From heartfelt tributes to generations of Cougars making a difference, the 2026 President’s Gala on Thursday, Sept. 24, celebrated alumni and friends who make Columbia College special.
Nearly 200 members of the Columbia College community gathered on main campus in Columbia, Missouri, to honor six outstanding individuals and one community partner while recognizing the leadership and service that continue to shape the College’s future during its 175th anniversary year and beyond.
“One of the great strengths of Columbia College is our alumni network of more than 100,000 Cougars around the world and our community of friends and supporters,” said President Dr. Toby Arquette, who hosted the celebration alongside First Gentleman Mark Oberle. “While tonight is about thanking you, our generous contributors, ultimately everything we do is for our students.”
The evening began with a cocktail hour in New Hall Lobby before guests crossed campus for dinner and a program in Dulany Dining Hall, where they enjoyed entertainment by the Jane Froman Singers and celebrated the people whose generosity and commitment help carry Columbia College forward.
For the third year in a row, an anonymous donor covered the cost of the gala, making it possible to host the event at no expense to the college and allowing the proceeds from tickets to directly support Columbia College students.
Jared Reichel ’16, chair of the Columbia College Alumni Association Advisory Council, moderated the annual Alumni Awards presentation.
Alumni who have demonstrated great courage, have provided service to Columbia College or their community, or have been outstanding in their professional field may be recognized through the Alumni Awards. This year, six individuals and one organization were honored.
Congratulations to the following 2026 Alumni Awards recipients:
All videos by Senior Video Production Strategist Mark Baumgartner
A graduate of the Day Program, Walter E. “Web” Bixby III ’82 serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board for Kansas City Life Insurance Company and President of Old American Insurance Company. Web has been a director of the Company since 1996. He was elected Assistant Vice President of the Company in 1985; Vice President, Marketing in 1990; Vice President, Marketing Operations in 1992; President of Old American in 1996; Executive Vice President in 2012; Chief Executive Officer of Grange Life in 2018; and President and Chief Executive Officer of Kansas City Life and President of Grange Life in 2022. Web is a fourth-generation member of the Bixby family and brother of R. Philip Bixby, Chairman of the Board. The Bixby family has led the Company since 1904, and Web has worked in various roles during his 44 years with the Company. Web served on the Columbia College Board of Trustees for 12 years, including four years as Chair of the Board. He earned Trustee Emeritus status in 2023. He currently serves on the President’s Advisory Council and is a member of the Rogers Gate Circle within the President’s Society.
A graduate of the Evening Program, Gloria Sargent ’17 recently retired from UnitedHealthcare as Chief Executive Officer for the Missouri and Central/Southern Illinois Employer and Individual segment of commercial business. Starting her career in Missouri, Gloria gained more than 23 years of experience in the managed health care and insurance industry. Gloria enjoyed a long career with UnitedHealthcare, serving its members, clients, brokers and consultants in a wide variety of positions. Prior to accepting the position as CEO, Gloria served for a number of years as the Vice President of Sales and Account Management with overall responsibility for a health plan representing commercial employers, public entities and labor and trust organizations. Leading up to that promotion, she worked as Chief of Staff alongside her CEO, overseeing Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota and a portion of Illinois. Sargent is engaged in several organizations committed to helping those in need. She has served as a director on the board of Make a Wish MO/KS. She is also actively involved with Friends with Kids with Cancer; American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life; Head for the Cure; Easter Seals; and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Additionally, she serves as a mentor for Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) in St. Louis, a mentor for St. Louis Regional Business Council and was a coach for UnitedHealthcare’s Emerging Leadership Program, of which she is an alumna. Gloria serves as a member of the President’s Advisory Council.
Bob and Faye Burchard arrived at Columbia College in 1988 and have made a profound impact on the college community ever since. Bob served as Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletics Director at Columbia College until 2019, while Faye served as the longtime Dean for Student Affairs until her retirement in 2016. Bob turned the Cougars men’s basketball program into a perennial powerhouse in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. He coached the Cougars for 31 seasons, compiling 788 career victories. The College’s athletic department prospered under his leadership, growing from four sports to 16 during his tenure. Bob is a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame, among others. Faye made a lasting difference in the lives of students across the college, staying in touch with many of them for years following their graduation. She was a strong leader and mentor to students and colleagues alike. She helped generations of students pursue their goals and thrive at CC. In honor of Faye’s impactful career, the Faye Burchard Student Leadership Award and the Champions of Honor Faye Burchard Leadership Scholarship support students at the college. Bob and Faye are members of the Founder’s Circle within the President’s Society.
As a graduate of Christian College, Barbara Bilger ’62 came to campus from Dallas, Texas, where she was raised in a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of education, compassion and service. After completing her studies, she earned an additional degree from Texas Christian University and spent 12 years as a Drama and Arts teacher in the Dallas school system. For more than four decades, Barbara has lived with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a complex and often misunderstood chronic illness affecting millions of Americans that has significantly impacted her daily life. Despite the challenges of a condition that has left her largely homebound, Barbara has faced each day with resilience, grace and determination. Her courage in the face of adversity, her enduring optimism and her commitment to helping others better understand the realities of ME/CFS have made her an inspiration to everyone who knows her. A devout supporter of Columbia (Christian) College for many years, Barbara is a member of the Dorsey Chapel Circle within the President’s Society.
A graduate of the Day Program, Than Som ’05 is a seasoned business and technology leader, entrepreneur and community builder with more than 20 years of experience driving growth, innovation and operational excellence across technology, manufacturing, healthcare and real estate. Than is co-owner of Starfish Prime, LLC and Carrsom Properties, LLC, where she leads operations, client relations, contract management and business development. Than is equally committed to creating impact beyond her businesses. She co-founded DevComo and served nearly a decade on its board, helping grow the organization and expand access to technology programming while keeping programs free for members. She also serves as a board member of Girls in the Know, supporting its mission to empower and inspire girls and young women. In addition, Than has helped fund and support initiatives serving the Khmer community both in the United States and overseas, contributing to community development and opportunities for those in need. Than lives in St. Louis with her husband and two children. Outside of her professional and community commitments, she enjoys traveling with her family and enthusiastically supporting her children’s sporting events and activities. She is a member of the Ivy & Oak Circle within the President’s Society and serves on the President’s Advisory Council.
Central Bank of Boone County, a division of The Central Trust Bank, traces its roots to 1857, when Columbia merchants Moss Prewitt and R.B. Price Sr. established Prewitt and Price, the first bank in this region of Missouri. Originally created to serve local farmers, the bank became a cornerstone of the community and played a significant role in Missouri banking history, becoming the state’s first national bank in 1863 and the third west of the Mississippi River. Throughout its long history, including surviving the challenges of the Civil War, the institution evolved through several name changes and expansions, joining Central Bancompany in 1974 and adopting the name Central Bank of Boone County in 2015. Today, the bank remains committed to its founders’ vision of community-focused banking while providing comprehensive financial services throughout mid-Missouri. Columbia College and Central Bank have had a longstanding partnership. In 1977, the bank established the Central Bank of Boone County Endowed Scholarship at Columbia College, which honors and supports students who are interested in a business- or science-related field of study. Central Bank is a member of the Dorsey Chapel Circle of the President’s Society, and Central Bank President and CEO Ed Scavone serves on the President’s Advisory Council.
Paying it forward
Twenty-five donors were honored as new or upgraded members of the President’s Society, which is composed of benefactors who provide cumulative lifetime giving of $10,000 or more.
The following contributors were honored as new or upgraded President’s Society members:
Founder’s Circle
Cynthia Cirome ’60 and Alfred Cirome
Col. Robert Walker ’87 and Gail Walker
Charter Circle
Columbia Orthopaedic Group, Inc.
Jim Yankee ’04
Trustee’s Circle
Sandra Hamar, Ed.D. and Brian Graham
Judy and Joseph Nicchetta ’79
Paul Prevo ’17
Ludmilla Westling
Ivy & Oak Circle
Acola Coffee Company
Automatic Controls Equipment Systems, Inc.
Kris and Matt Dubbert
Steve and Debbie Duren
Lane ’98 and Bill ’98 Elcan
Stacey Goodale ’93 and Jeff Goodale
Susan Hart
Jennifer Jewell, Ph.D.
Shapree’ Marshall ’21 ’23
Jon Moberly, J.D.
Ann and Joshua Muder ’99
Lorrie and John Ney ’88
Miranda and Jared Reichel ’16
Amanda Purchase Roberts and Dave Roberts, Ed.D.
Dr. Katie Skibiski ’03 and Drew Grzella ’01
Little Dixie Construction Co.
Daphne Sumner ’57
“Thank you for your continued commitment to Columbia College,” said Greg Hulen, Vice President for Advancement. “Your support empowers our students, faculty and staff to achieve great things and strengthens our college community in Columbia and across the country.”
Click here to access a photo gallery from the Gala!
