Honorees are:

Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award given to a Missouri Western alum. It recognizes living alumni for their career/professional achievements; civic contributions within their local community, state or nation; service to º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø, and other qualities which elicit pride from others who attended Missouri Western.Ìý

LaVell Rucker ’03, Social Worker

As a non-traditional student, Rucker received her bachelor’s degree in social work from MWSU in 2003 followed by her master’s degree from the University of Kansas in 2004. She has been employed by St. Joseph School District as a school social worker addressing mental health needs and providing services to middle and high school students for 20 years.Ìý

Caring for others’ needs and seeing the value in all walks of life, Rucker has served on numerous boards making decisions to better families and the community. She currently serves on Mosaic Life Care’s Board of Directors, is a Black Archives Museum board member, an EMPAC (a political action committee) board member and a United Way Allocations committee member.

Kimberly Warren ’92, CEO of MidCity ExcellenceÌý

Warren graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Northwest Missouri State. A passionate and dedicated leader in St. Joseph, she has served as CEO at MidCity Excellence (MCE) Community Learning Center for 22 years, engaging hundreds of youth and their families annually, organizing city-wide expos and events that celebrate diverse cultures and promote value and exposure.

Warren is also the driving force behind The American Grant Writing Services, a consultation firm that has secured nearly 600 501(c)(3) non-profit designations in 43 different states. She has been selected four times as a state arts council grant reviewer, and volunteers as an assistant pastor at Faith Family Worship Center.

GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade)Ìý

The GOLD Award recognizes those early in their career who have had outstanding achievements and accomplishments. The award is based upon professional and educational achievements, community activities, honors and awards received and other noteworthy items of merit since graduation no more than 10 years ago.Ìý

Michael Sewell ’19, Mannix Law Firm

Sewell graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication from º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø, and graduated from law school in 2022. He currently works for a law firm in Salem, Oregon, that specializes in helping businesses and nonprofits. Sewell also spent the 2023 legislative session in Oregon working as a staffer for a state representative.ÌýSewell volunteers his time by serving as a commissioner for a housing authority in Polk County, Oregon, as a national committeeman for the Young Republicans of Oregon, as a Rotarian, and while in law school, served as a volunteer firefighter. In his free time, Sewell plays saxophone in the Salem Symphonic Winds, is a licensed parachutist and an avid motorcyclist.

Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University

The Iffert Award recognizes an alum, retiree or other friend of the University who has shown outstanding and continuous commitment to Missouri Western’s mission, vision and legacy.

Dennis Rosonke, CFO of Meierhoffer Funeral Home

Rosonke earned a degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa and became a licensed Certified Public Accountant. In 1997, Rosonke accepted the opportunity to move to St. Joseph while working for the accounting firm Clifton Gunderson. In 1999, he began his current position as chief financial officer for Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

Rosonke served on the Missouri Western Foundation Board of Directors for 10 years and is a former chairman of the board. In addition, Dennis is a former chairman of the board of the United Way, an active volunteer in the St. Joseph School District, a member of the Mosaic Life Care Finance Committee and a board member of both LifeLine Foods and the St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association.

Distinguished Faculty Award

The Distinguished Faculty Award is given to a current faculty member in recognition of one’s lasting influences on students, excellence in teaching, professional/career accomplishments and professional and ethical standards.

Dr. Elissa Zorn ’12/’17, RN to BSN Coordinator and Assistant Professor

Dr. Zorn received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Missouri Western and entered the nursing profession as a critical care nurse working in ICU and Burn. After guest lecturing on burn care at her alma mater, she discovered a passion for teaching. Dr. Zorn returned to MWSU to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education focus. Upon graduating she worked as a nursing professional development specialist at Liberty Hospital, and returned to Missouri Western in 2019 as the RN-BSN coordinator, helping fellow nurses in the profession reach their goals.Ìý

Great Griffon Awards

The Great Griffon Awards recognize alumni from each college and school who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the University. Nominees do not have to currently work in the area in which they studied and can be recognized for career achievement, service to local communities, states, nations or the University.

College of Liberal Arts – LaTonya Williams ’03

Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English/Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in English/Public Relations. She obtained a Master of Business Administration in October 2022 from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Management degree. Since October 2020, Williams has been the executive director of Bartlett Center, a nonprofit community center that specializes in child care and community outreach. She also serves as the current president of the St. Joseph School District Board of Education. Williams is the proud mother of three daughters, Arianna (MWSU class of 2022), Lyric and Jaydaci.

College of Business & Professional Studies – David Jordan ’74

Jordan is a St. Joseph native, a retired business teacher with the St. Joseph School District and a former adjunct professor at MWSU. He has always guided students in the classroom learning process, but he believes building relationships with students enhances the learning process and leads to successful outcomes. One of his most memorable experiences as a teacher was being selected by the 2016 senior class to be their graduation speaker. Today, Jordan continues to teach part time for the St. Joseph Adult Education and Literacy program, is a St. Joseph Public Library Board Trustee and is an active member of the Cotillion for Achievement and the Buchanan County University of Missouri Extension Council.Ìý

College of Science & Health – Jeff Stubblefield ’83

Stubblefield graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Management (Recreation Management). His mother was also a student at that time; classmates in one biology section included both his mother and his future wife, Jolene. Stubblefield is the director of parks and recreation for the City of Maryville and is president of the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association. He helped his family establish the Sandra J. Stubblefield Memorial Scholarship in honor of their mother at Missouri Western. Stubblefield is the proud father of two children, Jared and Julia. Sadly, they lost Jared in 2003.Ìý

Student Leadership Awards

The Alumni Student Leadership Awards recognize graduating students (December or May of the current academic year) who have made a significant impact on the life of the University during their tenure through leadership, volunteerism, or humanitarianism.

Graduating Senior of the Year – Taylor Edwards ’23

Edwards, originally from Lansing, Kansas, graduated Magna Cum Laude with degrees in music education and music performance. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the University with the 2023 Graduating Student of the Year Award and the Dean Hoff Outstanding Achievement Award. During her time as a Griffon, Edwards was an orientation leader, student ambassador and resident assistant. Edwards was the drum major in the Golden Griffon Marching Band and was a leader in the Jazz and Wind Ensembles. She is the principal trombonist in the Fountain City Academy Brass Band and has had overwhelming success in brass banding both nationally and internationally.

Clifford Hughes ’55 Award – Briana Ward ’23

Briana Ward, originally from Sparta, Illinois, will graduate with a degree in business management and a concentration in entrepreneurship. As a student, she was involved in Western Activities Council, cheer, Missouri Western Dance Company, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was a Griffon Edge Ambassador. Ward was selected as the 2022 Ms. Black and Gold hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. She is currently part of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. In her free time as a student, she assisted teachers at elementary schools in the St. Joseph School District, dedicated time to help at soup kitchens, walked and fed dogs at the shelter and volunteered time at Second Harvest.

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .Ìý

April 14, 2023–The º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø School of Nursing and Health Professions will host a Health Professions Open House for prospective students on Wednesday, April 19.Ìý

Participants will be able to meet with Missouri Western faculty and learn more about careers in health, sport and exercise science, nursing, physical therapy assistant, population health management, respiratory therapy and social work. Tours of the state-of-the art labs in Murphy Hall are included. Light refreshments will be served.

Check-in will begin at 5 p.m. in the Eder Hall Lobby, with activities scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30. Admission is free, but advance registration is requested at .Ìý

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

The Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy began in 1973. Instruction is offered from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ages 8-10 receive introductory instruction in a number of lifetime sports. Ages 11 and 12 receive intermediate instruction, with an emphasis on outdoor adventure activities. Activities include canoeing, archery, gun safety, swimming, bowling, golf and fishing.

Registration is limited to 150 students. The cost is $85 for the first child in a family and $75 for each additional child. For more information, call 816-271-4491 or visit .

The Adventure Sports Academy started in 2015 as a way to build on the success of the Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy. Instruction is offered in scuba diving, regatta races, high ropes course and more. The week culminates with an overnight outdoor camping experience. Classes are held from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and from Thursday evening to Friday morning.

Registration is limited to 25 students. The cost is $170 for the first child in the family and $160 for each additional child. For more information, call 816-271-4491 or visit www.missouriwestern.edu/hper/asa/.

Each participant in both camps will be given one free sno-cone per day. Additional sno-cones can be purchased for $1 each.

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

In addition to the basketball game, this family-friendly event will feature an ice cream eating contest, half-court shot contest, 50/50 raffle and more fun activities.

Midwest Adaptive Sports is a Kansas City-based nonprofit focused on positively impacting the lives of those with physical, cognitive or behavioral challenges through adaptive recreational and competitive sports.

The competition is being organized by students in a class taught by Dr. Linda Oakleaf, assistant professor of recreation. For more information, contact Dr. Oakleaf at LOakleaf@missouriwestern.edu.

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

The Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy began in 1973. Instruction is offered from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ages 8-10 receive introductory instruction in a number of lifetime sports. Ages 11 and 12 receive intermediate instruction, with an emphasis on outdoor adventure activities. Activities include canoeing, rappelling, fishing, archery, obstacle course, pickle ball, racquetball and many others, including swimming in the newly renovated Thomas Eagleton Indoor Swimming Pool.

Registration is limited to 150 students. The cost is $85 for the first child in a family and $75 for each additional child. For more information, call 816-271-4491 or visit .

The Adventure Sports Academy started in 2015 as a way to build on the success of the Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy. Instruction is offered in canoeing, scuba diving, ropes courses, martial arts, rappelling and skeet shooting. The week culminates with an overnight outdoor camping experience. Classes are held from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and from Thursday evening to Friday morning.

Registration is limited to 25 students. The cost is $170 for the first child in the family and $160 for each additional child. For more information, call 816-271-4491 or visit www.missouriwestern.edu/hper/asa/.

New this year, each participant in both camps will be given one free sno-cone per day. Additional sno-cones can be purchased for $1 each.

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

The Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy began in 1973. Instruction is offered from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ages 8-10 receive introductory instruction in a number of lifetime sports. Ages 11 and 12 receive intermediate instruction, with an emphasis on outdoor adventure activities. Activities include canoeing, rappelling, fishing, archery, obstacle course, pickle ball, racquetball and many others, including swimming in the newly renovated Thomas Eagleton Indoor Swimming Pool.

Registration is limited to 150 students. The cost is $80 for the first child in a family and $70 for each additional child. For more information, call 816-271-4491.

The Adventure Sports Academy started in 2015 as a way to build on the success of the Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy. Instruction is offered in canoeing, scuba diving, ropes courses, martial arts, rappelling and skeet shooting. The week culminates with an overnight outdoor camping experience. Classes are held from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and from Thursday evening to Friday morning.

Registration is limited to 25 students. The cost is $165 for the first child in the family and $155 for each additional child. For more information, call 816-271-4491 or visit www.missouriwestern.edu/hper/asa/.

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

A º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø student will be remembered through a scholarship established in her memory by Cabana Ice Cream in St. Joseph. The first Jordan Swearngin Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Blair Griffin.

Jordan Swearngin, a senior physical education major from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away on Sept. 6, 2015 at the age of 22. During Missouri Western’s commencement ceremony in May, her parents Nick and Jennie Swearngin accepted a posthumous bachelor’s degree on her behalf.

Jordan was a valued employee of Cabana. Owner Scott Burns created the scholarship in her memory to help other students pursue their goals with the same passion as Jordan.

To receive the scholarship, full-time students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5. Preference is given to current employees of Cabana. If no current employees qualify, preference is given to students with a declared or intended major in physical education with an emphasis in health and exercise science.

Blair Griffin, a junior nursing major from St. Joseph, worked with Jordan at Cabana and is honored to receive a scholarship created in her friend’s honor.

Jordan’s family is hoping to create a permanent endowed scholarship fund. Family and friends who would like to contribute to the scholarship fund can send donations to the º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø Foundation; 4525 Downs Drive; St. Joseph, Missouri 64507. Please specify that your gift is intended for the Jordan Swearngin Memorial Scholarship Fund.

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Funding from events such as Jump Rope For Heart have led to many lifesaving discoveries such as CPR, AEDs, pacemakers, bypass surgeries, open heart surgeries, artificial heart valves, miscosurgery and life-extending drug treatments.

The average heart beats 100,000 times each day. One of the best ways to take care of your heart is to make exercise a regular part of your everyday life. Jump Rope For Heart teaches students how exercise benefits the heart and shows students that volunteering can be fun and beneficial to the whole community. They learn how they can make a difference by providing important community service and having a great time at this fun-filled family event.

For information about Missouri Western’s Jump Rope for Heart, contact Dr. Regan Dodd, assistant professor of health, at rdodd@missouriwestern.edu or 816-271-4474. For more information about the American Heart Association, call your nearest office at 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721).

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

The Adventure Sports Academy will allow participants to participate in canoeing, snorkeling, ropes course, martial arts, rappelling and skeet shooting. The week ends with an overnight camping experience.

All equipment is furnished by Missouri Western, but participants must furnish their own tennis shoes, swimming suits, towels and change for sno cones. Participants will receive an academy t-shirt with their enrollment.

The Adventure Sports Academy will be held from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, June 8-10, and the overnight camping trip will be held from 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11 to 10 a.m. Friday, June 12.

For more information or to register, visit www.missouriwestern.edu/hper/adventure-sports-academy/ or call 816-271-4491.

The Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy will also be held June 8-12. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu/hper/clsa/ for more information.

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Youth ages 8 to 12 will have an opportunity to learn activities that will enhance their lives for years to come during the annual Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy at º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø June 8-12. Enrollment is limited to 150, and the cost is $80 for the first child and $70 for each additional child.

The Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy was started in 1973 to provide a fun and non-competitive environment to teach the skills, values and appreciations involved in sports activities which can be utilized throughout life for fun, health and fitness. From 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. each day, instruction is offered in activities such as canoeing, rappelling, fishing, archery, swimming and many others.

Students rapel down a wall in the Looney Complex.

It is strongly recommended that participants pre-register. Registrations can be completed online at www.missouriwestern.edu/hper/clsa/. If the academy is not full, registration will take place in the Looney Complex on the academy’s first day, June 8.

All equipment is provided by Missouri Western, but participants must furnish their own tennis shoes, swimming suits, towels and change for sno-cones.

For more information, call the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at 816-271-4491.

º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .