T
wo years of Pride & Purpose Day honorees were recognized this spring at Missouri Southern.
The annual awards honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions of service to Missouri Southern or their respective communities. Established in 2000, the Lion-Hearted Award recognizes the outstanding contributions made by the university’s supporters, either through monetary or voluntary assistance. The Spirit of Service Award was established in 2017, and recognizes a graduate of MSSU who has made a significant contribution to their community through their time, actions, talent and dedication.
ROD ANDERSON, ’76
2021 LION-HEARTED AWARD
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Anderson is a lifelong resident of Monett, Mo., who graduated from MSSU with a degree in marketing/ management. He served in the Missouri Army National Guard and in 1975 joined Produce Brokers and Distributors Inc. as a produce broker and minority partner for 40 years.
He was elected to the Monett R-1 School Board in 1996 and served five terms, including several years as president, and also served on the Missouri School Board Association’s regional board. In 2003, former Missouri Gov. Bob Holden appointed Anderson to the MSSU Board of Governors, where he served for 12 years – including two years as chair. He’s an active supporter of Southern Athletics, serving for several years on the Lionbackers board, and has established two endowed scholarships.
DIANE REID ADAMS, ’71
2021 SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD Diane Reid Adams’ family moved to Joplin from Springfield, Mo., in 1952. During high school and for the next 15 years, she worked in the family business – Fred Reid AMC/Jeep – and became the first female member of the Joplin New Car Dealers’ Association. She received several business management awards from the American Motors Association as well as the Outstanding Young Women of America award.
CROSSROADS MAGAZINE
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SPRING 2022
