Booster Night 2025 is presented by HNB Bank.

General admission tickets sell for $40 and will go on sale Monday, September 8, 2025. In addition, a limited number of Executive Tickets will be available, which include a special dinner and an exclusive Q&A session with John O鈥橪eary before the evening program.

Booster Night is the culmination of HLGU鈥檚 Homecoming weekend, and a tradition dating back to 1942. The evening will feature a silent auction, a campus update from HLGU President Dr. Matz, a performance by the HLGU Concert Choir, and more鈥攁ll leading up to O鈥橪eary鈥檚 unforgettable keynote address.

In 1987, at just nine years old, O鈥橪eary鈥檚 life changed forever. While experimenting with fire and gasoline, he caused a massive explosion in his family鈥檚 home and was burned on 100% of his body. Given less than a 1% chance to live, his remarkable survival journey was first told in his parents鈥� 2006 book, Overwhelming Odds. What began as 200 printed copies for friends and family grew to more than 60,000 copies sold and inspired O鈥橪eary to begin sharing his story with the world.

That incredible story will reach an even wider audience this fall when his bioepic film, Soul on Fire, premieres in theaters nationwide this October.

Today, O鈥橪eary speaks to more than 50,000 people each year at over 100 events, spanning industries such as healthcare, finance, education, safety, and faith. Known for his emotional storytelling, unexpected humor, and authenticity, O鈥橪eary is consistently described by audiences as 鈥渢he best speaker we鈥檝e ever had.鈥� His engagements are driven almost entirely by referrals, a testament to the life-changing impact of his message.

O鈥橪eary鈥檚 debut book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, became an instant #1 National Bestseller, selling over 200,000 copies and being translated into 12 languages. His second book, IN AWE: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy, also debuted as a #1 National Bestseller in May 2020. His Live Inspired Podcast has surpassed 2 million downloads and remains a top-rated program on Apple Podcasts.

While his professional achievements are remarkable, O鈥橪eary considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children, and his relationships with friends and family.

For more information about Booster Night, ticket sales, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.hlg.edu/boosternight or contact the university at giving@hlg.edu or (573) 629-3124.

The Booster Gala, formally called the HLGU Booster Banquet, capped off a packed Homecoming Weekend at HLGU. Friends of the University and community members enjoyed fellowship and great food in the Roland Fine Arts Center prior to the formal program. Attendees enjoyed live music performed by assistant professor of music and music department chair Ms. Alyssa Pyne throughout the evening.

鈥淥ur first Booster Gala was a wonderful success,鈥� said Lauren Youse, Director of Alumni Services and Development. 鈥淚t had a very festive atmosphere and great food. It is a great addition to our Homecoming weekend. I was so pleased to see and visit with so many HLGU alumni and friends. It really felt like a reunion.鈥�

After this time of food and fellowship, everyone shifted into the Parker Theatre for the Booster Gala program. Guests were welcomed to the Booster Gala by Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Ray Carty.

鈥淲hile the journey to complete campus sustainability has not been finished, much has been accomplished in the last few months,鈥� Dr. Carty said in his introduction. 鈥淲e praise God for who He is and we thank Him for what He has done at 番茄社区 University through you. Many have helped us financially and by volunteering on campus.鈥�

Three awards were given out to outstanding HLGU Alumni. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award was presented to Josh Pierce 鈥�12 M 鈥�17, the Outstanding Service Award was presented to Jim 鈥�76 and Linda 鈥�79 Youse, and the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Brett R. 鈥�92 and Mindy (Stinson) 鈥�90 Akright. The audience was treated to a performance by the HLGU Chamber Choir, followed by a keynote presentation by 番茄社区 University President Dr. Robert Matz.

Dr. Robert J. Matz was voted as the 18th President of 番茄社区 University on October 14, 2022. Since July 2021, Dr. Matz has served HLGU as Vice President of Academic Administration, Dean of the Faculty, and Professor of Theology and Preaching. Dr. Matz is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Engineering (2005). He earned a Master鈥檚 of Divinity with a concentration in systematic theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2009) and a Ph.D. in theology and apologetics from Liberty University (2015). Dr. Matz is a member of and regular presenter at the Evangelical Theological Society. He was appointed to and served on the Southern Baptist Convention鈥檚 special task force on evangelism in 2017-2018.

Dr. Matz鈥檚 message to HLGU on Saturday night was one of encouragement to jump in and support the work that God is doing at HLGU.

鈥淛oin in where God is moving,鈥� Dr. Matz said. 鈥淲e each have an opportunity to be a part of what God is doing here at 番茄社区 University.鈥�

Dr. Matz spoke about 番茄社区 University鈥檚 commitment to teaching in a biblical worldview.

鈥淏e it in classes on Old and New Testament and biblical worldview, or in every other subject matter that we teach, we hold high the Bible and understand that all truth is God鈥檚 truth,鈥� Dr. Matz said.

As Dr. Matz spoke on the pillars that 番茄社区 University is built on, he shared five core values integral to the institution. These core values are Biblical Worldview, Educational Relevance, Community Mindset, Transformational Leadership, and Generational Impact.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Matz tied these five core values together and unveiled 番茄社区 University鈥檚 new mission statement: 鈥湻焉缜� University transforms lives and communities through relevant education anchored in a biblical worldview.鈥�

The audience listened to a testimony of HLGU Board of Trustees member Dr. Vinita Henry. Dr. Henry shared the impact that HLGU had in her life and the lives of her family members.

鈥淚f a student comes to HLGU, they will get a quality education,鈥� Dr. Henry said. 鈥淪tudents will leave HLGU with their biblical worldview strengthened, and HLGU will foster Christian service and leadership. I鈥檝e seen this in my own children and many other graduates from HLGU. 番茄社区 University creates students who impact others with the love of Jesus.鈥�

Dr. Matz shared one last word, encouraging everyone in attendance to support the University.

鈥淚 want to encourage you that when you give, you are taking an action that works to transform lives and communities through relevant education anchored in a biblical worldview,鈥� Dr. Matz said. 鈥淎s you give, you have my commitment to you that we will steward your gift well to provide scholarships to our students and to equip the next generation with the relevant education they need to transform lives and communities.鈥�

This HLGU Booster Gala was sponsored by HNB Bank. HLGU also would like to thank Fresh Ideas for catering this event.

For more information about HLGU鈥檚 annual Booster Gala, please contact Lauren Youse, Director of Alumni Services and Development, at 573-629-3126 or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

Tickets may be ordered online at hlg.edu/boostergala, or by calling 573.629.3124. To purchase by mail, please send a check payable to 番茄社区 University and print Booster Gala in memo line and mail to: HLGU 鈥� IA Office, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO 63401.

The 番茄社区 University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Robert J. Matz as the 18th President of 番茄社区 University at the fall meeting on October 14, 2022.

Since July 2021, Dr. Matz has served HLGU as Vice President of Academic Administration, Dean of the Faculty, and Professor of Theology and Preaching. In March 2022 Matz was named the Acting Executive Vice President as Dr. Rodney Harrison was named Transitional President.

Dr. Matz is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Engineering (2005). He earned a Master鈥檚 of Divinity with a concentration in systematic theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2009) and a Ph.D. in theology and apologetics from Liberty University (2015). Dr. Matz is a member of and regular presenter at the Evangelical Theological Society. He was appointed to and served on the Southern Baptist Convention鈥檚 special task force on evangelism in 2017-2018.

Alongside his academic efforts, Dr. Matz is a committed Southern Baptist churchman. He has pastored churches in Texas, Virginia, and Missouri and led in the revitalization of Blue Hills Baptist Church in Independence, MO, the oldest Baptist church in the Kansas City metro area. Prior to coming to HLGU, Dr. Matz served at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for 10 years both in administration and as a faculty member.

Dr. Matz is married to Jessica and they have three children, Andrew, Katie, and Jonathan. They are active members of Immanuel Baptist Church in Hannibal.

At this year鈥檚 Booster Gala, attendees will enjoy fellowship, heavy appetizers, and a meet and greet with Dr. Matz in the Roland Fine Arts Center lobby starting at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., they will move into the Parker Theatre for the 2022 alumni award winner鈥檚 announcement, hear a campus update from 番茄社区 University administration, and enjoy a keynote from the new HLGU president.

Tickets are $30 each through Monday, October 31. Tickets increase to $35 on Tuesday, November 1.

For more information, please contact Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16, director of alumni services and development, at 573.629.3126, or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

Tickets may be ordered online at hlg.edu/boostergala, or by calling 573.629.3124. To purchase by mail, please send a check payable to 番茄社区 University and print Booster Gala in memo line and mail to: HLGU 鈥� IA Office, 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO 63401.

At this year鈥檚 Booster Gala, attendees will enjoy fellowship and heavy appetizers in the Roland Fine Arts Center lobby starting at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., they will move into the Parker Theatre for the 2022 alumni award winner鈥檚 announcement, hear a campus update from 番茄社区 University administration, and enjoy a keynote from the new HLGU president.

Tickets are $30 each through Monday, October 31. Tickets increase to $35 on Tuesday, November 1.

For more information, please contact Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16, director of alumni services and development, at 573.629.3126, or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

Bevel is recognized by his roles as Lieutenant Michael Simmons in the 2008 inspirational movie Fireproof and for his role as Nathan Hayes in the 2011 movie Courageous.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Bevel served in the United States Marine Corps before retiring to serve in ministry. He鈥檚 currently the pastor of Membership and Local Missions at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

Bevel鈥檚 message to HLGU on Friday night encouraged generosity through investment into the students, faculty, and staff and 番茄社区.

鈥淚 believe you can make a huge impact on the world right here at 番茄社区 University,鈥� Bevel said. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen the spirit at work in the students at this school. I walked the campus and thought, 鈥榃hat a beautiful picture of men and women coming together for the glory of God.鈥欌��

Bevel shared his incredible testimony with the packed audience in the Mabee Sports Complex. He came from a checkered past, but when he came to know the Lord, his life was quickly turned around.

鈥淎s a young man, I became hard-hearted and rebellious. I started going into the streets, doing things that were despicable in the eyes of the Lord, and I didn鈥檛 care. At the age of 17, I knew I was going to be dead, in jail, or on drugs if I didn鈥檛 figure it out.鈥�

In order to try and get his life together, Ken joined the Marine Corps where he continued to get in trouble and struggled to get his life together. At perhaps his lowest point, he gave his life to Christ.

鈥淕od said in that moment, 鈥業 have something for you to do, and I need you to go and do it.鈥� The Lord and his mercy gave me a second chance. That day, God rescued me.鈥�

Bevel went on to describe his ministry through his church that would go on to produce Fireproof and Courageous. While he had no prior acting experience, Ken felt called to act in the films and the church staff felt called to cast him. Both 鈥淔ireproof鈥� and 鈥淐ourageous鈥� went on to be huge successes.

鈥淚 started seeing the gifts and the body of Christ coming and serving together on those movie sets,鈥� Bevel said. 鈥渁nd I鈥檝e seen those similar things right here at 番茄社区 University.鈥�

鈥淕od can use you,鈥� Bevel continued. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e thinking to yourself, 鈥榃hat can I do more with my life and what am I called to?鈥� I encourage you to think about the gifting that God has called you to. Use the gifts that God has given you, and employ them for the glory of God. When you do that, you will have decided to surrender all and give it all to Jesus.鈥�

Prior to Bevel鈥檚 message, the audience was treated to a performance by the HLGU Chamber Choir as well as piano music from HLGU Instructor of Music Alyssa Pyne. The night was finished by a charge from HLGU President Dr. Anthony Allen.

鈥淵our support is needed,鈥� Dr. Allen said. 鈥淲e need you to join us now more than ever. The last two years have been difficult for higher education, especially institutions like 番茄社区 University. Join us in our mission to provide a high-quality Christian higher education.鈥�

This HLGU Booster Banquet was sponsored by HNB Bank.

The 2022 Booster Banquet is scheduled for Friday, November 18, 2022. For more information about HLGU鈥檚 annual Booster Banquet, please contact Lauren Youse, director of alumni services and development, at 573-629-3126 or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

Ken Bevel is a native of Jacksonville, FL. After 20 years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Ken retired to serve in the ministry.聽 He is currently the pastor of membership and local missions at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA.

Ken is recognized for his role as Lieutenant Michael Simmons in the 2008 inspirational movie 鈥淔ireproof鈥� and for his role as Nathan Hayes in the 2011 movie 鈥淐ourageous.鈥�

He is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Masters of Business Administration degree in Logistics Management.

Ken is married to his wife Lauana, and they have two children, Kyra and Kaleb.

The banquet doors will open at 6 pm, and the meal will be served at 7 pm. Tickets are $50 each through Thursday, November 4. Tickets increase to $65 on Friday, November 5.

For more information, please contact Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16, director of alumni services and development, at 573.629.3126, or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

Ken Bevel is a native of Jacksonville, FL. After 20 years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Ken retired to serve in the ministry.聽 He is currently the pastor of membership and local missions at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA.

Ken is recognized for his role as Lieutenant Michael Simmons in the 2008 inspirational movie 鈥淔ireproof鈥� and for his role as Nathan Hayes in the 2011 movie 鈥淐ourageous.鈥�

He is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Masters of Business Administration degree in Logistics Management.

Ken is married to his wife Lauana, and they have two children, Kyra and Kaleb.

The banquet doors will open at 6 pm, and the meal will be served at 7 pm. Tickets are $50 each through Thursday, November 4. Tickets increase to $65 on Friday, November 5.

For more information, please contact Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16, director of alumni services and development, at 573.629.3126, or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

Buy tickets here!

Ken Bevel is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. After 20 years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Ken retired to serve in the ministry. He is currently the pastor of Membership and Local Missions at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

Ken is recognized by his role as Lieutenant Michael Simmons in the 2008 inspirational movie 鈥淔ireproof鈥� and for his role as Nathan Hayes in the 2011 movie 鈥淐ourageous.鈥� He is also a 20-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

He is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering technology and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Masters of Business Administration degree in logistics management.

Ken is married to his wife Lauana, and they have two children, Kyra and Kaleb.

For more information about the 2021 Booster Banquet, please contact Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16, director of alumni services and development, at 573.629.3126, or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

Despite being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 番茄社区 University Booster Banquet featuring HLGU legends Dr. Larry Lewis, Dr. Paul Brown, and Dr. Woodrow Burt can be viewed virtually.

鈥湻焉缜� University has been nurtured and supported throughout the years by dynamic Christian leadership,鈥� Dr. Allen said. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 Booster Banquet highlighted three of our past presidents. What a special time to reminisce about the faithfulness of God in our past, present, and future.鈥�

Dr. Larry Lewis served as HLGU president from 1981-1987. He helped HLGU transition from a predominantly two-year institution to a four years. Dr. Paul Brown was president from 1987-1994 and led HLGU through the historic 1989 fire. Dr. Woodrow Burt served as president from 1995-2012. His presidency included great growth in enrollment and new buildings like the Roland Fine Arts Center and Roland Library.

鈥淚 was very disappointed that our live event had to be cancelled 鈥� but we did not want to risk the safety of our attendees, faculty, staff, and students,鈥� said Lauren Youse, director of alumni services and development. 鈥淥ur next best option was offering a virtual Booster Banquet. The video we created is actually a wonderful piece that has the advantage of being viewed and shared over and over again. I鈥檓 excited to have these great memories from our past presidents that we can archive and enjoy for years to come.鈥�

After reaching out offer a refund to all those who had purchased tickets for the cancelled physical Booster Banquet, a vast majority of ticket holders encouraged HLGU to keep their contributions as a donation to the University.

鈥淭he generous support we receive through our alumni and friends is vital as we seek to provide Christ-centered higher education,鈥� Dr. Allen said. 鈥淵our hearts will be warmed by the testimony of our legends.鈥�

Next year鈥檚 Booster Banquet is currently scheduled for November 19, 2021. For more information about HLGU鈥檚 annual Booster Banquet, please contact Lauren Youse, at 573-629-3126, or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

If you have any questions, please contact the IA Office at (573) 629-3124 or lauren.youse@hlg.edu. We are very sad to have to cancel, but feel it is the safest option for our donors, students, and employees.