Homecoming is that time of year when the crisp fall air arrives, the leaves change, and Gracelanders come home and come together to celebrate and share in tradition. This year, alumni and friends came “Back to the Future” to take part in a homecoming with a theme to remember. Despite mud puddles, soaked grounds and gloomy skies, students and alumni alike gathered to celebrate the spirit of the annual custom. This year’s celebration is surely one full of memories and fun to add to a long history of tradition.
The 2018 festivities began with Thursday’s opening of the homecoming production, Ghost the Musical.With an unbelievable performance by the theatre department and its cast and crew, the stage was set.
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is given to alumni at least 10 years removed from graduation and still living who have made an outstanding contribution to community, whether local or international. Gary McLean checks all those boxes. He has been a leader in the field of human resource development (HRD), elevating its practical concepts in 56 countries across the world. McLean has also pioneered concepts and helped develop policies to diminish corruption in Thailand, Korea and Taiwan; worked to combat human trafficking in Southeast Asia; and gender equality has been a major focus of his lifetime scholarship
Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes people who did not attend Graceland but whose record of service and commitment to the university is outstanding. Kathy Robinson dreamed of attending Graceland, but the nursing program was not quite ready, so she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Central Missouri State University. She has since given a lifetime of service to her church, country and the world. A fifth-generation member of Community of Christ, Robinson served on its Standing High Council and the boards of Outreach International and the Nurses Association, and she continues to serve on the board of the church Health Ministries Association and the Graceland School of Nursing Advisory Board.
Graceland Award of Recognition
The Graceland Award of Recognition salutes those who have supported Graceland and its programs in an exceptional way. Don Hickman graduated from Graceland with a passion to work with young people. From emotionally handicapped elementary students to high school students from rough backgrounds who were in need of his guidance as a father figure, Hickman has been a mentor to youth in Iowa and Florida, funneling more than 200 central Florida high schoolers to Graceland over the years.
Horizons - Fall 2018
September 9, 2018
2000's Tara Gallegos, MPA, ’05 was hired as press secretary...
Horizons - Fall 2018
September 9, 2018
Graceland and the City of Lamoni mourned the passing of a longtime supporter of the community this fall. The Honorable Leonard L. Boswell ’55 passed away Aug. 17 at the age of 84 in a Des Moines, Iowa, hospital. Boswell’s drive, commitment, passion, devotion and beaming smile will be missed.
Horizons - Fall 2018
September 9, 2018
Our students recognize the world faces huge challenges that call for bold, creative and sustained action.
Horizons - Fall 2018
September 9, 2018
One of the greatest joys of working in higher education is the opportunity to watch the growth of students as they are exposed to new academic lessons, new people and cultures, and new ideals.
Horizons - Fall 2018
September 9, 2018
An exciting change is coming to the Graceland University Lamoni campus. As the university continues to emphasize the idea of a student-centered environment, it is appropriate that the Memorial Student Center (MSC), a building that is so much a part of every student’s life, should receive major renovations that will greatly impact students and their Graceland experience.
Horizons - Fall 2018
September 9, 2018
Meet Jaime Reyes.
Ardent. Just. He’s using his own voice to speak up for others.
