Morningside University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Morningside University, a private institution rooted in Sioux City, Iowa, boasts a rich history and a diverse array of accomplished alumni. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church and founded in 1894, the university has consistently fostered an environment where students can thrive and make significant contributions to their respective fields. This article explores the lives and achievements of some of Morningside's most notable graduates, highlighting the university's impact on various sectors, from arts and politics to business and public service.
A Foundation of Academic Excellence
Morningside University's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its curriculum and the accomplishments of its alumni. The university's campus, a 68-acre space in the Morningside neighborhood, has been recognized as the Morningside College Historic District. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district includes buildings that represent a concentration of educational buildings in Sioux City, with examples of Richardsonian Romanesque, Italianate, and Moderne architecture.
Arts and Culture: Honoring Creative Achievement
Morningside University has a strong tradition in the visual and performing arts, and many of its alumni have achieved recognition in these fields. The School of Visual and Performing Arts presents the Culmination of Distinguished Achievement (CODA) Legacy Award annually to faculty and alumni.
- Lucy Yoshioka Buhler: A 1956 graduate, Buhler, originally from Hawaii, studied music education. She shared her native hula dance with local groups and taught vocal music.
- Russel Clifford: Clifford began teaching with provisional certification while completing his student teaching requirements from Morningside College in Fall 1968. Clifford has been a fixture in Siouxland’s choral music scene for over fifty years, teaching at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School and Sioux City West High School.
- Tyrone Greive: A 1965 graduate, Greive had a career as a professor of music, performing violinist, and researcher. He taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for 34 years and performed with orchestras and chamber music groups throughout the United States and has internationally published performance editions, arrangements, articles on string pedagogy and repertoire, reviews, contributions to books, and CD recordings.
- Kristine Jepson: An internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and 1984 graduate, Jepson debuted with the Metropolitan Opera in 1994 and was known for her performances in the operas of Mozart and Richard Strauss.
- John Kolbo: A 1978 graduate with a degree in Art and Music, Kolbo transitioned to computer-based design and taught at Morningside, mentoring young adults into portfolio-equipped professionals.
- Gary Slechta: A 1964 graduate, Slechta has been a free-lance trumpet player, arranger, orchestrator, and publisher in Austin, Texas, since 1983. He founded and hosted the Morningside College Jazz Festival.
Leadership and Public Service: Shaping Communities and Beyond
Morningside University alumni have also made significant contributions in leadership and public service, shaping communities and influencing policy at various levels.
- William L. Harding: Harding was the 22nd Governor of Iowa, serving from 1917 to 1921.
- Stanley L. Greigg: Greigg served in the U.S. House of Representatives from northwestern Iowa.
- Utu Abe Malae: Malae was a politician, banker, and businessman in American Samoa.
- Ralph F. Beermann: Beermann was a U.S. Representative for Nebraska.
- Dave Mulder: Mulder served as a member of the Iowa Senate.
- Christopher Rants: Rants is a former Iowa State Representative.
- Sharon S. Steckman: Steckman has been a member of the Iowa House of Representatives since 2008.
- Ellis Yarnal Berry: Berry was an attorney, newspaper publisher, and politician, elected to the United States House of Representatives from South Dakota.
- Ron Jorgensen: Jorgensen is the Iowa State Representative from the 6th District.
- Lester Menke: Menke was a state Representative from Iowa's 5th and 7th Districts.
Business and Innovation: Driving Economic Growth
Morningside University's business programs have produced numerous successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
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- Tom Rosen: A 1970 graduate with a degree in business administration, Rosen's successful career led to his induction into the M Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. Rosen is also a member of the Morningside University Board of Directors and received an honorary degree in 2017. He made a $2 million lead gift to Morningside University. Underpinned by Rosen’s gift, the new School of Business building will provide a state-of-the-art learning space for students who are preparing for the dynamic and evolving business world.
Athletics: Achieving Excellence on the Field
Morningside University's athletic programs have a history of success, and many of its athletes have gone on to achieve recognition in their sports. The Morningside athletic teams are called the Mustangs. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) since the 2003-04 academic year. The Mustangs women's basketball team won back-to-back NAIA Division II National Championships in 2004 and 2005. They also won the National Championship in 2009 with an undefeated 38-0 record. Most recently, the Mustangs won the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship in 2015 with a 37-1 record. Morningside's Jake Stevenson won the NAIA 184 lb (83 kg) Wrestling Championship in 2007, and John Sievert won the 197 lb (89 kg) Championship in 2013. The 2018, 2019, and 2021 Morningside Mustangs football teams had undefeated seasons and won NAIA national championships. The Morningside Mustangs dance team won their first national title in 2022.
- Paul Splittorff: Splittorff played his entire career in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher for the Kansas City Royals from 1970 to 1984. After his playing career, Splittorff became a television color commentator for the Royals. He was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1987.
Building Bridges: International Connections
Morningside University's global perspective is reflected in its international partnerships and the experiences of its students and faculty.
- Mabel Sia: Morningside’s connection to Fuzhou, China, dates back to 1897, when Mabel Sia became the campus’s first international student. Hailing from Fuzhou and educated at the Methodist Girls’ Boarding School, Sia briefly studied in Japan before arriving in Sioux City.
- Dr. Greg Guelcher: A professor of history at Morningside, Guelcher has been a visiting professor at Hwa Nan Women’s College in China.
Notable Alumni in Media and Journalism
Morningside College has produced several notable figures in the field of media and journalism.
- Pauline Phillips: Phillips, also known as Abigail Van Buren, was an American advice columnist and radio show host who began the "Dear Abby" newspaper column in 1956.
- Eppie Lederer: Lederer, better known by the pen name Ann Landers, was an American advice columnist.
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