In Memoriam

Dr. Robert Boon

» Dr. Robert “Bob” E. Boon, 66, passed away July 28, 2022. Boon was an adjunct humanities instructor for the college’s Day, Evening and Online programs for more than 25 years. He primarily taught English with additional courses in Environmental Science, American Studies and those for English Language Learners. Boon was instrumental in helping to start the short-term study abroad program in 2003, giving students, faculty and staff the opportunity to become more globally aware and learn about different cultures. His family has created a scholarship in his name to help students participate in study abroad opportunities. Learn more at my.ccis.edu/Bob-Boon.

Benjamin Boone

» Benjamin Boone, longtime Columbia College mathematics and physics adjunct instructor, passed away Dec. 15, 2022, at the age of 63. When he was not busy teaching, he enjoyed running, challenging victims to a friendly game of chess, studying science and physics, and spending time with his friends and family, as well as sneaking in a nap with the cats. In memory of his 20-year career at CC, Boone’s family has named a bench on the college’s main campus. To learn more, visit my.ccis.edu/Benjamin-Boone.

Mark Foreman

» Mark Foreman, 91, passed away Feb. 19, 2023. Foreman worked as an agent with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company for 44 years. He played an instrumental role in bringing a retirement savings program to Columbia College and was a stalwart supporter of the college, establishing a life insurance policy. Upon his passing, a $50,000 endowment has been bestowed to Columbia College in the name of former faculty member Dennis Grev. His legacy gift will support collegewide initiatives for years to come.

John Benjamin Grossnickle

» John Benjamin Grossnickle, 70, passed away March 5, 2023. Grossnickle married Mary Welch on Oct. 21, 1978, and to this union, two children were born: John Andrew Grossnickle ’04 and Katharine Marie Grossnickle. John Ben’s brother, Gary “Skip” Grossnickle, is married to Daisy Grossnickle ’66, first chairwoman of the Columbia College Board of Trustees. John Ben began working with his father in the Grossnickle Insurance business in 1973 and continued until his death. He was a deacon and longtime member of First Christian Church in Kirksville, Missouri, and achieved 44 years of perfect attendance in the Kiwanis Club. His son, John Andrew Grossnickle, named a classroom in New Hall in honor of the Grossnickle family, recognizing their legacy of supporting the mission of the college.

Jeff Heilbrunn

» Jeff Heilbrunn, adjunct instructor (1995-2022) and former director of Columbia College-Crystal Lake (2002-06), passed away March 14, 2023, at the age of 72. In 1972, Heilbrunn entered the corporate world, which led to him serving as president of the National Safety Council from 1978 to 1985 and president of the American Marketing Association from 1985 to 1993. His passion for teaching began in 1993 and continued until just a few weeks before he died. A popular and respected instructor in Greater Chicago, he received hundreds of letters in his final weeks from students thanking him and saying that he changed their lives.

Dennis Kroll

» Dennis Kroll Jr., of Fulton, Missouri, passed away Aug. 26, 2022, at the age of 54. Kroll joined the military in 1988 and served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard until retiring in 2011. He served as a deputy sheriff, prison guard, jailer and soldier most of his career before becoming a teacher in 2019. He was an adjunct instructor for Criminal Justice and Human Services courses at Columbia College.

David O’Hagan

» David C. O’Hagan Jr., 85, passed away March 9, 2023. Following a 35-year teaching career, he retired from Columbia College as professor emeritus of Music in 2000. O’Hagan was named by Gov. Mel Carnahan as recipient of the Governor’s Award for Academic Excellence in Teaching in 1998. He was founding director of the Paul D. Higday Mozart Music Trust, bringing world classical music performances to mid-Missouri. While at Columbia College, O’Hagan was a member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Diane, have given generously to the college as recognized members of the St. Clair Society and President’s Society. –CP

Gifts of remembrance: If you would like to make a gift in memory of a loved one, you may mail a check to Columbia College, 1001 Rogers St., Columbia MO 65216 (write “in memory of” and the name of the individual on the memo line), make a secure gift online at my.ccis.edu/GiveNow or contact the Office of Development at (573) 875-7563. Please contact the Development team for assistance or information regarding scholarships and planned gifts.