LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR
Debra Carnahan ’82 is an attorney and principal of Carnahan Global Consulting with her husband, former Congressman Russ Carnahan. She is a regular panelist on the PBS award-winning program “To The Contrary with Bonnie Erbe” and a prominent public speaker. Debra is a retired judge and former assistant U.S. attorney and state prosecutor. Debra received the CCAA Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. She resides in St. Louis with her with husband and their two sons, Austin and Andrew.
Greetings to all my fellow CC Alumni, As we began a new calendar year perhaps you reflected on 2021, said goodbye to some good memories and maybe some not so good ones. I know I did. However, when it came to thinking about CC and the past year, I had a lot of experiences and memories that made me smile and look forward to the future. Homecoming this year was truly a lot of fun with almost all activities outside and a great band! I couldn’t help myself and had to get up and do some dancing in the sunshine-filled day. I attended the Children of God reunion presentation along with my fellow CCAA Advisory Council members. Their stories as the first group of Black students on campus and the friendships they formed moved me to tears, and then we were all on our feet clapping and cheering to their inspirational songs and voices! One particular name was mentioned many times throughout their stories and that was in reference to the support and influence of Professor Polly Batterson. I echo those sentiments! You will find their story on Page 18.
Winter 2021-22
Do you know of an alumnus who you would like to nominate for an Alumni Award? We are currently accepting nominations and will present the 2022 recipients in June. This is a very special event that occurs every year, and I am truly amazed by my fellow alumni. Learn more at my.ccis. edu/awards. We have much to be proud of in our alma mater. Giving Day is coming up on March 16, and I ask you to make this your year to give back. You can make a gift online at my.ccis.edu/givingday. Our school and our students depend on our support to help our students receive an affordable, top-quality education. I welcome your thoughts and appreciation your service, however you can give, as we improve the CC experience for years to come. My best to you and yours,
Affinity
36 Debra Carnahan ’82 | ccalum@ccis.edu
Columbia College Alumni Association Advisory Council: 2021-22
MY CCAA
CHAIR Debra Carnahan ’82 Day Program ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Joshua Muder ’99 Day Program ALUMNI ADVISORS Rebecca Brietzke ’13 Evening Program Allen Butler ’07 Lake County Mike Campbell ’08 Day Program Jonathan Dudley ’10 Day Program Stacey Goodale ’93 Day Program Bill Johnston ’82 Day Program Whitney Jones ’16 ’20 St. Louis & Online Program Jeannie M. Lahman ’18 Online Program Nikki McGruder ’00 Day Program Joe Nicchetta ’79 Day Program Jared Reichel ’16 Day Program Courtney Steelman ’11 Day Program Corbin Umstattd ’12 Day & Online Programs Liz Weise ’11 Day & Evening Programs EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Lynne Stuver Baker ’64 Christian College Advisor Emerita and Chair of Advancement Committee, Board of Trustees Suzanne Rothwell Vice President for Advancement Carolyn Preul Director of Alumni Relations Keiyana Austin ’21 Administrative Assistant, Alumni Relations & Strategic Communications