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Joseph Purschke Honored as Outstanding ECC Alumnus

Joseph Purschke of Union was named recipient of the East Central College Outstanding Alumni Award for 2013.  The award is presented annually to honor an ECC graduate who has used his or her education and been of service to the community.

          Cookie Hays, ECC’s vice president of student development, made the presentation at college commencement ceremonies held Saturday, May 18, at the campus in Union.

            A partner in the law firm of Purschke, White, Robinson, Becker and Briegel, LLC; Purschke is very active in the community.  He is a member of  the Union Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus.  He serves on the boards of the Gateway Center for Autism, Gateway Center for Education and Therapy, Union Fire Protection District, Franklin County Cares and East Central College Foundation. 

          The Union city prosecutor for seven years, Purschke also served as a substitute municipal judge in Sullivan, Union and Washington.  He is the city judge in Rosebud and Leasburg and the city attorney for Gerald.  He is also the legal counsel for the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission and has served as assistant Franklin County Counselor for 13 years. He recently became Warren County Counselor.

          Purschke does pro bono work for Scenic Regional Library and the Franklin County Fair Board.  He also is involved with Robin Hood Charities and the St. Joseph Society.  In 2010 he received the Union Jaycees Outstanding Young Man award. 

          A graduate of Union High School, he played baseball and football and served as senior class vice president.  While in high school he coached girls basketball at Immaculate Conception Grade School, as well as Little League basketball.  In college he coach American Legion baseball.

          While attending ECC, he served as a tutor for math students. After graduating with his AA degree from East Central, he went on to Missouri  State University in Springfield where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice.  Purschke received his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia where he was a member of  Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. 

Purschke lives in Union with his wife Julie, a fellow ECC graduate. The couple has three children:  Cooper, Max and Natasha.  

"Joe grew up here, started at ECC, came back to work and make his home here,” stated College President Jon Bauer. “He spends time each day making our community a better place. Joe exemplifies all of the best qualities of our students and alumni and he is well-deserving of this award."

The East Central College Alumni Association established the award in 2002 to recognize outstanding alumni who have set an example for ECC graduates by using their college education and serving their community.  Past recipients include: Tanya Voss, John Griesheimer, Tom Robertson, Chris Manhart, Deborah Koelling, Tammy Watz, Dr. Frank Miller, Ken Schmidt, Chris Stuckenschneider, Ann Schroeder, Ted Coburn and Linda Mahon.  

 

Recipients

Year	Name	Community	Profession
2002	Tonya Voss	Sullivan	Education
2003	John Griesheimer	Washington	Elected Official
2004	Tom Robertson	New Haven	Engineering/HVAC
2005	Chris Manhart	Union	Education
2006	Ddeborah Koelling	Washington	Education
2007 2007	Tammy Watz Dr. Frank Miller	Sullivan Washington	Allied Health Allied Health
2008	Ken Schmidt	Union	Engineering
2009	Chris Stuckenschneider	Washington	Journalism
2010	Ann Schroeder	Union	Political Science
2011	Ted Coburn	Villa Ridge	Probation & Parole
2012	Linda Mahon	Union	History/Educator
2013	Joseph Purschke	Union	Attorney at Law

 

The East Central College Alumni Association established the award in 2002 to recognize outstanding alumni who have set an example for ECC graduates by using their college education and serving their community.

Each year, thousands of students begin or continue their professional journey at East Central College. The ECC Foundation and Alumni office will seek nominations of former ECC students who have become leaders in their professions and positively impact their community again in March 2014. The following are the criteria an individual must meet to be considered for the Alumni of the Year Award.

 

                                 Attended ECC at some point in their educational journey (degree preferred but not required)

                                “Esteemed among peers” as a leader in their field, with a demonstrated commitment to community