Post Parade

Fort Hays State University English Department

FFallll 2013

Post Parade, Fall 2013

EDITORS---Front row: Rachel Rayner, Bryan Baxter

Center row: Denton Radiel, Kimberly Voeller, Melissa Sander, Leah Shriwise
Back row: Taylor Deutscher, Anna Voss, Eric Bader, Megan Adams, Dr. Cheryl Duffy, Nanette Brown,
Stephanie Mason, Derrick Snodgrass
This 2013 issue of Post Parade marks my third (nonconsecutive)
year of supervising students in ENG 385 Professional Editing as
they brainstorm article ideas, conduct research and interviews,
write and rewrite articles, track down photos and select fonts.
They also must edit for AP style. (Like that Oxford comma I omitted before the and in that first sentenceit just kills us academic
English types to omit it!) I owe the success of this issue to the
twelve students in my class serving as contributing editors and
copy editors, to Michelle Webb (guest writer from last years Freelance Magazine Writing class) and to Eric Bader, the English major
serving as our design editor.
Cheryl Hofstetter Duffy
Managing Editor

Post Parade Staff 2013

Photo credits

Managing Editor
Cheryl Hofstetter Duffy
Department of English
Fort Hays
State University

Cover: Eric Bader

p2: Yonggang Lu
p4: Eric Bader
p5: Nanette Brown
p6: Bryan Baxter
p9: Taylor Deutscher
p10: Lexey Bartlett
p14: Erik Schmeller
p15: Megan Adams

Design Editor
Eric Bader

Cover: Dr. Pam Shaffer enjoys light reading in her retirement.

Post Parade
Fall 2013
Post Parade is an annual publica on of the English Department of Fort Hays State University.
Copyright 2013 by Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS 67601
www.fhsu.edu

Fort Hays State University is a thriving liberal and applied arts, state-assisted ins tu on with an
enrollment of about 8,000 students. It oers bachelors and masters degrees in many fields and
provides a wide variety of cultural and intellectual resources, not only for its faculty, sta, and
students but for the western Kansas region and beyond. Fort Hays State occupies the southwest
corner of Hays, Kansas, a city of about 20,000 people located halfway between Kansas City and
Denver on Interstate 70. The city and its people make their livings from across a wide spectrum of
industriesagriculture, educa on, light manufacturing, medical care, oil, retail, and technology.

Goss, Newton families give

back to English Department
Leah Shriwise

Readers Digest Writing Workshops.

will enhance the departments writing

Educated in piano, organ and clarinet,

concentration. Writing concentration

Patty had thirty years of teaching

majors will benefit from the integration

Hays State University is bursting with

experience in public schools before

of new online media. By offering an

students, newcomers and veterans.

retiring. Her ongoing achievements

expanded curriculum in writing, the

Many of these students are able

earned her a title as an Outstanding

FHSU English Department can better

to reap the benefits of being an

Young Woman of America. She was

prepare students for professional

English major or minor only due to

also named Arizona Music Teacher

careers in a competitive field.

scholarships. Luckily, the department

of the Year in 1989 by the Arizona

has been fortunate to receive

Music Educators Association. Patty

in 1982 with a business degree.

generous funds for both scholarships

still serves as a church organist, as

She and her family now divide their

and an endowed professorship from

well as a pianist for the Prescott POPS

time between Connecticut and New

recent donors: Ray and Patty Newton,

Symphony Orchestra.

York. My business degree has in

The English Department at Fort

and Mike and Becky Goss.

The Newtons show gratitude for

Becky Goss graduated from FHSU

an indirect way benefited me, but

the education and experiences gained

a liberal arts education would have

Ariz., have shared their appreciation

from attending FHSU. As weve grown

been more suitable to my interests,

for their alma mater in the form of an

older, weve gained perspective and

Becky notes. Why choose the

annual scholarship. Regarding their

understanding of the quality, the

FHSU English Department as the

time spent at FHSU, the Newtons say,

intensity and the value of the all-

recipient of the Gosss gift? Becky

We believe the university was largely

embracing academic program provided

responds, I believe in a strong

responsible for many of the successes

by FHSU. Weve been affiliated in one

education in any of the liberal arts,

we have had in our respective

way or another with higher education

but especially English, as it is an

careers. While Ray graduated in

institutions during most of our

excellent foundation for success in

57 with an English degree, Patty

professional lives. Were proud to say

almost any profession of choice. The

graduated in 58 with a music degree;

we have degrees from Fort Hays.

Goss Endowed Professorship makes

Ray and Patty Newton of Prescott,

Becky and Mike Goss decided

sense because, as Becky explains,

alternates between the English and

their donation would best serve the

We value the importance of a good

Music Departments.

English Department in the form of a

teacher and wanted to support that

professorship. The Goss Endowed

versus an individual who is only a good

writing, reporting and editing. He

Professorship fund has allowed the

researcher or author.

has written hundreds of articles

department to hire a new faculty

The Fort Hays State University

and feature stories through various

member with a specialty in digital

English Department is grateful beyond

newspaper, magazine and television

writing. Dr. Carol Poster comes to

words for the generosity displayed by

venues. He has also contributed

FHSU from York University in Toronto,

the Goss and Newton families. A more

to both popular and professional

where she taught professional writing.

enriching educational experience will

publications, several textbooks and

She has published over 400 digital

be what students can look forward to,

academic journals. He also served as

articles and has widespread editorial

thanks to the donations made by these

the national coordinator-director for the

experience. This newly created position

accomplished alumni.

therefore, the Newton scholarship

Ray has an intense passion for

Is rest in Dr. Shaffers

retirement plans?
pointed to the gift hanging on her wall.

es that have taken place while Dr.

Another memory Dr. Shaffer recalled is

Shaffer has worked at FHSU; however,

the time she spent directing the writing

her relationship with faculty, students

center. Tutors are an inspiration, she

and alumni has not changed. Dr. Shaf-

said. The smile on her face indicated

fer wants faculty to know that their

that she will carry those affectionate

relationship with students is what is

memories into retirement.

important. She wants students to

Does the word retirement mean

rest? For Dr. Shaffer, rest is not in

to everything we do, and finally, she

her vocabulary. As a smile lit up her

wants the alumni to remember the

face, she described the first item on

English Department. Even as FHSU

her agenda, which will be to visit her

moves forward, the lasting memories

children and grandchildren in St. Louis

that Dr. Pam Shaffer left on the English

and Phoenix. Of course, family is not

Department will live on in the students

face in the English Department for

the only part of retirement she will en-

and colleagues fortunate enough to

31 years, retired from her position as

joy. Dr. Shaffer will edit the letters of

have known her.

Professor of English, Director of the

her uncle who was

Writing Center and Director of Compo-

a Catholic priest

sition on May 18, 2013. Her love of

in the Capuchin

English brought her to FHSU, where

Franciscan order.

she received her bachelors degree in

Some of the let-

1970. She continued her educational

ters are so amazing

dream when she received her masters

that many individu-

degree from the University of Arkansas

als would benefit

in 1972. By 1989, Dr. Shaffer had

from them, Dr.

completed her Ph.D. from the Univer-

Shaffer explained.

sity of Arkansas with an emphasis in

Of course, Dr.

medieval literature, linguistics and

Shaffer has other

19th century British literature.

interests; she will

Nanette Brown
Dr. Pam Shaffer, a familiar

Dr. Shaffer conveyed her love of

volunteer in the

English to her students. When asked

community to give

about her fondest memory of teaching,

back to others.

Dr. Shaffer reminisced about a sum-

remember, Reading is fundamental

Technol-

mer graduate class that took an ex-

ogy, the learning

ceptionally complicated sentence and

community and the

diagrammed it on poster board. The

partnerships with

class gave it to her as a gift, and when

China are some of

I spoke to Dr. Shaffer, she proudly

the biggest chang-

Students reflect on classes,

kindness of Dr. Shaffer
Dr. Shaffers
Career
Degrees
B.A. from Fort Hays Kansas
State College, 1970
M.A. from University of
Arkansas, Fayetteville, 1972
Dr. Shaffer seems deep and really is,
Denton Radiel

but also has a lightness about her that

makes her a joy to be around.

Dr. Shaffer likes to see her stu-

Excellent teachers let their per-

dents succeed and will do anything for

sonalities shine through and make

them. This quote is from Nan Brown,

learning something students want to

one of the many students and advi-

do. Renee Schaffers fondest memory

sees lucky enough to have worked with

is when she and Dr. Shaffer worked

Dr. Shaffer. Brown added that she

at the Writing Center on the FHSU

is willing to go above and beyond her

campus. Some of the girls working at

call of duty to make sure her students

the Writing Center were harassed by a

understand what is being asked of

male student, and upon hearing about

them. While reading Miltons Para-

it, Dr. Shaffer responded that if he

dise Lost, Brown found that the way

did so again, Heads will roll! what

Dr. Shaffer taught the poem made it

Renee Schaffer labeled a classic

not seem like a long, tedious read-

Shafferism. Dalton Radiel remem-

ing chore. A good teacher puts her

bers Dr. Shaffers little acts of kind-

students above herself and maintains

ness, like bringing snacks and sodas

a positive attitude. Renee (Simon)

for the last day of class.

Schaffer admires that Dr. Shaffer is

Ph.D. from University of

Arkansas, Fayetteville, 1989

Teaching
Started at Fort Hays State
University in 1982

Positions Held
Professor of English
Director of the Writing Center
2004-2013

Although she is retiring, Dr. Shaf-

so incredibly patient and kind, and

fers legacy will continue so long as

she is always available for one-on-one

her former students and writing center

grammar lessons or a quick proof of

tutors keep her wisdom and warmth

a paper. Keisha Williams notes that

fresh in their minds.

Director of Composition
2007-2013

Linda Smith helps students

find careers, skills for life
Bryan Baxter

did so because they did not have a

Services as part of the assignment.

clear vision of their futures and how

This allows the students access to not

FHSU could help them achieve those

only its website, where job offers are

cation? If all students have not written

futures, Smith recalls. She then

posted regularly, but also the Career

that essay at some point in their scho-

decided to convert a section of the

Fair, which allows students to network

lastic careers, they at least associate it

Composition I schedule to a program

with professionals, distribute their

with the archetypal view of public edu-

designed to help students explore

resumes and discuss internship or em-

cation. Linda Smith, English instructor

their futures. Eighteen years later, her

ployment opportunities with attending

at Fort Hays State University, instead

Career Exploration Unit is a valued por-

employers. It allows a student to get his

has her students ask a different ques-

tion of her class.

or her foot in the door, as job searching

What Did I Do on My Summer Va-

tion, a question critically important for

Career Exploration helps students

is often, according to Smith, not what

their age group: What Am I Going to

by providing them with the essential

Do for the Rest of My Life?

time and resources to explore their

Smith recalls a favorite success

Her innovative approach began

academic majors and future profes-

story from her class. A Graphic Design

in the mid-90s as an exploration of

sions. The unit of study begins with

student who had waited until the sec-

the rising student attrition rate, an

a series of personality assessments,

ond semester of her junior year to take

exploration commissioned by Presi-

which lead into a discussion of the

Composition I would loudly proclaim to

dent Hammond. He asked the English

roles of personal values, interests and

her classmates that she hated English

Department faculty to discover the

experiences to help determine each

and writing. By the end of the unit,

students reasons for leaving. When

students ideal career path. The stu-

however, she had secured an intern-

Smith interviewed her Composition I

dents practice writing cover letters and

ship with MSNBC. She would not have

students who were considering leaving

resumes, and learn skills and tips to

received that internship without going

and asked them for their reasons, the

keep them ahead of the crowd. Smith

through Career Exploration, getting the

answers she received were varied yet

also brings in speakers such as the

help the class provided and connecting

fundamentally similar.

Director of Career Services.

with Career Services. As Smith puts it,

Students who considered leaving

Students must register at Career

you know, but whom you know.

You shouldnt job search in isolation.

Linda Smith confers with one of her composition students

Lines journal wins

Sigma Tau Delta
award ... again
Derrick Snodgrass

Literary Arts Journal Award, and this is

where our diverse and talented FHSU

The literary and arts journal Lines

the journals success, this writer was

to excel and demonstrate the variety

jubilant because I was a contributor to

of talent at Fort Hays State University.

the journal. My poem, however, plays

This distinguished set of talents has

only a small role in comparison to the

helped confirm Lines as the winner of

many notable works found inside

the 2012-13 Outstanding Literary Arts

works like Jennifer Jones simple but

Journal Award from Sigma Tau Delta In-

compelling poem Nothing to Me, or

ternational English Honor Society after

the distinctive artwork Perfect Wings

surpassing all competition nationwide.

by Adrienne Hays. Every piece plays

Lines is not new to the awards

a crucial role in the success of Lines,

podium: in past years Lines has won

with all works playing off one another

both first place and third place. This

stylistically.
The literary arts journal Lines from

Award was presented to the Sigma Tau

the Middle of Nowhere is the culmi-

Delta group who traveled to Portland,

nation of much talent and work. The

Ore., this past March for the conven-

intense words by Morgan Chalfant rep-

tion. Fortunately, Jennifer L. Jones, a

resent the essence of the journal and

contributor to Lines, was one of the

the exemplary works found within: My

student representatives available to

conflagrant passion sears away / the

accept the award. Not only is this a

rapture of your years / take heed, my

prestigious award but also a com-

desires consume like fires. Sigma Tau

petitive one that considers numerous

Delta recognized the quality work, re-

journals, large and small, from around

sulting in Lines surpassing the competi-

the nation. Despite financial complica-

tion and winning the 2012-13 Outstand-

tions over the years, Lines has proven

ing Literary Arts Journal Award.

a worthwhile investment for the college

and the students alike.
Although funding is key, it takes
more than a check to win an award
such as the 2012-13 Outstanding

Scholarships
Alice McFarland Scholarship
Brylee Courkamp
Anne Drees
Roberta Stout Scholarship
Ashley Anglemyer
Taylor Deutscher
James R. & Ruth Start
Scholarship
Kylie Metzger

students excel. When news spread of

from the Middle of Nowhere continues

time the Outstanding Literary Arts

2012-2013

But the road doesnt stop here. Its

inspiring to see what these students
have to offer and to speculate where
their talents will take them.

Michael Marks Scholarship

Bryan Baxter
Ray and Patty Newton
Scholarship
Anna Voss
Non-Traditional Student
Scholarship
Meganne Williams
Elizabeth Jane Betty Lenz
Scholarship
Breanna Beckerman
English Development
Scholarship
Rachel Rayner
Graduate Student
English Award
Wen Xin
English Department
Scholarships
Kaci Ferguson
Jera Gales
Anna Voss
English Department
Freshman Honor Scholarships
Lorenzo Basa III
Jodi Joerg
Ethan Owens
Megan Ruppert
Meleigha Siglinger-Albers
Marshall Slough

English Department
adopts ePortfolios
Rachel Rayner
The Fort Hays State University English Department is working to make its
students more attractive to prospective

where those students excel and where

pilot program will guide what require-

they have gaps to fill. The adoption

ments the department will adopt for

of ePortfolios proves that the FHSU

each concentration.

English Department truly is Forward

Duffy and the Internship students

employers by requiring ePortfolios. Stu-

collaborated in class, teaching one

dents will create their own web pages

another how to use Weebly, a free

that feature their portfolios in an

web-building platform. The students

organized and attractive way. These

are part of the digital generation, while

ePortfolios will provide our students

Duffy has years of professional experi-

with an accessible and permanent

ence writing and editing, resulting in a

record of their written course work that

flexible and organic portfolio-building

may be used in their post-graduation

experience. The students shaped their

job search process, said department

ePortfolios around their career goals,

chair Dr. Pauline Scott.

making them highly individualized. The

Thinking. World Ready.

Check out these

ePortfolios
developed by English
majors in Cheryl Duffys
ENG 448 Writing
Internship course:

In addition, both the department

students included resumes, academic

and students will benefit from ePortfo-

papers and writing internship projects.

lios. The use of this technology will al-

Some students had additional

low the department to assess the work

published works to display in their

of students over the entire arc of their

ePortfolios. Though all the students

Linda Thomasson

progress through their degree program

were writing majors, some decided

lindathomasson.weebly.com

in order to make personalized advising

to showcase their versatility, featur-

recommendations, as well as conduct

ing a wide variety of skills in addition

other types of evaluation, said Scott.

to writing material. For example, one

This information will prove invaluable

student included video clips of musical

in determining which students truly de-

performances. All the students were

serve departmental scholarships. The

upperclassmen, so they completed

Jennifer Jones

ability to see all of a students previ-

their ePortfolios just in time for their

jenniferljones.weebly.com

ous coursework will provide professors

post-graduation job search. By creating

another tool to better teach students

ePortfolios, many students discovered

at an individual level.

they are more attractive job candidates

By fall 2013, the department will

require all students within the writing

this past spring. Her findings from the

than they had previously thought.

ePortfolios provide FHSU students

concentration to have ePortfolios, and

with a new tool for self-promotion and

all English majors by fall 2014. Dr.

professional growth. Now professors

Cheryl Duffy piloted the use of ePort-

can look at their students portfolios

folios in her Writing Internship course

before they graduate and indicate

Rachel Rayner
rachelrayner.weebly.com

Anne Houston
anneehouston.weebly.com

The University Leader suffers

budget cut, ceases printing?
Anna Voss

ed journalism students the opportunity

for both The Leader and KFHS, the

to gain real-world experience and pre-

campus television and radio station, in

pare themselves for a work force that

favor of an integrated system, tenta-

and state news after announcing in

still includes print journalism. Working

tively named Tiger Press.

January 2013 its decision to have an

on a print newspaper, students make

online-only version. The paper could

decisions on space constraints such

ue to print, Taylor Deutscher, sports

no longer afford a print edition for the

as modifying their writing to fit space

editor, said. We appreciate SGAs

remainder of the spring 2013 semes-

requirements and selecting the perfect

change of heart and the back-up they

ter due to budget constraints and lack

feature photograph. Online versions of

gave us this year, and were hoping its

of advertising. After The Leader re-

newspapers do not have these prob-

enough to continue printing.

quested allocations of $52,250 for the

lems; they can run any story and post

2012-2013 school year, the Student

as many photos as they find neces-

that they, too, are facing a question

Government Association allotted only

sary. Though print newspapers are

of convergence like all print newspa-

$29,015.45. Later, the SGA further

diminishing, they are not gone. There-

pers. Will print newspapers disappear

slashed The Leader budget by an ad-

fore, it is still vital that a university

inevitably, or will we continue with the

ditional $9,250, forcing The Leader to

teach students career skills pertaining

convergence of print, online and social

publish only two print editions in the

to their major.

media delivery of news?

The University Leader made local

spring 2013 semester. This was nearly

dent Edward Hammond set up an

funding from previous years.

internal task force to look at the media

needs of the campus and the best

that students were less likely to stay

way to meet those needs. Meanwhile,

knowledgeable about on-campus

in March, the allocations committee

events without a print edition of The

recommended to fund The Leader

Leader. Organizations would not be

$51,801.50, which would be enough

able to easily check on other groups

to get them through the school year.

to help plan events with them, and

The first meeting for this bill was

the groups would have to rely on other

held on February 28, and the senate

forms of advertising. Although many

approved the bill. A second meeting

readers do get their news online, many

occurred March 7 to discuss budget

other students and faculty prefer the

cuts and possible alternatives for The

convenience of picking up a newspaper

Leader. Both meetings proved positive

to read at their leisure.

for The Leader staff. The bill passed

Even more critical in a university

Members of The Leader staff realize

Fort Hays State University Presi-

a 40 percent cut of the newspapers

Students and staff alike worried

Were hopeful that we can contin-

through the Senate, and The Univer-

setting, journalism students feared a

sity Leader was prepared to return to

lack of job opportunities with the ab-

a print edition. Ultimately, President

sence of a print edition of The Leader.

Hammond, in consultation with the

The print edition of The Leader provid-

task force, decided to cut the funding

Students visit Portland for

Sigma Tau Delta convention
FHSU shone in other ways at the
convention. Bridgforth was elected
Student Representative for the High
Plains Region. She will represent this
region in the national student leader
group this year. When asked about
this opportunity, Bridgforth replied
with excitement that she is looking
forward to it: Its going to be a great
opportunity for me, our Rho Psi chapter
and Fort Hays State University. At
the Awards Ceremony, FHSUs Lines
journal won for Outstanding Literary Arts
From left to right: Matthew McIntyre, Morgan Roberts, Paulia Bailey, Miranda Journal, a $500 award.
Bridgforth, Sarah Siemers, Anne Drees, Meganne Williams, Zach Kastens, Sheri
The group drove out to Astoria,
Bedore, Kimberly Voeller and Jennifer Jones. Not pictured: Lexey Bartlett
Wash., where they viewed the Goonies
Kimberly Voeller
Twelve representatives from
Fort Hays State Universitys Rho
Psi chapter traveled to Portland,

spiritual side. After the presentation,

House, the Columbia River Gorge, the

Bedore was pleased to discover that

Astoria Column, the Wreck of the Peter

Olds was an honorary member of

Iredale, Haystack Rock and Cannon

Sigma Tau Delta.

Beach. According to Jones, her favorite

Bridgforth presented her essay,

activity was going to the beach, even

Ore., for the 2013 Sigma Tau Delta

Lesson Learned in 9 Minutes, 52

Convention. The group included two

Seconds, in the Creative Nonfiction:

faculty sponsors (Dr. Lexey Bartlett

Defining Moments session. Her essay

attraction was Powells Bookstore.

and Zach Kastens), seven student

explored a moment in her life that

This bookstore is one of the largest

attendees (Kimberly Voeller, Jennifer

really defined her: June 5, 2009,

independent book sellers in the world.

Jones, Paulia Bailey, Morgan Roberts,

just after she graduated high school.

It covers an entire city block and

Sarah Siemers, Meganne Williams and

She became ill and was taken to the

contains over 1.5 million books in

Matthew McIntyre) and three student

hospital, where she began to code and 3,500 sections. Many students were

presenters (Sheri Bedore, Miranda

had to be resuscitated. The experience surprised to see a Powells 2 across the

Bridgforth and Anne Drees).

helped her learn to value life.

Bedore presented her essay,

Drees presented her short story,

though it was freezing.

Portlands number-one tourist

street. It stores even more of the book

selections. As book lovers, many could

Living through the Flesh: Oldss

Men above God, in the Original

Search for the Spiritual through the

Fiction: Questions of Justice session.

Biological, in the American Poetry

Her story depicts a dystopian society

reasons why Portland, Ore., was

session. Her essay analyzes how poet

in which the elderly are killed at 70 to

an exceptional site for this years

Sharon Olds explores the physical body

prevent the depletion of government

conference. After all, the conference

in order to get in touch with a more

funds.

theme was Open Book.

10

not resist stepping foot into this store.

This bookstore is just one of many

Paint, prose combine in

Thibodeaus classroom
Taylor Deutscher

students picked their own topics,

ment the human condition. Were going

within reason, but were free to ask for to document our lives, our struggles, our
Last fall, students enrolled in

help to avoid choosing too difficult a

English Composition I with Nicole

subject. Painting students were free

Thibodeau discovered that the same

to paint whatever they chose to focus

they get to go somewhere, Thibodeau

old comp class does not have to

on within the essay.

added. Any time you have fun in the

be the same old comp class. They

Along with freedom of creativity,

successes.
My students get really excited when

classroom, youre probably going to be

instead found themselves engaged in

collaboration between different de-

learning more than if you have students

collaboration with students from Joel

partments keeps learning fresh.

who arent engaged and paying attention.

Dugans Painting I class.

In the 2012 fall semester,
Thibodeaus Composition I students

It really allows them to accept the

The collaboration between different

evolution of a piece of work, as well

classes also helps with creative thinking

as the evolution of relationships that

and expanding ideas.

started the collaborative project by

As part of that collaboration, they

writing narrative essays. Once the

can talk to each other, and it clarifies

essays were completed, the Painting I

their own ideas, Thibodeau said. Just

students read the work and expressed

the act of talking to other students helps

their interpretations of the narratives

students think of things they might not

through art.

have considered or experiences they

might not have had. Collaboration is

It wasnt necessarily an illustration as the author thought it should

importantespecially creative collabo-

be, Thibodeau explained the art por-

rationbecause it really helps people

tion. It was more like a response of

develop their problem-solving skills. That

what the painting students gathered

can help you in any situation.

from what they had read.

Once the painting students
finished their part of the project, the
English students were able to see

develop with other creative people,

Thibodeau considers herself an advo-

Dugan said. Its an experiment in try- cate of creative thinking in all aspects of
ing to break down barriers.
Students tend to question how

life. The more ways you have of coming

at a problem, the more likely you are to

what other students took from their

information they learn in classes is

writing, as opposed to merely a grade

relevant to their everyday lives. The

from one professors opinion.

collaborative project is a way for those tance of connecting various departments.

I think one of the big things that

happens in Painting I is the ability to
critically analyze each others ef-

form a successful solution.

Dugan also believes in the impor-

questioning students to realize the

For the future of education, I think its

value of such assignments.

really important that we have collabora-

It brings life experience into the

tive efforts, he shared. Dugan went

fort and each others work, Dugan

classroom. We are not just trying to

on to say that collaboration should be

explained.

reproduce a painting that weve seen

worked into life outside of the class-

in our history book. Were not going

rooms. I dont think that needs to exist

painting students had freedom of

to just reproduce a photo, Dugan

purely inside of the boundaries of the

creativity in the project. Composition

said. Were going to actually docu-

university.

Both composition students and

11

Campus
Former students nd varied jobs, from
Michelle Webb

ally, Jacques praises her Professional

standing that the Bible is a piece of lit-

Editing class for piquing [her] interest

erature is extremely important to how I

in the field; it armed [her] with invalu-

can interpret and make valid the truth

We have certain preconceptions of

able tools (for example, introducing

thats there. As with Jacques, Bair

what English majors in non-teaching

proofreading marks [and] approaching

credits her success to the fundamen-

concentrations can do with their

on-screen editing). Jacques considers

tal work she undertook as a student in

degrees. Many graduates of the Fort

her education at FHSU as the building

the FHSU English program.

Hays State University English De-

block of [her] career, and she also

partment, however, have used their

credits the faculty for top-notch sup-

testament that one can use an English

creativityas English majors are wont

port and encouragement.

degree for practically any career imag-

Writers, journalists, librarians.

to doto weave their educational

inable. Rice initially began his educa-

experience into exceptional careers as

with a BA in 1976 and an MA in 1988,

tion in engineering but soon found he

production editors, pastors, or even

initially started out as a teacher, she

was not a good match for, as he said,

colonels in the U.S. Air Force.

settled into a career many do not

the monotony of back-to-back math,

associate with an English degree.

science, chemistry, etc. all day long.

ated in 2006 and always knew she

Bair dedicated 23 years to the field

Seeking to escape the too-linear mind-

wanted to use her writing skills in her

of teaching, educating students in all

set required of math and science, he

career. With a love for books and a

subjects, she said, except shop. She

changed course, switching out engi-

growing interest in the publishing field,

even taught 6th, 7th and 8th graders

neering for liberal arts and winding up

she found herself in an opportune

in a three-room country schoolhouse

in the FHSU English Department.

situation when she was offered a part-

in North Dakota. Later, FHSU hired her

time job with the Kansas University

as a composition teacher; during that

oil industry conglomerate) in his last

Press as she attended grad school.

time, she played an integral role in

couple years as an undergrad and,

With only two jobs available to gradu-

founding the Rho Psi chapter of Sigma

quite unconventionally for a student

ate students each year, Jacques felt

Tau Delta. While Bair certainly suc-

studying English, was offered a posi-

fortunate to land a job with such a

ceeded as an educator, she soon, as

tion as a field engineer intern upon

prestigious publisher. She started

she said, found a calling on a differ-

graduation. Additionally, he had a job

working part time and transitioned into

ent career path: she became a pastor

offer from Proctor and Gamble to work

a full-time position after she success-

for the First Presbyterian Church in

in sales and marketing. Finally, after

fully defended her thesis in 2010.

Wilson, Kan.

passing the Air Force Officer Qualifica-

Kelly Chrisman Jacques gradu-

Jacques tutored in the FHSU Writ-

12

Although Kris Bair, who graduated

Colonel Richard Rice is living

Bair said that her literature classes

He worked for Halliburton (a global

tion and Pilot Training tests, Rice was

ing Center, a job she said prepared

at FHSU proved most helpful in her

offered entry into Air Force Officer

[her] to converse with authors about

work: Biblical exegesis is literary criti-

Training School and Air Force Under-

their writing, as did the discussions

cism, which is my background, and I

graduate Pilot Training.

about composition and grammar that

can do it with the best of the folks that

she had with her coworkers. Addition-

are coming out of seminary. Under-

With three remarkable career opportunities from which to choose, Rice

Connection
publishing to clergy to the Air Force
launched into the Air Force, never hav-

ed out of Panama (where he has legal

ing flown a plane. Addressed as the

citizenship), which, he says, has the

English major, Rice trained alongside

fastest growing economy in the world.

engineers as well as math and science

Three graduates from the Eng-

majors, many of whom were Ivy League

lish Department, three impressive

graduates or already had private and

careers. Many overlook the might of

commercial licenses. Rice graduated

little ol Fort Hays State Univer-

the top of his class, coming from, as

sity and the rigor of its programs.

he said, little ol Fort Hays.

Those who graduate from the English

Rices impressive career in the Air

Department certainly find value in

Force can only be summarized, but

the education they receive. Jacques

here are a few of the highlights. He

attributes much of her success to out-

successfully completed 132 combat

standing professors, heralding them

missions during the year he was in

as especially motivating. Bair also

Southeast Asia during Vietnam, he

praises the merit of an English de-

flew fighter-type aircraft for NATO in

gree, saying, Theres no better back-

Europe, and he was the base com-

ground than English. She explains

mander at two major Air Force bases.

that English is an all-encompassing

Through his success, Rice was pro-

degree, that to graduate, one has to

moted to the rank of full (bird) colonel.

be familiar with all disciplinesnot

No, his story doesnt end there.

just English.

Having the rank of full colonel,

And Rice certainly appreciates

Rice was selected to attend the

the value of a liberal arts education,

prestigious Royal College of Defense

particularly the one he received from

and Diplomatic Studies in London,

the FHSU English Department, explain-

a one-year course attended annually

ing that his success stems from his

by approximately 70 diplomats and

decision to study English and from

senior military leaders from around

having exceptional professors. To

the world. Following that, Rice served

have instructors who were that desir-

as an on loan executive, working

ous of imparting their interpretations

directly under former U.S. Vice Presi-

and enthusiasm to the students was

dent Al Gore. Rice now leads a quiet,

critical to my whole approach to life.

retired life in Texas. No one could buy

It was an incubator at that point that

that for even a millisecond. To settle

opened up my mind and allowed me to

down, Rice runs venture capital in

use that mental energy for everything I

the mining business. He is incorporat-

did in life.

2012-2013
Graduates
Eric Bader, BA
Sheri Bedore, BA
Vanessa Beilman, BA
Anne Houston, BA
Katherine Jones, BA
Taylor Lunsford, BA
Chelsi Nolan, BA
Nathan Riedel, BA
Jessica Robbins, BA
Sally Spina, BA
Linda Thomasson, BA
Jonathan Baird, MLS
Alan Bateman, MLS
Rosemary Jennings, MLS
Michael K. Johnson, MLS
Charles Warnberg, MLS
Leann Garcia, MA
Zachary Kastens, MA
Sara Sally Kimball, MA
Clay Manes, MA
Michelle Webb, MA

Congratulations!
13

Alumni Spotlight:
Greatness begins at FHSU
Stephanie Mason

as an undergraduate. It gave him the

Donald Richardson received both

opportunity to take classes with mostly

his B.A. and M.A. at FHSU. Shortly

graduate students, giving him an abun-

after graduation he took a job at

and raised in Hays, Kan. Though he

dance of confidence to attend graduate

Phoenix College in Phoenix, Ariz., and

applied and was accepted to other

school upon finishing his undergraduate

still holds a position in the English

Kansas universities, Schmeller decided

degrees.

Department there. When he was

Erik S. Schmeller, Ph.D., was born

to attend FHSU because of the cost

Noting the smaller classes at FHSU

first hired at Phoenix College, Rich-

and convenience. Undecided between

and opportunities that come with a

ardson taught Mass Communications

history and English, Schmeller chose to

smaller university, Schmeller recom-

before transferring to the English

pursue both majors. I felt the knowl-

mends that others study at FHSU. He

Department. Richardson prefers

edge and skills I was gaining from both

took opportunities to practice leader-

to teach First-Year Composition and

majors would generally prepare me to

ship skills as well as to travel while

has taught Introduction to Shake-

think and write well enough to find a

attending FHSU, all of which helped

speare, Survey of British Literature

good job, said Schmeller.

him to become better prepared for

and remedial courses. Richardson

graduate school and his career. Ten-

enjoys reading students themes

Department Head of History, Politi-

nessee State University is a well-known

and working with the authors to try to

cal Science, Geography, and Africana

historically Black university located in

help them achieve a more persuasive

Studies at Tennessee State University.

Nashville, Tenn. Schmeller is happy to

writing.

Looking back on his time at FHSU,

be living in a thriving city, and thanks

Schmeller fondly remembers attending

to his education, he has an impressive

by many at FHSU, including Mr. David

the summer graduate M.A. program

position at Tennessee State University.

Ison, who served as a mentor for

He currently holds the position of

Richardson says he was inspired

all the years following graduation up

to his death a few years ago. As a
member of Alpha Psi Omega, Richardson spent a lot of time acting. The
acting has contributed to whatever
success I enjoy in the classroom, and
I regularly use satire and parody, occasionally breaking into song, said
Richardson. Having written twelve
self-published books, Richardson has
achieved success. Richardson recalls
telling Dr. Hammond recently, My
education has served me admirably.
FHSU English alumnus Dr. Erik S. Schmeller

14

I do not apologize for being an alumnus of Fort Hays; I brag about it.

Departments fight for

funding in free-for-all
Megan Adams

instruction. The
hard work and ne-

This years Annual Funding Fight

glected students

was dominated by a raucous battle

paid off, however,

between the English and Physics

in the glory of

Departments. Due to state budget

battle.

cuts and shortfalls in 2009, FHSU

Its said that

President Ed Hammond announced a

the pen is mightier

free-for-all interdepartmental brawl,

than the sword,

encouraging faculty to fight for their

said Dr. Pauline

money instead of the normal paper-

Scott, English

and committee-heavy Strategic Plan-

Department Chair,

ning procedure.

from her victorious

We dont just save money, said

throne of haphaz-

Dr. Hammond with glee as a horde of

ardly stacked lab

music professors swarmed Albertson.

equipment. But

We even make some on the side:

the flagrant misuse

the Mathematics students make good

of high-energy lasers

bookies, and students are happy to

will almost always

taken second place in the Annual

bet onor againsttheir professors.

beat both of those. Its for that

Funding Fight, behind the Agriculture

Its great real-life experience in that

reason I requested that only hand-to-

Department. This has been the Agri-

the house always wins.This year all

hand combat be permitted this year.

culture Departments fifth win

Dr. Cheryl Duffy flashes a V for victory after

trouncing Dr. Jack Maseberg, physicist.

President Hammond agreed to the

in as many years, due to their unnatu-

lish vs. Physics Department grudge

format after similar complaints of the

rally strong upper bodies from various

match. English professors trained

Biology Departments reckless DNA

cattle-tipping competitions.

strenuously after last years humiliat-

modifications of fellow faculty, and

ing defeat at the hands of the Phys-

the Philosophy Departments use of

before she was quietly taken back to

ics Department, led to victory by Dr.

cruel rhetoric, which evoked profound

her Professional Editing class. All de-

Gavin Buffington, Physics Department

existential despair in listeners.

partments are looking forward to the

attention was focused on the Eng-

Chair.

Unfortunately, the new rule has

Theyre next, growled Duffy,

Victors Feast, held at the beginning

had its detractors. Fight with our

of summer break, as they offer up the

running windsprints in the halls be-

hands? asked an anonymous art

most determined of their faculty mem-

tween classes, while Dr. Cheryl Duffy

instructor. Like animals? As if. The

bers to compete in the Other Operat-

has augmented her yoga routine

Fine Arts Department did poorly over-

ing Expenses Eat-Off.

with Zumba and Muay Thai. Other

all this year, managing only to beat

professors have also stepped up

the Leadership faculty back for a day

their workout routines, often practic-

before conceding the fight. In con-

of writer, and therefore should not be

ing various martial arts in place of

trast, the English Department has

trusted.

Dr. Carl Singleton has taken to

Junior Megan Adams is some sort

15

Faculty
state. During the April 2013 The World

and made the transition from teaching

We Have Imagined Conference, hosted

English composition overseas for FHSU

Pauline Scott, department chair,

by Southwestern College, Winfield,

partner Shenyang Normal University to

recently attended the Academic Chair-

she served on a panel that presented

teaching on campus in Hays. Graham

persons Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Atwoods Applied Science Apocalypse

attended the TESOL Convention in

She also attended a distance teaching

101, addressing scientists fam-

Dallas, Tex., focusing on sessions that

and learning workshop entitled Build-

ily members influence on Canadian

built on her research interest in ways

ing Personal and Global Communities

author Margaret Atwood. Craven

to bridge the gap between first- and

with Open-Source E-Portfolios. In

recently researched the similarities

second-language learners in university

2012, Scott published Owning the

and differences between contemporary

writing courses.

Journey: Using Collaborative Revisions

American infantrymens equipment and

of Little Red Riding Hood in Teaching

that of their Vietnam-era counterparts

Sharla Hutchison spent her spring

Introduction to Literature at a His-

portrayed in The Things They Carried.

2012 sabbatical researching Gothic

Melissa Sander

fiction from the late-Victorian era. She

torically Black University in The CEA

Forum. She presented A Tempest

Cheryl Duffy continues to involve

recently published an article about

in Oceania: Echoes of Shakespeares

students in service learning. Students

Vendetta, one of Marie Corellis best-

Tempest in Keri Hulmes The Bone

in her Theories of Rhetoric and Compo-

selling Gothic tales. This year, Hutchi-

People in 2012 and presented Writ-

sition class taught classes for a day at

son presented her research at confer-

ing Identity: Nature, Gender, and Self

Ellis High School during the fall 2012

ences in North Carolina, Washington

in Virginia Woolfs Orlando in 2013 at

semester, and Advanced Composition

DC, and Kansas. She recently started

the College English Association Annual

students completed writing projects for

watching Game of Thrones and has

Conference. Scott is currently working

local nonprofit organizations during the

two sassy fat cats, Mew and Crazy,

on a chapter for the edited collection

spring 2013 semester. Duffy spon-

that each outweigh her dog, Sweetpea.

Backlashes to New Frontiers: Mapping

sored students attending the Kansas

Post-Feminist American Masculinity.

Association of Teachers of English

Eric Leuschner taught new courses

Conference in Wichita, where she co-

on the sonnet and on conspiracy fic-

Lexey Bartlett received a sabbati-

presented a session entitled Learning

tion. His essay Beginning with the

cal this past spring to work on a book

Studios with Zach Kastens. She also

Ephemeral: Reading the Eighteenth-

project about vision in 19th and early

presented a session at the Cotton-

Century Preface was published in the

20th century womens writing. She

wood Ranch Writers Workshop. Duffy

book Encountering Ephemera 1550-

also co-sponsored Sigma Tau Delta

taught Topics in Writing: Community-

1800: Scholarship, Performance,

and served as chair of the graduate

Based Writing this summer in Germany

Classroom. Leuschner finished an

committee.

at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

essay, Sophias Smile: Reading

Jenny Cameron in the Margins, to

16

Brenda Craven served as discussion

Sharon Graham completed her MA in

be published in the collection MLA

leader at numerous Kansas Humani-

Teaching English to Speakers of Other

Approaches to Teaching the Novels of

ties Council TALK Programs across the

Languages (TESOL) in August 2012

Henry Fielding.

Update
Linda McHenry conducted the com-

the redesign of the General Education

World We Have Imagined conference at

position assessment as the English

course IDS 350 Multiculturalism in

Southwestern College in Winfield.

Departments coordinator of program

the United States, which will become

assessment. She taught eight sec-

part of the FHSU curriculum in fall

Brett Weaver continues to work on

tions of composition, one piloting

2013. He continues as a member

his upcoming screenplay and novel.

an embedded librarian from Forsyth

of the Board of Directors for the

Weaver recently submitted his play

Library. Embedded librarians collabo-

Kansas Association of Teachers of

entitled 1-800-OHAMLET for consider-

rate with faculty to provide students

English (KATE). Singleton offered a

ation for future production at FHSU.

with library resources and to facilitate

new course for our majors: Banned

He was heavily engaged chairing two of

course research. McHenry published

Books of American Literature. While

the three search committees that hired

a chapter in the book Attaining an Aca-

Dr. Sharla Hutchison was on sabbati-

three professors for the English De-

demic Appointment entitled Are You

cal leave, Singleton was the Acting

partment. Enrollment in the fall 2012

Taking Care of Those Closest to You?

Director of the MLS program. During

screenwriting class pleased Weaver,

the summers, he writes script for

and he plans to teach the class again

Michael Meade completed his 46th

reality television shows such as TLCs

in fall 2013.

year at FHSU, having taught French

Honey Boo-Boo, MTVs Jersey Shore,

and German from 1967 to 1974 and

and the multi-network productions of

Bradley Will continues to teach

English from 1975 to the present.

Joyce Meyers and Joel Olsteen. (Insert

for the English Department and

His plans are to retire in the spring

tongue in cheek here.)

serves as Director of the Center for

of 2018 after completing 50 years at

Interdisciplinary Studies and as As-

the university. His most recent paper

Linda Smith continues to play well

sistant Dean of the College of Arts

for the European Studies Conference

with others and not run with scissors

and Sciences. In summer 2012, Will

was titled The Neglected Modernist:

as she works with colleagues in vari-

participated in the Faculty Exchange

Robert Musil and his Der Manh Ohne

ous other departments and colleges

program with Northwest University

Eigenschaften. He continues to visit

while striving for collegiality. Smith

of Nationalities in Lanzhou, China.

Europe at least once a year, and May

is currently working with the Virtual

He presented lectures about criti-

2012 found him in Greece and Turkey

College Advisory Committee, Academic

cal thinking on the campuses of the

for a fourth visit. As Meade approach-

Advising Committee and Next Genera-

Gansu Institute of Political Science

es the end of his time at FHSU, he

tion Faculty. She is often a member of

and Law, Northwest Normal Univer-

looks forward to working with the Foun-

graduate committees in Biology, as sci-

sity, and Lanzhou City University. His

dation and President Hammond on the

ence was her first major and continues

chapter, Persistence: Conducting a

project for an FHSU museum, slated to

to provide her rewarding and challeng-

Successful Search in a Tough Mar-

open before 2018.

ing collaboration. In April 2013, Smith

ket, was published in Attaining an

presented her paper Revisiting Leop-

Academic Appointment from Atwood

Carl Singleton served his second

olds Land Ethic to Inspire Change for

Publishing. Will was appointed to the

year on the Graduate Council for the

a panel presentation entitled Nature

Kansas Board of Regents Transfer

university. He also was involved in

as a Catalyst for Creativity at The

and Articulation Council.

17

Thanks to our generous

scholarship contributors
Ralph Voss & Glenda Weathers, Birmingham, AL
Ray & Patty Newton, Prescott, AZ
Dan & Carolyn McGovern, Walnut Creek, CA
Steven & Patricia Ottem, Limon, CO
James & Rosalind Sayler, Colorado Springs, CO
Joe & Katherine Snydstrup, Paonia, CO
Mike & Becky Goss, Westport, CT
Robert & Virginia Vocelli, West Hartford, CT
Curtis & Jeannette Ramsey, Orlando, FL
Robert & Susan Wright, Gainesville, FL
Kathy Slusher-Stephens, Augusta, GA
William & Teresa Walters, Rockton, IL
Bruce & Gail Spitzer, South Bend, IN
Kenny & Julie Ackerman, Offerle, KS
Joan Albers, Colby, KS
Bruce & Susan Armstrong, Haysville, KS
Stan & Becky Basgall, Hays, KS
John & Gloria Battin, Ulysses, KS
Lonnie & Jacque Beckman, Lenora, KS
Stanley & Cindy Berry, Ransom, KS
Marvin & Deborah Bickner, Colby, KS
Walt & Linda Boyd, Wetmore, KS
Linda Braun, Hays, KS
Kelly Chrisman Jacques, Lawrence, KS
Nancy Converse, Great Bend, KS
Allen & Brenda Craven, Hays, KS
Robert & Carolyn Crotts, Cimarron, KS
Toni Cummings, Goodland, KS
Deedre Frasier, Oberlin, KS
Leonard & Luanne French, Great Bend, KS
Linda Garrett, Gem, KS
Patrick & Terri Giebler, Colby, KS
Steven Gouldie, Agra, KS
Sharilyn Heiman, Augusta, KS
Joe & Cindy Hertel, Hays, KS
Lynne Hewes, Cimarron, KS
Alan & Kay Hoffman, Hays, KS
Robert Duffy & Cheryl Hofstetter Duffy, Hays, KS
Bob & Dianne Hooper, Bogue, KS

18

Gary & Dianna Kastens, Herndon, KS

Paul & E Lawana, Hope, KS
Lawrence & Vicki Krehbiel, Dighton, KS
Dave & Shirley Longfellow, El Dorado, KS
Jane Longoria, Russell, KS
Max & Jackie Luedtke, Hays, KS
Michael & Rebecca Lundquist, Clyde, KS
Diedre Moore, Stockton, KS
Lisa Moritz, Emporia, KS
Beverly Oloman, Garden City, KS
Lloyd Oswald, Gorham, KS
Wayne & Kim Pfeifer, Hill City, KS
Laura Plank, Wichita, KS
Warren & Pam Shaffer, Hays, KS
Steve & Glenda Shepard, Johnson, KS
Ron & Corrine Sidener, Leawood, KS
Scott & Angela Slabaugh, Osborne, KS
Clinton & Rita Smith, Holton, KS
Linda Smith, Ellis, KS
Amanda Sponholtz, Lawrence, KS
Brian Masters & Luella Terry-Masters, Burlington, KS
Ronald & Jane Wagner, Victoria, KS
Brian & Alicia Weber, Dodge City, KS
Mike Westerman, Ellinwood, KS
Melissa Winter, El Dorado, KS
Eldon & Karen Zimbelman, Wichita, KS
Norman & Judith Brewer, Bethesda, MD
Richard & Jane Weiderman, Grand Rapids, MI
Rich & Sheri Olsson, Gering, NE
Matthew & Melissa Schuster, Superior, NE
Melissa Tayles, Omaha, NE
Richard Schwein, Haddonfield, NJ
Joseph McElroy, Albuquerque, NM
Tracey & Sandra Miller, Angel Fire, NM
Gerald & Allene Coffin, Ponca City, OK
Donald & Marilyn Hill, Loudon, TX
Donald & Brigitta Cersovsky, Amarillo, TX
Doris Chipman, Denton, TX
Crystalene Danforth, Oneida, WI

Due to deadlines, the list of contributors runs only through the end of April 2013.

What Have You Been Up To?

Do you want to be included in the alumni news? Let us know about your activities and
achievements, and you might find yourself in the 2014 Post Parade.
Return this form to:
Department of English
Fort Hays State University, 370 Rarick Hall
600 Park St.
Hays, KS 67601-4099.
Name:
First

Middle

(Maiden)

Last

Degree:
Degree

Year

Major

School

Address:
Street Number

Email:

City

State

Zip Code

Current position, description of responsibilities, and

other noteworthy items:
Please contribute to the

English Scholarship Fund.

No amount is too great or too small.
Students are awarded these scholarships on the basis of merit and
achievement. Please make your
check payable to FHSU Foundation, and please earmark it for the
English Scholarship Fund.

Were looking for Alumni Mentors to connect

with junior and senior English majors.
Interested? Contact the English Department at 785-628-4285 or email
lleiker@fhsu.edu or pmscott3@fhsu.edu.

19

NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
HAYS, KS
PERMIT NO. 4

ENGLISH
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Fully Accredited by NCA & NCATE
EARN AN M.A. IN TWO YEARS WHILE
REMAINING ON THE JOB.
SPRING: Off-Campus Reading & Preparation
SUMMER: On-Campus Classes
FALL: Off-Campus Written Projects
(A three-year plan is also available, as well
as a traditional M.A. program.)

FEATURES:
Two or three summer sessions as a
residency requirement
Variety of offerings (literature, language,
and composition/writing)
Two sessions of four-week classes
each summer
Proven results and satisfied graduates
Freedom to work off-campus
Reasonable requirements
Excellent instruction

Apply by mid-April.
For details, write or call
Dr. Pauline Scott, Chair
Department of English
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
(785) 628-4285
pmscott3@fhsu.edu