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Linda Mahon of Union was named recipient of the East Central College Outstanding Alumni Award for 2012.  The award is presented annually to honor an ECC graduate who has used his or her education and been of service to the community.

            Jean McCann, ECC’s vice president of instruction, made the presentation at college commencement ceremonies held Thursday, May 10, at the campus inUnion. McCann noted that for the past decade the East Central College Alumni Association has recognized an outstanding alumnus. During that span the organization has honored community members who have used their education from ECC as a stepping stone to community service; advocacy; work in the private sector, government, healthcare and education; and in many ways made memorable contributions to their community.  

           “As the 2012 award recipient, Linda Mahon has added a new dimension to the award and is being recognized largely for her contributions to East Centra lCollege,” McCann stated.

          “In 1984, Linda found herself at one of life’s crossroads and chose education,” said McCann.  “As an adult returning learner, her time at ECC changed her life forever.  It is where she found many of the loves of her life; in particular, her passion for history.  She has always believed that the ECC faculty helped carve her future at a time when her future was very uncertain.” 

          After completing an associate of arts degree in 1988, Mahon transferred to Washington University.  In 1990 she received a bachelor’s degree in history from that institution.  In 2000 she earned a master’s degree in history at Southern Illinois University is Edwardsville.

          “As a graduate of three institutions, Linda was regularly hearing from two alumni associations,” McCann said.  “Rather than simply question why ECC had no active alumni group, Linda decided to do something about it.  Working tirelessly to find ways for ECC alumni to extend their connection to the college and the community, she fostered those relationships through an organization that is today’s ECC Alumni Association. This labor of love was just one of many ways that she firmed her connection with the college.”

         Mahon was a longtime contributor, collaborator and volunteer at the college’s International Day.  She is a regular volunteer at other Foundation and alumni events, including the golf tournament and fund raising at the Washington Town and Country Fair. 

Another of Mahon’s passions, history, has also played an important role in her life.  Through research for her thesis, she became a fixture at the Washington Historical Society, an organization that has benefitted from her involvement.  Her research into the history of Union became a 437 page document entitled “Waiting for the Road: Union, Missouri to 1901.”

“Whether as local historian, proud alumna of ECC, lifelong learner, volunteer, supporter or fundraiser, Linda carved her own road,” McCann said.  “The community and East Central College are fortunate to have shared that road with her.” 

         Mahon lives in Union with her husband Bob, a member of ECC’s English department for many years. The couple has, between them, four sons and six grandchildren. 

 

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 is seeking nominations of former ECC students who have become leaders in their professions and positively impact their community. The following are the criteria an individual must meet to be considered for the Alumni of the Year Award.

1. 1.  Attended ECC at some point in their educational journey (degree preferred but not required)
   2. “Esteemed among peers” as a leader in their field, with a demonstrated commitment to community

 

The nomination deadline is March 2013 to be considered for the annual award given each May. An individual may be nominated more than once. To nominate deserving ECC alum, return this form to the ECC Foundation:

 

1. 1. Mail: P.O. Box 387, Union, MO 63084
   2. Electronically: by email to mailto:alumni@eastcentral.edu or by fax to 636.584.0793

 

The Alumni of the Year Award recipient will be notified by March 2013. He or she will be honored and presented with the award at the ECC Alumni Awards Dinner . Thank you for taking the time to submit a nomination.