FACULTY
PROFILE
Two
of a Kind
Picture
a Truman professor with a friendly demeanor, a contagious smile, and
a teaching/coaching career spanning almost 40 years, and you might think
of Larry Boleach ('62) ('65), associate professor in Health and Exercise
Science. Then again, Jack Bowen ('58) ('61), assistant professor in
Health and Exercise Science, might come to mind. Since attending Truman
as students during the 1960s, the lives of these two individuals have
been on a direct parallel. Prior to joining the Truman faculty, both
Boleach and Bowen received degrees from Truman, and each taught and
coached in public schools. The duality of their careers continues as
they both announce plans to retire this year. Boleach received his bachelor's
degree from Truman in 1962 and his master's degree three years later.
³After I graduated in 1965, I had the opportunity to teach at what was
then Northeast Missouri State Teachers College,² says Boleach. ³I accepted
the job and have been here ever since.² His teaching responsibilities
have been primarily in the major preparation courses, as well as some
assignments in the service classes. Cheryl Rainey ('77) ('81), associate
professor of public health sciences at Clemson University, remembers
how students called Boleach ³Mr. B.² ³He was very student oriented and
conveyed to us that he genuinely cared for us as individuals and as
future professionals,² says Rainey. As a member of the Truman faculty
for the last 35 years, Boleach has seen many significant changes at
the University, including four name changes by the University, as well
as a division name change. During the early part of his career, the
division was called Health and Physical Education, and the majority
of the students were preparing to be teachers. Today, the division is
called Human Potential and Performance. ³Now, the focus is on physical
therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, cardiac rehab, corporate
fitness and medicine,² says Boleach. He is proud that both his son,
Jay ('86) ('87), and his daughter, Carey ('87), are also Truman graduates.
Jack Bowen joined the Truman faculty in 1966 and has had various responsibilities
over the years. He spent 18 years as the director of Intramural Recreational
Sports program for both men and women, taught in the Health and Exercise
Science MAE program with responsibility in the Education Division with
the Health and Science MAE interns, Field Experience supervisor for
the students in Health and Exercise Science program, and activities
coordinator for Health and Lifetime Fitness classes. Bowen made a lasting
impression on many of his students, including Missouri State Representative
Sam Berkowitz ('70). ³He was a great teacher who always had time for
his students,² recalls Berkowitz, who also taught and coached. ³Jack
was my mentor, and I modeled a great deal of my own teaching after him.²
Besides being both a student and a member of the faculty at Truman,
Bowen has several other Truman connections. His mother, Velma Bowen,
set the ball in motion by receiving both bachelor's and master's degrees
from Truman. Bowen followed his mother's lead along with his wife, Melba
(Cokerham) Bowen ('61) and his son, Jon ('82), who are Truman graduates.
Bowen's son, Ron, also attended the University. ³The tradition is continuing
with my grandson, Matt Bowen, who is currently a junior at Truman,²
says Bowen.
Long-time members of the Truman faculty, Jack Bowen
and Larry Boleach have both announced plans to retire this year.
STUDENT
PROFILE
Preserving History
at the Truman Library
A
junior history major from Lee's Summit, Mo., Lori Schwartz has the honor
of serving as Truman State University's first intern at the Harry S.
Truman Library, in Independence, Mo. Schwartz, the daughter of Stanley
and Margaret Schwartz, is also the Library's first full-time intern.
Schwartz works in the archival and educational sections monitoring research
rooms, working on archival programs and working on various educational
programs, such as National History Day. The internship, which began
on Jan. 10 and will continue until April 28, is funded by a generous
endowment from the family of Fred and Ethel Schwengel. The internship
allows students to earn up to 15 credit hours toward their college degrees.
Schwartz, who is planning on obtaining master's degrees in both library
science and history, says the internship has been an excellent opportunity
for her. Not only is it providing a meaningful education, it is also
allowing Schwartz to gain valuable experience. Schwartz is especially
pleased to have an opportunity to work with the National Archive and
Records Administration. The student interns are exposed to unique historical
documents as they learn archival principles and practices while increasing
their research skills. During her internship, Schwartz also has been
given the opportunity to conduct her own research into U.S. government
policies toward Navaho Indians during the Truman administration. ³I
have been so impressed with the way the Truman Library staff has given
Lori the opportunity to have a variety of experiences,² says Jeffrey
Gall, assistant professor of history and social science education and
MAE director for social science. ³It has been a great experience for
her.² With plans to pursue a career in archival work, Schwartz says
the internship has provided her with a unique job opportunity that has
allowed her to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Lori Schwartz (center), a junior history major from
Lee's Summit, Mo. is interning at the Truman Library in Independence,
Mo. Lori is shown with Donna Denslow (left), coordinator of volunteer
and intern services of the Library, and Larry Hackman (right), Truman
Library director.
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