Honoring Excellence: Notable Alumni of Maryville University

Maryville University, since its founding, has been a place where students can grow and succeed. Over the years, its alumni have made important contributions to their fields, communities, and the university itself. This article highlights some of the notable alumni who have made a difference.

A Legacy of Early St. Louis Leaders

From its earliest days, Maryville University attracted students from families deeply involved in the development of St. Louis. These families were closely connected with the civic, social, and business growth of the city. Many early students and alumnae came from prominent French families such as the Chouteau, Papin, Cabanne, Desloge, Benoist, Fusz, and Valle families. The Irish community was represented by descendants of Alexander McNair, Missouri's first governor, and John Mullanphy, a significant patron of the Sacred Heart. Daughters of families prominent in the 19th-century growth of St. Louis, including the Fruin, Barney, Haydel, Gross, Schlafly, Clemens, and Ring families, also attended Maryville. These early connections laid a strong foundation for the university's future.

Recognizing Alumni Achievements: The Alumni Awards

Maryville University annually presents Alumni Awards to honor individuals who have generously contributed their time and talents to the university and the wider community. These awards also recognize those whose professional achievements have brought distinction to their fields. The Alumni Awards celebrate the diverse accomplishments of Maryville graduates and their lasting impact.

Stephanie Koch: Leadership in Actuarial Science

Stephanie Koch, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Actuary at Reinsurance Group of America (RGA), is a distinguished alumna. With 30 years of experience, she leads actuarial valuation, financial projections, and related analytics for RGA's global operations. Stephanie's strategic, technical, and practical perspectives drive her success. Before joining RGA, she held positions at MetLife and General American. She earned a Bachelor of Science in actuarial science from Maryville University and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

John E. Aaron: Fostering Entrepreneurial Growth

John E. Aaron is dedicated to growing Arsenal Business Growth, where he oversees the development and execution of all facets of the company. Arsenal helps clients expand their businesses by serving as their outsourced business development team or full-service sales and marketing department. Aaron is excited about Arsenal's partnership with Maryville University’s Simon School of Business, which provides an on-site student work program. This program equips undergraduates with valuable sales, marketing, and entrepreneurial skills. Aaron graduated from Maryville University in three years with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Bascom Honors.

Read also: Online Learning at Maryville

Dr. Janene Reeves: Advancing Healthcare Leadership

Dr. Janene Reeves, PT, DPT, received a master’s in physical therapy from Maryville University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Boston University. She currently serves as the Associate Administrator, Office of the President, at Barnes Jewish Hospital (BJH). Dr. Reeves is known for her relationship-building skills, employee engagement, and change management expertise. She has operational and financial oversight across departments, as well as experience in strategy development and implementation. Dr. Reeves previously served as Adjunct Faculty at Maryville University and has guest lectured at Washington University.

Dr. James D. Wipke: Leading in Education

Dr. James D. Wipke, Ed.D, is a respected leader in education with over three decades of experience. He earned his Doctorate in Education from Maryville University. Since 2019, Dr. Wipke has served as the Superintendent of the Ladue School District. He previously served as the Superintendent of the Fox C-6 School District and held roles in the Rockwood School District, including Principal of Eureka High School and Crestview Middle School. Dr. Wipke also dedicates his time to coaching select soccer, where he has won multiple state championships.

Dr. Aeron: Innovating in Aesthetic Medicine

Dr. Aeron is an owner and provider at Ethos MedSpas. He enhances patient experiences through filler, neuromodulators, lasers, and skincare. Education has always been a driving force for him. He ensures that Ethos MedSpas provides an exceptional experience for patients, emphasizing a strong company culture. Dr. Aeron’s journey into the aesthetic industry began with makeup artistry for photoshoots and fashion shows, which seamlessly transitioned into medical aesthetics.

Mary Emily (Mimi) Webster Murphy: A Legacy of Law and Service

Mary Emily (Mimi) Webster Murphy graduated from Maryville College with a major in Honors Political Science and a minor in French. She then earned a JD from Washington University School of Law. Mimi is involved in Bible study, book clubs, and volunteers, including tutoring at Marian Middle School and serving on the Junior League of St. Louis. Her family has deep ties to Maryville, with her aunt and husband's mother and aunt being graduates.

Passion Katrena Bragg: Championing STEM Education

Passion Katrena Bragg is an experienced educator certified in Mathematics and Science. She works with at-risk students to provide them with the tools for success. Bragg graduated from Maryville University with a B.A. She holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching Science and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Webster University. In 2019, she founded Men of Code and was honored as a Normandy Schools Collaborative STEM Champion.

Angela Casimere: Providing Compassionate Social Work

Angela Casimere is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in counseling and social service. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Maryville University and a master's in counseling from Lindenwood University. Angela specializes in issues related to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. She has worked in various settings, including residential, in-home, and behavioral hospital units.

Jessica Alexander: Building Success in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship

Jessica Alexander graduated from Maryville University with a Bachelor of Arts. She is a Keller Williams Realtor and owns Luxury Bash Photo Booth. Jessica enjoys providing entertainment for events and is passionate about helping people. She credits her success to supportive mentors and teammates.

Jonika Dhima Hoomes: Leading in Technology and Coaching

Jonika Dhima Hoomes is the Founder of Integralis Leadership. She spent over two decades in senior-level roles in the technology sector, including nineteen years at Google. Jonika spearheaded SVP-level research to understand employee and leadership needs in cloud skills development. She is a Certified New Ventures West Coach and holds an MBA from Santa Clara Leavey School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Maryville College.

Dr. LeSean Brannon and Dr. Jerica Brannon: Fostering Diversity and Inclusion

Dr. LeSean “Seanny” Brannon and Dr. Jerica Brannon have been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the Maryville College Alumni Association. They have worked to ensure that all alumni feel valued and have opportunities to contribute. Seanny is currently a Professional Learning Specialist for Curriculum Associates, and Jerica is a Talent Acquisition Manager with Hamilton County Schools.

Margaret A. “Peggy” Maher: A Pioneer in Sign Language Interpreting

Margaret A. “Peggy” Maher spent three decades teaching American Sign Language-English Interpreting at Maryville College. Her high standards and commitment to student success helped the program gain a reputation for excellence. Peggy was among the first Scots to complete the major in interpreting for the Deaf and went on to earn multiple advanced degrees.

Read also: Accessing Course Materials

C. Mike Davis: Leading with Vision and Dedication

C. Mike Davis served as chair of the Maryville College Board of Directors, providing strong and experienced leadership during a period of significant change. His tenure was marked by the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening of the Downtown Center, and the College's move to the Southern Athletic Association (SAA).

Maryville University: A History of Education and Innovation

Founded in 1872 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, Maryville University has evolved from a small academy to a comprehensive university. The university's name is derived from "Mary's Villa," its original location. The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus make a vow of education which goes beyond the typical three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience made by most religious orders. Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne established the first Sacred Heart school outside of Europe. Maryville's educational roots are in France, and the school was based on a six-year French Lycee pattern. In 1923, Maryville became a four-year college, granting its first degrees in 1925.

Academic Excellence and Accreditation

Maryville University offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Simon School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and teacher education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Athletics: The Maryville Saints

Maryville's athletic teams are known as the Saints. The university competes at the NCAA Division II level in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Maryville has 22 athletic teams competing in NCAA Division II. The Maryville College Wall of Fame recognizes outstanding individuals who have contributed to the tradition of MC Athletics.

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