Celebrating Outstanding EaglesView the Schedule At Homecoming 2023 this weekend, we will honor this year’s class of alumni award honorees. Learn more about these outstanding Eagles below and make plans to join us for the awards ceremony on Friday, November 3 at 7 p.m. in the Adron Doran University Center ballroom. To learn more about each honoree and their award, click the button below.Learn More  Founders Award for University ServiceJerry Gore (Class of 1971, 1972, 1975) Jerry Gore served at MSU for 27 years before his retirement in 1998. When he retired, he was the director of minority student affairs. In 1999, the then-named Office of Minority Student Services awarded him with an Outstanding Service Award for his leadership in promoting African American heritage and paving the way for meaningful change at MSU.  Alumni Hall of FameDr. Roger Cleveland (Class of 1986) Dr. Roger Cleveland is a transformational leader, groundbreaking educator, and researcher in equity, cultural humility and academic innovation. He has dedicated his life to supporting educators, public institutions, and schools to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). He has spent more than 20 years in K-12 and higher education and he currently serves as a professor of educational leadership at Eastern Kentucky University.  Alumni Hall of FameSean Shumate (Class of 1996) Sean Shumate is a para-athlete who represented Team USA in parafencing at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, Greece. He has competed internationally and refereed at the highest levels of parafencing. Shumate is the first para-athlete in the U.S. to be certified by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) to referee internationally able-bodied events as a wheelchair user. In addition to the paralympics, Shumate as refereed multiple NCAA championships, US national championships and is a referee instructor and coordinator for national events. Alumni Hall of FameDr. Frank Spaniol (Class of 1984, 1986) Dr. Frank Spaniol is an award-winning professor and researcher in sport performance, strength and conditioning, visual skills training, and sport technology. Numerous journals have published his research, and he has presented his work globally. He has been serving as a professor of sport and exercise science and graduate program coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology at Texas A&M since 2004. In 2021, he was selected as a Regents Professor, the highest award given to faculty by the Texas A&M University system.  Notable AlumniRobert Moore (Class of 1998, 2007) Robert Moore serves as the Chief of Schools for the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), the largest school system in Kentucky and the 30th largest in the United States. Moore earned his superintendent certification from the University of Kentucky. He was selected to the inaugural Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Aspiring Superintendents as part of leadership cohorts that addressed school design challenges in Kentucky and around the country.  Rising EagleShannon Callihan (Class of 2015) Shannon Callihan serves as Director of Operations for the Nashville Predators National Hockey League team. During her time with the Predators, Callihan has advanced at a quick speed, attaining leadership positions at a young age. In addition to her role in the sports industry, she tours as an up-and-coming pop/soul/R&B singer and songwriter.  Eagle SpiritPeggy Osborne (Class of 1979) & Madonna Weathers (Class of 1971, 1972) Peggy Osborne and Madonna Weathers are a constant presence at most MSU Athletics events. Both retirees of MSU after decades of service, they’ve continued to demonstrate their commitment as passionate supporters of the University, especially MSU Athletics programs. They rarely miss a home game and often travel together to away games in various sports to cheer on the Eagles.  |
