The Chart Online

Alumni honor two graduates
Jerry Manter

Managing Editor

The Missouri Southern Alumni Association announced its winners of the annual Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Keith Adams, graduate of Joplin Junior College in 1949, and William Gipson, class of 1985, took home the honors.

It s quite the honor, Adams said. It s a humbling experience.

A committee selects winners based on career achievements, significant contributions to the community, books or articles published and any special honors or awards earned since graduation.

Adams served as a member of the Southern Board of Regents from 1990 to 1996. He was president of the Board in 1995. Now retired, Adams served as the president and CEO of the former Oak Hill Hospital in Joplin for 17 years.

Adams played forward for the basketball team, and was co-captain for the 1949 squad. Adams said he was grateful for the chance to attend college during the era.

Winning the award made me reflect on my life, my career and my family, Adams said. I felt very fortunate to be able to go to school during that time.

Locally, Adams has been active with the Kiwanis Club of Joplin as well as a member of the board of directors for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lee Elliff Pound, Southern alumni director, said the awards show a great representation of the College s finest graduates.

It s an opportunity for the Alumni Association to honor the best and brightest students that come out of Missouri Southern, Pound said.

Gipson, Empire District Electric Company s president and CEO, was surprised when he heard the news in September.

It s a great honor, Gipson said. I m overwhelmed by all the attention.

Gipson, a graduate from the class of 1985, was a board member for the United Way of Joplin from 1992 to 1995.

Gipson said Southern has come a long way since he graduated.

The school has made great progress, Gipson said. It s done a great job.

The Alumnus Awards were first given away in 1971 with Dennis Weaver taking home the prize. On average, only one honor is awarded each year. The group of winners includes educators, doctors, scientists and Bill Grigsby, the radio voice for the Kansas City Chiefs. Grigsby won the award in 1984.

You look at the people who won these awards and how they represent the school, Pound said.

Nominations for next year s winners will be sent out in the spring.