil scientist with the 

Department of Natural Resources, and 

eventually managing resource work 

throughout the state, she found her 

home in Ashland, a wonderful community 

and home, where, with her 

husband Bob, she raised two children: 

Laura (MSA ’04, RA ’10, ’13) and 

Ben, a doctoral candidate in mechanical 

engineering at Colorado State 

University. Since retiring in 2009, 

Alice has taken up teaching environmental 

studies at Columbia College 

and enjoyed pursuing more creative 

venues from making floor cloths to rug 

hooking, to cooking and knitting. 

Maureen Hoeft is excited to have the 

opportunity to return for a second year 

on the faculty of MSA. During the 

regular school year, Maureen teaches 

9th, 10th, and 12th grade English at 

Pattonville High School, where she is 

just finishing her fifth year. She studied 

elementary education and English at 

Fontbonne University and earned her 

gifted certification through Maryville 

University. Before landing her dream 

job as the gifted honors English teacher 

at her alma mater, Maureen decided 

to spend some time gathering life experience 

through a few years of full-time 

volunteer programs and youth ministry 

in her home town of St. Louis and in 

beautiful slightly upstate New York. 

Maureen enjoys spending time with 

friends, finding local places to hike, 

helping out with her nieces and nephews, 

hanging out with her husband 

Ben, and figuring out life. Maureen 

often feels that, as an educator, she 

learns more than she teachers, and she 

20 Faculty & Staff 

Faculty & Staff 21

looks forward to seeing what this year’s 

scholars bring to the Academy. 

Lou Jobst is returning for his 29 th academy—the 

“greatest experience of my 

teaching life.” He is semi-retired from 

the Parkway School District where he 

is assisting in developing a Mosaics 

Academy for the exceptionally gifted in 

the district. He has previously taught 

English, chaired the English department, 

and led various choirs. He writes 

a column in the St. Louis Review featuring 

stories of people who have experienced 

moments of grace. The joys of 

his life are Mickey, his wife; his grown 

children, Michael and Sarah (and their 

loves, Kim and Andy); and his grandson, 

Kiernan, who calls him “Pop.” 

And now...Bridget, his one-year-old 

granddaughter, who is his “Miss B.” 

His course will develop a writing community 

in which students will learn to 

find their voices and their own stylistic 

signatures. He also finds it unnerving 

to speak of himself in the third person. 

Michael Kersulov is a native of St. 

Louis, but he has spent the past 10 

years right outside of Kansas City. This 

will be his fifth year teaching at MSA, 

and in the past he has taught a variety 

of courses from The Bard, to drama, to 

chess, to comics. Kersulov has taught 

for seven years at the high school and 

college level and looks forward to each 

day he can spend in the classroom. 

He uses most of his time now reading 

comic books and thinking about 

how comics can impact learning and 

literacy in the classroom. But there are 

days when he takes time to break out a 

board and look at some chess openings. 

He enjoys honey in his coffee, riding 

his bike even when it rains, and convincing 

everyone that, despite popular 

belief, Spider-Man would in fact beat 

Superman in a fight. His reasoning: 

science. 

Nicholas Kirschman, an MSA faculty 

member for over 10 years, is a social 

studies teacher at Webster Groves 

High School in St. Louis, where he 

teaches world religions, law, psychology, 

gifted classes and, of course, 

philosophy. While not teaching, 

Nicholas enjoys reading, cooking, and 

world travel. A movie buff, he loves 

Maplewood, the St. Louis community 

in which he lives. 

Dave Knieter, originally from the infamous 

garden state of New Jersey (he 

is not from the Shore!), is especially 

fond of wandering into the unknown. 

He considers himself quite fortunate, 

as he has toured five continents, taught 

in three different countries, hiked the 

Inca Trail, camped in the Himalayas, 

and swum in a volcanic crater. As a 

teacher trainer with the United States 

Peace Corps he lived with a Tswana 

family in a small, non-electrified village 

in South Africa for two years. When 

not travelling abroad, Dave enjoys 

spending time with his fiancée, Jaime, 

and their three special-needs cats— 

Atreyu (three-legged), Devlin, and 

Nanook (no teeth!). Dave is a graduate 

geography student responsible for 

teaching three sections of Regions and 

Nations. When he is not teaching or 

reading countless hours about all things 

related to his South-African conservation 

research, he enjoys watching 

sociopolitical documentaries, listening 

to live music (Afro-beat, jazz, gypsy 

punk, bluegrass), hiking and camping, 

and riding his bike on the Katy Trail. 

Kyle Lovercamp (MSA ’96, fac ’11–12) 

returns for his third year on the MSA 

faculty. Kyle is a native of Alma, Mo., 

where he grew up on his family’s production 

livestock and grain farm. He is 

an assistant professor of animal science 

in the agriculture department at the 

University of Central Missouri (UCM) 

in Warrensburg. He received his bachelor’s 

degree in animal science from 

Central Missouri State University (now 

UCM) in 2002, his master’s in animal 

science from the University of Missouri 

in 2004, and his doctorate in animal 

science with a focus on farm-animal 

livestock reproductive physiology from 

North Carolina State University in 

2009. Kyle enjoys many outdoor activities 

including traveling, hunting, fishing, 

and farming. 

Julie Melnyk has worked at the 

University of Missouri for the last 

12 years, as associate director of 

the Honors College (2001–12) and 

now as an assistant teaching professor 

in the English Department. She 

received bachelor’s degrees in mathematics 

and English from Haverford 

College, her master’s in literature from 

Oxford University, and her doctorate 

in English from the University of 

Virginia. Her research interests include 

19 th -century women’s writing and religious 

literature. She has written one 

book, Victorian Religion, and edited two 

collections of scholarly essays. She lives 

in Columbia with her husband and 

two sons, Chris, 14, and Stefan, 20; a 

guinea pig named Oliver; and a minirex 

rabbit named Bertram. 

Jennifer Meyer teaches general, honors, 

and AP physics at Parkway Central 

High School in the St. Louis area. 

She also coaches volleyball and swimming, 

and sponsors NHS and the 

school environmental club. Meyer 

studied physics education at Southeast 

Missouri State University and earned 

a master’s degree in physics education 

from the University of Virginia. 

In addition to teaching, she enjoys 

outdoor activities including whitewater 

kayaking, rafting, biking, running, 

swimming, hiking, rock climbing, 

slacklining, and walking her dog, 

Charlie. She has completed two marathons 

(as well as two prior MSAs) and a 

full Ironman triathlon. 

Adam Miller, originally from Decatur, 

Ill., moved to Columbia in summer 

2012, and earlier in 2013, he received 

his master’s degree in religious studies 

from MU. Though he has decided to 

take a short break from life as a student, 

he plans to return to school soon 

in order to earn a doctorate in religious 

studies—he enjoys studying religion so 

much that he wants to make a career of 

it! Aside from doing religious studies, 

Adam likes to read, play guitar, listen 

to music, watch movies, and spend time 

with his wife, cat, and friends. This is 

his first year with MSA. 

Andrew Moon (fac ’10, ’12) grew up 

in Troy, Ohio. In high school, he ran 

cross country, played in the marching 

band, learned guitar, and thought it 

was cool to be the first person in class 

to get math problems right (but was 

often stymied by the class valedictorian, 

who solved them first). He joined 

the chess club and drama club senior 

year, both of which he deeply enjoyed. 

Although he initially went to The Ohio 

State University as an engineering 

major, an exciting honors introduction 

to a philosophy class in the fall changed 

the course of his life forever. Andrew 


Faculty & Staff 23

switched to a philosophy major, went 

to graduate school in philosophy at 

Mizzou, earned a doctorate in 2010, 

and now hopes to study philosophy 

for the rest of his life as a professor. 

Andrew also values his Asian/Korean- 

American identity, reads comic books, 

cares about social justice, is an avid 

Jeremy Lin fan, always tries to finish 

his plate, and has an awkward sense of 

humor. 

Angie Parkes grew up in central Missouri. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in 

chemistry and a master’s in education. 

Angie has been teaching for nine years. 

She has quite a diverse background 

including spending time as a volunteer 

firefighter, a corrections officer, and 

working as a monitor technician. She 

taught chemistry, calculus, and French 

in the Upward Bound program at 

Crowder College for two years. She 

has been teaching chemistry, physics, 

and forensics at Southern Boone High 

School for the past five years. Angie is 

working on a second master’s degree 

in natural sciences with an emphasis in 

physics. When she is not working on 

science, she enjoys hiking and camping 

with her husband and two children. 

Paul Rahmoeller, a native of St. Louis 

County and a faculty member at the 

Academy since 1985, teaches math at 

Jefferson Junior High in Columbia. He 

completed his bachelor’s and master’s 

degrees at MU, with extensive graduate 

work in mathematics and gifted education. 

Rahmoeller has taught for 42 

years, written several publications, and 

served as a youth leader for several student 

organizations. His hobbies include 

cooking, camping, and dancing. 

Steve Senger grew up in Excelsior 

Springs, Mo., and attended MSA in 

1998. Since then he has studied and 

taught mathematics. He likes playing 

music and rock climbing. This is his 

fourth year on the MSA faculty. He is 

currently living on the East Coast as a 

postdoctoral researcher in mathematics 

at the University of Delaware. 

Brian Stuhlman (MSA ’93, faculty ’00– 

’02, ’07–’12) teaches English and performing 

arts during the school year at 

Columbia Independent School, following 

posts at Warrenton; Fayette; and 

Kiev, Ukraine. In Kiev, he met a love 

for travel, a passion for culture, and his 

wife, Maryna, who also teaches. Now 

back in Columbia, there is ne’er a wisp 

of boredom. Cherubic daughter turns 

four during this MSA, and she serves as 

the primary distraction from work on 

hobbies in film analysis (a.k.a. watching 

movies) and sweepstakes entering. 

Returning for his 26 th year with the 

academy, Ake Takahashi, is a math 

teacher retired from Wentzville High 

School, where he taught pre-calculus, 

calculus, trigonometry and advanced 

algebra II. He was born in Tokyo and 

came to the U.S. in 1960. He attended 

Sophia University but received his 

bachelor’s degree in mathematics 

from Henderson State University and 

a master’s degree in political science 

from MU. He was the president of 

the junior class and the vice president 

of the student body at Henderson. 

He was a teaching assistant in international 

relations and the president 

of the Graduate Student Association 

while at MU. After 49 years of teaching 

experience, he still enjoys sharing 

ideas and learning with students and 

colleagues. He has been recognized 

as an outstanding educator by the 

Mathematics Educators of Greater St. 

Louis and by the Missouri Council of 

Teachers of Mathematics. In 1983 he 

received the Presidential Award for 

Excellence in Mathematics Teaching 

and was invited to the White House. 

In 2002, Ake was recognized by the 

Missouri Department of Education 

as one of the Missouri Pioneers in 

Education. He now teaches part time 

at Lindenwood University. He received 

a 2003 Ambassador Award for his work 

with the O’Fallon YMCA. His passion 

is solving math puzzles. Sometimes he 

stays up all night trying to solve challenging 

problems. 

Matt Veto is a journalism instructor 

and master’s candidate in the MU 

School of Journalism. Prior to teaching, 

he worked for seven years at the 

The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus 

newspapers as a writer and a multimedia 

journalist. Before his career in print 

media, Matt worked as a radio sports 

director and broadcaster. He has a 

bachelor’s degree in radio/TV and journalism 

from St. Ambrose University. 

Kate Votaw just can’t stay away. She 

was the first scholar from her rural 

Missouri town of Ava to attend MSA 

in 2003. She got a taste of nerd-dom, 

unmatched by any other, and returned 

as an RA in 2007–09. Now she is ready 

to come “full-circle” as a first-time faculty 

member! What has she been doing 

in the meantime? After graduating 

from University of Missouri–St. Louis, 

she started her doctorate at Saint Louis 

University in experimental social psychology. 

No, she cannot diagnose your 

crazy aunt, but she would love to discuss 

social psychological behaviors such 

as what predicts romantic attraction 

and dissolution, which she is currently 

studying! She finds that one of the best 

perks of graduate school is conferences—or 

an excuse to travel professionally—and 

has been to her new favorite 

destination, New Orleans, twice in the 

last year. She just can’t seem to quit 

the cafe au lait-style coffee! When she’s 

not bogged down with schoolwork, 

she enjoys feeding her Pinterest addiction 

(her new hobbies include crossstitching 

and ceramic glazing), catching 

up on TV on DVD (OMG, Game of 

Thrones season 3!!), and finding hilarious 

cat videos on YouTube to watch 

with, well, her cats. 

Ryan Wylie, co-founded Inner Mission 

Productions where he has shot, edited, 

and produced documentaries about 

reproductive healthcare in the Peruvian 

Andes, the death penalty, the Sanctuary 

movement, indigenous land entitlement 

in Mexico, and many other topics 

of social importance. His efforts 

as a filmmaker/activist have led to the 

release of Joe Amrine, an innocent who 

had been on death row for 17 years. 

His work has been screened for diverse 

audiences, from the UN Human Rights 

Council to the Montreal Ethnographic 

Film Festival. Ryan is also co-founder/ 

curator of the Free Form Film Festival, 

where he has traveled as a curator and 

video performer, organizing over 100 

public art events since 2003. Some venues 

include: Lollapalooza, True/False 

Film Festival, San Francisco Museum 

of Modern Art, Yoshi’s Jazz Club, and 

the Contemporary Art Museum of 

Saint Louis. This will be Ryan’s fourth 

summer with MSA. He lives in San 

Francisco, where he recently finished 

an MFA in film from the San Francisco 

Art Institute. 


Faculty & Staff 25

Resident Assistants 

Liz Brechbuhler (MSA ’10) grew up 

on a farm outside of Aurora, Mo. She 

now attends MU and is majoring in 

mechanical engineering. After dancing 

competitively nearly her entire life, 

Liz still has a passion for dancing and 

the fine arts. In her free time she also 

enjoys crafting, running, reading, and 

catching up on her favorite television 

shows. 

Fun-loving Frankie Bruning (MSA 

’05, RA ’11) is pumped to be back 

for another summer of the glory that 

is MSA. She holds a bachelor of science 

in psychology and just completed 

a master’s in elementary education 

from Truman State University. She 

has spent the last year teaching sixth 

grade and is excited to be a full-time 

teacher in the fall. In her spare time, 

Frankie loves to dance. She competed 

and taught with a performance swingdance 

team in college and continues to 

dance and teach in her semi-adult life. 

She enjoys reading everything from 

children’s literature to groundbreaking 

research and is rarely found without 

a book in her bag. Other Frankie 

favorites include stargazing and slam 

poetry, and if she could have any secret 

talent, she would be a freestyle rapper. 

In the future, Frankie plans to teach 

in Missouri during the regular school 

year and spend summers teaching and 

traveling abroad. She cannot wait to 

meet you and hopes to help make MSA 

some of the best days of your life! 

While he’s always busy, Kyle 

Buschkoetter (MSA ’09) never lets his 

business keep him from an interesting 

conversation. Between pick-up soccer 

games, biomedical engineering problem 

sets, preparing to study in Cuba in 

the fall, and people watching (or more 

precisely, people meeting, because 

that’s what happens in New Orleans, 

where Kyle goes to school), Kyle finds 

every excuse to talk about almost anything 

regarding life. Give him a scientific 

phenomenon or a motor, an argument 

against religion or an argument 

between friends, and he won’t stop asking 

questions until he figures out how 

it works. Needless to say, Kyle’s really 

excited to be an RA, since he’s been 

jealous every summer since 2009 of the 

350 people at MSA every year. 

Tina Casagrand is a writer, adventurer, 

and novice bird watcher. She has two 

favorite birds—blue jays and whippoor-wills—and 

relates to either one 

depending on the moment. In her 

hometown of Dixon, she studied wildlife 

and the taste of dirt; at Mizzou, she 

studied anthropology, journalism, biology, 

and art. Ask her to teach you new 

dance moves. She was a scholar in 2006 

and was a rookie RA in 2012. 

Jesse Day (MSA ’07, RA ’10) is a bit 

quirky and odd, and his memory is terrible. 

He likes to leave things in coat 

pockets for a later date so he can be 

surprised at what he finds. His dressiest 

blazer currently contains Pokemon 

cards. He believes Chacos are a way of 

life, and that a Chaco tan is a trophy 

to be worn proudly. He is also of the 

mindset that if you don’t embrace your 

inner nerd, you’ll never make it. If you’re 

proud, you’ll find out that everyone is 

just as nerdy as you. He adores science, 

and will be going to medical school at 

the University of Missouri in the fall. 

Somehow it seems fitting. 

Laura Geller thought she had left MSA 

for good but just couldn’t stay away! 

She’s back again for her second year 

as an RA since her time as a scholar in 

2006. Laura graduated from Oberlin 

College in Ohio with a degree in environmental 

studies, a passion for Sufi 

poetry, and unforgettable experiences 

cooking for tons of hungry college 

students in co-ops. Laura has recently 

been living in Madison, Wisc., working 

as a sustainable agriculture environmental 

consultant and garden educator. 

She prefers to spend her days outdoors, 

learning a new skill, or reading a book. 

Ask her questions about West Africa, 

meditation, local food systems, or SET 

if you want to get her talking... 

Jordan Henson received a Hogwarts 

letter inviting him to attend MSA 

in 2010, and his life has never been 

the same. After experiencing life as a 

Scholar, he went on to become an antibullying 

advocate, an aspiring author, 

and a future high school English 

teacher. When he isn’t studying for his 

classes at the University of Missouri, 

Jordan enjoys playing his saxophone 

with Marching Mizzou, reading everything 

from John Steinbeck to John 

Green, exploring the far reaches of 

Hyrule and the Mushroom Kingdom, 

and jamming out to ’80s rock anthems, 

cheesy pop songs, and Mumford and 

Sons. He firmly believes that MSA can 

be one of the most important events in 

a lifetime and can’t wait to share such 

a life-changing experience with a new 

generation of Scholars. 

Kelly Johnson (MSA ’09) will be a 

junior at the University of Missouri, 

en route to a degree in international 

studies and a possible minor in sustainable 

agriculture. With her degree, she 

hopes to pursue a career in refugee 

resettlement in the U.S. after working 

abroad for NGOs and/or government 

humanitarian programs for several 

years. In the meantime, she can be 

found rock climbing at the Rec, working 

in the International Center, doing 

geography research, or watching documentaries 

on Netflix. 

Described by many as “grandmotherish,” 

Abigail Keel (MSA ’09, RA ’12) 

often takes style cues from cool old 

ladies. When she’s not rockin’ her 

pants tucked into her socks, she really 

digs eating donuts and hotdogs (but 

she swears she is still a vegetarian). 

She rides her bike to class, helmet included, 

and now that she has worked 

her way through all four seasons of 

Madmen on Netflix, she is on the troll 

for a new time-wasting show. Abigail 

just finished her sophomore year at 

MU, where she studies journalism with 

a minor in reading The New Yorker, 

which takes approximately nine credit 

hours per semester. 

Although he entered as a journalism 

major, Peter LeGrand will enter his 

senior year at MU as a religious studies 

major. The pull toward academia 

began at a young age, when he spent 

nearly every afternoon at the local 

library. A central-Wisconsin native, 

Peter associates winter with blankets 

and books, choosing to cope with the 

frigid weather by staying indoors. 

When temperatures rise above freezing, 

there is nothing Peter would 

rather do than spend an afternoon 

26 Resident Assistants 

Resident Assistants 27

searching for adventure in the nearby 

forest with Lucy, his loving and loyal 

golden retriever. 

Kelsey McCracken just wrapped up 

her second year at the University of 

Missouri–St. Louis where she focuses 

on her degree in media studies with an 

emphasis in advertising. She grew up in 

a small town in southern-ish Missouri 

where she spent her time playing volleyball 

and co-captaining the cheerleading 

squad, as well as serving in virtually 

every extracurricular activity her 

school had to offer. She continued her 

habit of serial participation in extracurriculars 

when she arrived at UMSL by 

immediately immersing herself in her 

sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. She serves 

as the vice president III of her chapter 

and enjoys donating her time to ZTA’s 

national philanthropy. Her hobbies 

include cats, planning, academia, shopping, 

and the St. Louis Cardinals. This 

is Kelsey’s first summer with MSA. 

Ryan Morrow is a native of St. Louis 

but attended high school in Waukesha, 

Wisc. In May, he graduated with a 

degree in chemistry and biological sciences. 

Ryan is passionate about science 

and explores its mysteries by working 

in a chemistry research lab at the 

University of Missouri. His friends 

poke fun at his striking resemblance 

to Bill Nye the Science Guy, but to 

him it is a compliment. Aside from 

science, Ryan is an avid sports fan and 

enjoys watching a wide range of athletics. 

However, deep down, baseball is 

his number one sport. Ryan is excited 

about this upcoming summer as a 

member of the MSA staff and cannot 

wait to share his nerdy humor. He 

begins medical school at MU this fall. 

Myra Milam (MSA ’08, RA ’12) has 

completed her junior year at Truman 

State University, where she is majoring 

in communication disorders with 

minors in psychology and disability 

studies. However, Myra spends a 

majority of her time researching and 

competing for Truman’s in Lincoln– 

Douglas debate team. In her free time, 

Myra enjoys listening to music, traveling 

as much as possible, watching 

Modern Family, and reading/watching 

poetry. 

McKenzie Pendergrass (MSA ’10) 

graduated from Neosho High School 

knowing little about journalists except 

that they write a lot, so she ended up 

at the Missouri School of Journalism. 

She hopes to write for an entertainment 

magazine someday. A soon-to-be 

sophomore, she is minoring in French, 

which she also knew little about before 

college, but elle l’aime. She is an active 

member of the Mizzou French Club 

where she eats a lot of Nutella. She 

likes to obsess over TV shows (namely 

The Vampire Diaries and Game of 

Thrones), read stuff, and listen to music 

really loud in parking lots at busy places 

while dancing obnoxiously. 

Sam Rayburn (MSA ’05, RA ’11–’12) 

is still learning, and he looks forward 

to another year of exploration with 

the new and familiar faces of MSA 

2013. Sam’s life is dominated by his 

passions, but chief among them is his 

love of education and helping others 

achieve their goals. His other passions 

include cooking, the Nouvelle Vague, 

comic books, fencing, Sean Connery, 

Minecraft, baseball, and countless others. 

In his free time, Sam writes comic 

books and business plans, dabbles in 

pyrography, does silly voices in the car, 

reads fantasy and science fiction, and 

browses Reddit too much. He loves 

finding new things to be interested in, 

so he heartily encourages anyone to 

start a conversation with him regarding 

life, the universe, and everything. 

Stephen Riesenberg is thrilled to be 

returning to MSA for his third year as 

an RA. After graduating from Truman 

State University a year ago, he followed 

promises of breakfast tacos to 

Austin, Texas, which he now calls 

home. He worked in the water conservation 

field for a year, but decided he 

likes teenagers more than water anyway, 

and starting in the fall he will be 

teaching at an Austin school for gifted 

students. When not hanging out with 

gifted kids, he enjoys reading, writing, 

racquet sports, backpacking, and games 

of all kinds. 

Hannah Rogers is thrilled to be returning 

to MSA this summer as an RA! She 

just completed her sophomore year at 

Truman State University where she 

is studying psychology and cognitive 

science in hopes of one day becoming 

a neuropsychologist—a field of 

study that she was actually introduced 

to when she attended the academy 

in 2009. Hannah keeps busy with 

her over-involvement in organizations 

at Truman such as Alpha Sigma 

Gamma Service Sorority; Cardinal 

Key National Honor Society; club 

volleyball; and her co-ed a cappella 

group called Sweet Nothings, which 

is pretty much like Pitch Perfect in real 

life. Hannah has a passion for serving 

others and can’t wait to share her love 

for MSA with all of the scholars this 

summer. 

Tim Tai (MSA ’10) just finished his 

freshman year at the University of 

Missouri, where he is pursuing a 

degree in journalism from the first and 

best J-School in the world. A native 

of St. Louis, he is excited to return to 

MSA for his first RA experience and 

can’t wait to see what he’ll learn from, 

and how he’ll be challenged by, this 

year’s Scholars, faculty, and other staff 

members. If he had more spare time, 

it would be spent learning about his 

interests, which include architecture, 

public parks, educational leadership 

and policy, urban exploration, local 

history, copyright law, Web design, 

AP style, and French. But he already 

spends far too much time in the 

library, so if you see him there, sneak 

in some food for him. His other hobbies 

include photography, forgetting 

to exercise, and vociferously defending 

the serial comma. 

Yajie Yu (MSA ’06) is a Columbia 

native who just finished his first year of 

medical school at Mizzou. He graduated 

from Truman State with undergraduate 

degrees in psychology and biology 

in 2012. During his free time from 

medical school, Yajie enjoys cooking, 

acrylic painting, reading social science 

books, and training for Humans vs. 

Zombies. Also, Yajie is a huge fan of 

British culture and loves British television 

series such as Downton Abbey, 

Doctor Who, and Sherlock. 

28 Resident Assistants 

Resident Assistants 29

Special Staff Members 

Melody Galen is a control-freakish, 

but nice in spite of that, editor/writer/ 

designer for the Arts and Science 

dean’s office. She makes sure the MSA 

printed materials arrive on time. 

Caitlin Meyer coordinates the behindthe-scenes 

activities for MSA. In her 

free time, the University at Buffalo 

graduate enjoys reading and playing 

sports. She recently finished her third 

half marathon for Columbia, Mo., 

charities. 

Jennifer (J.J.) Wesley (MSA ’08) is a 

junior studying biology and neuroscience. 

Wesley is very interested in 

researching the brain and related diseases, 

such as multiple sclerosis. Her 

hobbies include bowling, competitive 

team sports, listening to music and the 

Cardinals on the radio, watching movies, 

and reading novels. 

MEDICAL & Office STAFF 

James Dent, a native of Oak Grove, 

Mo., joins the medical staff of the 2013 

Missouri Scholars Academy. His academic 

journey includes stops along the 

way at DeVry Institute in Kansas City 

(where he studied electronics), MU’s 

College of Education (following which 

he taught mathematics at Hickman 

High School in Columbia), and now 

MU’s School of Medicine, where he 

looks forward to his second year. James 

will be getting married this comig July. 

Greg Holliday is the director of the 

Assessment and Consultation Clinic 

in the MU College of Education, 

where he also serves as clinical associate 

professor in the Department 

of Educational and Counseling 

Psychology. Greg has worked as a 

teacher of gifted high school students, 

as well as a counselor, psychometrist, 

and school psychologist in public and 

private settings. As a licensed psychologist, 

he maintains a strong involvement 

in assessment, intervention, training, 

counseling, teaching, research, and 

consultation relative to the unique 

needs of high-potential individuals and 

has been the academy “shrink on call” 

for the past eight years. 

Gabriella Johnson (MSA ’01) just 

finished her second year of medical 

school at Mizzou and is working on 

a joint MD/PhD with an emphasis in 

cognitive psychology. Before entering 

the MD/PhD program, she received 

a bachelor’s degree in psychology at 

Mizzou. In her free time, Johnson 

enjoys traveling, experimenting with 

cooking, and opening her home to 

lonely animals. 

Kelsey Klostermeyer (MSA ’05) returns 

for her second year as a member of 

the MSA 2013 medical staff. About to 

begin her third year in medical school, 

Klostermeyer also holds a degree in 

biochemistry from MU. She enjoys 

spending her time working with volunteer 

groups in the area, reading, and 

playing sand volleyball. 

30 Special Staff Members 

Special Staff Members 31

Co-Curricular and Recreational 

Activities 

The 2013 Missouri Scholars Academy is pleased to offer participants a broad 

range of recreational and co-curricular activities. All of these activities are 

designed to further the Academy’s central goals of allowing scholars to explore 

their talents and to begin attaining their potential. 

Many co-curricular activities and special events will be planned spontaneously 

and on an ad hoc basis. These will be noted at various places throughout 

Hawthorn and Galena residence halls and on the daily calendar, and will also be 

announced at the daily group meeting. 

Below are listed some of the co-curricular activities and special events of the 

2013 Missouri Scholars Academy. 

SPECIAL CLASSES, CLUBS, AND ACTIVITIES 

Missouri Scholars Academy Choir 

Working under the direction of faculty 

member Lou Jobst and other members 

of the MSA community, the MSA 

choir will perform on two occasions: 

Teacher Appreciation Day and the 

closing ceremony. Rehearsals will be 

held Monday and Wednesday afternoons. 

Community Service 

There will be a broad and encompassing 

range of opportunities for scholars 

to contribute time, talent, and energy 

to campus and community organizations 

needing volunteer assistance. 

Dustin Hampton will coordinate this 

program. He will want your talent and 

enthusiasm for this exciting part of the 

Academy. An important highlight: the 

Kevin Heisinger Memorial Community 

Service Award will be awarded at the 

closing ceremony. 

“MSA Reads” and 

“Issues of Our Time” 

Scholars and members of the faculty 

and staff will meet on several occasions 

to discuss books each has read and current 

social, economic, or political issues 

each believes important. Watch the 

daily calendar for specific details. 

Career and Academic 

Goal Clarification 

Different MU schools and colleges 

will hold “open houses” during the 

Academy so students may learn more 

about various professions. Finally, 

“Imagine,” our program for Monday, 

June 17, will allow you to imagine possibilities 

after high school. 

“Exploring New Horizons” 

This activity features a series of 

afternoon workshops with experts in 

individual fields. Scholars will get the 

chance to learn the “state-of-the-art” 

questions being asked in such fields as 

neuroscience, history, math, terrorism, 

and physical chemistry. Details will be 

on daily schedules. 

Foreign Language Workshops 

Scholars interested in French, Latin, 

German, Spanish, Russian, and Japanese 

will have a chance to learn several of the 

basics of these major languages—or to 

MSA “Alumni In Residence” 

(AIR) Program 

The Academy will welcome back to 

Columbia a number of MSA faculty, 

staff, and scholar alumni for special 

programs. Scott Granneman (faculty 

’93–’96), Keith Elmore (coord. 

PSD ’85, ’87, ’89–’99), Joan Potthast 

(faculty ’96–’11), Aneesh Tosh (MSA 

’91, RA ’96–’97, med staff ’98), Scott 

Garner (MSA ’89), and Cort van 

Ostran (MSA ’05, RA ’10) among 

many others, will be back to present 

special programs under the auspices 

of “AIR.” 

MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES 

brush up on their knowledge of them. 

Watch the daily schedule for details! 

The Road Less Traveled 

This series of discussions will allow 

scholars the chance to visit with people 

whose career paths represent unique 

and important opportunities. 

Indoor Games 

Participants in the Academy are 

invited to watch the bulletin boards for 

information on chess, trivia pursuits, 

and other “indoor” competitions. In 

addition, the faculty and staff challenge 

Academy scholars to invent a 

new indoor board game! Finally, all 

scholars are invited to participate in 

the MSA Spelling Bee and the Scholar 

Bowl and to compete in Scrabble ® 

with a competitive Scrabble player, 

Scott Garner (MSA ’89). Finally, be on 

the look out for the chess tournament. 

32 Co-Curricular and Recreational Activities 

Co-Curricular and Recreational Activities 33

Concerts and Drama 

The Academy will make available to its 

participants a number of musical and 

dramatic events—concerts on Francis 

Quadrangle, concerts in the Fine Arts 

Recital Hall and Hawthorn and Galena 

halls, and, of course, concerts provided 

by the Missouri Scholars Academy 

Choir. Performances of traditional 

African, Latin American, and Japanese 

dances and dramatic productions are 

on this year’s program. Another highlight: 

a one-man performance of two 

Shakespearean dramas: MacBeth and 

Romeo and Juliet. 

Jogging 

Early morning joggers are welcome to 

meet at 6:30 each morning on the patio 

between Hawthorn and Galena halls. 

Various faculty members and RAs will 

be on hand to escort you along the 

paths in and around the Academy. 

Recreation Center 

MSA has periodic access to the facilities 

of the MU Student Recreation Center 

on selected days. Facilities include an 

indoor track, basketball, and volleyball, 

and equipment may be checked out. RAs 

will accompany scholars to Recreation 

Center activities. 

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

A series of experiences has been planned to enrich the curriculum and the lives of 

the scholars during their stay at the Missouri Scholars Academy. Among them are: 

RECREATION 


Speakers Series 

Authorities on various topics will visit 

the Academy. Notable among these 

are chemist Bob Becker, novelist Brian 

Katcher, attorney Denise Lieberman, 

philosopher Bill Bondeson, physicist 

Anita Sengupta, mathematician Curtis 

Cooper, and Holocaust survivor Hedy 

Epstein. Presentations will cover topics 

such as Islam and environmental 

issues. Speakers will come from all 

parts of Missouri and many parts of 

the United States. 

Swimming 

Swimming activities, including a “lazy 

river,” will be available at the MU 

Tiger Grotto in accordance with the 

schedule that you will find in each daily 

schedule. Remember, you will need 

your MSA ID in order to use the Tiger 

Grotto. 

Aerobics, Yoga & More! 

RAs and other MSA faculty and staff 

will lead these activities weekday mornings. 

Check the daily schedule for 

meeting locations. 

SPECIAL EVENTS 

• “PLAYFAIR!” Break the ice and meet fellow scholars, faculty 

and staff on Sunday, June 9, immediately after your first meeting 

with your RA, on Francis Quadrangle. 

• “Meet MSA!” Our program staff members have arranged a 

unique program for Tuesday evening, June 11. The program 

will allow you to get to know the Academy faculty and staff. 

• Mr. YoYo!: Test your yo-yo skills with a yo-yo champion on 

Friday, June 14. 

• “Fiddlin’ on the Quad”: They’ll never believe you back home 

when you tell them about “Cousin Curtis and the Cash 

Rebates” coming Friday evening, June 14. 

• MSA Talent Show: Monday, June 24. All ideas (and talent) are 

welcome! 

• MSA Alumni Day and Dance: Saturday, June 22. Learn about 

the MSA Alumni Association. 

• Open houses and faculty fora: Meet scholars from all prior years 

of the Academy and learn about academic and career goals by 

visiting with specialists from around the state. Watch the daily 

calendar for details. 

• Barbecues, picnics and a variety of snacks. Check the daily 

schedules for details. 

• And there’s more! The above list is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Be ready for surprises! 

34 Co-Curricular and Recreational Activities 

Calendar of Special Events 35

CALENDAR OF SPECIAL EVENTS—A PREVIEW 

Check daily schedules for details on these events and many others!! 

Sunday, June 9 

Evening: “Playfair” 

(Francis Quadrangle—By the end of the evening, you’ll know EVERYONE!) 

Monday, June 10 

Afternoon: First rehearsal for Missouri Scholars Academy Choir; Community 

Service begins 

Evening: “The Boomba Hey Tradition,” Mark Scharenbroich 

Tuesday, June 11 

Afternoon: “Expanding Your Horizons” begins 

Evening: The 2011 Faculty Smorgasbord! 

Wednesday, June 12 

Morning: TAISO 

Afternoon: “Artistic Afternoons” begin 

Early evening: Steel band concert 

Evening: MSA Speaker Series: Choose one program from three possibilities: 

1) Chemistry Experiments—Bob Becker 

2) Singlehandedly Shakespeare—Scott Hansen 

3) The Politics of Our Times—Bill Horner 

Thursday, June 13 

Afternoon: “Open Houses” begin 

Evening: MSA Speaker Series: Choose one speaker from three exciting possibilities: 

1) Story Telling—Milbry Burch 

2) Islamic Culture—Gulten Ilhan 

3) African Drumming—Adam Rugo 

Friday, June 14 

Afternoon: Chinese calligraphy and ink painting; Mr. YoYo visits MSA 

Early evening: The Boone High Steppers 

Evening: Cousin Curtis and the Cash Rebates present the square dance of the 

century 

Saturday, June 15 

Afternoon: Hypnotist Tom Thale 

Evening: Street Dance on Lowry Mall with MSA D.J. Alon Cage 

Sunday, June 16 

Morning: Church services and Religious Exploration Program (Buddhism and 

Islam) 

Afternoon: Scholar Bowl, Round 1 

Evening: MSA Speaker Series: Choose one speaker from three exciting possibilities: 

1) Our Wired World—Scott Granneman 

2) Civil Rights and Liberties—Denise Liebermann 

3) “The Holocaust: Never Forget”—Hedy Epstein 


Evening: “Imagine” 



Evening: MSA Speakers Series: Choose one speaker from these exciting possibilities: 

1) Looking at Art—Louis Lankford 

2) Up in the Air—Boeing 

3) The Biology of Chemistry and the Chemistry of Biology—Shari 

Freyermuth 

Late Evening: Comedy Sports 



Evening: The 2013 RA Smorgasbord! 


Evening: MSA Speakers Series: Another evening to make some choices. 

1) New Arrivals: A Refuge Center—Caritas Habimana 

2) Global Warning—Steve Keller 

3) An MSA Crossword Puzzle—Patrick Blindauer 

4) Competitive Scrabble ® —Scott Garner 

Friday, June 21 (Teacher Appreciation Day) 

Evening: The Lost Boys of Sudan 

Saturday, June 22 (Alumni Day) 

Evening: MSA Alumni Day Dance on Lowry Mall with MSA DJ Alon Cage 

Sunday, June 23 (Family Day) 

Morning: Church services 

Afternoon: Family day (organized program begins at 1:15 p.m.) 

36 Calendar of Special Events 

Calendar of Special Events 37


Sunday, June 23 (Family Day) cont’d. 

Early Evening: MSA ecumenical service 

Evening: MSA Speakers Series: Another evening to make some choices. 

1) African Legends and Stories—Kunama Mtendaji 

2) NASA Visits MSA—Anita Sengupta 

3) The Odyssey—Joe Goodkin 


Evening: The 2013 MSA Talent Show 


Evening: MSA Speakers Series: Choose one program from three possibilities. 

1) Jazz—Eugene Levy 

2) The Search for PRIME Numbers—Curtis Cooper 

3) Medical Ethics—Bill Bondeson 



Evening: “Taking It Home”—Eddie Slowikowski 


Evening: The MSA Class Sampler 

Friday, June 28 

Evening: The Magnificent Video of MSA 2013 and the MSA candle-lighting 

circle ceremony 

Saturday, June 30 

Morning: Closing Ceremony, Jesse Auditorium 

MSA Scholars are invited to attend 

worship services in accordance with 

the following schedule: 

Assembly of God 

3300 S. Providence 

Sunday, 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.* 

First Baptist Church 

1112 E. Broadway 

Sunday, 11:00 a.m.+ 

Catholic Church (Newman Center) 

710 Maryland Avenue 

Saturday, 5:00 p.m.+ 

Sunday, 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. 

Christian Campus House 

608 College Avenue 


Church of Christ 

202 Stadium Boulevard 

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.* 

Calvary Episcopal Church 

123 S. 9th 

Sunday 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.+ 

Hillel Foundation 

1107 University Avenue 

Friday, 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday, 10:00 a.m.+ 

Islamic Center of Central Missouri 

201 S. 5th 

Schedule available from RAs 

RELIGIOUS SERVICES 

Campus Lutheran Church 

304 College 


United Methodist Church 

204 S. 9th 

Sunday, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.+ 

First Presbyterian Church 

16 Hitt Street 


Community of Christ 

1111 Fairview 


Church of Jesus Christ of 

Latter Day Saints 

Old 63 South 


Second Baptist Church 

407 E. Broadway 


The Crossing 

Rock Bridge High School 

4303 S. Providence Road 

8:30 a.m. and 9:55 a.m.* 

In addition, the MSA Religion 

Exploration Program will allow scholars 

to become acquainted with Islam 

on a tour of the local Islamic Center. 

An MSA ecumenical service, organized 

by faculty and scholars, will be held 

Sunday, June 27. 

* Students interested in attending services 

should sign up at the Mark Twain 

Bulletin Board no later than Thursday 

of each week so that transportation may 

be arranged. 

+ If the weather is pleasant, students will 

be able to walk to these services, accompanied 

by a faculty member or RA. 

38 Calendar of Special Events 

Religious Services 39

THIS IS THE START of a new and 

exciting experience. 

As the days go by, you will 

become more familiar with life on the 

Academy campus, but right now you 

probably have a lot of questions. 

Perhaps the next few pages will 

help you settle in. 

First, let us introduce ourselves! 

Program Coordinator 

Alana Simpson coordinates the program. 

It is her job to organize the 

program so that it contributes to the 

academic and social purposes of the 

Academy. She will usually be running 

from one part of the campus to another, 

but she can always stop to visit with 

you and provide any assistance. Feel 

free to call on her at any time! 

Coordinators of Residential Life 

Jenn Sanders and Jenn Fisher are the 

coordinators of residential life for the 

Academy. It is their job to ensure that 

things run smoothly, especially in the 

residence halls. You will find them 

busy but very much interested in you 

and in the quality of your experience in 

the Academy. 

Resident Assistants 

Resident assistants are staff members 

specifically assigned to your house. 

Your RA will keep in touch with you 

and everyone else in your house. You 

will find the RAs to be informative 

and helpful. 

The RAs will be glad to help you 

find your way around as you begin 

your stay at the Academy. They will 

Residential Life 

help maintain the kind of atmosphere 

in the residence hall that will help you 

feel right at home. 

An important part of each RA’s 

job is to explain Academy rules and to 

maintain good order. If ever you have 

a problem, your resident assistant is 

the first staff person you should contact. 

You can be sure each RA will lis- 

2013 MSA Resident Assistants 

Resident Assistant 

Liz Brechbuler 

Frankie Bruning 

Kyle Buschkoetter 

Tina Casagrand 

Jesse Day 

Laura Geller 

Jordan Henson 

Kelly Johnson 

Abby Keel 

Peter LeGrand 

Kelsey McCracken 

Myra Milam 

Ryan Morrow 

McKenzie 

Pendergrass 

Sam Rayburn 

Steve Riesenberg 

Hannah Rogers 

Tim Tai 

Yajie Yu 

Room 

3130 Galena 

2320 Galena 

2400 Hawthorn 

4380 Galena 

1150 Hawthorn 

3440 Galena 

3400 Hawthorn 

2120 Galena 

4130 Galena 

2080 Hawthorn 

2290 Galena 

1180 Galena 

4400 Hawthorn 

3380 Galena 

4150 Hawthorn 

3080 Hawthorn 

1340 Galena 

2150 Hawthorn 

3150 Hawthorn 

Loss or Damage 

To prevent theft, keep 

the door locked, even if 

you are only planning to 

be out of your room for 

a short while. Report lost 

items (including room 

swipe cards) or damage of property 

to your RA. The key card is to be 

returned to either Jenn, your RA, or 

the staff member on duty at the front 

desk when you move out of the hall. 

You will be charged for each key card lost 

or not returned. 

Remember: Lock your door and 

keep your room key with you. Never 

leave unattended valuables in the bathroom 

or clothing in the laundry room. 

Personal belongings found in the bathten 

and will look out for 

your best interest. 

Welcome Home! 

The room you live in 

will be your home for 

three weeks. We know you 

will want to feel comfortable and will 

take care to keep things neat, clean, and 

in their place. 

On the day you check in and on 

the day you check out, a thorough 

inventory of the room will be taken. 

We want to be sure that everything in 

your room is clean and in good repair. 

You can help keep the room in good 

shape for the next occupant in some 

important ways. 

• Please do not use tape or stickers 

on the walls. 

• Please do not remove furniture 

from the room. 

• Please do not attempt to remove 

window screens. 

It’s important for you 

to know that if damage to 

your room occurs (beyond 

normal wear) or if items are 

missing when you check 

out, you could be charged 

for the full amount of the 

repair or replacement. 

Although safety reasons 

prevent cooking in residence hall 

rooms, you may bring snacks from the 

vending area. Please dispose of litter! 

Small amounts of food may be kept 

in closed containers. Refrigerators are 

not permitted. 

Please make your room orderly 

before breakfast each day, and certainly 

before morning class. 

By the way, for safety reasons, and to 

assure compliance with Academy rules, 

Don’t lose your room 

swipe card! A $20 fee 

will be charged to 

replace it. 

Your $8 deposit will 

be returned to you 

at the close of the 

Academy if there are 

no room damages to 

be covered. 

your room and its contents 

will be inspected by residential 

life personnel. 

Your House 

Each group of rooms 

is called a “house.” You 

will grow to know and appreciate the 

people who live in your house and will 

probably develop strong friendships 

with many of your housemates as the 

Academy progresses. 

As you probably know, living close 

together may produce “friction” from 

time to time. 

Everybody needs to be thoughtful 

and to respect each other. We all have 

physical and emotional rights that are 

very important. 

Privacy is important, too. Please 

play your radio or stereo at a low 

volume. After all, your roommate (or 

your neighbor) has a right to a reasonable 

atmosphere in which 

to study or sleep. 

40 Residential Life 

Residential Life 41

ooms, lounges, 

or recreation Front desk phone: 

rooms should 

be turned in to 

an RA or either 

Jenn. By the way, 

you may wish to 

keep valuables in the Academy safe, 

and you are strongly advised to give 

any cash to your RA for deposit in the 

Academy bank. 

The Academy is not responsible for 

any personal property loss of residents, 

regardless of reason, including damage 

caused by employees in the performance 

of their work. 

Facilities 

Take a few minutes to explore! You’ll 

find snack vending areas, laundry 

rooms, piano rooms, and additional 

lounges in the building. If you didn’t 

bring laundry supplies, these may 

be purchased from coin-operated 

machines. These areas will be offlimits 

after 10:30 p.m. No laundry load 

can be started after 9:00 p.m. 

Keeping in Touch 

Scholars who bring cell phones will 

be allowed to use them in their residence 

hall rooms only. In most cases, 

this will mean after the day’s activities 

are over and before “Lights Out!” 

Scholars who do not have cell phones 

will be able to make collect or creditcard 

calls from each residence hall. 

Your family should remember that 

you will be very busy during the days, 

and they should not worry if they cannot 

reach you throughout the day. In the 

event that they must get word to you, we 

suggest that they contact the front desk if 

you are not in your room. 

7:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m. — 882-2800 

11:30 p.m.–7:00 a.m. — 501-291-0162 

Mailing 

Address and 

Mail Delivery 

RAs will distribute 

mail every weekday 

night. Please 

be aware that no 

one else will be allowed to accept mail 

addressed to you. 

Your mailing address will be: 

(Your Name) 


Rm.____ Hawthorn or Galena Hall 



Getting the Word 

With as many things going on as 

there will be over the three weeks 

of the Academy, it would be sad to 

miss something you really would have 

enjoyed. A special effort will be made 

to keep the bulletin boards up to date. 

You would do well to check the bulletin 

boards each time you pass to make 

sure you’re in the know. In addition, 

special announcements will be made in 

a variety of ways. 

Many events will require you to sign 

up ahead of time. Sign-up sheets will 

be posted near the front desk of Mark 

Twain. 

Every night you will receive from 

your RA a schedule that outlines all the 

events of the following day, as well as a 

preview of selected events on the horizon, 

including those for which you will 

need to sign up in advance. We suggest 

you keep them in your Academy folder 

as souvenirs of our time together. 

Some Items of Interest 

The Cashier’s Office, located in the 

west end of the Jesse Hall basement, 

is available to you if you need to cash 

a check. Please bring your name tag 

with you. 

The University Book Store, 

located in the MU Student Center, 

is operated by the University of 

Missouri. It features: 

• Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., 

Monday–Friday 

• “TigerTech” 

• Mail facility (postage stamps) 

• Check cashing (varying hours) 

• Complete selection of personal 

items, clothing, books, gifts, and souvenirs 

• ATMs: East side exterior of 

Student Success Center, the basement 

Daily Schedule 

6:00–7:30 Optional (!!) jogging, aerobics, basketball 

6:30–7:30 Dressing and room cleaning 

7:15–8:40 Breakfast 

8:30–11:30 Academic Major (Monday–Saturday) 

or 

9:00–12:00 Academic Major (Monday–Saturday) 

11:30–12:55 Lunch 

1:10–1:30 Group meeting in Geology Auditorium 

1:40–2:40 Academic Minor (Monday–Friday) 

2:40–3:40 Personal & Social Dynamics 

(Monday–Friday) 

3:45–5:30 Recreation/intramurals, special interest 

groups, free time 

5:15–6:35 Dinner 

6:30–9:30 Speakers, concerts, dances, workshops 

9:30 Nightly snack 

10:30 Curfew: Scholars must be on their 

own floors or at their house meetings 

11:30 Lights out!! (Shades drawn!) 

of Jesse Hall, the University Bookstore 

(in the MU Student Center), and 

Pershing Hall 

Pershing Hall: 

• Hours: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. 

daily 

• Snack bar facilities 

• Meeting rooms 

• Computer lab 

Ellis Library, located on Lowry Mall 

• Hours: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m., 

Monday–Thursday; 7:30 a.m.–5:00 

p.m., Friday; 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., 

Saturday; 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Sunday 

• Computer lab for MSA (Room 

2-11 Agriculture — 

hours will be posted 

in residence halls) 

• Other computer 

labs will be available 

in Ellis, Pershing 

Hall, and Middlebush 

7, for use during your 

classes. 

Note: In order to 

assure use of any of the 

facilities on campus, 

you may be required to 

present your Missouri 

Scholars Academy 

name tag. It would be 

wise to keep it with you 

at all times! 

Daily Schedule 

Each day scholars 

will receive a schedule 

containing precise 

information for that 

day, as well as information 

on forthcoming 

events for which 

one must sign up in 

advance. 


Residential Life 43

ATTENDANCE is required for 

all academic sessions and at many 

afternoon and evening activities. 

Scholars who do not participate 

in scheduled activities must receive 

approval from the program coordinator 

or the coordinator of residential life. 

Special activities which are mandatory 

for all scholars will be announced 

well in advance of their scheduled times. 

Meals 

Three meals and a snack will be served 

each day. 

• Breakfast 7:15 a.m.–8:40 a.m. 

Saturdays: 7:30–8:50; 

Sundays: 8:00–9:20 

• Lunch 11:30 a.m.–12:55 p.m. 

• Dinner 5:15 p.m.–6:35 p.m. 

The staff have planned GREAT 

meals for the above hours. In addition, 

a snack will be provided every evening; 

the precise time will depend on the 

schedule of evening programs. 

You will need to wear your 

Academy name tag in order to be 

served. Special diets cannot be prepared, 

but the variety of foods offered 

enables most persons with dietary 

restrictions to select full and 

nutritious meals. A vegetarian 

option is offered at each meal. 

Unless information posted 

in the dining hall indicates 

otherwise, no food is to be 

taken from or brought into the 

dining room. Do not remove 

silverware, glassware, or dishes 

from the cafeteria. 

Come to meals properly 

attired. Sleeping attire, swimsuits, 

and bare feet are not 

allowed. If you are confined to 

bed due to an accident or ill- 

ness, a sick tray service is available. To 

receive this service, you must present a 

note of verification from the hall coordinator 

to the cafeteria manager. Ask 

your roommate or RA to deliver your 

note and to bring you your meal. 

What is the appropriate dress? 

The Missouri Scholars Academy maintains 

a quality learning environment 

for students. Dress cannot distract 

from the learning environment, and 

students should use good judgment in 

deciding what to wear. 

Other guidelines: 

• Every scholar is required to wear 

his/her academy name tag, prominently 

displayed on the upper torso, 

for the duration of the academy. 

Name tags may not be altered without 

the approval of residential life 

staff. 

• Shoes must be worn at all times 

when a scholar is away from his/her 

assigned floor in the residence hall. 

• Pajamas and/or sleepwear may not 

be worn anywhere other than the 

scholar’s assigned floor in the residence 

hall. 

• Gym clothing such as ripped-sleeve 

Prohibited clothing items include 

• all tops with a strap less than 2 inches wide, 

halter tops, tops with “spaghetti” straps 

and tube tops 

• athletic gear (when not engaging in athletics) 

including bike shorts, mesh shorts and 

ripped-sleeve shirts 

• clothing items with inappropriate or 

unhealthy language or logos 

• clothing items that do not constantly cover 

the midriff, back and undergarments 

shirts and running shorts 

may only be worn while 

engaging in planned athletic 

activities. 

• One-piece swimwear is 

encouraged. Modest twopiece 

swimsuits will be 

allowed. Speedos and other 

similarly tight male swimwear 

are prohibited. 

• The opening ceremony, 

teacher appreciation program, 

and closing convocation 

are semi-formal events 

requiring scholars to dress 

nicely. For males, buttonup 

shirts, ties, and slacks 

are encouraged, jackets are 

not required. For females, 

dresses, or skirts or nice 

trousers with blouses are 

recommended. 

Academy officials are 

aware that some activities may 

require temporary departures 

from some of the requirements 

listed here. Academy officials 

will have final authority in 

determining what constitutes 

appropriate dress. 

Items not specifically identified 

here may be considered 

unacceptable if they draw 

undue attention to any scholar 

or create a significant distraction. Any 

scholar wearing inappropriate dress will 

be required to modify his/her clothing 

immediately. 

The Missouri Scholars Academy is 

a model program that often hosts visitors 

from other states, the Department 

of Education, the General Assembly, 

and the press. Students should dress in 

a manner appropriate to their status as 

guests of the state of Missouri. 

A Note on Conduct 

Certain behavior is incompatible with the 

goals of the Academy. The following may 

result in immediate expulsion: 

• Willful vandalism (any person who 

destroys property of the University or 

of another scholar will be required to 

provide full compensation for the loss) 

• Possession of explosives (including fireworks) 

or weapons of any kind 

• Failure to attend Academy class sessions, 

or failure to act in a responsible 

manner in class 

• Willful and consistent misbehavior 

• Absence from the Academy without 

duly authorized permission 

• Possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco 

or controlled substances 

• Operation or riding as a passenger in 

any vehicle 

• Failure to comply with Academy rules or 

with requests made by Academy staff 

• Being off campus 

• High-speed contact sports 

Visitors 

Parents/family members and/or legal 

guardians may visit on Sunday, June 

23, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

A special program is planned between 

1:00 and 5:00 p.m. Visitors are not 

encouraged at other times of the 

Academy since time is limited and 

activities are planned for almost every 

minute. Scholars will not be permitted 

to spend the night off-campus or to 

have overnight guests. 


Residential Life 45

Leaving Campus 

Except for planned and supervised 

Academy events, students must remain 

on the University campus within the 

Academy during the full three weeks. 

The only exception to this rule will 

be for family visits on Sunday, June 

23. By the way, it is very important 

to remember to sign out when you 

are leaving Hawthorn/ 

Galena halls. Your RA 

will explain the procedure 

fully. Students will 

not be excused to attend 

conventions, conferences, 

camps, workshops, 

competitions, pageants 

or family vacations. 

Leaves of absence are 

not permitted except in emergency 

situations. Academy officials should 

be consulted as soon as possible if an 

emergency arises. 

Vehicles 

For your safety, and to assure that 

no unfortunate accident might occur, 

driving or riding as a passenger in an 

automobile, on a bicycle, a motorcycle, 

or other kind of vehicle without authorization 

is prohibited. Academy vans 

are to be driven by Academy faculty 

and staff only. 

Health and Safety 

If you become ill, medical facilities 

are available. Notify your instructor, 

RA, or hall coordinator, if at all possible, 

so that the staff is aware of the 

problem and can give you the help you 

might need. Our Academy medical 

consultants Jim Dent, Gab Johnson, 

and Kelsey Klostermeyer will be available 

each morning, 7:15–8:30 a.m., and 

each evening, 5:00–6:30 p.m. 

Cell phones are to be 

kept in your residence 

hall and are not to be 

brought to classes or 

Academy events 

In addition, medical care is available 

from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 

Monday–Friday at Student Health 

Services (check your map on P. 18 of 

this publication for the general location 

of the Student Health Center). 

Although Academy insurance may 

cover some health costs, it is likely that 

you and your family will be expected 

to bear special medical 

costs that are incurred. 

After hours, staff 

persons will assist you 

in getting aid at the 

University Clinic located 

in the hospital complex. 

In an 

EMERGENCY, call 

911 for immediate assistance 

and make every effort to notify 

an Academy staff person. 

If you are taking medication, your 

RA will keep your supplies safe for you. 

He or she will insure that they will be 

available at any time you need them. If 

you need allergy shots, be mindful of 

the Health Services hours or our medical 

staff member’s schedule. 

Keeping in Shape 

A full range of recreational facilities 

will be available to scholars. Sports 

activities will be noncompetitive 

and limited to non-contact sports. 

University insurance regulations preclude 

scholars from having access to 

any weight-lifting equipment or use of 

any campus weight-lifting facilities. 


encourages scholars to enjoy healthy 

physical activities and sports. We offer 

organized opportunities to play basketball, 

volleyball, jog, swim, and take 

advantage of the Student Recreation 

Complex. During free time, scholars 

may also play games on their own, but 

to preserve the safety of all members 

of our community, we will strictly 

enforce the following guidelines: 

• Tackling or punching is not allowed 

• Games that risk high-speed contact, 

either incidental or intentional, 

are prohibited (including Ultimate 

Frisbee, “touch” football, soccer, 

tag, “keep away” and kickball) 

• Games during which items are 

thrown at players are prohibited 

(including kickball and dodge ball) 

• Scholars may play catch with soft 

items approved by staff, such as 

frisbees, tennis balls, wiffle balls, or 

foam balls. Prohibited items include 

footballs, baseballs and bats (including 

wiffle ball bats) 

• Scholars must wear shoes during all 

activities 

We hope that in the spirit of these 

guidelines scholars will always practice 

caution and good sense. Any sport 

or activity deemed inappropriate or 

dangerous may be prohibited at the 

discretion of the staff. 

Free Time? 

Scholars will have some unscheduled 

time in late afternoons and evenings 

and on weekends. Numerous activities 

will be scheduled at these times; 

your attendance will be voluntary, but 

highly encouraged, in most cases. 

Preventing Accidents 

Accidents are often caused by fireworks, 

water fights, using electrical appliances, 

burning candles, or playing practical 

jokes. They inevitably result in injury to 

people or damage to property. 

Explosives, cooking equipment, 

and lighted candles are illegal in the 

residence halls. Remember that policies 

for use of the elevator have been 

designed to guarantee safety for all 

scholars, faculty, and staff. 

Always be careful and think about 

others around you. 

Fire Drill 

Fire alarms and extinguishing equipment 

are located on each floor and 

fire-safety instructions are posted on 

all bulletin boards. If you detect a fire, 

pull the fire alarm, call the fire department 

(911), and get out of the building. 

Use stair wells, not the elevator, in 

case of fire. 

If an alarm sounds, you and your 

roommate must leave your room with 

the shades raised, lights on, and the 

doors and windows closed and locked. 

Move promptly to your assigned place 

outside the residence hall. Remain for a 

roll call and notification of an “all clear.” 

Tampering with fire equipment or 

setting off a false alarm is a violation of 

state law and will result in disciplinary 

action. 

Tornado Drill 

If a tornado WATCH is declared, stay 

tuned to a local radio station (KBIA- 

FM 91.7, KFRU-AM 1400) to keep up 

with developments. 

If a tornado is sighted, a WARN- 

ING will be sounded as a steady siren 

blast of three to five minutes. 

If an alarm sounds, close your 

room windows and lower the shades 

to prevent possible injury due to flying 

glass. Immediately leave the room, 

closing and locking the door as you 

exit. Proceed to the ground floor 

area (through an internal stairwell) to 

which you have been assigned. Obey 

staff instructions. Remain until given 


Residential Life 47

the “all clear” signal. Roll call may be 

taken. 

Hall Security 

Hawthorn and Galena residence halls 

have security devices installed on doors 

and numerous windows. Do not tamper 

with security devices. Do not remove 

screens or block open any outside doors. 

Due to the possibility of fire or 

severe weather, appropriate drills will 

be conducted at unannounced times.* 

* Persons with disabilities will be given 

advance notice to avoid unnecessary difficulties. 

Technology Policy 

Scholars should not bring laptop or 

desktop computers, iPads/tablets, 

PDAs (Palm Pilot, Blackberry, etc.), 

DVD players, televisions, large stereos, 

or walkie-talkies. Scholars will 

have access to computers and other 

electronic equipment as a part of their 

Academy activities and should not 

bring these items with them. 

Disclaimer 

The officers of the Missouri Scholars Academy and the University of Missouri reserve 

the right to set other policies as required to insure the health, safety and well-being 

of Academy participants and to insure against loss, misuse or destruction of property. 

KEVIN HEISINGER MEMORIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD 

Announced each year at the closing ceremony, the Kevin Heisinger 

Memorial Community Service Award honors a scholar whose contributions to 

his or her house (in the judgement of RAs), to the Community Service Program 

of MSA (in the judgement of the Community Service Coordinator[s]), and to his 

or her home town or school (in an essay evaluated by MSA faculty), best exemplify 

the tradition and expectation of academic excellence and service to others. 

The award memorializes Kevin Heisinger (MSA ’92), whose life set a high standard 

in excellence and in service. 

Katherine Hufker, St. Louis 

(Awarded 2012) 

Tristan Laughlin, Independence 


Joe Hayden, Labadie 


Miguel Guzman, Kansas City 


Dylan Conn, Columbia 


Kripa Sreepapa, Springfield 


Stephanie Maddux, Bolivar 


Micah Manary, St. Louis 


Anik Patel, Jefferson City 


Joe Reardon, Liberty 


Stephen Barnowski, St. Louis 


Trevi Remirez, Florissant 


Missouri Scholars Academy Alumni 

Association Standing Ovation Awards 

Every year during the fall reunion, the Missouri Scholars Academy Alumni 

Association presents its “Standing Ovation” Awards to members of the Academy 

community who, by their accomplishments, exemplify the ideals of the Missouri 

Scholars Academy. Past recipients of these awards include: 

Faculty 

Justin Arft — Awarded 2007 (MSA ’94; 

faculty ’05–’12) 

Don Arni — Awarded 1997 (faculty ’87– 

’88, ’90–’09) 

Angela AuBuchon — Awarded 2011 

(MSA ’98, faculty ’09–’12) 

Mike Bancroft — Awarded 1988 

(faculty ’85–’91) 

David Buck — Awarded 2004 

(faculty ’01–’05; coordinator PSD 

’06–’07) 

Tom Byrnes — Awarded 1995 

(faculty ’92–’95) 

Marcia Chatelain — Awarded 2006 

(faculty ’03–’07) 

Continues on next page 


Standing Ovation Awards 

Residential Life 49

Frank Corley — Awarded 1996 

(faculty ’92–’98, ’06–’12; coordinator 

PSD ’00–’05) 

Karen Davis — Awarded 1992 

(faculty ’87–’90, ’92–’93 and ’95–’99) 

Keith Elmore — Awarded 1991 

(coord. PSD ’85, ’87, ’89–’96, ’98–’99) 

Nancy Fischer — Awarded 2001 

(faculty ’99–’09) 

Jeff Gall — Awarded 2006 

(faculty ’94–’96; coord. PSD ’97) 

Pat Garrett — Awarded 1999 

(RA ’95; faculty ’96–’02) 

Ed Grooms — Awarded 1988 

(faculty ’85–’86, ’88–’09) 

Suzette Heiman — Awarded 2005 

(faculty ’96–’09) 

Bill Heyde — Awarded 1988 

(faculty ’85–’99, ’01–’06) 

Lou Jobst — Awarded 1988 

(faculty ’85–’12) 

Vicki Jones — Awarded 1990 

(faculty ’88–’95, ’97–’98) 

Mike Kersulov — Awarded 2011 

(faculty ’09–’12) 

Nicholas Kirschman — Awarded 2002 

(faculty ’99–’06, ’08–’12) 

Bill Nelson — Awarded 1991 

(faculty ’85–’86) 

Bill Northrip — Awarded 1991 

(faculty ’86–’87, ’89–’91; deceased 1999) 

Mike O’Brien — Awarded 1999 

(faculty ’93–’00) 

Bill Palmer — Awarded 2007 

(faculty ’02, ’06–’10) 

Joan Potthast — Awarded 1998 

(faculty ’96–’11) 

Paul Rahmoeller — Awarded 1988 

(faculty ’85–’12) 

Roger Richardson — Awarded 1993 

(faculty ’90–’07; deceased 2012) 

Dexter Schraer — Awarded 1988 

(faculty ’85; program staff ’86–’87; PSD 

coord. ’88; coord., special and alumni 

events ’89–’99) 

Nancy Singer — Awarded 1997 

(faculty and yearbook ’90–’93, ’95–’00) 

Antwaun Smith — Awarded 2004 

(MSA ’91; comm. service staff ’99; faculty 

’03–’04; part time faculty ’07) 

Brian Stuhlman — Awarded 2007 

(MSA ’93; teacher’s apprentice ’00; part 

time faculty ’01; faculty ’02, ’07–’12) 

Ake Takahashi — Awarded 1992 

(faculty ’88–’12) 

Ericca Thornhill — Awarded 2005 

(MSA ’90; faculty ’02–’04, ’07, ’12; spec. 

asst. ’05–’06) 

Rick Vogt — Awarded 2000 

(MSA ’88; RA ’92, ’94–’95; coord. of technology 

’98–’01; faculty ’03, ’05, ’08) 

Ryan Wylie — Awarded 2011 

(faculty ’09–’11) 

Bill Young — Awarded 1991 

(faculty ’88–’89) 

Scholars 

Kyle Buschkoetter — Awarded 2010 (MSA 

’09) 

Ted Carnahan — Awarded 2004 (MSA ’99) 

Lucy Chang — Awarded 2003 (MSA ’03) 

Toby Gilk — Awarded 1992 (MSA ’85) 

Jeannie Bealer Harding — Awarded 1998 

(MSA ’86) 

Charles Hang — Awarded 2012 (MSA ’07) 

Leasa Kowalski — Awarded 1997 (MSA ’96) 

Kristin Moore — Awarded 1996 (MSA ’88) 

Sarah York Moore — Awarded 2000 

(MSA ’90) 

Tyler Perrachionne — Awarded 2001 

(MSA ’01) 

Paulina Pranschke — Awarded 1995 

(MSA ’91) 

Kim Fisher Redinger — Awarded 1993 

(MSA ’87) 

Allena Volskay — Awarded 1994 (MSA ’91) 

David Weber — Awarded 2009 (MSA ’06; 

RA ’10–’11) 

Ian Wille — Awarded 2006 (MSA ’05) 

Angela Wilson — Awarded 1990 (MSA ’88) 

Staff 

Silas Allard — Awarded 2005 

(MSA ’98; RA ’02–’03, ’05; Sr. RA ’06) 

Julia Alsobrook — Awarded 1988 

(RA ’85; hall coord. ’86; coord., 

residential life ’87–’99; asst. journalism 

and community service ’00; faculty ’04) 

Doug Anthony — Awarded 1988 

(RA ’85–’88, ’90; asst. instructor ’92; program 

coord. ’95) 

Tom Bander — Awarded 2005 

(MSA ’96; RA ’99–’00; development staff 

’04–’05) 

Robert Bartman — Awarded 2011 (DESE 

Commissioner of Elementary & Secondary 

Education ’88–’01) 

Laura Baty — Awarded 2006 (MSA ’98; RA 

’02; med. staff and comm. serv. ’04, ’06; 

med staff ’07) 

Jenelle Beavers — Awarded 2000 

(MSA ’95; RA ’98–’99; sr. RA ’00; coord. 

residential life ’01) 

Kate Blankmeyer — Awarded 2008 

(MSA ’03; RA ’07–’09) 

Rose Bricetti — Awarded 2007 

(MSA ’01; RA ’05–’07) 

Kayla Bronder — Awarded 2010 (MSA ’03; 

RA ’07–’08; comm. serv. and asst. res. life 

’09; and fac. ’10) 

Adam Campbell — Awarded 2005 

(MSA ’93; RA ’03; sr. RA ’04–’05; faculty 

’07, ’09, ’11) 

Alex Campbell — Awarded 2001 

(MSA ’93; office staff ’96; RA ’97, ’99; 

medical and science assistant ’01) 

Monica Cawvey — Awarded 1991 

(MSA ’87; office staff ’90–’91; RA ’92–’94; 

asst. instructor ’97; faculty ’98–’00; chief 

development officer ’05–’08) 

Sara Copeland — Awarded 2003 

(MSA ’93; RA ’00–’01) 

Tina Crayton — Awarded 1990 

(RA ’88–’89; Sr. RA ’90–’96, ’98; asst. 

coord. journalism ’99; coord. residential 

life ’00) 

Kristen Cunningham White — Awarded 

2007 (tech support ’02–’09) 

Jack Dykes — Awarded 1994 

(residential life custodial services, ’85–’94; 

deceased 2010) 

Leslie Eager — Awarded 2003 

(MSA ’97; RA ’01–’02; sr. RA ’03–’04; 

faculty ’05) 

Shannon Ferguson — Awarded 2005 

(MSA ’98; RA ’02–’04; sr. RA ’05–’06; 

coord. res. life ’07–’09) 

Jennifer Richards Fisher — Awarded 2010 

(MSA ’04; RA ’08–’09; sr. RA ’10; faculty 

’11; lead volunteer ’12) 

Jason Fletcher — Awarded 1994 

(MSA ’91; office staff ’94–’95) 

Vince Foley — Awarded 2009 

(Technology staff ’05–’06, ’08–’11) 

Jesse Garwood — Awarded 2012 

(RA ’09, ’11–’12) 

Ila Guthrie — Awarded 2002 

(dining hall staff ’85–’02) 

Margaret Hagenhoff — Awarded 2004 

(DESE administrative assistant ’01–’10) 

Greg Holliday — Awarded 2009 

(Medical staff ’03–’12) 

Mollie Hosmer-Dillard — Awarded 2006 

(MSA ’99; RA ’04–’05; part time ’06) 

Steve Ikpe, MD — Awarded 2009 

(MSA ’99; Medical staff ’07–’09) 

Nicholas Jain — Awarded 2012 

(MSA ’06; RA ’09, ’11–’12) 

Sarah Jenkins — Awarded 2007 

(MSA ’00; RA ’05–’07; coord. comm. 

service ’08) 

Jay Johnson — Awarded 2008 

(MSA ’03; office staff ’06; RA ’07–’08) 

Meredith Johnson — Awarded 2009 

(MSA ’05; Office staff ’07–’11) 

Continues on next page 


Residential Life 51

Staff (continued) 

Chris Joplin — Awarded 2006 

(MSA ’92; RA ’98–’99; med staff ’00) 

Heather Kirkpatrick — Awarded 1992 

(MSA ’85; RA ’89–’97; asst. coord., 

residential life & PSD ’98–’99) 

R.J. Koscielniak (Awarded 2008) 

(RA ’06–’08) 

Tonya Lane — Awarded 1992 

(MSA ’85; RA ’89–’92) 

Frances Logan — Awarded 1999 

(dining hall ’85–’99) 

Kyndal Marshall Riffie — Awarded 2008 

(MSA ’03; office staff ’06–’11) 

Dan Massey — Awarded 1996 

(MSA ’89; office staff ’93; computer specialist 

’94–’96; chief technology specialist ’96) 

Magda Mello — Awarded 2006 


Jim Meyer — Awarded 1998 

(MSA ’90; RA ’94–96, ’98; program 

coord. ’97, ’99–’00; exec. sec’y MSAAA 

’99–’01; faculty ’01–’12; coord. PSD 

’08–’12) 

Kim Moody — Awarded 1988 

(RA ’87; program coord. ’88–’92) 

Ryan Moore — Awarded 2002 

(MSA ’91; RA ’95–’97; asst. faculty and 

program staff ’00–’01; faculty ’02–’03) 

Hoa Ngo — Awarded 2000 

(RA ’97–’99, sr. RA ’00; coord. 

residential life ’01; asst. instructor ’03–’04) 

Steve Ornes — Awarded 2001 

(MSA ’90; RA ’95, ’97–’98; faculty and program 

staff ’01; faculty ’02–’05) 

Betty Prather — Awarded 1992 

(dining hall manager ’86–’94) 

Chad Prewett — Awarded 1995 

(MSA ’89; RA ’93–’96; faculty ’01–’02; 

exec. sec’y MSAAA ’02–’03; coord. residential 

life ’03) 

Karl Qualls — Awarded 1997 

(MSA ’87; RA ’91–’92; program coord. 

’93, ’94, ’96, ’98; faculty ’99–’00) 

Kenyon Railey — Awarded 2003 

(RA ’01–’02; medical staff, ’03) 

Bob Roach — Awarded 1988 

(co-director ’85–’92; deceased 2010) 

Eric Rogers — Awarded 2002 

(MSA ’90; RA ’94–’97) 

Mike Rozier — Awarded 2006 

(MSA ’97; RA ’01–’02; sr. RA ’03; faculty 

’08) 

Anna Rybolt — Awarded 1995 

(Quick Copy Service, ’85–’94; deceased 

1996) 

Jenn Sanders — Awarded 2010 (RA ’08–’09; 

coordinator, residential life ’10–’12) 

Carla Schlink — Awarded 1991 

(administrative associate ’87–’08) 

Stuart Shaw — Awarded 1994 

(RA ’89; asst. instructor ’90) 

Amy Smith — Awarded 2006 


Barry Still — Awarded 2011 (RA ’08–’09; 

sr. RA ’10; faculty ’11) 

Ted Tarkow — Awarded 1988 

(co-director ’85–’12) 

Manuel Tatayon — Awarded 1995 (MSA 

lead security officer ’85–’88 and ’90–’97) 

Travis Thornhill — Awarded 2004 

(MSA ’90; comp. staff ’02–’05; exec. secretary 

MSAAA ’04–’11) 

Marilyn Thudium — Awarded 2007 

(faculty “house mother” ’00–’08) 

Mike Todd — Awarded 2000 

(MSA ’94; office staff ’98–’00; faculty ’04) 

Kate Virostko — Awarded 2004 

(MSA ’92; RA ’00–’01; co-coord. residential 

life ’02; coord. residential life ’04–’05) 

Bryan Watson — Awarded 1991 

(MSA ’87; office staff ’90–’91; RA ’92–’93; 

sr. RA ’94; law workshop ’96) 

Mike Watson — Awarded 2007 

(tech support ’01–’11) 

David Welch — Awarded 2003 

(co-director ’93–’09) 

Staff (continued) 

Patty Wells — Awarded 1991 

(sr. secretary ’87–’94) 

Robin Wenneker — Awarded 1999 

(MSA ’85; office staff ’88) 

Andy White — Awarded 1993 

(MSA ’87; RA ’91; sr. RA ’92–’93; faculty 

’04–’05) 

Kevin Wolf — Awarded 1992 

(RA ’86; Sr. RA ’87–’89) 

Jerry Wright — Awarded 2002 

(Quick Copy Service ’95–’02) 

Chris Young — Awarded 2005 

(MSA ‘00; tech staff, office staff and photographer 

‘02–’05; prog. coord. ’06–’09) 


Residential Life 53

A Chance to Soar 

Words and music by the 1988 “Stylistic Signatures” class of the Missouri Scholars 

Academy (Lou Jobst, Instructor), under the direction of Mark Hayes, June 23–24, 1988 

Chartered on November 10, 1985, at the Sixth Annual State Conference on Gifted 

Education, the Missouri Scholars Academy Alumni Association accepts as its mission 

the following purposes: 

• to create an awareness of the Academy among parents, students, educators and the 

general public; 

• to encourage student, faculty and staff applications for future Academies; and 

• to provide an avenue of communication among MSA alumni and to organize and 

coordinate reunions of the alumni. 

These purposes promote the standards and traditions of the Academy itself, for the 

Academy is not simply a three-week encounter, but it can become an experience 

of a lifetime. In other words, the Alumni Association creates a network through 

which scholars, faculty and staff can coordinate their goals and dreams. It also 

provides substantial opportunities for pursuing new ideas and challenges. 

Your ideas are welcome! 

Reunions! • Spring Information Sessions! • Newsletters! • Advocacy! 

www.moscholars.org 

The Missouri Scholars Academy Development Fund allows friends 

and alumni to help preserve the quality of MSA alive for future 

generations of Missourians. 

Tax Deductible contributions should be sent to: 

MSA Development Fund 

Arts and Science Dean’s Office 

317 Lowry Hall 


Contributions are noted each year in the program of selected MSA events. 

54 55

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