On Friday, November 8, 2024, the festivities will begin with the 50 Year Club Lunch at 11:30 am in the Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby. This special luncheon will honor the Class of 1974 and all alumni from prior years. The event will include a class picture and a small gift for all inductees. Following lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus through guided tours. Business casual attire is recommended, and the cost is $30 per person.

Later that evening, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the Hagerman Gallery Art Show Opening will take place in the Roland Fine Arts Center. This event will feature works by HLGU alumna Ruth Foreman, Class of 1949, with special remarks by the artist鈥檚 family and HLGU faculty and leadership at 7:00 pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the creativity and talent of an alum.

The evening will conclude with Team Trivia at 8:00 pm in the Roland Fine Arts Center Lobby. Participants can enjoy a fun and competitive evening with fellow alumni and friends. The event is free to play, with snacks and advantages available for purchase (cash only). Those interested in reserving a great table are encouraged to contact Lauren Youse by November 4.

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the day will start with the Trojan Fun Trek at 10:30 am, beginning at the Partee Center parking lot. This event offers a delightful stroll or a more serious walk or run around our beautiful campus. Pets and strollers are welcome, making it a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow alumni while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

At 11:30 am, guests can join Dr. and Mrs. Matz for Brunch with the President and First Lady in the Partee Center Dining Hall. This event promises a delightful meal and engaging conversation with our esteemed hosts. Please note that this is a pay-on-your-own event.

Simultaneously, at 11:45 am in the Partee Center Page Dining Room, Mrs. Katherine Burt will present a Fun Literature Talk. Attendees can enjoy a meal while listening to insights and stories from this HLGU legend. Like the brunch, this event is also pay-on-your-own.

In the afternoon, the excitement will shift to the Mabee Sports Complex, where the Women鈥檚 Trojan Basketball team will face Culver-Stockton College at 1:00 pm. Following that game, the Trojan Basketball team will play against William Penn University at 3:00 pm. Admission to both games is free, and the crowning of the HLGU Homecoming King and Queen will take place during halftime at the men鈥檚 game.

The weekend will conclude with a special Booster Night featuring the renowned artist Andrew Peterson at 7:00 pm in the Roland Fine Arts Center. This event promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Tickets are available online at www.hlg.edu/boosternight.

Join us for an unforgettable Homecoming weekend as we celebrate our history, honor our alumni, and enjoy the fellowship that makes 番茄社区 University truly special. We look forward to seeing you there!

番茄社区 University enjoyed yet another successful Homecoming weekend on November 11 and 12 that featured fun events for past and present students of the University.

Homecoming weekend was kicked off on Friday when new members of the 50-Year Club were inducted. The 50-Year Club was established to honor alumni who attended HLGU 50 or more years ago. This year, members of the classes of 1972 were treated to a special luncheon and HLGU memories were shared. At this luncheon, new members were honored with medallions that signified their induction.

A Disc Golf Glow Tournament was held on campus on Friday evening. Fifteen teams participated and raised over $500 for the annual fund.

The 番茄社区 University women’s basketball team hosted Culver-Stockton College in their home opener Saturday afternoon. Some struggles offensively and controlling the ball in the second half led to a Trojan defeat 52-85. The 番茄社区 University men’s basketball team hosted Missouri Valley College for their home opener Saturday afternoon. After a highly competitive and tightly contested game, the Trojans came out with a 65-61 victory. The last time HLGU recorded a win over the Vikings was in December of 2018. Free popcorn was sponsored by Answers in Genesis.

The 2022 HLGU Homecoming Court was introduced at halftime of the men鈥檚 game. This year鈥檚 homecoming king candidates included Tucker Hilliard, a criminal justice major; Lincoln Burt, a criminal justice major; Nacho Martinez Garrido, an exercise science major; Chris Stoner, a Christian studies major; and Cameron Deatherage, a sports and recreation management major. Homecoming queen candidates included Peyton Bray, an elementary education major; Mary Bradley, an elementary education major; Sierra Erke, a biology major with a chemistry minor; Anna Atherton, a psychology major with a criminal justice minor; and Maggie Dooley, a university studies major. 2021 Homecoming king and queen Ethan Bray and Sicily Johnston returned to campus to crown this year鈥檚 king and queen, Tucker Hilliard and Sierra Erke.

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. HLGU Booster Gala was sponsored by HNB Bank.

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 Parker Youse 鈥�79, and the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Brett R. 鈥�92 and Mindy Stinson Akright 鈥�90. 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.

For more information on next year鈥檚 HLGU Homecoming weekend, 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.

The event will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022 on HLGU鈥檚 disc golf course on campus behind the Roland Library. The first round of the event will start at 2 p.m., followed by a Glow Round at 5 p.m. Two-person teams can sign up together for $50 while HLGU student or alumni teams can sign up for $40. LED lights for the glow round will be for sale.

Register for the event by clicking here.听You can also find out more about the HLGU disc golf course by going to the UDisc website or app and searching HLGU.

Alumni and friends are encouraged to attend other events over HLGU鈥檚 Homecoming Weekend, including the alumni games, two home basketball games, and the 2022 HLGU Booster Gala. A full list of events can be found by clicking here.

The HLGU disc golf course was a direct result of the 2021 HLGU Day of Giving. During the 24-hour period, friends of HLGU gave a total of $1,875, which combined with a $1,400 matching gift made a total of $3,275 that fully funded the course.

For more information or questions about this event, please contact Todd Damotte at tdamotte@hlg.edu.

Homecoming weekend was kicked off on Thursday when new members of the 50-Year Club were inducted. The 50-Year Club was established to honor alumni who attended HLGU 50 or more years ago. This year, members of the classes of 1970 and 鈥�71 were treated to a special luncheon and HLGU memories were shared. At this luncheon, new members were honored with medallions that signified their induction.

Friday featured the HLGU Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Classic at Norwood鈥檚 Golf Club. Fifteen teams competed scramble-style for the title. After 18 holes of golf, the team 3-Peat, comprised of Josh Gottman 鈥�05, Matthew Jones 鈥�06, Scott Huff 鈥�04 and Matthan Veanes 鈥�05 took first place. The longest putt award went to Scott Huff 鈥�04, closest to the pin went to Austin McDowell 鈥�07, and longest drive was awarded to current HLGU golf team student-athlete Clark Norris. A BBQ lunch was prepared by Alumni Director Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16, and her dad Jim Youse 鈥�76.

Also on Friday, a reception and reunion was held for this year鈥檚 Alumni Art Show. The exhibit celebrated the success of past students in their art careers and journeys and allowed HLGYou alumni to meet and reconnect. Featured alumni artists were Hannah Mundle Schildknecht 鈥�18, Connie Garner Stevens 鈥�63, and Jordan Jones 鈥�21.

On Friday evening, Team Trivia took place in the Roland Fine Arts center lobby. Hosted by HLGU Connect Center Coordinator Heather McSmith 鈥�01, teams were made up of faculty, staff, alumni, and students. The team Proverbs 18:13 made up of HLGU staff and faculty Daniel Bartlett, Sarah Bartlett, Jordan Hosmer 鈥�10, Tad Wingo, and Chris Yingling won the event.

Saturday provided all sorts of fun activities for HLGU alumni and friends. Alumni games were hosted by the HLGU baseball, softball, women鈥檚 soccer, and women鈥檚 volleyball teams. A petting zoo entertained children and adults alike outside the Mabee Sports Complex along with a BBQ lunch served by the HLGU Institutional Advancement and Student Life offices.

Both Trojan soccer teams took on Williams Baptist University on Saturday afternoon. The women鈥檚 soccer team lost 1-2 against WBU. The men鈥檚 soccer team tied with a 2-2 contest. Prior to the game, the men鈥檚 soccer team recognized and celebrated four seniors: Rodrigo Povedano from Madrid, Spain, and Nicholas Cruz, Juan Pablo Suazo Cerpa, and Martin Gutierrez, all from Santiago, Chile.

Saturday evening was highlighted with the 2021 HLGU Alumni Awards banquet. The banquet featured three special alumni awards. The award for Distinguished Alumnus went to David Dexheimer 鈥�66. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award went to Nathan A. Carroz 鈥�08. The Outstanding Service Award went to Ilda Kennon 鈥�67.

Homecoming Weekend finished up with a bang at the Homecoming Bash on Saturday night. Alumni, faculty, staff, and students were treated to a night of food, music, games, and entertainment. The 2021 HLGU Homecoming Court was introduced between women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 soccer games earlier in the day. This year鈥檚 homecoming king candidates included Rodrigo Pavedano Ramirez, a sports and recreation management major from Colmenar Viejo, Spain; Landon Hall, a physical education major from Eolia, MO; Ethan Bray, a Christian studies major from Macon, MO; and James Cheney, a Christian studies major from Springfield, MO. Homecoming queen candidates included Katie Few, a computer information systems and English major from Memphis, TN; Sicily Johnston, a psychology major from Cape Girardeau, MO; Sarah Hanson, an early childhood education major from Columbia, MO; and Lydia Bross, a nursing student from Burlington, IA. 2020 Homecoming king Zeru Fitsum and Kellie Hamilton returned to campus to crown this year鈥檚 king and queen, Ethan Bray and Sicily Johnston.

Next year鈥檚 fall homecoming is scheduled for September 30 鈥� October 1, 2022. For more information, 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.

Homecoming weekend kicked off Thursday when new members of the 50-Year Club were inducted. The 50-Year Club was established to honor alumni who attended 番茄社区 50 or more years ago. Members of the class of 1970 were treated to a special luncheon and special HLGU memories were shared. At this luncheon new members were honored with medallions that signified their induction.

Following the luncheon, Dr. Neil Franks with the Missouri Baptist Foundation presented an estate planning seminar.

Friday began with an Arbor Day Celebration outside of the Carroll Science Center to celebrate HLGU being named a Tree Campus USA for 2019 and to honor Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Burkett for his 31 year of service to the HLGU science department.

鈥淛erry and his wife Mary spent their careers in service to the Lord and to 番茄社区 University,鈥� said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e are pleased to celebrate Jerry鈥檚 life and honor his memory. He was loved and appreciated by all and was well-liked by students. We celebrate being a Tree Campus USA institution and plant these trees and install these benches in memory of Dr. Jerry Burkett.鈥�

Speakers at the event included Dr. Allen, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Ray Carty, Kyle Monroe with the MO Department of Conservation, Hannibal Mayor James Hark, Chair for the Hannibal Tree Board Kristy Trevathan, Campus Tree Advisory Committee Representative Stephanie Reece, HLGU Biology Department Chair Don Colborn, Mr. Paul Mills, and Mrs. Mary Burkett.

Also on Friday was the HLGU Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Classic at Norwoods Golf Club. Fifteen teams battled in a scramble style classic for first, second, and third place. A BBQ lunch was prepared by Alumni Director Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16 and her dad Jim Youse 鈥�76. After eighteen holes of golf, Josh Gottman 鈥�05, Jared Gottman, Seth Gottman (Josh鈥檚 Son), and Matthan Veanes 鈥�05 earned first place with a score of 53. They had five Eagles. Second place went to Brian Scott 鈥�84, Tracy Scott, Men鈥檚 Golf Team Member Mariano Mauri, and Men鈥檚 Golf Team member Carlos Pena with a score of 55. Third place and 鈥淏est Dressed鈥� was awarded to Joe Brooks 鈥�08, Aaron Wooff 鈥�07, Austin McDowell 鈥�07, and Ben White 鈥�08. Mariano Mauri had the longest drive. Closest to the Pin was earned by Brian Scott. Longest Putt went to Jared Gottman.

The anticipated Homecoming Court Coronation took place Friday night in the midst of Team Trivia. King candidates were Tanner Selvidge, a Christian studies major from Mt. Vernon, MO; Nick Douglas, an early childhood education major from Calwood, MO; Zeru Fitsum, a Christian studies major from Olathe, KS; Caleb Isaacson, a Christian studies major from Richmond, MO; and Cyle Buterhott, a sports and recreation management major from Lonedell, MO. Queen candidates were Kellie Hamilton, a Christian studies major from Meadville, MO; Lauren Murphy, an early childhood education major from Greenwood, IN; Emma Anderson, a public relations major from Ashland, MO; Lauren Sisco, an exercise science major from Alton, MO; and Kendra Jacob, an exercise science major from Hillsboro, IL. The 2019 Homecoming King and Queen, Brace Tiemann and Sierra Brodhacker, returned to campus to crown the 2020 king and queen, Zeru Fitsum and Kelli Hamilton.

Team Trivia was hosted by HLGU Registrar Jeremy Wallace 鈥�08. Teams were made up of faculty, staff, and students. Team France, made up of students Infinatasia Moore, River Thompson, Tori Young, Cole Trautman, and Caleb Nading, came from behind in the final round to win the entire tournament.

On Saturday morning HLGU unveiled and dedicated nursing memorabilia donated to the Craigmiles School of Nursing by the Craigmiles family. Marilyn Craigmiles Thomas and Bill and Wendy Craigmiles donated meaningful and special nursing items including a World War I nurse鈥檚 helmet and a 1960s nursing uniform and cap, just to name a few. Mrs. Craigmiles explained the significance of each item and the story behind it. The memorabilia are displayed inside the Carroll Science Center and can be viewed by the public during open hours.

鈥淭hese types of artifacts provide a foundation for the kind of culture we want to develop and maintain at HLGU,鈥� said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Ray Carty. 鈥淭hey truly represent 鈥渒nowledge for service鈥� to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.鈥�

Saturday afternoon both the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer teams battled Central Baptist College. The men鈥檚 team won their fourth straight game by a score of 6-1 and the women鈥檚 team lost 1-0. HLGU recognized and celebrated three men鈥檚 soccer seniors Vicente Rubina (SR/Lima, Peru), Luis Filipe (SR/Brazil), and Jordan Jones (SR/Niamey, Niger). Women soccer seniors will be recognized in the spring.

Next year鈥檚 fall homecoming is scheduled for September 30 鈥� October 2. HLGU鈥檚 winter homecoming has been canceled due to our COVID-19 safety concerns. For more information, 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.

The day will include a variety of fun activities that allow students and alumni to get involved. The men鈥檚 basketball alumni game will take place at 10 am and women鈥檚 alumni basketball game will take place at 9 am. To participate in alumni games, contact women鈥檚 basketball coach Kelly Quigle at 573-629-3212 or kelly.quigle@hlg.edu, or men鈥檚 basketball coach Jason Durst at 573-629-3213 or jwdurst@hlg.edu.

The day will also include a free lunch for alumni and their families from 11 am to Noon in the Trojan Hospitality Suite. The men鈥檚 basketball team will be facing Missouri Baptist University at 2 pm and the women鈥檚 team will face this college鈥檚 team at Noon.

For more information on the event, contact Alumni Director Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M 鈥�16, at 573-629-3126 or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

Homecoming weekend kicked off Friday with the HLGU Annual Alumni Golf Classic. Additionally, new members of the 50-Year Club were inducted that morning. The 50-Year Club was established to honor alumni who attended 番茄社区 50 or more years ago. Members of the class of 1969 were given a campus tour and treated to a special luncheon. At this luncheon new members were honored with medallions that signified their induction.

The annual Homecoming Alumni Art Show Reception took place Friday evening. It featured a variety of artwork from individual artists who are HLGU alumni. This year the exhibit featured a variety of different media. This included digital media such as photography, advertisements, and video.

Saturday included alumni games of baseball, softball, volleyball, and men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer. HLGU鈥檚 campus caterer, Fresh Ideas, sold BBQ and sides in the Alumni Tent. Later at noon, families gathered in the Loft located inside the HLGU Student center for a performance by the HLGU Theatre Department called 鈥淪tar Trip.鈥� A petting zoo was also set up that morning and afternoon and was enjoyed by an estimated 300 people.

Saturday afternoon both the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer teams faced Williams Baptist University. The men鈥檚 team tied 1-1 in double overtime, and the women鈥檚 team lost 2-0. Two senior men were honored before the game for their dedication to the soccer program. They are Renato Barroso and Gabriel Dias of Brazil. The Lady Trojan Senior Day will be held Saturday, November 2.

The anticipated Homecoming banquet took place Saturday night and treated alumni, families, and current students to a buffet feast in the Mabee Sports Complex. This was followed with festivities in the Roland Fine Arts Center, including the crowning of Homecoming King Brace Tiemann and Queen Sierra Brodhacker, and the recognition of this year鈥檚 alumni award winners. The evening wrapped up with entertainment presented by the HLGU faculty and staff with the campus鈥� version of 鈥淎re you Smarter than an Undergrad?鈥�

This year, the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Lea Ann Arnold DNP鈥�77. This award is presented to an HLGU graduate for significant and broad accomplishment in business or professional life, or for state or nation. Lea Ann was born in Poplar Bluff, MO and earned her associates degree at HLGU in 1977. She later earned her BSN from William Jewell, her MSN from the University Illinois Chicago, and her DNP from St. Francis University. She has worked full time in hospitals as a nurse including being a nurse on the unit, a nurse in critical care, middle management positions in oncology, neurology, emergency department, and case management before transitioning to informatics in 2009-10. Currently, Lea Ann is director of nursing informatics for Northwestern Medicine Healthcare, a system of ten hospitals in the Chicago area. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, and taking long walks. Lea Ann and her husband Craig have been married for 40 years and currently live in Naperville, IL. They are the proud parents of Andrew (wife Megan) and Alex (wife Samantha), and grandparents to Brynn. Their church home is Springbrook Community Church.

This year鈥檚 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award was presented to Dr. Brandon Keisling鈥�09. This award is presented to an HLGU graduate, who is age 35 or younger, for outstanding accomplishments in their professional, business, community, state, or nation. Keisling was born is Jefferson City and received his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from HLGU in 2009. Since then, he has earned a Masters of Divination in Evangelism and a PhD in Evangelism and Church Vitalization from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS). Since then, he has served as the administrative assistant to doctoral programs at SWBTS. He also served as an instructor of evangelism and assistant professor of evangelism. Lastly, he has served as the associate pastor of young adults for First Baptist Church in O鈥橣allon, MO. Keisling is married to Alicia Keisling, another HLGU alum. They are proud parents of six-year-old Aiden, four-year-old Austin, and six-month-old Addison.

HLGU鈥檚 winter homecoming is scheduled for January 18. For more information, contact Lauren Youse at 573.629.3126, or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

It is with great excitement that 番茄社区 University welcomes all Trojans back to campus and provides a time for alumni to reunite with each other during the 2018 Homecoming, October 5-6.

HLGU classes of 1968, 1978, 1988, 1998, and 2008 will be our honored guests at Homecoming 2018, which promises to be a fun, event-filled weekend.

鈥淗omecoming is the time of year for Trojans to return to their roots, and we are looking forward to honoring the class of 1968,鈥� said Lauren Youse 鈥�05 M鈥�16, director of alumni relations and development. 鈥淭heir 50-year class reunion will leave each of us with a better sense of the tradition and pride that goes hand in hand with being alumni of this great University.鈥�

Homecoming events start Friday morning with HLGU鈥檚 Annual Alumni Golf Classic, a tradition for many HLGU alumni and friends. This competitive yet fun scramble will take place at Norwoods Golf Course in Hannibal with registration beginning at 9 am and the shotgun start at 10 am.

The annual Homecoming Alumni Art Show Opening will be held on Friday as well, at 6 pm. This year, the exhibit will feature a wide range of artwork from individual artists who are HLGU alumni.

During the Friday night homecoming banquet, alumni and current students will gather in the Mabee Sports Complex for a buffet feast. Afterwards, guests will move to the Roland Fine Arts Center for the coronation of the 2018 Homecoming King and Queen, recognition of HLGU athletes, recognition of the 50 year reunion class, and the announcement of this year鈥檚 alumni award winners. Entertainment will be presented by Jaron Myers, an award-winning power house of unique and witty humor combined with musical talent. His joy-filled, hilariously fun show has kept him busy with a tour calendar of over 200 shows last year alone.

Saturday morning, new members of the 50-Year Club will be inducted at a special brunch event. The 50-Year Club was established to honor alumni who attended 番茄社区 50 or more years ago. Members of the class of 1968 will have a fun morning to reminisce about their days at HLGU and will receive special medallions. Following the event a campus tour will be given, allowing attendees to visit their old dorms and see all the changes and growth that HLGU has experienced.

Additional events on Saturday include alumni games of baseball, softball, and men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer. HLGU鈥檚 campus caterer, Fresh Ideas, will offer BBQ and sides for sale at the Alumni Tent

Take in the women鈥檚 softball scrimmage when they play against Lincoln College at 2 pm, and watch the women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 Trojan soccer teams take on Lyon College at 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Admission is free for all three games.

For a more detailed event listing or to purchase tickets, click here.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12

Carole Jo Riley

The Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Carol Jo Riley 鈥�63. This award is presented to an HLGU graduate for significant and broad accomplishments in business or professional life, or for state or nation.

Born in Brookfield, Missouri, Riley received her associate of arts degree from HLGU in 1963. She then furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Oklahoma Baptist University, and a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, MD.

Upon graduation, Riley served HLGU for more than 40 years as an instructor of music theory and piano. She is a member of Music Teachers National Association, Missouri Music Teachers Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota. Locally, she is a member of Mark Twain Boyhood Home Associates and Hannibal Arts Council.

In 2013, she funded the Carole Jo Riley Endowed Scholarship which is awarded every year to a full-time HLGU piano or music major selected by the music faculty.

An active member of Calvary Baptist Church, Riley is involved in many church ministries, including her service as a facilitator with GriefShare.

After the unexpected death of her husband Jim Riley in July, 2012, Mrs. Riley said she benefited immeasurably from participating in GriefShare. Now she seeks to help others going through similar losses.

She says, 鈥淚t is my desire to encourage attendees on their journey through grief that they would come to experience in a greater dimension 鈥榯he God of all comfort.鈥� To that end, I continue learning daily to trust God in every aspect of my life.听His Word is true; His grace is enough.鈥�

Riley also maintains a personal interest in her former students whose friendships and accomplishments bring her great joy.

听

Don and Gerry Dehner

The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Don 鈥�55 and Gerry Dehner 鈥�55. This award is given to 番茄社区 graduates who have given outstanding service to the University or their community through involvement in civic endeavors, religious leadership, or philanthropic efforts.

The Dehners were both born in rural Lewis County and graduated with their associate鈥檚 degrees in 1955. Don then went on to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree from East Texas Baptist College in 1957, and a master鈥檚 degree from Northeast Missouri State University in 1967.

Both Gerry and Don have served HLGU and their community well over the years.

Don worked as a teacher at Frankford Elementary and Palmyra Elementary, and served as principal at Mark Twain Elementary and Oakwood Elementary in Hannibal. He also worked on the maintenance staff, as the student director, and as registrar at 番茄社区.

Gerry worked as Mark Twain Savings and Loan and Marion County Mutual before coming to HLGU and serving as receptionist in the business office for 30 years.

The Dehners are members of Calvary Baptist Church, Missouri Campers on Mission, and Missourians on Mission. Don enjoys fishing and golfing, Gerry enjoys sewing, quilting, and participating in the shoebox ministry at church, and together they enjoy mission building and gardening.

Don and Gerry have two daughters, Karen Hupp 鈥�78 in Hampton, VA, and Dr. Beth Blanchard in Hartsburg, MO.

听

Bo Jennings

The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award was presented to Bo Jennings 鈥�08. This award is given to a 番茄社区 graduate, who is age 35 or younger, for outstanding accomplishments in their profession, business, community, state, or nation.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jennings received his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from HLGU in 2007.

Following graduation, Jennings served as a sales and events coordinator at Glorieta Convention and Conference Center, and director of catering and events at Chef鈥檚 Market. Currently, he is vice president of events and marketing at Cumberland Hospitality Group. He is also a guest lecturer at Belmont University for the event management certification program and has worked with large events such as the SEC Men鈥檚 Basketball Tournament and the Music City Bowl.

Jennings is a member of Make a Wish of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Sports Council, Nashville Convention and Visitor鈥檚 Corporation, and is the brand champion of the southwest region and immediate past president of the Nashville chapter of International Live Events Association.

In his spare time, Jennings loves being with friends and family, spending time on the lake, showing people around Nashville, and 鈥渁ll things Texas.鈥�

He says, 鈥淢y best memory of HLG is all of the amazing friends I made during my time on campus. Without the people at HLG, I would not be where I am today.鈥�

The weekend began with the induction of new members into the 50 Year Club who graduated from 番茄社区 University more than 50 years ago. This year the honored class of 1967 was recognized. The 50 Year Club members enjoyed a luncheon on Friday, as well as tours of the campus to see the newly renovated dorm lobbies and to reminisce about their time here.

Friday night featured the opening reception of the Alumni Art Exhibit for Casi Gray 鈥�08, a painter, and Neil Sneed 鈥�12, a photographer.

Students took part in the annual Homecoming Banquet in the Mabee Sports Complex Friday evening. Delicious Italian food and specially made Italian sodas completed the meal. Following dinner, students gathered in the Roland Fine Arts Center for Alumni Awards, crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen, and entertainment.

This year鈥檚 Outstanding Service Alumni Award was presented to Don and Gerry Dehner. The Dehners were both born in rural Lewis County and graduated with their associate鈥檚 degrees from 番茄社区 in 1955. Don worked for many local elementary schools in his career. He also served as maintenance staff, student director, and as registrar at 番茄社区. Gerry worked at Mark Twain Savings and Loan and Marion County Mutual before coming to HLGU and serving as receptionist in the business office for 30 years. The Dehners are members of Calvary Baptist Church, Missouri Campers on Mission, and Missourians on Mission.

Outstanding Young Alumnus recipient, Bo Jennings, received his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from HLGU in 2007. Currently, he is vice president of events and marketing at Cumberland Hospitality Group. He is also a guest lecturer at Belmont University for the event management certification program, and has worked with large events such as the SEC Men鈥檚 Basketball Tournament and the Music City Bowl.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Carole Jo Riley. She received her associate of arts degree from HLGU in 1963. Riley served HLGU for more than 40 years as an instructor of music theory and piano. In 2013, she funded the Carole Jo Riley Endowed Scholarship which is awarded every year to a full-time HLGU piano or music major selected by the music faculty. Riley is an active member of the Hannibal community and of Calvary Baptist Church, where she serves as a facilitator with GriefShare.

Members of the homecoming court took part in pep-rally-style games to begin the evening鈥檚 entertainment. Kazden Lewis was crowned Homecoming queen and Timothy Pace was awarded king. Kazden is a social work major from Farmington, MO, and Timothy is a criminal justice major from Staten Island, NY.

Other candidates included Anna Burden of Kansas City, MO, Shelby Maupin of St. Peters, MO, Samantha Northrop of Snohomish, WA, Cassidy Winters of St. Charles, MO, Nicholas McMillan of Cape Girardeau, MO, Titus Vester of Sikeston, MO, Keith Schmutzler of Oreana, IL, and Joshua Casebolt of Brookfield, MO.

Entertainment was provided by comedian Jaron Myers. Myers used his quick, witty humor, combined with musical talents to have the audience rolling.

Saturday Homecoming events included the Trojan Trek 5k, and alumni games of women鈥檚 volleyball, and men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer.

The HLGU women鈥檚 volleyball team was unsuccessful in their match against Freed-Hardeman, as was the women鈥檚 soccer team, but the men鈥檚 soccer team won their game after a few minutes of overtime.

A special Sunday chapel service was held in the Parker Theatre of the Roland Fine Arts Center at 10:30 am. Praise Song led worship, and Dr. Anthony Allen presented the message.

A Homecoming Farewell Luncheon immediately followed the chapel service in the Partee Center.

Be sure to join us for Homecoming next year, October 5-7, and Winter Homecoming on Saturday January 20, 2018.

by Jill Alexander, student worker