Office of University Communications 

Five honored by Missouri State Alumni Association

SPRINGFIELD — The Missouri State University Alumni Association began this year’s Homecoming weekend by honoring five Missouri State alumni and former faculty members during the Homecoming Dinner and Awards Ceremony this evening (Oct. 27) at the University Plaza Hotel. This year, the Alumni Association honored these distinguished individuals: Dr. Robert Bradley, Dr. Russell Keeling, John Eilermann Jr., Virginia Fry and James Wachtman.

The Award of Appreciation honors retired faculty and staff members for achievement in their professional or academic field and loyalty to the university. This year’s recipients are:

• Dr. Robert Bradley, professor emeritus of theatre and dance, joined Missouri State in 1963 and retired in 2002. During nearly 40 years of service, Bradley has inspired students to pursue their dreams in theater. Many of his students, such as John Goodman, Deidre Goodwin, Tess Harper and Kathleen Turner, have become highly recognized artists. Bradley served as head of the theatre and dance department for 31 years, and is credited with creating three bachelor’s programs. In 2001 he received the Springfield Area Arts Council Ozzie Award in recognition of his contributions to community art and theater. Since retirement, Bradley remains active with the university and the Vandivort Center Theatre.
• Dr. Russell Keeling, professor emeritus of communication and former chief executive officer and acting president for Missouri State, graduated from Missouri State in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in speech and theater. Keeling joined the Missouri State faculty in 1968 and during his tenure he served as associate dean of facilities, assistant to the president, interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters, and associate and acting vice president for academic affairs. In 1992-93, he served as chief executive officer and acting president of the university. Keeling retired in 2002 after 36 years of service at Missouri State.

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes an alumna or alumnus 45 years of age or younger whose endeavors in business, professional, civic or other organizations are worthy of recognition and have brought honor to Missouri State. This year’s award is presented to:

• John Eilermann Jr. graduated from Missouri State in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology with an emphasis in construction management and joined McBride & Son Enterprises. After one year, he was promoted to field superintendent. In 1995 he became executive vice president, and later became the chief executive officer. Under his leadership, the company has grown 600 percent, and has been named by Builder and Professional Builder magazine as a “Top 100 Homebuilder.” In 1995, McBride & Son funded an endowed professorship at Missouri State, and Eilermann was named to the College of Business Administration advisory board.

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes recipients for extraordinary achievement in their personal and professional endeavors. Among the qualities considered are notable success in a profession or business, loyalty to the university and outstanding contributions to society. This year’s recipients are:

• Virginia Fry graduated summa cum laude from Missouri State in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. In 1977, she completed her master’s degree in business administration. Fry has been a noted attorney in Springfield for 26 years, and is currently a managing partner of Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP. Her areas of practice include education, business and commercial litigation, and labor and employment. In 2002, she was chosen as one of Springfield Business Journal’s most Influential Women in Business. In 2006, Fry was listed in The Best Lawyers in America magazine. Fry is currently active in the Missouri Bar and several local civic activities.
• James Wachtman graduated from Missouri State in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing. He began working for McGaw Inc. in 1983 and soon served as president of operations of Central Admixture Pharmacy Services. In 1996, Wachtman joined Laser Vision Centers Inc., and by 1998 served a dual role as executive vice president and chief operating officer. When Laser Vision Centers Inc. merged with TLC Laser Eye Centers, he became president and CEO of the new company, TLC Vision. Wachtman is responsible for the company’s numerous businesses including refractive surgery, cataract services, ambulatory surgery and other eye care services. He has also been a local and international member of the Young President’s Organization since 2001.

Photos of the award recipients are available online.