On Sept. 6, Dr. MacLeod Walls, president of William Jewell College, welcomed students, faculty and guests to the 170th Opening Convocation.She also introduced this year’s William F. Yates Distinguished Service Awardees: Esther L. George, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and Pedro A. Zamora, executive director of the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation.

George was recognized for her efforts to support economic development. She has supervised nearly 1,000 banks in seven state regions and advised Washington on the modernization of the Federal Reserve.

Zamora was recognized for his contributions to the Hispanic community. He has supported various initiatives to decrease income disparity, homelessness, lack of education and gentrification in low income areas of Kansas City.

Jewell faculty members were recognized as well.. Dr. Joseph Shih was introduced as an assistant professor of biology, the Carl F. Teacher Award went to Dr. Deborah Chasteen for her outstanding service to the Jewell Community and Dr. Lori Wetmore was lauded as Advisor of the Year.

Many of the speeches given at the convocation, particularly those given by Lyndell W. Benton, mayor of Liberty, and Dr. Maurice A. Watson, Of Counsel at Husch Blackwell, challenged the incoming class at Jewell to break away from the influence of tribalism and critically assess their community  in order to improve it.

Musical performances were given by Dr. Dustin Williams, Michael Cervantes, professor  Shelly Peters, professor Chris White, Laurence Dahsten, Dr. Anne Marie Rigler and Jewell’s concert choir, directed by Dr. Anthony Maglione.

The ceremony began with the procession of faculty members in full academic robes and the singing of the National Anthem. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls, president of the College, delivered a welcome message to the community.

The Concert Choir performed the musical anthem under the direction of Dr. Anthony Maglione, associate professor of music. The piece, entitled “The Same Stream,” established an accepting, forward-looking tone through the lyrics:

The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day

runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures.

Susan Chambers, chair of the Board of Trustees, congratulates award winner Karen L. Daniel.

Karen L. Daniel and Jewel D. Scott, received the 2018 William F. Yates Medallion, the highest non-degree award bestowed by Jewell.

Karen L. Daniel was the chief financial officer of Black and Veatch, as well as president of the company’s Global Finance and Technology Solutions Division, until her recent retirement. Daniel was introduced by Joe Reardon, the President/CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, who praised her financial accounting skills and wonderful sense of humor.

Jewel D. Scott, also recently retired, served The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City for 29 years as director of research and lateras the executive director. Sandra J. Price, former Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Sprint Corporation introduced Scott.

The address was delivered by David Warm, Executive Director of Mid-America Regional Council. Warm drew on his experience as a father and a community leader in Liberty to present an encouraging message.  

“[As critical thinkers at William Jewell, you have claimed] the skills, the confidence, the commitment to let go and move forward, to navigate the uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity,” said Warm.

At the end of the ceremony, attendees of the 2018 Opening Convocation stood to sing Jewell’s Alma Mater, ushering in a new academic year on the Hill.