Outstanding Alumni 2013: Joseph Purschke

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 girl’s 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.