Lincoln University’s 2025 Young Alumni Honors Awards Celebrate Excellence and Community Giving

The 2025 Lincoln University Young Alumni Honors Awards were held on June 7 at Unity Village in Kansas City, Missouri.

On Saturday, June 7, more than 200 alumni, community leaders and guests gathered at Unity Village in Kansas City for the 2025 Lincoln University of Missouri Young Alumni Honors Awards, presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The evening celebrated alumni achievement and emphasized leadership, service and giving within the Lincoln University community.

Missouri State Rep. Melissa Douglas opened the evening with remarks on behalf of the state. Shay Moore of 105.1 FM served as the event’s host.

Honoring Legends and Leaders
A highlight of the event was the inaugural Lincoln Legends Award, presented by Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This year’s honorees were:

• Jack Bush Sr., Class of ’49 (recognized posthumously)
• Ollie Gates Sr., Class of ’54, who delivered remarks after accepting the award

Ollie Gates Sr. 

Dr. David B. Henson Trailblazer Award 2025 Honorees
Named in honor of Lincoln University’s 17th President, Dr. David B. Henson, this award recognizes alumni who lead with vision, courage and conviction. These trailblazers break barriers and light the path for others to follow: 

• Chris Dawson, director of community outreach, Jefferson City School District
• Rodney Holmes ’90, judge, Eastern District of Missouri
• Darren L. Smith ’00, sports reporter and radio host, Kansas City, MO
• Marjorie Williams ’75, education, civic and community leader, Kansas City, MO

820 Chestnut Award 2025 Honorees
The 820 Chestnut Award honorees represent a profound impact and enduring legacy at Lincoln University. Their influence extends beyond their time on campus — uplifting and inspiring generations of Blue Tigers through leadership, service and excellence. This year's honorees included:

• Jack Bush Jr. ’70, former head football coach
• Dick Dalton, associate professor of health and wellness (retired)
• Theressa Ferguson, student engagement & dance troupe
• Misty Nunn ’00, executive director of university relations
• Ruby Stewart ’66, director of student support services
• Victor Thomas, head track & field coach
• Dan Turner, KJLU program director

Recognizing the Class of 2025 Nominees
The 2025 Young Alumni Honors Awards recognized 29 exceptional alumni for their professional achievements and community impact. This year’s nominees included:

• Idonuagbe Akogun ’07, program coordinator, The Electronic Education Initiative
• LaTonya AnNoor ’09, senior executive of corporate affairs – community relations/social impact, Walmart Inc.
• Talisa Boswell ’14, ’17, director of student engagement, Central State University
• Ryan Frederick ’03, finance assistant controller, HCA Florida JFK Hospital
• Shakera Garrard-Brown ’15, licensed professional counselor, Brightside Health and Sondermind Inc.
• Luther Glover ’06, owner, Luther Glover Workouts
• Qubieinique Greer ’10, director, LU Academic Success Center
• Precious Hardy ’15, educational psychologist and postdoctoral associate, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
• Cassandra Horton ’09, attorney, Mitchell Silberberg Knupp LLP
• Jonathan M. Jackson ’17, executive director of admissions, Avila University
• Iman Jefferson ’06, head of employee communications, NetApp Inc.
• Shaquire Jones ’18, manager of exhibitions, The Franklin Institute
• Dawn Kendrick ’11, executive director, Primrose Retirement Community
• Devon Martin ’04, business development director, BI Worldwide
• Ke’yanna McCall ’13, Emmy-award winning news producer, KMOV-TV 
• Kendra Kemp McGee ’05, president, Kemp McGee Arts Culture & Community Foundation
• Maurice McKinney ’07, UX architect, Usio Technologies
• Shamon Moss ’13, attorney, Holland Law Firm
• Kortnie Napier ’08, philanthropy manager, JCPenney
• Asia Richardson ’08, executive director, NFL Wives Association
• Edward Stewart ’03, regional sales manager, Grundfos USA
• William Swatson ’08, senior molecular clinical specialist, Roche Diagnostics
• Ge’ron Tatum ’10, executive director, Teach For America
• James “Church” Taylor ’13, assistant principal, KIPP Legacy High School
• Kwira Vickers ’05, middle school director, St. Louis Catholic Academy
• Terri Walker ’04, information security project manager, Hallmark Cards Inc.
• Lakeitha White ’10, ’13, senior customer success service manager, Scholastic Inc.
• Ryan Wilson ’03, senior director of community and student engagement, Saint Louis University
• Darius Wynn ’10, ’12, operations data management manager, Southern California Gas Co.

Launching a Legacy: The L.I.F.T. Campaign
Event co-founders Brandon Kendrick '10 and Eric Cooper ’10, introduced the L.I.F.T. Campaign – Lincolnites Investing For Tomorrow, encouraging 1,000 alumni to contribute monthly gifts of $5 or $18.66 in honor of the university’s founding year.

The campaign officially launched during the event, following acknowledgments of sponsors Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Gates BBQ and Holland Law.

Young Alumni Honors Awards event co-founders Brandon Kendrick '10 and Eric Cooper '10.

In addition, a scholarship was awarded to Lincoln University freshman Khyla Washington.

Lincoln University freshman Khyla Washington. 

“The event was truly a class act from beginning to end — well organized, well attended and deeply meaningful,” said Ollie Gates Sr. “I was honored to be included among those recognized and moved by the care and thought that went into every detail.”

The Young Alumni Honors Awards will return in 2027 in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information about scholarships or the L.I.F.T. Campaign, email info@youngalumnilu.com.