MoWest announces 2025 Alumni Award winners

Sept. 17, 2025-The Missouri Western State University 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 griff.vn/alumbanquet.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Jim Reinert '73

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's 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.

Graduate Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: Colton Saunders '18

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

This year's 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® certification in 2023 and qualified for the 2024 Edward Jones Momentum conference, recognizing the firm's top advisors. Colton earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Missouri Western State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2018. Today, he, his wife and son proudly call St. Joseph home.

The Herb '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 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 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.

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's 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's 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 Awardsrecognize 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's recipients are:

• College of Liberal Arts: Terry Brock '85/'94, musician and music teacher at MoWest, 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 Awardsrecognize 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 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 MoWest, 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's 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.

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.