Columbia College President Dr. David Russell was in for a surprise that left him nearly speechless at the end of the 2025 President’s Society and Alumni Awards Gala.
Dale Coe Simons ’65, chair of the Board of Trustees, announced that Russell and his wife, Lee, the college’s First Lady, were being named as Honorary Alumni in honor of the indelible mark they have left on the institution ahead of his retirement next year.
Caught off guard by the gesture, Russell proceeded to share what he called a “deep, dark secret.”
“As I came to know all of you, and came to understand why this institution is so special, I found myself giving out these awards over the years and wishing that I was an alumnus of this college,” Russell shared with the crowd of more than 170 alumni and friends. “So to receive this is the fulfillment of that dream that I have had for a long time. Now I feel legitimate.
“Thank you all. We appreciate you so much.”
The evening represented the first time that the President’s Society dinner and Alumni Awards were held in a joint celebration.
Attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour in Carol Vinkemulder Frobish ’49 Parlor in Missouri Hall, including a performance by the Jane Froman Singers. Guests then crossed campus for the main program in Dulany Dining Hall that featured dinner and dancing.
The first part of the program recognized new and upgraded members of the President’s Society, which is composed of donors who provide cumulative lifetime giving of $10,000 or more.
The following contributors were honored as new or upgraded President’s Society members:
Rogers Gate Circle
The Estate of Billie Jo Wanink ’65
Dorsey Chapel Circle
Crystal Peterson Elliott ’02 and Tim Elliott ’01
Charter Circle
Lynne Stuver Baker ’64
The Estate of Elizabeth Smallfelt ’56
Trustee’s Circle
Ashton Boon
Judy and Joseph ’79 Nicchetta
Michael E. Sawyer ’74
Corbin Umstattd ’12 and Lauren Umstattd
Ivy & Oak Circle
Kelley Pryor Amrein
Elizabeth Aull ’71
Kristina Clevenger, Ph.D.
Catherine ’18 and Nathan ’99 Eatherton
Sonya Garrett ’96
Marilyn ’70 and B.W. Hoecker
The Estate of Dr. Anthony Marshall
Paul Prevo ’17
Alex Pryor
Than Som ’05
“Thank you all for your continued commitment to Columbia College,” said Greg Hulen, Vice President for Advancement. “Because of you, we can foster achievement for our students, faculty and staff in Columbia and around the country.”
Next, Jared Reichel ’16, chair of the Columbia College Alumni Association Advisory Council, moderated the Alumni Awards portion of the evening.
Alumni who have provided service to Columbia College, their community or have been outstanding in their professional field may be honored through the Alumni Awards. This year, three individuals and one couple were honored.
“Tonight, we recognize and celebrate a slate of alumni who are nothing short of remarkable,” Reichel said.
Congratulations to the following 2025 Alumni Awards recipients:
As graduates of the Day Program, Crystal Peterson Elliott ’02 and Tim Elliott ’01 own and operate Atterberry Auction, a premier auction and realty company based in Columbia. The Elliotts are avid supporters of Columbia College Athletics, attending games frequently. Tim and Crystal are members of the Dorsey Chapel Circle in the President’s Society. They also serve on the President’s Advisory Council. The Elliotts’ CC legacy runs deep. Crystal’s mother, Linda Peterson, is a two-time graduate of the College, and her father, Jim Peterson, is a familiar face at Cougar home basketball games, where he has worked for many years. Tim and Crystal have four daughters and enjoy attending sporting events and traveling in their free time.
A graduate of the Evening Program, Jim Yankee ’04 laid the foundation for Flat Branch Mortgage Inc., which has since transformed into the renowned Flat Branch Home Loans. Taking a significant step toward empowering his employees, Jim made a pivotal move in 2021 by selling a majority stake in Flat Branch, establishing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Jim served as President of Flat Branch Home Loans until 2023. Now, he serves as Founder and Chairman of the Board for Flat Branch Home Loans. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in the mortgage industry, Jim remains a driving force behind the company’s continued growth and success. Jim’s entrepreneurial journey expanded in 2024 with the purchase and creation of Flat Branch Bank.
A graduate of the Day and Online programs, Corbin Umstattd ’12 is a partner at U4, an investment firm with an emphasis in the restaurant industry. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at main campus and is a member of the Trustee’s Circle in the President’s Society and the Cornerstone Club. Corbin served on the CCAA Advisory Council from 2019 to 2025. He has volunteered for many campus events, including Alumni Speed Networking and serving as a coach and mentor for the Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship student pitch competition. Corbin is also a member of the President’s Advisory Council. He lives in Leawood, Kansas, with his wife, Lauren, and their sons Harris and Jay.
As a graduate of the Online Program, Michele Snodderley ’13 is the Executive Director of True North of Columbia, where she leads efforts to support survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, sex trafficking and stalking. She helped develop the Boone County Strangulation Protocol and launched the Stop Top initiative to strengthen community awareness and response. Michele also established veteran-specific services, expanded prevention and education for youth and young adults, and continues to build strong systems of care through community partnerships. In addition, she has chaired county, city and state outreach initiatives and served on multiple boards, all with a focus on creating safer, stronger communities.
Click here to access a photo gallery from the Gala!
