Missouri Western conferred its highest honor, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, on Dr. Mark Laney, CEO of Mosaic Life Care, during the Spring Commencement ceremony May 7. Missouri Western’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the honor during their regular meeting Feb. 25.
“Since his arrival in the community seven years ago, Dr. Laney has been a remarkable champion for this University and community,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “His contributions and service to Missouri Western are numerous.”
Dr. Vartabedian noted that Dr. Laney and his wife, Mary Margaret, are serving with Dan and Dale Boulware as co-chairs of the Centennial Capital Campaign. Additionally, Mosaic has generously supported the University’s science and health programs.
Under Dr. Laney’s leadership, Mosaic Life Care made two significant gifts to Missouri Western: $500,000 for scientific equipment in Remington and Agenstein halls, and $1.5 million to create the first endowed professorship in Missouri Western’s history. Mosaic also continues to provide substantial in-kind and direct financial support for Missouri Western through shared personnel, scholarships and other means.
Dr. Laney also dedicates his time by serving on boards, including the Innovation Stockyard, the Community Alliance of St. Joseph and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. He is a past chair of both the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Missouri Hospital Association.