Summer 2008

This Edition:

Honoring a Legend

The Outdoor Laboratory

More than an Act

College Bound

Education Building on Schedule

Perfect Timing

Ensuring Musical Excellence
 

ViewPoint Archives

HONORING A LEGEND

CMU names softball complex Margo Jonker Stadium

December 2006
CMU Athletics launched the university's first-ever fundraising project for women's athletics.

April 2008
The capital campaign had raised more than $250,000 for the naming rights and improvements to the softball complex, and CMU named Margo Jonker Stadium prior to the Chippewas' 5-0 win over Akron.

A record that speaks for itself

“I am honored personally, but many individuals have had a hand in the success of CMU softball,” Jonker says. “I have been blessed with great players, and the program has been fortunate to be supported by a lot of great people, including administrators and members of the community.”

Jonker just wrapped up her 29th season as head coach of the Chippewas. She has led CMU to more than 950 career victories, 11 Mid-American Conference titles, and 13 trips to the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s a fitting tribute to an exceptional coach who has brought notoriety not just to our program but to the entire university,” says Marcy Weston, CMU’s senior associate athletic director.

Project fundraising continues

The project’s fundraising goal of $400,000 will boost the level of CMU women’s athletics through needed stadium enhancements such as field improvements, stadium seating, lights, locker rooms, and batting cages.

As fundraising continues, updates and improvements to the softball stadium began this summer, according to Jay Lanctot, associate director of athletics/development.

“This is a landmark project in the NCAA to have an athletic facility named for an active coach,” he says. “Her record speaks for itself, and this project will honor a legend.”

Leslie (Grimes) Phelan, a catcher for Jonker’s team from 1989-92 and a two-time All-MAC performer, is among the lead donors for the naming project. She, along with her father, James Grimes, is contributing $25,000.

“When a coach spends 29 years at one program, that in itself is dedication, but sometimes I think Coach Jonker might bleed maroon and gold,” Leslie Phelan says. “She’s certainly had opportunities to leave Mount Pleasant, and when it came to push and shove, she still remained and dedicated her entire coaching career to this university.”

Fast pitch

Margo Jonker Stadium giving and naming opportunities still are available.
To contribute, dial (989) 774-6680 to contact Assistant Chippewa Club Director Hannah Smoker.

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THE OUTDOOR LABORATORY

Watching hands-on lessons about plant life at a Midwest botanical garden, James Fabiano Sr., '65, thought, "This is something Central needs."

So Fabiano shared his Botanical Gardens vision with university officials, and now his idea is becoming a reality.

Research experience right on campus

When Biology Professor Joanne Dannenhoffer teaches about native Michigan trees and shrubs, she takes her students to Midland.

“It is the only place that we can find certain native species,” Dannenhoffer says.

That will change next fall.

Dannenhoffer and her students will use the CMU Botanical Gardens for firsthand experience.

After Fabiano brought the CMU Botanical Gardens concept to the biology department, he gave an undisclosed amount to fund the project’s start up.

“I was delighted,” says Claudia Douglass, biology chairwoman. “I’ve been in the biology department since 1976, and I’ve wanted to do something with that area for quite some time.”

Fabiano, whom the gardens will be named after, said he envisioned CMU having its own educational gardens after visiting the Chicago botanical gardens in 2005. The location will be near the Bovee University Center, Park Library, and the nearby pond.

“I wanted the gardens to be in a highly visible area south of Preston where most people can enjoy it while walking or driving through the center of campus,” says Fabiano, CMU trustee emeritus.

Gardens need support, years to flourish

The CMU Botanical Gardens will be planted and constructed in stages. The first stage will begin in August.

The CMU Board of Trustees approved the plans in February. A campaign has started for the gardens, which will be completely funded by donors.

Those monies will fund the initial costs associated with infrastructure – irrigation, walkways, and lighting – construction of new plant beds, and maintenance.

The campaign also will fund the establishment of an endowment to support the future growth and maintenance of the gardens. Ongoing funds will be raised through a 'Friends of the Gardens' group. Volunteers such as scouts, master gardeners, and garden club members will help maintain the gardens.

“CMU is a treasure. It was when I was a student, and it is now. It continues to grow and improve,” Fabiano says. “The gardens will be yet another resource and something that sets our university apart.”

Many CMU courses and internship experiences will be woven directly into the design of the gardens, which will enhance learning opportunities for hundreds of CMU students.

Help our gardens grow

From walkways to a waterfall, there still are Botanical Gardens naming opportunities available. To learn more contact Gail Moore, College of Science and Technology director of development at ( 989) 774-3773.

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MORE THAN AN ACT

Theater gifts support students on stage and behind the scenes

CMU Summer Theatre students currently are involved in the production of three different plays in three different cities.

Meanwhile, two recently established endowments will help enhance their future Summer Theatre and University Theatre experiences.

Experience provides insight into all theater areas

CMU senior Andrew Papa and junior Laura Van Valkenburgh busily respond to e-mails and phone calls in the University Theatre ticket office. He is the production manager and she is in charge of the box office and publicity for University Theatre’s current Summer Theatre season.

But like every other day this summer, they have to work quickly. Rehearsal for one of the plays in which they’re acting begins in less than an hour.

They, along with 10 fellow Summer Theatre troupe members, are responsible for everything in each production, including acting, set construction, lighting, props, and more. They even travel to present their plays in Boyne City and Waterford.

“This program makes for a well-rounded education,” says Papa, a Mount Pleasant native majoring in broadcast and cinematic arts. “There are stock companies, and this type of work is very similar to how the theater industry works.”

Van Valkenburgh is a Northville native majoring in music theatre. She said Summer Theatre will be valuable as she pursues a performing career.

“What’s nice about this experience is it helps you to realize, understand, and respect all the points of the theater,” she said.

Gaining valuable career insight in Summer Theatre and working many hours behind the scenes in the offices of Moore Hall are quite similar to the cherished experiences of recent theater donors Larry Joe Campbell and Liz and Kevin Campbell.

Larry Joe gives lead Sumer Theatre Endowment gift

The CMU University Theatre Web site uses 85 words to define the Summer Theatre program. Larry Joe Campbell can define it in less than a dozen.

“It was the most important moment of my time in college,” says the 1992 graduate who stars on the ABC comedy According to Jim. “When I auditioned for Summer Theatre, I really felt like things had changed. It’s hard to explain that revelation or epiphany … but I grew up at that moment.”

Campbell said traveling was fundamental to the experience. For several years after he graduated, he provided funding to support travel expenses for the theater troupe to perform in communities throughout the state.

To ensure that funding is available for future students’ similar opportunities, Campbell recently gave $25,000 to help establish the Summer Theatre Endowment, which will support Summer Theatre operations and touring components.

University Theatre Director Steve Berglund, who was one of Campbell’s professors and directors, says helping to establish this endowment is a testament to Campbell’s commitment to his alma mater.

“This endowment says a great deal about who Larry Campbell is,” Berglund says.

Campbell regularly returns to campus to visit with theater students and participate in various theater-related events. In 2005 he served as grand marshal of the CMU homecoming festivities.

Liz and Kevin Campbell endowment funds technical theater

Liz Campbell, ’77, proudly holds the unofficial student record for being involved in the most CMU theater shows ever.

But rarely did CMU theatergoers see her performing. Instead, what they saw of her theatrical skills were the costumes and makeup worn by the actors and actresses.

“I have terrible stage fright,” she confesses. “I much more prefer working behind the scenes and being creative with costumes and makeup.”

She recently noted that the costume shop hasn’t changed much since she graduated. This in part led to her establishing a technical theater endowment with her husband, Kevin, ’74 M.A. ’76.

The Ramsey-Valle Technical Theatre Educational Endowment Fund, which the Campbells named in honor of her faculty mentors Doris Ramsey and William Valle, will support technical theater-related areas, including the costume and scene shops as well as makeup, lighting, rigging, and audio.

Valle retired from teaching technical theater in 2000. Ramsey still teaches costume and makeup design and says she is honored and grateful for the endowment established by Liz and Kevin Campbell.

“This endowment will give us the ability to provide students the equipment that we otherwise could only say, ‘Gee, wouldn’t it be nice to have it,’” Ramsey says.

Liz and Kevin Campbell have remained devoted to CMU. In addition to Liz volunteering with the student-run TV show News Central and Kevin teaching a broadcasting class, in 2006 they established an endowment to support the maintenance and upgrade of equipment in the School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts.

Make a scene

You can help support CMU University Theatre and Summer Theatre endowments and programs. For information, contact Alison Miller, director of development for the College of Communication and Fine Arts, at (989) 774-1698.

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COLLEGE BOUND

Program helps high schoolers prepare for higher ed

Portia Vaughn, like so many other recent high school graduates, is preparing for her first day of college this fall.

But, unlike so many other incoming college freshmen, this move isn’t one she expected four years ago. 

“In my ninth grade year, I wasn’t even thinking of going to college,” says Vaughn, who in June was in the first graduating class of the Detroit International Academy for Women – Michigan’s only all-girls’ public school.

She credits the Upward Bound program at CMU with encouraging her to pursue a college degree.

For four years Vaughn participated in the program, which assists students with college applications, financial aid forms, academic advising, résumé preparation, career planning, after-school tutoring, and training to build solid study skills. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree.

During the summer, Upward Bound offers a six-week academy, starting with two weeks in Detroit for ACT preparation classes. Then the students travel to CMU for a firsthand look at a college experience. They stay in residence halls, take academic enrichment courses, and learn from CMU students who serve as their mentors.

Chase provides funding

Christine Kageff, vice president of philanthropy and community relations for Chase, has taken a personal interest in CMU’s Upward Bound program in Detroit.

“As a company we certainly like Upward Bound, but it’s a personal connection for me, too,” she says. “It’s a really wonderful thing to see these students get into college.”

Since 2003 Chase has helped to fund Upward Bound’s summer institute and has purchased computers, Internet access, and other items for the classrooms at Detroit International Academy for Women and Frederick Douglas College Prepatory Academy for Young Men. 

“There’s been a disparity of educational support in urban areas,” Kageff says. “We think every child should be prepared to succeed and go to college if they wish. We want to help make that happen.”

CMU receives federal funding for Upward Bound, but Chase’s support supplements the federal budget with money for field trips, additional support services such as ACT prep, and other extras.

“The students know that they’re part of something special that’s preparing them for the next level in life,” says Montisa Watkins, director of Upward Bound. “Chase’s funding and support help the students really see that when you get an education, you have options.”

Set the bar high

Help students prepare for the next level. Learn more about how you can support CMU’s Upward Bound program by calling (989) 774-3700. You can also visit us on the web at www.diversity.cmich.edu/upwardbound1.htm.

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EDUCATION BUILDING ON SCHEDULE

Now is the time for donors to give

Fundraising for the new Education Building has reached 70 percent of its $7.5 million goal.

But now is the time that donors are needed the most, according to Jeff Krebs, College of Education and Human Services director of development.

“Many potential donors at this point in a project have a tendency to think, ‘CMU’s almost there. My donation won’t make that much of a difference,’” Krebs wrote in a recent column in the EHS newsletter, The Professional. “Actually, now is the most critical time to make a gift.”

Campaign officials are hoping they can announce that the campaign has met its fundraising goal at the building’s grand opening in Fall 2009.

The construction of the new 135,000-square-foot Education Building is on schedule for its September 2009 opening. Walls and window partitions are being installed this summer and the auditorium walls are visible from the outside of the building.

“I want to say thank you to our supporters,” Krebs says. “We are grateful to all of you who support CMU and the future of education.”

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PERFECT TIMING

Former All-American runner's gift benefits his family, future CMU students

A life income plan with CMU guarantees Ed VanderHeuvel and his wife, Evonne, income for the rest of their lives.

Timing, so to speak, was key to Ed VanderHeuvel’s success at CMU.

The distance runner on the track and cross country teams from 1955-58 set then-school record times in the indoor mile and outdoor 880, mile, and two-mile runs. He also was an All-American in cross country and track in 1958, the year in which he finished second in the NCAA cross country finals, won the NAIA national title, and took runner-up in the NAIA two-mile run.

Timing continues to play an important role in VanderHeuvel’s relationship with his alma mater, where he majored in physical education and minored in biology. He said the time was right last year for him and his wife, Evonne, to establish a life income plan with CMU.

Gift provides lifetime income

This charitable giving plan guarantees VanderHeuvel and his wife income for the rest of their lives. After their deaths, the remainder of the gift will support opportunities for CMU students and faculty members in the biology and physical education departments.

“My best years of college experiences were at Central,” says VanderHeuvel, who later earned his graduate teaching degree in biology from the University of Michigan. “We wanted to give a gift to the university, and this plan provides a way of giving a gift and getting something in return.”

After graduating from Central as a member of the ROTC Program and serving in the U.S. Army from 1960-68, VanderHeuvel earned his graduate teaching degree and spent more than 28 years as a biology professor at St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron.

Most of the year, VanderHeuvel and his wife live in Fort Gratiot, Michigan, and he spends his days gardening, playing tennis on the two clay courts he constructed near his home, and enjoying time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Ed and Evonne spend their winters in Naples, Florida.

An easy way to contribute to CMU

Ted Tolcher, assistant vice president of planned and major gifts at CMU, says a charitable gift annuity – like the one VanderHeuvel established ­– is a giving option that many donors have found to be among the more easy and satisfying ways to contribute gifts to the university.

Tolcher says in addition to donors receiving an immediate charitable income tax deduction for their gifts, much of the income they receive from their gifts is tax-free.

“Our charitable giving tools are used for specific life circumstances that will benefit the needs of the donors as well as CMU,” says Tolcher, explaining donors often use the giving plans to supplement their retirement or help pay for their children’s or grandchildren’s education.

Is the timing right for you?

To learn more about the charitable giving tools at CMU, contact Ted Tolcher, assistant vice president of planned and major gifts, at (800) 358-6903, or visit www.giving.cmich.edu.

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ENSURING MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

Bancroft endowment honors Plachta legacy

Everyone who remembers Leonard Plachta knows he was a professor of accounting. But one dedicated alumna is quick to point out the appreciation for the fine and liberal arts that he shared with his wife, Louise.

Sue Schrier Bancroft always will remember Leonard Plachta’s genuine kindness and commitment to excellence.

And through the generosity of the 1972 alumna, future School of Music students and faculty also will remember the storied legacy of CMU’s 11th president.

Within a week of CMU President Emeritus Plachta passing away on January 22, Bancroft and her husband, Christopher, gave $250,000 to establish the Bancroft Endowed Fund for Excellence in Honor of Leonard Plachta.

“The endowment will provide discretionary funds for excellence because sometimes there are things that a leader needs, but funding isn’t always available,” Bancroft says. “Leonard Plachta was very aware of that level of excellence, and I wanted to honor him for that.”

Funding helps School of Music raise its national profile

A longtime supporter of the School of Music, Bancroft says she was honored several years ago when then-President Plachta asked to meet with her when he was in Texas for an NCAA meeting.

“It meant a lot when he reached out and made that connection,” Bancroft says. “From there I became good friends with him and his wife, and we would have breakfast together every time I came up to Mount Pleasant.”

Alison Miller, director of development for the College of Communication and Fine Arts, says the newly established endowment will offer the School of Music increased flexibility to enhance its programs and activities as well as support its discretionary activities to raise its regional and national profile.

During her time as a music student at CMU, Bancroft remembers the affect that visiting artists had on shaping her future career as a bassoon professor and professional musician. The new endowment will supplement funding for such guest performances.

“This endowment will help to bring the college and School of Music to a new level of excellence,” says Bancroft, who also has donated many bassoons and contributed money to establish a bassoon scholarship and to name the Music Building band hall in honor of Norman C. Dietz. 

Bancroft taught at Grand Valley State University, West Texas State University, Kent State University, and the University of North Texas. She also had a 20-year career as a professional musician and has performed with orchestras and symphonies throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Texas. She now works to advance the arts and culture in Texas.

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