By Mike Greife,
February 24, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO – Sociology and social work students at the University of Central
Missouri will benefit from a $25,000 gift to the UCM Alumni Foundation from J. Mark
Wehrle, UCM professor emeritus of sociology.
The gift will endow the J. Mark Wehrle Scholarship in Sociology and Social Work and
will be used to annually support a senior student who has declared a major in either
sociology or social work.The purpose of the scholarship is to advance the attainment
of social and economic justice for populations experiencing structural inequality.
The first scholarship will be awarded in the fall 2016 semester.
“I personally owe a large debt of gratitude to the university and to those who comprise
it,” Wehrle said. “I witnessed its evolution from Central Missouri State College to
Central Missouri State University, to the University of Central Missouri. I have benefited
from the countless friendships established with former classmates, colleagues and
with the thousands of students who were enrolled in my courses. I encourage others
to take an active role in the evolution of the university by simply extending a helping
hand to deserving students as others may have done for them.”
“Dr. Wehrle’s impact on our sociology program and students during his tenure was tremendous,”
said Wendy Geiger, chair of the Department of Sociology, Gerontology, and Cross-Disciplinary
Studies. “He continues to be an inspiration with this investment in our students and
program, setting us up for continued success into the future.”
“Dr. Wehrle's gift supports the social work profession's ethical responsibilities
to advance social and economic justice and work to eliminate discrimination,” said
Jean Nuernberger, chair of the Department of Communication Disorders and Social Work.
“This gift enables a social work major with a strong commitment to social justice
to continue his or her senior year with much-needed financial support.”
Wehrle, a resident of Lake Ozark, Mo., received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology
with honors in 1971 and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology in 1972,both from UCM.He
earned his Ph.D. degree in Sociology from Southern Illinois University SIU at Carbondale
in 1982.
Wehrle joined the UCM faculty in 1972 as an instructor in sociology and later served
as a special doctoral assistant at SIU from 1974-77. He served as department chair
from 1982-2002, retiring from UCM in 2003 as professor of sociology.
He maintained memberships in more than a dozen professional organizations and academic
honor societies.He served as a board member and president of the Missouri State Sociological
Association from 1987-88.As owner or partner in several Kansas City and Warrensburg
businesses, he was appointed by the governor to the Missouri Private Industry Council
from 1985-95.
Wehrle was a consultant to sociology textbook publishers and served as a liaison between
the Missouri Division of Family Services and the UCM social work program.He served
as a consultant to the United States Department of Education on three occasions as
a grant application review panelist for grants that funded nearly $45 million in pilot
projects related to literacy and the workplace.
Wehrle is a member of the following UCM Alumni Foundation President’s Society, based
on annual giving amounts of $1,000 or more; the Old Elm Society for his total years
of giving that exceed 10 years; as well as the Cornerstone Society for his cumulative
lifetime giving of $25,000 or more.
The UCM Alumni Foundation is the university’s nonprofit arm, raising money to further
its mission making a college degree more affordable, accessible and beneficial for
students. To learn more, visit ucmo.edu/foundation.
