Alumni Impact Awards
Tevin Baker - Contributing Writer
The Monmouth College Alumni Association hosted an award ceremony this past weekend. Six different awards were presented to people who made a significant impact on people's lives, whether after their time at Monmouth or towards Monmouth’ future.
14 members of the Marshall-Kellogg-Peters-Witty family were present to receive the Family of the Year Award. The family has a rich history with Monmouth. Several family members have graduated from the college, and the family has been printing all the college’s diplomas. Nancy Snowden received the Distinguished Service Award, a member of Monmouth’s board of trustees for two decades. Outside of Monmouth College, Snowden has held multiple important roles with Caterpillar.
Danielle Nierenberg ’95 was presented with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for her company Food Tank. An expert on sustainable agriculture and food issues, Nierenberg is a world-renowned researcher and speaks on it at over 100 events per year. Professor of Business and Economics and Department Chair Dr. Michael Connell was presented with the Hatch Award for Distinguished Teaching. Connell has been teaching at the college for over 30 years with four different degrees in business.
Since 1999, Stan Pepper ’76 has been a part of the board of trustees. He was presented with a Hall of Achievement for his outstanding business career. Pepper was involved in major expansions on campus like the Pepper Natatorium, the Center for Science and Business, and three new residence halls.
The Young Alumnus Award went to Mr. Trevor And Mrs. Lauren Newton. College graduates of the class of 2011, the couple both teach in Colorado. They never gave up on what they wanted to do in life and gave it all they could. The Newtons have made an enormous impact on student lives, but they couldn’t have done it without each other. “I can accomplish anything with her,” said Mr. Newtown while talking about his company, Teach and Direct.
"Teach” came from his love for teaching; any time he gets an opportunity to teach he seizes it. "Direct” came from his experience with wrestling as a tournament coordinator. Mr. Newtown uses “360 Leadership” to help his company run and teach himself something new every day. “I’m going out; I’m exploring; I’m learning; I’m meeting new people; I’m training and I’m leading. I bring all that back to my children and help them be the best kids they can be,” said Mr. Newton.