HLGU honors three members of Craigmiles family with Outstanding Service Award

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal-LaGrange University recently announced the recipients of its Outstanding Service Award, honoring Bill and Wendy Craigmiles, along with Marilyn Craigmiles Thomas, for their dedication to the university and their commitment to serving their communities.

The Outstanding Service Award, presented during HLGU’s annual homecoming celebration, is given to people who have made significant contributions to their communities and provided outstanding service to the institution. This year’s honorees had impactful careers in nursing, business, education and community development.

Wendy Craigmiles has dedicated her life to nursing and education, serving in public health nursing, school nursing and teaching pediatric nursing. A Hannibal native, Wendy retired from Hannibal Public Schools in 2013, having spent 13 years as a school nurse and later as a substitute nurse.

She received a 50-year certificate from the Missouri State Board of Nursing in 2020. A lifelong member of First Christian Church in Hannibal, Wendy is especially proud of the Craigmiles School of Nursing and its graduating students.

Bill Craigmiles has served in the U.S. Navy and spent years in the oil industry before establishing Big River Oil Co. in 1972, which operates throughout Illinois and Missouri. Bill has held positions on local boards, including Beth Haven Nursing Home, Hannibal Regional Hospital, The Hannibal YMCA and Hannibal Chamber of Commerce. He has contributed to organizations such as the Mark Twain Home Foundation and served as a trustee for the George H. Riedel Foundation.

Marilyn Craigmiles Thomas began her nursing career at the University of Colorado Medical Center. Returning to Hannibal, she served as a public health nurse and later as a school nurse, then moved to Kansas City and taught at the Research Medical Center School of Nursing.

In 2004, Marilyn established House of Hope Kansas City, a faith-based residential facility for at-risk teenagers. Her work with House of Hope has transformed the lives of countless young people.

Bill, Wendy and Marilyn funded the Craigmiles School of Nursing at HLGU in honor of their parents, L.W. and Jane Forbes Craigmiles, and the nurses in their families, including Wendy and Marilyn.