Alumni Awards 2014
McKendree University celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of following alumni on October 25, 2014 during Homecoming Weekend at the 2014 Alumni Awards Dinner.
Loyal Service Award
Mr. Gregory Snyder '70
Greg Snyder’s service to McKendree began during his time as a student. He led and
participated in “work days” as President of the Ferox (Phi Rho Chi) Fraternity and
the Intersociety Council. He also served as Editor of the McKendree Review.
After graduating from McKendree in 1970, Greg moved to the Chicagoland area to become
Field Operation Manager for a major excavation and paving company. Greg then became
Regional Vice President and Division President with national residential homebuilder
Lennar and its predecessor U.S. Home in the Chicago area and New Jersey, Pennsylvania
and New York. In this position Greg earned Top Performing Division President honors
three times, twice in Homebuilding and once in Land Development. He then became Vice
President of MPKA, a national real estate consulting firm and he is currently the
Managing Director with Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Co., an East Coast real estate
firm that sells all types of real estate for a wide variety of clients.
Greg’s commitment to service doesn’t stop with McKendree. He served on the board of
the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey and during his tenure as a board member,
Greg was an integral part of the organization’s efforts to build the Samuel and Josephine
Plumeri Wishing Place, the new headquarters located in Monroe, New Jersey. Greg served
as project manager and helped to conceive and design the building. He also secured
the land donation and managed the zoning and development approvals for the project.
Greg is currently a board member for the Holmdel Theatre Company, a troupe whose mission
is to integrate professional actors, directors and technicians with young people in
a collaborative artistic and educational exchange.
Since graduating in 1970, Greg has continued his involvement with McKendree. While
living over 900 miles from the University, Greg is a regular attendee at Homecoming
and other campus events. He served on the Ferox 50th Anniversary Reunion Committee in 2013, an event that brought over 60 Ferox members
together on campus, many for the first time since graduating. Greg is a dedicated
supporter of McKendree. A member of the William McKendree Society and a supporter
of the University’s ongoing capital campaign.
He resides in Clarksburg, NJ and has one daughter and a grandson.
Rising Star Award
Dr. Brian Klostermann '04
As a member of the Class of 2004, Brian graduated magna cum laude from McKendree with
a degree in athletic training.
As a student at McKendree, Brian was involved in athletics as a member of the baseball
team and was named a NAIA Academic All-American. He was also involved with the athletic
training program and as a member of the game day event staff.
After completing his degree at McKendree, Brian went on to earn his medical degree
at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He is currently practices as
a family and sports medicine physician with the HSHS Medical Group. Brian is also
the chairman of the Clinton County Medical Health Board.
Brian has remained involved in McKendree and in his community. He regularly volunteers
as a sports medicine physician and is a member of the Bearcat Booster Club.
Brian continues to remain an active alumnus of McKendree, coming back for University
events and maintaining relationships with faculty and friends. He and his wife Ann
live in Breese, Ill., with their one-year-old son, James.
Dr. Sara Rubenacker '06
Sara is a 2006 graduate of McKendree with a degree in in biology. As a student at
McKendree, Sara was involved with the Honors Program, New Student Orientation, Campus
Activities Board, Phi Kappa Phi, Biology Honor Society and served as President of
the Student Government Association.
After completing her degree at McKendree, Sara earned a degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology
from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. While pursuing her medical
degree Sara served as class chair. She is currently completing her residency in Obstetrics
& Gynecology at Springfield Memorial Hospital. She will complete her residency in
June of 2015 and will join Heartland Women’s Healthcare in Mt. Vernon, Ill.
Sara has continued her relationship with her alma mater by regularly returning to
campus for William McKendree Society events, Founders’ Day, performances at the Hett,
and volunteering at Scholarship Weekend. Sara resides in Springfield, Ill.
Mr. Courtney Logan '08
As a member of the Class of 2008, Courtney graduated from McKendree with degrees in
communications and philosophy. He went on to receive his J.D. from Saint Louis University
of Law in 2012.
Courtney was an active student during his time at McKendree. He was a member of the
nationally ranked speech and debate team, was President of the Deneen Law Society,
served as a Senator on the Student Government Association, participated in Model United
Nations, helped recruit students as a Student Ambassador, and played on the football
team. He was also a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Lambda Pi Eta.
While in law school Courtney was a member of the Moot Court Board, National Moot Court
Team, and the National Frederick Douglass Moot Court Team. He clerked for Judge Carol
E. Jackson of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
and in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s office for the Southern
District of Missouri. After law school he served as the Assistant State’s Attorney
for Saint Clair County in the Domestic Violence Division. Currently Courtney is an
associate attorney for Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen in Edwardsville.
Earlier this year, Courtney’s book entitled Shaped by Fire was published. The book
documents how he overcame struggles and how he is using his upbringing and experience
to inspire others.
In his community, Courtney is the president of the Board of Directors for New Yu Youth
Outreach and volunteers for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Prisoner
Re-Entry Summit for Hope and Youth Offender Day.
Courtney resides in East St. Louis, Ill., with his wife Rachel (Witcher) ‘07 and son,
Courtney.
Academy of Excellence Inductees
Business
Mr. Kenneth Cope '68
A member of the Class of 1968, Kenneth (Ken) graduated from McKendree with a degree
in business and a minor in economics.
Shortly after graduation from high school in 1964, Ken started his business, Cope
Marine, with just one other person. Growing a business while attending college was
not always easy, but Ken’s hard work has paid off. In the 50 years since he started
the business he has achieved all industry sales and service awards for all manufacturers'
representatives. In 1998 he opened a second location at Table Rock Lake, in Southwestern
Missouri which is still in operation. An avid business man, he has also purchased
over 15 other marine dealerships to acquire inventory and quality personnel. He led
as President of the Greater St. Louis Marine Dealer Association for 18 years.
Ken is actively involved in the community as board member of the O’Fallon/Fairview
Heights Lions. He was recognized for his work by receiving the Melvin Jones Award,
the highest form of recognition that a Lion can receive for their charitable work.
He is also an active McKendree alumnus who attends events at the Hett and supports
Bearcat Athletics.
When they are not working, Ken and his wife Sheila enjoy boating and spending time
with their two children and three grandchildren. They reside in Swansea, Ill.
Community Service
Mr. Jeffrey Thornton '88
A member of the class of 1988, Jeff graduated from McKendree with a degree in accounting
and a minor in computer science. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in
education. As a student, he was very active. He was a member of the Ferox (Phi Rho
Chi) Fraternity, Student Government Association, and wrote for the McKendree Review.
He was also very involved with McKendree athletics serving as a manager for the men’s
basketball team for two years and as assistant coach of both the women’s basketball
and softball teams.
Since graduation, Jeff has spent for over 25 years with U.S. Bank and currently holds
the position of Assistant Vice President, Indirect Dealer Services.
Jeff believes community service is the most important gift one can make to the community.
In 1994 Jeff joined the Rotary International District 6510 serving southern Illinois
and he has embodied the Rotary motto “service over self” since. Jeff helped create
the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) to bring together high school students in
southern Illinois to work on leadership skills and to promote community service.
He served on the International Rotary Youth Leadership Awards committee in 2004 and
was honored to serve as the Rotary District Governor of Southern Illinois, overseeing
47 clubs throughout Illinois, in 2011.
In 1997 Jeff played an integral role in the development of the Interact/Explorers
group. The group combines local Rotary group and the Boy Scouts to teach local high
school students the value of community service, career development and reaching life
goals. Jeff also serves as president of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference United
Methodist Men, the official organization for the men in The United Methodist Church.
In addition, Jeff has been involved with McKendree in a variety of capacities. Jeff
has served on the Alumni Sports Selection Committee and the Business Selection Committee,
he has presented at career day events and was the internet broadcaster for the women’s
basketball team. Jeff also frequently attends campus events such as Homecoming, athletic
events, Hett performances, and Founders’ Day.
Jeff and his wife Missy reside in Lebanon, Ill, and have five children, including
their daughter Madison who is a sophomore at McKendree, and one granddaughter.
Nursing
Ms. Debra Turpin '90, '07
Debra Turpin, RN, MSN, ONC is a graduate of the RN to BSN degree program in 1990 and
in she completed the MSN in Nursing Management/Administration. As a student Debra
excelled and was honored as the recipient of the Edward Stiften Scholarship while
earning her MSN.
Debra’s career began at Alton Memorial Hospital, BJC Health Care in 1982 as an evening
staff nurse. After holding many positions at Alton Memorial Hospital, she is now the
Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive, the highest position
in nursing, a position she’s held since 2009.
A loyal alumna, Debra was instrumental in fostering a partnership between McKendree
University and Alton Memorial Hospital. Her support has allowed McKendree to establish
a relationship with Alton Memorial Hospital to provide nursing education opportunities
for nursing students in the Alton area. In addition Debra was instrumental in the
recent Memorandum of Agreement between BJC Health Care and McKendree University for
the RN to BSN program to ensure the BJC nurses receive a strong educational opportunity
with McKendree University.
Debra is a true friend of McKendree University and continues to be an ongoing supporter
of McKendree University Division of Nursing. She resides in Jerseyville, Ill.
Social Sciences
Mrs. Carol Klopmeyer ’71
After completing her degree in history 1971 from McKendree, Carol went on to share
her love of history as a teacher in the Mascoutah Middle School.
It is her love of history that has driven her in retirement. A charter member of
the Mascoutah Historical Society, Carol has serves as the Society's President numerous
times since first holding the position in 1980. As President, Carol was instrumental
in the acquisition and renovation of the Berger-Kiel House and the creation of the
Mascoutah Heritage Museum. In 2000, Carol was honored as a recipient of the Studs
Terkel Humanities Service Award for her work with the Mascoutah Historical Society
and the Berger-Keil House by the Illinois Humanities Council.
A loyal alumna, Carol has actively assisted McKendree in the acquisition of donated
historic goods. She was instrumental in assisting the university in the appraisal
of a donated collection that provided financial support. She has been a devoted volunteer
and has aided McKendree as a curator, archivist, and historian.
Carol and her husband Jack reside in Mascoutah, Ill., they have two children and six
grandchildren.
Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
Mrs. Emily Meyer '08
Emily Hart Meyer became one of the most dominant scorers and rebounders in the history
of the McKendree women’s basketball program. She was a leading force in helping the
Bearcats to unmatched success during her four-year career.
By the time her playing career concluded in 2006-07, Emily compiled 1,981 points and
942 rebounds at McKendree. She showed great consistency over the final three years
of her career with the Bearcats averaging at least 17 points and 6.9 rebounds per
contest. Emily led McKendree in scoring in each of her final three seasons, and was
the team’s top rebounder as a junior and senior. A great shooting touch also enabled
Emily to connect on 53.4 percent of her field goal attempts while shooting 71.8 percent
from the free throw line with the Bearcats.
At the time of her induction, Emily ranks second on the Bearcats’ career scoring list
and third all-time in rebounds. In addition, she made 708 field goals over a four-year
span, which ranks third on the career charts at McKendree. Emily also sits in the
top 10 for several season records with the Bearcats. She made 188 free throws as a
senior, which is the most by any McKendree women’s basketball player in a single season.
As a senior in 2006-07, Emily poured in a career-high 36 points in a contest against
Olivet Nazarene University and grabbed a career-best 19 rebounds versus The Master’s
College. Both of those totals rank second all-time among McKendree players in a single
game.
With Emily leading the way, McKendree earned four consecutive trips to the NAIA Division
I Women’s Basketball National Championship in Jackson, Tenn. She was also part of
two American Midwest Conference Tournament championship squads with the Bearcats.
Individually, Emily was a three-time AMC All-Conference selection. She also made her
mark in the classroom, collecting AMC Academic All-Conference honors in each of her
four years with the Bearcats, and she was a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Mr. Kyle Jahn '09
Kyle Jahn came to McKendree after winning a state wrestling championship as a senior
in high school. He took that one step further by the time his career with the Bearcats
was completed in 2007-08, with a national championship as the centerpiece of a prolific
career at McKendree.
Wrestling at 133 pounds in each of his first two years as well as at 141 pounds as
a junior and senior, Kyle posted a career record of 102-21 at McKendree, winning more
than 82 percent of the time he took the mat for the Bearcats. He was the first wrestler
in program history to record 100 career victories, and had a career-high 30 wins as
a senior in 2007-08. Kyle became the first four-time NAIA All-American in program
history and represented McKendree at four consecutive NAIA National Championships.
Kyle burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2004-05, finishing as the national runner-up
at 133 pounds at the NAIA tournament. He continued that remarkable run of consistency
for McKendree, posting 27 wins in each of the next two seasons while earning another
second-place finish at the national tournament as a sophomore along with a sixth-place
showing to close out his junior year.
As a senior, Kyle moved up to 141 pounds and produced one of the most memorable seasons
in McKendree wrestling history. He surpassed the 100-win mark for his career during
the NAIA National Championships, and punctuated his collegiate wrestling career by
winning the national title at 141 pounds. He became the second McKendree wrestler
to win a NAIA national championship.
After his wrestling career was complete, Kyle moved on to the coaching ranks with
McKendree as he served as a student assistant coach, then assistant coach with the
Bearcats following his graduation in 2009.
1999-2002 Women's Indoor Track & Field Teams
When the McKendree women’s indoor track and field program made the trip to Lincoln,
Neb., for the 1999 NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships, the school
had yet to win a national title in any sport. Four years later, the words “McKendree”
and “dynasty” were being used in the same sentence to describe the indoor track and
field program that Coach Gary White and his staff had assembled.
From 1999-2002, McKendree did what no other institution in NAIA history had accomplished.
The Bearcats won four consecutive NAIA national championships in women’s indoor track
and field. When McKendree’s run of titles began, no other NAIA school had even won
three national crowns overall. In 1999 and 2000, the Bearcats rolled to the championship
in convincing fashion. McKendree claimed its first NAIA national championship by scoring
96 points at the 1999 meet to win the event by 32 points. The Bearcats defended their
title in 2000 by rolling up 125 points during competition, which at the time of induction
is still the third-highest scoring total in NAIA Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championship
history.
McKendree then showed a flair for the dramatic in keeping its string of consecutive
national championships alive in 2001 and 2002 as the national meet moved to Johnson
City, Tenn. In 2001 -- competing with just five team members at the national meet
-- the Bearcats trailed entering the final event of the competition, the 4 x 400-meter
relay. McKendree needed to secure a third-place finish in the race to collect its
third consecutive NAIA championship. The Bearcats did just that, taking third place
by .09 seconds to extend its title streak to three.
The fourth and final championship in the run for McKendree came in even more dramatic
fashion in 2002. Once again, the NAIA Women’s Indoor Track and Field National Championship
came down to the 4 x 400-meter relay. This time, the Bearcats needed to win the race
to rally for yet another national championship. And McKendree did just that, winning
the final race of the day by nearly five seconds to capture its fourth straight NAIA
indoor title. McKendree is still the only school to win four consecutive NAIA Women’s
Indoor Track and Field national championships.
During its four-year run, McKendree won a total of 16 individual NAIA national championships
at the women’s indoor nationals, along with three relay events. Two Bearcats won three
consecutive individual national championships during that span – Agne Visockaite in
the 200-meter dash and Sarah Korir in the 5,000-meter run. Visockaite was also named
the Outstanding Performer of the Meet for NAIA Women’s Indoor Track and Field three
times – in 1999, 2000 and 2002.
White earned NAIA Women’s Indoor Track and Field National Coach of the Year honors
in 1999 for leading the Bearcats to the first of their four consecutive national titles.
In all, White guided McKendree programs to all seven of the institution’s NAIA national
championships. In addition to the run of four straight women’s indoor crowns, White
was also the head coach of teams that won NAIA national championships for the 1999
men’s outdoor track and field national meet, the 2001 women’s outdoor track and field
event and the 2011 NAIA Women’s Bowling Invitational.
Mr. Tom Pile '65
Tom Pile attended McKendree from 1963-65 before serving his country with the United
States Army during the Vietnam War. After returning as a decorated war veteran, Tom
embarked on a teaching and coaching career that saw him develop one of the most successful
baseball programs in the state of Illinois.
For 31 years, Tom taught numerous history courses at the high school level, guiding
thousands of students during his three-plus decades in the classroom. He took an active
role in the learning process with his students and was rewarded at both Washburn High
School and Edwardsville High School with Teacher of the Year honors.
Tom also made his mark in coaching circles as he guided teams in football, basketball
and, most notably, baseball. In football, he was part of an Edwardsville staff that
coached the Tigers to six consecutive winning seasons for the first time in school
history. On the basketball court, Tom collected more than 500 wins.
It was on the baseball field where Tom made his biggest impression. For 18 seasons
(1981-98) he served as the head baseball coach at Edwardsville, where he compiled
a record of 508-147. During that time his Tigers’ teams made five state tournament
appearances, leading the program to the 1990 and 1998 Illinois state championship.
Tom led Edwardsville to the 1990 state title by guiding the program to a 32-3 record
and a No. 7 national ranking. His 1998 championship team with the Tigers stood out
even more as they rolled to a perfect 40-0 record while ending the year as the nation’s
top-ranked team.
Over the years, Tom received nearly 70 coaching honors for his baseball accomplishments.
He earned National Coach of the Year accolades from several organizations, and was
a three-time Coach of the Year honoree by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches
Association and the American Baseball Coaches Association. Six times, Tom was selected
as the St. Louis-area Coach of the Year by the IHSBCA. He was also recognized as the
area Coach of the Year six times each by both the Belleville News-Democrat and the
Alton Telegraph. Tom received numerous honors and awards from local organizations
as well, including the Paul Wray Award from the St. Louis Baseball Writers’ Association
in 1998 and the Special Achievement Award from the Missouri Athletic Club.
In addition to the many honors and accolades awarded for his coaching accomplishments,
Tom coached 10 players who were drafted and played professional baseball.
Peter Akers Award
Mrs. Donna Dosier '56
Donna graduated from McKendree College in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with
a major in social studies. While at McKendree she was very involved with many organizations
on campus, including Student-Faculty Council, CLIO, Band, Kappa Chi, McK Club, Religious
Life Council, Future Teachers of America and she was a candidate for Homecoming Queen.
It was at McKendree that Donna met the love of her life, Bob Dosier. They married
in her home church in Posey, Illinois on July 6, 1958.
Following her time at McKendree, she began her teaching career. Her first teaching
position was in the primary grades at the Centerville School in Cahokia. She then
moved on to the Columbia Grade School where she taught in the primary grades as well.
After a couple years teaching in Columbia, Donna started her most demanding career
as a stay-at-home mom to John and Jeff. Both she and Bob thought it was very important
to provide a stable home where the family was most important. Donna was a room mother
and an active PTO member, but more importantly, she was able to get her sons to their
after school practices and she was a fixture at their games. She did find time to
do substitute teaching. As their boys got into high school and college, Donna taught
at Signal Hill School in Belleville from 1979 to 1991 in the area of special education.
Donna is an active member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville and
she has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
As an alumna of McKendree, Donna is proud to have both of her sons, John and Jeff,
graduate from McKendree and her granddaughter, Olivia, is currently a senior and will
graduate in May.
Donna has been a wonderful supporter of McKendree throughout the years. She received
the Loyal Service Award in 1986. She and Bob contributed to the Heritage, Heart and
Hope Campaign which provided for the building of the Hett. Donna has been a devoted
and long-time member of the William McKendree Society, the Bearcat Boosters, McKendree
Presents and she is supporting our current campaign to renovate the Voigt Science
Building.
