April 12th was the date for University of Central Missouri’s President’s Gala, “The Arts are the Future,” which was a virtual event this year. Jeanette Prenger and Debby Ballard were the honorary co-chairmen, with Bryan Busby serving as the emcee. Guests enjoyed performances by students and faculty that were recorded in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. David Cook, UCM alumnus and winner of American Idol in 2008, was a special guest performer. Proceeds support the School of Visual and Performing Arts.

Alumnae Tiffany Cochran and Jackie Jackson gave a UCM “snouts out” at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Meryl Lin McKean, Darcy Howe, Debby Ballard, Jeanette Prenger, and Courtney Goddard, UCM Alumni Foundation

The UCM Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Adam Zrust, is the most advanced choral ensemble on the campus and performs a diverse repertoire in several performances each semester.

Honorary Co-chairmen Jeanette Prenger and Debby Ballard

Dr. Anthony Pursell, UCM’s director of bands, led the UCM Wind Ensemble in their recording session for the gala.

UCM Student Makoto Narita with Bryan Busby, emcee

Emcee Bryan Busby recorded at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Scott Boswell, Courtney Goddard, and Robin and Dr. Roger Best

Courtney Goddard, UCM Alumni Foundation; Darcy Howe, and Robin and Dr. Roger Best, UCM

Dr. Justin and Lindsay Chapman, UCM; and Robin and Dr. Roger Best

Honorary Co-chairmen Debby Ballard and Jeanette Prenger with Robin and Dr. Roger Best, UCM

Additional photos featured in the May 15, 2021 issue of The Independent
Photo Credit: Brett Pruitt East Market Studios and Makota Narita