Webster University: Alumni Stories

Brief snapshots of Webster events, donors, alumni, and students.

The Class of '59, photographed at the Golden Circle Luncheon in October 2009

Golden Girls

Webster College's graduating class of 1959 has always had a spark of ... attitude. At the class's 40^th reunion in 1999, members signed a letter urging the University to complete Sister Mary Mangan’s written history of Webster. The project is now back on track, thanks to their intervention.

Shortly after that reunion, the class established an endowed scholarship—the first and only class-sponsored endowed fund at Webster. Since the inaugural award in 2001, Class of '59 scholarships have supported eight women in the College of Arts & Sciences. Then came the September 2008 financial crash, which eroded earnings from investment accounts around the world – including the class scholarship fund. University policy preserves endowed funds by spending a percentage of earnings only. When the fund balance drops, there may be insufficient funds available for an award. In spring 2009, the Fund Balance Report contained stark news: There would be no Class of '59 scholarship this year.

Class leaders Martha Armes and Clare Heyne rallied their classmates: "This year more than ever," they wrote, "because of the hardships brought about by the current economic crisis, the Class of '59 Scholarship must be awarded to a qualified recipient because the alternative of no recipient for one or two years is unacceptable." If the class raised $1,500 by mid-August, a scholarship could be awarded to the ninth Class of '59 scholar.

On a golden day in early October, the class celebrated its 50^th reunion. Nineteen class members attended Webster's Golden Circle luncheon, where they laughed at old photographs and reminisced about campus days. Then president Beth Stroble presented each member with a gold circle pin as the class was inducted into Webster's Golden Circle.

And oh, yes, there is a ninth Class of '59 scholar. Was there ever any doubt?

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Dr. Sarita Cargas teaches an English class in northern Thailand.

Strengthening Webster's Ties to Thailand

In mid-June Dr. Sarita Cargas, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, traveled to Thailand to visit Webster's campuses and discuss the Global MA in International Relations program, which she oversees. While there, Dr. Cargas traveled to a non-governmental organization in northern Thailand: a Ba'hai-run institute providing secondary education to young people from the region's hill tribes. It wasn't easy to find, but at the end of a journey involving a plane and a three-hour drive in a pick-up truck, Dr. Cargas found a cheerful, self-sufficient hostel where students live while attending school.

"I arrived early one evening when the students were preparing dinner," Cargas said. "A 12-year-old boy was outside, stirring a pot over an open flame."

The institute houses and educates 52 students, many from refugee families. Operating costs are low—approximately $10,000 per year.

The institute director, Jayabalan Krishnan, is eager to expose students to native English speakers. Proficiency in English will improve their chances for future success in a country that derives much of its wealth from tourism. Dr. Cargas believes Webster students could teach English at the school as part of the field work requirement for a degree in International Human Rights. "Webster already has infrastructure in Thailand, with a graduate campus in Bangkok and an undergraduate campus in Cha-am." She added, "Still, it will take time to work out the details, because the remote location would not allow our students access to classes while volunteering."

Nevertheless, the institute will be getting help from Webster within months—two students have enlisted to teach English there during the December break. "I'm thrilled that this is all moving so quickly," Cargas said. "There's a real need in Thailand, and Webster is in a perfect position to help fill it."
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  "A year ago, I couldn't locate Thailand on a map."
  ~ Cassandra Siebert, 09-10 recipient of the Sister Mary Mangan Endowed Scholarship.
I made a very last-minute decision in the spring of 2008 to come to Webster for its unique Human Rights program. This fall I will begin my second year as an International Relations/International Human Rights double major. I've had opportunities here to meet a variety of people working in various humanitarian aid causes, and I don't believe I could have learned as much as I have from people like Kathy Eldon, Ishmael Beah, and Fr. Roy Bourgeios if I'd gone to a school where classes were held in lecture halls. Two of my favorite things about Webster are the small sizes of all its classes and having been able to personally learn from every professor I've had.

One year ago, I couldn't locate Thailand on a map and didn't have a clue about the world outside the U.S. My first day of Thai Language class changed everything! I firmly believe that if it hadn't been for Webster University's strong international conscience, and its politically aware and motivated environment, I wouldn't be headed in the direction I am today.

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Lighting the Flame:
Celebrating Scholarships at Webster

Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. -Dr. Albert Schweitzer

The Board of Trustees hosted Webster University’s annual Scholarship Dinner on Monday, April 20th. The event is the traditional occasion for scholarship donors and student scholarship recipients to meet and share stories. Attendance set a record as more than 220 donors, scholars, and staff filled Grant Gymnasium.

Markus Trice, co-founder of Chicago real estate investment bank Presidio Partners, was the featured speaker. Trice received a BA in English Literature from Webster in 1975, and in 2007 he made a leadership gift to establish an endowed scholarship in honor of former professor Dr. Reta Madsen. Trice noted that he could not have attended Webster without scholarship support, and encouraged students to continue the legacy that they had inherited.

Students play a prominent role in the Scholarship Dinner. Lighting Design student Nathan Scheuer transformed the gym into a more elegant venue. Four scholarship recipients played in a jazz ensemble during the reception, and three others performed songs from the Conservatory production of Cabaret. Senior Advertising major Christy Hummel spoke of the importance of scholarship support to her, as the first person in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Finally, Media Communications major Matthew Williams shared his personal story, reminding the audience, “I am not just a name on a check. I am real."

President Neil George summed up the evening, saying, “The great Irish poet and dramatist, William Butler Yeats, once said, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ Every day we thank you for the many Webster lights that continue to burn in your name."