MoWest alumni association honors nine individuals

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri Western State University Alumni Association will honor nine individuals at its annual Alumni Award Banquet.

The banquet will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, at the MoWest Fulkerson Center. The event is open to everyone, and the cost is $40 per person.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award that an alumnus can receive. It recognizes alumni for their career and professional achievements.

The recipients of this award are Shawn P. Malone and Kimberly Weddle.

The Distinguished Faculty Award is given to a current faculty member who has a lasting influence on students. The recipient of the award is Dr. Pam Clary.

The Graduate of the Last Decade (Gold) Award recognizes those early in their career who have outstanding achievements. The award went to Makenna Snyder Hood.

The Herb '35 and Peggy Iffery Award for Outstanding Service to the University recognizes an alumnus who shows outstanding and continuous commitment to MoWest.

The award was given to Rick Leahy.

The Great Griffon Awards recognize alumni who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the university.

The recipients of this award were Philana Blakely, Shawn Jackson and Richard Rocha.

The Alumni Student Leadership Awards recognize graduating students who have made an impact. The award is given to Maya Burnsides.