The IDEA Center plays a key role in advancing Culver-Stockton’s experiential learning mission by providing students with access to modern classroom spaces, breakout rooms, and an executive conference room designed to foster teamwork and real-world problem solving. United State Bank’s ongoing partnership helps ensure students have the resources they need to turn ideas into action.

“United State Bank has been a consistent and valued partner in our efforts to provide meaningful, applied learning experiences,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, C-SC president. “Their continued support allows us to expand opportunities for students to innovate, collaborate, and build the skills they will carry into their careers and communities.”

As a primary sponsor of the IDEA Center, United State Bank’s investment directly contributes to student-led projects, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial initiatives that benefit both the campus and the surrounding region.

The Johnson-Turner IDEA Center serves as a gathering place for students, faculty, and staff to work together on projects that support the Canton community, the tri-state area, and beyond. Additional information about the center is available at .

Koplinski joins Culver-Stockton after a successful advancement career at Blackburn College (Carlinville, Ill.), where she served in several senior leadership roles, including vice president for institutional advancement, interim VP for institutional advancement, and senior director of development and foundation relations.

Throughout her tenure at Blackburn College, Koplinski led and collaborated on the development and implementation of comprehensive advancement programs, including capital campaigns, annual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, and stewardship. She was instrumental in a successful five-year comprehensive capital campaign that raised more than $26 million. In addition, Koplinski played a key role in building strong relationships with key alumni and donors resulting in significant financial support. She also developed a robust grant program securing and managing numerous grants including federal, state, and private foundation awards.

“Sarah is an experienced advancement leader with a strong record of results, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Culver-Stockton,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, president of C-SC. “At Blackburn College, she helped lead comprehensive fundraising efforts that strengthened institutional capacity and advanced strategic priorities. She understands how to build authentic donor partnerships, align philanthropy with mission, and create the kind of donor-centered culture that drives long-term impact. As we look to the future of Culver-Stockton, Sarah’s strategic mindset, steady leadership, and deep understanding of effective fundraising will be instrumental as we grow support for our students and the work happening on the Hill.”

Prior to joining Blackburn, Koplinski spent 10 years with the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin and Illinois, where she managed large teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and statewide fundraising initiatives. Earlier in her career, she served as the first lay director of development for The Core Collective (formerly St. Vincent Home for Children) in Florissant, Mo., leading grant writing, planned giving, special events, and marketing efforts.

Koplinski holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and political science, with a minor in speech communications, from Blackburn College. She has completed advanced training in fundraising management and federal grants administration.

Koplinski and her husband, Trent, met while in college and have been married for 26 years. They have two children, including a son who is currently in college and a daughter who is a nurse.

“I am honored to step into this role at 91ֱ��,” Koplinski said. “This institution has a powerful mission and an engaged community of alumni, donors, and friends. I look forward to building strong partnerships that support our students, faculty, and the future of the College. I am excited to join the Culver-Stockton community and look forward to becoming involved in campus life and the surrounding area.”

The first commission is a newly re-voiced arrangement of There’s a Meeting Here Tonight. Originally written for the professional tenor-bass ensemble Cantus of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the work has been reimagined for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) voices, allowing more choirs to experience its American Gospel folk style.

Culver-Stockton students will premiere the piece during the Fall Choral Concert, which is set for Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Merillat Chapel Recital Hall in the Robert W. Brown Performing Art Center on the C-SC campus. The concert is open free to the public.

The second commission is a brand-new composition by acclaimed composer Timothy C. Takach, created expressly for the 91ֱ�� Choir. Written in a traditional choral style with piano accompaniment, this world premiere will highlight the ensemble’s artistry at the Spring Choral Concert Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 3 p.m. in Merillat Chapel. Both concerts are free and open to the public.

“Commissioning new music not only expands the canon but also strengthens our students’ education by giving them a creative role in bringing new works to life,” said Dr. Andrew Schroetter, Director of Choral Music at Culver-Stockton. “Learning a piece no one has ever performed before demands deep listening, problem-solving, and collaboration. It’s an experience that will shape their musicianship long after graduation.”

As part of the project, Takach will visit campus in spring 2026 to rehearse with the choir and deliver a lecture on composition, music entrepreneurship, and professional performance. His involvement provides students with direct access to a composer whose works have been performed by ensembles such as Roomful of Teeth, The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and The Boston Pops.

For Dr. Leenhouts, supporting this project reflects both a personal passion and a commitment to enriching student learning. A lifelong choral singer and member of The City Choir of Washington, D.C., she was first introduced to Culver-Stockton through her husband, Joseph MacDoniels ‘63, a longtime trustee and current emeritus member of the 91ֱ�� Board of Trustees. Over time, her connection to the College grew through support of student awards and scholarships.

“It was last spring while on campus that I decided I wanted to do something that reflected my love of choral singing,” said Leenhouts. “Commissioning these works underscores the vital role that music, and choral music in particular, plays in a liberal arts curriculum. For students, this experience will challenge them, as well as cultivate pride in bringing new music into the world. I hope these pieces will inspire them now and for years to come, while also bringing recognition to the College.”

Learn more about Culver-Stockton’s academic programs in music at /majors/.

Chad Porter, CEO and President of the Bank of Monticello, presented the check to 91ֱ�� President Dr. Lauren Schellenberger. The donation will directly benefit the Student Scholarship Fund, which helps ensure that students have access to the transformative educational experience offered at C-SC.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Bank of Monticello for their continued investment in our students’ futures,” said Dr. Schellenberger. “This contribution to the Student Scholarship Fund helps ease the financial burden for our students and empowers them to focus on academic success, leadership development, and personal growth. It’s a meaningful partnership that directly impacts lives.”

Contributions like this one from the Bank of Monticello help bridge the gap between financial need and academic opportunity.

Learn more about the C-SC’s scholarship funds at /admissions/scholarships-grants/.

Photo Caption: Bank of Monticello representatives from left to right: Nelson Carter ’00, loan officer, President and CEO Chad Porter, Jared Howard ’12, IT officer and accountant.

The IDEA (Innovation, Design, & Experiential Activities) Center is located at the heart of the C-SC campus and serves as a physical space for collaboration, innovation, and learning. The Center, which includes a classroom space, breakout rooms, and an executive conference room, provides a great environment for students, faculty, and staff to form creative partnerships for the betterment of the Canton community, region, and beyond.

Pictured left to right: Randy Trenhaile, Chief Lending Executive Officer, Carolyn Schaller, Senior Vice President, C-SC President Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, Kayla Merrell, Mortgage Loan Officer, Luke Rothweiler, Senior Vice President

91ֱ�� recently received a grant from MFA Oil, headquartered in Columbia, MO. Company representatives presented C-SC Advancement professionals with $1,000 and a certificate of recognition this fall. The grant was awarded to the Wildcat Shotgun Sports team, and the funds will be used to purchase a new electric clay thrower.

A participating school of the “School Spirit Program,” 91ֱ�� was presented with a check from United State Bank in Canton, MO. When USB customers select “credit” when using their C-SC school spirit debit card, United State Bank donates to the Student Scholarship Fund. Senior Vice President Carolyn Schaller (class of 2003) said, “This program is a great way for bank members to show their support to the College!” This donation will be deposited into the Student Scholarship Fund, which impacts more than 90% of C-SC students at the college.

The College extends its warmest thanks to MFA Oil, United State Bank, and all of its community partners.

CANTON, Mo. — The Bank of Monticello recently made a $2,500 donation to 91ֱ�� for its Student Scholarship Fund. One hundred percent of the gifts to the Student Scholarship Fund are used to provide scholarships and grants for C-SC students. More than 90 percent of C-SC students receive financial aid from the college.

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