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

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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

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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

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Bell Tower, Spanish Den receive face- lifts; bridge removed by Scott Vater Many students changed during the sum- mer, whether it was a great tan, a new hair- style or adding a few pounds here and there. Unfortunately not everything improves with the passing of time and some parts of campus had be- gun to show their age. Along with some road resurfacing came the renovation of the Spanish Den, restoration of the Memorial Bell Tower and removal of the old railroad bridge. The new look for the Spanish Den was created by Fixture World from Tennessee. The entire renovation cost $65,000 and took place in less than five days. This was the first major change in the den ' s decor in eight years, and many students were pleased with the results. The atmosphere seemed friendlier, more like a nightclub than a cafeteria, Mike Brinker said. Along with den improvements, the Memorial Bell Tower received some attention over the sum- mer. The University made the decision to sand- blast and resurface the Bell Tower in May, but work was delayed due to scheduling problems with construction workers. The restoration project was undertaken mainly out of concern about falling debris. The 18-year- old tower had slowly begun to deteriorate, result- ing in cracks and flaking. The $24,550 process included sandblasting, seal- ing and an application of external sealer to th 100-foot tower. Student reactions to the woi were mixed. They did a good job, but it seemed strange have them working during morning and afternoo classes, Janette Carroll said. I had to wai across campus and the dust was bad for me be cause I wore contacts. Another change was the removal of the old rai road bridge tha t allowed exit from campus ont North College Drive. The bridge, formerly owne by Norfolk and Western Railroads of St. Louis, ha been closed to vehicle traffic for two and a ha years. After acquisition from the railroad company, tl bridge renovation became a group project share by Maryville, Nodaway County, Polk Townshi and the University. Sewer lines and other repairs, which were ta geted for completion in October, delayed constru tion of the asphalt bridge and walkway. After all the time, energy and money invests in these projects, it was safe to say that all tl changes were for the better. Although it was sad to lose the odd old bridg the convenience of the new bridge, moderruzatic of the Den and restoration of the Tower were e forts well spent in the preservation of campu; 16 Summer Renovations