erin mann – The Hilltop Monitor

Athlete of the Week: Nick West

Erin Mann — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:15:59 +0000

William Jewell quarterback Nick West, junior, has earned his spot as a starter this football season. The quarterback has thrown for nine touchdowns, totaling 1102 yards, averaging 220 yards per game. West completes over half of his passes, his longest being 69 yards. The starter has also rushed a total of 159 yards, averaging 15 yards per game and has thrown only two interceptions.

West has been playing football for roughly 10 years. The athlete took an interest in the sport at age nine after moving from California to Texas, home of some of the most enthusiastic football fans in the nation.

“Living in Texas, you essentially didn’t have a choice in playing football. So, I showed up, tried out, and have liked it ever since,” West said.

Besides getting to be on the field with his friends, the football player’s favorite aspect of the sport is its reliance on teamwork.

“A really good play takes all eleven [players] doing something together. Seeing the end result of teamwork is a rewarding feeling,” West said.

While West has been both the receiver for his high school football team and the Cardinals’ starting quarterback since game four of the season, he also enjoys testing his skills in other positions. West says he values playing linebacker on defense because linebackers are “sort of like the quarterback of the defense.”

The William Jewell Cardinals took on the Truman State Bulldogs last week for Truman State University’s Homecoming game. The Bulldogs had the eighth longest winning streak and 25th longest unbeaten streak among Division II schools, but the Cardinals took home “the W.” West named this game as one his most memorable because it is one of the bigger games he has participated in and it was “a game we were not supposed to win” said the starter. The Cardinals were down 17-0 at half time but came back for a 21-17 victory, making the team 3-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

The quarterback’s favorite part about playing for the College is the connection he has built with his teammates, as they not only play together but live together as well.

West is currently a junior majoring in chemistry, and graduation he plans to start graduate school and see where life takes him from there.

The Hill welcomes home alumni Cardinals

Erin Mann — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 19:46:29 +0000

Join the College in celebrating the classes of 1944, ’54 and ’64; the 40th anniversary of the Department of Nursing; the 40th anniversary of the Pillsbury Music Center; 100th year of Teacher Education; and more.

Mabee Games, Campus Sing and football at Greene Stadium—it is that time of year again. Saturday, Sept. 27 the Hill will be teeming with first-year and former students alike, as William Jewell celebrates its rich heritage and tradition at Homecoming 2014.

Current students, alumni and community members will don their red and black to rally behind the Cardinals as they take on the South Dakota School of Mines. The College will also honor the classes of 1944, ’54 and ’64 by hosting their 50th, 60th and 70th reunions, respectively, in the Celebration of Golden Classes.

Winnie and Michael Sneed will join fellow 1964 graduates for their 50th reunion.

Winnie Sneed ’64, English major and Beta Sigma Omicron member, attributes her excitement to the support she received Office of Alumni Relations when organizing a tour of the Pryor Learning Commons for her sorority sisters, as well as the Beta Sigma Omicron and Zeta Tau Alpha annual breakfast. The former graduate also expressed her gratitude for her classmate Linda Landers, ’64, for opening up her home to all Golden Class Celebration invitees for tailgating.

Returning members of the Class of ’54 include Joan Barth, who studied music and English during her time at Jewell. Barth was also involved in a number of organizations on campus including Student Senate, the Tatler Review and the choral program. Barth noted the various changes the College has experienced since her time on the Hill, such as the growth of the fine arts program, integration of technology, addition of the Pryor Leadership Program and the opportunity for students to access the Journey Grant.

Barth recalls her time in off-campus Maple Hall due to past lack of on-campus female housing, as well as her time residing in the president’s house while Jones Hall was being built. Barth said she is most looking forward to “[seeing] old friends, catching up with them and [hearing] the current situation at the College.”

Virginia Carter plans to celebrate her 70th class reunion and join her daughter, granddaughter and niece, all William Jewell College graduates, in the Homecoming festivities. Carter, a former English major and Tri Beta member, notes that “the Jewell spirit of her day” is ever-present.

In addition to paying homage to William Jewell’s alumni, this year’s Homecoming celebration will be dedicated to commemorating the 40th anniversary of both the William Jewell Department of Nursing and the Pillsbury Music Center.

Professor Emeritus Phil Schaefer taught in the Music Department for 38 years, and recalls the excitement surrounding the construction and opening of Pillsbury Music Center, a space uniquely designed for solo and group music practices.

The last day of Homecoming week is devoted to the 40th anniversary of the Department of Nursing. The department has experienced major growth since the College authorized a Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing in 1964. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a conversation with current professor, Dr. Ruth Edwards, and Dr. Carolyn Brose, Department of Nursing chair ’74.

“We want to hear from alumni so that we can continue to keep the curriculum current, and help students meet the needs of the changing healthcare environment. It is also important for all of us here to recognize our foundation.” said Dr. Leesa McBroom, Department of Nursing chair.

“The department’s rich history is in itself is worth celebrating. The accomplishments and impact that our alumni and faculty have had—and daily have—in our community and around the globe is humbling and amazing. We are and will remain committed to mentoring nursing professionals to provide excellence in nursing practice,” McBroom said.

The schedule of events can be accessed on the William Jewell College alumni website: http://www.jewellalumni.com/homecoming