Thompson, the 26^th聽president in Culver-Stockton鈥檚 167-year history, is retiring on June 30, 2020. She has led the college for six years and was the first woman president of the college.

The surprise presentation was made during an online meeting of the faculty assembly. The proclamation was read by Dr. Chad DeWaard, chair of the faculty assembly and an associate professor of political science.

The proclamation noted that Thompson led the fundraising efforts for the Carolyn L. and Robert W. Brown Residence Center, a $3 million facility that was completed in 2017, and an experiential learning center to be built as an addition to the Gladys Crown Student Center, as well as renovations to nearly every other building on campus.

It also lauded Thompson for her efforts to support Culver-Stockton鈥檚 12 plus 3 academic semester calendar and its emphasis on experiential education. During Thompson鈥檚 tenure, the college launched an online graduate program for those seeking a master鈥檚 degree in education; announced an agreement with the University of Missouri that allows students to enter law school earlier; added a Master of Athletic Training program; and created an esports program and a women鈥檚 lacrosse program.

The proclamation praised Thompson for leading the 鈥淐ulver-Stockton: Changing Lives!鈥� comprehensive campaign that was designed to raise $25 million during an eight-year timeframe but far exceeded its goal, raising nearly $35 million and accomplishing most of its goals two years ahead of schedule. She also was congratulated for keeping enrollment numbers consistently strong. Total enrollment has topped more than 1,000 students for five consecutive years.

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The three combat veterans will share their personal experiences in uniform and comment on the changing nature of current national service, American foreign policy and the evolving complexion of modern warfare. They will offer their perspective on the issues confronting the United States, both 50 years ago in Vietnam and today in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.

The event seeks, in part, to disabuse students of preconceived notions of the Vietnam War inspired by Hollywood portrayals by introducing them to men who actually were on the ground.

Scheduled to speak are:

• Jerry Prather, a sergeant in the U.S. Army鈥檚 199^th聽Light Infantry Division.
• John Carter, a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Army鈥檚 1^st聽Calvary 82^nd聽Airborne Division.
• Gary Bunch, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force鈥檚 31^st聽Combat Support Squad.

Also invited to participate are two Culver-Stockton students: Andrew Schaad of Springfield, Ill., a specialist with the U.S. Army鈥檚 Inland Cargo Transportation Company, and Brian Wutt of Wauwatosa, Wis., a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps鈥� Marine Air Command Support.

Chad DeWaard, an associate professor of political science, will moderate the event. The panelists will be available for questions after the conclusion of the event at 12:30 p.m.

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The panel for 鈥淭he History and Anatomy of Presidential Impeachment鈥� will offer timely and expert remarks on an important, yet often misunderstood, topical issue. A subsequent question-and-answer session on this issue is designed to disabuse students of their common misperceptions regarding the removal of the U.S. president from office while promoting their intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

The panel consists of:

• Scott Giltner, professor of history
• Andrew Walsh, professor of religion/philosophy
• Melody Schroer, associate professor of legal studies
• Patrick Hotle, professor of history
• D’Ann Campbell, professor of history
• Chad DeWaard, assistant professor of political science

Contact DeWaard for more information at聽cdewaard@culver.edu聽or 573-288-6694.

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