BIOLOGY ALUMS CONNECT WITH STUDENTS Finding ways for current students to engage with
The first panel was made up of professionals in the medical field, including Inpatient Therapy Supervisor for Boone Health Joe Sadewhite ‘91, Katie (Masoner) Triplett ‘19 of the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory, pharmacist Dr. Alex Mills ‘18, and Courtlin Sanders ‘23. Several students used the opportunity to network with these panelists during the break. “I really enjoyed coming back to share my healthcare experiences and to learn about the wide array of different careers that Valley Biology grads have specialized in,” said Sadewhite. “Throughout the morning and afternoon presentations, the students were engaged and interactive. The future of the Valley Biology Program is strong!” The second panel included Biology graduates using their degrees in education and other fields. Current School Superintendent Derek Lark ‘95, and Biology educator and coach Parker Towery ‘95, joined Business Development Manager David Schwirtz ‘96 and Museum Curator Ashley Charboneau ‘06 to discuss the options Biology Majors have with their degree. “Coming back for this was truly an honor,” said Towery. The science department has these student leaders preparing for a successful future. The faculty have brought back Valley traditions and incorporated new techniques to set students up for success today, tomorrow and beyond.”
Missouri Valley College alumni is an invaluable way to highlight opportunities that exist in their chosen fields, while providing our alumni with an opportunity to share stories and contribute to the success of the next generation. These were the reasons behind a biology reunion event in 2024. The event was co-hosted by the MVC Alumni Association and the School of Science and Agriculture. It didn’t take much convincing for several Biology graduates to return to campus to share their time, experiences and advice. “The Biology Reunion was such a success,” said Dr. Joe Alsobrook, vice president of strategic initiatives and online operations. “The shared stories of academic journeys and career paths provided students with great wisdom and inspiration. Their insights were also a powerful reminder that there is no finish line to learning, and the relationships formed at MVC can help pave the way forward after graduation.” The format of the event consisted of four panel discussions, with each alum discussing their unique MVC journeys from student to professional life. A few Reed Kepner stories and tales of Valley lore may have been tossed in as well. Current students then had time to ask questions about career preparation, challenges, and opportunities, as well as how the alums used their Valley experience to achieve their goals.
14 Viking Views | 2025
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