Alumni Awards

Since 1956, the Alumni Awards program has recognized outstanding alumni living lives of success, significance and service. The following awards are presented annually during Alumni Weekend: the Alumni Achievement Award, the Young Alumni Award, the Jack Marshall Loyalty Award, and the Remley Award.

Call for Nominations: Help us recognize the many outstanding alumni leading lives of success, significance and service by submitting a nomination! Nominations for the 2025 Alumni Awards program will be accepted through September 30, 2024

NOMINATION FORM

2024 Alumni Awards Honorees

 

The Alumni Achievement Award

The Alumni Achievement Award honors alumni whose accomplishments reflect the Westminster mission and who have distinguished themselves through personal achievements, professional achievements and/or have made significant contributions to society.

 Man in a suit
Brock E. Ayers, ’82 ΔΤΔ
Ballwin, Missouri
First Vice President – Investments

Brock Ayers, Certified Financial Planner professional (CFP), is a First Vice President – Investments, for Wells Fargo Advisors in Chesterfield, MO. He has worked in the profession for over 31 years, starting his financial career with AG Edwards. Brock has been recognized with numerous career achievements including as a Premier Advisor and FIVE STAR Wealth Manager. Prior to joining the investment industry in 1992, he was on active duty with the US Army, and later in the US Army Reserve, serving almost 18 years before medical retirement as a Major in 1999.

Brock graduated from Westminster College in 1982, earning a BA in Economics and Business Administration. While at Westminster, Brock was on a full ROTC scholarship. He was active in student life serving as Commander of the Westminster ROTC cadet detachment, President of Delta Tau Delta, Justice on the Social Judiciary Board, Director of the Student Foundation, and member of the Skulls of Seven. While attending Westminster, he continued to operate a business he founded in high school - Super Sweep Chimney Cleaning, which allowed him to meet many of the local Fulton community,

After graduating from Westminster and receiving a Regular Army commission the same weekend, Brock attended the Army Intelligence School at FT Huachuca, AZ. Later he attended the prestigious Post Graduate Intelligence Program, National Defense University, earning a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence. His assignments included the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, the Defense Intelligence Agency – Space and Special Operations Directorate and the National Security Council – White House Situation Room Staff in Washington, D.C., and the US Transportation Command J2/ Intelligence and Crisis Action Team, Scott AFB, IL - along with several joint agency roles.

Brock was a Trustee of Westminster College for 21 years, chaired the Student Life and Enrollment Committees, and served on others. He is a Churchill Fellow of America’s National Churchill Museum. Brock served the Westminster Alumni Association six years as an officer, including President. Brock was recognized with the Jack Marshall Alumni Loyalty Award in 2014 and the SGA Alumni Service Award in 1993 and 1995. He was named the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VI Volunteer of the Year in 2012, having been nominated by Westminster. In 2014, Brock was awarded membership in Delta Tau Delta’s prestigious national Distinguished Service Chapter. In 1996, he founded the Blue Blazer Investment Committee. One of Brock’s proudest achievements is the many Westminster students he has helped with securing internships and initial employment after graduation.

Brock and his wife, Laura (WWU ’82), are proud of the eight Westminster diplomas in their extended family, including their four daughters, Kathryn Wickenhauser (‘11), Caroline (’14), Amelia (’16) and Sarah (’21).
 
Valentina D. Bumbu, PhD, ’05
St. Louis, Missouri
Secondary Science Curriculum Specialist

Dr. Valentina Bumbu, a dedicated educator, leader, and advocate for social change, embarked on her journey in education in 2013 after completing her doctoral program in Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). Born and raised in the Republic of Moldova, Valentina's passion for learning and education was ignited during her undergraduate years at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, where she arrived on a scholarship in 2001.

Her career in education began as a Chemistry and AP Chemistry Teacher at Soldan International Studies High School, St. Louis Public School district. After five years of impactful service in this role, she transitioned to become the Secondary Science Curriculum Specialist for the district, bringing her expertise and innovative approach to curriculum development. Prior to her teaching career, she pursued roles in the industry as a chemist, enriching her understanding of real-world applications of scientific knowledge.

Dr. Bumbu's academic journey has been marked by a fusion of scientific rigor and educational leadership. She completed the Advanced Education Leadership program at Harvard University. Currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Leadership at St. Louis University, Dr. Bumbu continues to strive for excellence in her field. Her dedication to equipping inner-city students with the tools to become agents of social change led her to join the Carnahan STEAM team in 2023 as an Assistant Principal.

Driven by the belief that education is the key to addressing complex societal issues, Valentina is committed to Carnahan's mission and vision. She finds fulfillment in nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers, viewing them as the architects of a brighter future.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Valentina cherishes time with her family, friends, and students. She finds joy in activities such as reading, dancing, playing volleyball, traveling, and practicing martial arts. Through her boundless passion and unwavering dedication, Dr. Valentina Bumbu embodies the spirit of transformative education in the heart of St. Louis city.
 
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H. Richard (Rich) Walton, CPA ’70 ΒΘΠ
Houston, Texas
Senior Financial Executive, KPMG LLP- Retired

H. Richard Walton is a retired senior financial executive. Following graduation from Westminster College in 1970 with a BA degree in Economics and Business Administration, Rich served two years as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Rich joined KPMG LLP and spent over 30 years there in public accounting, including 20 years as an audit partner in this international accounting firm. He served clients primarily in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Following retirement from KPMG, his financial consulting for public companies with SEC reporting led to becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at an energy chemistries and oilfield products public company in Houston.

Throughout his career, Rich spent significant time leading and assisting charitable organizations in Houston. Now in retirement, he continues to volunteer in leadership positions on the Boards of four charities.
 
zac-headshot-2-2-1-1.jpgZachary E. Imel, PhD, ’01 ΔΤΔ
Salt Lake City, Utah
Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer, Lyssn.io

Zac Imel, PhD is Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Counseling Psychology Program in the Department of Educational Psychology and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Utah. He is also co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Lyssn.io, an technology company focused on using artificial intelligence to assess and improve psychotherapeutic practices. The author of more than 100 scientific publications, his work has been funded by NSF, NIMH, NIDA, NIAAA, PCORI, The John Templeton Foundation, and the Casey Foundation. He is co-author of a primary psychotherapy text, The Great Psychotherapy Debate: The Evidence for What Makes Psychotherapy Work - which offers a comprehensive review of the evidence for the effectiveness of psychotherapy, has been translated into multiple languages, and cited more than 3000 times. He won the Early Career Award from the American Psychological Foundation/Division 29 (Psychotherapy).

Dr. Imel graduated from Westminster College in 2001. He earned his BA in both Religious Studies and Psychology. While at Westminster, Dr. Imel was a Churchill Scholar, a member of Delta Tau Delta, Alpha Chi, Chapel Leadership Council, the Social Judiciary Board, and the Skulls of Seven. He was also a Resident Advisor. After graduating from Westminster, he entered graduate school at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he earned his Masters in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Imel received his Ph.D. in August 2009 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and completed a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) in Seattle.
Charles-Kurrus.jpgCharles (Gus) Kurrus III, ’56 ΦΔΘ      
Belleville, Illinois
Funeral Director – President, Kurrus Funeral Home

Charles “Gus” Kurrus III was born April 19, 1934. He graduated from Signal Hill School in 1948 and from Belleville Township High School in 1952. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in 1956 as well as a degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College.

After graduating from Westminster in 1956, Gus accepted responsibility for his family's now 6th-generation business, Kurrus Funeral Home, in Belleville, IL. As a licensed funeral director and the owner of Kurrus Funeral Home, Gus has served, supported, and strengthened countless families across the St. Louis region during their greatest time of need for over half century.

Not only has Gus had success in his career, but he has also dedicated his life to significant service to his community. Gus served his country as an active member of the United States Army Reserves for five years. He served his community as a Board Member of Signal Hill School from 1965 to 1977 and past trustee of Signal Hill Volunteer Fire Department during the same 12-year period. Gus served his neighbors as the Director of Bankers Trust Company and the Bank of Belleville. He was a founding Director of West Pointe Bank & Trust and has served as a President to the Boys Club of East St. Louis, Chairman of the United Fund of Greater East St. Louis, and Belle-Clair Rotary club.

He has also been a 60-year member of the Freemasonry at East Lodge #504 AF & AM, the treasurer for Scottish Rite Bodies, and received the Honorary 33 degree. Gus is also a member of York Rite Bodies, Red Cross of Constantine and Ainad Shine, and Royal Order of Jesters.

Charles married the Late Jackie Kinsman in 1957. They had three children: Dean (1959), Dale (1961), and Kristi (1964).

Charles resides in Belleville, Illinois.
Harold-Oakley.jpgHarold (Hal) B. Oakley, ’90 ΣΧ
Quincey, Illinois
Chairman, Schmiedeskamp Robertson Neu & Mitchell, LLP

Harold B. (Hal) Oakley is a partner and immediate past Chair of Schmiedeskamp Robertson Neu & Mitchell LLP in Quincy, Illinois, the largest law firm in west central Illinois and northeast Missouri. His practice focuses on general corporate law (including health care) and estate planning and administration. Hal started practicing law in St. Louis, Missouri, and then returned to Quincy to raise a family.

Hal graduated from Westminster College in 1990 cum laude with a major in economics and emphases in German, history and political science. He studied at Albert Ludwigs Universität in Freiburg im Breisgau in 1989. Hal is a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1993 he earned a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law (Order of the Coif). He is a candidate for an LL.M. in tax law at Washington University in St. Louis (2024 expected).

Hal has been active in various charitable organizations. Among his volunteer activities, Hal serves on the boards of The Moorman Foundation, International Churchill Society, America’s National Churchill Museum, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, and the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation.

He served as Corporate Secretary and a Director of Quincy Media, Inc., a multi-media, family-owned company for many years until its sale to Gray Television in 2021.

Hal is an emeritus trustee of Westminster College. From 1996 through 2020, he served as an active trustee and was Board Chair from 2015 through 2017.

Hal is married to Kathy Bennett Oakley, a civic volunteer and former elementary school teacher. They have three children Ben (25), Abigial (21) and Allen (19). Hal’s father Tony Oakley graduated from Westminster College in 1956.

 

The Young Alumni Achievement Award

The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni who demonstrate the Westminster mission through outstanding achievement early (within 5-15 years) in their chosen career and/or dedicated leadership and service to their community.

Danielle-Harrison.jpg Danielle Bauer Harrison, ’09
Columbia, Missouri
Founder and President, Harrison Financial Planning

Danielle Harrison is the founder of Harrison Financial Planning, an independent, fee-only financial planning firm serving clients across the country. She holds the Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Financial Therapist-I™ designations. Danielle is a regular contributor to TheStreet and has been quoted by many media outlets such as The New York Times, Barron’s, Investment News, Yahoo Finance, MSN, CNBC, MarketWatch, Business Insider, and AARP. She was chosen as one of ten 2021 Rising Stars by Financial Planning Magazine and featured as a Woman Advisor Making an Impact.
Danielle has served on several non-profit boards and been active in service organizations including Rotaract, Girls on the Run, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Mobility Worldwide where she served as Board President for three years. She is currently a member of the University of Missouri Trulaske School of Business Graduate Programs Office Advisory Board.
Danielle has been chosen as an Athena Young Professional Award Finalist, Emerging Business Woman of the Year Finalist, and received the 20 under 40 designation by the Columbia Business Times.
Danielle graduated from Westminster College in 2005. She earned her BA in both Economics and Business Administration with a minor in English. While at Westminster, Danielle was a member of the Finance Committee, Blue Blazers Investment Club, English Honor Society, Faculty Search Committee and was an Economics Tutor. She was also awarded the Wall Street Journal Award. After graduating from Westminster, she entered graduate school at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where she earned her Masters in Business Administration and acted as the MBA Association President and VP of International Events and received the MBA Leadership and Top Management Department Student Awards.
Danielle spends the majority of her non-working hours with her husband, Jonathan, and their two boys,
William and Alexander
Misty-Todd.jpg Misty F. Todd, MD, ’13
Sedalia, Missouri
Family Medicine Physician, Bothwell Regional Health Center

Dr. Todd has translated her upbringing on a family farm outside the small town of LaGrange, Missouri into medical career devoted to rural medicine. Following her 2013 graduation from Westminster College, Dr. Todd attended the University of Missouri School of Medicine. While in medical school, Todd served as president of the Family Medicine Interest Group, with the organization winning numerous national awards under her leadership. Todd was also inducted into Gold’s Humanism Honor Society. One of only two honor societies in medical education, the organization’s membership is known for demonstrating exceptional compassion, commitment to patient care, and leadership amongst peers. Dr. Todd continued at Mizzou after graduating, serving as chief resident while completing her residency in family medicine, later being selected as the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians’ Resident of the Year. In addition to these accolades, Dr. Todd has also received awards from the University of Missouri School of Medicine’s departments of Family Medicine and Pediatrics for her advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels. Over the past four years, Dr. Todd has implemented Missouri’s first Rural Training Track Residency in Family Medicine in Sedalia, MO, where she currently serves as program director in addition to maintaining her full scope family medicine practice, including surgical obstetrics. She was selected as a recipient of Sedalia’s Top 20 under 40 in fall 2023. She and her husband, Dr. Matthew Roehrs ‘13, DTD, enjoy operating their 75-acre cattle farm, snow and water skiing, and horseback riding in their free time.

 

The Jack Marshall Alumni Loyalty Award

Established in 2009 and renamed in his honor in 2012, the Jack Marshall Alumni Loyalty Award is bestowed upon alumni who have demonstrated exceptional loyalty, commitment, and dedication to the College through contributions of time, talent, and treasure.

Adam-Mallette.jpgAdam B. Mallette, ’11 KA

Adam Mallette is being awarded this honor posthumously.
 
After graduating from Webster Groves High School, Adam attended Westminster College in Fulton, MO.  He was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order, where he met life-long friends.  He was an active part of campus life, played basketball all four years as a Blue Jay, and was an active alumnus.

Adam met the love of his life, Karri Birch, at Westminster, and they married on October 18, 2014.  Karri said, “We lived a wonderful love story from beginning to end. We balanced each other in every way.  The legacy of our beautiful marriage will always be alive in my heart.”  Adam loved fatherhood and was devoted to his “best bud,” Mavrik (5 years), and his beautiful daughter, Zoey (11 months).  Adam’s family lives in Columbia, MO where he worked for Woodruff, a marketing agency, as a digital ads manager. Prior to that, he worked for Bucket Agency and Westminster College. 

In his free time, Adam enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He loved playing and coaching basketball, playing golf, working out and doing yoga, shopping for shoes and clothes, and attending music festivals.  Throughout his life, those who knew Adam felt he had a heart of gold, infectious energy and smile, and was a selfless soul with a carefree demeanor.  He was kind to all. 

Adam suffered a seizure in January 2023, and again in April, which led to an anoxic brain injury.  Doctors never determined a cause for the seizures, and he remained in a coma for eight weeks before passing.  Adam was an organ donor, and it gives those who knew and loved him peace knowing he’ll continue to positively impact lives in the future.

 

The Remley Award

The Remley Award celebrates women who have shown exceptional passion and support for the women of Westminster College, emulating the spirit of the award’s namesake, Dr. Audrey Remley.

Amanda Gowin PortraitDr. Amanda W. Gowin
Fulton, Missouri
Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Science, Westminster College

Dr. Gowin currently serves as Department Chair and Assistant Professor for the Health and Exercise Science Department. Dr. Gowin’s background is public health and nutrition. She teaches a variety of courses each year including; Intro to Nutritional Sciences, Intro to Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Education, Sport Psychology, Women’s Health and Community Nutrition. She serves as a major advisor for exercise science and health & wellness, along with minors for public health and nutritional sciences.

Dr. Gowin’s research interests are related to health-behavior change, especially regarding community-based learning. She strives to work towards sustainable solutions for health improvements and considers herself a public health practitioner through a teaching outlet.

Dr. Gowin also works in global health initiatives, currently hosting study abroad experiences in Greece and Tanzania. Her work in Tanzania is partnered with a non-profit organization, Humanity for Children.

Dr. Gowin currently resides in Fulton with her husband, Matt, ’92 ΒΘΠ, and their blended family; Sam, Katherine, Liv, and Hope. Dr. Gowin has worked at Westminster College since 2008, first serving as a health educator and dietitian with the Wellness Center along with part-time teaching and moving into a full-time teaching role in 2014. Prior to Westminster, Dr. Gowin worked for local health departments and served as an adjunct instructor for University of Missouri-Columbia and William Woods University. She enjoys being active, especially outdoors and attending concerts and sporting events with her family.

Alumni Awards – Eligibility

Young Alumni Achievement Award

(2 awards presented each year)

Awarded to alumni who demonstrate the Westminster College mission through outstanding achievements early in their chosen career or through dedicated leadership and service to their community.

Eligibility:

  • Graduate of Westminster College between 5 and 15 years prior to nomination
  • Not a current member of the Alumni Council

Alumni Achievement Award

(3-6 awards presented each year)

Awarded to alumni whose accomplishments reflect the Westminster College mission and who have distinguished themselves through personal or professional achievements or significant contributions to society.

Eligibility:

  • Graduate of Westminster College 15 years or more prior to being nominated
  • Not a current member of the Alumni Council

Jack Marshall Alumni Loyalty Award

(1 award presented each year)

Awarded to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional loyalty, commitment, and dedication to Westminster College through contributions of time, talent, and treasure.

Eligibility:

  • Graduate of Westminster College
  • No minimum age requirement, but sufficient time should have passed since graduation to demonstrate on-going commitment to the college
  • Not a current member of the Alumni Council

Remley Award

(1 award presented each year)

Awarded to a woman who has shown exceptional passion and support for the women of Westminster College, emulating the spirit of Dr. Audrey Remley, the first full-time female professor at Westminster and the award’s namesake.

Eligibility:

  • Female graduate of Westminster College, no minimum age requirement
  • Not a current member of the Alumni Council

*Completed nominations must be submitted via the Westminster College website, and should include a support letter with a detailed description of the nominee’s accomplishments and contributions to the college. Other supporting documentation, such as a resume, LinkedIn profile, press releases, or media articles, may also be submitted.

*The Alumni Council reviews all nominations and selects recipients; all nominees remain in the “pool” of nominations for up to three years or until they have been selected for an award.

*Recipients are strongly encouraged to attend the Alumni Weekend Awards Ceremony IN PERSON, however arrangements may be made for remote attendance in cases of extenuating circumstances. Recipients are asked to give a 5-7 minute speech during the ceremony.

Alumni Past Honorees