Shazzie Naseem

When Shazzie Naseem stepped off the bus in Kirksville, he had no idea what the future had in store, let alone how to get to campus. In the following five years, Naseem developed a passion for philosophy and channeled his desire to discover what is just and right into a legal career.

After graduating from Truman in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and religion, Naseem went on to the University of Notre Dame Law School and then to the U.S. Navy. During his time in the military, he served as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), specializing in naval justice and military law. Naseem was drawn to this branch of law for two reasons. First, it gave him an opportunity to serve his country in a unique and meaningful way. Second, even as a recent law school graduate, it gave him the immediate chance to get into the courtroom.

“As a young lawyer it was immensely satisfying to be able to go to trial and get acquittals and know that the jury believed what happened because of the work you put into uncovering the facts of the case,” Naseem said.

After serving in the Navy for nearly six years, he began to receive more managerial roles overseeing younger lawyers and advising base commanders instead of being in the courtroom himself. Since litigating in court was what drew Naseem to JAG initially, he decided this was his cue to transition from the Navy to civilian law practice in order to pursue opportunities that would put him back in the courtroom. He settled with his family in Kansas City and is concentrating his practice on white-collar criminal law and business litigation in a private firm.

Naseem is particularly proud of the work he is doing for the Office of Defenders Services, in which he travels across the country to educate other attorneys on how to effectively review and organize discovery in cases. He shares his love of technology and educates them on how it can be used in the courtroom and in their practice to improve the management and presentation of a case.

Philosophy was not the only love Naseem acquired at Truman. He is proudly married to fellow Truman graduate, Leah (Himmelberg) Naseem (’96). Together, they have three children.

Tony Rigdon

In 2001, at the age of 27, Tony Rigdon was living in his parents’ basement in Kirksville. He had been enrolled at the College of the Ozarks, but left with only 18 credits remaining to graduate. He landed a job working for Truman’s Information Technology Services and enrolled as a part-time student.

That same year he entered his first 5K run and managed to finish 3rd in his age group. Rigdon described the experience as the beginning of a lifestyle change. He began training with the triathlon and running club, and lost 45 pounds.

By 2006, Rigdon’s life had completely changed. He was two years removed from earning his degree in computer science from Truman, and was now a regular in area triathlons. He appeared to have everything in order until tragedy struck in April. While competing in a triathlon near Cape Girardeau, Rigdon was hit by a van during the bicycle portion of the race. He sustained broken bones in his face, hands and knee. If that was not enough, not long after being released from the hospital, Rigdon was rear-ended while driving, and when his head hit the steering wheel the wires holding his jaw together came undone, setting back his progress yet again.

“A lot of people would think that I’m accident prone, and maybe I am,” Rigdon said.

Throughout it all, he never let his injuries interfere with his life. He continued to train and completed a 5K a week after having his jaw wired shut.

“Fitness takes continual effort,” he said. “Relax and everything you’ve worked for could be lost.”

Since his accident, Rigdon has competed in numerous 5K runs and triathlons, and usually incorporates his own flair into each event. He has been known to race while wearing a cape, while dressed as Ronald McDonald and, on occasion, in only a Speedo. His philosophy in life is, “have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously.”

Rigdon encourages those around him to focus on what he calls the three fits: fit physically, fit financially and fit emotionally.

“Daily decisions can make a large impact in life,” he said. “If you are off in one area of your life, it can affect the others.”

In 2012, facing more than $17,000 in unsecured debt, Rigdon decided to get serious about getting fit financially. He enrolled in Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University” and in 19 weeks he was able to pull himself completely out of debt. He held himself accountable by posting his progress on Facebook. When he still had a little under $15,000 in debt remaining, he decided he would not cut his hair or shave his beard until he was debt free. He posted pictures of his progress and, in addition to selling several things he did not need, took donations to achieve his goal.

Currently, Rigdon lives in Columbia, Mo., and works as a home energy auditor for Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning. He hopes to continue to use his message of perseverance and accountability to inspire others. In March 2013, Rigdon returned to campus to share his story as part of the “Eat, Listen and Learn” series sponsored by the School of Health Sciences and Education.

Lawrence Chui

Growing up there were two things Lawrence Chui was adamant he was not going to be: an accountant or a teacher. Now, as a certified public accountant and an assistant professor of accounting at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, Chui credits his change of heart to his experience at Truman.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Chui moved to Kirksville to pursue a degree in business at Truman in 1996. After experimenting in other aspects of business, Chui declared finance as his major. Upon graduation and prior to him becoming a U.S. citizen in later years, Chui had a difficult time finding employment because of his international student status. That, and the fact he had found a second home in Kirksville, led him to apply to Truman’s Masters of Accountancy program.

While working towards his master’s, Chui got his first exposure to the classroom as a graduate teaching research assistant. He found he enjoyed interacting with his students both inside and outside the classroom. This newfound passion led him to pursue teaching at every stage of his career. Besides Truman, Chui has taught at Moberly Area Community College in Kirksville, the University of North Texas and currently at the University of St. Thomas.

Chui summarizes his teaching philosophy in three words: professionalism, enthusiasm and compassion. Although he has a clearly defined teaching philosophy, he acknowledges it is not always easy to translate it into the classroom. He understands each student learns differently and each has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. Chui is always willing to go above and beyond to help his students.

For example, he usually spends a few hours at the library the night before each exam in order to provide students with any last minute help.

“I try to help my students understand how they learn best and seek to optimize the times they spend learning my course material both effectively and efficiently,” he said.

His efforts were recognized in 2012 when Chui was nominated for the Julie Hayes teaching award at the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas.

While Chui has a Ph.D., from the University of North Texas in accounting, he is not, in his own words, “just one of those number guys.” He is very involved in behavioral accounting research that focuses on judgment and decision-making in auditing. He has published his research in various accounting academic journals. Chui’s most recent findings on the impact of biases on auditors’ decision-making performance related to analytical procedures was published in The Accounting Review, an internationally premier peer-reviewed academic journal in accounting.

“I have learned that accounting is more than numbers. It is a science. It is a social science that can be researched,” Chui said.

He has also taken a particular interest in forensic accounting, which is the application of investigative and analytical skills to determine the existence and the source of fraud. In the fall of 2012, he became a consultant for the St. Paul Police Department as part of the Fraud Audit Service Team, a partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the local police. Chui has recently assisted in the investigation of two embezzlement cases.

In addition to his teaching, research and consulting role, Chui is currently serving in a leadership position at the American Accounting Association Public Interest section.

Chui acknowledges faith as an important part of who he is today, and he credits his local church and his experiences as an undergraduate at Truman for helping him make that connection.

No matter where the future takes him, Chui will always remember the school that gave him his start, and the community that welcomed him.

“Truman State University is more than just a liberal arts university to me, and Kirksville is more than just a small town in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “The students, staff and faculty at Truman, along with the people in Kirksville, have all played a positive and important role in my life.”

Joe Porter’s War
By Scott Sallee (’84)
“Joe Porter’s War” focuses on the Civil War and Colonel Joe Porter’s attempt to lead a group of confederates to take over Union territory in Northeast Missouri. The story includes struggles and trying times from the Northeast Missouri Campaign in 1862.

Show Me the Deadly Deer
By Carolyn Mulford (’60)
In this sequel to “Show Me the Murder,” ex-spy Phoenix Smith goes with acting sheriff Annlynn Keyser to look for a missing farmer. They find him armed and dead, an antler in his back. Did a mad deer take revenge on the hunter? The story focuses on strong female characters that search for the true answer. Mulford writes historical fiction books for teens and contemporary mystery books for adults. More information on Mulford’s books can be found at carolynmulford.com.

The Wonderful Adventures of Bradley the Bat
By Steve Paulding (’96)
“The Wonderful Adventures of Bradley the Bat” is a children’s book about a little Colorado brown bat who decides to migrate to South America for the winter. On his journey he meets and sees many different animals and regions.

The Grand Adventures of Petit Louis
By Kayce M. Swigelson (’07)
“The Grand Adventures of Petit Louis” is a story about a cat who wanders around Paris painting mustaches on famous artwork and landmarks as he searches for a birthday present for his owner.

Serinah and the Butterfly
By Rhonda Reif (’84)
“Serinah and the Butterfly” is a motivational story written for both children and adults. The story focuses on the power of accomplishing tasks without letting emotions, fear or self-doubt get in the way.

Level Fields of Play: Bobby Shows’ Life and Ministry Through Sports
By James O. Preston (’83)
Bobby Shows grew up in rural Mississippi, played high-profile basketball and used his enthusiasm to reach students for Christ. The story centers around a 1962 basketball game, called the “game of change.”

Still Life in Brunswick Stew
By Larissa Reinhart (’91)
“Still Life in Brunswick Stew” is a mystery that revolves around food poisoning at a cooking competition that leads to a death. The story keeps the readers laughing and guessing from the very first page. Reinhart is the author of the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series. For more information on the series, visit larissareinhart.com.

What Heaven is Like
By Jane Lea Dykstra
“What Heaven is Like” is the true story of the author who went into surgery and had visions of Heaven. She recounts her story in the book by describing her experience during surgery, and how it has helped her become closer with her religion. For more information on the book, visit whatheavenislike.com.

Those Who Serve
By Jim Coy (’68)
Colonel Jim Coy (Ret.) is the author of the Eagle Series Books. “Those Who Serve” is a devotional for the military, and includes an inspirational two-hour DVD with interviews from men who received the Medal of Honor and ex-POWs from the Vietnam War. More information on his book series can be found at agatheringofeagles.com.

Music/CDs
Landscapes
Paul W. Popiel (’93)
“Landscapes” is a collection of works including, “In the Shadow of No Towers: Symphony No. 4” by Mohammed Fairouz and “Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra” by Philip Glass, performed by the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble. Popiel is the director of bands at the University of Kansas.

Pathways to Paradise: A Journey into Relaxation
By Rhonda Reif (’84)
“Pathways to Paradise: A Journey into Relaxation” is a CD of four exercises to help relax the mind, body and spirit. Reif made the CD to help participants utilize the techniques they learned in her presentations. For more information on the CD, visit pathwaystotranquility.com.

William Matthew

When William Matthew found out Kirksville Middle School was going to be renamed in his honor, he was shocked by the news. After helping the district grow throughout the years, Matthew felt grateful for the community’s recognition of his service. The Kirksville native and former superintendent worked in the Kirksville School District for 23 out of 35 years in public education service.

During his time in the Kirksville School District, Matthew always had a connection to the middle school. He started his career in the district as the principal there when it was still known as the junior high and located on the University campus in Ophelia Parrish. In 1977, a desperate school board contacted him in need of a superintendent, however, Matthew hated the thought of leaving the close relationships he had formed with the junior high faculty and staff to accept the position. Years later, the impact of this decision and his contributions as superintendent have not been forgotten.

Matthew’s tenure as superintendent began at a challenging time in the Kirksville School District. When he assumed the position, Matthew was faced with deteriorating buildings and insufficient funds for salaries. He soon developed a plan to balance the district’s budget and later organized the construction of the Kirksville Middle School.

Matthew has watched the public school campus expand and mature since his nine years as superintendent. He is proud of the opportunities the district provides for young children.

“I don’t know of any place you can go that has the number of educational institutions in a town of this size,” he said.

After one semester at the University, Matthew enrolled in the draft. He served two and a half years in the military before returning to college. During his undergraduate studies, Matthew was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon, Alpha Phi Omega, the gymnastics club and lettered in football. In 1950, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education.

Matthew currently resides in Kirksville with his wife Shirley of 63 years. They have two children. He enjoys retirement and spends his free time playing golf, fishing and bow hunting.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to have two kids, be successful, and be honored,” Matthew said.

Akela Cooper

Akela Cooper always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world. Now serving as executive story editor on an upcoming major network show, she is finally realizing her dream. Cooper developed her love for writing at an early age. Growing up on a farm, with not much entertainment, she took to reading and creating her own stories as a way to pass the time.

While Cooper was attending Truman, it became obvious to her that writing was her passion, and she graduated from the University in 2003 with a degree in creative writing.

“Writing was the only thing that I really enjoyed, so I wanted to pursue it as a career,” she said.

Cooper’s interest in a career in writing lead her to pursue a master’s degree in screen writing at the University of Southern California. At USC a program in television writing sparked her interest. Cooper was later accepted into the CBS Mentoring Program in which she was able to meet and learn from writers in the field. This led to her obtaining her first assistant job on the CBS show “Jericho.”

Cooper received her big break writing for NBC’s television drama “Grimm” after she impressed the producers of the show with her writing samples. She was immediately attracted to “Grimm” because of its dark themes and aspects of horror. During her time on the show she penned three episodes, including one of the most popular episodes of the series.

Currently Cooper resides in Los Angeles, and is the executive story editor for the upcoming CW network show “The 100.”  The show centers on a group of 100 young adults that are exiled to the nuclear decimated Earth by the last surviving humans to determine if the planet is habitable. “The 100” premieres mid-season of the 2013-14 season. While this new show takes most of her focus, she looks forward to hiatuses that allow her to work on her personal writing projects. She draws inspirations for her writings from reading as much as possible, observing the world around her and trying new experiences.

“You never know where you’ll get your ideas or what can inspire you to create something,” Cooper said. “But sitting in your home and doing nothing is not going to help you.”

While she enjoys working for these shows, Cooper looks forward to the possibility of having her own one day.

“The biggest goal is to eventually create and run my own show. That’s the dream,” she said.