Mark Nuss recently became a director at Summit Equity Group. A 2006 graduate of The University of Kansas School of Business, Mark earned a master’s degree in business administration from the UMKC Bloch School of Business in 2012. Mark is a member of the Centurions Spring Class of 2020. He serves on the social committee […]

André L. Davis Corporate Engagement/Business Development Executive, Built Interior Construction André has been a leader in the community, specifically empowering youth regarding diversity, education, and opportunity. He leverages his corporate network access, his influence, platform, and his voice, to get more people involved in community work he’s chosen to impact. André has been a board member of […]

Linda Flake is a dedicated volunteer at Community LINC. She leads a team of volunteers who prepare apartments for incoming families who are facing homelessness. The new residents will find groceries and other items for their use, all donated by the volunteers. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your time and talents with Community LINC. Linda […]

Shannon and Dr. Patrick Lillis were the chairmen of the Catholic Education Foundation’s Gaudeamus event for two years in a row. The hardworking couple recruited volunteers and committee members, coordinated all of the details of the events and hosted dozens of planning sessions in their home. Under Shannon and Patrick’s leadership, the 2017 event raised […]

For several years, members of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at The University of Kansas and Missouri Western State University have been dedicated volunteers for the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter. Their work goes beyond raising funds and awareness for the organization – although that’s important, too. They also can be counted on to assist with […]

Through his childhood and early adult life, Ryan Gray was constantly a man on the move. He estimates that he has moved around the country 20 times. Education? Northwest Missouri State for his bachelor’s degree, the University of Florida for his master’s degree and additional study in marketing and economics at Zuyd University in the […]

If you’re looking for gifts for your furry friends, look no further than items made by members of Inclusion Connections, a non profit that provides social, educational and employment opportunities for young people with developmental disabilities. One of the organization’s programs is PawsAbilities, a job skills training and placement program for individuals with disabilities in […]

Ryan Shriver is a producer in the commercial insurance division at Haas and Wilkerson Insurance and has more than 13 years of experience in the industry. In addition to his day-to-day sales responsibilities, Ryan’s clients represent non-profit, human services and professional organizations, and he focuses on providing risk management to them. He enjoys serving on […]

Caroline Heckman is a valued volunteer with Girls on the Run – and she is making sure the next generation will be involved. Her daughter, Jocelyn Heckman, is on the Union Chapel Elementary School team that Caroline coaches. Caroline ensures that girls at the school, and throughout the Kansas City area, have the opportunity to […]

Morgan Franklin is the senior business development officer and manager of marketing and communications at the Economic Development Corporation Kansas City. A native of Blue Springs, Missouri, Morgan is a graduate of the University of Missouri. She is a member of Centurions Spring Class of 2020. Morgan enjoys volunteering with Uplift, Giving the Basics and […]

Author Chelsea Clinton believes children hold the keys to a successful future. In her new children’s book, Start Now! You Can Make a Difference, Chelsea seeks to inspire children with tactical and practical ways they can change the world for the better. On October 16th, Chelsea came to Our Town and spoke about her book […]

Alex Callow is a member of the Centurions Spring Class of 2020. Growing up on the family farm in northwest Missouri, he was encouraged to explore the world. Architecture provided him with opportunities, but he still has ties to the farm. Alex is an architect with Finkle + Williams, and his wife, Lauren, is a […]

For Ben McAnany, getting ready for a golf tournament doesn’t mean just working on his backswing and practicing putting. For three years, he has served as the golf committee chairman for a tournament that benefits Sheffield Place. Ben works with other dedicated volunteers and makes the process fun. Each year, the event has raised more […]

Derek Klaus graduated from the William Allen White School of Journalism at The University of Kansas in 2006. He is director of communications with Visit KC. As a member of Centurions Spring Class of 2020, Derek is a member of the social committee and the Trip Task Force – this year, the destination is Salt […]

April 13th is the date for Lyric Opera Circle’s Lyric Opera Ball, “For the Love of Opera,” to be held at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Marilyn and Kenneth Hager are the honorary chairmen, and Pamela Bruce and Barbara Haviland are serving as the co-chairmen. The gala will feature a program of […]

For 15 years, Tricia Scott has been a tireless volunteer with the Lyric Opera Circle. She was chairman of the Lyric Opera Ball in 2009 and was elected president in 2010. Tricia is now serving as president for the second time. Also featured in the October 27, 2018 issue of The Independent Photo Credit: Strauss […]

October 24th is the date for The Epsten Gallery’s House Party. Lori Kallaher and Laura Mombello are serving as the co-chairmen of the event that will be held in a lovely, private home in Union Hill. Regina and Bill Kort are the honorary chairmen of the cocktail party that will feature a fantastic collection on […]

Leanne Breiby grew up in Olathe, Kansas, and graduated with honors from the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at The University of Kansas. She now lives in downtown Kansas City with her boyfriend and two cats.  Leanne assists donors in establishing charitable funds at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, where […]

See that smile? That’s what you first notice about Tekia Thompson. As a volunteer with Friends of University Academy, she helps in numerous ways, including stuffing envelopes and updating the database. In addition, she also works at After the Harvest and runs her own catering company.  Also featured in the October 13, 2018 issue of […]

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ 45th Annual Snow Ball will be held on January 19th at the Overland Park Convention Center. Patty and Don Kincaid are the honorary presidents, and Fran and Neil Douthat are serving as the presidents. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, a formal dinner and dancing into the night. Proceeds […]

Matthew Brown is the Crescendo featured performer. His early interest in music was fueled by Earth, Wind & Fire and James Brown. What most fascinated him were the horn sections. He first learned about jazz from his father, a decade ago. Matthew was a senior at the Chicago High School for the Arts when he […]