Three people stand on Taco Bell Field at East Central College during a plaque presentation honoring Kurt Unnerstall as the recipient of the 2026 ECC Foundation Outstanding Alumni Award. Unnerstall holds the award plaque while standing between ECC Foundation Board President Sandy Lucy and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

ECC Recognizes Kurt Unnerstall for Leadership, Service, and Community Impact

May 28, 2026 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

The East Central College Foundation has named Kurt Unnerstall the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of his leadership, community service, and longstanding contributions to the region through business and volunteerism.

A Washington native, Unnerstall earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from ECC in 1984 before continuing his education at Missouri University of Science and Technology, formerly the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Community Impact

Today, he serves as president of KJU Construction, helping shape communities across Franklin County through residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. His work has contributed to subdivisions, athletic facilities, parks, streets, bridges, and community improvement projects throughout the region.

Over the years, he has donated equipment, labor, expertise, and resources to support schools, churches, parks, and nonprofit organizations throughout the area. At St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, KJU Construction donated equipment and labor to help build a regulation football field and track. He also has supported projects at Veterans Memorial Park, the Washington Elks Lodge, and the All-Abilities Park.

Unnerstall said his approach to service was shaped by his father, Elmer, who often told him, “Whatever you give to others, you get back tenfold.”

That philosophy has guided his consistent support of projects that strengthen local communities and improve quality of life for area residents.

College Ties

His ties to ECC have remained strong since graduating more than four decades ago. Unnerstall has volunteered his expertise on campus projects, donated space for college events, supported the ECC Baseball Campaign, and he is a Patrons of the Arts member.

The Outstanding Alumni Award is traditionally presented during the College’s commencement ceremony. Because Unnerstall was unable to attend this year’s ceremony, he accepted the award during a plaque presentation May 26 at ECC’s Taco Bell Field.

The award is the highest honor bestowed upon an ECC alum by the ECC Foundation. It recognizes individuals who have brought honor to the College through their professional accomplishments, leadership, and community impact.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Unnerstall has remained active in numerous civic and community organizations, including the Mercy Foundation Board, St. Francis Borgia Parish Council, St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association, Knights of Columbus, and the Washington Elks Lodge. He also serves as president of the SITE Improvement Association and chairman of the board for Heritage Community Bank.

Unnerstall’s career, generosity, and dedication to service reflect the spirit of the Outstanding Alumni Award and the lasting impact ECC graduates continue to make throughout their communities.