Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

Page 18 text:

With a look of exertion, IVlissouri na- ve Joe Jobe strives to complete one more arm curl in the Academy ' s weightroom. Photo by Brandon Russell Rigorous Program Promises Prosperity Academy ' s formula for success builds students ' minds, bodies by Scott Vater On a hill east of Maryville a serene cluster of brick buildings sat overlooking the 102 River. To most, the place was known as the old Mount Alverno Convent, but to the seven students in the Academy University Scholarship Program during the fall semester, it was home. The convent had been vacant for several years until July 1988 when it was taken over by Penn- sylvania native David Hemmerling. While in Pennsylvania, Hemmerling had launched a project that allowed high school seniors through college juniors to apply for coUege school- ing absolutely free. After running smoothly for 19 years this pro- gram was discontinued due to lack of room for the 30 students and lack of funding to construct a larg- er facihty. Hemmerling then began searching for a different building in order to continue provid- ing educational opportunities for young people. His search brought him to the Mount. The structure appealed to him because of its proximi- ty to the University and the perfect living condi- tions it provided. The program provided everything from tuition to toothpaste, along with some extras like popcorn and movie passes. The only things students provid- ed for themselves were clothing, spending money and transportation to and from Maryville. Some might have said such a program was an easy education with no cost to the student — a statement that couldn ' t have been further from the truth. According to Hemmerling, students were required to be colossally hard workers. One look at the schedules of the Academy stu- dents was a definite indication of their will to work. Students at the Academy put in 17-and-a- half hour days, with a minimum of five hours study time outside the classroom per day. They rose at 6 a.m., dressed, showered and prepared breakfast by 6:45 and left for the University atlj 7:30. On weekends, six hours of study were re quired during the two-day period. Besides school, each student participated in ai( rigorous physical fitness program and had the op- portunity to learn to play a musical instrument. All members also held jobs at the Academy, and in their spare time were encouraged to performij eight hours of community service per week. It was only as demanding as you made it, buti if you used the Academy ' s recipe, success wouldj be inevitable, Travis Collins said. The overall goal of the Academy was to strive for physical fitness and academic excellence. Inl the past, 90 percent of Hemmerling ' s Academy students had graduated with high honors and 98 percent were on the Dean ' s Ust. We were trying to cause our students to cre- ate noticeable resumes, Hemmerling said. Although the Academy began with only a few students, the halls of the old convent were full of sound again. With hopes for 160 students by 1993, the once idle structure was to be busier than it had ever been. When the Academy University Scholarship Pro- gram moved to Missouri it filled the brick build- ings with the hopes and dreams of youth, and thanks to David Hemmerling, those dreams were possible. 14 The Academy

Page 17 text:

Mike Dunlap, Debby Kerr and Jennifer Siy bask in the afterglow following the graduation ceremony. Co- authors Dunlap and Kerr were fifth-year seniors. Photo by Sarah Frerking :ime well spent and I can only echo her regard for the people that make up the University. —Mike After all the waiting, it ' s time to go across the itage. Leading the line is the scary part. —Debby Well, we finally made it. Going across the stage A ' as almost anti-climactic. Sitting among all the graduates, it ' s easy to get introspective and really eel what it ' s like to graduate. When you go across, , ' ou ' re too busy trying not to trip. —Mike Now that I have my diploma I want to get out ■ this hot gym. This hat is driving me crazy. As :oon as we switch our tassles, I ' m taking it off. My 5ad got everything on video, of course. —Debby It is getting hot and nasty in here— just like last ' ear, and every other year My tassle kept catch- ng on my ear until we turned them, and the hu- nidity is making my hair curl up around my fun- y hat. How attractive. —Mike Five years of education and I ' m finally done. I ion ' t feel any smarter Oh well, I ' ll worry about hat later Right now I need some lunch. —Debby Calling to the crowd, Dean of Students Phil Hayes or- ganizes bachelor ' s, master ' s and specialist ' s degree can- didates for the march into Lamkin Gymnasium. Photo by Cara Moore Graduation 13

Page 19 text:

Academy members Mark Schwartz. Travis Collins, Stan Chorzepa and Debbie Wheatley await their ride to the University. Their tu- ition was paid under Da id I Hemmerling ' s program. t ' hoto by Don Carrick Originally built as a con- vent and Catholic school for the sisters of St. Fran- cis. Mount Alverno now houses students of the Academy University Schol- arship program. Photo by Don Carrick ' tJtcev? -4 The Academy 15 n