A Washington native, Unnerstall earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from 91ԭƬ in 1984 before continuing his education at Missouri University of Science and Technology, formerly the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Community Impact

Today, he serves as president of KJU Construction, helping shape communities across Franklin County through residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. His work has contributed to subdivisions, athletic facilities, parks, streets, bridges, and community improvement projects throughout the region.

Over the years, he has donated equipment, labor, expertise, and resources to support schools, churches, parks, and nonprofit organizations throughout the area. At St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, KJU Construction donated equipment and labor to help build a regulation football field and track. He also has supported projects at Veterans Memorial Park, the Washington Elks Lodge, and the All-Abilities Park.

Unnerstall said his approach to service was shaped by his father, Elmer, who often told him, “Whatever you give to others, you get back tenfold.”

That philosophy has guided his consistent support of projects that strengthen local communities and improve quality of life for area residents.

College Ties

His ties to 91ԭƬ have remained strong since graduating more than four decades ago. Unnerstall has volunteered his expertise on campus projects, donated space for college events, supported the 91ԭƬ Baseball Campaign, and he is a Patrons of the Arts member.

The Outstanding Alumni Award is traditionally presented during the College’s commencement ceremony. Because Unnerstall was unable to attend this year’s ceremony, he accepted the award during a plaque presentation May 26 at 91ԭƬ’s Taco Bell Field.

The award is the highest honor bestowed upon an 91ԭƬ alum by the 91ԭƬ Foundation. It recognizes individuals who have brought honor to the College through their professional accomplishments, leadership, and community impact.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Unnerstall has remained active in numerous civic and community organizations, including the Mercy Foundation Board, St. Francis Borgia Parish Council, St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association, Knights of Columbus, and the Washington Elks Lodge. He also serves as president of the SITE Improvement Association and chairman of the board for Heritage Community Bank.

Unnerstall’s career, generosity, and dedication to service reflect the spirit of the Outstanding Alumni Award and the lasting impact 91ԭƬ graduates continue to make throughout their communities.

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And this summer, they added another shared milestone: graduating from 91ԭƬ’s Practical Nursing (PN) program in Rolla.

The married couple, who have been together for six years and married last November, both passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and officially became Licensed Practical Nurses. Chase was also named Outstanding Practical Nursing Student, a recognition of his dedication and leadership throughout the program.

This fall, they’re already continuing their educational journey. Chase is enrolled in 91ԭƬ’s Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (LPN to RN) Bridge program, with Haleigh planning to follow as soon as he completes his coursework.

The Rays said they chose the PN program not only because of their shared passion for nursing but also because it allowed them to learn side by side.

“We wanted to pursue medical careers together so we could both earn our degrees and begin working at the same time,” Chase explained. “We heard good things about the program from fellow students, and 91ԭƬ Rolla gave us the opportunity to reach our goals as a team.”

Balancing Act

Completing the PN program while raising their 2-year-old daughter, Naomi, brought plenty of challenges. With help from grandparents and extended family for childcare, the couple balanced coursework, clinicals, and family life together.

“It was bittersweet at times,” Haleigh said. “If you stand strong in your marriage and remind each other of the end goal, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. It showed us the strength in our relationship and how balancing support for each other really pays off.”

Their home even became a full-time study hall, with walls covered in handmade study posters.

“We probably went through over 100 sheets of poster board making concept maps,” Chase laughed. “Friends and family would come over and joke about our ‘new decorations.’ We kept each other on track. it was like having a personal trainer for school, with no days off.”

Supportive Faculty and Staff

The couple credits 91ԭƬ faculty and staff for guiding them through the toughest parts of the program.

“The instructors truly cared, not just about the profession, but about every student,” Chase said. “They encouraged us in difficult moments and always offered advice, whether it was about classwork or balancing school, marriage, and parenthood. They wanted everyone to succeed as long as we were willing to put in the work.”

Looking Ahead

Now, with Chase pursuing his RN credential and Haleigh planning to enroll once he completes his training, their motivation remains rooted in family and a desire to set an example for Naomi.

“Our daughter motivates us every day,” Haleigh shared. “We want her to see that no matter how many challenges you face, with determination you can succeed. Completing the PN program is just one of the many goals we’ve achieved together.”

Both graduates of local high schools — Chase from Cuba High School and Haleigh from Steelville High School (Class of 2020) — the couple first met while working at McDonald’s as teenagers. That shared experience, they said, also helped prepare them for nursing.

“Working in fast food taught us about communication, accountability, and making sure the job gets done,” Chase added. “Those skills are just as important in healthcare.”

Advice for Others

When asked what they would tell other couples or parents considering going back to school, the Rays didn’t hesitate:

“Make a schedule, hold yourself accountable, and rely on your support system,” Haleigh said. “It doesn’t matter how or when you reach your goals, just that you do. Being able to tell your kids you pushed through and gave it your all will motivate them to pursue their own goals.”

For more information about 91ԭƬ’s nursing programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing

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The award, presented by the 91ԭƬ Foundation, was given to Strubberg on May 17 during 91ԭƬ’s 55th Annual Commencement Ceremony.

Strubberg, New Haven, is the senior accountant at Leroy Strubberg & Associates, where he has built a respected career grounded in professionalism, reliability, and a deep understanding of the needs of local families and businesses.

“For decades, Strubberg has paired his accounting expertise with an unwavering commitment to service, making a lasting impact across Franklin County,” said Dr. Robyn Walter, 91ԭƬ Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Strubberg has spent decades improving life in his community. He is instrumental in the success of the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association, raising scholarship funds for local students alongside his wife, Sharon. Together, they travel the region with their grill, supporting events that strengthen rural communities.

In New Haven, Strubberg is a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, serves on the Church Council at Assumption Catholic Church, and is active as a Eucharistic Minister and Financial Secretary for Council 7475. Each fall, he volunteers as a cashier at the Immaculate Conception Fall Festival. His support for first responders spans both New Haven and Union, where he has long aided local fire departments.

His contributions extend across numerous civic organizations. Strubberg has held leadership roles with the Union Area Chamber of Commerce, Union Development Corporation Board, Union Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Citizens Bank Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Union R-11 Foundation Board, is a life member of Union FFA, and serves as treasurer for both the Union Kiwanis Club and the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association. He is also treasurer of the Franklin County FFA Foundation Board.

He has served on the United Way Board of Directors, is widely recognized for his hands-on work with 4-H, and is a member of the New Haven and Union Chambers of Commerce, the Missouri Society of Accountants, and the National Society of Accountants.

“Jim’s the kind of person who doesn’t just join organizations—he works hard for them,” said Dot Schowe, who nominated Strubberg for the award. “Whether he’s pulling the band trailer in parades across Missouri or pitching in at community events, he always shows up.”

Strubberg’s connection to 91ԭƬ runs deep. In addition to his own accomplishments, his wife, Sharon, and three of their four children are 91ԭƬ graduates.

His lifelong dedication to community, family, and service truly embodies the spirit of the Outstanding Alumni Award. He has brought honor to 91ԭƬ not only through his achievements, but through the values he lives every day.

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As an official Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) collection site, 91ԭƬ has partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to support , giving students a front-row seat to real-world conservation efforts.

For the past two deer seasons, 91ԭƬ has served as a drop-off location where hunters can leave harvested deer heads for free CWD testing. Samples collected are sent to testing facilities, including the University of Missouri-Columbia, with results available online within weeks.

This year, Principles of Biology I and II students from Dr. Parvadha Acosta’s classes joined a critical wildlife monitoring project under the guidance of Kevin Dixon—91ԭƬ biology associate professor, experienced MDC volunteer, and avid deer hunter.

During three sessions so far, students have participated at varying levels, from observing the process to receiving hands-on guidance. Students involved include Ethan Agren, Alyvia Helm, Katelyn Temples, Addison Imhof, Trinity Morgan, Lily Purschke, and Adam Stevens. Instructor Dr. Clarissa Brown also took part in a testing session.

MDC biologist and 91ԭƬ alumnus Raenhard Wesselschmidt introduced students to the impacts of CWD and demonstrated essential techniques, such as lymph node extraction, estimating deer age based on tooth growth and wear, and completing lab submission documentation.

Under his supervision, students practiced these techniques, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Together, Wesselschmidt, Dixon, and the students processed 17 deer during one session. With deer hunting season running through January 15, students will have additional opportunities to participate before the 2024-2025 season concludes.

This partnership highlights 91ԭƬ’s dedication to providing students with unique, experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom concepts to real-world challenges.

91ԭƬ students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Biology and transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue careers in wildlife conservation, environmental science, zoology, public health, genetic research, ecology, biomedical research, and science education.

Learn more about 91ԭƬ’s Biology pathway at .

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And now, she can add Outstanding 91ԭƬ Alumni award recipient to the list.

Hays was presented the award at the 91ԭƬ Commencement on May 13 by President Dr. Jon Bauer. This prestigious award is given annually by the 91ԭƬ Foundation and is the highest award presented to an alum.

“I have experienced 91ԭƬ as a student, graduate, support staff, professional staff and I retired as an administrator,” Hays said after accepting the award.

“Now it’s my honor to serve our community as an elected trustee,” She added. “In that role, I hope to ensure that East Central continues to provide an excellent learning environment and opportunities for generations to come.”

Hays has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the College as an employee and Trustee.

“When I graduated from Washington High in 1970, I didn’t see many options for young women like me,” she said. “I dreamed of going to college, but higher education seemed out of reach for someone whose family had never attended.”

“Thanks to the forward-thinking of several community leaders,” Hays continued, “East Central Junior College became a reality, and our community was transformed.”

She noted that her husband, Don, and two children graduated from 91ԭƬ.

Addressing the 91ԭƬ Class of 2023, Hays said, “Today we can all be proud to call ourselves graduates of 91ԭƬ.”

Hays was both a student and student worker when she graduated from “East Central Junior College” in 1973.

She was in one of the first graduating classes, initially taking classes in Union Memorial Auditorium before moving to the current campus to take courses.

Career at 91ԭƬ

After graduation, she began her career at 91ԭƬ that would span 41 years. She held several positions until she became the Vice President for Student Development in 2009.

Hays worked in or with every department on the Union campus and the College extension sites. Her position at 91ԭƬ took her to every high school district throughout the service region.

“The faculty and staff I have met over the years have inspired me to grow professionally and helped me gain confidence in my abilities,” she said. “Many have become lifelong friends.”

Her first position at 91ԭƬ was an administrative assistant role, a position she served in for 15 years. She then moved into the position of assistant to a vice president for a year.

In 1989, she became an academic advisor, serving 9 years in that office. Hays then was named as the interim director of counseling services for a year, until she was appointed to that position, serving for another year.

Her next step at 91ԭƬ was as the dean of student development, a role that she was in for 8 years.

Then, in 2009 she was named the vice president of student development. She retired from the College in 2014 while serving as the vice president of student development.

Hays earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Maryville University while employed at 91ԭƬ, and then she received a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

In 2016, two years after retiring from the College, Hays was elected to her first six-year term on the 91ԭƬ Board of Trustees. She was re-elected in 2022, and she continues to promote and guide 91ԭƬ.

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Park was presented with the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for his service to 91ԭƬ, his community and growing his professional career with roots planted at 91ԭƬ where he graduated with an associate degree in May 1982.

Whalen was selected as the 2022 Administrative Professional Leadership Award recipient for her work in expanding adult education services throughout the 91ԭƬ service region and for her dedication to adult education at the state level.

In addition, 91ԭƬ student Carly Hamlyn spoke during the closing event of the convention. Carly is an Early College Academy student attending Washington High School and 91ԭƬ. She also is president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at 91ԭƬ.

The MCCA Annual Convention was held in St. Louis Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. In addition to Park and Whalen, three others from 91ԭƬ were nominated for awards.

• Leigh Kolb, associate professor of English and Journalism — Excellence in Teaching Award nominee.
•  Amy DeMiere, Division of Arts and Sciences program assistant — Classified Staff Achievement Award nominee.
•  Jill Harrison, nursing adjunct — Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award nominee.

The MCCA is a statewide organization representing the 12 Missouri community colleges and their faculty, staff, students and administrators.

MCCA provides services to its member institutions in four main areas – advocacy, education, information and networking

Dr. Eric Park

For more than 35 years, Dr. Park has been a successful investment adviser. He is a co-founder of LPL Financial investment firm in Washington. He has received several national awards for his dedication to quality investment management.

Dr. Park was elected to the 91ԭƬ board of trustees in 2016 and reelected in 2022. Dr. Park attended 91ԭƬ after serving in the U.S. Army. He earned an associate degree in 1982 followed by a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

He also has served as an adjunct instructor at 91ԭƬ and has long been active with the 91ԭƬ Foundation board.

91ԭƬ president Dr. Jon Bauer, said Dr. Park epitomizes the best of community college alumni.

“Eric used his academic foundation at East Central to earn advanced degrees in his field, become a leading professional in the investment world, yet has always made it a priority to give back to his community, his college, and those around him,” Bauer said.

Alice Whalen

Whalen has been the AEL director at 91ԭƬ since September 2014. Since then, she has expanded the program from offering programming in six communities to 13 communities throughout the 91ԭƬ service region.

The AEL program offers day and evening HiSET classes and English Language Acquisition courses at an average of 150-200 hundred students per year.

In 2015, under her leadership and direction, Alice worked with the South Central Missouri Literacy Council in Phelps Country to add four counties, Crawford, Gasconade, Franklin, and Montgomery, to create the East Central Literacy Council. The council also has its own county committees, which include an advisory council and fundraises for the 91ԭƬ AEL program to cover additional AEL student expenses.

Overall, Alice knows the importance of community involvement and understands how multiple barriers effect a student’s ability to start and complete their education. Alice’s positive energy at the college and throughout the 91ԭƬ service region is contagious as she strives to make sure anyone who wants to enhance their lives through education can do so.

Visit the page to read more about Dr. Park, Whalen and all of the nominees for MCCA Awards.

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The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at 91ԭƬ in Rolla inducted nine new members into the honor society during its annual Fall ceremony.

Carson Mowery, an alumna of the chapter and the 91ԭƬ Campus Life & Leadership coordinator, was the keynote speaker during the in-person ceremony held Oct. 9 when the following students were inducted:
Madison G. Brown, Elysia D. Frayer, Elise M. Jeffers, Gabriel E. Killian, Hayden E. Loeb, Serena C. Macey, Alicia A. Ramirez, Kelsea E. Smith and Mary B. Romine.

Jeffers was installed as chapter president, and Ramirez was named chapter vice president.

At the ceremony, 91ԭƬ President Dr. Jon Bauer presented 91ԭƬ Rolla PTK sponsor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema with a 15-year PTK advisor pin.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

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He enrolled in classes at 91ԭƬ shortly after high school graduation in 2014, dual credit hours in tow, Gildehaus started on his path toward a degree in education.

“My journey through 91ԭƬ was not a traditional one,” Gildehaus said. “I started right out of high school as many students do. But after a few semesters, life took me on a different route, and I dropped out.”

But that wasn’t the last time that he would attend classes at 91ԭƬ. Gildehaus learned, through the help of 91ԭƬ employees, that a degree wasn’t far off.

Returning to Class

Gildehaus was posed with a difficult family situation, and he left college after three semesters to take a full-time job at a local factory.

He was in the workforce for several years, but he wasn’t satisfied with the work he was doing.

About one year ago, Gildehaus mentioned to his friend, Phillip Giacomelli, that he wasn’t working his dream job and wanted to see what else was out there for him.

Giacomelli, an early college and admissions advisor at 91ԭƬ, introduced Gildehaus to Sarah Haines, who had just been named the Occupational Navigator at 91ԭƬ’s new Falcon Career Center. Gildehaus was the first student that Haines worked with in the new position at 91ԭƬ.

She examined Gildehaus’ records and saw that he was six credit hours shy of an associate degree.

“I knew I wanted to eventually finish my degree. When I found out I was that close to graduating, I was beyond ecstatic,” Gildehaus said. “That’s when I learned, it is never too late to finish your degree!”

Giacomelli, who has held several roles in education, helped his friend find a job in the classroom, and encouraged Gildehaus to continue his journey in higher education.

“He decided to pursue a career in classroom teaching and fulfill his dream that he’d thought was so far out of reach,” Giacomelli said. “Little did he know, it wasn’t far. He’d already taken so many steps to help pave the way.”

Dream Restored

Gildehaus, with his dream resurrected, graduated with an Associate in Liberal Studies Degree in the Summer of 2022, about eight years after starting at the College.

Today he is working as a paraprofessional in Wright City with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Gildehaus’ journey shows that education, determination and never giving up can help one reach their dreams — even if it takes longer than expected.

“My goal when I graduated high school was to become a high school Algebra teacher,” he said. “I started 91ԭƬ with a few credit hours through dual credit options in high school…  and over the course of eight years, off and on, I was able to graduate!”

Find contact information for our Academic Advising team.

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The rootEd Alliance partners with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis to award new scholarships to undergraduate and transfer students from rural Missouri, filling critical gaps in students’ financial aid packages to help ensure they graduate debt-free. The rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship is a renewable grant of up to $12,000 per academic year.

David Wysong, Sullivan, received the maximum grant available for this academic year.

Wysong graduated from 91ԭƬ with an Associate of Arts degree with a Business emphasis. He received $12,000 — $6,000 each semester — to help pay for classes at the University of Missouri. Columbia.

He is a business major with plans to seek a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

“I was surprised to be selected,” Wysong said. “This is a great opportunity and one less thing to stress about for me and my family.

“I will get a bachelor’s degree for almost no cost,” he added.

Michael Adkison, of the Labadie area, received $10,000, split evenly between the Fall and Spring semesters, to help him pay for tuition at Missouri State University in Springfield where he is studying sports medicine.

Adkison graduated from 91ԭƬ with an Associate of Arts degree with a STEM emphasis. He aspires to be a physical therapist.

“I am very grateful for this award and that it will make it easier for me to strive to be the best physical therapist in the future,” he said. “I am forever thankful for the rootEd Alliance.”

Over the past four years, rootEd Alliance has provided dedicated support to students from rural areas and small towns across Missouri as they pursue their education beyond high school.

The organization does so, in part, through providing funding and resources for student success advisors in high schools and community colleges, and through creating opportunities, like the rootEd Alliance Transfer Scholarships.

Students transferring from any community college in Missouri, who also graduated from a rural high school in Missouri over the past five years, are eligible for the rootEd Scholarship.

Class or 2023 graduates can begin applying for the scholarship in the spring.

For more information, visit , or call 91ԭƬ at 636-584-6588.

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The 91ԭƬ Foundation is asking for the community’s assistance to recognize one of those former students with the 2022 Outstanding Alumni Award.

Nominees must have completed at least one college credit course at 91ԭƬ at some point in their educational journey to be considered for the award.

According to Bridgette Kelch, Foundation executive director, nominees should be viewed by their peers as leaders in their field, with a demonstrated commitment to their community.

“Our annual Outstanding Alumni award is the perfect way to recognize an alum’s commitment to their career and community,” Kelch said. “We know that many of our alumni are deserving of this prestigious award and are reaching out to the community for help to find those deserving individuals.”

Nominees should demonstrate outstanding contributions to 91ԭƬ or the community, and nominees must have an ongoing commitment to 91ԭƬ, she added.

Nominees to not have to live within the college district.

Guidelines

Current candidates for public office and past recipients are not eligible for the award.

To nominate a former 91ԭƬ student, write an explanation in 500 words or less as to why the person is worthy of consideration. The explanation should accompany the nomination.

Nominations must be received by Wednesday, April 13. All nominations received within the last three years are eligible.

The nomination form can be found from at www.eastcentral.edu/alumni/alumni-of-the-year/.

For more information or to request a nomination form, email foundation@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6505.

The recipient will be selected by the 91ԭƬ Foundation Alumni Committee. A formal invitation to the 2022 Commencement Ceremonies will be sent to the honoree and a plaque will be displayed at the 91ԭƬ Union campus in his or her honor.

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