The 2025 Alumni Honorees are:

• Elisa (Mineck) Harris ’95 — Distinguished Alumna
• Kent Clow ’78 — Leadership & Service Award
• Alexis (Westerhausen) Gumm ’11 — Outstanding Young Alumna
• Cindy McCutchan ’95 — Dome Award
• Edie Wolf — Honorary Wildcat

These exceptional individuals, who represent the highest ideals of 91ֱ��, will be celebrated at the Alumni Honors Banquet on Friday, Oct. 24. The event will take place from 5:30–9 p.m. in the Meaders Lounge of the Gladys Crown Student Center.

The evening will feature a plated meal and a ceremony to recognize the honorees for their significant contributions to their communities and professions. The cost to attend is $35 per person.

All are invited to join in the celebration of these outstanding members of the Culver-Stockton community. To register for the Alumni Honors Banquet and/or for more information about Homecoming 2025, please visit: .

“Welcoming Kevin back to campus for Homecoming makes this exhibition especially meaningful,” said Jennifer Bock-Nelson, assistant professor of studio art and director of the Mabee Art Gallery. “His work reflects not only his talent and dedication as an artist but also the strong foundation he built here as a student. It’s exciting for our students and community to see how a Culver-Stockton education can grow into a lifelong creative journey.”

Dingman, who earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in art, has built a career rooted in photography, exploring a wide range of processes including bromoil, cyanotype, E-6, black-and-white, and digital. He said his work has consistently centered on the action and quality of light, reflecting his lifelong passion for capturing experiences through imagery.

His exhibition brings together a wide sampling of his career, featuring subjects and processes that span decades, alongside new prints from more recent work.

“This will be a show you’ll want to walk through more than once,” Dingman said. “I expect people will connect with different images in different ways, which is the nature of art.”

Returning to the Hill to exhibit in the Mabee Gallery, where he once worked as a student, is particularly meaningful for Dingman.

“It’s always nice to return where you started, to share your progress with those who knew you then, as well as a new audience who might see something different,” he said.

Dingman also offered advice for today’s Culver-Stockton art students: “When it comes to art, nothing is outdated, so be open to the old and established along with the new. That’s how breakthroughs are made.”

Kevin Dingman: A Retrospective runs from Saturday, Oct. 25 – Friday, Dec. 5. The Mabee Art Gallery, located in the Herrick Foundation Center on Culver-Stockton’s campus, is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and entry is free and open to the public.

For more information about majoring in art at C-SC, visit /majors/art/.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

Bill Bass ’95
William (Bill) Bass attended Culver-Stockton from 1991 to 1995, graduating with a degree in English education. He spent the early part of his teaching career in middle and high schools and served as a soccer coach. He earned a master’s degree in instructional technology with an emphasis in instructional design and holds a post-master’s certificate in online learning.

Bass currently serves as the Innovation Coordinator for Instructional Technology, Information, Library Media, and Federal Programs in the Parkway School District in St. Louis, Missouri. In this role, he leads the district’s library and instructional technology programs, oversees grants and federal programs, and creates conditions to foster district-wide innovation in classrooms.

Throughout his more than 20-year career in education, Bass has held roles as a middle and high school English teacher, technology integration specialist, instructional coach, adjunct professor, graduate course designer for an edtech master’s program, and educational consultant. As a
speaker, writer and professional developer, he focuses on systemic and sustainable technology integration at all grade levels, working to empower both students and teachers through authentic learning experiences.

He has received several honors, including the ISTE Making IT Happen Award, the Divergent Award for Excellence in Literacy in a Digital Age Research, recognition as one of NSBA’s “20 to Watch” EdTech Leaders, and Teacher of the Year at Hazelwood East High School. Bass has served as past president of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Board of Directors, and as a member of the Executive Committee for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). He frequently consults with edtech startups and national organizations, and is an international presenter and speaker, collaborating with educators around the globe.

Bass has authored numerous articles and book chapters, as well as four books: From Inspiration to Red Carpet (ISTE, 2012), Digital Reading: What’s Essential in Grades 3–8 (NCTE, 2015), and two editions of Leading from the Library (ISTE, 2019).

Kurt C. Schuett ‘97
Dr. Kurt C. Schuett attended 91ֱ�� from 1993 to 1997, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with Secondary Education. At C-SC, he was an active participant in campus life, playing baseball and holding leadership positions in Greek life as vice president and alumni chair of Lambda Chi Alpha, as well as serving on the interfraternity council.

Schuett received numerous honors during his time at Culver-Stockton, including the Myron F. Johnson Award, the Shannon Hall Award, the Lambda Chi Alpha Highest GPA Award, and the Guy Cooper Poetry Award. He earned a master’s degree in education in 2009 and a doctorate of education in 2021. In 2020, he was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success at Concordia University Chicago.

He began his teaching career at Clark County R-I High School in Kahoka (MO), where he taught English and German and coached multiple sports, including softball, baseball, basketball and track. He later returned to the Chicagoland area and has taught English at East Leyden High School since 2000. He also teaches AP Research as part of the College Board’s AP Capstone Program and serves as an adjunct professor at Concordia University Chicago.

Since 2005, Schuett has served as the head varsity softball coach at Leyden, where his teams have set school and state records and earned multiple championships. He is particularly proud that 60 of his former players have gone on to compete in collegiate softball while earning degrees—seven of whom began their journeys at 91ֱ��.

Schuett was named the Illinois Coaches Association Softball Coach of the Year in 2024 and previously coached a team that earned national recognition from ESPN as a Fab 50 Girls Softball Team in 2012. In addition to his achievements as an educator and coach, he is an accomplished writer, with widely published short stories and poetry. He was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and is the author of the dystopian novel Insurgency and the academic book Beyond Digital Distraction: Educating Today’s Cyber Student (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024).

The 91ֱ�� Education Hall of Excellence award has been given annually to alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally in the field of education, brought honor to 91ֱ�� and/or made significant contributions to the college and/or their community. The award was established in 2007.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

The event will be introduced by Lexi Tekell, president of Women of Promise, who will welcome attendees and introduce the speakers.

Durst, a 1996 graduate of 91ֱ�� and former dual-sport athlete in softball and basketball, currently serves as the Northeast Missouri area representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also the junior varsity and assistant varsity coach at Quincy Notre Dame High School in Quincy, IL. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and coaching, Durst has built lasting relationships with athletes and coaches across the Tri-State region and beyond.

Niemann — a Canton, MO, native and a Western Illinois University graduate and former collegiate basketball standout — currently leads student-athlete development at Clemson University. She oversees leadership and personal growth initiatives for athletes, manages community engagement efforts, and serves as the secondary sport administrator for Clemson Men’s Basketball. Niemann is the founder of the POWER Women’s Leadership Academy, the only program of its kind in the country, and has raised nearly $3 million to support student-athlete development programs.

The evening is free and open to the public and will include remarks from each speaker, followed by an audience Q&A session:

• 7 p.m. — Welcome and introductions by Lexi Tekell
•  7:05–7:20 p.m. — Jennifer Durst: Reflections on her high school sports career and her current work with FCA
• 7:20–7:45 p.m. — Tori Niemann: Insights on her career in collegiate athletics and the POWER Women’s Leadership Academy (NOTE: Tori will be sharing her story via video conferencing).
• 7:45–8 p.m. — Q&A with attendees
• 8 p.m. — Closing remarks by Lexi Tekell

For more information, contact C-SC Marketing & Public Relations at pr@culver.edu.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

Swain will share his insights and experiences in public affairs, strategic communications, and leadership across higher education, government, and the private sector.

Swain is the Assistant Vice President for University Communications at Harvard University, where he leads communications strategy and issues management for the nation’s oldest institution of higher education. His work helps advance Harvard’s mission in teaching and research through collaborative efforts across the University.

From 2009 to 2013, Swain played a significant role in shaping President Barack Obama’s economic recovery efforts following the Great Recession. He served as Assistant Administrator for Communications and Public Liaison at the U.S. Small Business Administration and later as Chief of Staff to SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills, a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Swain’s career in public service also includes key communications roles for U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, Indiana Governor Joseph E. Kernan, and Indiana First Lady Judy O’Bannon. In 2008, he served as communications director for Hillary Clinton’s Indiana primary campaign and Barack Obama’s historic general election win in Indiana.

In addition to his government service, Swain has led strategic communications and external relations for private sector organizations including Angie’s List (now Angi) and FedBid, Inc.

A native of Kennett, Missouri, Swain earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from 91ֱ�� and a master’s in public relations from Ball State University.

The Kraus Lecture series holds special significance at 91ֱ��, established by Joe W. Kraus in loving memory of his wife, Kathryn Elizabeth (Betsy) Curtright Kraus. Both Joe and Betsy Kraus were alumni of 91ֱ��, with Joe earning undergraduate degrees in English and library science.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

Whittington boasts extensive experience in media production, having worked on acclaimed shows such as Sesame Street and at renowned organizations like Tyler Perry Studios. Her career includes key roles at Black News Channel (BNC), NBC, and Cox Communications/Cox Media, where she made significant contributions to media strategy, content creation, social media management, and streaming/OTT initiatives.

“91ֱ�� is excited to welcome Radazaih Whittington back to campus to share her experiences as an entrepreneur and in film and TV producing,” said President Lauren Schellenberger. “Her story, commitment, and enterprising spirit will be an inspiration for our students seeking to be bold, think big, and create change.”

In addition to her media production work, Whittington is a dedicated entrepreneur. She founded Royal Horizon Productions, an Atlanta-based production company that amplifies the voices of people of color in television and film and provides multi-media services around the country. She also launched Royal Talent Studios, which provides space and resources for creatives in the media industry.

Expanding her ventures beyond the entertainment sector, Whittington established Royal Horizon Beauty Supply Vending, a trailblazing business that places vending machines stocked with beauty, hair, skin, and health products on college campuses. This initiative specifically addresses the needs of minority students, with the first vending machine launched at her alma mater, 91ֱ��, in 2023.

Whittington’s academic journey is as remarkable as her professional accomplishments. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication from 91ֱ�� in 2017, followed by a Master of Arts in TV and Film from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2019. Further solidifying her expertise, she obtained a Juris Master in Media & Entertainment Law from Emory University School of Law in 2021.

During her residency, Whittington will be the keynote speaker at a luncheon with the topic, “Beyond the Diplomas: Crafting Your Unwritten Story”and will be visiting a class thereafter on Wednesday, February 19.

With this high-energy interactive keynote speech, Whittington will provide an interactive series designed to guide students through what REALLY comes next after college. The audience will explore the realities of navigating diverse career paths, embracing leadership in its many forms, and fostering entrepreneurial spirit.

Whittington reminds students, “it’s perfectly okay to not have everything figured out. Life’s journey is filled with twists and turns, and that’s all part of the adventure.”

Her series offers actionable insights and inspiration tailored to participants’ needs, whether you’re eager to accelerate your career, pursue further education, or develop new skills to become your own boss. Together, we’ll engage in discussions about continuous learning, personal growth, and breaking through the limits of what you think is possible. Let’s embark on this journey to start writing the next chapter of your life—even if the full story isn’t yet clear.

The Wilfred and Ann Lee Konneker Leaders in Residence program was established at Culver- Stockton College in 2013 with the framework to provide a supportive and value-based learning environment where students can acquire knowledge and skills to work with and through others to accomplish mutual goals. The Leader in Residence is annually selected by a committee and asked to share their leadership principles with the C-SC community.

Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.

NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from 91ֱ��.

Michelle’s expertise extends beyond annual giving; she has a proven track record in planning and leading Giving Days, which significantly boosted alumni participation and annual giving goals. Her grant writing and collaboration skills have been instrumental in securing over $4 million in funding. This includes grants from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) which supports the university’s health science facilities, established  St. Clare’s food and hygiene pantry, and funding for various academic programs and projects.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle back to The Hill,” stated President Lauren Schellenberger. “Her extensive experience in fundraising, coupled with her deep connection to our institution, make her an invaluable addition to our team.”

Michelle’s return to C-SC marks an exciting chapter for the College’s advancement efforts, and her leadership is expected to drive continued growth and success in engaging alumni and securing vital support for the college’s mission.

For more information about Culver-Stockton visit culver.edu. To give online visit .

Set against the backdrop of the afterlife, “This Is How We Get Better” navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and loss. The story unfolds as three roommates grapple with the aftermath of their fourth roommate’s funeral. As they confront the regrets of words said and left unsaid, they discover that the ghost of their departed friend is inexplicably confined to their apartment. “This Is How We Get Better” contains mature language and subject matter while addressing the challenges of coping with grief. For more information about the performances, contact Lane via email at dlane@culver.edu or via phone at 573-288-6398.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are Elaine (Ewell) English ’67 and Dr. Joe Sniezek ’77.

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes alumni of 20 years or less who have achieved notable success, exceptional achievement, and significant contributions to their profession and community. This year the recipients are Lisa (Button) Bohan ’14, MBA ’18, and Toby O’Cheltree ’07.

The Honorary Wildcat Award will be presented to Chuck W. Scholz, a sincere friend of the College. While Scholz did not attend C-SC, he has demonstrated dedication and continued service to help advance the College to prepare students of promise for a dynamic world.