UPDATES

Taren (Spruill ’05) McMurray earned her Master of Science in financial planning from the University of Georgia in August 2021. She passed the CFP exam in November 2022. Taren is owner and senior advisor at Family Investment Center in Lenexa, Kansas.

Michael R. Palmer (’08) wrote Trenches and Tables, a book addressing what is driving the polarization of the church and the remedy. In his first text, Palmer provides a path forward in entrenched churches. He is an ordained pastor, spiritual director, and co-founder of The Center for Spiritual Formation and Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri. Michael and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children, Elliana, Henry, and Levi. The book is available on Amazon. You can learn more at www.thecenterstl.org

Danielle Jones (MAC ’10) and her personal counseling agency, Flourishing Life Counseling, published a socialemotional literacy book for children ages 6-10 called Gorilla’s Muscles by Flourishing Life Press.

Cortlyn Eisele (’20) received the Daisy Award given to nurses who display extraordinary compassion, courage, and integrity in every situation. She received this award from a patient with health complications following the delivery of her newborn and NICU care. Her patient described her as “an angel on earth” and brings her baby to the hospital every couple of months to show how well they are doing.

Stephanie (Ruley ’20) Matz was recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education as an outstanding first-year teacher. Stephanie teaches English at Gardner Edgerton High School. The Horizon Award is reserved for those who have distinguished themselves as outstanding in their first year of teaching.

Ashford Collins (’12), vice principal at Valley Elementary in Overland Park, Kansas, was honored with MNU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Legacy Award at the annual celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. King on January 17.