Thursday, December 9, 2010

Former Olympian to Lead Wildcat Volleyball Program
Caren Kemner, a three-time member of the United States Olympic volleyball team, has been named Culver-Stockton College's seventh volleyball coach as announced by athletic director Greg McVey on December 7. "I am excited to have such a tremendous human being joining our coaching staff," said McVey in announcing Kemner's appointment. "Her athletic accomplishments, though significant, pale in comparison to her personal character and the passion she brings for teaching the game of life through the sport of volleyball." Kemner replaces Rich Meyer, who announced his resignation in November after serving as the program's leader for five years. "I am thrilled at the opportunity to take over the volleyball program at Culver-Stockton," said Kemner. “I am very confident and excited to work with and teach the game of volleyball to the young ladies on the Wildcat volleyball team."  A six-time recipient of the United States Female Volleyball Athlete of the Year Award, Kemner coached the previous two years at her alma mater, Quincy (Ill.) Notre Dame High School, where she helped the Lady Raiders to a 43-27 overall record, including a 24-10 mark and regional championship this past season. For her efforts, she was named the Quincy Herald-Whig's Coach of the Year. "We are extremely pleased that Caren has agreed to lead the Wildcat volleyball program," said C-SC President Richard Valentine. "Her passion for and her achievements in the sport of volleyball are unmatched by anyone and we believe our student-athletes will benefit from that experience."  Once considered the best in the world at her sport, Kemner played in the 1988 Olympics, helped her team win a bronze medal in the 1990 world championships, was tabbed as the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) most valuable player in 1991, was the most outstanding player at the 1991 World Cup, and was named to the “all-spectacular” team after the United States won the bronze medal at the 1992 Olympics. She also played for Team USA at the 1996 Olympics. In addition to her USA national team achievements, Kemner played professionally in Japan, Italy and Brazil. She also played two seasons at the University of Arizona where she was named to the All-America second team and the Pac-10 all-conference first team her sophomore season. In high school, Kemner helped Quincy Notre Dame win a state championship and finish in third place during her four seasons. She was a three-time All-America and All-State selection, and was listed on the Volleyball Monthly Fab 50 roster in 1983. She was furthered honored as a member of the 1990 All-Time Fab 50 elite. She is a member of the University of Arizona and Quincy Notre Dame’s Athletic Halls of Fame. Photo is courtesy of Quincy Harold-Whig

C-SC students organize Toys for Tots collection drive
Students at Culver-Stockton College are embracing the spirit of the holiday season by organizing a collection drive to benefit Toys for Tots. The C-SC chapter of Theta Alpha Phi will collect toys now through Dec. 16. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the collection site set up inside the Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center on the campus of Culver-Stockton College. The toy drive is an annual event for Theta Alpha Phi; however, this is the first year the group has invited the entire campus and community to give. “The goal of this drive is to collect as many toys as possible, so we can make an impact and give hope to the less fortunate in the Northeastern Missouri area,” explains Jennifer Smith, Theta Alpha Phi philanthropy chair and senior religion major from McLeansboro, Ill. The Toys for Tots program is a nationally recognized charitable endeavor, which began in 1942. During the past 62 years, Toys for Tots has donated more than 400 million toys to 188 million needy children.

C-SC IMA students and faculty attend National Student Leadership Conference
Members of the Culver-Stockton IMA Student Chapter attended the National Student Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., on November 4-6. Student Chapter President Amanda Bienhoff and Treasurer Kelsey Camp attended the conference along with Accounting Professors Dr. Dell Ann Janney and Julie Straus. Janney presented a session titled “Growing and Motivating Your Student Chapter.” In addition, Michael Sammis, CFO of Universal Music Publishing presented a session on “The Changing Tune of Music Publishing.” Michale Spindler, Executive Director of Litigation for Capstone Advisory Group presented a session titled “Still Crazy After All These Years: The Persistence of Fraud Post-Enron.” Ray Scalice, Vice President of Pixel Magic, presented “Lights! Camera! Accountants?” and provided students with information about potential finance and accounting careers in the entertainment industry. 

C-SC professor presents at international conference
Dr. Dell Ann Janney presented at the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) International Conference in Zurich, Switzerland. The IACBE International Conference is held every other year to gather the IACBE community to share best practices and provide opportunities for professional development. The conference was held Oct. 15 and 16, 2010 at the European Business School in Zurich. Janney presented a session titled “Innovations in Curriculum: EXP@CSC” and discussed the impetus for change in the curriculum. Janney explained the process undertaken for implementing rapid change within an academic setting. The presentation also included discussion of Culver-Stockton’s 12/3 academic calendar and the unique opportunities that it provides students. The Culver-Stockton College Business Program is accredited by the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The IACBE is the premier professional accrediting body for business schools with an emphasis on student-centered learning. The purpose of the IACBE is to advance the academic quality of business education throughout the world.