The 2023 Hannibal-LaGrange University Booster Gala featuring HLGU past presidents Dr. Larry Lewis and Dr. Woodrow Burt was a great success for the University.
The Booster Gala, formally called the HLGU Booster Banquet, capped off a packed Homecoming Weekend at HLGU. Friends of the University and community members enjoyed fellowship and great food in the Roland Fine Arts Center prior to the formal program. Attendees enjoyed live music performed by assistant professor of music and music department chair Ms. Alyssa Pyne throughout the evening.
“Booster Gala was a wonderful success,” said Lauren Youse, Director of Alumni Services and Development. “It had a very festive atmosphere and great food. It is a great addition to our Homecoming weekend. I was so pleased to see and visit with so many HLGU alumni and friends. It really felt like a reunion.”
After this time of food and fellowship, everyone shifted into the Parker Theatre for the Booster Gala program. Guests were welcomed to the Booster Gala by Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Ray Carty.
Two awards were given out. The Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to Al Groner and the Distinguished Alum Award was presented to Dr. Susan Johnson ‘92. The audience was treated to a performance by the HLGU Concert Choir, followed by a keynote presentation by Hannibal-LaGrange University past presidents Dr. Larry Lewis and Dr. Woodrow Burt.
Dr. Lewis was a student at HLG from 1952-54. He returned as a trustee to the college then served as the president from 1981-87. He oversaw the college’s transition from a two year to a four year institution.
Dr. Burt began as a faculty member at HLG in 1976 and worked a number of positions before serving as president from 1994-2012. During his time he oversaw enrollment increases, new majors and the addition of new buildings to campus.
Both former presidents had the crowd laughing from jokes and reminiscing from old times. However, they both also drove home the point that HLGU served an important part in their lives.
Lewis opened by sharing “God is good and my time at HLG was good. Though things may not have always seemed good, God used them for his good.”
He focused on how HLGU helped him grow and what things are essential for a college to offer a good education.
Burt said his greatest accomplishment while on campus was making it easier for students to impact other’s lives for Christ. He implemented Hannibal Helping Hands where all new students did a mission project in Hannibal; they did things like working with seniors, tutoring students, raking leaves or cleaning up local buildings.
There were more missions opportunities for students and alumni were encouraged to pursue missions. Burt’s passion for missions is still found within faculty, staff and students at HLGU. “For 165 years HLG has been making a difference in millions of lives,” Burt said.
Both former presidents also spoke highly of Dr. Robert Matz, current HLGU president, and the future of the institution.
“I hadn’t been with Dr. Matz for 10 minutes and I knew he was God’s man for this job.” Lewis said. “I’d say he’s the second best president.”
“God has a bright future for this school,” Burt said.
Matz acknowledged he stood on the shoulders of giants after hearing from some of HLGU’s greats. He completed the evening with a campus update. Matz shared one last word, encouraging everyone in attendance to support the University.
“There has been a need in the past, but the need is still there,” Matz said. He added that more students are interested in HLGU, the admissions team has seen an increase in admissions and deposits since this time last year.
This HLGU Booster Gala was sponsored by HNB Bank. HLGU also would like to thank Fresh Ideas for catering this event.
The 2024 Booster Gala will be held on Saturday, November 9. The keynote speaker will be Andrew Peterson, recording artist, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, publisher and award-winning author of The Wingfeather Saga.
For more information about HLGU’s annual Booster Gala, please contact Lauren Youse, Director of Alumni Services and Development, at 573-629-3126 or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.