Harold Alan Jones was born in Tywappity Township, Mississippi County, Missouri.  Alan works in the Catalog Dept. and holds a BS in Spanish from MU.  He has worked for MU Libraries for a total of 35 years, if you include his student days.

Alan owns (or is owned by) three cats: Curbie, Hyacinth and Mulder.  In his leisure time he enjoys listening to opera, reading and hiking.  Alan’s hobbies include politics, Roman history, food, movies and travel.  Some day he hopes to visit the town of Kelso, Scotland, where his mother’s family came from.

Alan feels the coolest place he has ever visited is the Utah desert.

When asked who should portray him in a movie of his life, Alan replied, “Some say I look like Sean Connery, but I would choose my favorite forgotten actor, Richard Carlson (White Cargo, Creature from the Black Lagoon).

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Deborah Dianne (Debbie) Melvin hails is originally from Fulton, Missouri and works in Ellis Interlibrary Loan.  She is a graduate of Hickman High School and the School of Tomorrow Accelerated Christian Education Supervisory Training, and has worked for MU Libraries for 8 years.

Debbie is a twin, and was president of her 6^th grade class.  She proclaims “I used to drag race up and down Business Loop 70 not so very long ago.” 

Debbie’s hobbies include watching her grandchildren and NASCAR, and she has written a short story which has been published.

Debbie thinks the coolest place she has ever been is Merrimac Caverns and her opinion of who would best portray her in a movie is divided: “Sometimes Jerry Lewis, sometimes Ginger Rogers, sometimes Katharine Hepburn.”

In closing, Debbie told us: “My relationship with God is of utmost importance to me, as well as my relationship with my husband.”

Pearl Newbrogh was born in Moberly, Mo., works in Technical Services in the J. Otto Lottes Health SciencesLibrary, and has worked for MU Libraries for 18 years.  Pearl graduated from Moberly High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Truman State University.

Pearl owns (or is owned by) three dogs and a cat.  “Two of the dogs are black Labrador Retrievers.  They are both 6 years old and their names are Shadow and Hershey.  The other dog is a Pekehund (Pekingese/Dachshund mix).  His name is Hamlet and he is three years old.  My cat’s name is Georgie.  He is my oldest at 18 years old.  I adopted all my “furry kids” from people wanting to give them away.  I’ve had Shadow since she was 3 months old.  Hamlet, who was adopted from the Humane Society, was a Christmas gift from my husband.  Hershey really adopted us.  Some neighborhood kids brought her to our door thinking she was our other black lab, Shadow.  She introduced herself by sitting down at my feet and extending her paw to shake hands with me.  We were fast friends from that point forward.  My husband and I tracked down her owners who gladly gave her to us as she was a deviant who kept escaping from her pen! “

In her leisure time Pearl loves to read, craft cards, cook and bake.  “I love to sing.  I’m a member of the choir at my church.”  Pearl also spends a lot of her free time helping with various committees and projects at her church.  One of Pearl’s hobbies is baseball spectatorship.  “I am a St. Louis Cardinals fan.  My husband is a Chicago Cubs fan.  (I know, sad isn’t it …?)  This makes the Cardinals vs. Cubs games very interesting at my house.” 

Pearl admits that she has not had much opportunity to travel yet, but she loves to visit Chicago because “it is an amazing city and there is so much to see and do!”

Asked who should portray her in a movie, Pearl told us:  “I think my life is interesting, but hardly movie worthy.  I’m really not sure who I would want to portray me.”

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Sheena U. Waggoner, Ellis Library Administrative Offices, was born in Poplar Bluff, Mo. and has worked for MU Libraries since June of 2008.  Sheena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Resources.  She is currently studying for her Ph.D. in Education Psychology.

Sheena has no pets, and in her leisure time she babysits her grandson.  She explains “my grandson is my pride and joy, and I love taking care of him.”  Sheena’s hobbies include planting flowers in spring, people watching and going to the movies if she can afford to take a study break.

Sheena believes the coolest place she has ever been is Germany, “and while there I was able to tour old little German towns, and visit the local pubs where they introduced me to German ale, and the word ‘brosch’”

Sheena would like to see Angela Bassett play her in a movie, and leaves us with this closing thought: “I really love working at the Library it has given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful people.”

Kristopher Lee Anstine, born in Sedalia, Mo., has worked for University Archives for 5 years.  He graduated High School in Smithton, Mo., then spent two years at Westminster College in Fulton and took basic and intermediate Russian courses at Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif, Kris  achieved and AA degree for State Fair Community College in Sedalia and a BA in Interntional Studies (European) from the University of Missouri—Columbia.  While he was a student at UMC Kris worked in the Physical Processing Unit.

Kris loves animals, but his current lease does not allow him to have pets.

In his leisure time, Kris enjoys reading science fiction/fantasy, historical fiction, classics, but does not limit himself to those genres.  One of his favorite authors is Bernard Cornwell.  Kris likes to cook and bakes “a mean pie.”  Having recently read Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Kris is interested in researching sustainable and local agriculture. And, he reiterates, he likes to read.

Hobbies include cooking and reading foreign language materials, cultural subject matter, world religions and geography.  “I speak a little bit of a lot of different languages, and am more or less fluent in several.  My brother and I are researching building our own straw-bale house.”  Kris also likes to listen to jazz, standards, classic rock and old-school country.

Where is the coolest place Kris has been?  “Plzeň, Czech Republic, birthplace of Pilsner beer.”

Asked who should portray him in a movie of his life, Kris replied: “I once had someone tell me I looked like John Lithgow in the movie “Buckaroo Bonzai”; I still don’t know if that was intended as a compliment.”

Anything else? “I’m a closet James Taylor fan… and I was in glee club in high school…”

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Gena Scott, of the Libraries Development Office, was born in Mexico, Mo.  She has worked for MU for over 12 years and at MU Libraries for over 8 years.  Gena holds a Bachelor of Educational Studies and Master’s degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology from MU; and is currently working on “what I hope will be a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.”

The animals in Gena’s life include a dog named Carson and two cats—Ernie and Versace.

In her leisure time, Gena enjoys reading and watching movies, traveling with her family, swimming and knitting.  Hobbies include quirky movies and U.S. history. “I have 5 adult children (3 are stepdaughters) and 4 step grandchildren and I enjoy being involved in their lives.”

The coolest place Gena has ever been is Germany.  “The castles are wonderful.

Who should Gena like to portray her in a movie? “Kermit the Frog.”

Gena left us with one final comment:  “I love working for the MU Libraries. I get to meet a lot of interesting and intelligent individuals.”

Wayne Sanders, in the Catalog Dept. at Ellis, was born in Saint Louis County, Mo.   He has worked for MU Libraries for 14 years, 8 years full time.  Wayne holds a B.A. in History & Anthropology from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in Anthropology from MU and an MLS (Master of Library Science), also from MU>

Wayne’s animal companions include 2 German shepherds (mother & son), 2 cats  (1 calico & 1 black) and fish   His leisure time pursuits include: “organizing (duh!), playing with the grandkids; relaxing (the antithesis of the former two), visiting, and the occasional adult beverage.”  Wayne’s hobbies are genealogy and fishing.

Where is the coolest place he’s ever visited? Hawaii   

Ryan McAllister, who works at UMLD, was born in Fayette, Mo. “It was the closest hospital to Brunswick, Mo., where I grew up.”  Ryan has worked for MU Libraries since March 2005 having begun his career here as student staff.  Ryan holds a B.A. in Classics and is pursuing teaching.

Ryan has “a cross-eyed, barn cat named William Wallace Spartacus Casper McAllister. He goes by Wallace.”  Ryan enjoys watching movies (preferably not horror), listening to music (anything but country, though Garth Brooks is acceptable), and running.

Ryan’s hobbies?  “I am a huge tennis fan: Go Federer! I also am a huge Mizzou football and Chiefs fan. I enjoy languages, especially Latin and Italian. Actually, I like all things Italian. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, and food in general. Some would say I am obsessed with In-N-Out burger; I will neither confirm nor deny this, though I did once spend 50 dollars on a cab ride just to make a trip there.”

The coolest place Ryan has ever visited is Villa Jovis, Capri, Italy.  “It was the villa of Emperor Tiberius and has a grand view of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. There is also a spot where he could dispose of unwanted slaves, and the Blue Grotto is not too far away.”

We asked Ryan who should play him in a movie.  “People have told me I remind them of Jason Biggs and Seth Rogen, though I think I would prefer Sacha Baron Cohen.

Other interesting facts we learned about Ryan: “I can blow self sustaining bubbles and do the worm. I make something called sausage bread; it’s pretty awesome. I took a screw from the set of E.R. I was once, unknowingly, interviewed for the O’Reilly Factor when I was in NYC; they asked my brother the question initially; he had to turn to me for the answer.”

Charlotte Mustain, who works in Serials Check-in within Technical Services, hails from Ashland, Mo.  Charlotte graduated from Southern Boone County High School in Ashland and has worked for MU Libraries for 33 years.

Charlotte has a dog named Buddy, and enjoys camping and reading.  In her leisure time she likes to work on genealogy and do other historical things.

Where is the coolest place she’s ever visited? The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone

Charlotte thinks Sophia Myles should play her in a movie.

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Renee A. Ratna works in Interlibrary Loan at the Health Sciences Library and has been with MU Libraries for a little over three years.  She is originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas.  Renee holds a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Library Science from MU.

Renee has two cats, Sebastian and Gracie, both adopted from Second Chance.  “Actually, it was at the Thanksgiving Feast at Ellis Library two years ago that I met Sebastian (who was brought in by Second Chance).   I thought he was gorgeous and had a bit of a regal air about him.  It was fate that brought us together!!”

Leisure pursuits include reading, watching a little TV, shopping, and decorating, and Renee says her hobbies are antiquing, traveling, dancing, visiting museums, and movies.  In a movie of her own life, Renee would like to see Sandra Bullock portray her.  “I like the way she portrays some of her characters – sweet, and maybe a little quirky.”

India is the coolest place Renee has ever visited.  “It was a very busy, colorful and exciting place to visit.  Also, a bit mysterious.  I loved the bazaars, the graciousness of the people, the spicy food (although I missed having salad –  salad over there does not include lettuce, dressing or croutons!) and the colorful clothing.     The custom of having tea around 3:00 pm was a daily ritual that I really enjoyed.  I will never forget my visit to the Taj Mahal.  It was a beautiful and ethereal sight to behold.”

In closing, Renee left us with some thoughts on modern technology: “I really do appreciate the technology we have today.  I can’t imagine not having a cell phone handy at all times, or visiting the internet for directions.  However, I find it sometimes a bit overwhelming to try and keep up with the constant changes.  Maybe that’s why I enjoy taking a break now and then from ‘modern life’ by going to antique stores, flea markets and museums!”

Jee Davis, in the Catalog Dept., was born in Mokpo, South Korea and has worked for MU Libraries for two years and about 3 months.  Her education includes a BA in English and English Literature and a Master’s of Science in Information Science.

Jee owns a big dog named Boobie.  She says she used to travel the world in her leisure time, but now enjoys fantasy football and watching sports (basketball, baseball and football).  One of Jee’s hobbies is Korean knotting.

We asked Jee where the coolest place she had ever visited was.  She replied, “I traveled so many cool places in the world, so I am going to pick at least two cities: Barcelona and Prague. There are many fantastic buildings by Gaudi in Barcelona (some pictures of Gaudi buildings: http://images.google.com/images?q=gaudi%20barcelona&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&sa=N&tab=vi). Ever since I visited the city I have become a fan of Gaudi.  

“Prague is another cool city that I visited. The architectural style there is very different from the Western Europe. There are many fun things happening on the street every day such as puppet shows, flea markets, live music, etc. People are super nice in Prague, at least ten years ago or so.”

Shannon Cary, in Administration, was born right here in Columbia, Mo.!  She has worked at MU Libraries for about 5 years.  Her education includes an English degree from MU, a Masters in English from Auburn University and an MLS from Louisiana State University.  The team mascot was a tiger at all three schools!

Shannon has a cat named Cereal, and enjoys playing with her two boys, reading, watching movies, yoga, cooking and baking.

“probably one of the coolest things I did was see Pink Floyd’s The Wall performed at the Berlin Wall (or what was left of it) in 1990.”  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wall_-_Live_in_Berlin

In a movie of her life, Shannon would like to be portrayed by Sandra Bullock.

Yasuyo Knoll, who works in Circulation / Photocopy at the Health Sciences Library, was born in Kawaguchi, Saitama prefecture, Japan and has worked at MU for 10 years. Yasuyo’s education includes Urawa Jitsugyo High School (Saitama, Japan), Associate degrees in Education, Japanese Literature, and Library Sciences at Seitoku College (Chiba, Japan), and a BA degree in Anthropology at UMC. 

Yasuyo has three dogs: Blue (a black Lab), Sam (a black Lab mix) and Momo (a Shiba inu).  Yasuyo also owns two American short hair cats, Satsuki and May.  Leisure time is spent gardening and hobbies include baking.  Yasuyo is also interested in farm animals and wants a small petting zoo at home in the future.

Yasuyo thinks the coolest place she has ever visited is the Great Wall in China (not its namesake, the restaurant in Columbia).

Who should play Yasuyo in a movie?  “Audrey Hepburn.  She got black hair like mine. (^_^) “

Michael Hopkins, from the Journalism Library, was born in Farmington, Mo.  He has been a staff member for 3 years, but worked for four years prior to that as a work-study student.  Michael holds a BA in Computer Science from MU.

Michal owns a cat named Franklin and spends much of his leisure time watching movies, listening to music or reading.  His hobbies include playing guitar, music of any kind and screen printing.

Michael thinks the coolest place he’s ever visited is Washington, DC.