Distinguished Alum Award presented to Johnson; Groner recipient of Hannibal-LaGrange Service Award

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal-LaGrange University recognized the annual alumni award winners during its Booster Gala on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Distinguished Alum Award was presented to Susan Johnson, Class of 1992. This award is presented to HLGU graduates for significant and broad accomplishments in business or professional life, or for state or nation.

The Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to Al Groner. This award is given to Hannibal-LaGrange graduates or friends who have given outstanding service to the university or their community through involvement in civic endeavors, religious leadership or philanthropic efforts.

Johnson graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange in 1992 with a bachelor degree in elementary education. She began her career as an elementary teacher at Eugene Field Elementary and moved into her first administrative role as the principal of Eugene Field Elementary. Johnson then served as assistant superintendent for Hannibal Public Schools for 10 years before becoming the superintendent. Johnson, who has dedicated a total of 33 years of service to the school district, has served as superintendent since 2014. She will be retiring from her current position on June 30, 2024.

In a press release, Julie Albee, HLGU vice president of academic administration, said, “Susan is a humble leader who faithfully serves the children, teachers, staff and administrators in the Hannibal Public Schools and the community. She values each person as God’s unique creation and treats all with dignity. Susan is a special friend to Hannibal-LaGrange University’s education department and has hired many HLGU teacher graduates. I’m blessed to call her my friend and co-advocate for excellence in education.”

“Susan is a community leader to admire. She loves people and shepherds them well. For years, as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, she has collaborated with HLGU to support future teachers and grow the teaching profession. She always finds time for people and makes them feel heard and respected. She is a strong light in our community and the teaching profession,” said Melanie Smith, chair of the HLGU education division.

Groner lives in Monroe City and is the director of missions for the Bethel Baptist Association. He has led an all-volunteer team to complete the landscaping and grounds at the university since the school had to cut that expense from the budget in 2021. He has worked tirelessly organizing the volunteers, mowing, weeding and countless other grounds/maintenance duties.

In a press release, Groner said, “God allowed me to learn building and construction skills. He has given me opportunities to use those skills to serve others with the ultimate goal of sharing the gospel with them.”

Groner earned a bachelor of accounting degree from Southern Illinois University and a master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He worked for 10 years in finance, becoming the financial controller at Phelps Dodge in Duquoin, Ill. He then pastored at the First Southern Baptist Church in Mattoon, Ill. He has served as the Bethel Baptist Association Director of Missions for 22 years. Groner is the northeast region director for MO Disaster Relief, serves with the MO Baptist Builders and the MO Director of Missions Fellowship.

“Hannibal-LaGrange is blessed to have Al Groner leading a portion of the work that God is doing on campus,” said Ray Carty, vice president of institutional advancement. “He truly is a dedicated servant leader. I am pleased to call him my friend and colleague.”