The Alumni Association at Missouri Western State University will honor eight individuals at the 34th annual Alumni Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 in the Fulkerson Center.

Award recipients include:

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award was created by the Alumni Association Board of Directors in 1983 to recognize alumni of the St. Joseph Junior College, Missouri Western Junior College, Missouri Western College, Missouri Western State College and Missouri Western State University who distinguish themselves professionally; are a service to their community, state or nation; have made humanitarian contributions to society in general or who possess qualities that elicit pride from fellow alumni. This year’s recipients are:

  • Jeff Mittie ’89, head women’s basketball coach, Kansas State University. Mittie served as Missouri Western’s women’s basketball coach from 1992 to 1995, compiling a 76-17 record and a Division II Final Four appearance. He has also coached at Arkansas State and Texas Christian University.
  • Wayne Chatham ’90, vice chairman, Card Compliant, LLC in Kansas City, Missouri. Chatham also recently completed his tenure as vice chairman of the board at Store Financial, LLC in Overland Park, Kansas. He co-founded and worked for Stored Value Solutions, and worked for National Processing Company and Discover Card Financial Services.
  • Ellen Sommer ’93, lecturer in piano, University of Kansas. In addition to her teaching duties, Sommer performs extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South America and Europe, and is a founding member of Allegresse, a trio for flute, oboe and piano. She taught keyboard and voice at Missouri Western from 1994 to 2004.

GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award

Shannon Swanson White ’06

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 Missouri Western State University within ten years of June 1 of the year of recognition.

This year’s recipient is Shannon Swanson White ’06, graphic designer, Populous in Kansas City, Missouri. Shortly after graduation, White was given the opportunity to help design signage for the Super Bowl, and her work with major events continues to this day. She has been involved in nine Super Bowls, five NCAA Division I Final Fours, a MLB All-Star Game and a Democratic National Convention.

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

Jerry ’71 and Linda Myers

The Iffert Award recognizes an alumnus/alumna, retiree, or other friend of the University who has shown outstanding and continuous commitment to Missouri Western State University’s mission, vision, and legacy. This award recognizes one’s 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 Missouri Western State University.

This year’s recipients are Jerry ’71 and Linda Myers. Jerry served as Missouri Western’s sports information director for six years beginning in 1973, and is credited with creating the Griffon logo in the shape of Missouri that is still in use today. He and Linda have remained active Griffon supporters, with Jerry recently stepping down from the Gold Coat board after 30 years of service. They own and operate Jerry and Linda Myers Shelter Insurance in St. Joseph.

Distinguished Faculty Award

Dr. Bob Bergland

Established in 1983, the Distinguished Faculty Award is given to a current faculty member by the Missouri Western State University Alumni Association in recognition of one’s lasting influence on students, excellence in teaching, professional/career accomplishments, and professional and ethical standards.

This year’s recipient is Dr. Bob Bergland, professor of journalism and integrated media. Dr. Bergland has been on Missouri Western’s faculty since 1997, serving as advisor to the student newspaper, The Griffon News. He also directs the Master of Applied Arts in Digital Media program. In 2005, he taught in Ukraine as a Fulbright Scholar.

Honorary Alumni Award

Howard McCauley

An Honorary Alumni Award is given at the discretion of the Alumni Association Board of Directors to an individual who has faithfully served Missouri Western and evoked pride among its constituents, but is not an alumnus/a. It is given only when someone meets the merits of the award rather than every year.

This year’s recipient is Howard McCauley, retired dean of enrollment management. McCauley retired this year after more than three decades of service to Missouri Western. Hired as a football assistant coach in 1979, he moved to the Office of Admissions in 1985 as interim director. Under his tenure, enrollment grew from approximately 3,900 students to just under 6,000.

Reservations to the Alumni Awards Banquet are required by Oct. 7, 2016. The cost is $30 per person. For more information or to make a reservation by phone, please call 816-271-5670.

Missouri Western State University 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 www.missouriwestern.edu.

—end—