In the spirit of those who established Missouri State University-West Plains over 50 years ago, campus officials have presented long-time West Plains residents and community leaders Newt and Carolyn Brill with the prestigious Granvil Vaughan Founder’s Award.
The announcement of this year’s recipients was made during Saturday’s commencement ceremonies at the West Plains Civic Center. Due to a prior commitment, the Brills were unable to attend Saturday’s ceremony. Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett accepted the award on their behalf.
The award, named in honor of the campus’ founder, the late Missouri State Rep. Granvil Vaughan, was presented to the Brills by Bennett at Kellett Hall. The award is given annually at commencement to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact upon the mission of Missouri State-West Plains.
“For more than 50 years, Newt and Carolyn Brill have served the greater West Plains area in ways too numerous to mention,” Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett said. “Their efforts have left fingerprints throughout our community, including here at Missouri State-West Plains. From 1973, when Newt was appointed to a special advisory committee to work on promotion and funding for the West Plains campus, to this very day, the Brills have been giving of their time and contributing financially to make this campus a better place for students.”
Support Has Been Wide Ranging
The Brills have supported Missouri State-West Plains through a variety of roles and activities.
In the 1970s, Newt served on a special advisory committee established by the West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce to help promote and raise funds for the campus. He also was a member of the Boatmen’s First National Bank Board of Directors when it donated $10,000 to the Garnett Library in 1992.
His law firm, Brill, Moore and Waggoner, donated to the university’s Literacy Awareness Campaign in 2005, and in 2016, he was a member of the West Vue, Inc., Board of Directors that approved a donation to the Donna Jones Endowed Nursing Professorship.
Carolyn was a founding member of the Friends of the Garnett Library in 1992, and has been an active member of the organization for many years. She served as publicity chair for the group from fall 2013 through spring 2016, and is now a lifetime member of the organization. Newt has since become a member, as well.
As a couple, the Brills contributed to the first Annual Fund Campaign, then known as the Campus Opportunities Campaign, during the 2007-08 academic year, and they continue to financially support the university with gifts to the Garnett Library, Grizzly Booster Club, Hass-Darr Hall and the Annual Fund.
In addition, the Brills frequently attend such university events as the 50th Anniversary Gala, Alumni & Friends Picnic, Annual Auction, Chancellor’s Holiday Reception and Friends of the Garnett Library activities.
The Brills have been married 60 years and are parents to two daughters, Julia and Margaret, and one son, Joel.