Distinguished Alumni Award
Rob Bolin ’83

As past president of the Northwest Foundation and a Centennial Society member, Rob Bolin ’83 is the owner of Bolin Auto and Truck Parts in St. Joseph. He is an avid supporter of Northwest and has been a sponsor and attendee of many University events. He also is a member of the St. Joseph Host Lions Club and Ducks Unlimited.

Northwest Turret Service Award
Ron Houston (attd. ’60-’63)

Ron Houston attended Northwest for three years before transferring to the University of Missouri-Columbia to receive a engineering degree. Houston is president and CEO of J.L. Houston Company in Hopkins. He is a member of the Maryville Industrial Development Board, the Steel Tank Institute Board and the Northwest Foundation Board.

Honorary Alumni Award
Robert Lee Stanton

Robert Lee Stanton is a former member of the Northwest Board of Regents, serving more years than any other member. Because of his service to Northwest, Stanton was awarded an honorary doctorate degree. He is a member of the Rock Port United Methodist Church, Rock Port Rotary Club, Rock Port Telephone Cooperative and many other community organizations.

Dr. Peggy Miller ’69 began her teaching career in Benld, Ill., returning to Northwest in the fall of 1969 as the lead teacher in the new Child Development Laboratory. She was instrumental in expanding the laboratory and providing a model program for students pursuing a two-year child care administration certificate and for those majoring in child and family studies.

Distinguished Faculty Award
Dr. Stephen Town

Dr. Stephen Town, professor of music, came to Northwest in 1986. He has conducted Northwest’s distinguished Tower Choir at concerts across the nation. A teacher, conductor, performer, author and researcher, Town is the first faculty member from the music department to be invited to conduct at Carnegie Hall and to teach at Imperial College, London University, under the sponsorship of the Missouri London Program.

Distinguished Faculty Award
Dr. Frank Grispino

Dr. Frank Grispino is a professor of educational leadership and the director of the doctoral program and has been a member of the Northwest faculty for 42 years. He has served as chairman of the educational leadership department, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, supervisor of the Horace Mann Laboratory School and on many community and statewide organizations.

Young Alumni Award
Mercedes Ramirez Johnson ’97

Mercedes Ramirez Johnson ’97 is a professional speaker and writer. Johnson was instrumental in establishing the Dallas Alumni and Friends Chapter of the Northwest Alumni Association. As a former member of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors, she served as co-chairwoman of the Annual Giving Committee.