Maryville to Celebrate Nine Distinguished Alumni During Homecoming Week

 [St. Louis, MO, September 26, 2024] – Maryville University is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Alumni Awards. The awards recognize those 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

College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award: Stephanie Koch, Class of 1996

This award recognizes graduates and others who bring distinction to their profession, to their community and to Maryville within the field of Arts and Sciences. 

As Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Actuary, Stephanie Koch provides leadership for all aspects of actuarial valuation, financial projections, and related analytics for Reinsurance Group of America’s (RGA’s) worldwide operations.

With 30 years of experience, Stephanie combines strategic, technical, human, and practical perspectives to establish direction and achieve results. Since joining RGA in 2003, Stephanie has previously held pricing, valuation, in-force management, and risk roles in the U.S. business as well as global in-force risk management and analytics roles. Stephanie regularly engages in talent development programs, both leading and participating in RGA mentoring and leadership programs.

Prior to joining RGA, Stephanie held positions with MetLife and General American. In these roles, Stephanie handled a variety of actuarial projects, including product development and pricing of individual life insurance products.

Stephanie received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in actuarial science from Maryville University. She is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA). Stephanie also holds the Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI) designation.

 

John E. Simon School of Business Dean’s Award: Aaron Asher, Class of 2013

This award recognizes graduates and others who bring distinction to their profession, to their community and to Maryville within the field of Business.

Aaron Asher is the founder and owner of Arsenal Business Growth, which provides business growth services to B2B technology and commercial contracting companies.

Aaron spends his time growing Arsenal Business Growth by overseeing the development and execution of all facets of the company. Arsenal helps its clients grow their businesses by acting as their outsourced business development team and/or their full-service sales and marketing department. Aaron 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 was born and raised in Imperial, MO and attended Maryville University from 2010- 2013. He played varsity baseball and graduated in 3 years with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Bascom Honors. After graduation, Aaron developed his sales and business growth skills by working at fast growing marketing and software companies before founding Arsenal in early 2019.

When he’s not working, Aaron enjoys spending time with his family – especially with his wife Lauren, who he met at Maryville, and their 3 children Ronen, Elsie, and Silas. Aaron is a devout Christian, and acknowledges all credit goes to God for any past, current, and hopefully future success.

 

Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions Dean’s Award: Dr. Janene Reeves, Class of 2003 

This award recognizes graduates and others who bring distinction to their profession, to their community and to Maryville within the field of Health Professions.

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. Dr. Reeves is a dedicated and highly motivated leader who specializes in relationship-building, employee engagement, change management, strategic planning and measurable results. Her experience includes operational/financial oversight and people management across departments as well as strategy development and implementation of operational objectives. She has conducted clinical and professional research and presented at local, state, and national conferences. She is a talented and flexible leader experienced in leading teams to achieve organizational goals.

Dr. Reeves has a passion for learning, teaching, and training. She previously served as Adjunct Faculty at Maryville University and has guest lectured at Washington University. She is also a trained facilitator of Unconscious Bias for Barnes-Jewish Corporation. Dr. Reeves completed the Korn Ferry Charitable Foundation Leadership U for Humanity Leadership Development Program, the University of South Florida Muma College of Business Inclusive and Ethical Leadership certificate, and the University of South Florida Muma College of Business Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate. She has served as a St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellow and currently serves on the American Physical Therapy Association of Missouri Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Task Force. 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. She also serves as a leader on the Harvest Church of St. Louis; Ministry of Helps team. 

Dr. Reeves is the proud mother of 3 children, Salena, Jason II, and Elise Reeves.

 

School of Education Dean’s Award: Dr. James Wipke, Class of 2008 

This award recognizes graduates and others who bring distinction to their profession, to their community and to Maryville within the field of Education. 

James D. Wipke, Ed.D is a highly esteemed leader in education. With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Dr. Wipke’s journey began after earning 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. A note of pride for Dr. Wipke was receiving his Lafayette High School diploma from Dr. Dan Deschamp, who also handed him his Maryville School of Education Doctorate diploma.

Since 2019, Dr. Wipke has had the honor of serving as the Superintendent of the Ladue School District. Before joining Ladue, Dr. Wipke was the Superintendent of the Fox C-6 School District, and his earlier roles include serving as the Executive Director of Secondary Education for the Rockwood School District, and serving as Principal of Eureka High School and Crestview Middle School. Throughout his career, Dr. Wipke has been recognized with numerous awards, including the NSPRA Superintendent to Watch Recognition in 2020, Fox School District Masterpiece Award Winner in 2019, the MASA New Superintendent of Schools Award in 2018, and in 2008 the prestigious ROSE Award winner while in the Rockwood School District. 

When Dr. Wipke is not working within his school district you can find him volunteering his time coaching select soccer. He has always coached his four children, Jamison, Jordan, Jill, and Jacob, and has seen great success as a coach winning a total of 15 State championships. Dr. Wipke believes that his coaching roles have assisted him in not only being a better father but also a better educator as he works directly with students each and every day. He believes that our future is incredibly bright because the students we serve are some of the best students he has ever been around. Dr. Wipke has been married to Jennifer for 31 years and he attributes a great deal of his success to her constant support, being a wonderful mom, and a terrific wife. 

 

Online Learning Award: Dr. Aeron Sheffield, Class of 2019

This award recognizes online graduates and others who bring distinction to their profession, to their community and to Maryville. 

Aeron comes from a family of nurses so it’s no surprise that he fell in love with the industry early in his career. Aeron moved to St. Louis, Missouri from Asheboro, North Carolina in 2013 and 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.

Aeron got into the aesthetic industry by learning and applying makeup on clients for photoshoots, fashion shows, and editorial work. The blend between makeup and aesthetics is quite seamless. Today, he is doing what he did with makeup, but with filler, neuromodulators, lasers, and skincare. Education has always been something that has pushed him to become a better person and, in this industry, a better provider. From a young child, Aeron’s mother and Nana always told him that no one can take away your education. Since then, he has always sought out ways to continuously learn, for himself, and for his team; to bring the best possible treatments to their patients.

With that being said, 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. This experience begins with the culture at Ethos. The aesthetic industry has often been looked at as superficial and vain, but in creating the Ethos narrative, the team focuses on enhancing the natural beauty of their patients and providing a sense of confidence that they did not have prior to visiting with the Ethos team.

 

Heart of Maryville Award: Mimi Webster Murphy, Class of 1968

Formerly the Centennial Award, the Heart of Maryville Award recognizes a lifestyle best exemplifying the values of the Sacred Heart tradition. 

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. At the time, she was one of five women in the graduating class. Mimi practiced law for nearly thirty years from 1971 until January 2001. 

Mimi has been married to her husband James J. Murphy, Jr. since 1971 and his mother Emily Brown Murphy and aunt Jane Brown were also Maryville graduates. Jim and Mimi have three children, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren. In her spare time, Mimi enjoys participating in her Bible study, three book clubs, and volunteering, including tutoring at the afterschool program at Marian Middle School and serving on the Junior League of St. Louis (Board Chair, Public Affairs Chair, and State Public Affairs), Parish Council Chair for Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church, and serving on the Missouri Bar Association: 21st Judicial Circuit Bar Committee for ten years.

 

Volunteer of the Year (Co-winners): Passion Bragg, Class of 1996 and Angela Casimere, Class of 1984 

This award recognizes volunteers who have made significant contributions to the University within the past year.

Passion Katrena Bragg, is an experienced educator who is certified in both Mathematics and Science. 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. Bragg, is a native of St. Louis, MO, graduated from Maryville University with a B.A. in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and Science (1996).

Ms. Bragg holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching Science and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Webster University. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 2019, she was honored to become Normandy Schools Collaborative STEM Champion. Passion founded Men of Code 2019 while completing her post graduate studies for STEM Education at Maryville University. Passion’s passion is working ceaselessly to combat the achievement gap that exists among minority students, she believes it is her personal life calling. Passion loves spending time with her son Peyton.

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. Her emphasis focuses on issues related to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and behavioral concerns. Angela’s additional areas of experience include family problems such as divorce and parenting, employment-related issues and homelessness. Angela also places an emphasis on social concerns and has specialized training and experience working with individuals of all social economic backgrounds. She has experience working in a variety of settings, including residential, in-home/community, behavioral hospital units and Sheltered Workshops. She is certified in Rehabilitation Management, along with Behavior Modification. 

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. Her role included the oversight of a Group Home and two rental housing developments to serve individuals living with mental illness, addiction and homelessness.

 

Young Alumni Award: Jessica Alexander, Class of 2015

This award recognizes young alumni who bring distinction to their professions, their community and their alma mater.

Jessica Alexander is the youngest of 3 kids and was the first in her generation to graduate from college. Jessica graduated from Maryville University receiving her Bachelor of Arts in 2015. A pop culture nerd, Jessica loves anything that involves Marvel, WWE and anime. She enjoys helping people and spending time with family and friends. She also loves baking and is a huge foodie addict so she loves trying new places in St. Louis! Jessica is a Keller Williams Realtor and owns a Photo Booth Business. Jessica started her real estate career in 2018, wanting to help 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. The business offers both 360 Booth and Photo Booth experiences. Jessica enjoys providing a form of entertainment for guests attending these events! She finds surrounding herself with the right people makes the journey worth traveling. She has awesome mentors and teammates in real estate that coach her to be her best self everyday. Jessica has an awesome team helping her whenever she’s hired for big events. They help keep her grounded and focused on providing the best service to her clients.

 

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.