Outstanding Alumni of the Year
Alumni can be nominated for Outstanding Alumni of the Year with the nomination form. Once completed, email to foundation@eastcentral.edu. You can also call 636-584-6505 or email to request more information.
There are many great East Central College alumni making a difference in their communities, and throughout the world.
The Outstanding Alumni Award was created to recognize those former students. The award is presented by the East Central College Foundation.
To be considered for the award, nominees must have completed a college credit course at ECC at some point in their educational journey.
Nominees must have completed a college credit course at ECC during their educational journey. They should be recognized as leaders in their respective fields, showcasing a dedicated commitment to community service. Residency within the college district is not required.
Nominees are expected to showcase exceptional contributions to ECC or the community, with a sustained commitment to the college.
Guidelines
Current candidates for public office and past recipients are not eligible for the award.
To nominate a former ECC student, write an explanation in 500 words or less as to why the person is worthy of consideration. The explanation should accompany the nomination. Nominations must be received by April 7, 2025. All nominations received within the last three years are eligible.
People also can email foundation@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6505 to request the form for more information.
The recipient will be selected by the ECC Foundation Alumni Committee. A formal invitation to the 2025 Commencement Ceremonies will be sent to the honoree and a plaque will be displayed at the ECC Union campus in his or her honor.
Sandy Lucy Named ECC Outstanding Alumni
Sandy Lucy of Washington was honored with the 2024 Outstanding East Central College Alumni award during the College’s 54th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11. Lucy, a member of the Class of 1976, was celebrated for her pioneering contributions to her community.
Notably, she made history as the first female mayor of the City of Washington, serving in this role for 12 years.
Prior to that, she broke barriers as the first woman elected as chairperson of the Washington Chamber of Commerce. These achievements, along with her numerous other exceptional contributions to local politics and community service, led to her selection for the prestigious East Central College Foundation award.
Presented by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, the Outstanding Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an ECC alum by the East Central College Foundation. It recognizes individuals who have brought honor to the College through their professional accomplishments, leadership, and community impact.
Drawing upon her experience as a transformative leader, Lucy delivered a message of empowerment to graduates, emphasizing the importance of being present in shaping the future.
“The world belongs to those who show up,” she said. “As life goes on, you will have many opportunities to get involved and participate — be someone people can count on.”
About Sandy Lucy
A graduate of St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, Lucy embarked on her educational journey at ECC, where she earned an associate degree in general studies before obtaining a degree in speech pathology and audiology from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg.
Lucy’s commitment to serving others has been evident throughout her career. Following her academic pursuits, she worked as a speech and language pathologist in rural schools in Lincoln and Pike counties, positively impacting the lives of countless students.
Mayor Lucy
During her tenure as Mayor of Washington from 2010 to 2022, Lucy made significant strides in economic development and transportation growth, including overseeing milestones such as the opening of the new Missouri River Bridge.
Lucy’s leadership, characterized by respect, integrity, and a focus on community well-being, has earned her widespread admiration. Her dedication to ECC extends beyond her time in office, as she has served on the Foundation Board since 2005 and actively contributes to the ECC Alumni Association.
“It’s rare that our elected leaders are held in high esteem by the majority of their constituents,” her nomination read. Sandy Beste Lucy is one of those rare leaders.”
“She is a woman of exceptional character who shows everyone respect and leads with an eye focused on the big picture.”
In addition to her involvement with ECC, Lucy’s philanthropic endeavors include establishing an endowed scholarship in 2021 and serving on various community committees, including those for tourism, historic preservation, and the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce.
Managing the Gary Lucy Gallery, which she co-owns with her husband, Lucy is also engaged in organizations such as St. Francis Borgia Parish, Washington Rotary Club, and the Mercy Hospital Foundation Board.
Lucy’s impact on her community and alma mater is immeasurable, making her a truly deserving recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award.”
Past Recipients
(Year, Name, Community, Profession)
2023 – Cookie Hays – Washington – Higher Education
2022 – Tim Unnerstall – Washington – Business Management
2021 – Eric Park – Washington – Financial Planning
2020 – Scott Breckenkamp – Washington – Banking
2019 – Dorothy Schowe – New Haven – Public Relations
2018 – Ron Unnerstall – Washington – Engineer
2017 – Audrey Freitag – New Haven – Nurse
2016 – Dave Arand – Union – Attorney
2015 – Anthony “Tony” Kreutz – Union – Business Admin
2014 – Amy Wildhaber – Beaufort – ER Dept Manager
2013 – Joseph Purschke – Union – Attorney at Law
2012 – Linda Mahon – Union – History/Educator
2011 – Ted Coburn – Villa Ridge – Probation & Parole
2010 – Ann Schroeder – Union – Political Science
2009 – Chris Stuckenschneider – Washington – Journalism
2008 – Ken Schmidt – Union – Engineering
2007 – Tammy Watz – Sullivan – Allied Health
2007 – Dr. Frank Miller – Washington – Allied Health
2006 – Deborah Koelling – Washington – Education
2005 – Chris Manhart – Union – Education
2004 – Tom Robertson – New Haven – Engineering/HVAC
2003 – John Griesheimer – Washington – Elected Official
2002 – Tonya Voss – Sullivan – Education