On Campus - Stories
June 13, 2003 Vol. 56, No. 2

• Drake joins Drury University in distance learning program
• Drake honors fundraiser, philanthropist on Madelyn M. Levitt Day
• Willoughby receives Donald V. Adams Spirit of Drake Award
• Tiedeman remembered for his contributions to education, athletics
• Two Drake students honored
• Tree planting set for June 21

Eighteen Drake students are taking selected online courses this summer at Drury University in Springfield, Mo., while 50 Drury students are enrolled in selected online courses at Drake as part of a pilot program in distance learning.

The pilot program was established by Associated New American Colleges (ANAC), a national consortium of 20 mid-size, private comprehensive colleges and universities dedicated to the integration of liberal arts and professional studies.

As members of ANAC, Drake and Drury were the logical ones to conduct the pilot program because they have similar programs and each institution has more than five years' experience offering online courses, said Jan McMahill, chair of the ANAC Distance Learning Task Force and associate dean of Drake's School of Education.

"One of our goals is to increase opportunities for students by enabling them to take courses that aren't offered by their college or university," McMahill said. "Another goal is to broaden the student base in each class so that we have students from different colleges and states interacting with each other.

"The fact that we have nearly 70 students trying something new this summer is magnificent," she added. "We will be surveying the students to see how they like the pilot program. We will then carefully evaluate the program in hopes of expanding it to include other ANAC colleges in the future."

More than 20 people at the two institutions were involved in working out the arrangements for the pilot program. "The counterparts at both Drake and Drury have worked hard to select courses that are beneficial to their students' needs," said Gary Rader, director of online programs at Drury University. "Drury then linked each online course to an equivalent Drake course, and Drake did the same for us. The result is an enhanced online schedule for students at both universities, without the need for lots of paperwork to transfer class credits back and forth."

Drake honors fundraiser, philanthropist on Madelyn M. Levitt Day Drake recently celebrated Madelyn M. Levitt Day by honoring the national chair of Campaign Drake who continues to serve the University as special assistant to President Maxwell for development. Levitt, a major benefactor of Drake and member of the Drake Board of Trustees, was feted at a breakfast in Levitt Hall, where President Maxwell read the proclamation that established May 31 as Madelyn M. Levitt Day at Drake. The proclamation will be displayed near the entrance to Levitt Hall. Levitt expressed her heartfelt thanks and said she can hardly believe it's been a year since the final gift to Campaign Drake came in at 3 p.m. May 31, 2002, enabling Drake to reach its goal of raising $190 million. "It's gone by in the blink of an eye," she said.

Surrounded by administrators, faculty and staff members, Maddie Levitt stands at the rear of her VW bug following Drake's celebration of Madelyn M. Levitt Day. The car is parked on Maddie Levitt Lane near Old Main.

Tom Willoughby

Tom Willoughby, dean of admission and financial aid, recently was awarded the Donald V. Adams Spirit of Drake Award for his service to the University and its students.

Presented annually by the Drake Athletics Department, this award recognizes a faculty or staff member for best exemplifying the "Spirit of Drake."

As an administrator, role model, leader, adviser and friend to students, faculty and staff at Drake, Willoughby was given the award for playing an instrumental role in fostering an environment of lifelong learning at the University. He recognizes that students are a priority and has worked tirelessly, both out front and behind the scenes.

"My position at Drake allows me to be a part of a dynamic community," said Willoughby, who joined the Drake staff 19 years ago. "What I enjoy most about my job are the people that I interact with each and every day."

Willoughby said he is most proud when he reflects upon the families that he has assisted as they've moved through the college selection process. "The students and families that consider and eventually enroll at Drake are truly outstanding," he added. "Drake is a special place."

In addition, Willoughby said he considers it to be a great honor to receive an award named for Don Adams, executive assistant to President Maxwell for community and alumni affairs. "I've been fortunate to have worked with Don Adams during my years. He has been a role model, teacher, mentor and friend."

Stuart Tiedeman

Stuart Tiedeman, professor emeritus of education at Drake, died May 30 at the age of 90 of complications of heart disease. Graveside services were held June 7 at Glendale Cemetery.

Professor Tiedeman, who joined the Drake faculty in 1947 and retired in 1978, was noted for his genuine commitment to the success of his students. His influence on their success was so profound that many of them corresponded with him and sought his counsel for decades after graduation.

"He was the most respected professor on campus not only by the students but by the faculty and staff as well," said Ray Pugh, professor emeritus of education. "He was truly committed to this school and the students that went there so he made sure to be a part of as many committees and groups as possible to go above and beyond the normal expectations of a professor."

In addition to teaching, Tiedeman chaired the Guidance and Counseling Department and was considered a leading authority in the field of guidance. He also served as dean of students, chairman of the Drake Athletic Council and president of the Missouri Valley Conference.

"He had such a positive impact on the entire campus from being both an educator and an athletic coordinator," said Paul Morrison, JO'39, Drake's athletic historian and consultant.

"Stuart was always considerate towards others and always had a kind word to say about everyone," said Don Moon, associate professor emeritus of education. "Most people will remember him for being a consummate gentleman, at least that's how I will."

Two Drake University students have received honors in the annual Barry M. Goldwater Science Scholarship competition.

Kavitha Pundi, a physics major who recently completed her sophomore year at Drake, was awarded a Barry M. Goldwater Science Scholarship. Bob Berendt, a pharmaceutical sciences major who recently completed his junior year at Drake, received an honorable mention.

The Goldwater Scholarship is a national award established by Congress to encourage students to pursue research and advanced degrees in science. Approximately 300 students are selected each year from among 1, 200 applicants.

Both Pundi and Berendt have summer internships as researchers. Pundi is working at the Mayo Clinic and Berendt is working at University of Kansas.

Volunteers are needed to plant more than 30 trees throughout the Drake Neighborhood on the morning of Saturday, June 21.

The tree-planting effort is funded by a $1,000 grant from the 2003 Keepers of the Land Tree Grant Program as well as a $2,000 contribution from the Drake Neighborhood Association. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot at 26th Street and University Avenue. Those who have shovels and work gloves are encouraged to bring them.