St. LOUIS, Mo.Maryville University is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Alumni Awards. The awards recognize Maryville alumni who give generously of their time and talents to Maryville and to the community at large, as well as those whose work brings distinction to their profession. The Annual Alumni Awards Celebration recognizing the honorees will be held Friday, September 27, from 5:30 to 6:30pm at the Auditorium on Maryville’s campus.
2024 Alumni Awards Recipients:
Dean’s Award College of Arts and Sciences: Stephanie Koch, Class of 1996
Stephanie is the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Actuary at Reinsurance Group of America (RGA). With 30 years of experience, Stephanie combines strategic, technical, human, and practical perspectives to establish direction and achieve results. Prior to joining RGA, Stephanie held positions with MetLife and General American. Stephanie received a Bachelor of Science degree in actuarial science from Maryville University.
Dean’s Award John E. Simon School of Business: Aaron Asher, Class of 2013
Aaron Asher is the founder and owner of Arsenal Business Growth, which provides business growth services to B2B technology and commercial contracting companies. He is thrilled about the recent partnership formed with Maryville University’s Simon School of Business where Arsenal will maintain an on-site student work program with pay. The new program will equip undergrads with sales, marketing, and entrepreneurial skills that will directly benefit students in seeking post-graduate employment – hopefully with Arsenal! Arsenal has also committed to creating four endowed scholarships for Maryville students, ensuring that there is an Arsenal scholar in every class. Aaron attended Maryville University from 2010-2013, and graduated in 3 years with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Bascom Honors.
Dean’s Award Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions: Dr. Janene Reeves, Class of 2003
Janene Reeves, PT, DPT received a master’s in physical therapy from Maryville University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Boston University. She has held several roles over the past 20 years at Barnes Jewish Hospital (BJH) where she currently serves as the Associate Administrator, Office of the President. She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Maryville University’s Physical Therapy Advisory Board, Tombolo Institute-Bellevue College Executive Education Design Thinking Advisory Board, and Washington University’s Occupational Therapy Advisory Board.
Dean’s Award School of Education: Dr. James Wipke, Class of 2008
James D. Wipke, Ed.D, earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, Cum Laude, from Harris-Stowe State University in 1993. He furthered his education with two Master’s degrees from Southwest Baptist University and ultimately attained his Doctorate in Education from Maryville University in 2008. With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Dr. Wipke’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of students, educators, and families. Since 2019, Dr. Wipke has had the honor of serving as the Superintendent of the Ladue School District.
Online Learning Award: Dr. Aeron Sheffield, Class of 2019
Dr. Aeron Sheffield earned his Bachelor’s of Science in nursing and his Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) with specialization as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University, where he is also an adjunct professor. As an owner and provider at Ethos MedSpas, Aeron has a duty to his patients and team to ensure that the experience that their patients have exceeds their expectations.
Heart of Maryville Award: Mimi Webster Murphy, Class of 1968
Mary Emily (Mimi) Webster Murphy Graduated from Maryville College (where her aunt Anne Webster, RSCJ, a Maryville graduate, was Academic Dean) in 1968 with a major in Honors Political Science, a minor in French and an undeclared major in applied Art. Mimi then graduated from Washington University School of Law with a JD in 1971. Mimi practiced law for nearly thirty years from 1971 until January 2001. Mimi tutored at the afterschool program at Marian Middle School for several years and has served on the Junior League of St. Louis, as well as the Missouri Bar Association: 21st Judicial Circuit Bar Committee.
Volunteer of the Year (Co-winners): Passion Bragg, Class of 1996 and Angela Casimere, Class of 1984
Passion Katrena Bragg graduated from Maryville University with a B.A. in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and Science in 1996. Ms. Bragg also holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching Science and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Webster University. She has spent her entire career working tirelessly with at-risk students to give them the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly progressing society, working to combat the achievement gap that exists among minority students.
Angela Casimere is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Maryville University and her masters in counseling, from Lindenwood University. She has more than 25 years of experience working in counseling and social service, with an emphasis focusing on issues related to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and behavioral concerns. Angela has an eighteen-year history as the Senior Director of Housing for St. Patrick Center providing housing, independent living skills and GED completion for homeless individuals.
Young Alumni Award: Jessica Alexander, Class of 2015
Jessica Alexander graduated from Maryville University receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 2015. She is a Keller Williams Realtor and owns a Photo Booth Business. She started her real estate career in 2018 with the hopes of helping clients achieve their real estate goals by educating them on the homeownership process and empowering them with the right tools for their journey. Jessica’s Photo Booth Business, Luxury Bash Photo Booth, began in October 2022, which offers both 360 Booth and Photo Booth experiences. She enjoys providing a form of entertainment for guests attending these events!
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the fourth fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from all 50 states and 56 countries. More than 20,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.
https://www.maryville.edu