Missouri Western State University - Griffon Yearbook (St Joseph, MO)

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Yesterdays pursuit . . tomorrow? reality Missouri Western stepped into the beginning of a new era in the fall of 1979. Behind her were the struggles of college and state officials and St. lo- seph citizens to build a four year col- lege. The future held the challenges of strengthening the college's academic program and quality education. City residents saw the birth of a 744- acre campus and the death of a junior college. Gone were the 1960's when MWSC was more of a dream than a reality. Ahead was the beginning of a new decade. MWSC has progressed in many di- rections: nine major buildings, a phys- ical plant, increased enrollment and quality education. The completion of the Spratt Memo- rial Stadium became a reality as the complex, which was long waited for, hosted the Griffon's football games. Commencement exercises were held in the stadium as was the Up With Peo- ple concert held in September. The new addition to the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building is neared completion. It will house additional classrooms, recreational and instructional labs as well as a second gym. But MWSC has seen several signifi- cant changes since its beginning in 1969. The enrollment has more than tripled. Last fall MWSC had an all-time enrollment high of 3,700 students. En- rollment for the spring semester was 3,500. MWSC was one of three schools in the state of Missouri to in- crease in student credit hour produc- tion. The strive for educational quality has also become a reality. Forty percent of the college faculty have completed their doctorates. This kind of dedica- tion has helped MWSC develop the competitiveness it needs with other schools. ln the fall of 1979, students were given the option of obtaining a bache- lor of arts degree in English with an emphasis in communications. The fac- ulty had felt a need for this kind of em- phasis for those interested in journalism and public relations. A baccalaureate program in music was offered to those students who were interested in music but not in teaching it. This included professional and concert performances on a college level. But perhaps the best measurement for progress is through the success of the alumni. Of those registered with the placement center, 877, obtained employment. Business, technology and computer majors were offered the highest salaries ranging from 510,500- 518,420 Receiving a college degree is each student's ultimate goal. But it is those smaller successes which lead to progress-self-development and aca- demic growth. The 1980's is a beginning and a con- tinuation of planning and development towards a higher education. -SHERYL DUFFY A Students spend money fleftj on pinball machines as a break from academics. Mary Ann Weidmaier fabovej studies intently on i'Hamlet for one of her classes. Opening!5

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llWelcome to Western State University, home of the mighty Griffons, champions of the Big 18. As your tram car stops, please step off and walk to the correct line for registra- tion processingf' blares the speaker above head. lt's some time in the twenty-first century. President M.O. Looney has been replaced by none other than his grand- daughter Rachel. Spratt Memorial Stadium, with recent ren- ovation, now seats a crowded 50,000 spectators. The work and toil of yesterday has paid off. That work and toil of 'lyesterday is the work and toil of today. Yesterday's pursuits-today's pursuits-will become tomorrow's realities. A study authorized by the Board of Regents was complet- ed by the Midwest Research Institute of Kansas City, which foretells a possible route for the college to take. The study determined that the college should taken an ac- tive role in seeking graduate programs not currently offered in the area. It was also determined that enrollment was up nearly 5.6 percent, which exceeds national and state trends for four-year institutions. The results were opposite of those determined by the Coordinating Board of Higher Education in 1979. With the growth of the college, the computer department has developed a five-year plan to study computer needs and evaluate annually, in hopes that new equipment may be pur- chased to keep up with the need. In 1978-79, Looney alluded to a goal of five thousand stu- dents in five years. Perhaps optimistic, the goal is attainable. Past projects to increase enrollment have concentrated on the sports program. But at Prexy Club the first semester, Loo- ney announced a shift in concentration on academic excel- lence and needed construction. The future looks bright for the college as it moves into its second decade rather aggressively. Maybe the state legisla- ture will come to realize that what is needed is a viable city university with freedom to grow. The basis for which has al- ready been established. -MIKE HOFFMAN 5 An artist's conception of the college center tabovej includes a planned bowl- ing alley-recreation complex. The east entrance to the H.P.E.R. addition fleftl leads into the new gymnasium, classrooms and indoor racquet courts sched- uled to be completed in Spring 1981, The campus map tfar leftl shows present and planned facilities. Openingf7