In 2008, a 10-year-old boy with Down syndrome made homemade truffles for an event at Waverly House Gifts & Gallery in Springfield.

It was the beginning of his future business: Truffles E Truffles. The venture became so successful, it helped him pay for a chunk of his college tuition. Today, that young man, Adam DeBacker, 27, still makes confections and is an alumnus of Missouri State.

He graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in theatre.

“That was a big accomplishment,” said Eunice Wallar, his grandma. “It was tough at times for him.”

As far as the family knows, and our research can find, he’s the first person with Down syndrome to graduate from Missouri State.

But he didn’t stop there. DeBacker earned a certificate in recording arts from MSU in December 2024, and continues to take classes.

He is now a part-time recording engineer in the music department, recording and editing live performances at Ellis Hall and Hammons Hall. DeBacker also works at First Unitarian Church of Springfield as an audio visual coordinator and is still a chocolatier.

Thousands of his chocolates have been sold around the United States

DeBacker credits his parents and grandparents for his love of the arts. His mother Kara is a fused-glass artist. His dad Mike is a Bear who received his master’s degree in biology from MSU in 1996.

His grandmother owns Waverly House gallery. It was there that a young DeBacker got his career start. After that event, customers wanted to know where they could score those delicious truffles.

His mom Kara, who homeschooled him, helped him put together a business plan. Truffles E Truffles was launched. DeBacker doesn’t know exactly how many truffles he’s crafted, but guesses it’s more than 65,000.

The chocolates are made to order. While most customers are local, he has shipped nationwide and as far as Puerto Rico. They are available for order online. Why does he love making candy?

“Seeing everyone enjoy it,” DeBacker said. “It makes people happy.”

Wallar still serves the chocolates at all her art openings.

He has been honored by the American Culinary Federation

As a teenager, DeBacker joined the American Culinary Federation, or ACF. He says the local chapter trained him, and its members served as his mentors. The Springfield/Branson ACF chapter nominated him for 2018 Chef of the Year.

He was a scholarship recipient for the 2014 National ACF Conference and an invited presenter at the 2016 Regional ACF Conference in Chicago.

His passion for food inspired him to enroll at Ozarks Technical Community College to obtain a culinary degree. But two credits shy of earning it, he decided to pursue his other passion — theater.

Changing his career and education: Going from sautéing to stagecraft

“101 Dalmatians” was the first play DeBacker ever saw. He was hooked. He doesn’t know how old he was when he saw the classic tale featuring adorable puppies, but he has loved the theater ever since.

Growing up, his family took him to plays and symphony performances. His mother and grandmother nurtured his passion and made trips to New York City to see productions.

DeBacker participated in Springfield Little Theatre summer classes and various youth programs, which he loved.

As he got older, he began to work as a stagehand around town.

“I like lights, sound and props,” he said. “I like building relationships and having fun while doing it.”

After he graduated from OTC with an associate degree, he transferred to Missouri State.

Some classes were challenging, but he found resources on campus.

“He’s always had a love of learning. His mom instilled that in him,” Wallar said.

DeBacker has worked in crews for productions on campus including “Cats,” “SubUrbia” and “Much Ado About Nothing.”

He’s worked shows at Great Southern Bank Arena and Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

DeBacker had to stop doing some stage work because he was diagnosed with severe arthritis in his feet and ankles, which makes some duties too challenging.

As an entrepreneur, he gives back to local and national nonprofits

DeBacker has won awards, and has given back.

In 2021, he earned a $10,000 grant from Voya Cares as their Entrepreneur of the Year. Voya advocates for employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

He traveled to the Big Apple with his mom and grandma to receive the award, and also visited the New York Stock Exchange.

Over the years, DeBacker has given in-kind gifts of his truffles to charity auctions and other nonprofits. He’s helped support the Springfield Little Theatre Education Fund and National Down Syndrome Society, to name a few.

Despite his accomplishments, it has not been easy. The biggest challenge, he said, has been “proving my abilities and being accepted.”

Even though he’s graduated, DeBacker continues to take classes at Missouri State. Mom Kara says she suspects he will always take classes.

MSU music educator: “He is a total joy” to work with while recording recitals

Darcy Stevens, recording arts educator for MSU’s music department, met DeBacker in Stevens’ introduction to audio techniques class.

“That is where his journey began in audio. He found his passion. He lit up about it,” Stevens said.

Although DeBacker is very quiet, he’s always listening and absorbing information. After class, Stevens would receive emails from DeBacker expressing interest in digging deeper into a topic.

During one of his classes, Stevens said the department was hiring people to record the recitals that take place in C Minor Hall. DeBacker showed an interest, and has been working there for more than a year now. Stevens is impressed with his work ethic and dedication.

“He is going to show up an hour early to be sure he has it dialed in rather than risking missing something,” Stevens said. “He is exceptionally good under pressure, which is rare. He is a total joy.”

His mom Kara said DeBacker has dedication and passion for learning.

“He doesn’t like to emphasize his disability, but at the same time, I know from observation that his outsized curiosity, perseverance and independence have enabled him to achieve what others take for granted,” she said.

So what’s next for DeBacker? “I have a ton of goals,” he said, including travel with family. His favorite trips have been to New Orleans and Munich, Germany.

“I am super proud of him,” said Wallar. “He’s a pretty amazing young man.”