Ellen and David Clithero are parents of two sons, Shawn and Scott Piland, and proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. Ellen retired from Truman State University after more than 25 years of service in the Business and Purchasing Offices, Advancement and Academic Advising. David also served in the Advancement Office and Governmental Relations at Truman for approximately 15 years. Additionally, he served in a variety of advancement roles at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri before joining Hawthorn Bank in Columbia. They are both proud members of the Truman Alumni Association and the Mid-Missouri Chapter. David also serves on the Truman Foundation Board. As an expression of gratitude to Truman and to honor their parents, Ellen and David have endowed two scholarships for high school students from the areas surrounding Brookfield and Vandalia, Missouri.
Priyal Patel(’01,’02)
Priyal Patel is a seasoned finance executive with over 15 years of experience at Monsanto and Bayer, where she has held various leadership roles since joining in 2008. Her career includes key positions such as Finance Business Partner for the Crop Science division, Director of Investor Relations and most recently, Vice President of Treasury for Bayer’s North America operations. Before joining Bayer, Priyal gained valuable experience as an accountant and external reporting manager in the telecommunications industry. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in accounting from Truman State University.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Priyal actively serves on several boards, including the Bayer Fund Board, the PAC Board and the Bayer U.S. Patient Assistance Foundation Board. She also holds board member roles with external organizations, including Gateway180 and the KIPP St. Louis Board.
She and her husband are the proud parents of two children. In her free time, Priyal enjoys playing tennis, spending time with family and friends and watching sports.
About the Award
Alumni, faculty, staff, families, and friends of the University directly impact the future of Truman State University through outstanding volunteer and philanthropic service. Our Distinguished Service Award is one of the ways the University recognizes their generous commitment to Truman and its students.
Recipients
2024: Rod Cooper (’88)
2024: Natalie Gerhart (’07)
2023: Marianna Giovannini (’64, ’67)
2023: Bertha Thomas
2022: Amanda Gioia (’93)
2022: Floyd Simpson III (’02)
2021: Donna (Tague) Bailey (’76, ’84)
2021: Dennis Hohn (’67, ’73)
2021: Dr. Fontaine Piper (’70, ’78)
2019: Keith Epperson (’82)
2018: Vid Vidyasagara (’92)
2018: Doug Villhard (’94)
2017: Sharon (Hogan) Husmann (’83)
2017: John Thompson Jr. (’92)
2016: Angela “Ann” Leone Patterson (’72, ’73)
2016: Colleen Ritchie (’84)
2015: Gail B. Crump (’64)
2014: Cynthia M. Spiker (’93)
2013: Jeffrey Romine (’74) & Marilyn (Casteel) Romine (’78)
2013: Mike Schwend (’83, ’90) & Mary Jo (Fitzpatrick) Schwend (’81, ’83)
2012: Jim Bergman (’90)
2011: Jim Cherrington (’85)
2010: Jeannette (Toth) Harris (’71, ’78)
2010: David Nichols & Debra (Fortenberry) Nichols (’80, ’01)
2009: Kathy Rieck (’73, ’76, ’81)
2008: Ron Gaber (’82) & Elsie (Kins) Gaber (’87)
2008: G. Ruth (Black) Mach
2008: Wilma (Rayfield) Maddox (’79)
2007: Tom Ballard (’69)
2007: Major General John V. Cox (’52)
2006: Geraldine (Toth) Ready (’70)
2006: Dwyane Smith (’84, ’91)
2006: Chuck Woods (’86)
2005: Bill Cable & Dianthe (Truitt) Cable (’60, ’77)
2005: Kevin Kuebler (’90) & Bonnie (Neuner) Kuebler (’87)
2004: Steven Barger (’67)
2004: Doris (Pickens) Bohon (’43)
2004: Victor Childers (’55)
2004: John Lundgren (’64, ’65)
2003: Maria Evans (’81)
2003: Larry Lunsford (’81,’83)
2003: Steve Rose (’69)
2003: Mary (Rhodes) Russell (’80)
2002: Kay (Dewey) Baird (’62)
2002: Steve Justice (’70, ’81)