Hannibal-LaGrange University recognized the annual alumni award winners during the 2022 Booster Gala on Saturday, November 12. The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Jim ‘76 and Linda ‘79 Youse. This award is given to Hannibal-LaGrange graduates who have given outstanding service to the University or their community through involvement in civic endeavors, religious leadership, or philanthropic efforts.
Jim and Linda Youse are both graduates of HLGU. Each graduated when Hannibal-LaGrange College was primarily a junior college offering AA degrees. Jim graduated in May of 1976 and Linda graduated in the summer of 1979.
Both participated in various activities while they were students at HLG. Jim played on the tennis and baseball teams and was on the dean’s list both years. Linda participated in choir, intramural sports and was also on the dean’s list. Each have fond memories of their time spent on campus as commuters and are grateful for the education which HLGU provided them.
Jim went on to graduate from The University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree. He began his professional life with the Federal Landbank and then The Equitable Life Assurance Society. He later began a career in the pharmaceutical industry as a sales representative.
Linda finished her degree at Culver-Stockton College and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education in May of 1981. She taught fourth grade and then eighth grade in the Hannibal Public Schools. She later went on to be the director of the Immanuel Baptist Church daycare. During this time, Linda fondly remembers the early childhood classes of HLGU coming to tour the facilities at the daycare as well as the Helping Hands freshmen groups which worked tirelessly to help clean the facility. These groups represented HLGU in a very positive way to the community and gave Linda a sense of pride in her alma mater.
Jim and Linda were wed in 1978 and have been blessed with two daughters, Lauren Youse and Lissie Youse Wade. Not only did both of the girls graduate from HLGU, but both were on staff at the university as well. Lauren is currently the school’s Director of Alumni Relations and Development. Lissie is married to Jordan and is blessed to stay at home with her toddler son, Jamie.
Jim and Linda have served HLGU by attending every work day, volunteering to mow, trim, and help with the grounds. They also have regularly attended both the Missouri Baptist Convention annual meeting and the Southern Baptist annual meeting with Lauren, and helping her set up the exhibit booth and visit with the alumni and friends who stop by. They’ve been generous supporters of the school by providing air conditioning for the Mabee Sports Complex weight room and giving to other HLGU projects. They also both serve on the HLGU Board of Visitors.
“There is a great deal of satisfaction knowing you are helping to create an important, lasting benefit to students and athletes that they will, in turn, remember fondly in the future,” said Jim Youse.
The Youses are members of Immanuel Baptist Church in Hannibal, MO where they’ve participated in Upward Basketball, church choir, work days, numerous committees, and teaching numerous Sunday School classes. Jim is the current President of the YMCA board of Directors. Linda is active in PEO and organizing her high school class reunions.
“Hannibal-LaGrange has played a significant role in the lives of our family members and we are truly grateful to have an opportunity to support this university,” said Linda Youse.