Lindenwood University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Lindenwood University, a private institution in St. Charles, Missouri, boasts a rich history and a tradition of fostering successful graduates. Established in 1832, it stands as the second-oldest higher education institution west of the Mississippi River, and the first women's college to do so. With a current enrollment of nearly 7,000 students, Lindenwood offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its nine colleges and schools. This article explores some of Lindenwood's notable alumni, highlighting their achievements and contributions to various fields.
Celebrating Alumni Achievements
Lindenwood University recognizes the accomplishments of its alumni through various awards, celebrating their dedication to the university and their impact on the broader community. Nominations for these awards come from alumni, faculty, staff, and students, showcasing the collective appreciation for outstanding alumni.
Alumni Merit Award
The Alumni Merit Award honors alumni who have elevated Lindenwood University's reputation through their character, integrity, career achievements, and personal accomplishments.
- Dr. Chasity Strickland ('04): A three-time Lindenwood alumna, Dr. Strickland is an experienced and inclusive leader. She has been with The Boeing Company for almost 20 years and is also an entrepreneur, running "As U Wish Event Planning, Strickly Taxes, and Travel by Chasity." She actively volunteers at The Ronald McDonald House dinner program.
- Sarah Ehlen: A 2003 MBA graduate, Sarah Ehlen has held various positions at The Boeing Company over the past 21 years. Currently, she serves as the Air Dominance Director of Systems Engineering. She is also committed to community service.
- Whitney (Cornick) Knapp (’10): Recognized in 2021, Knapp exemplifies the qualities of character, integrity, career success, and personal achievements that enhance the prestige of Lindenwood University.
- Jon "JT" Taylor: Honored in 2020, Taylor's accomplishments reflect the high standards of the Alumni Merit Award.
Alumni Service Award
The Alumni Service Award acknowledges alumni who have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership to Lindenwood University through volunteerism, philanthropy, recruiting, or other forms of support.
- Dr. Jose Jones ('06, '07, '18): A Licensed Professional Counselor, retired professional boxer, and founder of The Boxing Therapy, Dr. Jones utilizes his passion for boxing to create programs addressing stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and addiction. He extends his support to adults, youth, and children with special needs and offers mental health resources to Lindenwood students.
- Jodell: A dedicated member of the Lindenwood University St. Charles Alumni Chapter, Jodell has served as Vice-President and President, demonstrating leadership and volunteerism within the chapter and the local community. She also volunteers at the Scheidegger Center.
- Hollis C. Heyn: A 1975 alumna with a bachelor's in English, Hollis C. Heyn received the Alumni Service Award in 2020. She also holds a master's in English Language and Literature from Southern Illinois University, with a focus on American literature.
- Trisha (Class of 1999): Works as a National Account Director with AstraZeneca. She has served the community as Vice President of Boosters in the Wentzville School District, a state and regional judge for DECA, supporting her church’s Christmas Shop for low-income families, and contributing to the Patrick A.
Young Alumni Award
The Young Alumni Award celebrates the achievements of Lindenwood University alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years, recognizing their potential for future contributions to the university and the community.
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- Susie Evans ('15): Since graduating, Susie has built a career in the media world, appearing on shows like The Bachelor and various online podcasts. She manages her own wedding videography and photography company while maintaining her role as a media personality.
- Dr. TaJuan Wilson: Honored with the 2021 Young Alumni Award, Dr. Wilson graduated from Lindenwood University in 2015 with a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership in Higher Education.
- Kayla Piers Stewart: The 2020 Young Alumni Award recipient, Kayla graduated from Lindenwood in 2014 with a religion degree. She is the vice president of sales at an S&P 500 tech company.
- Magdalena: A two-time graduate of Lindenwood, completing her bachelor’s degree in 2014 and master’s in 2015. Magdalena is an Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Southern Indiana.
- Jordan (Class of 2018): Lindenwood's Sports Hall of fame member. She is a member of two of Missouri's premier sporting teams - The St. Louis Blues and Kansas City Chiefs.
Notable Alumni in Media and Communications
Lindenwood University's College of Arts and Humanities has produced numerous accomplished individuals in the fields of media, communications, and cinema.
- Bob Ramsey (1978 Graduate): A five-time Missouri Broadcaster of the Year, Ramsey has called games for the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Randy Karraker (1984 Graduate): A prominent sports voice in St. Louis, Karraker hosts a talk radio show on 101 ESPN and has worked as a play-by-play broadcaster.
- Greg Amsinger: The lead host of MLB Network, Amsinger previously worked at CBS, hosting their College Sports coverage.
- Alex Ferrario: Co-host of BK and Ferrario on 101 ESPN, Ferrario was known as the "Voice of the Lions" during his time at Lindenwood.
- David Amelotti: An Edward R. Murrow award-winning anchor and reporter at KMOV.
- Jim Heuer (1998 Graduate): Formerly the Director of Operations at 590 The Fan, Heuer ran the St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals radio broadcasts and was the play-by-play voice of St. Louis FC.
- Glen Cerny (1974 Graduate): Served as the first full-time general manager of KCLC and was an Associate Professor of Mass Communication.
Other Notable Alumni
Beyond media and communications, Lindenwood University boasts alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. According to EduRank's March 2, 2025, update, Lindenwood University ranks 1919th in the world and 628th in the United States based on aggregated alumni prominence.
- Lee Daniels: An American film producer, director, and screenwriter, Daniels received Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Picture for Precious (2009).
- Shandi Finnessey: An actress, model, TV host, and beauty pageant titleholder, Finnessey won the Miss USA title as Miss Missouri USA and was the first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2004 competition.
- Mike Rodgers: A track and field sprinter specializing in the 100m and 60m, Rodgers won a gold medal in the 100m relay in Doha 2019 and is a Pan-Am Games Champion.
- Dan McLaughlin: A sportscaster and co-host on the “Opening Drive” morning radio show on 101 ESPN in St. Louis.
- Nicole Hensley: An American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) and a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team.
- Geoff Hartlieb: An American professional baseball pitcher in the New York Yankees organization, previously played in MLB for multiple teams.
- Adrián Vázquez Lázara: A Spanish politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
- Scott T. Rupp: A former Republican member of the Missouri Senate, representing the 2nd District from 2006 to 2014. Previously he was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2002 through 2006.
- Martha Ackmann: A journalist and author, known for books like The Mercury 13: The True Story of Thirteen Women and the Dream of Space Flight.
- David Beaty: American football coach who is the head football coach at Denton High School in Denton, Texas. He was the head football coach at the University of Kansas from 2015 to 2018.
- Gary W. Schenkel: The Executive Director of the city Office of Emergency Management and Communications in Chicago, Illinois.
- Fabian Florant: A Dominican born Dutch triple jumper.
- Thom Donovan: An American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and writer.
- Denise McConduit: An MFA in Creative Writing from Lindenwood University. She is committed to preserving cultural traditions through family stories.
A Thriving Alumni Community
Lindenwood University's Alumni Association plays a vital role in connecting graduates, fostering a strong sense of community, and providing opportunities for continued engagement with the university. The Alumni Reunion Weekend, held annually, brings together graduates, friends, and family to celebrate their shared Lindenwood experience. The weekend features various activities, including alumni nights, milestone celebrations, campus tours, chapter meetings, and parties.
The Alumni Association encourages graduates to stay informed about campus happenings, attend events, utilize career resources, and engage on social media. By maintaining close ties with its alumni, Lindenwood University ensures a vibrant and supportive network that benefits both the institution and its graduates.
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