HLGU recognizes outstanding alumni during homecoming weekend

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal-LaGrange University recognized its alumni award winners during the 2022 Booster Gala on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Brett R. Akright, Class of 1992, and Mindy (Stinson) Akright, Class of 1990. This award is presented to HLGU graduates for significant and broad accomplishments in business or professional life, or for state or nation.

Brett Akright graduated from HLGU with a degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in Bible, history and Christian education in 1992. Mindy Akright graduated with an associate of arts degree in 1990. Brett furthered his education by earning a master of divinity degree in 2008, a master of theology degree in 2015, and a doctorate in Biblical studies with an emphasis in New Testament in 2019.

After graduating from HLGU, Mindy worked as an elementary substitute teacher and stay-at-home mom. She began serving at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009 as an administrative assistant for doctoral studies. She was promoted to director of doctoral studies in August 2020.

The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Jim Youse, Class of 1976, and Linda Youse, Class of 1979. This award is given to Hannibal-LaGrange graduates who have given outstanding service to the university or their community through involvement in civic endeavors, religious leadership or philanthropic efforts.

The Youses graduated when Hannibal-LaGrange College was primarily a junior college offering associate’s degrees.

Jim went on to graduate from the University of Missouri with a bachelor of science in agriculture degree. He began his professional life with the Federal Landbank and then the Equitable Life Assurance Society. He later began a career in the pharmaceutical industry as a sales representative.

Linda finished her degree at Culver-Stockton College and graduated with a degree of bachelor of science in education in May 1981. She taught fourth grade and then eighth grade in the Hannibal Public Schools and later went on to be the director of the Immanuel Baptist Church daycare.

The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award was presented to Josh Pierce, Class of 2012. This award is given to a Hannibal-LaGrange graduate, age 35 or younger, for outstanding accomplishments in their profession, business, community, state or nation.

Pierce is from Sikeston and graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange with his bachelor of science degree in business administration. He earned his Master of Arts in Leadership degree in organizational management in 2017. Pierce served at HLGU for nearly a decade, ending his tenure as the vice president for student l;ife. He now is the executive director for the Wildwood Family YMCA in Wildwood.