CANTON, Mo. — Dr. Dylan Marney, associate professor of music at 91ֱ��, will present a piano recital as part of the Quincy Sunday Music Series this Sunday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. The concert will take place at the Unitarian Church, located at 1479 Hampshire Street in Quincy (Ill.).

The recital will feature selections by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the performance is free and open to the public.

In addition to teaching at 91ֱ��, Marney serves the C-SC Chair of the Civic Engagement, Humanities, and Performing Arts Division and has extensive professional training and performance experience. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from the University of Arizona and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance from Central Washington University. He was also the first-place winner of the Steinway & Sons Piano Competition for Washington State.

In addition to his classical training, Marney holds a master’s degree in music technology and has composed original electro-acoustic works and film scores. A frequent soloist, he performs regularly throughout the region and nationally and has served as an artist-in-residence at the Lake Chelan Bach Fest in Washington.

The Quincy Sunday Music Series is a long-standing community tradition that highlights regional talent and provides accessible, high-quality musical performances for area audiences.

Presented by Dr. Scott Giltner, Sperry Chair in Humanities, and Dr. Dylan Marney, Professor of Music, the program, The Life and Times of J.W. “Blind” Boone in Story and Song, offers an engaging look at one of Missouri’s most influential musicians. The event will take place in the Merillat Chapel in the Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center on the Culver-Stockton campus. The event is free and open to the public.

“J.W. Boone, known as ‘Blind’ Boone, was born a slave and blinded from a young age. He overcame poverty, injustice, and disability to become one of the most famous and influential ragtime musicians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries,” explained Giltner. “His story is one of perseverance and triumph, an inspiring testament to resilience, talent, and the power of music.”

Through narration and performance, Giltner and Marney will bring Boone’s remarkable journey to life, inviting audiences to experience the humanity behind his extraordinary art.

The John A. Sperry Lecture honors the legacy of Dr. John A. Sperry Jr., a distinguished professor of humanities whose 35-year career at 91ֱ�� profoundly influenced generations of students. Dr. Sperry’s wife, Jean Sperry, established the Sperry Chair and Lecture in 1992 to commemorate her husband’s time at Culver-Stockton.

Dr. Sperry was the first recipient of the Fred Helsabeck Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 1980 and was recognized at the College’s 129th Founders Day Convocation. A World War II veteran and lifelong learner, he is remembered for his dedication to the humanities and his enduring impact on the academic community.

Dr. El-Bermawy teaches courses on medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy ethics, microbiology, drug design, stereochemistry, instrumental analysis, reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy and drug analysis, pharmacology of medicinal agents, diseases in the 21st century, and medicinal chemistry for honors. He is the chair of the department of chemistry and mathematics and coordinator of physics and physical science. He also is the pre-health advisor.

For more information about majors available in biology and chemistry at 91ֱ��, visit /majors/.

The award, supported by the James Edward Scherbarth and Paul Francis Mosley Giving Fund, celebrates mid-career artists who embody creativity and resilience. For Bock-Nelson, who lives with Tourette’s Syndrome, the recognition affirms both her artistic journey and her role as a mentor to students.

“I was hesitant to apply because I know others face larger obstacles,” she said. “Tourette’s is something I’ve often sought to hide, but naming my disability embraces my neurodiversity and speaks to the challenges I’ve faced. I don’t know if I would be an artist if I didn’t have Tourette’s; it shaped how I see the world and gave me the ability to hyperfocus on details, time, and perspective.”

Bock-Nelson’s work explores perception, balance, and the tension between order and chaos. She draws on satellite images and underwater recordings to offer viewers a fresh perspective on the world around them. Recently, she has begun experimenting with light and prisms, inspired by her travels to places like Alaska’s glaciers.

In addition to her own artistic practice, Bock-Nelson is dedicated to helping Culver-Stockton students find their creative voices. She encourages a growth mindset in the studio and often shares her own missteps as part of the learning process.

“I hope all my students, especially those who are neurodivergent, feel valued for what they contribute to art and society,” she said.

Earlier this year, she also received an individual artist grant from the Illinois Arts Council. With the support of these honors, Bock-Nelson is entering a new chapter in her career, pursuing exhibitions, residencies, and new creative projects.

“Challenges can be obstacles or opportunities for growth,” she said. “This award recognizes that art continues in spite of, and often because of, our differences. I hope my story inspires others to embrace their own unique perspectives.”

See Bock-Nelson’s work at . For more information about majoring in art at 91ֱ�� visit, /majors/art/.

DeWaard, who is also the chair of the department, began serving as a CFR Higher Education Ambassador two years ago. His newly appointed distinguished ambassador role includes an eight-month initiative that helps faculty bring global affairs into the classroom through exclusive resources, peer collaboration, and innovative teaching practices. In this role, he will also serve as mentor and leader for new ambassadors, help guide discussions at CFR events, and co-present with CFR Education staff at events throughout the year.

“This opportunity allows me to connect with colleagues across the country who are equally dedicated to strengthening global awareness and civic engagement,” DeWaard said. “I look forward to bringing new perspectives and resources back to Culver-Stockton to enhance the educational experiences of our students.”

DeWaard’s recognition underscores his dedication to civic learning, global literacy, and academic leadership at C-SC. His involvement also supports the college’s mission to prepare students for informed, active citizenship in an interconnected world.

“We are immensely proud of Dr. DeWaard’s work in this important program,” said Dylan Marney, chair of 91ֱ��’s Civic Engagement, Humanities, and Performing Arts division. “He brings tremendous knowledge of political science and world affairs, a commitment to government working better for the public good, and dedication to enhancing student civic engagement and quality of life in the community. We are confident that his expanded involvement with CFR will bring valuable insights to the Hill and connect our students here with an expanding community of citizens and professionals.”

The Council on Foreign Relations is a think tank dedicated to promoting nonpartisan understanding of international relations and improving public dialogue on key global issues. Its mission is to foster collaboration between academia, policymaking, and the public. The Education Ambassador program connects impactful teachers and scholars across the world with open educational resources, professional development opportunities, and a growing community of global educators committed to equipping students to meet the challenges of today’s connected world.

Learn more about 91ֱ��’s political science program at /majors/political-science/.

The presentation, “Finding Space in Suspended Time,” is part of C-SC’s Faculty Research Series and is set for 5:30 p.m. in Meaders Lounge in the Gladys Crown Student Center. Her talk is free and open to the public.

Bock-Nelson’s art is exhibited nationally and has received numerous awards, including recently being recognized with a $3,000 Midwest Arts grant award in the Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities competition, an individual artist grant from the Illinois Arts Council earlier this year, and Best in Show at the 2018 Rockford Midwestern Biennial.

Since joining the Culver-Stockton faculty in 2024, Bock-Nelson has taught courses on painting and drawing. In 2025, she received the College’s Blue Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. She received her MFA in painting from Northern Illinois University and a B.A. in Art from Houghton College.

See Bock-Nelson’s work at . For more information about 91ֱ��’s art major visit /majors/art/.

CANTON, Mo. — The 2025 Faculty Biennial Exhibition at 91ֱ�� will feature works from faculty and emeritus artists across a range of disciplines, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital media, and fiber arts. The exhibition opens Thursday, Sept. 4 with a reception from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and an artist talk that starts at 6 p.m. The exhibition will be held at the Mabee Gallery on the main level of the Herrick Foundation Center and is set to close Friday, Oct. 17. 

“The exhibition underscores the depth and diversity of 91ֱ��’s faculty, highlighting their professional accomplishments and creative practices alongside their teaching,” noted Jennifer Bock-Nelson, director of the Mabee Gallery and assistant professor of studio art.

Debra Scoggins-Meyers, “I will love you till the cows come home” (encaustic)

Participating artists include:

• Jennifer Bock-Nelson, MFA in painting and drawing
• Jeffrey Johnson, assistant professor of graphic design, MFA in illustration and visual culture
• Dustin Pruitt, assistant professor of communication, MFA in digital filmmaking
• Carol Clay Mann, adjunct instructor, MFA in sculpture
• James Zimmerman, adjunct instructor, art educator at Hannibal High School and owner of CoolByke Bicycle Shop, Master’s in Education
• Brittany Welker, adjunct instructor, art educator at Canton High School, Master’s in Art Curriculum
• Debra Scoggin-Meyers, professor emeritus of art, MFA in painting and drawing, exhibiting artist at Alliance Art Gallery in Hannibal, Mo.

Featured works include Zimmerman’s “Smothered Hearts” (acrylic on canvas), Bock-Nelson’s “Winter” (watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil), Johnson’s “Gunchiss, The Warrior Who Died a Thousand Deaths” (ink and gouache), Pruitt’s “Beyond the Frame” (digital photograph with augmented reality integration), Scoggin-Meyers’s “I will love you till the cows come home” (encaustic), and Mann’s “Flight of a Million Tears” (fiber).

Bock-Nelson, whose work reflects on human presence in an age of overwhelming digital stimuli, said her pieces aim to preserve “invisible fragments of the changing world.”

Johnson described his drawings as a record of attention: “They say more than ‘I was here.’ They say, ‘I noticed.’ They say that I gave my time and attention to what was in front of me.’”

Pruitt’s contributions combine photography and augmented reality to highlight themes of memory and place. “Even when extended through augmented reality, these works remain fragments of time: gathered, layered with meaning, and preserved for the viewer to step into,” he said.

The Mabee Gallery hours are Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Dr. Melissa Holt, associate professor of psychology, received the Helsabeck Prize for Excellence in Teaching, the College’s highest honor for classroom instruction. Dr. Lisa Prowant, assistant professor of biology, was awarded the Walter S. Reuling Faculty Prize for Innovation in Student Learning, honoring her remarkable dedication to experiential learning and student engagement. 

“These two extraordinary educators embody the heart of Culver-Stockton’s mission,” said 91ֱ�� President Lauren Schellenberger. “Their dedication to excellence in teaching and innovative approaches to learning are transformative, not only for their students but for the entire campus community.” 

Dr. Holt joined C-SC in 2012, and she teaches psychology courses on such topics as statistics for social sciences, research methods, social psychology, biological psychology, sport psychology, and the psychology of marketing. She is also the coordinator of experiential education and travel director. Dr. Holt earned her doctorate and master of science degrees in experimental psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA) and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary Washington (Fredericksburg, VA). 

Dr. Prowant joined C-SC in 2020, and she teaches such biology courses as general biology, ecology, and debates in science. She earned her doctorate at Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY), her Master of Science degree in biological sciences at Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS), and her bachelor’s degree in biology at Benedictine College (Atchison, KS). 

About 91ֱ�� 

91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

The online panel discussion, “No Safe Space: Places and Spaces of Horror Cinema,” took place April 30 and brought together several leading horror film scholars for a discussion on the significance of space and place within the genre. The panel was hosted as part of the Horror Studies Special Interest Group’s “Weekday Night Bites” series, a public program aimed at scholars and fans alike. 

Burger was invited to participate by panel organizer Christina Brennan, a fellow contributor to Edinburgh University Press’s Devil’s Advocates series, a collection of critical monographs each focused on a single horror film. 

“It was an incredible group of panelists, and we’re all familiar with and have used one another’s work in our own research and writing on horror films,” Burger said. “That made it particularly exciting to come together for this conversation.” 

Burger’s contribution to the panel focused on her 2023 Devil’s Advocates volume, which offers a close reading of director Andy Muschietti’s IT Chapter One (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019). She explored the ways in which physical and psychological spaces in those films function as characters in their own right and contribute to the horror narrative. 

With all panelists examining films through the lens of space and place, Burger said it was enlightening to see how different subgenres and directors handle these concepts. “It ranged from place as almost a character to place being literally unknowable and indefinable,” she said. 

Approximately 20 attendees participated in the live event, with nearly 100 more registered to receive a recording. Burger said the audience included a mix of horror scholars and enthusiasts who posed thoughtful questions and offered connections between the featured films.

The experience not only aligned with Burger’s ongoing research — she is currently working on a book about literary geography in Stephen King’s work, under contract with Palgrave Macmillan — but also provided a valuable opportunity for international scholarly engagement. 

“It’s essential to be part of these larger conversations, especially on an international scale, to see how scholars from different cultures bring their own readings to specific films,” Burger said. “I was thrilled to contribute and represent 91ֱ�� alongside some of the most prominent horror film scholars in the world.” 

Burger frequently incorporates her research into her teaching, including her recent course ENG130: The Short Fiction of Stephen King. She said opportunities like this panel help connect students with broader scholarly dialogues and showcase the academic caliber of 91ֱ��. 

“We may be a small college here on ‘The Hill,’ but our students and faculty do big things,” Burger said. “I hope this kind of visibility helps demonstrate the exciting work happening at Culver-Stockton.” 

The panel included Christina Brennan (The Vanishing, 1988), Steve A. Wiggins (The Wicker Man, 1973), Rob McLaughlin (Poltergeist, 1982), Mark Fryers and Marcus Harmes (The Woman in Black, 1989), and Miranda Corcoran (The Craft, 1996). The discussion was moderated by Shellie McMurdo and Laura Mee, chairs of the BAFTSS Horror Studies Special Interest Group. 

A recording of the event will be made available by BAFTSS at a later date. 

About 91ֱ�� 

91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

The seminar, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in partnership with Interfaith America, takes place June 15–18, at DePaul University in Chicago. The seminar is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. and is designed to equip faculty with the tools to effectively teach interfaith understanding in the college classroom. Led by distinguished scholars Dr. Laurie Patton, President of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and Dr. Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America, the seminar will provide participants with strategies to foster interfaith engagement and leadership among students.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. El-Bermawy for being selected as one of just 25 faculty members nationwide to participate in this prestigious seminar. This opportunity is a testament to Dr. El-Bermawy’s dedication to advancing education and supporting the values of higher learning,”
said Dr. Kim Gaither, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Finance.

Through this seminar, faculty members will explore methods for integrating interfaith cooperation into their teaching, develop course modules, and engage in discussions on best practices for addressing religious diversity in academic settings.

“As a member of the Council of Independent Colleges, the College remains committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for the challenges of a diverse world,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, President of 91ֱ��. “Having Dr. El-Bermawy selected for participation in this seminar underscores our dedication to fostering critical thinking, interfaith dialogue, and leadership.”

Dr. Mohamed El-Bermawy joined the Culver-Stockton faculty in August 1999. He teaches courses on medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy ethics, microbiology, drug design, stereochemistry, instrumental analysis, reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy and drug
analysis, pharmacology of medicinal agents, diseases in the 21st century and medicinal chemistry for honors. He is the chair of the department of chemistry and mathematics and coordinator of physics and physical science. He is also the pre-health advisor. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and was the chair of the ACS section for several years. He lives in Canton with his wife, Omaima Ebeid.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.