MoWest holds 43rd annual Alumni Association Awards Banquet
Homecoming was back at MoWest and with it came the 43rd annual Alumni Association Awards Banquet on Oct. 3 in the Fulkerson Center. The event recognized students, faculty and members of the Alumni Association who have made significant contributions towards MoWest.
The banquet kicked off with opening remarks from Alumni Association Board Member, Andrew Love and President Dr. Kennedy. In her address, Dr. Kennedy highlights the importance of MoWest alumni.
“We believe in you, you as our alumni,” said Dr. Kennedy. “You represent the essence of our educational enterprise. You, our alumni, are the embodiment of our institution’s success.”
There were seven categories for awards distributed among 11 recipients. Videos were shown of the recipients in which they broke down the contributions they’ve made at MoWest.
Three Student Leadership Awards were presented at the banquet. These awards recognize graduates who display leadership, volunteerism or humanitarianism.
The recipients were: Mariana Casadiego Morales as International Student of the Year, Mackenzie Devine as Graduating Student of the Year for 2024 and Lauren Nylund as Graduating Student of the Year for 2025.
Devine explained what receiving the award meant to her.
“It means everything,” said Devine. “It means that what I did impacted someone. It impacted the community of St. Joseph and Missouri Western, and I’m very grateful to have made that impact.
Three Great Griffon awards were presented at the banquet. These awards recognize distinguished alumni from each college who contribute to the workforce or the university.
The recipients were: Terry Brock of the College of Liberal Arts, Phallin Thornton of the College of Science and Health and Tona Williams of the college of Business and Professional Studies.
The Iffert Award for Outstanding Service is given to an individual who contributes to MoWest’s mission and represents the institution’s legacy through acts of service. Both Dr. Robert Sigrist and Kimberly Sigrist received the Iffert Award.
Colton Saunders was awarded Graduate of the last Decade. He spoke on how MoWest has shaped him into the person he is today.
“It just makes me remember my time here at Missouri Western and be excited to call Missouri Western my Alma Mater,” said Saunders. “Just extremely thankful for all the professors and folks who… helped me get to where I am today.”
Dr. Teddi Deka who received the Distinguished Faculty Award, and Jim Reinert who received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Both recipients gave acceptance speeches for their awards.
After all award recipients were recognized, the Missouri Western Concert Chorale performed the school’s Alma Mater, cementing the 43rd annual Awards Banquet as one to be remembered. This is Gurtej Sohal, Griffon Media.
