TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES On the Cover: Abigail Schneider ’21 celebrates the completion of her bachelor’s degree in a big way — decked out in her cap and gown on a white water rafting adventure in Camp Verde, Arizona.
a f f i n i t y Summer 2021 Editor, Production & Design Carolyn Preul
Contributors Keiyana Austin Jason Black ’17 Debra Carnahan ’82 Charles Dunlap Drew Grzella ’01 Leslie Kennon ’00 Missy Montgomery ’06 Daniel Plain Cindy Fotti Potter ’05 Kaci Smart ’09 Affinity magazine is published by the Columbia College Division of Advancement in accordance with the college’s vision to be a highly innovative institution of higher education, dedicated to excellence in both its traditional and nontraditional programs nationwide. © 2021, all rights reserved. Read this issue and browse the Affinity archive at my.ccis.edu/affinity. Please send correspondence to: Editor, Affinity magazine 1001 Rogers St., Columbia, MO 65216 ccalum@ccis.edu Alumni Relations: (573) 875-2586 Development: (573) 875-7563 Strategic Communications: (573) 875-7283
Face masks couldn't contain the excitement as graduates received their diplomas at the Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremony.
22 | MOVING FORWARD Five decades ago, the college embraced four big changes to the 120-year-old institution.
26 | THE SHOW GOES ON A virtual alumni awards gala connects recipients with family and friends across the nation.
IN EVERY ISSUE 6 | Inside the Gate Alumna sponsors masterclass series for music students; Cougar Athletics perseveres through the pandemic to post another stellar year. Alumni Association awards nine scholarships; alumnus comes home to Columbia College to celebrate a career milestone.
Summer 2021
Editorial Review Board Sam Fleury Keith McIver Beth McWilliams Suzanne Rothwell Dr. David Russell Dr. Piyusha Singh
18 | RISING TO THE OCCASION
42 | Class Notes
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Alumni share personal and professional updates; In Memoriam remembers those who have passed.
Affinity
Staff Writers Kevin Fletcher Andy Oldenburg
32 | My CCAA
