April 2, 2026–Current 含羞草社区 students and alumni are invited to attend 鈥淕ameday to Workday,鈥� a panel discussion featuring Griffon student-athlete alumni sponsored by the 含羞草社区 Career Development Center and the Office of Alumni Relations.

Former student-athletes will discuss their transition from college to career, how athletic skills translate into workplace success, and provide advice on networking, interviews and career growth.听

The event will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 9, in the Enright Community Rooms, Spratt Hall rooms 214-216. There is no charge, but advance registration is requested by visiting .

For more information contact Kristin Neeley in the Career Development Center, kneeley@missouriwestern.edu, or Alumni Relations, mwalumni@missouriwestern.edu.听

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Oct. 29, 2025鈥摵卟萆缜�檚 Alumni Relations will host a puzzle competition at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Student Success Hub in Hearnes Center Library.

Alumni, students, and friends of 含羞草社区 are invited to this free event and to see the newly renovated library.

Build a team of up to six people, and race against other teams to complete the same 500-piece puzzle. The fastest team to finish will win a prize.

Spots are available for 20 teams. Maximum of six people per team.

Register by Nov. 6 at .

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Sept. 26, 2025–含羞草社区 will round up Griffons听and Griffon fans for Wild 含羞草社区 homecoming 2025 with a week full of activities beginning on Monday, Sept. 29.

The 含羞草社区 Student Nurses Association and the Community Blood Center invite students, faculty, staff and the public to roll up their sleeves and help save a life through a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29 in Blum Union rooms 222 and 223. Donors can drop in or pre-register at .

The Career Development Center will host its annual Internship & Part-Time Job Fair in the Fulkerson Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 in the Fulkerson Center. The first 50 students will receive gifts.

Also on Tuesday, students will dance the night away at a Silent Disco from 8 to 11 p.m. in Blum Student Union, rooms 218-219.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, students, faculty and staff are invited to join Wild 含羞草社区 Night at the Pony Express Museum from 6 to 8 p.m. Complimentary drinks will be provided by Hazel鈥檚 Coffeebego, and participants will have the chance to carve pumpkins in preparation for Pumpkin Fest. A shuttle will be provided for students to and from Blum Union.

A pep rally will be held at the Bill Snyder Pavilion at Spratt Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. Performances by Griffon Spirit Groups, the Athletics Band and Greek life organizations will help prepare the Griffon sports teams for their weekend of competition. Food will be provided. The pep rally is free and open to the public.

The community is encouraged to come out and cheer on the Griffons with a variety of men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 sports throughout the weekend.听

含羞草社区 celebrates with weekend matchups beginning on Friday, Oct. 3. Volleyball takes on Nebraska-Kearney at 6 p.m. in the Looney Complex. Soccer faces Newman in Spratt Stadium at 7:30 p.m. 含羞草社区 volleyball is ranked No. 24 in the nation with a record of 8-3 so far this season, while women鈥檚 soccer is the only undefeated team in the MIAA with a record of 4-0-1. To purchase tickets for all athletics events, visit .听

Friday evening features the 43rd annual Missouri Western Alumni Awards Banquet presented by E.L. Crawford beginning at 6 p.m. in the Fulkerson Center. Registration is required.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the homecoming festivities start early with men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cross country hosting the Griffon Invite beginning at 8 a.m. at the MWSU Cross Country Course, located on 50th Street east of the residential halls.

Volleyball competes against Fort Hays State at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Looney Complex.听

The Homecoming Parade presented by Mosaic Life Care returns to the 含羞草社区 campus bigger and better than ever at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The parade will start in Lot B, in front of the Hearnes Center, and travel counterclockwise around Downs Drive, ending in Lot H. Spectators can enter campus via James McCarthy Drive from Faraon Street or Southwest University Drive from Mitchell and are encouraged to park in Lots C, E, F or G, near Blum Student Union. The parade will feature the 含羞草社区 Athletics Band, several high school marching bands, the Moila Shriners and several floats by student groups and the community. The top entries in several categories will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Premier sponsors for the parade are Gertsema Wealth Advisors and Tieman Spencer & Hicks.

Immediately following the parade, the Tailgate and Autumn Family Festival presented by Hillyard will begin at 4 p.m. in Lot H, in front of Baker Family Fitness Center. The tailgate includes several food trucks; kid-friendly activities such as face painting, bubbles, princesses, balloon artists, and more; henna tattoos; permanent jewelry; a classic car show; departments from each 含羞草社区 college and more. Premier sponsors for the tailgate are Altec, Pinnacle Electric Inc., and Shelter Insurance – Matt Judah.

The full day wraps up with Griffon football kicking off against Emporia State at 6 p.m. in Spratt Stadium. Homecoming Royalty will be crowned, and all female student-athlete alums in attendance will be recognized as part of the 50 years of women鈥檚 sports celebration.

Homecoming activities will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 5 with a Black Alumni Ten Year Reunion at noon in the Blum Student Union and a Griffon soccer match against Central Oklahoma at 1 p.m. in Spratt Stadium.

The social media sponsor of 含羞草社区 Homecoming is Moss Marketing Group.

For a full list of activities, details and registrations, visit .

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .听

Sept. 17, 2025–The 含羞草社区 Alumni Association will honor 11 individuals during Homecoming Week at the 43rd annual Alumni Awards Banquet presented by E.L. Crawford Construction, Inc. The banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 in the Fulkerson Center. The event is open to everyone and the cost is $40 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit .听

Distinguished Alumni Award: Jim Reinert 鈥�73听

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given to a Missouri Western alum. It recognizes living alumni for their career and professional achievements; civic contributions within their local community, state or nation; service to the University and other qualities that reflect the values of Missouri Western. This award is given to alumni with a difference of at least 11 years between attendance and nomination.

This year鈥檚 recipient is Jim Reinert. A St. Joseph native, Reinert is a Vietnam Veteran and a Bronze Star recipient, serving in the United States Army from 1968-1971. After returning to St. Joseph, he attended Missouri Western College and graduated with a degree in business management and marketing. His varied work experience includes Arthur Young & Company as a principal in their Management Consulting Group. Reinert recently retired from DST Systems as an executive officer after 25 years.听

Graduate Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: Colton Saunders 鈥�18听

The GOLD Award recognizes those early in their career who have had outstanding achievements and accomplishments. The award is based on professional and educational achievements, community activities, honors and awards received and other noteworthy items of merit since graduation. The nominee must have received his or her initial degree from 含羞草社区 within ten years of June 1 of the year of recognition.

This year鈥檚 recipient is Colton Saunders, a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Before joining Edward Jones, he owned and operated a business for ten years. He earned his CFP庐 certification in 2023 and qualified for the 2024 Edward Jones Momentum conference, recognizing the firm鈥檚 top advisors. Colton earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from 含羞草社区, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2018. Today, he, his wife and son proudly call St. Joseph home.

The Herb 鈥�35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University: Dr. Robert ’94 & Kimberly ’93 Sigrist

The Iffert Award recognizes an alum, retiree or other friend of the university who has shown outstanding and continuous commitment to 含羞草社区鈥檚 mission, vision and legacy. This award recognizes one鈥檚 service as a positive liaison between the university and the region of northwest Missouri, as well as consistent dedication to the advancement and preservation of 含羞草社区.

This year鈥檚 recipients are Dr. Robert ’94 & Kimberly ’93 Sigrist. Robert recently retired as assistant superintendent of operations and finance with the St. Joseph School District after 31 years in public education, having served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and director of student services. Kimberly retired from Missouri Western in May as the Director of the Center for Service after having served the University in several roles throughout her career. She also worked at the American Red Cross and the St. Joseph School District.听

The Distinguished Faculty Award: Dr. Teddi Deka

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

This year鈥檚 recipient is Dr. Teddi Deka, professor of psychology. As a developmental psychologist, she teaches future counselors, nurses, teachers and parents about child, adult and lifespan development. She is the faculty mentor for MWSU鈥檚 Psi Chi and Alpha Chi honor society chapters and is the National Secretary for Alpha Chi. Dr. Deka also contributes to our community through youth-focused training sessions for agencies such as Youth Alliance, Noyes Home, and YWCA Success by Six.

The Great Griffon Awards recognize alumni from each college and school who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the university. Employment in the area of study is not a requirement and nominees can be recognized for career achievements or for service to their community, state, nation or the University. This year鈥檚 recipients are:

• College of Liberal Arts: Terry Brock ’85/’94, musician and music teacher at 含羞草社区, the St. Joseph School District and the St. Joseph Arts Academy
• College of Science and Health: Phallin Thornton ’11, Youth Behavioral Health Liaison (YBHL) at Family Guidance Center
• College of Business and Professional Studies: Tona Williams ’00, business consultant at Nationwide Insurance

The Alumni Student Leadership Awards recognize students graduating in December or May of the current academic year who have made a significant impact on the University through leadership, volunteerism or humanitarianism. This year鈥檚 recipients are:

• Graduating Student of the Year: Mackenzie DeVine ’24, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing. She is continuing her education at 含羞草社区, where she is currently pursuing her MBA.
• Graduating Student of the Year: Lauren Nylund ’25, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Childhood Studies, and is continuing her education at Point Park University, where she will pursue a master鈥檚 degree in Clinical-Community Counseling.
• International Student of the Year: Mariana Casadiego Morales ’25, received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology.

含羞草社区 is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. 含羞草社区 is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .听

2024 Missouri Western Alumni Awards recipients.

Feb. 21, 2025–含羞草社区鈥檚 Alumni Association will host the 43rd annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Oct. 3. Nominations are now open for these prestigious awards. The deadline to submit nominations is April 1.

Visit to nominate high-achieving Griffons for the following awards:

• Distinguished Alumni Award
• Distinguished Faculty Award
• Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award
• Great Griffon Awards
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Business & Professional Studies
  • College of Science & Health
• Herb 鈥�35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University
• Student Leadership Awards
  • Graduating Senior of the Year
  • Clifford Hughes 鈥�55 Award
  • International Student of the Year

含羞草社区 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 .听

Sept. 18, 2024–含羞草社区 is now accepting entries for the 2024 Homecoming Parade. The parade will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 in downtown St. Joseph.

Registered student organizations, campus offices, community organizations, businesses and individuals who want . The parade entry fee for off-campus entities is $25.

To register, fill out the form at . This year鈥檚 Homecoming theme is 鈥淗aunted Homecoming.鈥�

For more information, contact Dr. Josh Clary in the Center for Student Involvement, 816-271-4150 or jclary5@missouriwestern.edu.听听

含羞草社区 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 .

Sept. 27, 2023–含羞草社区 is celebrating Homecoming 2023 the week of Sept. 25-30, ending with the Homecoming Parade and Griffon football game against Emporia State on Saturday. The theme of the week鈥檚 celebration is 鈥淕iddy Up, Griffons.鈥�

The annual Homecoming Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. It will step off from City Hall at 10th and Francis, travel west on Francis to 6th Street, then north to Faraon, east to Frederick, then northeast to 13th Street. Bands will go south on 13th Street to Faraon, then back to City Hall. Other entries will continue on Frederick to 16th Street.

The Homecoming Parade features the Golden Griffon Marching Band and nine high school bands: Central and Benton High Schools from St. Joseph, along with East Buchanan, North Platte, Polo, Plattsburg, Albany, King City and Stewartsville.

Missouri Western student events include an Ole Time Movie Night, Yeehaw Bingo, Home on the Range Service Day (with a blood drive and campus beautification service projects), Giddy Up Griffs Talent Show, and the theme night Friday with the crowning of Homecoming Royalty and the announcement of the talent show winner. The complete schedule of student events can be found at .

The Missouri Western Alumni Association will honor ten individuals at the 41st annual Alumni Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 in the Fulkerson Center. The deadline for banquet reservations has passed.

Alumni and students will tailgate from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, before the football game in Lot H near the bridge. Food will be available for purchase from local and alumni food vendors, and alumni can reconnect with faculty members from several departments across campus who will be in attendance.

The Griffon football game against Emporia State kicks off at 4 p.m. on Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium. Homecoming Royalty and Alumni Award winners will be recognized on the field. Tickets may be purchased in advance at .听

含羞草社区 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 .听

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 含羞草社区, and other qualities which elicit pride from others who attended Missouri Western.听

LaVell Rucker 鈥�03, Social Worker

As a non-traditional student, Rucker received her bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work from MWSU in 2003 followed by her master鈥檚 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.听

Caring for others鈥� 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鈥檚 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 鈥�92, CEO of MidCity Excellence听

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)听

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.听

Michael Sewell 鈥�19, Mannix Law Firm

Sewell graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication from 含羞草社区, 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.听Sewell 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 鈥�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鈥檚 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鈥檚 lasting influences on students, excellence in teaching, professional/career accomplishments and professional and ethical standards.

Dr. Elissa Zorn 鈥�12/鈥�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.听

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 鈥� LaTonya Williams 鈥�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 鈥� David Jordan 鈥�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.听

College of Science & Health 鈥� Jeff Stubblefield 鈥�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.听

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 鈥� Taylor Edwards 鈥�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 鈥�55 Award 鈥� Briana Ward 鈥�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.

含羞草社区 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 .听

Oct. 3, 2022–含羞草社区 is celebrating Homecoming 2022 the week of Oct. 2-8, ending with the Homecoming Parade and Griffon football game against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday. The theme of the week鈥檚 celebration is 鈥淏last from the Past.鈥�

The annual Homecoming Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. It will step off from City Hall at 10th and Francis, then go west on Francis to 6th Street, north on 6th Street to Faraon, east on Faraon to Frederick, then northeast on Frederick to 13th Street. Bands will go south on 13th Street to Faraon, then west on Faraon back to City Hall. Other entries will continue to 16th Street.听

The parade will feature the Golden Griffon Marching Band and ten high school bands: Central and Benton from St. Joseph as well as Albany, DeKalb, Fairfax, Nodaway-Holt, North Platte, Princeton, South Nodaway and Stewartsville.

Homecoming Week began with a movie night in Blum Student Union on Sunday, Oct. 2. Remaining events include:

Monday, Oct. 3

Gameshow: Bingo Night, with an 80s rock band theme, 7 p.m., Blum 218-219

Tuesday, Oct. 4

MWSU Got Talent, 5 p.m., Fulkerson Center

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Students vs. Staff/Faculty Video Game Tournament, 5 p.m., Blum Union, Griffon Esports Arena

Thursday, Oct. 6

Campus Beautification Day, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Blum 207

Thursday Night Event TBA, 7 p.m., Fulkerson Center

Friday, Oct. 7

40th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet, 6 p.m., Fulkerson Center. Tickets are $40 per person and must be reserved in advance through the alumni office.

Blast from the Past Pep Rally and Fireworks Show, 8:30 p.m., location TBA. Homecoming Royalty and other event winners will be announced.听

Saturday, Oct. 8

Homecoming Parade, 10 a.m., Downtown St. Joseph

Football Tailgate, 2 p.m., Lot H. Local food trucks will be available.听

Griffon Football vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 4 p.m., Craig Field at Spratt Stadium

含羞草社区 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 .

Sept. 9, 2022–The 含羞草社区 Alumni Association has announced the names of those who will be honored at the annual Alumni Award Banquet on Oct. 7 during Homecoming Week. For more information and to purchase tickets to the banquet, visit

Awardees include alumni, a community member, a faculty member and current students.听

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 含羞草社区, and other qualities which elicit pride from others who attended Missouri Western. This award is given to an alumni with a difference of at least eleven years between attendance and nomination. This year there are two recipients.

David Carter 鈥�78, retired听

Carter graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology and Business Management. He played for the Griffon football team for three years and coached during his last year. After graduating, he began a 39-year career at General Motors, beginning on the assembly line and rising to several executive positions.听

Carter has given back to Missouri Western as an active member of Griffon Football Alumni and the Gold Coat Club. He and his wife, Kathleen, attend every Griffon home football game. Outside of Missouri Western, David has also spent his time as a Junior Achievement advisor working with young people on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship in Kansas City communities and with United Way at the leadership level.

James Beesley 鈥�81, retired

Beesley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in History. He retired as a Colonel after more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Army. After retiring from education in Texas, he moved back to his hometown of St. Joseph, and currently serves as the substitute JROTC instructor for Central High School.听

He has served on the Camp Geiger staff, president of his Rotary Club for two terms, a member of the Scottish Rite, Shrine, Masonic bodies and vestry member in the Episcopal Church. He was awarded the Shine On Award by the St. Joseph News-Press for his work with youth in the schools and community. Beesley and his wife, Maryeva, have created a scholarship to help Lafayette High School graduates who wish to attend Missouri Western. He also actively encourages high school seniors to attend Missouri Western and participate in Army ROTC.听

GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade)

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. The nominee must have received his or her initial degree from 含羞草社区 within ten years of June 1 of the year of recognition.

Engoma Fataki 鈥�20, Erickson Immigration Group

Fataki graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. As a student, he served in several Student Government Association positions, including student body president for the 2019-2020 school year. He also represented Missouri Western at multiple state and national gatherings, including the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.; the Missouri Governor鈥檚 Students Leadership Forum in Jefferson City; the 25th Youth Assembly Sponsored by the Friendship Ambassador Foundation in New York City.听

Fataki was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spent 17 years total in a refugee camp. He is using the experiences he had to help build success for other refugees coming to the United States. He currently serves as a legal coordinator for Erickson Immigration Group. Fataki continues to give back to his community by staying involved in different organizations, including Rotary, Jewish Vocational Services and the Mattie Rhodes Center.听

Herb 鈥�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 含羞草社区鈥檚 mission, vision and legacy. This award recognizes one鈥檚 service as a positive liaison between the University and the region of Northwest Missouri, as well as consistent dedication to the advancement and preservation of 含羞草社区.

Dave Summers, owner, Summers Motors

Summers has served as a positive liaison between Missouri Western and the St. Joseph community for several years. He has worked alongside the MWSU Social Work Program, the Organization of Student Social Workers (OSSW) and Northwest Health Services to work towards ending homelessness in the community for at least eight years.

Summers has been a key sponsor in the annual Walk for the Homeless which raises money to help the homeless community in St. Joseph to help obtain I.D. cards, birth certificates and transportation. Each year, he provides the Social Work program a vehicle to use in the Homecoming Parade, places signs around campus to advertise for the Walk, provides the supplies and equipment needed to host the Walk and anything else that Missouri Western needs.

Distinguished Faculty Award

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

Thomas Brecheisen, Assistant Professor of Cinema

Brecheisen has demonstrated excellence in teaching by truly embracing the spirit and mission of applied learning at 含羞草社区. He started Griffon Production House (GPH), which provides students quality cinema experience while serving both Missouri Western and the St. Joseph community by producing event broadcasts. Brecheisen volunteers his time to lead the GPH as a service to Missouri Western and its students.听

Brecheisen recently won the Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year award. He took the lead in crafting a student-centered applied learning approach while creating a new Bachelor of Applied Arts that uniquely provides students with the technical and craft related skills needed to be successful in the industry.听

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, state or nations, or the University.

College of Liberal Arts 鈥� Bryan Alford Jr. 鈥�12听听

Alford graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. While a student at Missouri Western, Bryan founded Alford Music and Entertainment where he has taught and inspired thousands of students. Bryan credits Missouri Western for the life changing event where he met and learned from the inventor of the steel drums, Dr. Elle Mannette. Bryan became an author in 2012 when he wrote the book series titled 鈥淒rumming with Purpose.鈥� This book is now used as a curriculum at Brookside Charter School in Kansas City, Missouri where he is a music educator.听

College of Business & Professional Studies 鈥� Marta Gill-Sansone 鈥�89

Sansone graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Education. She has been a social Studies Teacher at Robidoux Middle School in the St. Joseph School District for 25 years where her excellence and innovation in the classroom has been exemplified. Sansone was named SJSD Aspiring Administration Cohort, SJSD Leadership Symposium, SJSD Teacher of the Year and SJSD Innovator of the Year. She volunteers with different organizations in the community including Washington Park Library Summer Reading Program, Robidoux Advisement Class Community Service Project, Special Olympics, United Way and others.听

College of Science & Health 鈥� Obie Austin 鈥�95

Austin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since graduating from Missouri Western, Obie has held many positions including critical care nurse, nurse practitioner, contract provider/consultant and vice president of general medicine. Austin serves as a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he currently serves as a critical care nurse/family nurse practitioner. He has been a part of numerous medical missions while in the Navy including Honduras, Jamaica, Malaysia, Singapore and Haiti. Currently, Austin is a clinic administrator/nurse practitioner at UMKC and a clinical instructor at Graceland University while giving back to his community as a part of multiple committees, volunteer projects and boards.

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 鈥� Arnold Crayton, Jr. 鈥�21

Crayton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. A member of the Griffon football team, he served as a Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative. He also became a leader for student athletes and led discussions on diversity and inclusion. Crayton was a member of the Sigma Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and held the positions of chaplain and treasurer. He is now working towards his master鈥檚 degree.

Clifford Hughes 鈥�55 Award 鈥� Joshua Rencher 鈥�22

Rencher will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Economics in the fall of 2022. He serves as the vice president of the Sigma Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and the President of the National Panhellenic Council (NPC). He also serves as a district official as the Assistant Area 3 Director where he acts as the liaison between college brothers and the District Director for UCM, UMKC, NWMSU and MWSU. He is also a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

含羞草社区 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 .听