Three Rivers College is currently accepting nominations for its 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Alumni Star Awards.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed on alumni of Three Rivers College. Those eligible for recognition are former students and graduates of the College who have demonstrated significant achievements and earned high respect among their peers.
Dr. Ron Webb was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award. A former Three Rivers basketball player, Webb continued his education after Three Rivers and earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology from the International College of Bible Theology, a master’s degree in Pastoral Studies, and a Doctorate of Theology from Midwest Theological Seminary.
Webb founded the Heartland Family Center in 2007 as an emergency shelter and outreach ministry for families. He also created Covenant Ministries to advance God’s kingdom by providing a fellowship where men and women find mutual encouragement, edification, counsel, and participate in leadership and ministerial training.
“After graduating from Three Rivers, Ron Webb has gone on to become a pillar in our community as the Bishop for Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church in Poplar Bluff,” Three Rivers President Dr. Wesley Payne said.
The Alumni Star Award, established in 2020, is presented to outstanding former Three Rivers students and graduates. This award is extended in recognition of professional achievement, civic service, and service to the College. Nominees may be individuals, couples, or a team/group. Previous winners of the Alumni Star Award are Samantha Gatewood Douglas, Cindy-Lou Morgan, Matthew Poole, and Christy Frazier-Moore.
Douglas earned a degree in Business Administration at Three Rivers in 2016, graduating with honors. She was part of the Lady Raiders basketball team and the ACHIEVE program, where she was a peer mentor and tutor. During her time at Three Rivers, Douglas was also an ambassador and worked in the Welcome Center, assisted with College events, and conducted tours.
“Samantha is a great advocate for Three Rivers College,” Payne said. “She is well-respected in the community, gives back in several ways, and attends several College events, specifically our Lady Raiders basketball games.”
Douglas later attended Arkansas State University and graduated with honors in December 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, and was on the Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List.
The Distinguished Alumni Award will be given at a recognition reception hosted by the College in the spring of 2024, and the Alumni Star Award will be presented at the Alumni Reunion in February.
The nomination deadline for both awards is Nov. 3. Nominations can be submitted at trcc.edu/alumni. Nominations submitted in previous years may be resubmitted for consideration for the 2024 award.
Nominees should be graduates or former students of Three Rivers College and will be judged on the merits of their personal and professional achievements. A committee drawn from College employees and the Three Rivers Endowment Trust will choose the winning nominations. For more information on the Distinguished Alumni and Alumni Star Awards, visit trcc.edu/alumni, or contact Three Rivers Director of Development Michelle Reynolds at michellereynolds@trcc.edu or 573-840-9077.
