s a publication for alumni and friends - University of Central Missouri

Now Is a Very Exciting Time for CMSU
What an exciting time to be
a part of Central Missouri State
University and its future!
President Aaron Podolefsky,
who was inaugurated Oct. 22,
is focused on the tasks ahead
to chart a course of excellence
for our great university. He has
articulated his vision to be a
world-class university that offers
a small-college environment
while providing large-university
opportunities.
This vision is right on track,
reflecting a collective statement of
where we’ve been and where we
aspire to be.
This university serves many
stakeholders and serves them
well. The future looks bright
indeed. As alumni and friends,
you play a vital role in achieving
this vision.
Through my travels this year
attending various alumni events,
I have met many individuals from
all professions and backgrounds.
I have asked the question time
and time again, “How are you
connected to the university and how
can we help make that connection
stronger?” The answers are as wide
Marberry (continued from page 20)
The punishment is that they are
separated from their families
and loved ones. It’s not my goal
to make every day of their life
miserable.”
Marberry said she’s a big
believer in prison programs. Many
of the programs at FCI Milan
center around inmate education.
Milan high school teachers
come into the prison community
so inmates can earn a high
school diploma or GED. Inmates
also can take part in vocational
training programs to develop the
skills they will need to succeed
when they are released.
However, it’s prevention that
keeps people out of prison in the
first place, Marberry noted.
“I think education creates
opportunity,” she said. “If we
invest and prepare for education
on the front end, then we
probably can avoid a lot of
this on the back end, meaning
incarceration.”
Chris Small, Board of Directors president
and varied as the individuals
themselves. However, one theme
is played out over and over again.
The vision, focus and direction of
our university matter. They give
us our deep sense of loyalty and
pride to the “red and black.”
This has been a busy year for
your association. Serving more
than 80,000 alumni, we are
designing new ways to recognize
Marberry said that at the
Milan facility, inmates are
offered opportunities to improve
themselves beyond academics.
Drug dependency programs,
faith-based organizations and
mentoring help to establish what
Marberry calls a “support system”
for returning to society.
Marberry was an active student
during her time at CMSU. A
member of Delta Sigma Theta
sorority and the Association of
Black Collegians, she participated
in many community projects.
One of the most memorable
experiences she had as a student
was visiting the federal prison
in Leavenworth, KS. She said
meeting the inmates and staff
really prepared her for a career in
the prison system.
Experiences like the ones she
had at CMSU shaped Marberry
into the professional she is today.
She said the demands placed
on prison officials are greater than
you in your workplaces and
communities; rethinking the old
chapter structures of the past; and
exploring more effective ways to
provide you with benefits such as
insurance options, and rental car
and travel discounts.
In this, my last column, I want
to thank all those alumni and
friends with whom I have had
a chance to “connect” over the
past year. It has been an honor
to serve as your ambassador for
all alumni around the state, the
region and the world.
My theme this year has been
about the many ways each of
us can “connect” with our great
university. The staff in the alumni
and development office stands
ready to serve you, and, by the
way, are great at what they do to
enhance those connections.
As always, we want to hear
about you and your endeavors.
On behalf of the entire Alumni
Board of Directors, we wish you
and yours the warmest of holiday
seasons and a happy new year.
Go Mules and Jennies!
that of other aspects in criminal
justice. Marberry said she’s tried to
surpass all expectations by leading
by example.
“We’re held to a higher
standard in the law enforcement
field,” said Marberry. “We expect
integrity and professionalism
from our employees and I try to
exemplify that.”
Marberry looks forward to
being promoted in the near future
to higher security prisons, adding
that the Federal Bureau of Prisons
promotes and transfers officials
frequently. In fact, she has been
“promoted” six times.
Marberry said she still keeps
in contact with some of her
CMSU friends and said she has
an excellent support base in her
church and community.
— Michael Bradshaw ’05
alumni today
Alumni Needed for
Mule Lead Teams
Alumni volunteers are
being recruited by the Alumni
Association to serve on new
Mule Lead Teams. Members
in designated geographic
areas will help plan and
contact alumni to attend
area events and activities.
They will provide feedback
about alumni activities
and communication. The
first Mule Lead teams will
be organized in the Kansas
City, St. Louis and Johnson
County, MO, areas.
To volunteer for a team,
contact Jenne Vanderbout,
assistant director of alumni
relations, at 660-543-8000 or
alumni@cmsu.edu.
Legacy Scholarship
Open to Grandchildren
Grandchildren of
alumni are now eligible
to apply for the Legacy
Scholarship, by vote of the
Alumni Association Board
of Directors in November.
The scholarship had been
available only for children
or stepchildren of alumni.
March 1, 2006, is the
deadline to apply. Complete
criteria and application forms
are online at www.cmsu.edu/
foundscholarships.
Alumni Board
Election Results
Becky Klein, Margaret
Herron and Steve Harmon
have been elected to threeyear
terms on the Alumni
Association Board of
Directors. Keith Hendrix was
elected to a one-year term.
“This election had one of
the largest voter counts in
association history,” said
Jenne Vanderbout, assistant
director of alumni relations.
“It was the first time that we
sent out a request by email to
ask alumni to vote. It was so
effective that we plan to use
email more in the future.”
winter 2005
central today
page 21