Aug. 6, 2026–The Missouri Western State University Alumni Association will honor nine individuals at the annual Alumni Award Banquet during Homecoming Week. The banquet will be held on Oct. 9 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Fulkerson Center. The event is open to everyone, and the cost is $40 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets to the banquet, visit griff.vn/alumbanquet.
Honorees are listed below.
Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest award given to a MoWest alum, recognizes alumni for their career and professional achievements, civic contributions, service to the University and other qualities that reflect Griffon values. There are two recipients this year:
- Shawn P. Malone ’87, self-employed entrepreneur, former Army Officer and General Electric executive
- Kimberly Weddle ’00, MoWest’s executive director of development
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.
- Dr. Pam Clary, professor of social work
The Graduate Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award recognizes those early in their career who have had outstanding achievements and accomplishments. 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.
- Makenna Snyder Hood ‘17 occupational therapist, graduate and research assistant at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
The Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University recognizes an alum, retiree or other friend of the university who has shown outstanding and continuous commitment to Missouri Western State University’s mission, vision and legacy.
- Rick Leahy, retired technical operations coordinator in the MoWest theatre department and longtime audio-video technical support for Griffon Athletics
The Great Griffon Awards recognize alumni from each college and school who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the university. This year’s recipients are:
- College of Science and Health: Philana Blakely ’01, senior organizational change management consultant at CSG Government Solutions
- College of Liberal Arts: Shawna Jackson ’93, managing director at Bully Pulpit International (BPI)
- College of Business and Professional Studies: Fr. Richard Rocha ’87, Catholic chaplain for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals
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’s recipient is:
- Graduating Student of the Year: Maya Burnsides ’25, graduated in December with a Bachelor of Science in Biology concentrated in Health Science. She graduated with general honors. She is currently working toward a master’s degree.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.