In the blazing July heat of Lock and Dam 1, former Missouri State University Football Bears Neil Strader and Jonah White embarked on an extraordinary adventure. The idea of traversing the length of the Mississippi River took shape when White approached Strader with a unique proposition. The inspiration was rooted in the works of Mark Twain and the tales of river adventures … [Read more...] about Football alumni navigate the currents of the Mississippi River
Laura Farmer had never heard the term "social work" before attending Missouri State University. She planned on another major. But after the first lecture of her introduction to social work course, she had found her calling. Seventeen years later, she has helped change the lives of hundreds of foster children and families. As executive director of Court Appointed … [Read more...] about Alumna strives to support every foster child in Greene County
Mark Dixon admits he is the man who can't say no. Growing up as a minister’s son, he’s always had a desire to help people. That has only grown as he’s gotten older: “I’ve been volunteering in some manner for the past 40 years of my life and loving every minute of it." He is an ordained minister and volunteer for countless community groups. He also manages Recovery … [Read more...] about Alumnus’ life is dedicated to “teaching and preaching, community work and helping people”
At 30, Kim Becking was doing it all. She was working in a high-level position for the mayor of Kansas City after leaving a large law firm to focus on public service. She was also founding a communication business and caring for her young family. Then she received a breast cancer diagnosis. After that news, Patti Balwanz — Becking’s Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority sister and … [Read more...] about Alumna is a best-selling author and motivational speaker
Even a small step towards learning something new can lead somewhere far beyond any expectations. For Angie Keller, what started as an interest in photography has led her on an unimaginable adventure and what she considers her “American Dream.” A photo from “The Jaqaru Women of Peru” by Angie Keller Angie first decided to dabble in art classes during her … [Read more...] about Alumni Feature: Angie Keller, Photographer